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Episode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE Framework

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Content provided by Nicki Hambleton. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nicki Hambleton or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Episode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE Framework to Clear Overwhelm

Overwhelmed? Stuck in a mental fog?

In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki shares the SEE Framework – a powerful visual tool to help you go from frazzled to focused.

Whether your brain feels like it has 73 tabs open or you're facing a big decision that feels impossible to start, this episode helps you make sense of the chaos.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Dump out the overwhelm (visually!)
  • Use visual triage to make sense of what’s going on
  • Apply a Visual Thermometer to identify pressure points
  • Sketch out a simple path forward

From students and creatives to team leaders and teachers, this framework works for anyone trying to see their way through a tough moment.

Grab a pen and some paper and let’s rethink overwhelm together.

Book ref: Eat that Frog (Brian Tracy)

We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

  continue reading

23 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 487714315 series 3640084
Content provided by Nicki Hambleton. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nicki Hambleton or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Episode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE Framework to Clear Overwhelm

Overwhelmed? Stuck in a mental fog?

In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki shares the SEE Framework – a powerful visual tool to help you go from frazzled to focused.

Whether your brain feels like it has 73 tabs open or you're facing a big decision that feels impossible to start, this episode helps you make sense of the chaos.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Dump out the overwhelm (visually!)
  • Use visual triage to make sense of what’s going on
  • Apply a Visual Thermometer to identify pressure points
  • Sketch out a simple path forward

From students and creatives to team leaders and teachers, this framework works for anyone trying to see their way through a tough moment.

Grab a pen and some paper and let’s rethink overwhelm together.

Book ref: Eat that Frog (Brian Tracy)

We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

  continue reading

23 episodes

All episodes

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Episode 24: Visual Frameworks – Making the Invisible Visible Do you ever feel like your brain’s full but nothing’s clear? In this episode of RETHINK, we dive into visual frameworks: simple, shape-based tools that help you organise messy thinking, untangle ideas and make better decisions. Whether you're planning a project, navigating a tricky conversation, or just feeling overwhelmed, frameworks offer scaffolding for your thoughts. I walk you through 5 clear steps to build your own visual framework (no drawing skills required) and explain how to match the shape to the kind of challenge you're facing. 🔍 Learn how to: Name the real challenge Choose a visual structure that fits Add prompts to guide your thinking Fill it in with the chaos, questions and insights Step back and actually see the big picture Practical, visual and calming, this episode gives you tools to stop spiralling and start seeing clearly. 🎧 Tune in and try it for yourself. Because sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to draw it. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 23: The Switch. Becoming visible again. What happens when you step back into a space you love and suddenly feel seen again? In this reflective episode, Nicki shares what attending the Jigsaw24 Education Summit unlocked for her: a quiet but powerful moment of clarity, confidence, and reconnection. From feeling on the fringes of education to realising the power of her work anew, she explores how one simple conversation flipped the switch and helped her become visible again. Whether you’re a creative, educator, or someone whose work doesn’t fit into a neat box, this episode is your reminder that visibility doesn’t require shouting it just takes one moment of resonance. 🎙 You’ll hear: The subtle power of being seen and understood Why clarity often matters more than credentials A light switch metaphor that might just change how you show up A listener prompt to help you step into your own visibility 💡 Flick the switch. You deserve to be seen. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 22: Can a Picture Say 1000 Words? Visual thinking isn’t just about drawing, it’s about showing meaning. And sometimes, one powerful image can communicate what paragraphs of text struggle to explain. In this episode, Nicki explores how using visual thinking and the Power Image strategy can: ✅ Replace text-heavy presentations, reports and student portfolios ✅ Reduce cognitive load for your audience ✅ Support neurodivergent and EAL learners ✅ Bring greater clarity to leadership communication, team conversations and classroom learning Whether you're an educator, team leader or creative thinker, you'll take away simple, practical steps to rethink how you share information and discover how one image can truly say 1000 words. 🎙 Listen now and rethink how you use visuals in your next portfolio, meeting or presentation. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE Framework to Clear Overwhelm Overwhelmed? Stuck in a mental fog? In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki shares the SEE Framework – a powerful visual tool to help you go from frazzled to focused. Whether your brain feels like it has 73 tabs open or you're facing a big decision that feels impossible to start, this episode helps you make sense of the chaos. You’ll learn how to: Dump out the overwhelm (visually!) Use visual triage to make sense of what’s going on Apply a Visual Thermometer to identify pressure points Sketch out a simple path forward From students and creatives to team leaders and teachers, this framework works for anyone trying to see their way through a tough moment. Grab a pen and some paper and let’s rethink overwhelm together. Book ref: Eat that Frog (Brian Tracy) We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
🎙 Part 1 of 5 in the Visual Thinking for Wellbeing Series Episode 19: Resetting the Stressed out Brain When the pressure piles up and your brain feels like it’s short-circuiting, how do you find clarity? In this episode, the first in a five-part series on visual thinking for wellbeing, we explore what happens in the brain when stress takes over and how simple drawing strategies can help you reset. We’ll look at: What neuroscience tells us about overwhelm Why visuals offer a shortcut to calm and clarity Three simple sketches you can do (no drawing skills needed!) Whether you’re a student feeling stuck, or someone who just needs a mental breather, this episode offers a pen-and-paper lifeline when your brain’s had enough. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 18: Hacking Your Brain with Visuals, with Brendon O’Brien What if you could turbocharge your thinking just by drawing it out? In this episode of r ethink : the podcast , I’m joined by visual facilitator Brendon O’Brien of Cue Vision to explore how visual thinking isn’t just a creative tool, it’s a cognitive superpower. Brendon talks us through the science behind how visuals help us remember more, communicate clearly and even rewire our brains. From dual coding to cognitive load, external memory fields to third-point communication, Brendon explains it all through his wonderfully visual lens. 🧠 Why visuals “hack” your brain and boost memory 🎯 How drawing helps you process, understand and act 💬 What happens when teams see the problem instead of just talking about it ✏️ Simple ways to get started. You don't need to be an artist! 🔗 Connect with Brendon: https://www.cue-vision.com/ LinkedIn: Brendon O’Brien We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
In this episode, I’m taking you right back to where it all began, 2012, a new iPad, and a conversation over lunch that changed how I think, listen, and learn. That was the moment I discovered the power of visual note-taking . Not just as a fun way to doodle in the margins, but as a strategy that genuinely helped me remember , reflect and make sense of what I was hearing. I’ll walk you through my 5 Step Method: a simple, visual approach you can literally hold in your hand, while exploring Dual Coding Theory . Whether you're taking notes in a meeting, in class, or while listening to a podcast this technique is designed to help you process and retain ideas more clearly. In this episode: ✋ The Five-Step Method for visual note-taking 🧠 A simple explanation of Dual Coding Theory 📚 Why words and images together boost memory 🎁 A free visual download to help you try it for yourself For more strategies and conversations, follow me on https://www.instagram.com/nihconsultancy/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-hambleton-436bb086/ Tune in to rethink how you take notes—because sometimes clarity is just one sketch away. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 16 Design Your Day: Map Your Time to Match Your Mind Do you ever get to the end of the day and think… what did I actually do? Busy, yes. But productive? Not quite. In this episode of r ethink : the podcast , we explore a simple but powerful visual strategy to help you take back control of your day, without the overwhelm. I’m sharing how visual planning (instead of endless to-do lists) can help you design your day to match your energy, reduce stress and prioritise what really matters. This episode is especially helpful for: – Anyone feeling pulled in different directions – Neurodivergent thinkers who find traditional planners don’t work for them – Leaders, educators, creatives and entrepreneurs looking for more clarity and flow 🛠️ You’ll learn how to: Break your day into manageable blocks Map your natural energy patterns Prioritise with visual task markers Build in breathing space (and stop feeling guilty about it) This isn’t about squeezing more in, it’s about rethinking how your day feels to live through. 🎧 Listen now and give it a go! Because rethinking your day starts with seeing it differently . We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Feeling overwhelmed but can't pinpoint why? In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast , Nicki Hambleton introduces Mood Mapping — a simple visual strategy to track emotional patterns, manage stress and boost self-awareness. Learn how to plot your energy and mood visually, spot hidden trends and adjust your work and life with more clarity, kindness, and control. Perfect for leaders, professionals, creatives and lifelong learners ready to rethink how they navigate their energy, mood, and mindset each day. And you can download a free template to start mapping your mood! We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
The 5 Visual Thinking Myths Busted: Why You're Already More Visual Than You Think Description: Think you're not a 'visual thinker'? Think again. In this episode, we bust five common myths about visual thinking — from the belief that it's only for artists, to the idea that it slows you down. You'll discover why visual thinking is a power tool for clearer ideas, faster learning, and better collaboration — and why you’re already more visual than you realise. This episode includes quick interactive actions you can try today to rethink how you work, learn, and solve problems. Resources and Further Reading: Dual Coding Theory – Overview from Learning Scientists: https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2017/5/18-1 Cognitive Load Theory – A Brief Introduction: https://www.cognitiontoday.com/cognitive-load-theory-applications-in-learning-and-teaching/ The McKinsey 7S Framework Explained: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/enduring-ideas-the-7-s-framework Introduction to Issue Trees and Structured Thinking: https://www.strategyu.co/issue-tree-framework-structured-problem-solving/ The Value of Visual Thinking in the 21st Century (XPLANE): https://www.xplane.com/the-value-of-visual-thinking-in-the-21st-century/ We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Feeling overwhelmed by ideas? Or just joining the podcast now and wondering where to begin? This special recap episode is your chance to pause, zoom out, and connect the dots from Episodes 1 to 12. In Rethink The Recap , I walk you through the stepping stones we’ve travelled so far, how we’ve moved from chaos to clarity using visual thinking tools, creative strategies and inclusive ideas that spark action. Each cluster of episodes builds on the last, from brain dumps and thought threads, to concept maps, storyboarding and strategies for neurodivergent brilliance. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to the show, this episode will help you see the bigger picture (and spot the episodes you'll want to revisit next). 🎈 What we cover: Why Rethink exists (and who it’s for) 5 visual thinking themes woven through the podcast How drawing, structure and metaphor can help you think and communicate more clearly What’s coming next: neurodivergent voices, visual storytelling for memory care, and collaboration tools for teams ✨ So if you need a rethink - here’s your gentle nudge to start today. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Tired of bullet-point overload and slide decks that send your audience to sleep? In this episode, we flip the focus from listener to leader and rethink how we design and deliver presentations. Whether you’re leading a meeting, teaching a class, or pitching an idea, your slides shouldn’t be your script. They should be your support act. We’ll explore: Why reading from slides leads to disengagement How to reduce cognitive overload, especially for neurodivergent minds The science behind what makes visuals more effective A practical 5-step framework to design presentations that land with every brain in the room Expert insights from Duarte, Reynolds, and more 💡 Clear slides = clear minds. 🎯 One idea per slide. 🎨 Visual metaphors that stick. 🧠 Design for every brain in the room. 🔗 Show Notes & References: Broca & Wernicke Effect : Why talking over your slides disrupts processing Dual Coding Theory – Allan Paivio : Pairing visuals and language for better recall Picture Superiority Effect : Why we remember images better than words Cognitive Load Theory – John Sweller : Reducing overload to increase learning Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 11 Do you leave meetings feeling frazzled? Find yourself scribbling furiously only to end up with unreadable notes and a foggy memory? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share how sketchnoting became a game-changer for my neurodivergent brain. Not just a creative outlet, sketchnotes helped me learn to listen differently —focusing on meaning, calming the overwhelm, and capturing ideas I’d actually use. We’ll explore: Why all-talking meetings cause cognitive overload What sketchnoting really is (hint: it’s not about being an artist!) The science of dual coding and memory How visual thinking can support better listening and focus A step-by-step guide to start sketchnoting today 🎧 Listen now and see why listening, sketching, and simplifying might just be your new secret strategy. ........................................................................................................................................ 📚 Resources: Here are the research references and links mentioned in this episode, along with some additional reading if you’d like to explore further: ✍️ Sketchnoting Inspiration 🧠 The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde rohdesign.com/handbook ✏️ Dave Caleb's Sketchnote : View the sketchnote on Flickr 🔬 Key Research & Theory 📖 Dual Coding Theory (Paivio, 1986) Combining visuals and words improves recall. Dual Coding blog post by The Learning Scientists 📖 Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988) Why our brains struggle with too much information at once. Explainer video by John Spencer 🧠 Drawing and Memory – The Wammes Study Drawing leads to deeper processing and stronger recall compared to writing, as it engages visual, motor, and semantic encoding. Edutopia article We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Episode 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent Brilliance What if the very thing you once saw as a struggle was actually your strength? In this episode, I share a personal story about discovering I likely have dyslexic thinking and how that realisation helped me reframe not only my challenges but also my greatest gifts. From struggling to retain information through spoken word to thriving with colour-coded mind maps and visual metaphors, I explore how visual thinking can transform the way neurodivergent minds learn, lead, and create. You’ll also get a step-by-step guide to using concept mapping to chunk information and reduce cognitive overload—an essential strategy for visual learners and thinkers. 🧠 Big-picture thinking 💡 Creative problem-solving 📊 Turning complexity into clarity These aren’t just learning tools. They’re superpowers. See the accompanying post and visual on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-hambleton-436bb086/ Visit my website for more visual thinking strategies: https://nihconsultancy.com/ We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
Seeing the Big Picture: Visual Thinking Meets Business Strategy How do you make big ideas stick ? In this episode I talk to Paul Vincent, Global Leader in Service Design, Randstad Enterprise. Paul set himself a challenge: to create 25 Questions for 2025 , a series of thought-provoking prompts designed to help leaders, businesses, and individuals rethink the future. But how do you make complex ideas engaging ? That’s where our collaboration began. Instead of using stock images, we started crafting custom visuals that tell a story —turning abstract concepts into something instantly recognisable and memorable. In this episode, we explore: ✔ The power of questions over statements in sparking conversation ✔ How visual thinking unlocks deeper understanding ✔ The process behind creating compelling visuals that bring ideas to life If you’ve ever struggled to explain an idea, pitch a concept, or engage an audience, this one’s for you. We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?…
 
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