In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, host Zoe Willis speaks with Serena Dodd, the Aliveness Coach, about the transformative power of coaching and creating personal boundaries (especially for busy mums!) during the Christmas season.
They explore the differences between coaching and therapy, the importance of self-worth, and how to identify and manage energy drains in relationships. Serena emphasizes the need for clients to engage actively in their growth and the significance of setting boundaries to protect one's energy, especially for mothers balancing multiple responsibilities.
In this conversation, Serena and Zoe explore the complexities of managing family dynamics, particularly during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, personal power, and the ability to observe relationships with compassion. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of curiosity in communication, the practice of letting go of expectations, and the empowerment that comes from delegation.
They also touch on the evolving roles of women in both family and career contexts, highlighting the need for choice and flexibility in navigating these dynamics.
Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life.
Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference.
👤 About Serena Dodd
I’m Serena Dodd, known as The Aliveness Coach. I work with people who look successful on the outside but quietly feel stuck, disconnected, or like they’ve lost their spark. My focus is on moving them out of autopilot and back into a life and business that feel alive, purposeful, and energising.
I’m also the founder of Fly – The Coaches Network, a community for established coaches who are tired of figuring it all out alone. Fly gives them the connection, confidence, and clarity to grow their business while staying true to the work they’re here to lead.
My background spans 20 years in global events and television before I made a bold shift into coaching. I now combine performance coaching, positive psychology, and breathwork with a direct, practical approach to create real change.
🌐 Where to Find Serena
- Website: https://www.serenadodd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamserenadodd/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenadodd/
🧰 Links & Resources Mentioned
📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner
https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/
💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly letter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom
https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials
☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going
https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support
📗The Let Them Theory, by Mel Robbins
https://amzn.to/4iZvR0V
❤️ Share the Love
If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper — please:
- Follow or subscribe to the show
- Leave a short review (it really helps!)
- Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions
🌍 Where Else You Can Find Me
- 📸 Instagram – @realliferealkitchen
- 👩👧👦 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/realliferealkitchen
- ▶️ YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@Realliferealkitchen
- 🏡 Website – www.realliferealkitchen.com
Takeaways
· Coaching helps individuals recover quicker from life's challenges.
· The coaching world is unregulated, leading to varied definitions of coaching.
· Coaching focuses on forward movement rather than dwelling on the past.
· Clients must actively participate in their growth process.
· Identifying energy drains is crucial for personal well-being.
· Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining energy and focus.
· Self-worth is a key component of personal development.
· Mothers often undervalue their contributions to family and society.
· Awareness of 'shoulds' can lead to greater personal freedom.
· Building healthy relationships requires discernment and self-reflection. Micro actions are essential for mindfulness.
· Managing family dynamics requires understanding and compassion.
· You can only control your thoughts and actions.
· Curiosity can soften criticism and foster connection.
· Letting go of expectations is a practice.
· Choice is a powerful tool in relationships.
· Delegation can empower others and free up your time.
· Redefining roles can alleviate pressure on mothers.
· Career paths for women can be non-linear and flexible.
· Mindfulness helps in observing and understanding dynamics.
