Jeff Weigh

On this episode I share my interview with Jordan Gross; executive coach at Cloud Nine Living whose purpose is to light people up.

A 2 time author, 3 time company founder and also a tedx speaker.

Jordan is currently on a mission to appear on 90 shows in 90 days which includes this one!

On work-life balance;

I've thought about it a lot and I actually hate that word.

It's work-life integration and it's a feedback loop. Work should flow into life and vice versa.

Background

Jordan seemed set for a great career having obtained a management role in a prestigious restaurant. However, 4 months in he took a step back and realised he wasn't having the impact that he wanted to have.

He left that job and decided to write his first book (which he self published) titled; 'Getting Comfy' - your morning guide to daily happiness. It focuses on optimism and positivity.

Cloud Nine Living

Jordan has recently set up Cloud Nine Living (a business) where he works with people and walks them through a process that truly 'light people up'.

The journey to Cloud Nine is also a fiction book; allowing the reader the opportunity to interpret it for themselves.

Consequently as part of his research, Jordan has interviewed lots of people to understand their 'cloud nine' moments.

The aha moment!

Many of us are obsessed about having an 'aha moment'.

Jordan's 'aha moment' was the realisation that he didn't need an 'aha moment' to take control of his own life and get things started. That's exactly what he did when he decided to write Getting Comfy.

However, with Cloud Nine there was an alignment of the stars that got him going. But you'll have to listen to the episode to find out!

What I will share is that it involves Jordan having a conversation that involves an example of a cloud nine moment. Light people up is exactly what Jordan did to me during our conversation and this is now core to everything he does.

Find out more

Finally if you would like to start a conversation with Jordan, you can find him on;

Twitter

LinkedIn

Alternatively, find out more about Jordan by reading the latest Ignite blog; Cloud Nine Living.

More details can be found on his website.

If you enjoyed this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Similarly you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear my interview with Aimee Bateman, Founder and CEO of Career Cake; a company pioneering the way we learn through the first decade of our careers with expert led videos. Aimee was recently awarded by Wales online the Entrepreneur of the Year.

On this episode I share my interview with Clare Moore (Head of Marketing) and Mark Williams (Chief Product Officer) at People First; a company revolutionising the way we work.

On work-life balance;

We are all individuals and all learn, develop, grow and think differently. As leaders we should respect that.

Balance means something psychologically different for every person.

The way we work

People know that there is a problem with work and as a result that's why people are gravitating to what People First are doing.

We are at our most unproductive at work right now. This leads to disengagement. There has been a lot of research into this area and their mission is to help people find more meaning at work.

More tech isn't going to be the answer. Tech becomes the enabler to change the dynamics of the relationship between employee and employer.

No job for life anymore

The way we work suggests that there isn't going to be a job for life anymore.

People First have developed a platform to enable adult conversations to happen. This will allow the person and organisation to stay aligned for a period of time until one or the other decides to change.

The research coming out at the moment is pointing towards the 'work' that we do as being important. Therefore, achievements tend to be linked to work rather than people's personal lives.

Finding what you're good at and being able to do that 'work' in work is going to be crucial.

A 'fit-bit' for work

Everything is centred around a conversation. As a result employees are able to 'check in' each day and capture moments of 'flow' similar to keeping a journal.

Therefore by having more regular conversations it facilitates better relationships and understanding.

Productively and engagement are higher when an individual and organisation are aligned.

Find out more

Finally if you would like to start a conversation with Clare & Mark, you can find them on Twitter;

Clare

Mark

Alternatively, find out more about Clare & Mark by reading the latest Ignite blog; People First

More details can be found on the People First website.

If you enjoyed this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Similarly you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear my interview with Jordan Gross; executive coach at Cloud nine living, 2 time author, 3 time founder and tedx speaker. Jordan is currently on a mission to appear on 90 shows in 90 days which includes this one!

On this episode I share my interview with Cody Royle; author and host of Where Others Won’t, challenging the norms and going where others won't.

Cody is also the managing editor of Inner Voice with the goal of utilising the power of endurance sports to inspire change.

When he's not writing or speaking, Cody is working with Australian Football League Team Canada as their Head Coach.

Background

The first part of Cody's career was in the corporate world. He was an account executive in sales and recruitment. He was a 'job title' and this never really sat well with him.

The point of discovery for him was having the confidence to flip over. He walked into his boss's office one day and quit. He'd been writing and blogging for a while. It quickly became apparent to Cody that he could do this all day long and he absolutely loved it.

The book became Cody's exit from the corporate world. Built on 10-12 years of frustration with the way teams were built in the corporate space; married with the conversations he'd been having with others in the sporting world.

Where others won't

The book is mostly about how teams create a competitive advantage and generally they need to go where others won't.

Full of insight from leaders in sport and business, the book is challenging norms around everything that we've built competitive advantage on in the past.

Most organisations are now realising that their people are their competitive advantage.

Learning

Things haven't always gone to plan for Cody. He played Aussie rules at a high level and didn't quite get drafted. By his own admission he was just outside that level.

At 18 he was basically;

Spat out of the system; and all that he wanted to be was no longer available to him.

Since then it's been a series of making decisions and walking through doors. One was to leave Melbourne at 25 and pack up and move to Canada. He restarted his career selling mobile phones at the Blue Jays stadium and since then that same methodology has served him well.

Find out more

If you would like to start a conversation with Cody, you can find him on;

Twitter

LinkedIn

Instagram

Alternatively, find out more about Cody by reading the latest Ignite blog; Where others won't 

More details can be found on his website.

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Likewise you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear my interview with Clare Moore (Head of Marketing) and Mark Williams (Chief Product Officer) at People First; a company revolutionising the way we work.

On this episode I share my interview with Jeremy Snape; Managing Director of Sporting Edge - a company helping leaders in sport and business to succeed.

He's also a former England cricketer, MSc sport psychology, conference speaker and coach.

On work-life balance Jeremy says;

One of the hottest topics in performance. Everyone is debating it because it's so illusive. Trying to find balance is becoming harder and harder. I love doing what I'm doing and wouldn't change it. Partly it's about energy balance rather than time management.

Background

Jeremy spent 19 years as a professional cricketer. He played with some very talented people and was privileged to have represented his country. On his debut tour of India at Eden Park in front of 120, 000 people the pressure got to him. In his words, he failed in front of that huge crowd.

Not being beaten by India, not being beaten by a particular difficult delivery to hit; it was the voice in his head. After years of practice and playing, no one had told him what to do with his head. He thought he was the only one under pressure.

Sporting Edge

This set him off on a bit of a quest to discover what could be done to support similar people in similar situations in the future. Having retired from Cricket Jeremy studied a masters degree in sports psychology and then set up Sporting Edge.

Sporting Edge is high performance consultancy that works with elite sport and business teams on this winning mindset.

Jeremy has worked with Shane Warne in the IPL, South Africa Rugby and Eddie Jones and England Rugby, Most recently he has worked with Pep Guardiola at Man City.

Failure

When you're playing international sport, with lots of cameras on you it's pretty transparent and you have to be honest. In your own mind you know if it's a technical issue, a fear or lack of skill.

Failure has been my best teacher.

Every step of the way during his career has been failure. It's been more like snakes and ladders; using the motivation as fuel to navigate choices. It's definitely been a key driver in his career.

Find out more

If you would like to start a conversation with Jeremy, you can find him on;

Twitter

LinkedIn

Alternatively, find out more about Jeremy by reading the latest Ignite blog; Own own mental battle 

More details can be found;

Winning Mindset for Individuals – 30 day programme which helps people to become more confident, focused and resilient. (Next cohort starts 31st May – 3 month access to content) £399 pp – group discounts available. It consists of a profile and a 5-minute micro-lesson from a sporting icon each morning at 7am to help people who feel under pressure or going through big change and uncertainty at work.

Winning Mindset for Leaders – 12 week programme with full access to our digital Performance Zone library of 750 insights. A weekly challenge on 12 key leadership issues (next cohort starts 10th May plus 6 access to content)  individual places £749 with group discounts available. There are monthly coaching webinars and the three modules are leading self, leading others, leading the organisation.

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Likewise you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear my interview with Cody Royle; Author + Host of Where Others Won’t, Managing Editor of InnerVoice and Head Coach of AFL Team Canada.

On this episode I share my interview with Karen Spenley, a champion for women in STEM with over 20 years in engineering solving problems and coming up with solutions for employees. STEM focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

On work-life balance Karen says;

I think it's one of those things that's banded around but I'm not sure anyone understands what it is. I liken it to the Harry Potter partonus spell, that's different for everyone.

Background

Karen has been working in engineering for over 20 years and more recently in human resources. Her focus centres on improving different areas of peoples lives.

Working part time for the last 7 years, Karen has been juggling her own work-life balance with commitments and home and work. Her husband describes her as 'brutally efficient'.

Passionate about changing a number of things, including the climate Karen was startled when she did some initial research into the number of women involved with STEM.

Homeward Bound

Karen is a member of Homeward Bound (Team HB4);a ground-breaking leadership initiative, set against the backdrop of Antarctica. It's a leadership programme aimed at women working in STEM. The community aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape our planet.

It's also aimed at training up more women and developing them into leadership roles so that they can be more involved in organisations.

Find out more

If you would like to start a conversation with Karen, you can find her on;

Twitter

LinkedIn

Crowd funding page

Alternatively, find out more about Karen by reading the guest blog; An alternative to mainstream here

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Likewise you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear my interview with Jeremy Snape; Managing Director of Sporting Edge - a company helping leaders and teams in sport & business to succeed. He's also a former England cricketer, MSc sport psychology, conference speaker and coach.

On this episode I share my interview with Ian Braid, Founder and Managing Director of DOCIAsport and we talk about the lessons learned through his own journey with mental health and why 'take and give care is important to him and all of us.

On work-life balance Ian says;

I suppose the headline is; it's very difficult. It's more difficult if what you do is your passion. It's very difficult to realise that you do need to switch off in order for you to able to fulfil what it is that you're trying to do.

Background

Ian has significant experience in sports leadership having held senior positions in executive and non-executive roles. As CEO of the British Athletes Commission he gained considerable knowledge of the infrastructure of sport and its governance.

He made important contributions to the development of sport – for example informing the DCMS report into “Duty of Care” in sport; the selection policies and processes for the Commonwealth Games 2018 and ensuring sport took more responsibility for “adults at risk” by securing Sport England funding for the Ann Craft Trust.

 

DOCIAsport

Sport is at a crossroads. In terms of performance this is because of a series of damaging allegations and protracted investigations into the culture at the top. Participation numbers continue to decline, and this will have an adverse effect on society with decline in physical and mental health.

Without volunteers and officials sport will struggle and these valuable contributors must be developed and grown. DOCIAsport is here to help by working in collaboration with others to deliver sustainable effective solutions.

Mental health is so important and sport or physical activity can help individuals both prevent mental illness or be a critical part of recovery and relapse prevention.

Find out more

If you would like to start a conversation with Ian, you can find him on;

Ian - Twitter

LinkedIn

DOCIAsport - Twitter

DOCIAsport

Fred the Ned - Twitter

Check out the guest blog post written by Ian; My search for 'perfect imbalance' in my life and why it matters here

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Likewise you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear my interview with Karen Spenley, a champion for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). She's also a member of Homeward Bound (Team HB4);a ground-breaking leadership initiative, set against the backdrop of Antarctica, which aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape our planet.

On this episode I share my interview with Greg Searle, Bronze medal winner in London 2012 twenty years after winning a Gold medal in Barcelona 1992 and we talk about the lessons learned through enthusiasm and wisdom.

On work-life balance Greg says;

I've managed to get myself at the age of 46 where I've been passionate about sporting goals, passionate about business goals and through experience I've got perspective. I've got a reasonable balance in my life.

Background

At 20 he won an Olympic Gold medal and 4 years later he won an Olympic Bronze medal. By the time the next Olympics came round Greg was newly married, with his wife expecting their first child. A home owner with work responsibilities as well; Greg's focus and energy towards rowing had shifted as result. Because of these competing things got in the way and he finished in fourth position at his 3rd Olympics.

Similarly at 28 he believed he was capable of better and probably at the peak of his physical powers.

Peak performance

Greg is the founder of the company 2040 inspiring peak performance in teams and individuals. This is achieved through sharing the behaviours required to bring the 'enthusiasm' he had at 20 coupled to the 'wisdom' he had at 40. He's also the Chief Innovation Officer for Keys Business a concierge company.

London 2012;

I wanted to comeback and wanted to put Sydney 2000 right. This was an opportunity to do something I was really proud of. We agreed (my wife and I) that this would be an adventure that we'd share for the next 3 years.

Greg had a lot of interest from others at the first trials. He overcame the first hurdles and then got closer and closer to being invited into the team. His reception was largely warm. Over the course of time it didn't become much of a factor. He was 'old Greg' and the others were a bit younger!

Winning the bronze in 2012

Far easier to be comfortable with a bronze medal at 40 than to win a bronze aged 24 or indeed a 4th place at 28. Still initial disappointment.

They (the 8) went out to win. It was in Greg's words; something to be proud of.

Over the course of the next week, they celebrated and commiserated in different ways.

Final take-away

Keeping life in perspective and enjoying the present. Enjoy the moment as best as you can.

Find out more

As a result of the interview with Greg if you would like to start a conversation with him, you can find him on;

Twitter

LinkedIn

Website

Furthermore if you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Likewise you can get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Certainly check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear Dr Emma Foden and myself review Series 3 and look ahead to Series 4.

On this episode I share my interview with Garry Turner, Founder of the Listening Organisation  and the newly created 'Wellbeingchat' community, focused on courage and vulnerability.

On work-life balance Garry says;

Until about 18 months ago I would have believed that it was statement. I'm finding progressively that we try and keep them separate, when they're not. I see the term being out of date now. I prefer the term life-work quality.

Background

Garry talks very passionately and openly about mental health and his own challenges with this. His personal view is we've learned to be the man. Marketing plays a big part in this and even our partners at times encourage us to 'man up'.

He's an international sales manager on the one hand and on the other hand he has this deep rooted passionate to humanise things. As Garry puts it; his formal job, versus the passion with the Learning Organisation.

However, he was looking to leave his work organisation about 4-5 years ago. He had the realisation that he wasn't growing. As a result of this he became really curious about what was going on around him.

In Garry's words;

These conversations allow you to reflect. He believed he could make a deep seated belief that he could make a change in his own organisation. He believes more of these conversations can happen if people are prepared to have courage and show vulnerability.

The Listening Organisation has evolved organically. It's centred around key pillars; purpose and values, trust, curiosity, listening and inclusion. The goal is to create 'safe spaces' where organisations can come together and get present.

 

People are also victims

It's easy to blame someone else. If we can just get present enough and understand where we are choosing to spend our time, it will allow us all to create so much more.

We are dealing transaction-ally with one another. By just being a little bit vulnerable to say we don't know, could be the difference between having transacting and transforming conversations.

In terms of work, as a minimum we should be able to enjoy what we do. To love what you do is a golden chalice; the aspiration.

Final take-away

You're already a 10/10; feel that and internalise that. Self care is not selfish; you can only be best for others if you're first for yourself.

Find out more

Now, if you enjoyed the interview with Garry then please do start a conversation with him on;

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear me talking with Greg Searle, winner of a Bronze medal in London 2012 twenty years after winning a Gold medal in Barcelona 1992. Greg is the founder of the company 2040  inspiring peak performance in teams and individuals by sharing the behaviours required to bring the enthusiasm he had at 20 coupled to the wisdom he had at 40. He's also the chief innovation office for Keys Business a concierge company.

On this episode I share my interview with Leanne Davies, Founder of Run Mummy Run, the online community with 60,000 Facebook members focused on happier and healthier lives.

On work-life balance Leanne says;

It used to be the scales with the work on one side and life on the other. My work creeps into my life and my life creeps into my work. It's very different now.

Background

Leanne initially founded a Facebook group called Run Mummy Run. This was set up with 2 friends because they wanted to motivate each other if and when they couldn't always get to their running club. Further more, it was designed to fit around their lives as being mothers.

This has slowly grown from a few people.

Today (6 years later) they are now up to 60,000 runners! The group motivates people and as a result they meet up regularly. Similarly they do Park run and run races together.

In Leanne's words;

They provide the platform for women to lead happier and healthier lives.

The community is built on togetherness and bonding. Consequently, 6 years on she still pinches herself by how much it's grown and how much people want to interact and support one another.

Doing something you love and enjoy

It's really important and Leanne feels ever so grateful to be able to do that.

Run Mummy Run has evolved from being a hobby to becoming her passion. She's found her thing and Leanne says it doesn't feel like a job at all.

Leanne's passion comes from her dad and she's been supported by her mum and husband as well.

The bigger the community grows, the more energy and effort it takes to sustain it. At the heart of this growth continues to be the aim of encouraging more women to live healthier and happier lives.

Final take-away

If you don't have that work-life balance it doesn't matter, as long as you're happy.

Find out more

Now, if you enjoyed the interview with Leanne then please do start a conversation with her on;

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Website

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear me talking with Garry Turner, Founder of the Listening Organisation and the energy behind 'Have Courage' and the newly created 'Wellbeingchat' community.

On this episode I share my interview with Mark Whittle, host of the Take Fl1ght Podcast & Founder of Take Fl1ght and we explore how Mark came to put contribution at the forefront of what he was doing.

On work-life balance Mark says;

Everybody is very very different. Before we have an opinion on it, we have to define what work is and what life is. It's difficult to find balance and I don't think it exists.

Background

Mark created Take Fl1ght on the back of a real low point in his life. Stressed and anxious to close a big sales deal, he had a 'moment' on his walk from the tube station that day. Passing a number of homeless people he began to question his own life. As a result he decided that he was going to put contribution at the forefront of what he was doing.

The podcast is focused on drawing out the secrets to success that his guests have discovered along their own personal journey's. Whether that be professional athletes, entrepreneurs, business founders or lifestyle specialists.

The main goal of the podcast being to inspire listeners to take action towards achieving their own goals. Determined to normalise his guests as real people, Mark puts his sales skills experience to good use and is brilliant at interviewing each of his guests.

Focus on others

Determined and passionate about growing and developing, Mark continues to interview inspirational guests who's stories need to be shared.

Mark openly admits that he's a very different person today. He's changing and learning all the time. As he's got older his motivation has focused on bettering himself.

Creating the Take Fl1ght podcast has been the best thing he has done in his life. The opportunity to speak to amazing people in a positive, uplifting way is incredible.

Final take-away

There's no such thing as balance. Find those things that you enjoy in life and fit them in as much as you can.

Find out more

Now, if you enjoyed the interview with Mark then please do start a conversation with him on;

Twitter

Instagram

Website

If you liked this episode you can leave the show a rating and review on iTunes or the platform that you use to listen to podcasts.

Get involved on social media and ask us a question or share your feedback using the hashtag #perfectimbalance.

Check out all the episodes to date here

Tune in next time to hear me talking with Leanne Davis Founder of Run Mummy Run, the online community with 60,000 Facebook members.