Meet me on the M53: Recent Episodes
Fay Blakey and Rebekah Whitaker
What do you get when you cross a coach for business owners and leaders from Shropshire with a leadership coach from Rossendale?
Great insights, a lot of laughs and ideas that get you thinking.
Join us at the M53 services for our chats about maximising your potential and living your best life personally and professionally - and of course, a cuppa and a butty.
Talking about 'we can do hard things'.
This year, both Becki and Fay have done some 'hard things' and it's good to recognise what we can actually do because we don't always give ourselves the credit.
What are you doing that's a 'hard thing'? How are you coping, managing, getting on with it? Do you believe you can do these hard things?
It's important to remember that we don't know what's going on for other people - and what hard things they're dealing with at any time - and so remembering to show people some grace if it's needed.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you having a break for the summer? Or are you powering through?
In this episode, Fay and Becki are talking about their summer plans which seem to be a mix of work and a much looked forward to break.
We talk about the science behind why it's good to have a break and how this can re-energise us - and this led to a bit of a chat about sleep and how we both have and do use sleep for that energising factor.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Is stress real or do people create their stress?
Perhaps a better questions is to ask what stress means to those involved if we're talking about their stress because people will have different tolerances to stressful situations.
Becki talks about two different types of stress:
Eustress is challenging but manageable and leads to growth Distress is difficult and has a negative outcome.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What even is an accidental manager?
It's the transition we make from being a team member to a team manager.
Perhaps you're now running the team you used to be a part of. How can you make the best of this situation?
You've probably got the job because your leadership potential has been identified. But how do you navigate this change?
This is what we're talking about this week - tune in to find out how we managed this in our careers.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you askinng me if I'm not prepared to be successful?
No!!! On the contrary.
Failure is a big part of success.
Going through the motions - doing new things - stepping out of our comfort zone means that things may not always go to plan. There are risks to be taken that might not pay off... at least the first time.
The key is being prepared to fail - but learning from the failure. All of our best lessons come from those failures.
In the training or presentation space - what are you delivering?
Is it 'Death by Powerpoint'?
Some hints and tips for deliverers - or feedback you can give if you're a participant.
1) Where are you designing your presentation and what images/design points can you use? 2) Have a 'hook' 3) Keep your slides clean - minimal content 4) Make your audience feel like they matter 5) Is a slide even needed? 6) Be a subject expert
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
The rider, the elephant and the path!
A concept to help you think about change.
If we want to make some change, our brain has to get involved. Our emotional side of the brain is more powerful than the rational side of the brain. The rider is the rational side of the brain - riding the elephant, the emotional side of the brain. The path is the clear direction for the elephant to follow, with the rider on its back.
Here's the link to watch the short video on YouTube https://youtu.be/X9KP8uiGZTs?si=kS6ryKOjfMAKPTN7
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
People can forget what you do and what you say - but they'll never forget how you make them feel.
Feelings stick with us - our emotions are strong. How do the people you're surrounded by make you feel?
We're responsible for how we feel - other people don't create those responses in our emotions - that's our response. And then we realise we have agency on changing our minds - we have control over how we feel.
People can try to make you feel a certain way - but how you feel ultimately, is on you. This can be empowering but also quite a confronting concept.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What are your top skills?
And are you putting yourself in situations where you can use them?
Are you considering them when your in situations that push you out of your comfort zone - i.e. how they might be able to help you?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
If you could wave a magic wand - what would your life be like?
What a question!
What are your big dreams and where are you now in terms of making those dreams come true?
We have this one life and it's our own responsibility to make sure we make the most of it, because one thing is for sure, Prince Charming isn't riding in to save us!
How often are you checking in on your dreams and making sure you're on the right track?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you feeling the stresses and strains of working a lot - burnout perhaps?
Workaholism is what it's been called in other media.
Workaholism is making headlines at the moment in the same way as alcoholism and/or drug abuse would impact lives.
Referencing The Guardian article that we talk about in the podcast https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/15/how-workaholism-can-leave-lifelong-scars-burnout?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How are you positioning yourself in the workplace to be seen - perhaps for promotion purposes - or to be 'seen' in your role?
Do you feel that, to do this, you need to mask the 'real you' and exploit other behaviours that don't come naturally? For example, if you're an introvert, do you feel you need to show up with more extrovert behaviours?
In this episode, we're discussing how you can be visible, but still be authentically you - or not feeling like you're showing off.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We can only meet you as far as we have met ourselves!
Meaning: When we're working with clients in coaching, we can go deep, if we've explored these deep areas with ourselves beforehand - so that we understand what it means to know ourselves in a deep and profound way.
The iceberg is the metaphor - we have those behaviours and traits that sit above the water line and this is what people see - what we know and see about ourselves too. Below the water line is unconscious behaviours and traits that we may not see - and others may only see glimpses of. But if we know what's there, we can make transformational changes.
This podcast explores what's below the waterline and what that might mean for you when, in coaching, we just start to chip away at the iceberg a little bit.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Do you feel confident to give feedback to others? This can help to reduce difficult conversations - however, many people don't feel comfortable having these conversations or even know how to give feedback well.
Giving positive feedback is often more easy - but what about the not-so-positive?
Ideally, feedback should be given when it's required - don't wait for annual reviews!
Consider what would happen if you don't give the feedback because you're not confident to have the conversation!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you dreaming big?
When we dream big, we might wonder - is it all a delusion of grandeur? I wonder what would happen if all entrepreneurs thought this way.
But they don't. When met with failure, Richard Branson would say 'dream bigger - and go again!'
When we're dreaming bigger, how are we thinking about our self worth?
How do we plan and strategise to meet our dreams and aspirations? What can help us?
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
This episode explores a common theme in leadership coaching for Becki and Fay - "I'm not a manager, so what I say doesn't matter!"
Is this something that's true for you?
Do you feel that your voice doesn't matter in a room? That your views aren't valid?
As we explore this, we wonder if it's a cultural issue - or, what's in a title?
This impacts people in terms of their frustrations, development, innovation, building relationships, and fostering leadership...
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today it's Fay's turn to have a rant!
Do you follow Gurus on social media and take them at their every word?
People set themselves up as 'experts' and we follow them - but then I see people losing the ability to think for themselves around the 'experts' subject. Asking questions like 'is this allowed?'
Critical thinking and making decisions is our responsibility.
If you really want to look for something, there will be evidence for something, everywhere - for and against. This is great because it means we don't have to take things at face value - we can read more into the subject, query what we're learning, check the facts, and make our own decisions.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Do you find yourself saying that people never listen to you? Or they never take you seriously? Or you have some other thought about someone that you take with you - maybe they often wind you up, etc.
Here's something to consider: if we only base the things we think about people from their past behaviours - they're never going to grow in the present.
We can all change - and if people never allow you to show who you are now - then they will only ever know a previous version of you.
Human nature means we have perceptions of people, hold grudges, have bad experiences, etc. Still, we have to remember that we can all change because we continue to develop based on our experiences and learning that we want to take on board.
It's important to understand the impact we have on others as well as the impact they have on us.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Can you do everything?
This year, so far, (2024), Fay has been making a jigsaw of her diary to get 'on top' of everything.
Subconsciously, she has seen messages from 'everywhere' saying 'you can't do everything'!
What happens as a result of taking everything on board - where does this leave us as people?
Before we know it, all our spare hours can be taken up with things we need to do - so we end up with no space to just 'be'. We can get into a habit of feeling that we must always be 'doing, doing, doing'.
But, here's the thing - just 'being' is enough! Just with yourself without distractions of tv, music, a book, a podcast, etc.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Becki wonders 'Is nothing good and pure anymore in and of itself?'
Things like: fiddling the algorithm on social media to your advantage; manipulating stories; getting one over on others for your own means, etc.
Technology enables competition and allows us to get ahead. Subsequently, this takes away the purity we may once have taken for granted.
As consumers of technology and information, we must do our due diligence to ensure we're not being hoodwinked and manipulated. It certainly makes it very difficult to know what we can believe these days!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you in alignment with your personal values?
Perhaps you’re not sure. Let’s face it, how often do we outwardly consider our values. But you will know when you’re out of alignment because something will just feel off.
So, take this opportunity to think about your values – how are you feeling about them? Do you need to reframe them in any way to help you make meaning of where you are right now? Are they even still current?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How do you think you're perceived at work?
This episode is inspired by a few different female clients who have talked about being perceived as a bitch - either because they have something to say or because of their way of working.
This is something Becki talks about having experienced in the workplace herself.
Do we need to worry about how others perceive us?
It's about:
- taking on the role and doing our job
- putting the boundaries in place that enable us to do this
- being able to speak up in meetings
- understanding we have the expertise Feeling comfortable in our professional shoes - self-confidence and self-worth and being assertive.
Let's not forget 'Bitch' = to make spiteful and critical comments.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about the Window of Tolerance concept - coined by Dr. Dan Siegel, MD - how we understand and describe our body and brain reactions.
To have 'tolerance'.
We all have a window for tolerance that can get bigger or smaller depending on what's going on in our lives.
How wide is your window of tolerance? What's happening in your life that might affect it - and how? What might you need to do to open up your window of tolerance and how will that impact you?
To have a window of tolerance - we need to have our needs met!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Is 'Coaching' becoming a bit of a buzzword in Leadership Development?
Leadership development often talks about different leadership styles - and a coaching style is one. Still, we wonder if leaders are adopting a true coaching style or paying lip service to it!
Coaching is different to advice and mentoring - and we often see some confusion here.
Key coaching skills that can be missed here are: deep listening; time for thought; letting go of the need to have the answers; and when and when not to use a coaching approach.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How do you let your team know that they're important to you? Do you value them?
Strong relationships are important with your team regarding productivity, performance and profits.
Everyone needs to understand WHY they come to work - how THEY make a difference - and if you're not valuing your team, that understanding can quickly disappear (on a personal level). You'll then start to see issues arise - absenteeism, productivity, etc.
Have listen to this episode for some ideas you can implement to show your team how you value them.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Things can easily become stressful situations - sometimes they're little things you feel shouldn't be stressful.
My stress will be different to yours.
What matters, is what we do about it.
At this time of year, we take on quite a mental load and there are expectations put upon us that we have to deal with. All of this can add to our stress bucket!
It's important to recognise these little things, so that we can explore the reality of our situation and help ourselves through so that they don't add to the bigger things.
Remember: there are no gold starts for those who have the most stressful things going on in their life.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you busy being busy - busy keeping occupied doing things that you think are important - but are these things actually moving the needle for you?
Do you know you're busy? Are you always busy? What are you achieving whilst you're busy?
This then can lead to overwhelm - where are you with regard to this?
All of this comes back to organisation? What is it that you actually want to get done? How can you make sure you do just that?
We share some strategies for helping you to be focused on what you need to do.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Bad leadership - when do we see this and what does it mean?
Toxicity - and the toxic culture - why does this happen?
Egos! Are leaders making leadership about themselves? Is it even leadership if it's not working?
Have a listen to see what we think - and of course, we'd love to know your thoughts too.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, Becki poses the question "what would we be if we weren't coaches?"
So we ponder on this - chat about what we've done before and what our interests are now - and what lights our fire.
Tune in to listen to find out!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Does working on your own hamper your personal and professional development? - Talking about what we pick up from our working environment and working with other people.
We pick up so much from just being around other people - quick, short, sharp conversations or even listening to other conversations. Do we therefore struggle because we're not around other people so much?
We're noticing people are happy to be socialising more again.
There's also the fun element - bouncing ideas around the desk, which can lead to another level of conversation.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We get a bee in our bonnets about communication!
And so, this episode is about 'clear' communication and why it's important.
People's expectations can be managed with clear communication when we take responsibility for the messages we're giving.
Think - 'What do I need to communicate?''Is my message consistent?' 'What have I said before about this?' 'How can people find out more information about this? - or FAQs.'
Also, consider what's easier for you - verbal or written communication. And consider who is receiving your communication - and what's best for them.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want? What a great question!
Do you really need to give anything up - why can't you just have it all?
But don't assume that you need to give up something good!
Also, is it us trying to have it all that leads to chronic stress and burnout?
We share an exercise to help you prioritise your goals - Warren Buffet's 'Danger 20'.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
The weight and responsibility of leadership - inspired by mine and Becki's clients.
Leadership training, courses, books - don't really cover what the role of leadership really means. Bringing leadership to a human level means 'who and I and where do I sit in leadership?' 'how can I lead and inspire people?' - it's a weight and a responsibility.
When we get into the nitty gritty of leadership roles, there's so much we weren't expecting to be there.
We don't want to be dragged down by the role - we can't operate at our best from this level.
In this episode, we explore what leadership can look like for you and how you can play around with different styles of leadership and make the role your own.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How can hobbies help you with your development of yourself?
Do you have a hobby?
I talk about the fact that I don't have anything that I perceive to be a hobby. But do my hobbies look different to how I perceive other peoples to be?
We talk about how hobbies can help you to regulate your nervous system and why that's important.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
An episode inspired by the sitcom 'Schitt's Creek'!
And we're talking about - can you trust your instincts?
Where does the message come from when we feel we have instincts? The brain or the body? Past experiences or something new?
We have data within our body that we can rely on - but we need to know how to access it and interpret it. So we give you an idea of how you can start to do this.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today, we're talking about taking a different view of 'luck'.
Is it really 'luck'?
If not luck - then what is it?
We're talking about the choices we make as individuals. Sometimes when we observe others, we might think they're lucky if they have things that we don't.
But is it really luck, or a different lens, or choices that others make that we don't even think to make?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
When you feel you're stuck in a vicious circle - you're doing things that perpetuate where you are. But you can't always get off the circle.
When you break the actions, do new things, take different action, things change and a chain of change can start to happen - all of a sudden you can find yourself on more of a virtuous circle. - This is where positive thinking tends to happen.
What vicious circles are you on and what changes do you need to make?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Knowledge is empowering - once you know better, you have the ability to do better.
But - sometimes we wish we didn't know certain things - because that means we have to make a choice: Ignore the new knowledge OR implement the change - and embrace the impact the change will bring.
Is this a barrier for you if you want to develop yourself further? Once you know new things - are you ready to implement the change and are you prepared for that change?
We talk today about managing that change - perhaps we need to give ourselves permission to go slowly, to get things wrong, and feel annoyed by the responsibility of the new knowledge...
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How you do anything is how you do everything! - This statement gets us thinking - is this true?
Perhaps on a very big picture level - but certainly not when you get into the nitty-gritty of a situation.
Perhaps this way of doing things comes in waves throughout our lives - it's not linear, depending on what we're doing at any given time.
What are your thoughts?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Personal branding - perhaps not something you think about unless you're a business owner. When you work in an organisation, you may not often think about your personal branding in the role you have.
Personal branding: what do you want to be known for?
Personal brand is about knowing your purpose - what are you here to do? How do you visualise that? And how does that sit with your values?
And this can be helpful in terms of how you climb the ladder of your career; the types of jobs you do; the types of organisations you will want to work with/for.
Understanding your personal brand will ultimately help your self-fulfilment.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode we're looking at making the best of situations - acceptance of what's going on for ourselves.
When things happen to us, our sympathetic nervous system is activated - our fight, flight and freeze response. Accepting what happens in our lives can help to bring our nervous system out of the fight, flight, freeze response and back to our executive functioning so that we can get on with our lives in a healthy and sustainable way.
In order to do this, we can accept. Feel the feelings and think the thoughts, which will help us to move on.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about being ready to do something. Being ready is actually a decision that we make!
What does this mean?
It means we make a decision to do something - rather than waiting for the motivation to start.
Sometimes we get out dopamine from things that fly in the face of the things we want to achieve - so making the decision to do something means that you have to be aware of what could stop you, how it makes you feel, think and behave - and what needs to be different.
Keep the end result in mind!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
A special episode. This is number 100! A milestone.
We're celebrating being in pursuit of the better you!
We're re-visiting the essence of the podcast and chatting about what it means to us to be in pursuit of the better us.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Tony Cerella ACC, who talks to us about transitioning from a long standing service in the US Army.
How this is, when 23 years of your life and identity is one thing, to then being in a whole new world.
Tony talks about navigating his feelings, his meaning, his worth - for himself and his family.
He talks about being coached at the start of his transition and how coaching changed his life - so much so, that he is now trained as an ICF accredited coach, to coach others.
You can connect with Tony on LinkedIn here.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How can we have difficult conversations in a healthy and productive way?
Often we avoid the difficult conversation - but in doing this, we're not helping ourselves - it doesn't make the issue go away.
Difficult conversations and situations will always exist - and subjects might be emotive, so we need to consider how we need to be in order to sort them out well.
Understanding the person we're having the conversation with is vital and setting up the communication so that it's objective (perhaps processes need to be in place).
Simon Sinek says it's important to lean into having these conversations - he has a model - FBI - it sounds really effective, you can learn more here.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What happens when you don't feel creative? When you're not on it. How do you turn those feelings around? What does creativity even mean to you?
We're talking here about how creativity may look different to how you think it should - perhaps we need to be creative about how we're creative. Are you giving yourself permission to think that you can have good ideas and be creative?
Creativity doesn't always come when you want it to. You likely won't be creative when you're sat at your desk. Your brain needs some downtime in order to fire those creative thoughts - doing different things helps.
Have a listen to hear our thoughts on how you can ignite your creativity.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We've realised we actually disagree with each other on something! Shock horror!
Fay is very much an 'all or nothing' kind of person.
Becki is more 'slow and steady wins the race'.
We both have the same goal at the moment - but we're approaching it from different ways. We'll have to wait to see which may work better - if any!
But when you consider how you approach your goals - which way works best for you?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about jealousy today in this episode - what does this mean for us when we're feeling all the feels of jealousy.
Becki and I invite you to think about when you last felt jealous and what was going on there? What was it all about?
Often, we can feel jealous because we're feeling 'I wish...' 'I want to do that too.' Wishing we'd done something that we're seeing others do.
We explore if it's healthy to be a bit jealous, but what happens when it gets more than just a bit.
Questions you can ask about your feelings: Why am I feeling like this? What do I want to do about this? What's feasible for me to do right now? How might I like to feel differently?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How are you at speaking up in meetings?
Are you shy? Do you not like the sound of your voice? Do you think your opinions aren't valid?
What would give you the confidence to speak up in meeting?
Facilitation of meetings is important to consider when being or feeling able to speak up in meetings. How are you being included? - How are you including others?
It's important to have your voice heard in meetings - this is where innovation happens, collaboration, getting known for who you are - and also to be able to support your team so that you can be effective as a team.
In this episode, we share tips to help you start contributing in meetings - giving you the confidence to do so.
We reference Greg Ballard - Agree & Commit, Disagree & Commit - you can watch the clip here.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
How clear are you on who you are and what you do so that you can be impactful and influential in your role?
Are you trying to influence someone - who maybe can't be influenced? How much time are you spending here? What might you need to do or think differently?
A useful tool to help you understand how you can think and do differently, is Stephen Covey's circles of influence. It helps us realise what we can control and what we can't. And as such, what do you need to let go of?
When we shift the external want inwards, we realise how impactful we truly are. We're letting the negative energy go.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about failure - thinking about reframing our thoughts here - and the idea of embracing the possibility of failure.
How does failure fit with 'fixed' and 'growth' mindset - the work of Carol Dweck?
Becki asks the question - what are you willing to fail at, as a manager or a leader?
Fay responds to that question in that she's not 'willing' to fail but she's accepting that she's not always going to be 100% - and has the ability to sit back and reflect on what didn't go right.
What does your failure mean to your self-belief. Do you instantly crash when something goes wrong - or are your resiliant and able to bounce back up?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode we're thinking about preparing for an appraisal / performance review.
How does it make you feel if you're asked to bring a list of your achievements to your appraisal?
What else do you need to do to prepare to the best of your ability so that you go into your appraisal feeling comfortable and confident?
Have a listen, because as always, we have some tips for you.
Also - if appraisals are just paid lip service in your organisation - then do listen in to find out why they're an important process and how they can help you to grow on an organisational, team and individual level.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we share a great coaching tool called 'The Wheel of Life' - it's a really versatile tool that could help you in your life, or your career, or a relationship - anywhere where things aren't quite in balance.
We explain how to use the wheel and how you can self-coach yourself and reflect on what's important to you - where are you now, where do you want to be - and how you can get there.
When you've completed the Wheel, you'll have a personal plan to help you move forward in whatever area or areas are important to you.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What's the difference between belonging and fitting in?
As human beings, we have that need for connection - our network and our connection with others to help us thrive.
But there are 2 sides to this - the fact that we fit in and the other side, belonging.
We can often make sure we fit in - to ensure our needs are met - but how do we get to the point of belonging - and what's the difference?
Have a listen to find out.
Contact
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you always eating the broken egg? I.e. if something isn't quite right - do you always give yourself the 'crappy end of the stick'?
Those things that lead to you re-thinking situations are often bought about by the small things that you put up with - little molehills that mount up over time.
If we flip this - the other side might be that you're good at asking for your needs to be met - and having a sense of your own self worth.
But can you have a sense of your own self worth but still be the one eating the broken egg becuase you're just being considerate of people? And if that's you - what does that mean for you?
Contact
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're thinking about the things we do that our future selves will and won't thank us for.
And this is about becoming quite conscious of what we are doing in the moment - and the impact that that has for you in the future.
Sometimes we have to think about what we really want and how our daily actions impact what we ultimately want. Sometimes we think 'oh just this once' but those small actions can have big impact and if they're not positive actions then the overall result is unlikely to be totally positive.
When trying to implement something new - discipline outweighs motivation and we have to make it easy for ourselves to move forward when the motivation is low.
'Discomfort in the moment' - we must be uncomfortable to change.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're talking about the value found in work conversations that aren't about work.
What do you actually know about your colleagues? How does that help you with your social relationships?
There's a lot that comes from chit-chat. Primarily a human need to be social and fill our happiness cup. Also, how much more we can get out of 'work' relationships when we build trust and safety with our work colleagues.
Listen to hear about Becki's 'ice breaker' exercise and how Fay cracked a relationship that was seemingly a little hard going.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
High performers in the workplace - and how coaching can be a really fabulous intervention to develop high performers more fully.
In this podcast, we're busting a myth that coaching is an intervention to fix problems - it's the opposite! Coaching is essential to help you get from good to great!
One of Becki's dreams is that all organisations employ a coach in residence to normalise going to see a coach - when things are going well.
Coaching allows you to take thinking time. These days, with hybrid working, we miss out on this somewhat. But key time to think is crucial to help you see things differently, to enable decision making.
But how can you quantify return on investment for thinking time? Every well thought out training intervention is valuable to your people and your organisation - and we talk about this further and how this works in this episode.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're talking Love Letters!
Love Letters to the people on our team. This is where you pick a word that describes a person positively - and then tell them!
It involves a level of psychological safety - allowing people to feel vulnerable with their team and feeling safe in this space to say their words - and to receive their words.Â
This is important for people relationships - growing together as a team - understanding how others perceive you - what you bring to the team environment.Â
When was the last time you told your teammates how they positively impact your day?
What's personal effectiveness - what does it mean to you and what can you do to develop it?
It's all about you performing at your best - but thinking about the non-technical skills within your role - which allow you to knit your technical skills together. Things like communication; time-management; confidence; stress management, etc...
It is what it says on the tin - but also leading into how you're being effective as a person, a team and in your organisation.
These personal effective skills really support your technical abilities.
In this episode, we're discussing the importance of personal effectiveness and how it fits with our clients when they come to coaching.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What's personal effectiveness - what does it mean to you and what can you do to develop it?
It's all about you performing at your best - but thinking about the non-technical skills within your role - which allow you to knit your technical skills together. Things like communication; time-management; confidence; stress management, etc...
It is what it says on the tin - but also leading into how you're being effective as a person, a team and in your organisation.
These personal effective skills really support your technical abilities.
In this episode, we're discussing the importance of personal effectiveness and how it fits with our clients when they come to coaching.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Stand up and own your expertise - you can create an impact and be influential through what you already know.Â
How can owning who you are and what you do develop you further - how can you get out of your own way so that you own it?
Are you letting the limits of your expertise - the stuff that you still need to learn - hold you back from showcasing where you are right now?
Does language get in the way for you - do you grapple with being an 'expert'?
If you're answering 'yes' here - then listen to this episode and hear our thoughts and the tools we share to help you own yourself and your expertise a lot more.Â
On undertaking a 'Strengthscope' test, Fay's greatest strength, within the context of work, came out as 'common sense' - and it made her feel a little bit weird.
On mentioning this to Becki, Becki laughed!
And so, in this episode, we're exploring common sense.
Becki questions whether common sense is even a thing - on the back of our common sense coming off the back of our personal lived experience - and we're all different - so how much is actually common?
We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today, we're talking about innovation and what it means to you.
We both shy away from the word 'innovation', it's always felt like quite a big thing - world changing with a great sense of meaning, new inventions for example - but in reality we can be innovating all the time - small things that change the way we do certain things to make things better for ourselves.
This episode brings this meaning home and we explore how we can be innovative, daily and the barriers you might see to innovation.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
This week we're challenging a well known phrase "there's no 'I' in team!"
Teams are full of individuals - and each individual is an entity in their own right - and the team will be made up of differing behaviours and strengths - and all of this is valuable to strengthen the team.
Understanding the team will help you to communicate well and work together to a point where you're not stifling innovation, creativity and growth.
As humans, we all require recognition and as individuals as part of the team, we need to recognise where recognition lies - who with and why.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Special guest, Ruth Kudzi, joins us today to talk about her own personal develpment journey.
Ruth is a successful entrepreneur - founder of Optimus Coach Academy - training coaches to ICF standards, and Ruth Kudzi Coaching - combining evidenced based approaches of neuroscience and psychology and is passionate about behavioural change.
Ruth shares that, for her, personal development is about understanding yourself a bit better and being able to improve all areas of your life.
This podcast explores Ruth's journey and her thoughts and insights into the wonderment of personal development and how it's supported her in her entrepreneurial and personal growth.
Find out more about training to be an ICF certified and accredited coach with Optimus Coach Academy, and working with Ruth at Ruth Kudzi Coaching which includes coaching, coaching membership and retreats.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
The issue of clarity often comes up during coaching sessions - who we are, what we want to do, what we want to achieve, who we want to be, etc.
All our thoughts and possibilities jumble in our head and we can struggle to make sense of them alone. We can find ourselves doubting our abilities and talking ourselves out of what we want, as we try to order our thoughts.
Often, talking out loud can help us understand our thought processes - can help us make sense of our thinking. Especially if we can get specific - by defining where we are now, where we want to be - and then we can work on how we get there (the plan).
We also know that, neurologically, when we know what we want, our brain helps things stand out for us, which will help us achieve our goals.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What's in the phrase "you need to see it to be it!"
How true is this for you?
We know what's available for us through seeing other people doing their thing.
However, with changes in technology at such a vast rate - we don't even know what might exist in the future for us! So we have to be open to the opportunities - and perhaps be trail blazers.
Perhaps you're a trail blazer right now - what are you doing to be the inspiration for others?
"Admire, Aspire, Acquire"
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about boundaries today - setting, maintaining and updating them as our life and work change.
How do you feel about setting boundaries and do you do this effectively?
When we think about boundaries - we need to think about why we want them - what do we want to have in place and how important is this to us? Knowing this will help us to keep these boundaries!
It's all about communication - managing your own and others expectations - and giving yourself and others permission to do things the way we want to.
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
The bullsh*t we tell ourselves - the instances that stay with us that we make meaning of throughout our lives.
We all do it but I guess the stories and the bullsh*t varies!
In this episode we both talk about times of our lives that we've made meaning of - and how this plays out in who we are today. How we show up, how we speak up, who we are.
But how true is that and how can we look at this differently?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Role models - have you had role models?
Fay certainly has - but Becki hasn't had a role model.
So in this episode we discuss this - why I have found role models important and inspiring and how Becki has managed without!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're talking about new roles and promotions, and the support you get or give your staff to ensure you/they are able to perform well and confidently at that new level.
There's a danger that when you get promoted, you can feel cast out of the clan. Your comrades are no longer your close comrades - you've been removed from the group and your natural social norms become different.
When this isn't supported or managed well, it can be detrimental to you/the person being promoted. To the point where doing the new role becomes hard.
What support do you need? What support do you need to give your staff?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode we're talking about how we ask questions in a way that promotes us having positive conversations.
How the questions we ask can promote as sense of autonomy and responsibility and independent thinking.
We explore using the question prefix 'why' - and how this can sometimes sound like you're nit picking - or sounding like you object to something that's been done - how we can ask questions differently.
We share the 'Six Honest Serving Men' which can help you with how you ask questions - and how asking open questions opens up much more of a conversation - the opportunity for the person you're speaking to, to come back with their thoughts, etc. Because people's thoughts and their contribution matters.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Accountability - how we can work with other people to help us be accountable to meet our goals, our intentions.
When we start something new, we're often very focused and intentional - but often, we'll hit some kind of wall and sometimes this can completely stop us in our tracks - even though we know that the success we want to see is on the other side of that wall. Often the wall is bigger than the success in the context we're living through at that point in time.
In this episode, we talk about accountability that can work and when it sometimes doesn't work and the reasons why. And the important point of finding accountability that works for you!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Vulnerability - a word used a lot in personal development - what do you think about it?
Do you struggle to understand your vulnerability - do you feel it means you're weak if you're vulnerable?
In this episode, we talk about what vulnerability means to us and how we can find strength in our vulnerability.
We discuss how we can use our vulnerability in a way that works for us, personally.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Happy New Year!
Are you raring to go and excited for 2023?
Have you got a word for the year?
I wasn't feeling it to start with - but then my word hit me like a sledgehammer! Find out what my word is and whether Becki has a word by tuning in - and seeing what we want to achieve, how that relates to our businesses and our personal lives.
I'd love to know if our words relate to your plans too.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are your friendships in decline? According to an American Perspectives Survey in 2021 and compared with a Gallop survey in 1990 - in 1990 no men said they had no close friends - and yet in 2021, 15% said they had no close friends.
For women in 1990 none said they had no close friends - and in 2021, 10% said they had no close friends.
So, according to these figures, there seems to be a decline in friendships.
Today on the podcast, this is what we're chatting about - and our own friendships and how they've changed over the years. And also we explore what we feel might be the causes of the decline in friendships.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today we're talking about strategy, mindset and energy.
Often we feel that we just need a strategy to get stuff done - to get us from where we are to where we want to be. We also hear a lot about having the mindset to get stuff done. But the third piece is energy - if you don't have the right energy behind you to propel you forward, you're going nowhere fast!
So we're talking about using strategy, mindset and energy interchangeably to help you move forward - and how you bring all three to the table at the right time.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're looking at how our behaviours go before us to show our actions - and how our actions can speak louder than words.
Notably, and still, just about topical, we were impressed by the Japanese Football Team, displaying their 'off the pitch' behaviours during the World Cup 2022 - and the behaviours of their fans.
Are your actions congruent with how you speak? Are those of your team? What could you do differently to 'show' your values through your behaviours?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We get to an age when we get nostalgic - "ooh, if I could have done things differently..." - do you think you'd have taken the advice if you'd have had it?
Becki talks about the Baz Luhrmann's song 'Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen" - click here to listen. Lot's of advice here in the song - but do we listen to it?!
We talk about the type of advice we might give ourselves.
What advice would you give to your younger self? And what's the best piece of advice that you've ever had?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today we're talking about the importance of breaking things down and getting specific into the detail of what you're doing - what you want to develop and make successful.
When we don't get specific we can get lost in the overwhelm and what we're working on can become a big stumbling block that we just can't get past. But when we break this down into sizeable chunks, we can work one chunk at a time, which can be enormously helpful. When we do this, the things that we thought were big and scary, actually aren't that bad!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we take inspiration from this quote from L. P. Hartley "the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there."
Many of us get stuck in our past - telling ourselves the things we can and the things we can't do - rather than looking at our present, the here and now - what can we do right now and what can we do in the future.
It's such a powerful quote - we get so hung up on how we do things and we take all that forward with us, rather than leaving it behind if we need to.
We talk about how we can hold onto our limitations - because we've always done things a certain way.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What do you do when you're in a bit of a funk? What do you do when you want to change your mood - change your state? (When you've 'got one on ya!')
Sometimes, we're not firing on all cylinders. Sometimes we might not want company. Sometimes we could argue with ourselves.
What do you do to change this? If, in fact, you even want to!
We can't always be in tip-top condition. What do you do to recognise this and what helps you when you're in this state?
We talk about music, dancing around the kitchen, driving, a walk around the garden, laughing, and walking the dog.
What lifts your mood?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking today about the difficulties of being a working parent inspired by the October 2022 'March of the Mummies' protest by Pregnant then Screwed and other relevant social media posts around the subject.
The protest was actioned because "childcare providers are falling like dominos, mothers are dropping out of the workforce in droves, the gender pay gap increased in 2021, and more families are now living in poverty" (pregnantthenscrewed.com)
We talk about our experiences of working parents - and how being parents affected our work. We both have stories to tell here and we're sure you might too.
Have you experienced expensive childcare; statutory maternity/paternity leave; faced a pay penalty; or lack of flexible working? How has all of this affected you? How does this continue to affect you as you strive for your own personal and professional development?
Do you ever have to have a word with yourself - for looking at situations through your own lens but in reality, you may have got things a little bit wrong?
Do you find yourself saying "it's alright for you because..."?
Could this be you making an assumption?
In this episode, this is what we're exploring - and getting a bit scientific about the thoughts we think - why we think certain things and what the brain does with these thoughts - importantly, how we can change these thoughts.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
This week it's half term in both Becki's household and mine - a week with the kids off school and the work/holiday juggle.
So this week we thought it would be great to have a dive into nostalgia to talk about what we wanted to be when we grew up!
Have a listen to hear what influenced our thoughts back then, what deterred us from taking different career paths and what we think about it.
And feel free to dip into your own nostalgia too - what did you or do you want to be when you grow up!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
This week, we're joined by Caroline Flanagan - fellow coach whose expertise is Imposter Syndrome.
We discuss what Imposter Syndrome is and how you can make it a strength to propel you forward instead of allowing it to hold you back.
People often have Imposter Syndrome but don't realise it because they might have never heard of it! So we discuss the symptoms and secret signs to help you identify if you have it. And Caroline shares her process to stop it from taking the wheel of your life.
If you'd like to find out more about Caroline - please click here.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
This is a very special episode as it marks our 1st birthday - a great podcasting milestone.
Today, we share our thoughts and feelings around doing the podcast and 5 reflections / learnings and how these relate to life in general.
Tune in to listen to our lessons and find out which episodes are our favourites.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
The whole podcast is about personal and professional development - but we both realise that the journey isn't all moonlight and roses.
Today, we're talking about our personal development nemesis! We both have the same one (and probably lots of other ones too!)
Tune in to hear what we struggle with - what we think about it and what we each do about it.
And let us know if you struggle with this too.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today we're talking about the state of the nation: the great resignation; low employment; high cost of living; drought; warming climate.
How does this relate to Maslow and his Hierarchy of Needs?
Where are we on the hierarchy at the moment and how does this impact us and those around us?
Only when we have our physiological needs met, can we move up the hierarchy - but right now, our physiological needs are being compromised. If we can't meet these needs we can go into a state of anxiety - and this breeds fear, fight, flight and freeze.
Have a listen to learn more and to understand how we can help ourselves and others as much as we can.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Do you have a good sense of your self-worth?
Do you maintain boundaries in your life which reflect your self-worth?
What defines your self-worth?
"When we feel that we aren't enough or that we aren't good enough, we also fear that we'll never have enough" Nancy Levin
We explore our worth on this week's episode of the podcast.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're discussing Personal Development - and how this can seem to be a journey without end.
Often, things can spring up that might surprise us - the way we react to things, thoughts we think and how we respond.
We talk about our own experiences, we talk Transactional Analysis and we even touch on Human Design and how this impacts our personal development journeys.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
When we get stuck in our thinking, we think our thoughts are real - the truth. But there's often a different way of thinking - another side of the story - that could be beneficial to us.
In this episode, we explore how living our side of the story makes life easy. Sometimes it's difficult to look at things from different angles. Our echo chambers and lived beliefs often support our thinking - so we defend our thinking when others offer a different point of view.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Coaching seems to be a subject still shrouded in mystery - people still don't really understand what coaches do and why they should work with a coach.Â
Becki has a dream that having a coaching session should be as normal as having your lunch!
In this episode, we talk about the value of coaching for all - how it can help you, what coaching can help you to achieve - and with this in mind, why coaching should become everyday 'normal' for all if you want to live a more fulfilled, successful life.Â
How can we start to normalise coaching.Â
Mike Cole joins us as our guest today.
Mike believes there's so much potential being constrained and hidden in people with neuro-diversity - and this needs to be set free - a boost to happiness and productivity (such a win-win).
In this episode, we explore how to use near-diversity as a superpower, so that you can stop hiding in the shadows.
To find out more about Mike and the work he does with his clients - please visit his website here: https://thismikecole.com/PursuitPodcast
and you can follow Mike on social media:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thismikecole/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thismikecole/
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Which hats are you wearing today?
As we go through our days, we often have to do many different things - some things we must be quite proficient at. These require different hats!
In this episode, we explore how wearing these hats impacts our mental load - and how that affects our performance.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
If ever there were three little words with BIG impact, in addition to 'I love you' these words are 'can't', 'should' and 'just'.
How often do you find yourself using these words - and what do they mean for you?
This episode explores how we use these words and what they've meant for us in the past. We know it can be difficult always to be consciously aware of the language we use - but understanding the science behind these words might help you reflect on how you use them.
We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Confidence is a beautiful and important trait to have. In this episode, we're looking at how confidence impacts all we do.
Confidence always shines through when we're putting ourselves out there - we all have it. But are we overthinking it - are we using it as an excuse not to put ourselves out there - to keep ourselves back?
Is that because we see confidence as arrogance? Or is there a difference?
Are you holding yourself back from being too confident because you don't want to be seen as showing off?
Do you need to give yourself permission to be confident?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we look at how we can improve our performance personally and professionally. But do we need to do this with the pressure of the 'always on' culture, which often leads to burnout.
How do we perform in a sustainable way?
If we don't look after our physical and mental health, then we CAN NOT sustain our performance - and if we are always on, nose to the grind, then we CAN NOT sustain our mental and physical health.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we share half a dozen of our favourite coaching questions that might help you to coach yourself through a situation.
We talk about why these questions might be helpful to you - how they can help you to move forward.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
First of all - this is the first episode of our re-branded podcast.
Fay and Becki will no longer be meeting on the M53 BUT we are 'in pursuit of the better you' and we will continue to be supporting your journey in personal and professional development. We hope you like our new look!
Today, we're talking about how you can tame the drama in your life.
How to recognise it - recognise your part in it - and how you can change your own behaviour and influence the behaviour of others - and why you would want to.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Today we're talking about somatic coaching with our special guest, Caroline Quaife.
Did you know that your body adopts a shape as a reaction to what we learn in the world around us? Somatic coaching can help us influence and make micro changes to our shape to help us be more in the here and now. These micro-changes can be hugely impactful.
We talk about:
- how the body knows what to do to support us as humans
- integrating mind, body and spirit in our day-to-day lives
- how somatics supports our human need to feel safe
- how to find a sense of ease, in the moment, when you're busy rushing around - as it helps us regulate our nervous system
In the podcast, Caroline talks about her Somatic Sandbox Coaching Programme - a space for coaches to try out experiential somatic activities to tune into the intelligence of your body to find vitality, positive choices and growth for you and your clients.
Caroline is offering a discount for listeners of Meet me on the M53 podcast for the Somatic Sandbox, a group somatic coaching programme. Find out more on the flyer or on the website
https://quaifeassociates.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1126998
Podcast listeners just pay just £199 until July 24th 2022, use the code: M53
Contact
Interested in 121 somatic coaching? You can book a call here for a 90-minute coaching conversation at Caroline’s cost https://calendly.com/caroline-quaife/one-and-a-half-hour
Sign up for her website and get news of other products and future courses Coaching and Growing (quaifeassociates.com)
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we explore what happiness means - is it a state of being - a state of contentment and satisfaction - or is it more in the lines of pleasure?
It's quite a hard question. What makes you happy?
Why is happiness important - how does it help us in our daily lives?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
What's your Ikigai?
Ikigai is the Japanese secret to a long and happy life.
The thought of living your purpose - and everything you do has a purpose - and how this can enhance your life at every stage and with every task.
How living with purpose and living in flow keeps a well-balanced and healthy body and soul.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Are you a loser? In this episode, we discuss the lack of competition we have in our lives - and that often, even if we don't win at something, we look for the good, the wins in the journey, if you like.
Whilst this isn't a bad thing - we learn from everything, we must also acknowledge that we probably lose more or are more unsuccessful than a winner or successful. Our losses help the process - but they're losses all the same.
Where's the shame in saying 'I didn't win this time'? What's the problem here? Are we so consumed with social media culture that we can't bear for someone else to consider that we're not entirely perfect?
Have a listen for our further thoughts on this.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
As human beings, we have an intrinsic need for recognition from birth. To start with, it was a way of getting other needs met - i.e. we cried when we were hungry or uncomfortable - we learnt that our cry would send a message to our parents (or our carers) to highlight the fact that we had a need - our carer would then recognise our need.
As we grow and develop, the need for recognition remains.
In this episode, we look at Transactional Analysis theory to discuss this need that we all have to be recognised; why we need to be recognised; how we get recognition and what can happen when we don't.
Enjoy!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Do you invest in yourself to help develop yourself into who you want to be?
In this episode, this is what we discuss - the benefit of personal and professional development. Investing in yourself is NOT a luxury - we're not on this planet just to survive - we're here to thrive and we can't do that by just being. We need to choose who we want to become and take action.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we talk about trust and the importance of cultivating trust in your relationships - personal and business.
Trust is the basis for good relationships and we all need these good relationships to help us through life and work. How are you cultivating trust? Do you trust others? Are you trustworthy?!
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're talking about catastrophising on purpose!
Instead of trying to shrug off the fear we feel - what would happen if you blew up the fear to the worst-case scenario? You might find that it's not as bad as you think it's going to be.
What's the worst that could happen?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we explore the skill or art of listening.
We look at how we listen - and whether we listen on all levels. Do we listen to respond; listen with presence; or listen to everything that's going on including the non-verbal clues, i.e. listening with our eyes too.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We're calling BS on the need to be perfect!
We're giving ourselves permission to NOT be perfect in everything we do.
We talk about perfectionism being one of the 'drivers' in Transactional Analysis theory - and how this can hold us back.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Do you feel you need to know everything? Perhaps you think if you don't know everything, you won't succeed? Perhaps you think that knowledge is power?
Fay says that the more she learns/the more she knows - the more she realises there is to learn/know. Can we ever know everything?
In this episode, we question whether knowledge is power. And do we hold ourselves back if we don't think we know enough?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about how we perceive ourselves doing what we're doing - until we're at a point when we know what we're doing!
In this episode, we talk about confidence; how we might need to fake who we are and what we know; how that may or may not help us to make it; and whether it's OK to be able to say ' this is who I am, I am where I am'.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We know about the importance of the things we put into our body - we are what we eat! In a similar vein, we're talking here about the importance of what we consume in terms of information and how this affects our mind and body - our brain diet if you like.
This sort of information could include the news or negativity and toxic attitudes from others. We share the importance of being aware of how this shows up for us - i.e. overwhelm; stress; anxiety; negative feelings; distraction and lack of focus.
We go on to share some ideas of what we can do to help ourselves - ensuring that our diet is healthy or healthier.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com -
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we talk about different behavioural profiles - what makes us different. How our behaviour impacts our communication with others.
We talk about the tool 'DISC' and how our behaviour preferences can change depending on context and environment.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
With our special guest, business coach, Andrew Clemence, we talk about the personal beliefs and behaviors that get in the way of effective leadership.
Andrew references Patrick Lencioni's 'The Five Temptations of a CEO' where he talks about:
1) Ego over Results
2) Popularity over Accountability
3) Certainty over Clarity
4) Harmony over Conflict
5) Invulnerability over Trust
Contact
Andrew - https://andrewclemence.com
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
To assume makes and 'ass of u and me'.
In this episode we talk about assumptions and how we make them in our daily lives and why we really shouldn't!
To look at the conscious and unconscious assumptions and strategies to help us avoid assuming.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
With our special guest, Andrew Whitaker (who might just be Becki's older brother!), we talk about his fascinating career and the work he does in preparing students at The White Rose Academies Trust to become global citizens and to live as their authentic selves.
We talk about self-leadership and why taking responsibility for your life is so important and powerful in order to live your purpose.
Contact
Andrew Whitaker - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-whitaker-28b19133/
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
As ICF accredited coaches, professional development is vital for both of us - it's a good job we both have a real love of learning and development.
In this episode we discuss books that we've read which have really impacted our thoughts, the work we do and why.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
With special guest Jenny Stallard, where we discuss Jenny's idea of the 'threelancer' - how she's fallen in and out of love with freelancing and has at time been lured back to 'proper' jobs but now freelancing is for keeps.
We talk about the joyous and not so joyous parts of freelancing and working for yourself and how you can possibly be 50/50 in your career.
Contact
Jenny - Freelance Feels https://www.freelancefeels.com
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We all have so much going on in our lives and we might have a tendency to overthink!
In this episode we look at the things that might lead us to overthink - and how 'STUFF' might help us to re-evaluate what we're thinking about. (Tune in to find out what 'STUFF' is!)
And we look at how we can tackle the larger things in life that cause us to feel anxious.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
There is no hiding from the fact that we are a LONG way away from achieving gender equality in senior roles and business; the numbers speak for themselves.
In this episode, we question whether the current trend to divide and conquer, by separating out the development and support of women, is the best way to tackle this inequality or whether we rise better when we work together.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Following the upheaval that Covid 19 caused to traditional ways of working, hybrid work patterns are increasingly becoming the norm. But what does this new way of working mean when it comes to professional development?
In this episode, we discuss the key points that employers and employees alike need to consider in order to keep people development a top priority.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we explore self-awareness.
The theory of self-awareness, developed by Duval & Wicklund, 1972, states that - it's based on the idea that you're not your thoughts - you are the thinker which is separate from your thoughts.
We look at this theory and talk about how we can use it to develop our thinking, feelings and behaviour in everyday life.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we look at personal and organisational values. How they help us to:
- reflect on how we show up in the world
- figure out who we are and what'd important to us
- set motivations
- set boundaries
- help us to be more self-aware
We talk about what happens when our values are aligned as opposed to when they're not.
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
And we look at some questions you can ask yourself to determine your own values.
We talk to Steve McIntosh, co-founder and CEO of CareerPoint about the ins and outs of starting a business with other people.  Meeting the co-founders and what drew them to each other?
What sparked the vision for CareerPoint?
The team are based all over the world, what are the challenges?
What about cultural differences?Â
Listen to hear the pearls of wisdom Steve would share with someone who was considering a business partnership or collaboration?  You can find Steve at CareerPoint here https://careerpoint.com  Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode we talk about getting comfortable on the bench - and what that means as a leader.
Were you promoted because you were the star player in a previous role? Well, as a leader, you're no longer the star player - now, your job is to orchestrate your team.
How does it feel to put your team first - emphasising them?
We know that leadership requires a different mindset - your job, as the leader, is to create the next star player.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we're calling 'BS' on January planning!
Whilst we know planning is important - does it really have to be done in January? Do we have to make new years resolutions? Do we have to have a morning routine to be successful?
We talk about what we do - and how January planning makes us feel.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Our special Christmas episode where we talk about what we think of Christmas and what we do in Crimbo Limbo (between Christmas and New Year)
Do we completely switch off?
How do we re-charge and get creative?
What we like to do at this time of year and what our traditions are.
Don't miss hearing Becki singing beautifully...
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Alex shares her story of how she has been knocked down but has continued to get back up again, both professionally and personally.
- being made redundant
- losing a pregnancy
- health diagnosis
- losing business
to
- getting healthy
- re-branding business by building on her strengths
You can find Alex at https://alexgrzybek.com
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we look at our Superpowers! Our strengths!
We explore:
-
why, as humans, we don't like promoting our strengths - why it feels like we're showing off!
-
how to identify our strengths
-
we look at our own strengths (Becki and Fay)
-
how working in our area of strength helps us to be in a state of flow
-
how strengths help team development
-
how we can bring our superpowers to the party
What would happen if you accept what you're really great at - what would be different for you?
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
We talk about:
-
When to set boundaries
-
Why they're important
-
Why people struggle to keep their boundaries.
We need boundaries with everything we do - they help us to do things with the greatest effect.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
When we only think about the positives, we discount our difficult emotions. This doesn't make us stronger or more resilient, it actually adds to our fragility.
Allowing yourself to feel all of your emotions is brave, especially if you decide you'll handle them in a way that will help you long term.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Moving out of your comfort zone and moving beyond your fears.
We're talking about why we feel fear and how fear impacts us in the way it does.
Fear may come from beliefs we have, regardless of whether or not those beliefs are true.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - or join my FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
Talking about waiting for 'when' things will happen for us and how we will feel at that time.
We reverse this to look at the flip side - and we also talk about when the 'when' trap is justified.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com - free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betheleaderfayblakey
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production - https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, Fay gets vexed and Becki talks about onions!
Worldwide, $356 billion is spent by organisations on leadership development efforts. A survey of over 300 organisations said that over 75% felt that these programmes weren't very effective because most of this development overlooks the foundations of how leaders think, learn and behave - their mindset!
We discuss this and talk through our personal views based on our experiences.
Contact:
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production - https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, Fay interviews Becki!
Why?
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because Fay is intrigued to know why and how Becki had a career in engineering and how that changed and she is now a coach working with emerging leaders.
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Fay is also intrigued to hear about Becki's career as a woman in, what is predominantly, a man's world.
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Becki talks about her career from the start - from an engineering apprentice, to a professionally qualified coach for emerging leaders.
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon from Wahhoo Media for our production.
https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we talk about reflection without judgment - Â looking at the importance of reflecting on our achievements.Â
We often remember the things that don't go well but we don't always take the time to celebrate our successes.Â
How often do we take the time to look back on our achievements without being self-critical?
We share our tips to help you reflect.Â
Contact
Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com
Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production - https://www.wahhoo.co.uk
In this episode, we talk about whether there is life after the age of 30
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Becki talks about worries her friends and clients have - that they feel they need to fit so much into their lives before they turn 30
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Becki and Fay talk about how life doesn't change at 30 - or even 40 for that matter and that there will be opportunities throughout your life, no matter your age.
Contact
Fay & Rebekah
Thank you to Jon from Wahhoo Media for our production
In this episode, we talk about how we compare ourselves to others. Particularly:
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how Becki was struck with major comparisonitis throughout her engineering career
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how Becki compared herself to other women
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how Fay noticed comparisonitis turn up in her life when she started her own business - but it didn't really figure in her employed life
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what you can do to help yourself if comparisonitis is showing up for you.
Contact
Fay & Rebekah
Thank you to Jon from Wahhoo Media for our production.
In this episode, we discuss:
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why the phrase 'soft skills' gets Becki's goat!
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are these skills fluffy? needed? important?
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re-titling 'soft skills' to 'human skills' and talking about how they're essential
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talking about what they actually are and the bravery required to execute them.
Contact
Fay & Rebekah
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for the production.
In this episode, we look at:
- what mindset is and how it impacts, both positively and negatively, what we want to achieve
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why it's useful to understand what you're thinking
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why mindset is a choice
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playing the game of life
Contact
Fay & Rebekah
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production.Â
Welcome to 'Meet me on the M53'
In this episode, we introduce ourselves to you and talk about why we are producing this podcast.Â
Contact details
Fay  Rebekah
Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production.Â