Refreshing Leadership

In this special episode of Refreshing Leadership, I give you a unique gift—a guided visualization or meditation to celebrate the season of Midwinter. 

Join me as I guide you through a beautiful woodland area, inviting you to connect with nature, rejuvenate your energy, and seek inner peace. 

This solo episode is a refreshing and inspiring way to wrap up the year and prepare for the new year ahead. 

Warmly

Kate

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

Fiona seems so fearless to me, as she navigates the intersection of human potential and spirituality. 

With candor, Fiona reflects on her own life journey, shedding light on the intrinsic value of recognizing the unknown as an opportunity and the personal sacrifices inherent in embarking on a path to true leadership. 

Her insights will provide us with a deeper understanding of how leadership is less about commanding others and more about understanding oneself.

Together, we'll get to the heart of what it means to be a leader today—discussing the importance of compatibility, the integrity in professional development, and the evolution from self-leadership to global influence.

Fiona's expertise leads us through the pivotal choices that shape a leader, the gradual process of transformation, and the challenges of staying true to one’s mission in times of uncertainty. It’s a conversation that promises to be as enlightening as it is empowering.

You can find out more about her on her website here.

Some approximate timestamps:

04:42 Awakening to spirituality and personal growth journey.

07:25 Reflect on phases of life, embrace change.

10:47 Sacrificing certainty for transformation and personal growth.

17:22 Embracing uncertainty for personal growth and success.

24:31 Coaching purposeful leaders for positive global impact.

29:49 Personal development essential for navigating career changes.

31:43 Questioning life norms, identity, and self-discovery.

43:09 Influenced by dad, encouraged, purposeful, strong legacy.

45:17 Desire for change and leadership in life.

48:43 Individual responsibility and leadership lead to impact.

54:17 Empowering leadership, taking responsibility, fostering innovation.

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

In this episode I’ve taken the risk of sharing a very personal and recent experience with you. Why? Because it required leadership, resilience, and self-care, and I could only get through it because of the knowledge and skills I now have.

My recent medical challenge of a surgical repair to my eardrum was nothing compared to an intense experience of somatic shock that happened during a follow-up procedure.

My story explores the primal conditioning that compels our bodies to hide illness and how stress can manifest in physical reactions like shaking. But more importantly, I'll reveal the coping mechanisms I employed—grounding techniques, therapeutic dissociation, and self havening—that helped me manage sensory overwhelm and navigate the challenges of a stressful medical experience.

Leadership isn't just about guiding others; it's also about managing our own reactions and advocating for our wellbeing. I'll discuss how understanding somatic shock is crucial for leaders and highlight the resources, including Peter Levine's work, that shed light on this important topic.

Whether you're a leader looking to foster resilience in your team, or someone facing personal self-leadership or family-leadership stressors, I hope this episode will go a small way to demystifying some aspects of self-care and personal advocacy. Not to mention vividly bring to life some of the stuff I’ve been talking about these last few months! (Check out my earlier podcast S1.03 The Emerging Concept that Trauma is Transdiagnostic.)

And here’s a wonderful essay by the lovely Liam Farquhar if you want to learn more on somatic shock and shaking (for stress release), with some embedded YouTube links of animals in the wild demonstrating therapeutic shaking too. Essay "Trauma Needs a Rebrand - Trauma, Psychedelics, Limitations of Our Existing Models, and Exciting Alternatives" by Liam Farquhar.

I continue to try and de-stigmatise trauma, the nervous system, and share with you as much as I can that the skills of understanding trauma, the nervous system, and self care, are intricately linked. Enquire about coaching with me on my website here, to start a conversation about how I could help you. 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this episode of Refreshing Leadership!

Some approximate timestamps:

01:00 Intro and trigger warnings

07:57 Shaking can release blocked energy, says Levine.

11:26 Recent eardrum surgery and body's recovery.

15:42 Received calm care during medical treatment process.

19:05 Using dissociation to cope with overwhelming experiences.

21:18 Returning to the world after dissociation.

23:58 Growing awareness of neurodiversity and sensory processing.

26:44 Navigating somatic shock, self-care, and advocacy.

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

Now here’s a fun episode - with executive coach Maya Gudka, who has a rich background at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and KPMG. She talks to us about her surprising journey from economics to executive coaching.

Maya sheds light on the profound impact of personal vision work that she has crafted through a blend of hard-earned experience coupled with academic approach to blending psychology, coaching, and her insider experience of the world of finance executives.

We explore relationship-building, organizational intelligence, and the significance of Hogan personality assessments, as Maya breaks down her coaching approach into three core pillars: personal vision, relational capital, and energetics, across the areas of well-being and career progression.

Get ready to explore the SCARF model for navigating uncertainties in a VUCA world, Maya's embrace of vulnerability and authenticity, and her fresh take on salary negotiation and stakeholder mapping. Plus, we'll unpack the nuances of coaching styles and the vital role of inner work and supervision for coaches.

Maya's wisdom extends beyond coaching into the multi-dimensional aspects of well-being and the changing landscape of job descriptions—she even provides free resources for those keen to learn more.

Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the raw power of not knowing, the importance of vulnerability in leadership and parenting, and the cascade effect of coaching on organizational communication.

Here are some timestamps:

00:00 London Business School offers diverse coaching experiences.

07:49 Seeking inclusion, found passion in coaching others.

13:03 Economist enjoys learning and diverse work experiences.

20:30 Overcoming obstacles, challenging traditional career paths.

26:25 Align personal and organizational visions for leadership.

29:18 Understanding self and others is key.

35:50 Clear vision, prioritization, and saying no effectively.

42:35 Understanding leadership beyond the use of jargon.

46:20 Coach supports leader in managing team stress.

50:32 Managing uncertainty in a VUCA world.

55:11 Balancing coaching, feminism, and workplace pay inequality.

01:01:11 Encouraging habit building, open communication, and reflection.

Hungry for more?

Watch Maya’s free masterclass on accessing the next level in your leadership journey: https://mayagudka.kartra.com/page/C-SuiteAccelerator 

Connect with Maya on LinkedIn if you have any questions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/ 

Email [email protected] for free access to her glucose monitor course: https://www.udemy.com/course/glucose-monitor  

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of Refreshing Leadership! 

In today's episode, I explore the connection between creativity and feeling safe in our environment. 

Join me to learn more about the intricacies of our nervous system and how it responds to perceived danger, often hindering our ability to tap into our creative potential. 

I chat about the importance of inner healing work and how it can help us break through obstacles and unleash our creativity. 

I share insights from my conversation with artist Hannah Shergold, highlighting the role of intuition in the creative process. 

Do enjoy this episode for a boost on your creativity and inner power!

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

From using her anatomical veterinary knowledge as a professional sculptor, to flying military helicopters, to shaping her creative freedom as an artist, Hannah has a unique story to share. 

This heartfelt conversation takes place with Hannah inside her studio, surrounded by her immense pieces of art, some not even been seen by the public yet. 

We delve into topics like managing career transitions, understanding the role of creativity in personal fulfilment, and combating doubts and external pressures in the wake of success. 

We unpack some challenging issues around gender differences, epigenetics and the role of narcissism in leadership. We also touch on our struggles with overworking, the impact of personal relationships on our work, and finding balance in hustle. 

Hannah shares openly her experiences of managing mental health throughout a number of challenges in life, and speaks colourfully about raising awareness of just how much inner work can be needed, and how valuable it can be, especially for leaders, to know themselves first and foremost.

Some approximate time stamps:

03:09 Transitioned from military flying to art passion.

06:13 Passionate about flying, seeks fulfillment, not stagnant.

14:57 Transition from full-time captain to self-employed artist.

21:45 Acknowledging hard work, success, recovery, and balance.

27:22 Art enables but business requires unconventional creativity.

28:46 Planning art exhibition, considering costs and sponsors.

35:56 Finding freedom and bravery in the nervous system.

42:33 Method for retaining fluid, abstract style paintings.

50:03 Narcissism, difficulty recognizing traits in others.

51:26 Concern about personal image and charity success.

58:23 Stats show correlation between traits and jobs.

01:07:19 Honoring leadership traits and behaviors, research findings.

01:13:14 Supporting leaders and teams for mental health.

Since leaving the Regular Forces in 2018, Hannah has established herself in the international art world, with one-off paintings fetching up to £40,000. She is now an ambassador for Prince William’s African conservation charity, Tusk, and has raised over £309,000 for various charities including the UK Invictus Games Team, Born Free, the World Wildlife Fund and Tusk. Her work is in demand across the globe and now features in some of the most influential collections in France, Switzerland, Australia and Singapore.

For more see her website here. 

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

In this solo episode, I take a moment to reflect on the themes of connection, trust, and the impact of our nervous systems on leadership and personal growth.

I share experiences and insights from the October half-term holiday in England, wild swimming, and enjoying time with family… while my mind unpacked and worked through some of my recent ideas around the human side of leadership.

I muse through the diverse topics covered in recent episodes, from polyvagal theory and attachment in relationships to the role of anger and the importance of tuning into natural cycles.

As I invite you to join me on a journey of self-exploration, I also extend an invitation for leaders ready to make positive changes in themselves and their teams to connect and start the conversation. I’m booking clients now for January 2024!

So let's dive in.

‌Some approximate timestamps:

02:37 Creativity in the rain aka photos of my feet in the sea.

03:23 The joys of a good old English Sunday pub lunch

07:48 Connection - is everything

11:21 Leadership program, quantum physics, energy center connection.

14:16 Plan ahead if you are wanting to work with me in early 2024! You can grab your time spots now.

17:38 Mental health for leaders.

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

I am thrilled to introduce Charlotte Friedrich, a cyclical wellbeing expert, who will be sharing her insights on the power of cycles and their impact on our physiology and overall wellbeing. 

Before we get started, I want to take a moment to share a bit about my friendship with Charlotte. We have had countless thought-provoking conversations outside of our Master's program, where we were the naughty ones that often found ourselves exploring new ways of approaching topics that extend beyond the traditional frameworks of positive psychology. 

Charlotte has gone on to develop a unique wisdom and perspective that is a radical shift in modern day understanding of all the cycles around us, within nature, and out own bodies, on different places around the globe, to our cycles in life, love, and even work projects!

We chat through some of the connections we’ve made; between trauma, wellbeing, and the importance of leaders in all walks of life) understanding these natural patterns. Currently residing in the beautiful landscape of New Zealand, Charlotte's connection to nature runs deep. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of cycles in nature and how they can make us feel less alone, allowing us to be part of something larger than ourselves. 

She challenges the traditional notion of linear time and invites us to shift our perspective to working with natural cycles and cultivating awareness rather than pushing against them. She talks us through how cycles are not only relevant in our personal lives but also in the corporate workplace. She expands on the concept of “Wintering”, those dark long nights of life and soul; that can be so connected to the actual Winter season in nature.

Of key importance to leaders, she gives us a refreshing context for the importance of rest and reflection and the consequences when these are disregarded. 

So join us as we explore the world of cycles, from the connection between seasons and our physiology to the impact of cycles on our mental health and creativity. 

Approximate timestamps:

[00:07:55] Learning from nature, not textbooks or theories.

[00:14:49] Seasonal and nervous system cycles affect us.

[00:19:52] Compassion for others, ourselves, and emotions.

[00:21:25] Trust in cyclical emotions energizes personal growth.

[00:26:48] Cycles play important role in human evolution.

[00:39:09] Understanding cycles can improve productivity and harmony.

[00:47:13] Menstrual cycles show different energy and seasons.

[00:54:16] Skipping cycles compromises well-being, understand holistic view.

[01:01:26] Endless cycle of high productivity and exhaustion.

[01:06:30] "Helping leaders balance mental health for thriving teams."

How to find Charlotte:
Website
Cyclical Wellbeing
Contact Charlotte

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

Welcome to Refreshing Leadership, the show that explores the world of self leadership, leading others, and the psychology behind thriving and flourishing together. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing connection between quantum physics and leadership. 

Yes, you heard that right! 

Quantum physics is an emerging and exciting field that offers a way to bring together the vastness of space, the energy of all matter, and the connection between the two.

It is not just for astrophysicists, yet their work has profound implications for how we lead and coach in the modern world. 

Last summer I was reading The Quantum Universe by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw. (Side note, my husband and I saw Brian Cox live in Belfast about 2 weeks before the pandemic closed everything down. He said many things, but what stuck in my mind was “we are all stardust”, backed up by an astrophysics lesson in why this is a scientific fact. Mind-blowing or what!).

Imagine my surprise then, as I start a ground breaking coach training called Leadership Reimagined… and session 1 is on…. Quantum Physics and Leadership.

Mind blown again! This time to realise that my instinct towards Refreshing Leadership is strong. And, I’m not alone.

Join me as I share my reflections and experiences from that session. We'll explore profound concepts such as the building blocks of matter, the vastness of space, and the wonders of consciousness. 

So get ready to have your mind blown as we uncover how being a conscious leader is not only scientifically valid, but also essential for our personal and professional growth. 

Approx time stamps:

[00:01:23] Leadership coaching with quantum physics; reflections shared.

[00:03:46] Quantum book challenges conventional scientific knowledge.

[00:06:53] Thrills, chills, fizzes - being part of Earth.

[00:13:12] Intuition, connection, action plan, achieving goals.

[00:15:35] Work towards clarity, unity, healing, innovation.

[00:18:08] Supporting leaders with mental health for success.

I am taking bookings now for 1:1 client work starting in December and January. I purposefully don’t work with many clients at once as I give my all to you for 6-12 months (or more!). When you work with me, I invest a huge amount of my energy and zest into you. 

If you are weary of stale leaders in yourself, your life, or the world, message me to arrange a free chat to see if you’d like to coach with me to do something about it.

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]

Welcome to another episode where we delve into the complex and multifaceted world of anger management with our special guest, Tanya Heasley.

Tanya challenges the notion of eliminating anger and instead empowers individuals to use this powerful emotion positively. We delve into the inspiring stories of Martin Luther King Jr., who harnessed his anger to fuel social change, and legislative victories such as the Animal Rights Act and Children's Act that were driven by the force of anger.

Tanya's own journey is an incredible testament to resilience and self-discovery. She navigated multiple misdiagnoses and eventually found out she has autism. Amongst other things, Tanya now offers private assessments for autism, using a combination of powerful tools and insights to provide individuals with clarity and a path forward.

But our conversation doesn't end there. Tanya's passion for revolutionizing the education system and creating a more nurturing environment for students and teachers becomes evident. We delve into the world of anger in schools, exploring how teachers' stress and anger can impact students' well-being and hinder their learning experience. Tanya's research and commitment to positive education shine through as she shares insights on reducing stress in classrooms.

As we unwrap the layers of anger, trauma, and neurodivergence, we also tackle the challenges of misdiagnosis, particularly in women, and the profound impacts it can have on individuals' lives. Tanya's journey of self-discovery and reclaiming her identity as an autistic person echoes the experiences of many who have navigated the complexities of being misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

Join us for an eye-opening and enlightening conversation where Tanya Heasley lays bare their experiences, knowledge, and passion for creating a more compassionate and understanding world.

Some approximate time stamps:

[00:05:03] Multilayered journey: psychology, teaching, coaching, counseling, anger management.

[00:09:49] Misdiagnosis led to years of psychiatric treatment; later discovered to be autistic.

[00:13:15] Horrible, dark time, mental health struggles, medication.

[00:17:11] Limited support for autism in early years.

[00:19:21] Private autism assessments pros and cons

[00:23:23] Coaching and therapy: important distinction for practitioners.

[00:29:02] Fascinating research on neurodivergent and trauma brains. 

[00:35:43] Witnessing violence as a child, dealing with anger, helping young people cope.

[00:40:24] Discussing anger types, the impact on teaching, and the need for support and positive education.

[00:47:00] Understanding anger and using it positively for personal growth.

[00:50:08] Embrace pain and struggles, finding compassion.

If you enjoyed this or found it useful please subscribe on the show website, https://refreshingleadership.buzzsprout.com/
You can listen on most platforms,  or scroll through all the episodes on my website here.
I write a companion blog to each episode - they are all on my website here. 

Do please share this link, and if you'd like, give it a rating or leave a review (wherever you listen) will help the podcast reach more people.

Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-brassington/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebrassingto3
Email:  [email protected]