The AC Podcast

Bernadette Thomas, a coach specializing in wellbeing in the workplace, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, to discuss the importance of leaders modelling self-care and empathy, cultivating emotional intelligence, and managing stress to create supportive environments. Bernadette explains the challenges of isolation for leaders and highlights the significance of social connections and community in enhancing well-being. The conversation also addresses the challenges of menopause in the workplace and the need for awareness and support. Practical advice includes setting achievable well-being goals and the need for open communication and creating safe spaces for discussing well-being and issues that may arise.

You will learn:

·       Strategies for leaders to model self-care and foster a culture of well-being

·       The impact of stress on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics

·       Why prioritizing well-being for leaders and their teams is vital for an effective and supportive work environment

“Being empathetic, being a compassionate leader, being your authentic self, and role modelling what you do to look after yourself are crucial behaviours for a leader.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_wellbeing-rolemodelling-healthy-habits

Pooja Sachdev, a coach and occupational psychologist, joins host Simone Sweeney to discuss the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in leadership. Pooja provides, in Simone’s words, ‘one of the best definitions of diversity, inclusion and equity I have ever heard.’ They discuss the challenges organizations face in achieving true DEI and the phenomenon of ‘diversity fatigue’ and explore challenges like managing multi-generational teams and addressing poor leadership behaviour. They also discuss allyship and give practical strategies for leaders to enhance their inclusive practices. An informative, reflective episode that underscores the importance of a human-centric leader being an inclusive leader and the important role coaching plays in supporting this.

You will learn:

·       The distinction between diversity, equity, and inclusion as separate but interconnected concepts.

·       The role of empathy in effective leadership and its impact on team dynamics

·       The value of diverse thinking and perspectives in driving innovation and problem solving

 'When I say cultural intelligence, I don't mean cultural expertise. It's about cultural humility and being aware that the way I see the world and my cultural conditioning may not be the same as somebody else's.'

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_dei-empathy-culture

Rachael Hanley-Browne, CEO of Team Lab, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, for a very grounded exploration of the realities of leadership, and how you become a better leader: what is the 'secret recipe?’ Especially for those who may be considered atypical leaders, for example, who are not charismatic extroverts, are outside of large corporates in SMEs or who are individual contributors. Rachael focuses on leadership for founders and entrepreneurs as well as deep subject matter experts. They discuss the role of coaching and mentoring in leadership development and include many practical tips for coaches and leaders themselves.

You will learn:

·       What it takes to be a leader

·       Why awareness of self, context and environment is key to good leadership

·       The challenges and rewards leadership involves

“It takes courage to put yourself out there; it takes courage to let people see you and experience all of your strengths and weaknesses; courage to make unpopular decisions… courage to hold your ground and to have that self-belief when others disagree with you.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_challenges-awareness-behaviour

Julie Flower, leadership and team development practitioner, joins host Simone Sweeney for an insightful discussion on how coaches can help leaders develop the skills they need to work with the ambiguity and change of the modern world. Julie has a long background of working with the public sector, government and third sector, and so understands the pressures leaders have faced in these sectors in recent years, describing it as a ‘perfect storm’. She shares the types of change she has been coaching leaders and teams with, what it means to lead today, its wider context and how coaches can help.

You will learn:

·       The coaching skills needed for working in emotionally charged environments and support leaders to unlock and develop soft skills

·       The role of coaches in supporting collaboration and influencing

·       The use and impact of creativity, such as improv and embodiment techniques, in coaching leaders and teams

“I think leadership is about creating the conditions for everyone to work effectively towards a common goal. Thinking about how we can mobilise people towards a common goal and create the conditions where they can succeed and excel.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_change-collaboration-creativity

Liz Rider, organizational psychologist and thought leader in the area of human-centric leadership, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, in the first episode of a wonderful new podcast series. Together they unpack what leadership and human-centric leadership is and why shifting to this type of leadership is so important and impactful for organizations and people.

Liz brings her passion, energy and experience, with real-life examples of how qualities such as empathy, listening, trust and self-awareness can transform the workplace. She encourages leaders to learn how to really connect with their people and why she believes that leaders as coaches is the way to a better future for us all. An honest and vibrant conversation for all coaches, leaders and organizations.

You will learn:

·       The vital soft skills required for human-centric leadership

·       The role of coaches in transforming managers into leaders

·       What part AI plays in creating more human-focused leaders

“We are starting to get more role models that are human-centric, and I think that the more we get in different organizations, the more we will believe in human-centric leadership and the more human-centric leaders we will get.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_transformation-managers-leaders

Lesley Roberts, coach and author of the highly rated ‘Coaching Outdoors: the essential guide to partnering with nature in your coaching conversations’, joins our host Rob Lawrence in this final episode of our Coaching Outdoors series.  Lesley shares the moment in beautiful Glencoe, Scotland, that was a catalyst for her profound connection with nature and the career she has now. She discusses the benefits of coaching in natural settings and gives examples of the transformations that happen for clients. Discover how nature can resource coaches, improving mental and physical health and wellbeing, and Lesley’s vision for the future where nature is central to coaching and organizational practices. A warm and inspiring conversation that invites you to discover the magic of the natural world for yourself.

You will learn:

·       Practical tips for integrating nature into your coaching practice

·       Addressing perceived limitations and fostering client comfort in outdoor settings

·       The spiritual connection to nature and its role in coaching 

“I do believe in the power of nature, I believe in magic and miracles that happen in nature, and I think nature proves to us time and time again that there is magic and that there are miracles.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_transformation-perspective-practice

Jackee Holder, Executive Leadership Coach, Coach Supervisor and Creativity Expert, joins our host Rob Lawrence to share her profound connection to nature in her home city of London and how she uses this to enhance her coaching and supervision practice.  Using real-life examples Jackee describes a variety of ways she uses nature in her coaching conversations and the impact it has on clients. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature, even in urban settings, for personal growth and emotional expression. Jackee also highlights inclusivity, cultural awareness and bias, and the therapeutic power of nature in fostering community well-being.   

You will learn:

·       The use of nature as a metaphor in coaching to facilitate deeper self-reflection and creativity

·       Resources and tools for integrating nature into coaching practices

·       The concept of nature as an equalizer, transcending societal barriers

“I want people to know that you do not have to pack your bags, go and stay in the countryside. Get away to the seaside. I want people to be resourced with the nature that is on their doorstep.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_urban-nature-connection-metaphors

George Warren, executive coach and podcaster, joins our host, Rob Lawrence, to share his reflections on why and how he offers clients the opportunity to take their sessions outside in nature. Nature is the place that inspires and sustains George, and he encourages all coaches to find a place that ignites them, allowing them to be the best version of themselves as coaches, whether that is nature, art galleries, or other similar locations. He shares his journey from Zoom calls and indoor sessions to coaching whilst walking – a practice that has taught him a deepening level of self-care, happiness, and health that changed his work and personal life for the better. 

You will learn:

·       The benefits to himself, his clients, and coaching itself

·       The deep self-care nature offers

·       The wisdom, insight, and self-awareness nature offers

“I am happier, I am healthier, I am more connected to something greater than myself, I am more inspired when I am outdoors.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_nature-coaches-self-care-benefits

Hamish Mackay Lewis, a leadership and life coach, facilitator and breathwork practitioner, joins host Rob Lawrence in this deeply rich and sensitive conversation about nature connection and coaching in nature. Hamish takes us on a journey through ‘The Connection Sequence’ in such a beautiful and powerful way that it will be hard to resist the invitation to go into nature yourself.

He shares how he overcame imposter syndrome and anxiety trying to meet other people’s expectations of who he should be and how they thought he should live his life, which informs his coaching today. Hamish describes the sacredness of deepening our connection with nature, the ancient wisdom that inform his life and work, as well as a growing interest in the use of rituals. Whether you are a coach or not, and whatever type of coach you are this conversation is worth listening to - it will awaken something you might not even know is there.

You will learn:

·       The principles and journey of the connection sequence

·       The three pathways to your authentic self

·       Seasonal Alchemy and the transformative power of nature

“I met some really inspiring people who were working at the confluence of adventure, spirituality, nature connection, and human development. I knew this was me, this was what I’d been looking for.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_spirituality-connection-sequence

Ellie Lloyd-Jones, Outdoor Coach, joins host, Rob Lawrence to discuss her journey and experiences in outdoor coaching. Ellie shares how her move to the countryside for her own mental health and the positive impact of nature on her children inspired her to integrate outdoor elements into her coaching practice. Besides one-to-one coaching, she now runs regular group coaching in the form of netwalking events, as well as wellness sessions. Hear about her unique experiences as a coach and introvert, and why she believes that outdoor coaching is potentially ideal for clients who are neurodiverse.

You will learn:

·       What Netwalking is and its benefits

·       The impact of nature on wellbeing and self-care

·       Personal experiences and real-life examples of outdoor coaching

“I set up my Netwalking events to bring people together, to get people away from technology. They are centred around common challenges people face and I set up coaching cards specific for that event.”

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_netwalking-neurodiversity-transformative