The plane crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, killing 78 people. If only the flight crew had been communicating better. Flight AF90 never made it to it's destination on 13th January 1982, and the need for better equipment when dealing with disasters underground meant the rescues from the July 7th bombings in London were hampered. Communication is simply giving information, direction or guidance - one way and in organisations typically top down - but how about if we created a place where the conversations were two-way, where people were heard, where action was taken, where listening to understand and acting appropriately were every day behaviours? Your job might not be to pilot a plane, to rescue from a tragic incident - but how much are you missing out on or losing by failing to engage with people in meaningful, worthwhile, two- way dialogue? Maybe your sickness absence would decrease, your retention increase, your results improve? Tune in to this week's episode, the last one for 2023 and perhaps use the coming weeks to reflect and consider what it might be like for you and your people if conversations were encouraged at every single level in your business.

This week I get to chat with the woman on a mission to rid the world of rubbish managers - and with the launch of her new book, Jo Wright is passionate about the importance of transformational coaching conversations in organisations as the way forward. Speaker, author, coach and all round fab person with a framework to offer any business who is committed to creating a culture where people and performance thrive, her skill in organisational coaching is definitely worth a look. Find out more about Jo and her book here www.jowright.com

Movember is an annual global campaign that encourages men to grow those mustaches and participate in various activities to raise awareness about men's health issues. This has included addressing issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention and is intended as a platform for men to discuss their health openly, seek support, and take proactive steps towards a healthier and happier life. But why do we need to be encouraging this? Why are men often reluctant to access medical help? What do we need to do to change that? What are the Really Useful Conversations that should be happening that are not? Join me for this week's podcast episode to explore this problem further.

Certified coach Dr Jo Baldwin is on a mission to help women aged 40-plus bring oomph and sparkle back into their lives. Jo empowers women who have lost their 'mojo' to rediscover it and reach their full potential. Her own lived experience of both perimenopause and empty nest syndrome, combined with a 10-year career in obs and gynae medicine, inform her compassionate and holistic coaching style. In her transformative coaching programmes Jo uses The Women's PowerTypes and is best known for helping self-styled 'Superwomen' recover from burnout and to manage their energy levels more sustainably by harnessing the innate energies of the five women's PowerTypes™ She helps women to be the very best version of themselves and you can have a go at the PowerTypes quiz by clicking here: - www.subscribepage.com/powertypes

It's all very well and good to encourage Really Useful Conversations about all manner of topics in the workplace but if we don't have the right culture, then people will not feel comfortable to have conversations at all. Organisational climate needs to feel safe, positive and inclusive, and as a leader, you can make a massive difference. In this solo episode I'm going to share some specific points for leaders to be aware of if they are going to create a climate where Really Useful Conversations are more likely.

For Stress Awareness Day who better to talk to than the Founder of The Happiness Club, the marvellous Jo Howarth. Jo is an advanced hypnotherapist and mindfulness practitioner who helps people look after their mental and emotional health on a daily basis. She works in person with schools, organisations and individuals and offers an online resource that supports your mental wellbeing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so if you are feeling down or stressed or anxious OR you just want to feel better, The Happiness Club is definitely a place to head for. Jo is also a guest speaker at the Online Pyjama Party this week, to help celebrate the launch of my book "Could it be your hormones love?" so another opportunity to hear more from her then too or find out more at https://TheHappinessClub.co.uk

It is said that 62% of divorces are instigated by menopausal women, and 73% of women blamed the breakdown of their relationship on their menopausal symptoms. That's one reason why my new book "Could it be your hormones love? And other questions not to ask a menopausal woman" is an absolute essential for all MEN who need to better understand what is happening during the perimenopause years! However if you are a menopausal woman, with a divorce or separation adding to your stress levels, it can be so difficult to get the support you might need and this week's guest is someone you may want to get to know. Sarah Woodward is a multi-award winning divorce coach, supporting her clients with the emotional and practical challenges of their breakup so that they can Recover, Rebuild and Reclaim a future they're excited to wake up to where they feel happier and stronger than ever before. It is her mission to empower her clients to believe that there is life after divorce and to embrace this next chapter. She is also a Certified Positive Psychology Coach and Narcissism Trained™️ Coach with additional training to support clients who are in abusive relationships. Hope you find it useful.

As we approach Menopause Awareness Day here in the UK, it is ironic to note THREE recent employment tribunal cases with menopause symptoms at the root. The cost of NOT training managers is obvious, and not only is the compensation and legal costs significant, but also the potential damage to your reputation as a business and an employer. In this week's episode I share details of these cases, along with a very useful and simple list of things that organisations need to be doing to protect their reputation, support and signpost employees and help managers to be the very best they can be. There is also an invitation to a pyjama party in their too and details of a new book launch that every MAN needs to buy!

It can come as a surprise for many previously confident midlife, menopausal women to find themselves doubting, questioning, over-thinking and even shrinking into the shadows. Perhaps body image isn't as good as it once was, self talk feels more negative, looking in the mirror leaves us feeling disappointed or even finding clothes no longer fit nor flatter! Siân Fisher is on a mission to help women feel truly confident about themselves inside and out. As a confidence coach and personal stylist Siân knows that when you feel confident you can achieve anything, and your brilliance shines out like the star you are. Listen in to our conversation and get ready to shine bright once more!

This month is both World Mental Health Day and Menopause Awareness Month so the perfect time for me to share with you a really useful conversation about a time when both of these issues collided and had me looking for a way out, permanently. I made a promise to the Universe that if I survived, I would use my experience to help others navigate the abyss that I had peered into, and so the work that I do now focuses particularly on menopause, mental health and the increased suicide risk at this time. In this episode I will share a little more about my story and also share with you some exciting news about getting other people involved in conversations about this, so that together we can make sure our women get the help they need - whether you are a manager, mate, partner or husband - this episode is useful for YOU too!