Welcome to this special wrap-up episode of Your Permission to Pause with me Jo Cowlin. Today we’re rounding off season two by reflecting on some of the highlights over the past few months, we’ve explored everything from rest and allyship to pain, productivity, and leading through change, all with the goal of helping you lead and live in a way that feels more intentional.

We’ve also heard from some brilliant guests, like Lyndsey Oliver on inclusivity and Ben Causer on the impact of pain. A big thank you to all my guests who’ve brought real depth and honesty to these conversations.

So whether you’ve been with us all season or just tuning in now, this episode is a chance to pause, take stock, and carry a few helpful takeaways with you into the months ahead.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction 

05:02 True inclusivity through allyship 

08:55 Making meetings matter 

11:18 The link between stress, breath and pain

16:47 Jo's story: strength, setbacks & starting again

19:03 Strength training: key to strong bones

24:35 Listening to your body 

27:11 Balancing leadership, family, and values

29:40 Podcast season wrap-up announcement

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Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Have you ever found yourself faced with change at work or in your personal life and found it overwhelming? In this episode of Your Permission to Pause I explore the intricacies of transformation and the stages we go through, whether it's personal change or leading change within an organisation. In this episode, we'll break down the stages of change, explore why resistance often meets our efforts, and arm you with insights and practical tips to navigate change successfully. Join me as we unpack how being aware and intentional with each phase can pave the way to the successful outcomes you're aiming for.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:48 Identify areas of dissatisfaction to drive personal change.

09:34 Clearly communicate a vision for change.

12:05 Create a culture change plan with timelines..

14:27 Communicate updates and celebrate small wins to maintain motivation during change. 

20:00 Use habit trackers, reflection points, or a coach for accountability.

21:29 Engage teams to sustain change, expect setbacks, address with empathy, find solutions, and celebrate progress.

25:26 Allow change awareness to guide your mission for success;.

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

About Dominique Kent

Dominique Kent is the CEO of Bluecrest Wellness. Bluecrest is the leading health intelligence company providing private health assessments to individuals and employers in the UK and Ireland. She is experienced in building and scaling operations in customer-focused health and social care businesses. 

A healthcare industry expert, Dominique was previously Chair of the UK Homecare Association for three years, having served a total of nine years on the board. She currently sits on the boards of Trinity Homecare and London & Quadrant Housing Trust as a Non-Executive Director. She also acts as an advisor to Re;mind, a business founded to support people living with trauma, she is an an advisor to Thalamos, a business providing digital mental health crisis pathways. She also works with Unique Senior Care where she advises and supports the team.

Find out more: https://www.bluecrest-wellness.co.uk/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

What does it take to become a successful female leader in the modern world? Dominique Kent, Chief Executive Officer of Bluecrest Wellness, shares her fascinating path to becoming a CEO. Recounting her journey from attending a girls grammar school through to the pivotal moment in her career where she joined Sainsbury's as a trainee manager, Dominique discusses the fascinating ups and downs she has experienced. Alongside this she shares a wealth of candid insights and valuable points surrounding the importance of resilience and redefining success. 

We explore the transformative journey she led at Bluecrest Wellness and how this coincides with her personal life, balancing a demanding career and motherhood. Whether you're navigating your own career path, seeking leadership wisdom or aiming for personal growth, Dominique's story will offer guidance and inspiration. Join us as we unravel the insights and learnings from Dominique's remarkable journey.

Here are the Highlights:

0:00 Introduction

2:45 Pivotal path to success 

06:20 Seeking opportunities to evolve 

09:00 Defining the importance of values 

11:40 Transferring knowledge and expertise

15:01 Unexpected leadership transition

21:10 Focus on ‘next goal success’ to unearth opportunities

26:16 Reimagining Bluecrest's role post-COVID

42:51 Implementing a team vision and mission 

47:54 Balancing parenting and careers 

56:22 Insights into what makes a great leader 

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

About Dominique Kent

Dominique Kent is the CEO of Bluecrest Wellness. Bluecrest is the leading health intelligence company providing private health assessments to individuals and employers in the UK and Ireland. She is experienced in building and scaling operations in customer-focused health and social care businesses. 

A healthcare industry expert, Dominique was previously Chair of the UK Homecare Association for three years, having served a total of nine years on the board. She currently sits on the boards of Trinity Homecare and London & Quadrant Housing Trust as a Non-Executive Director. She also acts as an advisor to Re;mind, a business founded to support people living with trauma, she is an an advisor to Thalamos, a business providing digital mental health crisis pathways. She also works with Unique Senior Care where she advises and supports the team.

Find out more: https://www.bluecrest-wellness.co.uk/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Feel like you're constantly running on empty and struggling to keep up the leadership pace? Join me to explore the fascinating world of body intelligence and learn about how the wisdom of the body can elevate your leadership potential and personal well-being. Inspired by Claire Dale's transformative insights, I unpack how harnessing the power of bodily signals can improve confidence, focus, and communication. From incorporating breathwork for stress relief to engaging in movements that fuel motivation, discover nuanced yet practical tools for maintaining peak mental and physical condition. Whether you're navigating high-pressure environments or seeking deeper self-awareness, embrace this invitation to pause and listen to your body's innate intelligence.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:25 Tuning into your body's power

07:37 Emotional responses and the "winning cocktail"

15:51 Managing stress and preventing burnout

19:19 Observing and balancing your emotional states

24:17 The benefits of breath work

32:21 Prioritising rest and recovery

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Tired of feeling foggy and depleted at work? In this episode, nutritional therapist Jo Crovini joins me to share practical wisdom on fueling your performance through better nutrition choices. Rather than promoting restrictive diets, Jo advocates for sustainable changes that support energy, focus and resilience. From crafting quick protein-rich breakfasts to navigating corporate buffets and afternoon slumps, she offers realistic strategies for busy professionals. We discuss the deeper connection between nutrition, stress management and work-life balance, particularly for women juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether you're struggling with brain fog, stress eating, or just want to optimise your daily energy, let this conversation help you to eat well in a hectic world.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:56 Nutrition's role in achieving your goals

08:39 Processed foods vs. whole foods benefits

14:48 Managing small daily stresses and maintaining well-being

21:58 Finding portable energy snacks

28:33 Jo's corporate well-being workshops

35:45 Stress management and mindful eating

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

About Jo Crovini:

Joanne is a Nutritional Therapist with over 15 years experience working with individuals and organisations to support energy, mental health and resilience. She believes in simple and practical changes that have a big impact on how you feel and is full of tips and ideas for how you can incorporate these changes.

Find out more here: www.cardiffnutritionist.co.uk

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Have you ever set a clear goal and mapped out a perfect plan, only to find life throwing you a curveball? We've all been there. This episode is all about embracing those moments of imperfection and unpredictability, viewing them not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and resilience. I’ll be taking you through five key areas so you can learn how to stay on track when the best laid plans go awry. So, take a deep breath, give yourself permission to pause, and let's explore how to turn those plot twists into your next great adventure. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:20 Embracing uncertainty through experimentation

10:29 Continuous learning through reflection

13:53 Why adaptability is so important for innovation

18:29 Navigating transitions with guidance

23:34 Facilitating holistic check-ins and skill-sharing

29:20 Embrace change with self-compassion and balance

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Today's episode explores the significance of movement during menopause with our guest, Jo Hoskings. I’m thrilled to share a conversation full of insights and practical advice on how exercise can boost creativity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Jo Hoskings, a dedicated health and wellness coach, joins us to explore the transformative power of daily movement and strength training, adapting routines to individual needs, and the vital role of a balanced diet and self-care. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:17 Managing type 1 diabetes is a daily battle.

08:03 Female leaders need to prioritise self-care despite decision fatigue.

13:18  You can improve well-being by increasing activity, enhancing sleep, and eating healthier.

15:56 Establish better habits to avoid fatigue and decline.

25:52 Balance rest and activity for menopause health.

31:25 Confidence is crucial for personal and professional growth.

35:38 Nutrition fuels the body, ensure you are getting enough protein.

42:38 Focus on change: simple, sustainable, attainable consistency.

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

About Jo Hoskings:

I’m Jo, a Health & Wellness Coach of 20 years… I’m also a full time working Mum. I absolutely understand the challenges that perimenopause/menopause brings.

I have worked with thousands of women to help educate, support and empower them to making lifestyle changes that not only achieve weight loss short term but actually maintain it long term.

They have made sustainable lifestyle changes that have increased their energy levels, supported their hormonal health and they are now thriving through life!

I’ve spent 20 years in the fitness industry and the last 8 years working slowly with women over 40.

I am also an Executive Menopause Coach: I regularly provide Menopause health & wellbeing webinars to Companies in the UK.

My 12 week online Program has now helped thousands of women successfully better manage their menopause symptoms, lose weight and improve their health via lifestyle change.

Find out more: www.paulhoskingscoaching.com/the-lean-mum-project-discount

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanmumproject

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Happy New Year! Today, I'm talking about a famous mantra that I'm sure we're all hearing a lot at the moment: "New Year, New You" - and it tends to irritate me! As the clock strikes midnight, we're bombarded with messages urging us to redo every part of our lives. But is this incessant pressure to change really helpful? In this episode, I'll be sharing why I genuinely hate this phrase, outlining its pitfalls, and offering you healthier, more compassionate alternatives for approaching your goals in 2025. Get comfortable, grab your favourite beverage, and let's explore how we can set ourselves up for a fulfilling year ahead, with intention and self-compassion. Enjoy the show! 

Here are the Highlights:

00:23 How to embrace self-improvement with acceptance and compassion.

07:15 Transformation occurs gradually, then suddenly.

09:15 Self-reflection isn't taught effectively in organisations.

12:08 Align your goals with your true self and remember to rest.

15:11 Why should you trust the process and embrace change?

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

How well do you understand the messages sent from your body? Ben Causer, a highly experienced sports therapist and strength and conditioning coach, joined me to share his wisdom on understanding and managing pain. We talk about everything from the root causes, including emotional and physical influences, to holistic approaches that bridge the gap between pain and performance. Ben emphasises the importance of balance and proactive stress management, and we explore different elements that impact women’s health and well-being. Tune in now and learn about breathing techniques, stress management, and why paying attention to our body's early signals is crucial. 

Here are the Highlights:

07:31 Why is it important to focus on the root cause of pain?

13:13 Breathwork for a balanced central nervous system.

18:21 Balancing work on screens rest and recovery

24:54 How does the lymphatic system function?

28:00 Tips on proactive stress and recovery management for women.

32:49 How to work on lifestyle management.

36:43 Why should you prioritise self-care and mental recovery?

41:14 The hierarchy of pain: emotion, tension, gait, breathing.

42:33 How restrictions and habits cause injuries.

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

About Ben Causer 

For the last 20 years, Ben's been on a mission to help people who love being active but feel adrift and need to find the path back to a focused, pain-free fitness journey. He's spent time working in gyms, developing knowledge in strength and conditioning, and progressed that knowledge into Sports Therapy. He's helped develop a system to educate people and empower them to progress to the point where they are fully rehabilitated long-term. Ben has also developed a very successful in-person seminar series called Bulletproof Your Body which has enabled him to reach out to many more people on a far larger scale. His aim is to build you up, not break you down.

Find out more: www.fit6.co.uk

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Are you suffering from meeting overload? I’m exploring the world of meetings - specifically, the challenges and strategies behind making them truly matter. We've all experienced the frustration of unproductive meetings that seem to dominate our schedules. Hybrid meetings, in particular, can drain our mental energy as we navigate the complexities of blending in-person and online participants. That's why I’ll be discussing how to create more effective, intentional meetings whether they’re fully in-person or entirely online. Throughout this episode, we'll explore key frameworks to ensure every meeting you hold has a clear purpose, defined outcomes, a structured agenda, and the right participants. We'll also tackle common pitfalls like meeting overload, lack of follow-up, and the crucial role of leadership in modeling excellent facilitation skills. If you're ready to reclaim your time and transform your meeting culture, don’t miss this episode. 

Here are the Highlights:

04:29 Rethink meetings for genuine connection and effectiveness.

08:21 People passively accept calendar invites without thought.

11:20 Rethink and improve meeting culture for productivity.

14:04 Use agendas with questions for better outcomes.

17:55 Control diary; attend necessary meetings only.

22:03 Conclude meetings by recording agreed actions visibly.

26:43 Information, conflict resolution, time management, emotional intelligence.

28:43 Clarify decision-making process to avoid chaos.

31:46 It’s better for the whole meeting to be in person or online. If you must go hybrid you need to be on point and have a creative agenda.

Meet your host Jo Cowlin

Jo Cowlin keeps it real.

Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t.

Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner

She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits. 

Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs.

When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym. 

Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/

Connect with Jo: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk