On Leadership, Letting Go & The Power of a Career Break with Ex Walmart Comms Leader Melissa Hill

Coach Class

#Careers #Business #Dom Burch

15:16

Gen Z slang is rife with new words like "unalive," "skibidi" and "rizz." Where do these words come from — and how do they get popular so fast? Linguist Adam Aleksic explores how the forces of social media algorithms are reshaping the way people talk and view their very own identities. For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch . Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links: TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou TEDSports: ted.com/sports TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna TEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 35:10

MP3•Episode home

In this reflective and energising episode, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my former Asda colleague Melissa Hill, now on a well-earned career break after 16 years at Walmart. Together, we explore what it really means to pause, reset, and be intentional about the next chapter.

🔑 Key themes:

The reality of high-pressure comms roles in global corporations
Embracing horizontal leadership and active listening
Rediscovering human connection after stepping off the corporate treadmill
Viewing yourself as a “corporate athlete” who needs to rest and recover
Planning a meaningful career break with purpose and structure
Letting go of identity wrapped up in job titles and learning who you are outside of work

Melissa shares her “three Ps” for her sabbatical: public service, personal housekeeping, and purposeful enrichment of the mind — and offers candid reflections on what she’s learning while travelling across Europe, including surprising insights from Beirut and spontaneous reunions in Bradford.

This is a must-listen for anyone considering a career pivot, feeling burnt out, or simply seeking inspiration on how to live and lead with more intention.

💬 “The minute you step away, you realise — it wasn’t the job that made me. I made the job.” – Melissa Hill

🔗 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix.

Send us a text

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.

74 episodes

Coach Class

On Leadership, Letting Go & The Power of a Career Break with Ex Walmart Comms Leader Melissa Hill

Coach Class

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

🔑 Key themes:

The reality of high-pressure comms roles in global corporations
Embracing horizontal leadership and active listening
Rediscovering human connection after stepping off the corporate treadmill
Viewing yourself as a “corporate athlete” who needs to rest and recover
Planning a meaningful career break with purpose and structure
Letting go of identity wrapped up in job titles and learning who you are outside of work

This is a must-listen for anyone considering a career pivot, feeling burnt out, or simply seeking inspiration on how to live and lead with more intention.

💬 “The minute you step away, you realise — it wasn’t the job that made me. I made the job.” – Melissa Hill

🔗 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix.

Send us a text

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.

74 episodes

#Careers #Business #Dom Burch

All episodes

1
Invisible Girls, Loud Voices: How Jane Kenyon Is Helping a Generation Be Seen and Heard 30:31

5 weeks ago30:31

30:31

In this episode of Coach Class I caught up with Jane Kenyon MBE — a serial entrepreneur, intuitive coach, and unapologetic champion for women and girls. Jane shares her extraordinary personal journey: from a traumatic upbringing and being abandoned at 16, to thriving in corporate life, reinventing herself as an entrepreneur, and ultimately founding Girls Out Loud – a social enterprise that empowers teenage girls to find their voice, speak up, and make bold, informed choices. 💡 Key Themes 💥 A Life Shaped by Adversity Jane opens up about being “daddy’s girl” in a wealthy but emotionally volatile home. Kicked out at 16 and abandoned by her father, she became fiercely self-reliant. Her early trauma became the foundation of her resilience and empathy. 📈 Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur After rising fast in the corporate world (with multiple degrees and an MBA by 28), Jane hit burnout. She reinvented herself as a coach, then founded Girls Out Loud in 2010 after a powerful pilot project with at-risk girls in Blackpool. 👧 The Two Groups Who Slip Through the Cracks High-risk girls: Experiencing trauma, abuse, grooming risks, or teenage pregnancy. “Middle girls”: Not excelling, not failing — often completely invisible. These girls hold huge untapped potential, but get little attention from schools or services. 🧠 Mentoring That Changes Lives — Both Ways The Big Sister programme pairs each girl with a woman who “has been there, done that.” Mentors are trained not just to support, but to reflect on their own lives. The process transforms the adults as much as the girls. As Jane puts it: “You can’t model confidence or boundary-setting for a teenage girl if you’re not doing it yourself.” 📱 Social Media Isn’t the Root Cause — It’s the Amplifier Social media magnifies existing issues like misogyny, body image pressures, and peer toxicity. Pornography, violence, and grooming are now normalised online. Jane believes society handed kids this world without any real guidance or boundaries. 🚸 Schools and Parents: Who’s Responsible? Jane calls out both systems: schools are overwhelmed, and many parents are disengaged. She urges parents to “get on the bus” — have regular, meaningful conversations and understand the digital worlds their kids inhabit. 🏫 What Needs to Change Better, braver sex and relationship education. Trauma-informed schools where teachers are emotionally present. Stronger parental involvement and better role-modelling from adults. 👑 Building a Legacy Jane recently received an MBE, recognising decades of tireless work. She’s now focused on scaling Girls Out Loud and ensuring it can thrive beyond her leadership. 🔥 Why She Keeps Going It’s the messages from former mentees that keep her fire burning — hearing that “you changed my life” or “I wouldn’t be here without this programme” reminds her the struggle is worth it. 💬 Call to Action Whether you're a potential mentor, fundraiser, coach, or supporter — get involved . Girls Out Loud is actively seeking volunteers, role models, and regional partners. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
Amanda Downs: On Ikigai, Leadership, and Why Sales Isn’t a Dirty Word 29:12

5 weeks ago29:12

29:12

In this episode of Coach Class , I was joined by Amanda Downs — commercial leader turned coach, facilitator, and soon-to-be author of Stepping Up to Sales Leader . Using the Japanese concept of Ikigai — your reason for being — as a guiding theme, Amanda reflects on what lights her up, how she helps others grow, and why leading a commercial team is a bit like tending a garden. Expect rich conversation on: How purpose, values, and integrity guide Amanda’s work The link between psychological safety and leadership success Why sales is about value, story, and service — not pressure How to spot a career crossroads and start unravelling your metaphorical jumper Her love for gardening, and why it’s the perfect metaphor for people development Amanda also shares the lessons she’s learned from Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, how she helps leaders rediscover what they’re good at, and why vulnerability is the new superpower. This episode is for anyone who’s led a team, faced a fork in the road, or simply wants to do meaningful work with integrity and heart. 🔊 Soundbite: “Selling and helping people to buy things is not a dirty word… It’s the lifeblood of what makes economies boom or fail. And the most authentic way to sell? It’s to find the value and turn it into a story you can tell.” — Amanda Downs 📌 Useful Links: Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn Learn more about The Uspire Group Watch for Amanda’s upcoming book Stepping Up to Sales Leader (coming 2026) Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
From Asda to Everywhere: Sarah Fothergill on Culture, Courage, and Career Lessons 28:54

8 weeks ago28:54

28:54

🎧 In this episode of Coach Class , I’m joined by someone I’ve admired for years — Sarah Fothergill , now Vice President at HH Global, the world’s fastest-growing marketing execution company. Sarah and I reflect on our shared time at Asda — a place that was far more than just a job. It was a boot camp for leadership, values, resilience, and finding your voice. We explore the people who influenced her most, including Katherine Paterson, Rick Bendel, and Chris Mcdonough — and the lessons they passed on that still shape her leadership style today. From her early days faxing house plant orders to stores, to creating Walmart’s global marketing academy, and now managing a multimillion business at HH Global, Sarah’s journey is packed with hard-won insight, humility, and heart. 💬 What We Talk About: The Asda culture: why it was so formative — and why it still matters What Sarah learned from leaders like Rick, Katherine and Chris Taking a leap: going from corporate to India to founding her own agency Setting up Walmart’s International Centre of Marketing Excellence How she leads today with empathy, honesty, and a coaching mindset Advice for anyone starting out — or looking to reinvent themselves Why leaving a company well is just as important as how you join The unexpected joy of giving back through her work with Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice 🧠 One to Remember: “You won’t know what you’re good at until you try everything — even the scary stuff.” 🔗 Connect with Coach Class: Hosted by: Dom Burch Follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone from your own Asda era. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
You’re Not Broken: Rewriting the Story of ADHD and menopause with Sam Williams ACC, CEng MIET 32:03

10 weeks ago32:03

32:03

In this episode of Coach Class , I caught up with executive coach and chartered engineer Sam Williams , whose personal journey through late-diagnosed ADHD and perimenopause has redefined how she leads, coaches, and lives. What started as a 30-second BBC appearance turned into a profound moment of reflection for Sam—one that prompted her to confront long-held beliefs like “I’m lazy” or “I’m in decline.” Through coaching, curiosity, and compassion, she’s learned to rewrite these inner narratives and reclaim her identity on her own terms. Together, Sam and I explore: What Sam calls "belief admin" —and how it can unlock headspace for transformation The hidden intersections of neurodivergence and hormonal change How we can reframe perimenopause as a “midlife software update” instead of a decline Why building a relationship with yourself is foundational to resilience Practical ways men can be better allies to the women in their lives Whether you’re navigating change, coaching others through it, or simply trying to make sense of your inner voice—this is a conversation full of insight, empathy, and empowerment. 🔗 Links: Connect with Sam on LinkedIn BBC Documentary Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
On Leadership, Letting Go & The Power of a Career Break with Ex Walmart Comms Leader Melissa Hill 35:10

11 weeks ago35:10

35:10

In this reflective and energising episode, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my former Asda colleague Melissa Hill , now on a well-earned career break after 16 years at Walmart. Together, we explore what it really means to pause, reset, and be intentional about the next chapter. 🔑 Key themes: The reality of high-pressure comms roles in global corporations Embracing horizontal leadership and active listening Rediscovering human connection after stepping off the corporate treadmill Viewing yourself as a “corporate athlete” who needs to rest and recover Planning a meaningful career break with purpose and structure Letting go of identity wrapped up in job titles and learning who you are outside of work Melissa shares her “three Ps” for her sabbatical: public service , personal housekeeping , and purposeful enrichment of the mind — and offers candid reflections on what she’s learning while travelling across Europe, including surprising insights from Beirut and spontaneous reunions in Bradford. This is a must-listen for anyone considering a career pivot, feeling burnt out, or simply seeking inspiration on how to live and lead with more intention. 💬 “The minute you step away, you realise — it wasn’t the job that made me. I made the job.” – Melissa Hill 🔗 Listen on Spotify , Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix . Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
From Broadway to Boardrooms. Kate Levy on Reinvention, Leadership, and the Art of Storytelling 28:03

12 weeks ago28:03

28:03

In this episode of Coach Class Kate Levy shares her remarkable career journey from child actress to award-winning executive producer and creative leader. With years of experience spanning TV, branded content, and B2B production, Kate has shaped powerful stories across sectors—and guided teams through high-stakes creative projects. Highlights: Early Start in Acting: Kate began her career in front of the camera, starring in David Copperfield , I, Claudius , and Robin of Sherwood . She even appeared on Broadway with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Turning Point: Realising the limitations of being typecast as she got older, Kate pivoted behind the camera—starting unexpectedly with voicing astrology lines for a newspaper. That leap led to producing live broadcast content for News International in both London and the US. Creative Leadership: Kate emphasises a collegiate and calm leadership style—encouraging teams to pause, prioritise, and problem-solve together. She’s passionate about mentoring, especially during times of change or challenge. Lessons Learned: She reflects on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning—traits that have helped her reinvent her career multiple times, from launching TV channels to coaching C-suite execs on-camera. Future Vision: Kate is now seeking new opportunities where she can collaborate closely with others, mentor rising talent, and continue producing meaningful, award-winning content. On Ageism: She candidly discusses the bias older professionals face in creative industries and challenges companies to embrace experience, as long as it’s coupled with a hunger to keep learning. AI & Human Creativity: Kate wants to explore how artificial and human intelligence can work together—humorously noting she always says "please and thank you" to AI tools, just in case. 💬 “The only way to get experience is chronologically. But if you're still curious, open to change, and passionate about making great work—you’ve got so much to offer.” – Kate Levy Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
A Nurse, a Chef, and a Marine Walk into a Workplace... and Change Lives - Ray McCaughan, Horizon Health 27:52

13 weeks ago27:52

27:52

In this episode of Coach Class , I’m joined by Ray McCaughan , a seasoned nurse and founder of Horizon Health Clinics in Skipton. With over 25 years’ experience in acute care, chronic care, and forensic mental health, Ray shares how a ride-along with his paramedic uncle in the 1980s led him from HM Treasury to a lifelong commitment to healthcare. We explore: Why root causes matter more than surface symptoms in healthcare. How lifestyle medicine can empower people to take control of their health — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ray’s innovative collaboration with two colleagues combines a "nurse, chef, and Marine" , bringing holistic health advice into workplaces through practical, actionable strategies. The power of small, sustained changes over sweeping resolutions. How walking and talking , active listening, and stoic philosophy all play a role in healing. Why purpose, meaning, and mindset are vital for both personal health and effective leadership. Ray also talks about measuring success through tools like stress and wellbeing scores, and shares one case where a client’s stress level dropped from 46 to 20 in just eight weeks. This conversation is full of insights for leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in how healthcare — and life — can be more human, more compassionate, and more sustainable. ☕ Plus: a shoutout to Skipton coffee, walking in the Dales, and why sometimes doing nothing is the healthiest choice of all. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
Kevin Gratton: Leading from the Heat of the Kitchen to the Heart of Hospitality 27:11

18 weeks ago27:11

27:11

In this episode of Coach Class, I sat down with Kevin Gratton, whose journey through some of the most intense kitchens in the world has shaped him into a reflective, generous leader and mentor in the hospitality industry. From working under Marco Pierre White to launching his own consultancy—Samphire and Sage—Kevin’s career is rich with insight, grit, and transformation. Key Themes: Learning in High-Pressure Environments Kevin talks candidly about his early days in Marco Pierre White’s brigade, the pressure-cooker environment, and what it taught him about resilience and standards. The Shift to Leadership We explore the tough emotional terrain of moving from being part of the team to leading it—and how this transition forced him to reevaluate how he motivated others. Space to Reflect A three-year stint in the Cayman Islands gave Kevin time to reset, learn a new leadership style, and put empathy and compassion at the heart of his approach. Starting Samphire and Sage Now focused on mentoring and menu development, Kevin’s consultancy is rooted in 30+ years of experience—but built to serve people, not just systems. Attitude over Aptitude Kevin shares the philosophy that skills can be taught—but attitude, empathy, and social awareness are what create lasting success in teams. Leading on Your Own Terms He reflects on the power of long-term relationships, trusting your own values, and the importance of leading in a way that aligns with who you are. 💡 Takeaways for Leaders & Coaches Kevin’s experience offers important reminders for leaders far beyond the hospitality sector: Culture matters more than command: Leadership that relies on intimidation may deliver short-term results, but sustainable success comes from empathy, clarity, and values-based culture. Transitions are hard—and worth attention: Moving into leadership roles without support can perpetuate unhealthy habits. Coaching and mentoring are essential during these phases. Reflection fuels growth: Kevin’s transformation came not in the heat of service, but during quieter moments of reflection—something corporate leaders would do well to schedule for themselves. Skills get you in the door—attitude keeps you there: That 51/49 rule (attitude vs. aptitude) is as true in the boardroom as it is in the kitchen. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
From Grocery Powerhouse to Coaching Guru: Gail Paddy on Leadership, Retail & Reinvention 33:17

22 weeks ago33:17

33:17

In this episode of Coach Class , I caught up with Gail Paddy , a seasoned leader in the UK grocery industry with over 30 years' experience at Asda and Morrisons . Gail discusses product development, own-brand strategy, food education, and career transitions , along with her new role in coaching and consulting . Key Themes & Insights 1️⃣ Passion for Food & Early Career Aspirations Gail’s love for food started at 15 when she fought to study A-level Home Economics , despite resistance from her school. She pursued a Food Science degree , often having to clarify it wasn’t just about “baking crumbles and cakes.” Her retail journey began at Sainsbury’s , leading to a 32-year career in food retailing . 💬 "I fell in love with retail. You either love it or you don’t." 2️⃣ Leadership in the UK Grocery Sector She started out focusing on private label, category management, and innovation . A health scare prompted her to take on a new challenge at Morrisons , where she built a team from scratch. 💬 "A health scare makes you rethink everything. This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up." 3️⃣ The Reality of Retail & Customer Impact Retail is demanding and fast-paced , requiring deep emotional investment . 💬 "Decisions in retail have a real impact on people’s lives." 4️⃣ Transition to Coaching & Consulting After leaving corporate retail, Gail trained as a Barefoot coach , learning to listen deeply rather than just responding. Now a consultant and mentor , she helps individuals and businesses refine strategies and leadership skills. 💬 "Retail teaches you to listen to respond. Coaching teaches you to listen to understand." 5️⃣ Supporting Women in Leadership & Work-Life Balance Passionate about mentoring women in food retail , focusing on confidence, resilience, and assertiveness . Works with Fearless Foodies , supporting women to find their voice in the industry. 💬 "I want to help women feel empowered to be their authentic selves in leadership." 6️⃣ Giving Back – Food Poverty & Education On the advisory board for Rethink Food , which promotes food education and poverty alleviation (N.B. I interviewed Nathan and Kevin from Rethink Food last August) Gail encourages professionals in transition to leverage their networks , such as Asda Underworld , for support. 💬 "There is life outside corporate retail—you just need to find the right path." Final Thoughts Gail’s career highlights passion, resilience, and adaptability . From grocery innovation to mentoring future leaders , she continues to make an impact. 🎙️ Want to connect with Gail? Find her on LinkedIn under Food for Thought Coaching & Consulting . It's a must-listen for anyone in retail, leadership, or career transitions ! 🚀 Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
Focus, Flourish & Find Your Tribe (bab) – In conversation with the one and only Jo Reeves PCC 37:36

26 weeks ago37:36

37:36

Jo Reeves is a highly experienced personal and business coach — armed with an impressive coaching resume, a knack for making big topics feel totally relatable, and the occasional well-placed “bab” (because you can take the girl out of Birmingham, but you can’t take Birmingham out of the girl). With a passion for helping people build confidence and self-belief, Jo has led multiple transformational programmes. Whether she’s coaching high-flyers, working parents, or people at a crossroads, her holistic and collaborative approach helps them navigate change without losing themselves in the process. In this week's podcast: Journey into Coaching Jo’s background in the voluntary and charity sector, particularly in substance misuse, addiction recovery, and supporting high-risk women, has profoundly shaped her coaching philosophy. She has worked in probation offices, homeless hostels, and prisons, gaining firsthand experience in guiding people through profound life changes. Women’s Development & Self-Belief Jo is particularly passionate about coaching women and working parents, helping them navigate challenges such as burnout and self-confidence. She highlights the paradox faced by working parents—expected to perform at work as if they don’t have children while being fully present in their child’s life as if they don’t have a job. Burnout, Grief & Change As a coach, Jo works with professional coaches to better understand and prevent burnout, collaborating with Jayne Morris in this field. She also emphasizes how grief is present in every coaching journey—not just related to bereavement but also to loss of identity, redundancy, or life transitions. “Every change brings around a loss of some sort, whether that’s a change you instigate or a change that’s been enforced upon you.” Focus and Flourish Retreat Jo, alongside Jayne Morris, Kelly Quinn, John Fleming, and Ros Coleman, is co-leading a coaching retreat designed for coaches, change-makers, and empaths. Set in a 250-acre nature reserve, the Focus and Flourish Retreat provides an immersive experience for reflection, realignment, and self-care. “When like-minded people get together, magic happens.” Tribe & Belonging Jo and Dom discuss the importance of finding a supportive tribe in coaching and personal growth. Dom reflects on his experiences from Barefoot Coaching training, emphasising how deep connections can form in coaching communities. “There’s so many ills of modern society where people just haven’t got a tribe.” Honouring Endings & Change Jo speaks about the power of acknowledging endings—whether in work, relationships, or personal transitions. She highlights how organisations should handle redundancies with dignity, drawing parallels to sports teams that honour former players. “Honouring an ending gives us an opportunity to clear the clutter for fresh beginnings.” To connect with Jo, visit her website or find her on LinkedIn . She also invites those interested in the Focus and Flourish Retreat to check out Balanceology for details. Or as Jo says: “I’m always up for a cuppa and a chat.” Thanks bab :) Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
Sarah Ramsey (Trustee) and Gareth Pierce (CEO) from Forget Me Not Hospice 36:32

28 weeks ago36:32

36:32

In this episode I speak with Sarah Ramsey (Trustee) and Gareth Pierce (CEO) of Forget Me Not Hospice . While the conversation is centred on children’s hospice care , it also offers leadership insights into motivation, culture, and values —core themes that resonate across business, charity, and personal growth. 1. Purpose-Driven Leadership & Motivation Both Sarah and Gareth transitioned from corporate careers into the hospice sector, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Gareth describes how every decision, conversation, and meeting is directly linked to helping children and families—a powerful daily motivator unlike anything in corporate roles. The hospice operates with a "live well" philosophy, ensuring children and their families experience joy and support, not just end-of-life care. Leadership takeaway: Clarity of purpose fuels motivation—whether in business or non-profit, leaders thrive when they see the direct impact of their work. 2. Building an Authentic Culture Forget Me Not Hospice is described as a home, not a hospice—its environment, care philosophy, and team ethos embody warmth, family, and support. The hospice’s values—Caring, Courageous, Positive, Pioneering, and Genuine—are not just words but lived daily. This is evident in staff engagement, family care, and visible signs of culture throughout the building. Leadership takeaway: Culture is reinforced by actions, not slogans—organisations must embed values in daily work, physical spaces, and onboarding processes. 3. Leading Through Uncertainty & Financial Challenge The hospice faces immense financial pressures, needing to raise £6 million annually , with only 10% from government funding . Despite these challenges, the team maintains a solutions-focused mindset , working with other hospices, corporate sponsors, and fundraising initiatives. Gareth stresses the importance of adaptability —balancing short-term survival with long-term advocacy for systemic funding reform . Leadership takeaway: Resilient leadership requires both a survival mindset and a vision for the future—leaders must manage immediate pressures while keeping sight of long-term goals. 4. The Power of Collaboration & Collective Impact Forget Me Not collaborates rather than competes with other hospices to advocate for change, share resources, and optimise costs . Unlike corporate environments where competitiveness limits collaboration, the hospice sector thrives on shared learning, open dialogue, and collective action . Leadership takeaway: Successful leaders know when to compete and when to collaborate—building alliances, even in challenging sectors, is key to sustainability and impact. Final Reflections – Finding Meaning in Leadership Both guests emphasise that personal fulfilment comes from making a difference . Sarah finds motivation in family stories , which remind her why she volunteers. Gareth stays grounded by engaging with children and families , reigniting his passion daily. Leadership takeaway: True leadership is not just about success; it’s about significance. When leaders align work with meaning and values, motivation and impact follow naturally. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
In conversation with Owen Eastwood, high performance coach & best selling author of 'Belonging' 30:10

32 weeks ago30:10

30:10

Owen Eastwood is a world-renowned performance coach, author of the bestselling book Belonging , and a passionate advocate for the power of connection and shared purpose. His work draws on the Māori concept of Whakapapa, emphasising the importance of understanding our place within a lineage and creating environments where individuals feel they truly belong. Owen has worked with some of the world’s most elite teams—from the English national football team to the South African cricket team, as well as military leaders and even ballet dancers. In this podcast we explore how his unique approach helps teams unlock their potential and what we can all learn about belonging, leadership, and shared values. Owen’s Journey Eastwood transitioned from a 15-year legal career in London to coaching elite teams, starting accidentally by offering advice on workplace dynamics to clients of the firm. Growing up in New Zealand, Owen faced identity challenges after his father’s early death but found connection when his grandmother's Māori tribe, who recognised him and shared his ancestral lineage. This revelation profoundly shaped his life and work philosophy. Core Themes Whakapapa Philosophy: Owen explains Whakapapa as a metaphorical lineage of people holding hands from the past to the future. When the “sun shines on us,” we are responsible for guarding traditions, values, and paving the way for future generations. Universality of Belonging: While rooted in Māori spirituality, Eastwood notes that Whakapapa resonates universally across cultures, teams, and organisations. Emotion in Leadership: Performance improves when leadership connects emotionally. Owen challenges sterile corporate strategies, encouraging leaders to focus on shared stories, purpose, and legacy. Impactful Examples British Olympic Team: Eastwood highlighted the need to celebrate diverse contributions in a meaningful and obvious way, representing the team’s history, fostering inclusion and pride. Corporate & Sports Settings: Owen’s approach includes personalised rituals, emotional connection, and shared narratives. He advocates democratising practices like well-being check-ins, typically reserved for elite athletes, for all workers. Leadership Insights Rituals & Identity: Simple rituals like daily mood checks or sharing team origin stories deepen connections and build trust. Transitions & Belonging: Successful on-boarding and off-boarding hinge on rituals that honour contributions and maintain a sense of community. Long-Term Legacy: Owen works to integrate future planning for team members, such as skill-building for post-career transitions. Closing Reflections The episode concludes with Owen’s call for leaders to embrace Whakapapa-inspired values, creating environments of belonging and shared accountability. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
Embracing Risk, Resilience, and Real Connections: Leah Spears on Building a Career with Passion and Purpose 28:02

42 weeks ago28:02

28:02

In this episode of Coach Class, I sit down with Leah Spears, Head of Brand at Paddy Power, to discuss her career journey and the lessons she’s gathered along the way. With over 20 years of experience, Leah shares how her childhood dream of working in television transformed into a passion for marketing, eventually leading her to roles at Brazen PR, a long tenure at Asda, where she embraced an entrepreneurial culture that encouraged creativity and risk-taking. Leah reflects on her time at Asda as “more than a job…a second home,” where she learned from inspirational leaders like Rick Bendel and Judith McKenna and adopted a “never ask for permission, always ask for forgiveness” approach that shaped her professional outlook. She also highlights the significance of female leadership, particularly under her current Marketing MD, Michelle Spillane, and the impact it’s had on her understanding of leadership and its role in empowering others. In a candid discussion on work-life balance, Leah acknowledges the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with personal life, particularly as today’s culture places a higher value on mental well-being and boundaries than it did in earlier years. She shares how evolving attitudes toward work-life balance allow professionals to thrive without sacrificing their personal lives: “Everyone’s just trying to do their best…you have to give them credit where credit’s due for all facets of their life.” Leah’s advice to young professionals includes invaluable insights on resilience, grit, and blocking out negativity. She stresses the importance of “being a student” of one’s industry, soaking up as much knowledge as possible, and staying motivated through setbacks: “Don’t listen to any negativity…anyone can do anything that they put their mind to. Stick at it because it’s always going to be tough.” Finally, Leah reveals her dream of someday working in the film industry, sharing her ongoing curiosity and drive for new experiences. For those with a passion to explore new paths, she recommends “manifesting” their goals with an open mind, optimism, and resilience: “Sometimes you might be shy and sometimes you might not have all of the opportunities…but if you just keep pushing, believe in it, and try your hardest, then things happen in a good way.” Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

1
How singing can help you find your voice and give a sense of belonging - with James Sills 37:11

45 weeks ago37:11

37:11

In this episode of Coach Class I'm thrilled to be joined by James Sills, a freelance choir leader, vocal coach, and author of the inspiring book Do Sing . In his work, James advocates for the transformative power of singing, not only as a form of creative expression but as a remedy to the stresses of modern life. His book encourages readers to overcome their inhibitions, find their voice, and experience the joy of singing—whether alone or as part of a community. In the conversation we dive into his journey, the benefits of singing for health and wellbeing, and how you too can reawaken a love for singing. James discusses his early musical experiences, his transition from being a classroom music teacher to a full-time vocal facilitator in 2017, and the importance of singing in fostering community, joy, and well-being. He emphasises that group singing is more than just producing sounds; it creates a sense of belonging, connection, and mental well-being, serving as a remedy to the stresses of modern life. He speaks about his various projects, including community choirs, workplace choirs, and his online singing community, "The Sofa Singers," which he launched during the pandemic and continues to grow. He reflects on the barriers people often face when it comes to singing, such as societal perceptions about needing a "good voice," and his efforts to make singing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I also share my own experiences of being hesitant to sing publicly but finding joy in participating in communal singing experiences. Together, we discuss the powerful role that singing plays in breaking down the barriers between performers and audiences, fostering human connection, and improving mental health. The conversation also touches on James' experience training as a coach with Barefoot Coaching, which has influenced his work and approach to group dynamics, leadership, and connection through singing. Send us a text 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.…

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Bob Gomersall - from physics teacher to successful business leader, and now an author 28:10

47 weeks ago28:10