No More Hiding

Male allyship is all about action and the impact you can have for others.

Today as part of the focus on the importance of male allyship I have a great conversation with a man who is so passionate in developing leaders of the future and all employees reaching their potential and not letting processes or a lack of confidence get in the way of them achieving their goals.

Des Johnson, is Organisational Development Service Manager at Wakefield & District Housing and his key role is developing employees to be effective in their current roles and meet their future aspirations.

He wants to encourage diverse leadership, particularly women reaching their potential. He firmly believes that the so-called 'soft skills' are business critical and he feels fortunate that WDH promotes and supports leadership development and he gets to work with a talented team that specialise in facilitating these skills.

My company has been working in partnership with WDH and Des and I am personally grateful for the opportunities to work with incredible individuals on their career progression, confidence and self promotion strategies.

Women on the group coaching programme I facilitated have really gone from strength to strength and they are increasing their own visibility supporting a new wave of recognition, new organisational changes and exciting times indeed.

Listen to us chatting about male allyship, how companies and individuals can do more and how different styles of allyship are required at all levels. How it is a proactive and doesn't just come and go because it's way more than a tick box exercise.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Connect with guest Des Johnson and WDH:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/des-johnson-4012bb73/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wakefield-&-district-housing/

Asking and listening are the first steps in being a better ally.

Another amazing conversation about the importance of male allyship and what first steps men can take to start being a bigger support to female colleagues and every woman in their lives.

Today we have special guest Paul Porter as someone raised with 5 Glaswegian Aunties, Paul has always been surrounded by kick ass women.

Listen in to hear how thats not changed in fact he is surrounded by even more strong women not only with his family but in the career groups he helps build and manage. Paul believes that male allyship is crucial and hopes that more men will step up and support women.

It is about them standing by women, being more than performative allies and supporting them everyday. We chat about what those first steps can look like and let's be honest it's much easier than you think when you start to listen.

In 2008 he quit his job in Hospitality and set up Porter HR - People called him crazy - especially as the financial crash had just started. What a journey it's been, working with SME founders and owners.

Following a LinkedIn Local in Manchester, over 4 years ago, Paul joined The Career Mum group. He didn't realise at the time what was ahead of him, but it opened up so many opportunities to support women along the way. The group has nearly 6000 global members and have done everything from mentoring to live take over week. Paul is a big believer in" if you can see it you can be it" – No more hiding!!

Last year, Paul was part of the team that co-created and delivered She Has No Limits Virtual event, He knew that something had to be done to support women whose life & careers had been impacted by the pandemic overnight.

With support from Jodie Hill, Paul launched tHRive Club to support HR, People Leaders and Business in 2020 – we are now 700 strong and approaching their first birthday.

Paul believes that male allyship is crucial and hopes that more men will step up and support women. It is about them standing by women, being more than performative allies and supporting them everyday.

After 12 years growing the business, I also took the step to join a long-term client as their Head of People. It was a big change to make, however, Paul has left Porter HR in good hands of his wife Kathryn, who transitioned out of a global role to take over the business. Connect with Paul below.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Connect with guest Paul Porter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrconsultantuk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/porter_hr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCareerMum/

How male allies can support women's career progression

• What allyship is and what it isn't
• How we can make it work better
• The importance of active listening
• What are those first steps to take for male allies in the workplace

Today we are talking to a man who's role is to make sure that diversity and inclusion are included on every agenda within his organisation.

Jonathan Stephen studied at the University of Huddersfield, graduating with a BSc Hons Psychology in 2016. Since then, he was elected as Education Officer and President of Huddersfield Students' Union (HSU) & is currently Diversity & Inclusion Officer at KNH and Kirklees Council. I am thrilled that he is on the show talking to me about all things male allyship, when it works and when it doesn't, and what we can do about it, but most importantly why we ALL need to listen to each other's lived experiences there's no better training for allyship than that.

"We were the first group in the UN headquarters that our presentation was on menstruation and period poverty and we all wore lipstick to present" - Jonathan

"There's nothing wrong with going 'I don't know can I find out more" - Jonathan

"I am an ally to everyone who can be and shouldn't be 'othered' but I would never say I am perfect at that...allyship is something that is very active and needs revisiting and consent to me is a big part of that" - Jonathan

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Connect with guest Jonathan Stephen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-stephen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JGStephen_

Instagram: https://instagram.com/JGStephen7

Website: https://jonathanstephen.wordpress.com/

How to identify and really own your strengths

• Quick Win!

I promised a quick win episode today on the back of the results I found when working with a lot of women in a short space of time through all the IWD training workshops.

The thing that was obvious and a lot of women feedback to me either in the groups or privately was not being clear on their strengths.

I find this a lot - as women we often forget what has led us to where we are today. All the life and work experiences, the good the bad and the ugly - all of them have made you who you are. Yet when asked what strengths you have - you have to stop and think about it for too long. This is your power. This is what makes you who you are and this is definitely the thing that is going to stand you apart and give the edge when that next opportunity comes along at work that may just be the gamechanger for your career.

Try the steps I share in this quick episode and then go try them out!

I want to hear from you today - yes today drop me a message on LinkedIn, instagram @nomorehidingpodcast or even facebook if you must or even better email me [email protected] and let me know that you are going to do this and even better you are going to use this to play bigger. Let me know today. Do it, take action and get a quick win! It really does give you a confidence boost and you never know where it will lead.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Why 'choose to challenge' is your best strategy for visibility

• Recap on my IWD sessions and the impact
• 5 steps to choose to challenge yourself and others
• Feel sad then get mad at what's going on in the world for ALL women
• Are you using your strengths to your advantage
• Importance of male allyship

Today I am wrapping up what has been an incredible month but at the same time an emotional rollercoaster for women. We started off strong with IWD and then came so much frustration, pain and anger.

It's important to acknowledge what is going on around us and how it makes us feel - but as mum reminds me 'be sad but then get mad' because this is when we can see the greatest action that makes change happen - things shouldn't have to go horribly wrong for change but when it does at least we can make some sense out of it.

This is Why 'choose to challenge' is your best strategy for visibility and today I share 5 ways you can start to do this. It's about challenging not only those around you but also yourself. I also promised I would give the gos on how my IWD workshops and sessions have gone so tune in and if you are listening and attended any of the sessions then drop me a message and let me know the impact it has had for you.

"Throughout all the work I wanted women to know that this is not about fixing them. They are not broken, the system is. We all have our individual barriers that we need to figure out and then start to do something about it - we can break down our own barriers to being more visible and we can be part of something bigger that will break down those in the system." (Gemma Stow)

"The one thing that did shine through was women's lack of clarity when it comes to owning our strengths. Knowing what they are and how to use them to your advantage." (Gemma Stow)

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

How self care can increase your confidence

Takeaways:

• Busting self care myths
• Why you should bother
• How self care links to your self belief and confidence
• How foundation, fuel and focus = fulfilment

"Self care can mean different things to different people - you don't have to bake banana bread or have a bubble bath" (Ailsa)

"And that's quite powerful. You are making decisions about what's good for you and that's self care in itself...No excuses. No justifications. I just don't want to do that." (Louise)

Today you are in for a real treat - as we continue celebrating International Women's Day for the whole month I have some incredible women on the show

You may think I am a little biased but they are awesome human beings and passionate about their work as you will hear. If you are ready to start believing in yourself by putting first and figure out what actually makes YOU feel good and ready to ditch the shit that quite frankly does not light you up anymore and want to know where to start then stick around. Today we have my two amazing sisters on the show.

Louise Brogan-Hewitt is a Yoga teacher and business owner. Her passion is creating a welcoming space for people to explore finding ease and freedom in their body and mind, where perhaps they once felt stuck.

She wholeheartedly believes yoga is for everybody. It is the key to personal transformation on and off the mat, bringing a whole person-centred approach to wellbeing.

Ailsa Nesbitt is a registered associate nutritionist with an MCs in Nutrition. She's a Huge foodie with a strong interest in helping people have a positive relationship with food, debunking food related myths and promoting self compassion. Currently works in delivering the NHS national diabetes prevention program which focuses on diet and lifestyle changes

In between the giggles there is an important message about taking your well being seriously and that mindset, movement and nutrition are the 3 key pieces of the puzzle.

And we may have agreed to do an online retreat together whilst chatting on this episode - I want to hear your thoughts on that and whether it would be something that you could be interested in- watch this space. Listen in to me and my sisters trying to stay professional whilst exploring what it means to really value yourself.

Email me [email protected] with the subject line - I'm interested :)

'Work martyrs who sell their soul and say they don't have enough time to look after themselves' - Ailsa

'I've managed to do something I never thought I could do and that now opens up the door of opportunities' - Gemma

'It's not necessarily in terms of what we do for self care, it's the practice of doing it that's important' - Ailsa

'Confidence grows when you put yourself first' - Gemma

'If we can't give time to ourselves then what?' - Louise

'Are we going to sit at our desks all day, squeeze in as much as we can and not sleep well and then it s a cycle that repeats itself' - Louise

'Its the feeling that it creates in us and if its something we can turn into a habit or do daily even better' - Louise

'If I am saying I don't have the time to do something then I am really saying I don't want to do it and need to be honest with myself' - Gemma

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Connect with today's guests:

Louise Brogan-Hewitt

https://www.instagram.com/louiseyoga.uk

Ailsa Nesbitt

https://www.instagram.com/anutrition_

Why listening to your instincts is so important

"Follow your own instincts because they are right for what you need for your life, at that point in time" - Pauline Brogan-Hewitt

Today as part of us celebrating International Women's Day (IWD 2021) throughout March is a very special episode with a very special guest.

A woman who is my original inspiration.

I am so excited for you to hear from Pauline Brogan-Hewitt and her story of following her career dreams whilst raising a family - the juggle for women has always been around.

Enjoy this episode and hear more from my ambitious, brave and inspiring Mum - Yay my mum is on the show and by the end of it, it's obvious to see where I get my values and drive from.

"I try not have regrets really, I am sure I have made some mistakes along the way but life is too short to have regrets" - Pauline Brogan-Hewitt

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as there us still time to get it booked in the calendar for March.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Are you ready to give yourself permission to be first?

Today we are chatting about how to take care of yourself.

Let's face it, so many of us women don't put ourselves first and there is nothing worse than trying to be visible when all we want to do is hide.

The current pandemic and lockdown number 3 here in the UK is taking its toll on women particularly so today we have an amazing guest.

Louise Westra who is passionate about helping women to harness their biology to create the health & resilience they need and deserve for the life they dream of. She wants women to stop settling for mediocre when it comes to their daily experience in their body! Listen in and hear us talk about permission, reframing and how to start putting yourself first!

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as there us still time to get it booked in the calendar.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Connect with Louise:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisewestrahealth/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouiseCWestra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisewestrahealth

Website: www.louisewestra.com

How can my company celebrate International Women's Day?

• Different ideas to continue to celebrate IWD virtually

• Busting 3 main myths around IWD

• The importance of Male Allyship

• IWD is for everyone and how some companies plan to celebrate that!

On today's show I am going to share with you some fun and interesting ways that you can celebrate International Women's Day on 8th March. Stay tuned to learn a bit more about the history of this awesome day and why its so special and I am also taking this opportunity to bust some myths around it..

There are ways I can help you and your company mark this day so it doesn't pass quietly by and you can acknowledge the incredible women and men you have in your company - male allyship is so important too and I want to hear from you about how you will celebrate virtually this year as let's face it things are a little different when not in the office!

Read this podcast in an article - Click HERE

**What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as there us still time to get it booked in the calendar.

**Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

How to get feedback that will help you

Quick win episode!

• Women need feedback - they can thrive on it

• What feedback will help you move forward

• Questions for your back pocket!

• How to make sure we don't solely rely on others

• 5 ways to build and work on your 'Emotional Resilience'

Here are a few tips you can take action on and get some quick wins and give yourself great feedback that will build your confidence but also ASK for the right feedback from others that will develop your career progression.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as there us still time to get it booked in the calendar.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast