Welcome to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast where we explore the intersection of joy and work. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and in this engaging episode, we dive into "The Power of Play" with the vibrant Em Stroud, a corporate clown coach who's turned joyful play into a business revolution.

As adults, we often find ourselves shackled by societal expectations that suggest play is solely the realm of children. But what if embracing play could unlock creativity, productivity, and genuine connection in the workplace? In this episode, Em and I unpack the practical benefits of integrating fun into our daily routines, redefining play for the adult world, and the transformative effects it can have not just on individuals, but on organisational culture as a whole.

From reimagining meetings with a more active and playful setup to sharing accidental moments of joy through simple acts like out-of-office messages, Em Stroud offers tangible strategies to sprinkle play into our working lives. And, with a reminder that play isn't one-size-fits-all, we'll discuss how finding your unique play style can enrich every aspect of your life.

Whether you're someone who thrives on the thrill or a person who finds a deeper connection in quieter activities, this episode will inspire you to craft moments of delight and encourage a cultural shift towards a more playful business environment.

Stay tuned as we explore the power of play with Em Stroud and challenge the notion that work and joy are mutually exclusive. Join us on the WorkJoy Jam, where we're jamming on the joy of work, and the work of joy!

 Connect with Em 

Instagram @emstroudldn - @clowningaroundpodcast - @laugh.think.play

LinkedIn : https://uk.linkedin.com/in/em-stroud

Website: https://emstroud.com and https://laughthinkplay.com

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the WorkJoy Jam! I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and today we are diving deep into an episode that's all about understanding our needs and nurturing joy throughout our professional journey.

Joining me is the multifaceted Alice Sheldon, whose career has spanned from schoolteacher, to barrister, to CEO, and whose passion for psychology and neuroscience has fuelled her work in personal development..

In this episode we explore how Alice's career choices were meticulously intertwined with her values and how these decisions led her to a life brimming with joy and purpose—despite the challenges she faced along the way.

Alice will share her profound insights on nonviolent communication and how understanding human needs has reshaped her approach to relationships and conflict resolution. We'll confront the pressing need for emotional education that extends beyond academia into our everyday interactions.

Have you ever encountered a "bridge club moment"? Well, Alice will explain how taking a moment to understand our reactions and needs can not only improve our personal lives but also our professional relationships. And she’ll share a personal anecdote on handling emotions and being uncomfortable in social situations—proving that we all have something to learn when it comes to navigating our emotional worlds.

So, whether you're battling work monsters or weathering storms of emotion, this episode promises to be as enlightening as it is joyful. So tune in and get curious!

Connect with Alice 

You can find out more about her work at www.needs-understanding.com.

Website: https://www.needs-understanding.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-sheldon/

Welcome back to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast that delves deep into the heart of what brings joy and fulfillment at work. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and I'm absolutely thrilled for the conversation we have lined up for you today.

Today's episode is a real treat and we will be exploring the intricate dance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace with the insightful Catherine Garrod, founder of Compelling Culture and a true pioneer in creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a background of leading inclusion for thousands at Sky, Catherine brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how to foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard.

In our conversation, we delve into the importance of broadening our own perspectives – be it through diversifying our social media feeds, seeking out different teams, or updating our bookshelves – and how that shapes empathy, approachability, and effectiveness in decision-making. We'll distinguish between the concepts of diversity and inclusion, recognise the importance of moving past mere diversity numbers to truly inclusive cultures, and learn how to strategically equip both underrepresented and overrepresented groups for collective success.

Catherine shares invaluable insights from her book "Conscious Inclusion: How to Do EDI, One Decision at a Time." We'll discuss the 99 decisions that can transform our workplaces, and how to employ conscious inclusion to make workplaces safer and unlock potential without increasing burdens. We will talk about the importance of integrating diversity and inclusion into every facet of organisational decision-making, from product design to everyday meetings.

And it's not just about the workplace. Catherine's approach transforms relationships and community by recognising commonalities, learning from mistakes - or as she fondly calls them, "whoopsie daisies" - and celebrating progress over perfection. We’ll hear about her monthly newsletter dedicated to the "crown jewels" and "whoopsy daisy" moments in organisational diversity efforts, and her passion for seeing change-makers realise their true impact.

So, whether you're a leader striving to improve your organisation's culture, an individual looking to expand your personal awareness, or simply someone who cherishes WorkJoy, this episode is tailored for you. 

Connect with Catherine

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegarrod/

Welcome to another engaging episode of the WorkJoy Jam. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and joining me today is Ruth Richards, a communication consultant who has made a significant transition from marketing in the charity sector to helping individuals and teams collaborate more effectively. 

In this episode titled "What's happened to work best friends?", we're delving into the dynamic world of workplace relationships and how they've been impacted by hybrid work and the recent challenges posed by the post-COVID-19 working world. 

Ruth brings her wealth of experience to the conversation, exploring how internal dynamics within organisations can shape our work experiences. We talk about the importance of having a sense of purpose, the overlooked but critical need for training in collaboration skills, and the changing landscape of building human connections.

Throughout our discussion, we'll also touch on Ruth's personal insights and the joy she finds in bouncing ideas off others to create meaningful connections on a micro-level. We'll uncover the challenges faced by employees in forming work best friends in a remote setting and the undeniable importance of brief personal interactions to foster trust and camaraderie, even online.

To top off our episode, Ruth and I will share practical tips for nurturing relationships in this new era of work and how embracing personal responsibility can transform the way we collaborate, even when physically apart. So, connect with us as we deep-dive into what's really going on with our work friendships and what it means for our WorkJoy.

Connect with ruth 

Welcome back to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast where we explore the joy, challenges, and the unexpected adventures of the modern workplace. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and in this episode I’m joined by Lauren Neal - a trailblazer who wears multiple hats as a chartered engineer, project professional, and author. 

With a career that began amidst the Lego bricks of her childhood and propelled her into the male-dominated world of engineering, Lauren has faced and overcome discrimination while forging a path to inclusion in STEM fields.

In this episode, we get an insight into Lauren's journey of defying gender stereotypes, advocating for inclusivity, and finding support in unlikely places. We’ll hear about her transition from a subsea engineer to a project manager, and how organic career growth can arise from refusing to be pigeonholed.

Lauren shares her experience of working in unusual environments, the importance of holding fast to your potential, and why creating supportive workplace cultures is crucial for everyone. We'll uncover the psychology behind open-mindedness, the power of advocating for others, and the ripple effect of joy it brings into the workplace.

She also discusses her book "Valued at Work," intended not just for women in STEM but also for men, aiming to foster understanding and change. 

Grab your drink, settle in, and let’s learn how we can all contribute to making our workplaces spaces of value, recognition, and of course, WorkJoy. Let's get started.

Connect with Lauren

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenneal/

Instagram: @lvneal

Welcome back to another invigorating episode of the WorkJoy Jam! Today, we are thrilled to have Rachel Philpotts with us - a nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, and burnout conqueror who took her personal struggle with burnout and turned it into a guidebook for others - "The Burnout Bible." In this episode, we unpack the journey from chronic work stress to rejuvenation and joy.

Together, we'll delve into why humans can't simply shake off stress like our canine friends and the critical role a protein-rich breakfast plays in starting our day off right. We also shine a light on practical resources available on her website, from smoothie guides to burnout quizzes, for listeners to enrich their burnout-prevention toolkit.

Ever wondered how singing and dancing could be the key to relieving stress? Rachel will unravel the science behind how these activities can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a message of safety and normalcy within our bodies. With stress-reduction tips ranging from the power of communal singing to supplementing with vitamins and magnesium, this episode is packed with strategies to nourish, restore, and reframe our approach to work stresses.

We reflect on the slow burn of burnout, recognising the tell-tale signs, and embracing small, yet impactful, ways to offset stress. Rachel and I will share our personal insights into how lockdown inadvertently helped people reprioritise and resist the siren call of burnout.

Whether you're high-functioning yet running on fumes, or simply searching for that work-life joy synergy, today's episode is a heartfelt session on managing stress, healing burnout, and making joy-infused work a sustainable reality. So, plug in, unwind, and let's explore the journey back to WorkJoy together!

Connect with Rachel 

Website: www.re-nutrition.co.uk

Socials:

Instagram @re_nutrition

Welcome to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast where we weave more joy into your work life. I am your host, Beth Stallwood, and today we have the incredible Claire Winter joining us to dive into a refreshing blend of creativity, walking, and nature. 

Claire Winter is a creativity and writing coach, and award-winning podcaster.  A former journalist turned Nordic walking instructor, Claire sheds light on the simple pleasures of reconnecting with nature and how it reignites our innate creative sparks.

In today's episode, we explore the concept of morning pages and the freedom that comes with expressive writing - no rules, just pure creativity. Claire shares her personal journey from facing burnout to discovering the joy of walking among the trees and how that led her to start Creatrixjourney.com.

As we walk through the woods with Claire (metaphorically - we were both at our desks!), she opens up about the powerful practice of 'spot it, got it,' and how pausing to write post-it poems can enrich our daily routines. Prepare to be inspired by the story of a book idea coming to life in the serenity of the woodland, and discover how a writing circle on Substack provides a space for people to freely express themselves after a solitary walk.

Whether it's walking your dog or encountering a baby deer, Claire and I discuss the profound impact of nature on creativity and mental health. She'll also introduce us to the fascinating world of nordic walking and how it can lead to a clearer mind and boosted creative output.

So unplug, take a breath of fresh air, and let's find joy in the simple act of walking and writing in nature. It's time to get your creative juices flowing, right here on the WorkJoy Jam.

Connect with Claire:

Website: www.creatrixjourney.com

Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7iWXJlw46jV7LGSyQmDqfk

Instagram: @thecreatrixjourney

Facebook: @thecreatrixjourney

Welcome back to our inaugural episode of Season 8 of the WorkJoy Jam Podcast! 

I’m your host, Beth Stallwood and I am joined by the insightful Kathryn Bishop, who combines teaching at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, with the practical experience of leadership roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

As we sit down with Kathryn,  we will be navigating the vast landscape of career success and how to redraw your career map. We talk about redefining what success looks like at various life stages and untangle the perception of board membership. From understanding the Ikigai model to applying the strategic Ansoff matrix to personal career transitions, Kathryn provides a treasure trove of strategies to align your career with your WorkJoy.

With Kathryn's guidance, we’ll explore how networking, shadowing, and even what you decide not to do can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Plus, Kathryn shares practical advice to bring your unique voice to the boardroom and remind you that making a difference isn't about sitting silently—it's about making your contribution count.

So whether you're at a career crossroads, considering a board position, or simply looking to infuse more joy into your work life, this episode is a must-listen. Gear up to craft a "to not do" list, and let's jump into this conversation.

Connect with Kathryn:

To find out more or get in touch with Kathryn, you can reach out on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bishop-1471184 or via her website: www.kathryn-bishop.com

Lesley Woods is a senior Royal Air Force Reserve Media Officer and she shared some wonderful stories and unique perspectives with me about the challenges of working in the military, but also about how you

Dr Rina Bajaj is a counselling psychologist with loads of experience across many different forms of helping people with what’s going on in their minds. What I particularly loved about this conversation with Rina, is how practical some of her suggestions are – from how we can understand what is going on in our heads, to how we can understand the red and green flags and have a more balanced perspective of what has happened. We talked about where and how we are triggered and our fear responses when we’re trying to step out of our comfort zone.

https://rinabajaj.com/