Talking Toughness

In the first of two related podcasts, we are thrilled to welcome Lucy Myers, Founder and CEO of Therapeutic Coaching Consultancy, for a timely and insightful discussion on therapeutic coaching.

In this part of our conversation, we'll explore what therapeutic coaching entails, who can benefit from it, and how it integrates with traditional coaching practices, shedding light on its unique approach to personal and professional development.

While many dual-qualified practitioners have been combining the skillsets of coaching and psychotherapy for some time, there is a lack of formal research into what the term 'therapeutic coaching' means for practitioners, and - crucially - how we can understand the benefits of this approach for clients.

Lucy is a key member of a group carrying out formal research, as well as developing case studies, which should serve to support the development of a 'gold standard' of practice for dual-practitioners (in alignment with strategic objectives of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).

There is real expertise here. Listen and learn.

In Part 2 of our dialogue with Gordon Ryan, we delve into the complexities of human nature within high-pressure environments, such as the world of first responders.

Understanding the diverse manifestations of mental toughness and sensitivity among team members is crucial for effective leadership. By acknowledging individual differences, supervisors can tailor strategies to motivate and support their teams, thereby enhancing resilience and performance in challenging situations.

Learning Orientation, in the context of mental toughness, underscores the significance of reflection for personal and professional growth. Constant evaluation of thoughts, actions, and experiences allows individuals to identify areas for improvement, adapt strategies, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

Exploring belongingness sheds light on its dual nature within team dynamics. While it serves as a fundamental aspect of identity and fosters advantages for individuals and teams, the reluctance to speak up or address issues can lead to unhealthy consequences.

By listening and learning from these discussions, we can navigate the complexities of belongingness to foster a healthy team environment.

Listen and learn.

Our next guest, Gordon Ryan, a chartered psychologist and founder of PRISM Work Psychology, will delve into the challenges faced by first responder services in a two-part series.

In the first episode, Gordon highlights the transition to leadership roles within these critical services. Climbing the promotional ladder brings increased stress and new challenges that may catch individuals unprepared, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training.

Beyond enhancing basic skills, employees must be equipped to manage their own stressors and foster resilience among their teams. Recognising the strain at higher levels is crucial to creating a supportive environment that minimises stress and promotes success for all team members.

First responders often grapple with emotional challenges amid traumatic incidents, facing public scrutiny and organisational expectations. When met with criticism, especially in perceived unjust situations, emotional distress can undermine well-being. Organisations must provide robust support to enhance resilience and mental health in this indispensable workforce.

Confidence plays a pivotal role in navigating such pressures. Having self-assurance to trust one's capabilities is paramount when expectations fall short, enabling effective problem-solving. As Gordon aptly puts it, confidence means backing oneself to make the best decisions in challenging moments.

Listen and learn

We are living in exceptional times marked by the interests of an individual but also by the interests of the times they live in. Employability was and is still a crucial factor for individuals seeking rewarding careers and control over their lives.

It ensures an individual remains competitive in the job market. It involves not only the capability to obtain initial employment but also the adaptability required to meet new job requirements within the same organisation or find new employment if necessary.

In the second part of this podcast featuring Alessia Mevoli and Peter Sewell, the discussion highlights how Further and Higher Education institutions play a crucial role in enhancing student employability through innovative curriculum development, such as the introduction of the MAFA modules focused on mental agility, flexibility, and adaptability. This initiative reflects a collaborative partnership between students and institutions, outlining mutual expectations and responsibilities as they navigate their educational journey together.

Alessia and Peter are also contributing authors to AQR's newly released book on employability, 'The Employability Code - Unlocking the Most Employable Version of You' available on Amazon this week.

We hope you enjoy this learning piece.

SEEKING ANSWERS TO THE SECRETS OF 'EMPLOYABILITY'.

We are leaving exceptional times marked by the interests of an individual but also by the interests of the times they live in. Employability was and is still a crucial factor for individuals seeking rewarding careers and control over their lives.

It ensures an individual remains competitive in the job market. It involves not only the capability to obtain initial employment but also the adaptability required to meet new job requirements within the same organisation or find new employment if necessary.

In the first part of this podcast featuring Alessia Mevoli and Peter Sewell, the discussion highlights how Further and Higher Education institutions play a crucial role in enhancing student employability through innovative curriculum development, such as the introduction of the MAFA modules focused on mental agility, flexibility, and adaptability. This initiative reflects a collaborative partnership between students and institutions, outlining mutual expectations and responsibilities as they navigate their educational journey together.

Alessia and Peter are also contributing authors to AQR's newly released book on employability, 'The Employability Code - Unlocking the Most Employable Version of You' available on Amazon this week.

We hope you enjoy this learning piece.

'What's happening with modern leadership, and where is it going as a practice?'

In this second of a pair of podcasts, we welcome Paul Ryder, a Learning & Resourcing Professional with 30+ years of experience split between consultancy and the financial services sector, West (London) and East (Shanghai).

In recent times, Paul was a Group Managing Director of the Bank of China Learning Institute in Shanghai where he provided strategic development guidance at the highest levels of the organisation. He provides us with an insight into a culture we can rarely experience for ourselves.

In this second part of the discussion with Paul, we explore the inner workings of a leader, examining their level of emotional maturity, leadership style, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving global landscape.

"Dealing with your own demons first, before you have the right to manage and lead others." - Paul Ryder.

Listen, learn and enjoy this insightful discussion.

'An English Man in Shanghai' - what can we learn about leadership across cultures?

In this pair of podcasts, we welcome Paul Ryder, a Learning & Resourcing Professional with 30+ years of experience split between consultancy and the financial services sector, garnered in the West and in the East (Hong Kong and China)

In recent times, Paul was a Group Managing Director of the Bank of China Learning Institute in Shanghai where he provided strategic development guidance at the highest levels of the organisation.

In this part of the discussion with Paul, we are exploring the subject of leadership and analysing it in depth through the lens of different jurisdictions, cultures, types of organisations, and workforces.

Through the lens of Pauls unique vantage point, we delve into the approaches to leadership in China and the West, exploring significant differences in leadership philosophies, values, and practices between the two regions. It is an incredibly thoughtful exploration which is gently provocative in equal measure.

Listen, learn and enjoy this insightful discussion.

In this pair of podcasts, we enter the world of the performing arts where we meet with Monika Lozinskiene, classical pianist. As well as developing a hugely successful career as a pianist, she has developed as a Social Media expert and a business person who, despite her young age, has long understood that the world of music is, in important ways no different to any other world of work. If you want to succeed, you have to push yourself every day, see challenges as opportunities, have self-belief and confidence, and most of all… know your purpose – why are you doing this?

In Part 2 we explore how society can lose out on many great performers if their mental sensitivity has been inappropriately managed preventing them the chance to thrive later on in their lives.

By creating a culture of support, we can help these individuals thrive, leading to personal and societal benefits such as increased creativity, improved mental health, and a more diverse range of perspectives and talents being brought to the forefront of everyone's lives. These individuals, often referred to as "highly sensitive people," can bring unique perspectives, creativity, and innovative thinking to the table.

"Mental Toughness is not about doing difficult things, it's about you doing things that you might find difficult to do." - Professor John Perry

Listen, learn and appreciate this very personal account.

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY - ADOPTING MENTALLY TOUGH BEHAVIOURS ON STAGE

In this pair of podcasts, we enter the world of the performing arts where we meet with Monika Lozinskienė, classical pianist. As well as developing a hugely successful career as a pianist, she has developed as a Social Media expert and a business person who, despite her young age, has long understood that the world of music is, in important ways no different to any other world of work.

If you want to succeed, you have to push yourself every day, see challenges as opportunities, have self-belief and confidence, and most of all…know your purpose – why are you doing this?

As a musician, focusing on developing mental toughness and self-belief is, for Monika, as important as purposeful practice. By focusing on building mental toughness, musicians can overcome their fears and doubts, and perform at their best.

The best performers are not scared of failing. They are prepared to take risks even though they know they might make mistakes. Having the ability to bounce back from mistakes and setbacks and learn from them can help alleviate performance anxiety and reduce stress.

In Part One, we delve into Monika's personal experience. Monika's journey to becoming one of the world's renowned pianists was marked by her intense introspection and self-awareness. She recounts how she had to navigate her own emotions, fears, and obstacles to overcome her struggles with performance anxiety and self-doubt, ultimately finding a path towards greater confidence and artistic expression.

Listen, learn and appreciate this very personal story.

Our guest for this second part of the show is Joanne Taylor.

Joanne is an early adopter of the 4Cs mental toughness concept and measures, who has led the way in its application with some of the toughest challenges in society.

One highly successful flagship 3-year project targeted reducing re-offending by young offenders coming to the end of their sentences. Joanne and her colleagues have shown that by creating self-awareness about their mental approach to the changes they face and developing strategies and tactics to manage what they learn, they can look forward positively to a life with better chances.

Talent Match Black Country works in partnership with unemployed young adults, aged 17-29, who have direct experience of offending and those who face disadvantage and are furthest from the labour market, to help them achieve:

• Increased confidence, optimism and resilience.

• Reduced levels and avoidance of re-offending.

• Progress nearer and into sustainable employment.

For more information about the application of the 4Cs Mental Toughness Model and MTQ measure to enhance social mobility reach out to [email protected]

Listen and learn.