MentorMeet Stories

In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer Layburn, Nadia Mahmood and Mo Khan explore professional identity, authenticity and what it means to understand who you are beyond your job title.

They discuss how easily we become defined by our professional roles, why people can carry the expectations of previous positions into new responsibilities, and how titles and uniforms can influence the way others perceive us. The conversation also explores the difference between adapting to different environments and feeling pressured to perform, and why knowing when your usual way of operating is no longer serving you matters.

Jennifer, Nadia and Mo reflect on the pressure to meet expectations, the impact of other people's perceptions on confidence, and how coaching can help people recognise their values, strengths and identity beyond work.

A thoughtful conversation about self-awareness, professional identity and remembering that there is more to you than the role you play.

Connect with Jennifer Layburn, Nadia Mahmood and Mo Khan:

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-nadia-mahmood/

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/mo-khan/

Find more coaches and mentors:

https://www.mentormeet.com

In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer Layburn sits down with Clare Walker, MCC transformational coach, coach supervisor and global corporation lead for coaching and mentoring, to explore the changing world of coaching and what coaches need to pay attention to.

Clare shares what she's seeing as sessions get shorter and time gets tighter, and how coaches can still go deep quickly without losing the silence that makes coaching work. She gives her take on the AI debate, including why people are trying AI coaching and then returning to human coaches, where AI genuinely helps, and the ethical questions around consent, confidentiality and client data.

The conversation also covers recent changes to ICF accreditation, whether credentials matter to clients and organisations, how younger professionals are shifting coaching towards a blend of coaching and mentoring, and why mentor coaching and supervision are essential for keeping coaches safe and sane.

A thoughtful conversation for coaches, mentors, supervisors and anyone commissioning coaching in a fast-changing world.

Connect with Clare and Jennifer:

Clare Walker: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/clare-walker/

Jennifer Layburn: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/

Find more coaches and mentors:

https://www.mentormeet.com

In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer Layburn sits down with disability coach and inclusive leadership coach Michelle Scicluna to explore how we think about disability, inclusion and the world of work.

Michelle shares her experience of acquiring a disability while working at the Financial Times and how that experience changed the way she approached work, identity and performance. She explains why disability isn't always visible, why the same support won't necessarily work for everyone, and why being disabled should not mean being defined by what others assume you can or cannot do.

The conversation explores the medical, charity and social models of disability, Michelle's Disability Force framework, and the role coaching can play alongside medical and workplace support. Jennifer and Michelle also discuss reasonable adjustments, organisational culture, disability-informed coaching, lived experience and the importance of helping people understand and articulate what they need to perform at their best.

A thoughtful conversation about inclusion, agency and creating the conditions for people to thrive at work.

Connect with Michelle and Jennifer:

Michelle Scicluna : https://mentormeet.com/profiles/michelle-scicluna/

Jennifer Layburn: ⁠https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/⁠

Find more coaches and mentors:

⁠https://www.mentormeet.com⁠

In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer sits down with Mo Khan, enterprise agility coach, Forbes Coaches Council member, and co-founder of MentorMeet, for a conversation about what actually accelerates growth, at work and beyond it.

Mo shares his Three Pillars way of thinking: technical skill, soft skills, and knowing how to navigate the room you're in. Using career as the lens, they explore why "work smarter, not harder" often misses the point, why interpersonal fluency rarely gets taught directly, and why coaching and mentoring still get treated as remedial support rather than the acceleration path they actually are, in careers and in life.

The conversation moves from the workplace into something more personal: a health scare in his late 30s, the mentor who kept asking him "why not you?", and the Cambridge application Mo almost didn't send. It's a look at the parts of growth that don't show up on a CV, and why so few people talk about them openly.

This episode is useful for anyone thinking about how to grow faster, whether in their career or their wider life, how to read the unwritten rules of the environments they're in, or how coaching and mentoring can shortcut years of trial and error.

Connect with Mo Khan: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/mo-khan/

Connect with Jennifer Layburn: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/

Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com

In this follow-up episode, MentorMeet coach Joshua Roche, a speech coach and theatre director for the Royal Shakespeare Company, returns to speak with fellow MentorMeet coach Dr Joanna Bagniewska, a lecturer at Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford.

Following their first conversation on storytelling and how to keep people listening, this episode explores what happens when we actually stand up to speak. Drawing on Joshua's experience directing theatre and training actors, the discussion examines how acting principles can help us communicate with greater authenticity, confidence and presence.

The conversation explores why everyone performs in different situations, how performance anxiety affects communication, why trying to look confident can have the opposite effect, and how breath, pauses and intention can help speakers feel more natural and connect more effectively with an audience.

Whether you're giving presentations, leading meetings, teaching, interviewing, pitching ideas or simply looking to become a more confident communicator, this episode offers practical techniques that can be applied straight away.

Connect with Joshua Roche: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/joshua-roche/

Connect with Dr Joanna Bagniewska: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-joanna-bagniewska/

Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com

In this episode, MentorMeet mentor Ken Andrew speaks with MentorMeet coach Susannah Chambers about the career and leadership lessons people are often not told early enough.

Drawing on experience across multiple industries and from building and exiting three businesses of his own, Ken shares what he has learned from mentoring senior leaders, executives, and business owners through periods of growth, change, and major decisions.

The conversation explores trust in mentoring, building visibility inside organisations, understanding stakeholders, listening for what is not being said, and helping people move beyond the immediate problem to uncover what they really want next.

Along the way, Ken reflects on real mentoring examples, including helping leaders gain influence, navigate career progression, and make decisions that align with both professional and personal goals.

Connect with Ken Andrew: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ken-andrew/

Connect with Susannah Chambers: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/susannah-chambers/

Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com

In this episode, MentorMeet coach Joshua Roche, a speech coach and theatre director for the Royal Shakespeare Company, speaks with fellow MentorMeet coach Dr Joanna Bagniewska, a lecturer at Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford, about how to speak clearly, hold attention, and make ideas easier to follow.

Drawing on his work in theatre, Joshua explains how simple storytelling techniques can improve everyday communication, from conversations with family and friends to workplace discussions, presentations, introductions and elevator pitches.

The conversation explores why people lose interest when speaking becomes too flat or over-detailed, how to use three-act structure, why “show, don’t tell” matters, how to create a stronger hook, and why the middle of what is said often matters most.

Connect with Joshua Roche: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/joshua-roche/

Connect with Dr Joanna Bagniewska: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-joanna-bagniewska/

Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com

ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP & MOTORSPORT | Full Throttle Leadership: Lessons from the Fast Lane

MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for engineers and technical leaders seeking inspirational mentorship on leadership transitions.This mindset mentor podcast features engineering coaches sharing insights on building high-performing technical teams.

Episode: How engineers transition to leadership, why Formula1 teaches resilience under pressure, and how to blend technical expertise with coaching.

Nick Henry, Engineering Director and executive coach withmotorsport background, shares 20 years transitioning from hands-on Formula 1 composites engineering to senior leadership while earning Henley Business School coaching certification.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

For engineers transitioning to leadership, technicalmanagers leading teams, engineering directors balancing strategy with detail, motorsport professionals under pressure, small business technical leaders, managers of former peers, and anyone blending technical expertise with people development.

GUEST: Nick Henry

Engineering Director, executive coach. Mechanical engineering degree Southampton University. Formula 1/motorsport background. 20 years experience from hands-on composites to senior leadership. Henley Business School executive coaching. Own consultancy: engineering consulting + coaching.Part-time Engineering Director composites company.

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/nick-henry/

 HOST: Alan Arnett

Thinking partner and coach, 30+ years transformation experience.

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/alan-arnett/

EPISODE LENGTH: 46 minutes

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

1. "Round pegs in round holes": Understand whopeople are and what they enjoy. Structure teams so everyone operates to strengths most of the time.

2. Use three engineering questions for clarity: What's theproblem we're solving? What's the outcome we're aiming for? What options do we have?

3. Take walks for clarity: Stepping away isn't wastedtime—it naturally files buzzing thoughts and creates clarity on what needs to happen next.

🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music

🌐 Find engineeringcoaches: https://www.mentormeet.com

Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet |TikTok.com/@mentormeet

ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST:

MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodesexplore engineering leadership, technical management, and professional growth.Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in livedexperience—not theory. 

New episodes every first Monday of the month.

KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories#MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #EngineeringLeadership #TechnicalLeadership #Motorsport#Formula1 #EngineeringManagement #ExecutiveCoaching #TeamBuilding #Resilience #StrengthsBased #CareerTransition #TechnicalTeams

PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT & INNOVATE UK FUNDING | Why Your Bid Keeps Losing

MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for startups and SMEs seeking inspirational mentorship on winning government contracts and securing funding. This mindset mentor podcast features procurement experts sharing insights on breaking into public sector markets.

Episode: Why SMEs struggle with government contracts, how to secure Innovate UK funding, and common bid mistakes that guarantee rejection.

Hannah Bryant, procurement consultant with 15 years experience, shares how innovative companies can overcome risk-averse public sector buyers and win their first commercial contracts.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Key topics:

- Common myths: government only buys from big companies, too bureaucratic

- Why public sector buyers are risk-averse: managing organizational risk

- SMEs as unknown quantity vs established suppliers

- New Procurement Act: join frameworks anytime, central digital supplier platform

- Innovate UK: government innovation agency, 30-40 grants available

- Early-stage MVP development to market-ready products

- 400 words on innovation out of 6,000-word application (rest: team, market, business case)

- Common mistakes: scope too great, unnamed team, weak route-to-market

- Writing rule: never draft more than 25% over word count (500 max for 400-word questions)

- Can't edit 2,000 words to 400 without losing meaning

- £15 million contract success: health/social care startup breaking into traditional market

- Relationship building BEFORE tenders appear

- Join frameworks for quick procurement routes

- Find a Tender website: £130k+ contracts advertised

- Case studies as critical evidence for SMEs

- Demos beat documents for innovative products

- Two-stage procurement: capability statement then detailed tender

- Focus strategy: geographic or sector-specific targeting

- 2-month application windows: decide quickly, takes weeks to develop quality application

- Advisory boards with diverse potential clients

- Government spending expected £822 billion by 2030

- Small trials (paid/unpaid) build credibility

- Treat public sector business development same as private

- Multiple relationships within one client (bigger entity)

For startups seeking Innovate UK funding, SMEs breaking into public sector, innovative companies with government procurement struggles, engineers needing commercial strategy, businesses facing tender rejections, technical founders building go-to-market plans, and entrepreneurs navigating government contracts.

GUEST: Hannah Bryant

Procurement consultant, Innovate UK funding specialist, 15 years experience. Helps innovative SMEs secure funding and win public sector contracts. Smart cities, health, social care, education, drones experience.

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/hannah-bryant/

HOST: Dr. Nadia Mahmood

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-nadia-mahmood/

EPISODE LENGTH: 42 minutes

🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music

🌐 Find business development coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com

Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/

📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet

ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST:

MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodes explore business development, procurement, funding, and growth. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory.

New episodes every first Monday of the month.

KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #PublicSectorProcurement #InnovateUK #GovernmentContracts #TenderWriting #SMEGrowth #BusinessDevelopment #ProcurementStrategy #StartupFunding #PublicSectorBidding #SMESupport

FINANCIAL COACHING & MONEY MINDSET | Money Decisions Made Simple | Holistic Financial Mentorship

MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on navigating life and business challenges. This mindset mentor podcast features mentors and coaches sharing practical insights.

Episode: How holistic financial coaching transforms money anxiety into confidence through mindfulness and values-based spending.

Carolyn Millward, financial coach and former chartered accountant with 20 years in corporate finance, shares how she combines mindfulness, coaching, and financial expertise to help clients—particularly women—understand their money mindset and create empowering financial plans.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

This business mentorship conversation explores the emotional relationship we have with money, why traditional budgeting fails, and how aligning spending with values creates the life you want.

Key topics:

- What holistic financial coaching is (mindfulness + money management)

- How your childhood "money story" shapes every financial decision

- Why money choices are 90% emotions, 10% math

- Common money myths: "I'm terrible with numbers," "I've left it too late," "Finance is too complicated"

- Case study: Young business owner who transformed financial chaos across multiple countries into clarity

- Case study: Midlife professional who discovered she was well-positioned for retirement despite anxiety

- Values-based spending: Creating a "mindful money plan" instead of restrictive budgets

- Three essential money habits: Know your numbers, pay yourself first, build resilience before investing

- Why women especially struggle with money shame and how to overcome it

- Carolyn's 12-week holistic financial coaching program

This mentorship conversation is for anyone wanting to improve their relationship with money—entrepreneurs juggling business and personal finances, women planning retirement, solo business owners, single parents, younger professionals building financial foundations, or anyone experiencing financial anxiety or shame around money.

GUEST: Carolyn Millward

Financial coach combining 20 years as chartered accountant with mindfulness practices. Specializes in helping women develop confident, values-based relationships with money.

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/carolyn-millward

HOST: Jill DeMasi

https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jill-demasi/

EPISODE LENGTH: 40 minutes

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

1. Finance isn't as difficult as you think—break it down, take one step at a time, ask for help

2. Know your numbers: How much you earn + how much it costs you to live

3. Save first, not last: Automate savings monthly, even if small—something beats nothing

🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music

🌐 Find mentors and coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com

Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/

📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet

ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST:

MentorMeet Stories features experienced mentors and coaches across industries. Each episode explores mindset, financial wellness, entrepreneurship, and professional growth through real mentorship conversations. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory.

New episodes every first Monday of the month.

Subscribe for mentorship on personal finance, money mindset, entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional development.

KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #FinancialCoaching #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #HolisticFinance #WomenAndMoney #MoneyManagement #FinancialWellness #Budgeting #FinancialAnxiety #ValueBasedSpending #MindfulMoney #FinancialEmpowerment