Be Amazing; At Home.: Recent Episodes
Viv Parry
The Be Amazing At Home podcast is brought to you by Viv Parry. The podcast is here to help you find your own Amazing, with shared experiences and top tips to inspire and unleash your positivity and creativity.
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivjparry
Website https://www.beamazingltd.com/
Despite the dodgy broadband this episode is a joyful conversation with the utterly inspirational Julia Gash.
Julia shares some amazing insights from her wide ranging career in lingerie, retail, printing, manufacturing and now illustration.
There's still more to come as Julia is set on launching a book to guide other creatives wanting to make a success of a freelance career.
Of course there's also contributions from the cats, chickens and the cleaner.
Although this episode doesn't go quite to plan for a number of reasons, it's a wonderful chat with the founder of Mantra Media the delightful Johnny Pawlik.
It starts with a failed attempt to record Johnny playing guitar and moves into a discussion about acceptance.
We also chat about that old chestnut work life balance, along with some thoughts on how to live your life with purpose.
We wrap up with Johnny sorting out his lunch, vegan macaroni cheese, in case anyone's interested.
As always a joyful chat.
Just one of many questions posed in this lovely conversation with the best selling author of Survival Skills for Freelancers the amazing Sarah Townsend.
We talk about Sarah's career journey, her writing process, mentoring, bird watching and much much more.
I loved recording this episode, despite the fact that we have never actually met nor had a conversation before the recording there's lots of honesty, warmth and laughs. It's yet another big up to the Freelanceher100 programme where we both mentored that such fantastic friendships have been formed.
In this episode I'm all alone in the podcast studio.
Not because I've run out of guests but because I recently did a business talk and thought it would be good to share it in the studio.
I turned around a bakery business whilst being a single parent to three strong independent young women.
Here's some thoughts on the things I know now, that I don't know if I would have known had I not grown my own business.
There's also some thoughts from my daughters on what the experience was like for them.
You may want to pop your headphones on if there are children present. There's just the odd ***.
Introducing the amazing Gary Nightingale
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garynightingalebusinessillustration/
Lots of lovely sound bites in this episode as we ramble around how Gary's work has changed in the last year then move into conversations around the creative processes involved in writing.
"Looking optimistically to the future by looking realistically to the past. "
Gary and I met through storytelling and both enjoy spending time and connecting with people who ignite something meaningful in us. If that makes us excitable and manic then so be it !
The episode also features a silent dog.
A lovely Friday afternoon conversation from my kitchen table. Stefano Capacchione and I share some giggles and also some deep moments as we discuss the super powers of storytelling.
One for anyone in business struggling to find their audience or anyone looking to put pen to paper to tell their story.
As Stefano says, use words to communicate in a way that leads your audience "to think, feel and take action."
Sound quality not always the best but I'm ever the fan of substance over form!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanocapacchione/
https://puckcreations.com/
A little ramble to introduce the next episode which features the wonderful creative writer and branding guru https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanocapacchione/
Stefano uses words to make people think, feel and take action.
The AtHome podcast today gained the sub-title "the kitchen table sessions"
The podcasts are definitely not for the sound purists, but for those interested in connecting with fellow storytellers then come on in to the kitchen!
There's one story in the trailer and plenty more in the episode.
Naomi Timperley is back in the studio to talk about her latest project.
https://www.thelanding.org.uk/freelanceher100/
We share some love on Valentine's day and some thoughts on mentoring, coaching and lifting others up.
Cobwebs dusted off and the Be Amazing studio is open again.
Looking forward to lots of chats and giggles with some new guests and some revisits from previous guests.
No specific topics just a bit of free fall conversation with some amazing guests to inspire and energise.
In this episode my wonderful guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-babar-evans-44320723/ have a good old chat about the power of human connection.
Natasha is a coach, leader and enabler with an interesting and varied career that currently sees her doing great things in the world of entrepreneurs. We talk about the experiences and personal learnings that have brought her to this point.
We also do some contemplating on the shape of co working and shared office space in the months ahead.
A lovely upbeat episode with a good dose of mutual admiration.
The virtual studio gets dusted down and reopens after a few weeks of quiet times.
We're back with a lot of energy and thoughts on getting back to business, with a particular focus on people.
In this episode we introduce the lovely Alastair of https://swindlehurstconsultingltd.com/
We talk all things people, culture, performance management, brews, hot cross buns, mums and hobbit houses.
There's a few laughs and a good spattering of northern banter.
We finally come to the conclusion that people who love people also love hanging out by themselves in the wardrobe.
The second episode featuring the wonderful https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomitimperley/ growth and innovation expert, talking about her co authored chapters from the book http://digital-transformation-book.org.uk/about/
We talk all things collaboration and Naomi shares the nine key principles of successful collaboration which actually sound like principles for life !
We also talk about the importance of preparing people and implementing new processes to enable successful digital transformation.
Naomi shares her words of wisdom about the importance of identifying a problem that is being solved rather than digitisation as a goal in itself.
An all round informative and fun conversation.
A wonderful conversation with the amazing https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomitimperley/
We talk about the book http://digital-transformation-book.org.uk/about/ which features two chapters co-authored by Naomi.
This is a perfect listen for anyone who wants to launch a new business idea or indeed bring about change in their organisation.
Naomi also shares her experiences of facilitating hackathons and I finally gain an understanding of what they actually are !
Always a pleasure to talk with this wonderful human !
There's another chapter and another episode coming very soon .
An episode in which a wide range of topics are covered from veg boxes and postmen to customer experience and business re-engineering.
My guest is the wonderful https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mckerracher-2782b11/
Founder of the growth focussed business
https://www.scaleupfocus.com/
A really uplifting episode with the fantastic Marion of www.mariongamel.com
Marion is an executive coach with a special interest in the often missed debilitating condition of imposter syndrome.
We talk about how it manifests and what actions to take to deal with it.
If you want a copy of Marion's brief guide to the syndrome please get in touch with either of us via our websites or LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariongamel/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivjparry/
This is the book that we reference in the episode.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Thoughts-Successful-Women-Impostor-ebook/dp/B004KPM1N0
A fantastic wide ranging chat with the lovely https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hetherington/ who has risen to the challenge of taking on a new role during lockdown.
It's a lovely upbeat conversation with a big mention for https://daletech.co.uk/
Thoughts about going beyond customer service to customer delight. How to benefit from funding to support innovation. What Generation C are all about. FOMO, JOMO Start Ups Resilience and a whole heap more !
An incredibly moving episode in which I talk to the amazing human being that is https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevephillipsalestrainer/ Steve is founder of https://thejordanlegacy.com/a charity in memory of his son Jordan who took his own life on the 4th December 2019.
Steve in his own words is "a grieving father, trying to do something".
Not an easy listen but a powerful and inspiring one.
An uplifting episode focused on well being with my gorgeous guest Julie McGann founder of https://www.unicornenlight.com/
We talk all things mental well being, growth mindset, slowing down, being introspective, meditating, walking, mindfulness, creativity, yoga and skateboarding.
This time is an opportunity for re-design , truth and honesty.
A chat with the lovely https://www.mariongamel.com/ as we warm up for our recording of an episode on Imposter Syndrome next week.
We chat all things connection and leading with love. Overcomplicating simple things and missing humans and cappuccino.
How do we adjust the way we think about the world ?
How do we cope with the weirdness of our lives right now ?
These and many more questions answered on this episode by the amazing https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmashawlearndevelopcoach/
A really energising chat with the fab Emma.
I lost bits of the conversation due to a zoom fail and also forgot to turn off various notifications, but despite all that I think you'll find this episode really inspiring and life affirming.
In conversation with the wonderful founder of https://www.maiden-voyage.com/ Carolyn Pearson.
It's a joyful episode despite the huge impact of the current situation on Carolyn's travel business.
We talk about how she built her business and then ramble into her relationship and lockdown status, a bit about yoga, how good she looks in a bikini and a huge section on pies, big shout out to https://greatnorthpie.co/ .
There is also some relatively serious stuff about how Carolyn thinks international travel will change coming out of lockdown.
Definitely one to listen to if you want to eavesdrop on two pals having a good old catch up and a few giggles as they revisit their potential comedy careers.
An episode focused on mental well being.
My guest the wonderful Dave Kneeshaw, founder of https://www.betterminds.org.uk/ shares some of his tips and strategies for dealing with the daily challenges to our well being.
We talk about feelings being useful or not useful rather than good or bad and also the importance of sharing our feelings.
There's also a big shout out to https://mantrahq.com/ . !
Hope you enjoy this episode it's actually just another rambly chat with a top human, that includes some absolute nuggets of wisdom from someone who's built a life based on helping others to be their best selves.
The wonderful Joe https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensonjoe/ talks through his lockdown experiences, including some learnings from a rather dramatic incident involving a large amount of blood!
We chat all things mental health including the importance of having a supportive employer and being kind to yourself.
We explore the synergy between creativity and cyber security.
Plus there's some listening and viewing recommendations and an explanation of "Little Prince".
The wonderful Stacey Kelly founder of the Early Years Story Box joins me as a super positive and inspirational guest.
Stacey is a talented illustrator and teacher. In this episode she talks about pivoting her business, remaining up beat even though her main market isn't currently accessible.
She also describes turning out a book in 24 hours to enable her young children to understand, without creating fear, the current lockdown situation.
We have a good old rant and ramble about being true to yourself and ditching the self limiting beliefs. Along with learning to let go of the things you can't change.
Grab a beer and join in the fun and giggles.
A wonderfully warm conversation with the gorgeous human that is Michelle https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemullany/
We cover a number of topics including networking and the power of connections. Changes in our approach to work and if they will be permanent changes ?
How do you continue to fulfil a Business Development role in lockdown?
A guest appearance from Michelle's dog along with some giggles around trying to maintain sartorial elegance and the pros and cons of zoom calls.
Also some reflections on how those behaving badly will not be forgotten.
This episode was recorded during the day but could quite easily have been a chat in the pub.
It's me and my wonderful pal Naomi Timperley just having a right old gas.
It's a cosy conversation between two buddies in which we cover a range of subjects from ear wax to ideation.
Naomi also does a couple of shout outs to events this weekend Tech Stars and Euvirus She also mentions a couple of binge worthy box sets, but you'll just have to find those yourself.
We also share some hilarious memories of lovely times on Freshwalks we will be back!!!
On being a paperless accountant.
Should we get dressed for video calls?
How to be a "buddy" to work colleagues whilst home working.
Pet rabbits and social distancing.
Wedding plans.
Supporting friends.
Managing the media noise.
Just doing nothing, rather than colouring and cross stitch.
A mother and daughter ramble through work and life coping strategies.
Another episode with the wonderful Steph founder of Magic Milestones .
This time we have a good old delve into parenting and running a business, both now and in pre crisis times.
Will the realisation of the pressure that the combined demands of parenting and entrepreneurship bring shift some of the current biases ?
We also talk about Maslow and his hierarchy of needs and how this is more and less relevant now, depending on if you have your children at home or if you are alone and really getting to grips with self actualisation.
Also we chat through data and how we are really being fed the wrong analytics right now.
So some serious stuff but also some giggles and positivity.
It's back to me, talking to myself again.
Sharing some thoughts inspired by my pal Tim Carr on feeling completely exhausted after another rollercoaster of a week.
Also a bit of a chat about making new connections and not being marmite inspired by Simon Glenn
But mainly just giving myself and others permission to put the pjs on, cuddle down in a comfy chair and watch something on catch up.
Saturday and time to recharge and reset.
An episode with the media superstar Tracey Dawson
Tracey is MD of Daletech Electronics Ltd and someone who I am privileged to call a great friend as well as a close colleague.
We have a chat about all things building trust and working with resilience, as well as talking about the challenges of being locked inside with our own grown up children.
Saying no to jigsaws and colouring !!
Some tips on decision making, compromise and planning for the new normal let's press that reset button !
If you're interested in listening to some thoughts about diversity and inclusion and you can cope with my laptop noisily overheating, then this is the episode for you !
My guest Sarah Simcoe has some great insights to share as we ramble through our mutual coaching experiences and the current huge opportunities for collaboration with the hope of the world emerging as a better place to cohabit !
Not the best in terms of recording quality but absolutely one of the best in relation to human reactions to crisis.
An episode in which Sarah shares some thoughts on collaboration and the amazing work she's doing on Diversity and Inclusion through her platform Embed
We share a few giggles too and bond over our mutual failure to complete our coaching assignments.
Not an episode for sound geeks as my laptop overheats and fizzes all the way through, but I think the content shines through the fizz !
An episode in which we talk about the future of networking, is the old model now obsolete ?
My guest Steph, founder of Magic Milestones certainly thinks the days of balancing wine in one hand, food in another and trying to connect with random folk are numbered. Time to bring out the avatars including the panther.
We talk about bonding through games, being open about our emotions and then some stuff about values, culture and trust.
I also mess about with editing.
An episode in which I was supposed to be live tasting the wonderful products from Frankly Delicious but somehow I'd already eaten them so we just chatted instead.
Talking all things starting a business in an ethical way and building resilience to deal with any crisis not just the current one.
Inspiration and fun from Frank along with more of my cheery Be Amazing backing track.
An episode where I struggle to get a word in edgeways as my guest Jon Stroud, founder of Jist Studios shares his thoughts on lockdown in a one bedroom apartment, managing and leading a creative team and how zebras are just horses copied and pasted.
Jeff the xmas decoration makes a guest appearance too.
In this episode I also show off my creative skills as I fade in and out the new Be Amazing theme tune.
A conversation with Dan Burton, sharing some giggles and creative solutions to the current situation.
Wfh in a shared house and creating new routines. Some weird disclosures about lounge wear and harem pants.
Some links to Dan's photography work here
A few frozen bloopers due to dodgy wifi but we pressed on regardless. Also some cheesy jokes.
I'm getting more guests on here to give you the option to eavesdrop on conversations with friends and while away the hours at this crazy time.
Lessons from decision making at a time of crisis to carry forward to more "normal" times,
along with some thoughts on preparing for the future.
Also a mention of some impending guests to break up the solo ramblings.
The lovely Emma Stocks is the inaugural guest.
We talk all things "wfh" how to create mental barriers to separate work from recreation.
Making the most of the current situation to do new things and a bit about foraging.
and why we need to stop skipping around the meadow.
Includes a shout out to https://www.vaudioaudio.com/
and a solution to what to do with the Rainbow Chard.
A little ramble inspired by conversations today on how to approach the bank holiday weekend.
If you can't be bothered to listen to the episode, the answer is yes, you should ! These last few weeks have been really tough.
No vegetables are mentioned in this episode.
The power of emotions at this time and how to cope with the highs and lows.
A little anecdote about feet.
Some stuff about vegetables.
The power of forging and deepening human connections.
How we can help each other?
A little bit on cash flow forecasting, sorry!
How to sift through and find the really valuable connections.
An introduction to the Be Amazing; At home podcast series.
Inspiration and daily thoughts.
Including a question about Rainbow Chard.