The Mindset Mentor Meets

#68 - Phillip Cable - CEO Mast Security

Rise Above Failure: Finding Success Through Tenacity and Determination 

Failure is something we all try to avoid. It's often disappointing and soul-crushing, especially if you fail at something that you invested so much time and effort in. However, failures are a normal part of life, and more importantly, they don’t define you. What matters most is how you bounce back from your bad experiences.

Instead of dreading failure and thinking of it as something negative, see it as a pivotal learning experience. A crushing failure today can end up completely changing your life for the better.

In this episode, MAST's CEO Phillip Cable joins us to talk about how facing failures shaped his mindset towards success. He shares his story from being a law student to entering the Navy and eventually finding business success. Talking about his experiences, Phillip emphasises the values of tenacity and determination. His relentless attitude of not giving up coupled with authenticity, humility and courage resulted in a successful career and inspiring life story.

If you want to know how you can rise above failure, this episode will offer valuable insights for you.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Find out how you can use a loss to move on with life.
2. Discover why you should take calculated risks in business and life.
3. Learn the importance of tenacity and not giving up in building your way through success.

Resources

• MAST
• GardaWorld
• Connect with Phillip: LinkedIn
• The Mindset Mentor Meets Podcast: Building Strength with Vulnerability with Steve Bishop - Chief Information Security Officer - ATOS BPS
• Coaching with Angela

Episode Highlights

[02:56] What Phillip Is Most Proud Of

• It was a pivotal moment in Phillip’s life when he gave up his solicitor training to go to the Navy. 
• Phillip says it was a risk, but it was the right one.
• It was a short career, and it didn't come naturally to him. However, he feels a certain pride in having served his country.

[05:18] Phillip’s Academic Background

• Phillip didn't follow the usual academic route. 
• He left at 16, worked for a while, went back and got into the law degree route.
• Phillip did his Master’s in Maritime Law.

[06:30] The Decision to Give Up

• Phillip compares it to starting a business: sometimes, you have to seize the initiative and the moment.
• While his father was supportive, there was pressure from his friends and people in the industry.
• A close family friend of Phillip’s encouraged him to go for it. It made him realise that he can always come back for law later.
• Instinctively, Phillip felt like giving up training to be a solicitor to go to the Navy was the right thing to do.

[08:23] Finding the Courage to Do Something New After a Huge Loss

• The period where Phillip was transitioning from law to the Navy was challenging. He had to contend with the sudden death of his mother due to a brain haemorrhage.
• The experience galvanised his view around the need to make the most out of his life.
• Before joining the Navy, he applied for the TA Parachute Regiment but didn’t make the cut.
• Even though he failed, it was cathartic to get out of his comfort zone and push his boundaries. It took his mind off the feelings of loss and grief.
• You don't get over a loss; you only get used to it and reflect on it more. Listen to the full episode to learn about Phillip's musical background!

[12:54] The Second Thing Phillip Is Most Proud Of

• Phillip is proud of himself for not letting failure stop him.
• Phillip doesn’t consider himself good at many things, but he believes you can achieve a lot through sheer persistence.
• He failed in some things, but he's proud of himself for not giving up. Even if Phillip didn't meet the standard, he still experienced it. 
• Phillip didn’t let his failures deter him from picking himself up and moving on to something else.
• Sometimes, you fail because you’re not quite good enough, not for other reasons. You’ve only got yourself to hold accountable.

[18:04] What Happens After Failure

• Phillip decided to leave the Navy after failing the Mine Clearance Diving Officer’s course.
• This was a tricky period in Phillip’s life because he had to re-establish himself.
• He went from being in a position of authority to looking for a job.
• But he was determined. Phillip did all sorts of odd jobs until he stumbled on some security work for Aegis. 
• He learned a lot from the founders of the company. This experience made him feel like he can go into this business.  

[19:31] Starting a Business

• Starting the business was a leap of faith; they didn’t earn anything for a while. 
• He tried to view the risk by looking at the worst-case scenario; it should be a calculated risk.
• You have to give up things when you go into business. 
• Phillip observes that successful people in business do it because they love it.  
• Tune in to the full podcast to know how Phillip met Philip Batty, his business partner and co-founder!

[23:01] The Growth of MAST

• MAST had a period of exponential growth during the dot-com boom.
• When things go wrong, you have to draw upon your skills and other people’s skills.
• Their restructuring was a very interesting learning period because that’s when you understand how businesses work.
• The third phase of MAST has been regrouping, properly diversifying and professionalising some aspects of what they're doing.
• They started with only maritime risk consulting and security. Now they’re launching a new website involving land and sea. MAST is on a trajectory of growth again.

[25:31] Seizing Opportunities

• Listening to very successful people reminds you that you must work for the people around you, not the other way around. 
• Culture in business is vital. It sets the tone and the scene.
• While diversifying is crucial, it can distract you from the core and the actual value-creating elements of the business. It's challenging to get it right.
• Keeping up with globalisation is extraordinarily difficult for certain sectors.
• One area they need to improve on in MAST is to be more forward-leaning.

[29:07] The Third Thing Phillip Is Most Proud Of

• From a personal perspective, he's quite proud of his family. 
• Family is an integral part of who he is.
• He has four sons and one stepdaughter.
• His family is the anchor that gives him a purpose.
• The advice he gives to his sons is to be determined and tenacious. 

[31:13] Phillip’s Secrets to Success

• Philip believes that determination and tenacity are crucial traits for success.
• He always goes back to the things that anchor him: his family and faith.
• Sometimes, humility and showing weakness are signs of strength, but there should be a balance between these and your ego.
• Learn to laugh at yourself and be authentic.
• You determine your measure of success. It’s important to be happy with yourself.

5 Powerful Quotes from the Episode

[10:01] ‘I don't think you'd get over it. So, I think you just get used to it, and you learn to use it and to sort of reflect on it more… I think you use loss to help you move on in life, actually.’

[13:06] ‘I do think it's important not to fear failure and to be, you know, able to admit it. And I think that I'm quite proud of the fact that I really do not give up. And I don't consider myself to be a high flyer, and I don't consider myself to be that good at that many things. But I do think you can achieve a lot through just sheer persistence.’

[25:45] ‘As a business owner, entrepreneur, you must work for the people around you rather than the other way around.’

[34:15] ‘I think that sometimes humility and showing weakness can actually be quite strong things.’ 

[36:50] ‘Don't be disheartened by you know, don't state [to] yourself, “That's everything”. Be happy. That’s right, be happy with yourself, in your own skin’.

About Phillip

Phillip Cable is the co-founder and CEO of Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST), a leading security and risk management company. His role revolves around maximising shareholder value by getting all the right resources and capabilities in place. He's also responsible for building and sustaining a winning business model and leading and managing the entire team. Phillip leads the company by maintaining key relationships with stakeholders.

Phillip rendered six years of service as a warfare officer in the Royal Navy. He also has a Law degree, a postgraduate diploma in legal practice (Solicitors Exams) and a Maritime Law Master's degree.

If you wish to get in touch with Phillip, you may reach him through LinkedIn.

Enjoy this Podcast?

As you go through life, you’ll experience setbacks, rejections and failures. And that’s okay. What’s important is acknowledging what’s gone wrong, learning from it, getting back up and trying something new. Phillip’s inspirational story puts this lesson into focus. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to get back up!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela

 

#67 - Anne Linsell - Head of Organisational Development, Northants NHS Foundation Trust

Emanating Compassion: Showing Empathy in Trying Times

Working at the frontlines during a pandemic is a genuine challenge. Prior to social distancing and pandemic protocols, you were only wondering how to balance your working life and your personal life successfully. Suddenly, the lines between these two very different things have blurred. How can we navigate through our circumstances and overcome this kind of hardship?

In this episode, Anne Linsell answers this rhetoric with compassion and empathy. She discusses how organisations should make a real effort to be there for their employees at the right moment. She also talks about how believing and being kinder to yourself can take you to places of success. Similar to competing in a marathon, constantly move towards the things you want to achieve, and you'll be surprised how many kilometres you have run.

If you want to know more about being compassionate and empathetic at different times and places in your life, this episode is for you.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Discover how Anne managed to compete in marathons, serve as a practitioner and unit head in NHFT and be a wonderful mum all at the same time!
2. Learn more about the support and assistance organisations can provide their employees, especially during a pandemic.
3. How can we achieve milestones and make mistakes while also being forgiving of ourselves?

Resources

• Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Connect with Anne: Twitter
• Coaching with Angela

Episode Highlights

[03:23] Anne’s Marathon Story

• Anne shares how extremely proud she is to have completed seven marathons over the last ten years.
• Before realising how she finished a marathon, she would easily find herself training for another.
• Having a good friend to accompany her during long runs helps her to commit.
• Coming from a non-sporting background, it took a while for Anne to call herself a runner.

[07:48] For People Who Don’t Believe in Themselves

• Anne encourages them to believe in themselves and the journey.
• She discussed how the whole marathon journey had taught her about health and well-being.
• The process can be scary at first, but you have to still believe in yourself.

[09:59] Working for Northamptonshire Healthcare

• Since 2006, she has been a part of a team that provides healthcare in her community.
• Last year, Anne’s team had turned 70 days of physical well-being into a virtual festival using digital platforms.
• Sometimes, she would get things wrong because the first attempt of learning always fails.
• However, Anne emphasises the value of the whole journey and hard work to make a difference for their patients and their families.

[13:28] Facing the Pandemic

• For Anne, the overarching feeling is ‘we are all in it together’; they are ready to go the extra mile to make a difference.
• Focusing on the well-being of their staff has now become a bigger priority. 
• She discusses how the importance of being there and displaying your actions makes a whole lot of difference.

• Helping people to recover means supporting them through reconnecting with them and giving them time and space.
• Listen to the whole episode to learn more about how Anne views workforce support during the pandemic.

[17:57] What Organisations Need to Do

• Organisations can help in offering the opportunity for their staff to talk about how they're feeling.
• Anne reiterates that saying ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ can only be half of the process.
• She argues how supporting the staff in moments when they need it is more appropriate.
• Additionally, Anne recognises how difficult it is for organisations to provide the balance for their team as well.

[21:32] Balancing Motherhood and Working Life

• Anne shares how it has been a real challenge to be a mum while keeping her career going.
• As she reflects, she learns how to be kind to herself and not try to be everything to everyone.
• Additionally, it’s more about being realistic to your expectations and not setting a high one for yourself.
• The last 5 to 6 years of being a working mum had made Anne realise how compassion for herself is what she needs.

• Anne allows herself to reflect on things she had achieved.

[28:33] Anne’s Work

• Anne talks about her thoughts on what drives and motivates her in a kind and supportive manner.
• The lockdown has overlapped her journey of mastering as an NLP pre-practitioner.
• She shares that she loves working as a coach because it allows her to support her clients.

[31:14] Anne’s Secret to Success

• For Anne, the secret to success is the drive to be constantly learning.
• She quotes Maya Angelou: ‘People won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel’. You don’t know the other person’s story; just be kind and empathetic.
• Additionally, Anne discusses how people will generally have disagreements.
• She takes value in offering a safe place to talk to avoid polarisation.

5 Powerful Quotes

[06:44] ‘There'll be moments when I don't think I can run a marathon, but a lifetime of knowing I did.”

[08:11] ‘And one of the things that the whole marathon journey has taught me about health and well-being is that the learning, the process and the journey is all part of it.’

[14:23] ‘But it is how we make that difference to supporting that one member of staff just to feel a bit better at work or to feel supported.’

[26:11] ‘...How compassion to self is the start of everything else, and actually, what you need to do to maintain your mental well-being and your mental balance.’

[31:44] ‘You don't know what's going on for other people, you've got no idea often and you just see the outer side of it. So, just bearing that in mind in terms of just being kind and empathetic and compassionate as you work forward.’

About the Guest

Anne Linsell is the Head of Organisational Development of the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust since 2014. Previously, she also served as a senior human resources business partner at the same company. 

Anne got her tertiary education from the University of West London. She has a strong background in professional coaching, operational HR management, employee engagement and culture change. Anne has also worked as an NLP practitioner and has been working for the hospital and healthcare industry for quite a long time.

Recently, she has been undergoing personal development in a different field to improve herself.

If you want to get in touch with Anne, you can reach her through Twitter.

Enjoy this Podcast?

During these trying times, you can easily be harsh and rude to yourself. Through Anne’s perspective on taking success slowly and learning constantly, you, too, can be kinder and more compassionate with your progress.

If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to get back up!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela

 

#66 - Stepping Out of Your Shadows with Angela Cox

Stepping Out of Your Shadows: How to Overcome Your Fear of Judgment

Has there been a time in your life when you felt stuck because you're afraid of what others might think? Fear can be paralysing as it surrounds you like a shadow. The truth, however, is that fear is normal.

In this episode, I share with you my thoughts about fear. I talk about how fear holds us back in our lives and the different factors surrounding it. I also share my experiences, which ultimately changed my perspective on how to handle my fears.

Living stuck in fear is never a good thing, and it’s time for you to face your fears and move forward. If you want to step out of the shadows of your fears, this episode is for you. 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Learn how fear keeps you stuck in your life.
2. Understand your fears and how to manage them.
3. Gain valuable insights from how I handle my fears. 

Resources

• You’re Better Than You Think You Are: How to Unlock the Shackles that Keep You Stuck by Angela Cox
• Enough by Angela Cox
• Check out BookAuthority to see my book and other self-care books that may help you.
• The Mindset Mentor Meets Ep 33 on Imposter Syndrome
• The Mindset Mentor Meets Ep 53 on Mastering Your Mindset: Stained Glass Windows
• Connect with me: Website | Instagram
• Visit my daughter’s Instagram to send a pocket of joy to a friend!

Episode Highlights

[01:39] What’s Going on With My Life 

• Recently, my book Enough has been chosen to rank in the “Top 100 Self Help Books of All Time” by Book Authority.
• I’ve been busy with my studies at Cambridge, and I’m planning to get a doctorate in Professional Executive Coaching.
• I’ve had more male clients than usual, which I feel is a positive change.
• I partner with my husband in coaching several organisations and teams. 

[07:25] The Science of Fear

• In this episode, I talk about fear, which is the third shackle in my book, You’re Better Than You Think You Are. 
• Fear is what holds back most of my clients and people in general.
• There are two schools of thought that explain how fear manifests in a person: one where the feeling follows the physiological reaction and the opposite.
• Fear is never a nice feeling, which is why we tend to avoid it at all costs.

[10:25] Fear and Phobia

• Phobias are when we associate the fear response with something that doesn’t necessarily warrant fear, like buttons or cotton.
• I covered phobias to a certain extent in You’re Better Than You Think You Are.
• There are different techniques and approaches to treating phobias. 
• I am finding better techniques that aim to help people overcome their deep-rooted issues.

[12:06] Forms of Fear

• Fear comes in many forms and manifests in many different ways.
• We dislike rejection, and fear is something we feel we need to protect ourselves from.
•  The lines between types of fear can get blurry.

• We fear judgment, but people don’t usually judge us. Rather, we perceive or believe that we are being judged.
• Listen to the full episode to learn more about the connection between transaction analysis theory and fear of judgment.

[17:08] Accepting Fear

• From 2017–2018, I experienced a lot of internet trolling, which equates to mass rejection.

• Rejection is a normal thing you’ll experience in your life. You don’t have to be liked by everyone.
• Accepting rejection as a normal part of your life will make it easier for you to handle the fear of judgment.
• What’s important is to be comfortable with the unsettling feeling of fear.

[23:12] Who Are You Afraid Of?

• Find where your fear comes from.
• Is judgment coming from someone you love and respect?
• Is what you’re being judged for something you need to work on?
• Is what you’re worried about something that you’ll be thinking about in a week or a month?

5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode 

[12:30] ‘And therefore, fear is almost something that we feel in order to protect ourselves from that feeling of rejection because none of us, if we put our hand on our heart, like that feeling on a natural level, unless we consciously override what that means to us’.

[16:55] ‘So, just tune into yourself over the next few days. And notice how often you judge other people because you will then be looking for that threat from other people judging you’.

[20:55] ‘And the more that you can move towards accepting that rejection is a normal experience within life, the easier it will be for you to process, the threat of judgments when it strikes’.

[23:12] ‘Ask yourself: Who are you really fearful of being judged by’?

[28:49] ‘Judgment isn’t as big a bear as you think it is. And actually, you pushing on the edge of your comfort zone is so much more beneficial than staying in your comfort zone, staying small for fear that this judgment might come’.

Enjoy this Podcast?

Being stuck in your life because of your fears is a life not worth living. You must learn how to deal with your fears and set yourself free from their shackles. If you enjoyed today's episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets…, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to get back up!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To defining success,

Angela

 

#65 - Sharon Amesu - Diversity & Inclusion Leader

Leading for Legacy with Sharon Amesu

You are part of a much greater story than you think. Every decision you make and every mountain you climb sets an example for the next generation. If you’re a leader, then you have other people who look to you for inspiration and guidance. Thus, it's important to leave a legacy that you can proudly pass on.

In this episode, Sharon Amesu, co-founder of She Leads for Legacy, shares how building a strong connection to legacy empowers black female professionals. Sharon explains how black women are at a big disadvantage because of their race and gender. Black women recognise the necessity of taking up space for themselves and setting an example for others yet to come. She also goes over the challenges and proud moments of being a working mum, criminal barrister and life coach.

If you want to learn how to connect with your legacy and live with purpose, this episode is for you.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. How do you stay grounded against imposter syndrome?
2. Find out how to build a strong connection to your legacy.
3. Discover Sharon’s two-step secret to success.

Resources

• She Leads for Legacy
• SA Consulting
• Connect with Sharon: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email
• Coaching with Angela

Episode Highlights

[04:13] Being a Working Mum 

• Sharon’s most important achievement is raising her three children into conscientious young adults.   
• She admitted that it wasn’t easy being a working mum. She had to juggle ‘mum guilt’ from both sides.
• To deal with this guilt, Sharon learned to accept the experience as normal. 
• After her daughter went into law, she realised that the guilt she carried was dead weight because her children are far more resilient than she thought. 
• It’s important to recognise that you are living a life that you chose and embraced. Role modelling is about making empowered choices and living in your power.

[10:31] Battling Imposter Syndrome

• As a grandchild of an immigrant, Sharon’s second proudest achievement is her 16-year career as a criminal barrister. 
• Despite her accomplishments, Sharon admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome.
• What helped Sharon stay grounded was her sense of purpose: giving a voice to the voiceless.
• If you can connect to who you are and what you are called to do, you are better positioned to fight imposter syndrome.

[16:18] Connecting to Your Legacy

• In addition to purpose, Sharon cited the importance of connecting to your legacy. For her, it was the daunting challenge of empowering black female professionals.
• Your decisions and choices have an impact on the next generation.
• Sharon lived a life that sets an excellent example for her daughter.
• Courage means having the guts to go after what you want even though it’s scary.

[20:25] Leading for Legacy

• She Leads for Legacy was born out of Sharon's conversations with her daughter about underrepresentation in the legal profession.
• When we step into leadership, it paves the road for others to follow.
• Black women face double jeopardy or a two-pronged challenge of gender and race. 
• It’s not a question of ability or ambition; black women are deliberately left out because of oppression and suppression systems. 
• Listen to the full episode to learn more about the mission of She Leads for Legacy!

[25:15] Changing the Legal Profession

• Although the legal profession has made headway in terms of inclusion and diversity, much is left to be done. 
• Sharon cites the story of Alexandra Wilson, a barrister who was mistaken for a defendant three times. 
• For black women, the baseline is lower than their white counterparts. They have to prove themselves more to be taken just as seriously.  
• A well-meaning clerk responded to Alexandra's story and said it happened because she was a pioneer. But she's hardly the first person in the field.

[30:12] The Marriage of Education and Intent

• She Leads for Legacy is founded on the belief that people can change and evolve to the extent that they are willing to transform.  
• Education plays a key role in this transformation because it enables conversations and multiple perspectives.
• However, the intent is equally important. You have to put your heart into the cause.

[32:54] Sharon’s Proudest Moments

• Sharon’s third proudest moment is her marriage with her husband for 25 years. 
• Her fourth proudest moment is making the significant career shift from a criminal barrister to a life coach. 
• The transition was difficult because she associated her identity with being a barrister and felt that coaching tends to get a bad reputation. 
• Nevertheless, Sharon remains grateful for stepping into the unknown.
• Despite shifting careers, Sharon’s purpose – making people’s lives better – remains unchanged.

[39:37] Rethinking Freedom

• During a women’s prison program, Sharon got to talk with an inmate who was in there for life.
• Liberty and freedom are different things. A person can be locked up or physically confined but remain figuratively free.
• Freedom is within.

[42:03] Sharon’s Secrets to Success

• Sharon credits her success to her faith. The knowledge of a great master plan at work keeps her hopeful during tough times.  
• Sharon’s second secret is staying connected to her cheerleaders or people who believe in her strength and potential. 
• Sharon’s father used to say, ‘Bend your mind to the condition’. When life throws you off track, you can either submit to the circumstances or find your way out of it. 

5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode

‘Sometimes things intensify and deepen in their impact when you feel that it's just you. But actually, it's knowing that it's a common experience for women who want to pursue their career as well as raise a family. So, it's normalising that experience and normalising that insight’.

‘So, my choices in my career have been very vocational. I've had a sense of being called to something to do something for purpose’.

‘And my aspiration was a strong connection to legacy, perhaps taught later about a community that my daughter and I are building, which is supporting black female professionals’.

‘And what we recognised is that there is a double jeopardy as it were, for black women, because we have the challenge of both gender and race. And we recognise together that rather than us bleating from the corner and having our daily conversations about the inequalities and the unfairness that we would embrace [what Mahatma Gandhi said:] “Be the change that you want to see in the world”’.

‘I think one of the brilliant things about the work that we do... is about transformation. It's about believing in the potential of people to change, to grow, to evolve, to the extent that they are willing to do so’.

About Sharon

Sharon Amesu is the founder of SA Consulting, a consultancy delivering leadership development, executive coaching and diversity and inclusion training. Backed by 16 years of courtroom experience as a criminal barrister, Sharon has made it her life mission to help businesses lead with inclusion and courage.

A passionate advocate for race and gender, Sharon co-founded She Leads for Legacy with her daughter, Afiya. The mother-daughter team offers connectivity, development and amplification services intending to reduce the barriers for black female professionals seeking senior leadership and board-level positions.

Sharon is also the founding member of The Society of Leadership Fellows of St. George’s House – Windsor Castle and a branch chair for the Institute of Directors.

If you wish to get in touch with Sharon, you may reach her through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also send her an email at enquiries@sharonamesu.co.uk.

Enjoy this Podcast?

With the world we’re living in today, it’s easy to get discouraged and spiral down into negativity. But with Sharon’s practical tips, you, too, can choose positivity. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to lead and leave their legacy!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela

 

#64- Claire Nutter - Founder at Cracked Foodservice Marketing

The Importance of Doing What You Love 

Are you stuck in a corporate role right now, and you’re not enjoying what you do? As cliché as it sounds, life is short—so why not spend it doing something you love? That's the message Claire Nutter brings to us in this episode.

Claire Nutter joins us to talk about her transition from a corporate job to creating her marketing agency, Cracked Foodservice Marketing. She shares her proudest moments in life, her journey to starting Cracked and what drove her decision to shift careers. Claire also discusses the importance of authenticity in business, the challenges of working from home and how she juggles multiple aspects of her life at once. You’ll also hear her take on the secret to success!

Tune in to this episode if you want to know why and how you can start doing what you truly enjoy!

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Discover what you need to transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship.
2. Find out Claire’s guiding principles for success in building a business.
3. Learn how Claire juggles multiple things at a time and how you can do it too.

Resources

• You’ve Got This! The Life-Changing Power of Trusting Yourself by Margie Warrell
• The Weybridge Network on Facebook
• Cracked Foodservice Marketing
• Connect with Claire: LinkedIn | Twitter
• Coaching with Angela

Episode Highlights

[03:57] Claire’s Proudest Moments

• The first thing that makes Claire the proudest is her daughter.
• Claire feels guilty because she believes she works far more than she should, but her daughter takes an interest in her work and shows great maturity.
• Claire wants her daughter to grow up knowing you have to work for what you want and that things don't get handed to you on a plate.

[07:40] Transitioning from a Corporate Job

• The difference with the transition was not working at set hours anymore. 
• Claire would put in more hours into work. There was more pressure on her and a greater sense of responsibility she didn't feel while working for a corporate organisation.
• One of the reasons she started her business was because working for herself was always something she wanted to do.
• Another reason was that she didn’t want to be involved in corporate politics anymore.

[09:39] Being Yourself

• If you aren’t being yourself, it will be exhausting to put on a face and try to be someone you’re not.
• Nowadays, children have access to all kinds of information and are less naïve.
• It’s important to learn to be comfortable in your skin and be at peace with both the good and bad sides of yourself.

[12:34] Starting Cracked

• Claire’s second proudest moment was starting Cracked. Her mindset was that if it didn’t work out, then she could just get another job.
• She had a vision of what she wanted and saw an opportunity to create an agency that would bring together creativity and operations from a marketing perspective.
• When she worked with big agencies during her corporate career, there was often a great amount of creativity, but no one would ever execute new ideas. They weren't good at managing projects or relationships.
• From day one, she wanted Cracked to be about every team member, not just her. However, it wasn't easy to enact that because she still felt personally responsible for the business.
• Listen to the full episode to hear more of Claire’s personal experience and struggles on starting Cracked!

[21:07] Working from Home

• A marketing agency is all about exchanging ideas and bringing different parts of a business together to deliver a solution for their clients.
• Working from home and having meetings online made it difficult to do that.
• They spend a lot of time being trying to be more efficient since they deal with large files.
• Some businesses might benefit more from working at home, but Cracked is a people-based business, so it doesn’t help.
• Claire’s third proudest moment is surviving the last 12 months.

[23:46] Biggest Lessons Learned

• Claire has learned never to be complacent. They make an effort to stay connected to their clients authentically by checking in on them.
• It's important to talk about when you feel good as well as when you don't. Sometimes, Claire finds it cathartic to let out a good cry. 
• There are some weeks where she’s better at juggling her responsibilities, but there’s no answer to it except for her relentlessness.
• It's okay for everyone to feel a little anxious during this lockdown. We all got used to our own company, so we have to learn to adapt to socialising beyond virtual worlds.

[33:44] Guiding Principles for Success

• Claire’s first guiding principle she lives by is that you have got to love what you do. After all, why waste time on anything you don’t love doing?
• The impact of having a job you do not enjoy has on your life is significant as work is where you spend most of your time.
• Be yourself. Authenticity goes a long way.
• Place value on engagement and relationships.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 

5 Powerful Quotes from the Episode

[09:42] ‘I think being yourself is one of the most important parts or things that you can be in your career’.

[10:47] ‘It’s really important from a role model perspective that you are comfortable or learn to be comfortable as yourself in your own skin for your good bits and your bad bits’.

[28:34] ‘Be the best version that you can today. And that might not be as good as you perhaps were yesterday or as energetic or as effervescent, but as long as it’s the best that you can bring now, then that’s okay’.

[34:55] ‘The day you wake up and dread going to work is the day you should find something else’.

[37:47] ‘Many of us are petrified of being wrong or making mistakes, but they’re what we learn from. . . and you become a bit braver because you realise you can afford to make mistakes. And as long as you learn from them, that’s fine’.

About Claire

Claire Nutter is the founder of Cracked Foodservice Marketing Ltd, a marketing agency dedicated to producing impactful work for its clients. After different marketing stints at various companies like Heineken and Compass Group, she started her own business in 2016 to combine both creativity and operations. With her eye for detail, endless energy and genuine love of partnering with her clients, Claire always works by her team’s side to get under the skin of a brief and deliver first-class operational execution, challenging the people at Cracked to go above and beyond the norm. 

To learn more about Claire and her work, you may visit her company website or connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Enjoy the Podcast?

The current situation has made it easy for us to be complacent. But from Claire’s experience, you, too, can choose to do what you love. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don't hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to find what they love doing!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify  or Podbean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela

 

#63 - Nathan Ott - Chief Polisher at the GC Index

The Game-Changing Index to Help You Make Better Decisions 

Think about your team right now - who are the people in your team and what do they do? If you immediately think about their job title, then you’re just scratching the surface of their true potential! People have natural tendencies and strengths waiting for you to foster and uncover. If you want to make better decisions for your team and company, then the Game-Changing Index may be your answer.

In this episode, Nathan Ott joins us to talk about how knowing the ways people create impact can change the way you look at your team forever. He explains that the wrong position and wrong atmosphere can cause people to underperform and burn out. Understanding your team and how they work together is crucial when you want to grow your business.

If you want to start making better decisions by understanding yourself and others, this episode is for you!

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Understand that your strengths and weaknesses are the keys to making the right decisions.
2. Discover the ways the Game-Changing Index can help you and your team flourish.
3. Learn how to take failures and self-doubts as opportunities for growth and development.  

Resources

• The GC Index
• Coaching Me, Coaching Youby Nathan Ott and Dr John Mervyn-Smith
• Connect with Nathan: LinkedInI Twitter I Email (ott@TheCGIndex.com)

Episode Highlights

[02:07] Knowing Your Role Beyond the Job Title

• Nathan shares that people can make an impact through five different ways under the GC Index.
• He shares that by taking up the title of Chief Polisher instead of CEO, he can be himself and not have expectations of what he's not.
• When people know their role, people can work better together.

[04:22] Balancing Family and Professional Responsibilities

• Nathan shares that keeping his family together despite the challenges of starting a company is one of his proudest accomplishments.
• With family, people have more responsibilities and may value security a bit more.
• Nathan shares that he sees risks differently from his wife, which keeps him grounded and avoids things he shouldn't do.

[10:08] Failure Is A Part of Success

• What’s the worst thing that could happen? Just do it.
• If you can’t change something, then it’s all right. If we fail, it’s okay.
• A lot of people are more worried about the things they’ll lose when things go wrong.

[12:08] Learning Your Strengths and Weaknesses

• The GC Index has a scoring system that helps you know your key strengths and weaknesses. Both high and low scores can be strengths and weaknesses.
• Nathan shares that strategists like articulating visions and making the messy unmessy. They typically think and find patterns and trends. This is a huge strength in companies.
• However, the pandemic threw all our systems upside down.  In this case, the other types will do better than strategists.
• In a pandemic, game changers and polishers can shine the most.
• Listen to the full episode to hear more about the different types under the GC Index!  

[16:36] Authenticity and Finding the Right People

• Nathan shares that it took him some time to become comfortable with himself.
• Not only did the GC Index help Nathan be himself, but it also has the power of helping others become their most authentic selves.
• By being true to yourself, you can bring value to the table no one else can.
• By knowing yourself, you’ll be able to understand what will complement your skills and personalities.
• We don’t grow and build a business alone. We need a team who will complement and fill each other’s gaps.  

[21:46] Building Trust with Your Team

• Where can people be their best and be energized? You don’t want people running around pretending to be something they’re not.
• Understand that people will shine best in some specific role.
• Don’t worry about what you’re not good at. You have people who are there who can help.
• When you foster where people are good at, it will naturally empower them and build a strong level of trust with the team.

[24:45] The Game-Changing Index

• Remember that the index only reflects a particular moment in time. It changes as people change and grow.
• If you’re acting, conforming, and trying to fit in, this will naturally reflect in your index.
• Remember that it’s a journey of self-discovery and recognition of what you truly are.

[28:43] Turn Self-Doubt into Potential

• People are amazing, but many tend to have self-doubt because they’re not in the right place or mindset.
• As a leader, you have the power and ability to empower others and see where they can thrive.
• Some people naturally burn out because they’re working in an area where they don’t get energized.  

[31:53] Nathan’s Secrets to Success

• Nathan shares that it’s important to learn from older people and those who have a lot of experiences.
• By learning from others, you can take their experiences and apply them to your life.
• Remember that whatever you believe in will be true, whether you think you can do something or not.
• Choose to believe in yourself. Take the little steps necessary to get things done.

5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode

[13:03] ‘Naturally, people go, ‘Oh, I need to get a ten’... What you see in the GC index is that a low score can be a strength and a weakness, a high score can be a strength and a weakness’.

[20:55] ‘We realized that we were not business people. We realized we are entrepreneurs... We brought in some individuals into both businesses, the GC and the EG.1... People always ask me,  ‘What's my tips’? It's, ‘Get someone that can help you scale your business’’.

[23:41] ‘You can do things that I can't do, I could do things that you can't do, but together, we'll do great things’.

[26:44] ‘We do change. it is a moment in time and human beings aren't always stable for whatever reason... Most of the time, those changes are explainable; we understand why they are. And if you're in a position where you're trying to be something that you're not, you're trying to conform and trying to fit in, You will see that reflected in your profile’.

[33:08] ‘Whether you think you can? Or whether you think you can’t? Either way, you're going to be right’.

About Nathan Ott

Nathan Ott is the co-founder and chief polisher at The GC Index. After 20 years of working with business leaders to get and train the best talents, Nathan knew something was missing in the industry. His search led him to the ground-breaking GC Index. Nathan believes that everyone can make an impact and difference in the right set of environments and conditions.

Through a global community of GC Partners and GCologists, Nathan and his co-founder Dr John can help people worldwide, from Fortune CEOs to children in developing countries. Nathan is the co-author of two studies: The DNA of A Game Changer and The DNA of A Game-Changing Team. He also co-published Coaching Me, Coaching You.

Interested in Nathan’s work and taking an assessment yourself? Check out The GC Index.

You can also reach out to Nathan on LinkedIn, Twitter, and email (nathan.ott@TheCGIndex.com).

Enjoy this Podcast?

Leadership is not just about yourself but about building and knowing your team inside and out. Your decisions should reflect a team behind them, not just you. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to get back up!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Thanks for listening!

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.

To meeting inspiration,

Angela

 

#62 - Steve Bishop - Chief Information Security Officer - ATOS BPS

Building Strength with Vulnerability 

Do you keep up with your team members or friends? Be honest—do you know what they’re up to or what they’re interested in lately?

The pandemic has changed our workplace and pushed almost everyone into working from their homes. Socialising has been kept to a minimum as well. Are you taking the time to ask after the people important to you? Are you opening up your heart to be vulnerable with the people who matter? Take this as a challenge: how can you change to be a better leader, colleague or friend?

In this episode, Steve Bishop joins us to discuss how to lead with humanity, and a large part of this means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and honest. We can also apply these lessons to all of our relationships. Steve also shares his secret in facing fears and adversities and how constant reinvention can bring you to greater heights.

If you want to learn the value and application of vulnerability, this episode is for you.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Understand how you can become a strong leader who leads with vulnerability.
2. Discover what to do when you experience self-doubt and fall into the trap of imposter syndrome?
3. Learn how you can stay strong in the face of fears and adversities.

Resources

• The Mindset Mentor Meets Episode 47 with John Ainsworth 
• The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Program to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence, and Happiness by Dr Steve Peters
• The Alchemist, The Pilgrim and Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho
• Connect with Steve: LinkedIn
• Coaching with Angela

Episode Highlights

[03:17] Steve’s Proudest Moment

• Steve’s first proudest moment is being a father to his two children. 
• Steve is proud to see his children grow and develop into adults. 
• Although they grew up separate from Steve, he makes sure that they know that they’re loved.

[05:26] Being Vulnerable in Relationships

• Steve is from a military family. It was normal not to express emotions. 
• Yet, he wanted to make sure his children could be vulnerable. He wanted them to feel and talk about emotions, even the painful ones. 
• When you want to create a strong team, people need to know you as a person. 
• Being a ‘person’ means being vulnerable, letting others know your weaknesses along with your strengths.  
• Recognise what separates a bad leader from a good one, and learn to emulate the latter. 

[10:08] Steve’s Transition from the Military to Civilian Life

• Steve’s second proudest moment was leaving the military. He admits that he was fearful of doing so.
•  After 22 years of service, he had to learn how to fend for himself as a civilian. 
• Although change isn’t easy, we need to adapt and overcome. Steve’s network helped him through the transition.
• At 49, Steve got a Master’s degree in cybersecurity at Northumbria University. 

[15:07] On Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

• Steve’s drive to do the MSc was personal. He felt like he wasn’t good enough. 
• He felt judged because of his lack of experience and credentials. The truth is, he was being judged not by others but by himself. 
• We often mask insecurity with confidence. 
• We need to stop thinking so much; instead, we need to listen to our hearts. 
• Everyone can feel insecure; hear Steve’s personal story about this in the full episode.

[20:06] Being Honest with Yourself

• Steve shares that he writes in a journal that asks him key questions about his daily life.
• Practising mindfulness is his way of slowing down. 
• As leaders, you need to change to maintain excellence, energy and integrity in your team. 
• This role is very challenging. And so mindfulness is important, especially in understanding stress. 

[22:26] Steve’s Military Career

• Steve was exposed to different sorts of conflicts during his time in the military. 
• And so, Steve’s philosophy is that he wants to live the life that he wants to live. 
• Define what a good day means to you and work hard to achieve that. 
• Tune in to the full episode to get an idea of what a good day can look like in Steve’s terms. 

[25:34] Facing Fears and Adversities

• Steve once again mentions leaving the military as something that caused fear. He left a safe environment and transitioned to civilian life. 
• He worked at Rolls Royce for a while, and he still stays in touch with the people he worked with.
•  Steve shares that after his first marriage, he jumped into a second one. Unfortunately, they weren’t compatible. 
• Afterwards, Steve had to contend with his finances. His fears were paying off the bills, buying a house and setting money aside for his kids’ education. 
• Listen to the full episode to know how Steve and his inspiring mindset got through these adversities. 

[30:23] Expect Constant Reinvention

• Change is constant. We need to learn how to influence it for our benefit. 
• This expectation of change should also extend to our personal lives and relationships. 
• As you get older and more experienced, you’ll have more clarity in your decisions. 
• Even with setbacks, challenges, and painful experiences, you can choose to adapt and move on. 

[32:09] Steve’s Love Life

• Steve met Wendy at the Dubai Mall, watching a fountains water show.
• He admits that his first marriage didn’t succeed because he wasn’t able to communicate well.
• As he gets older, Steve shares that he has learned not to race towards one direction when encountering a junction. He hopes that by thinking things through, he can make the right decisions. 
• Listen to the full episode to hear more about Steve’s reflections on life. 

[40:26] Steve’s Secret for Success

• Steve shares that success can look different for everyone. 
• For him, it’s living in the moment, as well as loving and being loved. 
• Steve gives importance to allowing other people to voice what they have and to share their thoughts. 
• For him, it’s the key to collaboration, community and the feeling of self-worth.
• It’s also important to support people who feel that they don’t have a voice. 

5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode

[07:37] ‘It's important that the team knows you as a person. That's the way we build strength in our teams, isn’t it? It’s recognising your strengths, your weaknesses and talking about them and sharing them and making you a human being, a person.’

[18:50] ‘Your [head] is the muscle that does the doing and tells you how to do it. But your heart tells you what you really need to be doing.’

[23:36] ‘If nobody dies, that's a good day. And you can translate that into if nobody stomps their feet, cries, resigns, or gets overexcited and angry, that's a good day. And if you can help that good day, you're doing a good job.’

[39:27] ‘You'll say that, but vulnerability is not something that you know, even now I'm comfortable with...we're all the same. We're resilient people. And, you know, sometimes you got to crack the nut to get inside them to realise there's something you can do to help them feel better about themselves.’

[41:13] ‘The respect to allow other people to voice they have, and to share their thoughts with you is key to that collaboration and that community, that feeling of self-worth and supporting others that may not feel that they have that voice, giving them the opportunity.’

About Steve Bishop

Steve Bishop is currently the Chief Information Security Officer of ATOS BPS, with experience ranging from small to medium enterprises, FTSE 50 and Public Security leadership roles. He has also previously worked with Rolls-Royce, the Supreme Group in Dubai and Afghanistan, and the Global Intelligence Group. He also served 22 years in the Royal Air Force. Through these experiences, Steve possesses first-class team leadership and problem-solving skills, outstanding levels of discipline, flexibility and discretion.

Steve holds a UK-enhanced Security Clearance and MSc in Cyber Security. He is also a certified Security Consultant and member of the International Institute of Security and BCS, CISA, CCP IA Auditor, PCBCM, ISO 27001 LI and LA.

Are you interested to know more about Steve’s work? You can connect with him on LinkedIn.

Enjoy this Podcast?

Considering the remote nature of work today and how it can extend beyond the pandemic, it is crucial to maintain a strong team. In this episode, Steve equips and reminds you to lead with honesty and vulnerability. Listen to your people and let their voices be heard! If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends.

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela

 

#61 - Kerrie Hedley - Chief Operating Officer, XL Vets

From Vet to COO: Staying Focused and Reaching Your Goals with Kerrie Hedley

When you set your eye on a goal, doubts often come first before motivation. You tend to ask yourself, ‘Can I do this’? or ‘What if it doesn’t work’? While these are valid concerns, they will only limit and prevent you from reaching your goal. To avoid this, you have to shift your mindset and focus on working towards your objective.

In this episode, veterinarian and COO Kerrie Hedley talks to us about her journey from animal care to business management. She also discusses the barriers and enablers that stop us from reaching our goals and dreams. Kerrie also shares with us her proudest moments and favourite books that may inspire you.

If you want to learn how to focus and reach your goals, this episode is for you.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Find out what’s stopping you from reaching your dreams.
2. Learn how you can focus on and improve yourself daily.
3. Discover Kerrie’s secret to success.

Resources

• Books & Audio by Brené Brown
• The Chimp Paradox
• Coaching with Angela
• You’re Better Than You Think You Are by Angela Cox

Episode Highlights

[02:48] Kerrie Hedley’s Pompom Moments

• Kerrie’s first pompom moment is being able to keep her late mother-in-law’s cats alive despite having a dog.
• Next is her career achievements: college graduation, first clinical work, master’s degree and current team.
• Her third pompom moment is her research work about women in leadership.

[06:36] How Kerrie Learned to Work with Animals

• Her first teachers are experience and observation.
• These two helped her learn the knowledge, skills and adaptation to work with circumstances she can’t control.

[07:51] From Veterinary Practice to Becoming a COO

• According to Kerrie, there are differences and similarities between her work as an equine vet and COO.

• Both jobs require her to use problem-solving skills. She does not need to have all the answers in her head, but she needs to know how to find it.
• Kerrie wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 4. She worked at a local vet practice as a receptionist and at a farm, both under the XLVets organisation. 
• After finishing her degree and during her practice, she was continuously involved with that organisation until she could be their business manager.
• Listen to the full episode to follow Kerrie’s journey from an equine vet to a successful COO.

[11:38] What Inspired Kerrie to Get an MBA

• Kerrie already had a postgraduate certificate in business management, which honed her general business skills. However, she wanted to learn more.
• She thought she needed support for her already high-level career. So, she took the MBA part-time and finished it after two years.

[13:06] How XLVets Work

• XLVets is a collaborative organisation with independent vets contributing to a central pool of inspiration for their members.
• Their COO team’s role is to get the members to solve a shared problem like the COVID-19 situation.
• Every member benefits from this collaboration of ideas and solutions.

[16:22] From Animals to People Management

• Kerrie communicates with people in both positions.
• Her experience as a receptionist when she was 14 also significantly contributed to her career shift as she learned how to deal with various people.

[18:15] The Pandemic and the Puppy Demand

• The demand for puppies stemmed from people being in quarantine and working from home.
• People opt for dogs because they are a great first experience for taking care of pets.
• In 2020, as the demand rose, the price for acquiring puppies also increased.
• However, the problem is how these people will adapt when things return to normal. Who will take care of their dogs?

[24:17] Women in Vet Practice and Barriers to Women Leadership

• The first barrier is your home life, which includes logistics, family and finances.
• The second barrier is the perception of systems and structures, like the notion that bosses work long hours daily.
• Lastly, human resource development is a barrier because vets don’t usually have business management experience or knowledge.
• Veterinary is a highly feminised profession, and 85% of veterinarians are female. Yet only 20% of business owners are women.
• Her research shows that a clinician or veterinarian with strong leadership skills has a significant positive effect on patient outcomes.

[29:43] Life Lessons and After Quarantine Plans

• Her shift to a non-clinical role taught her both hard and soft business skills like leadership and self-awareness.
• She learned so much about herself from Brené Brown’s books and the chimp paradox model.
• Learning more and improving yourself make it easier to manage life’s challenges.
• After the quarantine, she wants to see her family and dine out.

[35:32] Kerrie’s Secrets to Success

• Her secret to success is hard work, curiosity and focus.
• She also notes the importance of being conscious about what you want to do.
• Kerrie plans and she reflects on her days, writing these down in a journal. This method helps her focus.

5 Powerful Quotes

[22:17] ‘If you can see it, you can be it. And the earlier you see it, the better’.

[24:58] On women in business: ‘There’s a real interesting piece in here. Because those who have bought in recently said they thought that would be a barrier. But when they went to do it, it wasn’t at all. So, a lot of this is just about perception; it was perceived’.

[31:02] ‘When things have been difficult — typically it’s things that I might be frustrated about, or conversations that haven’t gone as well as I’ve wanted, or outcomes that just haven’t been quite what I wanted and think — I can change my thoughts, my thoughts on me and my situation.’

[36:12] ‘Practice. Just keep learning as well, just really seek to keep developing yourself’.

[37:33] ‘Putting the intentions down, knowing what you want to achieve by when, thinking about what’s coming up, what you’ve already achieved – that almost helps you get it out of your head as much as it keeps it front and centre and keeps the focus there.’

About Kerrie

Kerrie Hedley is a licensed veterinarian and current Chief Operating Officer of XLVets. She has discovered her love for animal care at a very young age and has since then worked on achieving that and more. Kerrie also has an MBA degree and inspiring research about women’s leadership.

If you wish to connect with Kerrie Hedley, you may reach her on LinkedIn or through their company website.

Enjoy the Podcast?

Working on your goals and dreams is not an easy feat. But Kerrie’s story and her tips may inspire and help on your way to success. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to reach their goals!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To defining success,

Angela

 

#60 - The Fear of Judgement - A Fly on the Wall Coaching Session

Coaching You through Your Fear of Judgement

Imagine speaking in front of a room full of people — everyone’s watching your every move and listening to your every word. You feel as if you’re placed under a glaring spotlight, and any mishap will lead to others judging you. But will people really think negatively of you? Or is this fear just your limiting beliefs holding you back?

In this episode, I will coach a client through her fear of judgement. I walk her through the present and dig deeper into her past. You may not be aware of it, but your history can create stains in your life, which then affects how we present ourselves.  

If you want to know how you can deal with your fear of judgement, this episode is for you.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode

1. Know more about how your past experiences can affect your current mindset.
2. Discover the limiting beliefs that are holding you back.
3. Learn how to build confidence and courage.

Resources

• Join the Courage & Confidence Workshop
• Coaching with Angela

 

Episode Highlights 

[02:46] Impostor Syndrome

• When in meetings with peers or senior managers, Nikki feels like her views are not worth listening to.
• She often keeps quiet and instead sends her points through an email afterwards.
• Nikki tends to not voice her ideas due to her fear of saying something stupid, looking silly, or being not as good as others in the room.
• There is a dichotomy of what she believes in at the moment and what happens afterwards.

[06:00] What Bothers Nikki

• One of the reasons she feels good enough is because she did not go to university.
• Nikki knows she has an aptitude for her work through experience and age. But it is dealing with people who come across as knowing more that she finds difficult. She is afraid of being out of depth.
• She identifies two situations where she feels dread. One is during meetings at work where the managers expect them to know all the answers. 
• Another was back in school where she would try to not get picked to answer a question.

[11:29] How to Address the Issue

• I ask Nikki to visualise past versions of herself and imagine as if she is a fly on the wall in the meeting room.
• I walk her through using the tapping technique on the version of herself in the meeting room. 
• The goal is to communicate with that version of Nikki and ask her to identify a time in the past where she had a similar feeling.

[16:20] Looking into Nikki’s Past

• When Nikki does not know the answer to a question in a meeting, she feels internal disappointment. This is driven by her desire to support her team.
• In late primary school, she felt like she wasn’t good enough and struggled to keep up with other children. If all her classmates are invisible, Nikki felt like she could speak up and ask her teacher questions without feeling stupid.
• The first time she felt this dread was when she moved and joined a new school midyear.
• She was upset with the change and therefore decided that she can’t show her emotions.
• Tune in to the full episode to hear our coaching session and gain more insights about your own limiting beliefs!

[43:08] Reflections

• The process that I walked Nikki through is called an echo stream. It relays how your past impacts your present.
• Nikki’s experience when she was 6 is a stain that represents the feeling of not being accepted.
• The more similar experiences she had, the more distorted her perception became.
• ‘Why’ questions come with a fear of judgement. Use ‘how’ questions instead.
• Listen to the full episode to discover how you can also build your confidence and courage.

5 Powerful Quotes

[41:32] ‘In every situation that you experience moving forward, you know that you are accepted for who you are, for what you know, for what you don't know’.

[48:37] ‘Remember that 6-year-old version and bringing in that yellow light because that's going to give you that courage to start to speak up. And then with the courage comes confidence’.

[49:35] ‘Keep bringing the yellow light in and allowing yourself to just sit with that feeling of what it's like to be accepted for who you are’.

[50:08] ‘You've created a new perception in your brain, and therefore, it's not being triggered in the same way as it was. You'll feel a sense of freedom from that shackle that was holding you stuck’.

[52:18] ‘For you to be able to help other people who feel like you, the choice of questioning technique will really help that’.

Enjoyed this Podcast?

We all have fears, but the answer to facing these fears and limiting beliefs is always within us. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can learn ways to build confidence and courage!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean. 

To defining success,

Angela

 

#59 - Clare Clough, UK MD - Pret A Manger

Create a Better Work Environment as an Authentic Leader with Clare Clough

It’s International Women’s Day! What better way to commemorate this day than by celebrating our true and authentic selves?

As leaders, it can be challenging to be completely authentic in the workplace — that applies for all of us, not just women. We fear that revealing too much of ourselves might invalidate us. However, showing your authenticity and vulnerability can be good for others and your business! So how exactly can we be a more authentic leader? 

In this episode, Clare Clough joins us to talk about improving your work environment by bringing your authentic self. We discuss how you can look after yourself and others. Clare also shares the lessons that made her a stronger leader and her absolute secret to success.

If you want to learn more about the key to creating better work environments, then tune in to this episode.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Discover how being an authentic leader can improve your work environment and grow your business. 
2. Learn how to maintain energy and resilience for yourself and others.
3. Find out Clare’s absolute secret to success. 

Resources

• Visit Pret A Manger’s website for freshly prepared food and organic coffee!
• Check out Clare’s favourite Pret coffee, Oat Flat White. 
• Try out Angela’s favourite Pret coffee, Coconut Flat White.
• Coaching with Angela

Episode Highlights

[03:02] Clare’s Top 3 Proudest Moments

• First, Clare is proud of going to university and having a clear path by pursuing a Food Technology course.
• Second, she’s proud of being appointed UK Managing Director at Pret A Manger despite not coming from an operations background.
• Lastly, Clare is proud that their business could bounce back from the pandemic’s challenges. 

[13:41] How to Be an Authentic Leader

• Listen to your co-workers. The only way to learn about people is to listen.
• Create an environment where people are comfortable with being authentic and vulnerable.
• Connect and empathise with people to be a more effective leader.

[19:03] Maintaining Energy for Yourself and Others

• Your reserves of resilience can only take you so far.
• Find that balance of conserving energy and putting it in the right places. Looking after yourself enables you to look after others. 
• Be thoughtful and sensitive to what people need, but also recognise when to apply pressure or expectations.
• Cultivate a culture of openness in your work environment to allow positive peer-to-peer support.

[24:25] Being a Stronger Leader and a Better Human

• For Clare, being in a job that she loves allows her to perform well. She enjoys the job she’s currently in before thinking about the next opportunity.
• Ask for feedback and learn from mistakes. 
• Do not wallow on your mistakes: this can be counterproductive and detrimental to your well-being. 
• Conversely, accept that mistakes are going to happen to make it easier to bounce back from them. 
• When faced with adversity, finding a way to go forward is the best thing you can do.

[30:38] What Traits to Look for in Other People

• Look for people who can challenge your thinking.
• Clare likes people who are different from her and can fill her blind spots.
• She also looks for people who are similar to her and can play more of a cheerleader role.

[32:29] Keeping Your Mental Health in a Good Place

• Working at home can blur work-life boundaries, so Clare doesn’t bring her phone in the bedroom.
• Be kind to yourself by listening to yourself.
• Forgive yourself if you weren’t able to follow your plans for the day. 

[34:06] The Best Coffee

• Clare’s favourite coffee is Pret’s Oat Flat White.
• Angela is a decaffeinated Coconut Flat White drinker. 

[36:43] The Absolute Secret to Success

• For Clare, authenticity is the absolute secret to success in different avenues of life.
• Being yourself brings better results more quickly in whatever situation. 

5 Powerful Quotes

[09:40] 'It was also hugely significant because I was really the first person who hadn't come from a pure operations background that had held that role previously. So I felt really proud when people sort of talk to me about what you've broken a bit of new ground here as well.'

[10:49] 'The most important thing was to just get close to the people in our shop.

[14:07] 'I wanted to create an environment for everyone in practice, to authentically be able to ask for help and stuff that they didn't know to know that it was possible to grow your career.'

[21:33] 'So one of the values that I've always held dear to me, is always to treat people how you would like to be treated. And I think I've pulled on that a lot during the last year and, and tried to be thoughtful and sympathetic to people's circumstances or where they are. . . we've all been through the curve at different times at different speeds for different reasons'

[26:56] 'I still do that I still sometimes have that sort of plunge to a depth of despair of I'll probably need to beat myself up for a week before I come up for it. But. . .you have to wonder what value that adds to you. And actually, it's detrimental, isn't it?'

About Clare 

Clare Clough is Pret A Manger’s UK Managing Director. She oversees over 400 shops and is responsible for leading Pret in its ambition to turn into a multi-channel business. 

In 2017, Clare led the development of Pret’s new brand concept, Veggie Pret. She also oversaw the incorporation of full ingredient labelling into Pret’s allergy plan. Clare has almost 20 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry and is passionate about developing well-knit teams.  

Want to know more about Clare’s work? You may connect with her through LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about Pret, visit their website.  

Enjoy this Podcast?

Maintaining a good work environment became more challenging because of the pandemic. But with Clare’s tips, you, too, can make yourself better to establish a harmonious workplace. If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Mindset Mentor Meets..., then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, then don’t hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can feel empowered to be their authentic selves!

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela