The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour

Do you dream of pursuing a completely different career path but fear of taking the leap? Join us this week on "Making Sense of Work" as we sit down with Vanessa Teo, Director of Strategy Planning (Commercial) at AbbVie. Vanessa's journey is a tale of bold career moves, as she transitioned from HR to the commercial side of the industry.  Discover how Vanessa's unique perspective on "stretch seasons" played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with valuable lessons for anyone considering a daring career change.Meet Vanessa TeoVanessa is a strategic business focused HR leader. She’s passionate about helping organizations make human capital a competitive advantage through developing people to their highest potential. Vanessa has over 20 years of experience spanning the HR and Commercial functions. At AbbVie, Vanessa currently leads Strategy Planning for the Medical Aesthetics function.Since joining AbbVie in 2019, she has held various roles in HR including Director, Talent Management (Intercontinental), Director, Talent Management and Development (JAPAC) and Talent Acquisition (Japan), and HR Director for Singapore (JAPAC HQ and site operations). Vanessa holds an Executive Masters in Change (Organizational Psychology) from INSEAD, and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington.  Book recommendation: The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business Working Identity - Herminia IbarraConnect with Vanessa on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedInConnect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour   Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Are you a people pleaser? Many people feel that they are better off keeping others happy - but it can have an impact on us in the long run.People pleasers bring big strengths to work - often being people who can bring harmony to situations and being a great team player. But this can often happen at their own expense.In this podcast Jean defines how she sees people pleasing and offers practical strategies for how to become more effective. (listen out for the thunder in the background!) Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

What part of work gives you the most energy and zest for life? From meaningful connections, mentoring students, and the thrill of tackling challenging projects, explore the diverse dimensions of work that fill you with boundless energy.In this episode of Making Sense of Work, be inspired by Ronald Tay, Talent & Diversity Leader and adjunct lecturer at Singapore Management University as he explores the driving force behind passion, enthusiasm, and value found in balancing two career paths. Meet Ronald Tay Ronald is passionate about developing mindsets and skillsets both in the professional field where he until recently served as Head of Leadership at Meta, as well as an educator where he has dedicated over a decade as an adjunct lecturer at Singapore Management University.Ronald’s 20+years of experience in learning and development, leadership and talent management spans across consulting, consumer/retail, financial as well as tech industries. His work has garnered industry recognition awards as well as regular speaking opportunities in conferences. He is a published author of two books "Career Conversations" and "Leadership Conversations" which explore the successes, learning and advice from notable leaders across key diverse industries. Beyond his work life, he derives great value interacting with the Gen-Zs as adjunct professor at the Singapore Management University and is an active career coach/mentorConnect with Ronald on LinkedIn. Book recommendation: The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools: https://www.amazon.sg/Multiplier-Effect-Tapping-Genius-Schools/dp/1452271895Video recommendation: Liz Wiseman: Diminisher vs. Multiplier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxLlgBATjpIConnect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean on Instagram @jeanbalfour   Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

It can be really hard to do today the things that will help us to create our Future Self. In this episode Jean shares recent insights she's had into how we can create our Future Selves and Follow our Bliss today - making it more likely that we will achieve our  goals and dreams of the future. Jean BalfourIG: @jean.balfourLI: @jeanbalfourYour Future Self - Hal Hershfield - https://www.halhershfield.com/yourfutureselfFuture Me - https://www.futureme.org/Atomic Habits - James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/ Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

There are currently five generations in the workplace. How do we make it work? How can we tune into the issues facing organisations and work effectively together?In our latest episode of Making Sense of Work, join Vivek Iyyani, a renowned Millennial Specialist and Keynote Speaker at Millennial Minds as he sheds light on how leaders can harmonise the five diverse generations in today's workplace and unlock the key to effective collaboration. Meet Vivek Iyyani VIVEK IYYANI is a Millennial Specialist and Keynote Speaker at Millennial Minds. He is the Author of the books Empowering Millennials, Engaging Millennials, and The Millennial Leader. He is a regular speaker on inter-generational working and has spoken in organisations like PayPal, Oracle, Brunei Government, www.booking [dot] com, Singapore General Hospital, Johnson and Johnson, DELTA Airlines, and many more. Vivek is known in his industry to speak around the globe at conferences on how to engage Millennials to help them reach their peak potential.He has been featured by the National Population and Talent Division in Singapore under the Prime Minister’s Office to feature in a video of #MySingaporeStory. He has appeared on CNBC, Channel NewsAsia as a guest on the Millennial/Gen Z topic.During the pandemic, he signed a 3-book deal with Penguin Random House, launched two books so far, and is launching his third book this year.Engaging Millennials: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097Q15BRF?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3KY3G4ZY6FEEM1PJK710The Millennial Leader Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9814914134?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y678MM7JX26BKYBV7V8P Connect with Vivek: linkedin.com/in/millennialexpertasiaConnect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/Book and podcast recommendations: Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection: https://amzn.asia/d/fPZgyHHDeep Questions with Cal Newport: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-questions-with-cal-newport/id1515786216 Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

To truly change the culture at a workplace, we must embark on an inner journey of self-transformation, and mindfulness. As the saying goes, "If you want to change the world, first change yourself." But how can we cultivate self-kindness, self-compassion, and self-empathetic awareness so that these qualities can radiate toward others?In order for empathy to flow from the top down, it is crucial to equip leaders with the tools of mindfulness and self-awareness. By guiding leaders to understand the depths of their own hearts, they can effectively embody the qualities they wish to see in others.Join Helen Williams, mindfulness coach, Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year, and  50 Most Inspirational Women of the UAE as she shares the power of cultivating mindfulness and presence from within. Jean and Helen discuss: What if the word “Stress" ceased to exist in our vocabulary? How does mindfulness help us in our working lives?How can leaders bring mindfulness into the workplace?Different types of mindfulness that help with stillness Meet Helen Williams Helen Williams is a New Zealander with a lifetime’s experience in personal and self-development, spiritual direction and in training people from all walks of life in her chosen field of Mindfulness and Meditation. Helen was awarded Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year for her visionary work in the field of personal development in 2014 and in 2017 was honoured as one of the 50 Most Inspirational Women of the UAE by Stylist Arabia as well as one of Arabian Business’s 100 Most Influential People in Dubai.Book recommendation:A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose : https://www.amazon.sg/New-Earth-Awakening-Lifes-Purpose/dp/0452289963The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself: https://www.amazon.sg/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 Connect with Helen Williams here: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsmindfulme/?hl=en Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Don't miss the newest episode of Making Sense of Work, featuring Lipika Subbiah, Global Coaching Enablement Lead at LinkedIn's Center of Excellence and a certified ICF coach. She provides valuable insights into the transformative effects of building a coaching culture from the ground up. Jean and Lipika discuss: The impact of coaching culture within LinkedIn How current research shows the impact of a coaching culture on revenue growth and employee engagement and is it even measurable The connection between belonging and inclusion within a coaching culture, as coaching behaviors inherently promote inclusivity and empathy.Meet Lipika SubbiahLipika Subbiah is a Global Coaching Enablement Lead at the Center of Excellence at LinkedIn. She has spent over 18 years in sales in different roles and sectors including 4 years in sales enablement. She is an ICF-certified coach and a PROSCI-certified change practitioner. Lipika has lived and worked in Asia, Europe, and North America, and is now based out Singapore where she lives with her husband, two teenage children, and dog. When she’s not at work, she’s out in nature, hiking, or with her nose in a book.Book recommendation:Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle: https://www.amazon.sg/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/1984818325Connect with Lipika Subbiah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lipikasubbiah/Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Have you ever struggled with your emotions at work?In our uber analytical organisations welcoming emotions can feel very risky. The challenge is that for all of us emotions are a normal part of our lived experience - including our working experience.In this episode Jean provides perspectives on how to welcome our emotions and see them as a valuable tool. Susan David  - https://www.susandavid.com/Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/Feelings Wheel - https://feelingswheel.com/Amanda Blake - Your Body is your Brain - https://embright.org/ Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

We have a unique opportunity to coach and mentor our children toward success, happiness, and personal growth. Tune in to the latest episode of Making Sense of Work as Chris Avis, Educational Psychologist and Faculty member of Bailey Balfour delve into techniques, and insights that can empower you to become an effective parental coach. Meet Chris AvisChris studied psychology at Bristol University and decided during this course to train as an educational psychologist (EP). Over the last 35 years she has worked as an EP in 6 different local authorities and have held a number of management roles. Chris trains as a coach with Coaching Development in 2009 as this approach fitted with the way in which she likes to work with people and help them to develop themselves. Book recommendation: The Art of Coaching: A Handbook of Tips and Tools: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Coaching-Jenny-Bird/dp/113889186XConnect with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-avis-386760b/ Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Discover how adopting a growth mindset can transform challenges into exciting opportunities for learning. Explore practical strategies to reshape your perspective and tackle difficulties with enthusiasm. Tune in for insights that can elevate both personal and professional development. Plus, check out the recommended reading that dives deeper into the concept!