The AC Podcast

Bernadette Thomas, a coach specializing in wellbeing in the workplace, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, to discuss the importance of leaders modelling self-care and empathy, cultivating emotional intelligence, and managing stress to create supportive environments. Bernadette explains the challenges of isolation for leaders and highlights the significance of social connections and community in enhancing well-being. The conversation also addresses the challenges of menopause in the workplace and the need for awareness and support. Practical advice includes setting achievable well-being goals and the need for open communication and creating safe spaces for discussing well-being and issues that may arise. You will learn: · Strategies for leaders to model self-care and foster a culture of well-being · The impact of stress on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics · Why prioritizing well-being for leaders and their teams is vital for an effective and supportive work environment "Being empathetic, being a compassionate leader, being your authentic self, and role modelling what you do to look after yourself are crucial behaviours for a leader." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_wellbeing-rolemodelling-healthy-habits

Pooja Sachdev, a coach and occupational psychologist, joins host Simone Sweeney to discuss the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in leadership. Pooja provides, in Simone's words, 'one of the best definitions of diversity, inclusion and equity I have ever heard.' They discuss the challenges organizations face in achieving true DEI and the phenomenon of 'diversity fatigue' and explore challenges like managing multi-generational teams and addressing poor leadership behaviour. They also discuss allyship and give practical strategies for leaders to enhance their inclusive practices. An informative, reflective episode that underscores the importance of a human-centric leader being an inclusive leader and the important role coaching plays in supporting this. You will learn: · The distinction between diversity, equity, and inclusion as separate but interconnected concepts. · The role of empathy in effective leadership and its impact on team dynamics · The value of diverse thinking and perspectives in driving innovation and problem solving 'When I say cultural intelligence, I don't mean cultural expertise. It's about cultural humility and being aware that the way I see the world and my cultural conditioning may not be the same as somebody else's.' For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_dei-empathy-culture

Rachael Hanley-Browne, CEO of Team Lab and an advocate for well-being coaching, shares her insights on effective leadership. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and context in shaping strong leaders, especially in small businesses. The discussion unpacks the delicate balance between courage and vulnerability in leadership roles, highlighting that effective styles can vary across industries. Rachael also offers practical coaching tips and explores the continuous journey of learning necessary for adapting leadership in today's dynamic environment.

Julie Flower, a seasoned leadership and team development practitioner with a rich background in the public sector, provides valuable insights on modern leadership challenges. She discusses the importance of adaptability and emotional intelligence in navigating change. Julie highlights the balance between collaboration and influence within teams. Creative techniques like improvisation are showcased as tools to foster soft skills and inspire collaboration. Ultimately, she emphasizes creating supportive environments for effective leadership.

Liz Rider, an organizational psychologist and thought leader in human-centric leadership, joins Simone Sweeney for an enlightening discussion. They dive into the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and trust in transforming managers into impactful leaders. Liz emphasizes how coaching can enhance team engagement and highlights the role of AI in fostering human connections. The conversation underscores the necessity of psychological safety, feedback, and genuine relationships in creating a thriving workplace culture.

Lesley Roberts, coach and author of the highly rated 'Coaching Outdoors: the essential guide to partnering with nature in your coaching conversations', joins our host Rob Lawrence in this final episode of our Coaching Outdoors series. Lesley shares the moment in beautiful Glencoe, Scotland, that was a catalyst for her profound connection with nature and the career she has now. She discusses the benefits of coaching in natural settings and gives examples of the transformations that happen for clients. Discover how nature can resource coaches, improving mental and physical health and wellbeing, and Lesley's vision for the future where nature is central to coaching and organizational practices. A warm and inspiring conversation that invites you to discover the magic of the natural world for yourself. You will learn: · Practical tips for integrating nature into your coaching practice · Addressing perceived limitations and fostering client comfort in outdoor settings · The spiritual connection to nature and its role in coaching "I do believe in the power of nature, I believe in magic and miracles that happen in nature, and I think nature proves to us time and time again that there is magic and that there are miracles." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_transformation-perspective-practice

Jackee Holder, Executive Leadership Coach, Coach Supervisor and Creativity Expert, joins our host Rob Lawrence to share her profound connection to nature in her home city of London and how she uses this to enhance her coaching and supervision practice. Using real-life examples Jackee describes a variety of ways she uses nature in her coaching conversations and the impact it has on clients. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature, even in urban settings, for personal growth and emotional expression. Jackee also highlights inclusivity, cultural awareness and bias, and the therapeutic power of nature in fostering community well-being. You will learn: · The use of nature as a metaphor in coaching to facilitate deeper self-reflection and creativity · Resources and tools for integrating nature into coaching practices · The concept of nature as an equalizer, transcending societal barriers "I want people to know that you do not have to pack your bags, go and stay in the countryside. Get away to the seaside. I want people to be resourced with the nature that is on their doorstep." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_urban-nature-connection-metaphors

George Warren, executive coach and podcaster, joins our host, Rob Lawrence, to share his reflections on why and how he offers clients the opportunity to take their sessions outside in nature. Nature is the place that inspires and sustains George, and he encourages all coaches to find a place that ignites them, allowing them to be the best version of themselves as coaches, whether that is nature, art galleries, or other similar locations. He shares his journey from Zoom calls and indoor sessions to coaching whilst walking – a practice that has taught him a deepening level of self-care, happiness, and health that changed his work and personal life for the better. You will learn: · The benefits to himself, his clients, and coaching itself · The deep self-care nature offers · The wisdom, insight, and self-awareness nature offers "I am happier, I am healthier, I am more connected to something greater than myself, I am more inspired when I am outdoors." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_nature-coaches-self-care-benefits

Hamish Mackay Lewis, a leadership and life coach, facilitator and breathwork practitioner, joins host Rob Lawrence in this deeply rich and sensitive conversation about nature connection and coaching in nature. Hamish takes us on a journey through 'The Connection Sequence' in such a beautiful and powerful way that it will be hard to resist the invitation to go into nature yourself. He shares how he overcame imposter syndrome and anxiety trying to meet other people's expectations of who he should be and how they thought he should live his life, which informs his coaching today. Hamish describes the sacredness of deepening our connection with nature, the ancient wisdom that inform his life and work, as well as a growing interest in the use of rituals. Whether you are a coach or not, and whatever type of coach you are this conversation is worth listening to - it will awaken something you might not even know is there. You will learn: · The principles and journey of the connection sequence · The three pathways to your authentic self · Seasonal Alchemy and the transformative power of nature "I met some really inspiring people who were working at the confluence of adventure, spirituality, nature connection, and human development. I knew this was me, this was what I'd been looking for." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_spirituality-connection-sequence

Ellie Lloyd-Jones, an outdoor coach who integrates nature into her practice, shares her inspiring journey of using the outdoors for mental health and coaching. She highlights the transformative benefits of netwalking events, emphasizing how nature alleviates anxiety and fosters mindfulness. Ellie discusses her experiences helping neurodiverse clients thrive in outdoor settings, showcases the importance of community, and advocates for staying active to enhance well-being. Tune in for insightful stories about the healing power of nature!