In this episode, the start of a new series, we talked to Lizzie, a D&I specialist who works for a global organisation.

We talk about how line managers, teams and colleagues can talk openly about race. We also ask questions about race and colour that some may have been afraid to ask and give practical advice on how to broach those topics.

Diversity & Inclusion is not just the responsibility of HR or the D&I lead but they play a key tole. In the light of recent challenges, we discuss the strategies and changes we need to see in D&I training, education and initiatives.

If you are a line manager who would like to know more about how to have difficult or challenging conversations, please get in touch with Emma, who has a new series of resources coming out especially for line managers.

You can contact Emma here:
[email protected]
https://www.reboot.global/

In this episode we discuss thoughts on authentic leadership and how this has changed over the course of lockdown.

Where do you look for leadership and how is this different if you are an employee vs an entrepreneur?

Are some leaders better equipped for dealing with crises and others less so? Is this excusable, understandable or forgivable in these strange times?

How do we encourage everyone in an organisation to look to themselves for the leadership skills that will get them through this and future challenges?

To find out more about our retreats and coaching, including the F-Word 10 day Reboot tackling Fear, head over to https://www.reboot.global/

Thoughts are starting to turn to how life will be when the lockdown restrictions are lifted, kids go back to school and people 'go back' to work etc.

Some people are fearful, some people are excited to get back into their 'normal' routine and some people have quit their jobs in the hope of doing something completely different.

Companies have been 'forced' into 'allowing' people to work from home in roles that previously were deemed to be fully office-based. Expectations of employees in particular have shifted so how do we ensure we settle back into an existence that works for us, where we don't 'de-prioritise' the things that are important to us.

We talk about how to feel the fear and still be hopeful for the future.

Here are the resources we mention:
The F-Word 1- Day Reboot - free online 10 day support - daily activities and coaching videos.
You Are A Badass - online book club
Ikigai - book on finding meaning and the secret to a long and happy life

We loved chatting with Dan Hoff-Rodrigues about his inspiration for setting up his own recruitment firm.

Not content with just running a new company he's also working with local businesses and schools to promote progression in digital and leave a strong legacy across the city.

You can connect with Dan here:
https://www.cx-squared.com/
https://twitter.com/dan_techrecruit

Mel Riley has been a counsellor for 15 years, having left corporate life a long time ago.

She is a psychotherapist who works with families and young people.

Check out this fascinating and insightful conversation on fear. We know we are in lockdown but why is fear at an all-time high?

And what coping strategies can we use for regaining and control and taking care of ourselves.

To get in touch with Mel, head over to https://www.meljriley.co.uk/ or find her on LinkedIn.

Join the F-Word 10 Day Reboot, where we're supporting you to face your fears with daily emails, coaching videos and online support, all for FREE.

In this, one of our favourite lockdown episodes so far, we talk to Clair Stevenson who runs her own business, Upwrite.

She provides copywriting, content creation and social media management for clients and is now teaching others to do the same. If you'd like to find out more about Claire's exclusive course on how to set up your own copywriting and social media business, then click this link to find out more. Registration closes Fri 8th May 2020. 

Dissatisfied with working for a company where she didn't fit in, with a 3-hour daily commute, she took a leap of faith and started out on her own.

What was the worst thing that could happen? Nothing. Even a job stacking shelves was preferable to staying where she was.

Check out this episode for some insight and inspiration into how to find work you love.

The COVID-19 lockdown/quarantine has brought about higher than normal levels of suffering and anxiety.

So it's only natural that emotions are running high. But how do we avoid swinging between the extremes of toxic positivity and toxic negativity?

We discuss why so many environments, like social media, and especially corporate spaces are so 'overly' positive, to the extent that the truth is often swept under the carpet. There is a difference between optimism and toxic positivity.

And then we discuss how the media - news channels and press are often negative out of all proportion.

The answer is for each of us to find our own happy medium - what works for us. Allow ourselves the time and space to feel real feelings while keeping an optimistic sense of perspective.

If you want to connect with us and find out more about our coaching and retreats, head over to https://www.reboot.global/

The lockdown period has been extended and understandably this has caused some of us to have a bit of a wobble emotionally.

Whilst most of us could face 3 weeks of things feeling very different, we're now being asked to live in this alternative reality for another 3 (at least)!!!! And this has some of us sad, spooked, sulking or seriously hacked off, which is all completely normal.

We revisit why and how we are feeling and share the coping mechanisms that help us deal with the uncertainty of this unprecedented situation.

We'd love to hear from you so if you'd like to connect, head over to the website and book some time with us.

Today we talk to Edward Clark who is a mortgage broker with a passion for ethical and sustainable finance.

We talk about Edward's early years, introduction to finance and why he decided to create a business which aims to do things differently in an industry which is typically associated with greed and disregard for integrity.

In fact it was this early exposure to life as a Finance Analyst in the city that led to Edward turning his back on traditional definitions of 'success'. With a passion for modular homes, Edward has an interesting perspective on the future of sustainable property development and financing.

If you are looking for mortgage or financial advice from someone who thinks differently, then you can contact Edward's contact details here. 

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn are funny places to hang out at the best of times.

Social media has the ability to lift us up, makes us laugh, makes us sad, makes us angry.

This period of lockdown has brought funny memes and innovation aplenty, as well as ranty posts about those breaching social distances.

in this episode, we discuss everything with Suzie Speaks. Suzie is an award-winning blogger and social media manager, now working with JC Social Media, who are one of Birmingham's most successful home-grown businesses.

Who's getting it right and who's getting it wrong? Which platforms are supportive and which platforms are hostile. And how are people and companies 'showing up'?

Listen in for tips from Suzie and if you'd like to get in touch for blog sponsorship or PR, please contact Suzie here