Bridge is flying solo this week because Bobby is off gallivanting in Costa Rica (not jealous at all!). She is joined by Silvia Risi from Co Create Humanity to talk about the world of work and how much it can impact when it goes wrong. Silvia is a life long humanitarian aid worker who couldn't completely step away from the sector and now works as a humanitarian mentor and coach and mental health peer supporter. She's also an avid traveller (and so joins Bridge in her jealousy at Bobby's grand adventure). Silvia shares her insights into the role that leaders should play in supporting teams working in complex and challenging work environments and how organisations must step up to create space for individuals to develop resilience. The episode has something for everyone even if they're not currently working in a war zone - the takeaways remain the same regardless of where you find yourself on the VUCA spectrum at work
Links
The idealists' survival Kit - Alessandra Pigni
Compassion Fatigue - Juliette Watt
WHO report on Transforming Mental Health through Lived Experience
Mental Health Support for UK Veterans - Op Courage
Vicarious TraumaPsychological Support for Aid Workers - Fiona DunkleyThe Body Keeps Score - Bessel Van der Kolk
Illnesses don't recover, people do -Pat DeeganThe legend that is Dolly Parton
Published on: November 25, 2025What if the place you’re in, the land, the air, the water, is shaping you more than you realise?
In this episode of More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bobby and Bridge wade (or dive!!) into the “environment” segment of the Wheel of Life with Elaine Moynihan and Katie McShane, cofounders of Wise Water. Together they explore what it means to truly be in a place, to reconnect with nature, ourselves, and eachother through the element that sustains us all: water.
From polluted rivers to healing seas, from cold showers to gratitude rituals, this conversation flows between science, spirituality, and the messy human experience of belonging.
So, pour yourself a glass of water, take a breath, and listen in.
Links
Shin Rin Yoku aka Forest Bathing (no nudity necessary!)
Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Kimmerer
http://linkedin.com/in/elainemoynihan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mcshane
Protect.Blue - is an ocean-focused organisation built around two corepathways - an ocean agency and a blue campus.
Published on: November 18, 2025Neena Sims from Third Space coaching joins us for a deep dive into self-development. Should we be striving for perfection (that perfect 10) or is balance more important? What does that even look like, is it the same for everyone - does it have to be a competition (I'm looking at you Bobby and Bridge)? We delve into chaos theory, some dodgy innuendos and some truly atrocious Danny Dyer impressions. Despite the antics of the dangerous duo, Neena maintains her composure throughout (well almost) and brings thoughtful insights into our "journeys" (I know Bobby hates that word) towards balance and self-discovery
Third Space - Janeena SimsDanny DyerChaos Making a New Science - James GleickChaos and fractals
Published on: November 11, 2025Community isn’t something that just happens, it’s something we consciously create.
In this episode, Bobby and Bridge explore the “Community and Giving” segment of the Wheel of Life with Fahmeda Naheed; activist, researcher, broadcaster, and founder of the Irish Pakistani Community of Cork.
From fusion cooking to intercultural dialogue, poetry to radio, Fahmeeda brings wisdom, warmth, and courage to what it means to belong. Together we explore how community startswithin, in the courage to nurture ourselves, connect with others, and co-create spaces where everyone is seen, valued, and heard.
“Change often starts with one person - but real transformation leaves no one behind.”
Tune in for a conversation about belonging, creativity, and the ripple effects of giving.
CORK CITY LIBRARIES BLOG: Cork in Verse | Ana Spehar interviews Fahmeda...
Let’s Integrate – Cork City Community Radio
Rumi: 'There is an invisible strength within us | The Socratic Method
Published on: November 4, 2025Episode 5 – Being Worthy
What’s your money story and how does it shape your sense of worth, freedom, and belonging? In this conversation, Philip Gardner shares a rare dual lens: from senior commercial leadership in hospitality to sitting across the table from real people making real-life financial choices. We explore “enoughness,” the courage to ask for help, pricing your value, and why planning isn’t a spreadsheet, it’s a practice. Expect gentle provocation, practical nudges, and a fresh take on how money connects to community, contribution, and the way we show up for each other. If you’ve ever felt late to the game or shy about talking money, this one’s for you.
The Psychology of Money | Morgan Housel | Amazon.co.uk
Published on: October 28, 2025Joy isn’t frivolous. It’s fuel.
In this episode, Suffolk-based artist and creativity enabler Sam Barnes joins us to explore joy as the heartbeat of a balanced life, how creativity quiets the noise, grounds the body, and reconnects us with what’s real.
We talk about art as a form of mindfulness, the ways play and purpose intertwine, and how unlocking creativity often starts with something as simple as picking up a pen or painting withcoffee.
Whether you think you’re “creative” or not, this episode will remind you how to lift the lid, just a little, on the joy waiting beneath the surface.
“Joy isn’t something to postpone until the work is done. It’s fuel for the journey.”
Samantha Barnes - Artfully Minded Artist
10 Ways That ‘Doing Art’ Helps Us — Samantha Barnes
The Science of Beauty: Neuroaesthetics in Art and Design – ArtRKL
Paintings in Hospitals | art for health and wellbeing
Published on: October 21, 2025Being Connected explores what it means to feel part of something bigger than ourselves, whether that’s faith,nature, community, or the quiet we make on purpose. Bobby and Bridge’s guest, Alison Riley (minister, mentor, mountain-lover), reflects on awe, grief, ritual, and why connection is a team sport as much as a solo practice. We talk aboutprayer (in many forms), the medicine of green and blue spaces, words that shape our days, and simple ways to return when we wobble.
No dogma. Just curiosity, story, and practice. From the practices that keep us grounded to the impacts connection has on leading, relationship building, resilience, and creativity, this conversation offers practical ways to notice and nurture the threads that bind us.
Sacred Instructions | Sherri Mitchell | Books
Radical Candor | Kim Scott | Books
Published on: October 14, 2025“Take care of your body. It’s the only place youhave to live” – Jim Rohn
This week we start the Wheel of Life with a foundation that could be suggested as underpinning the rest: your body. Our guest, James Llewellyn, co-founder of The Evolution Project, shares his personal story behind 3,000+ client transformations and why movement, nutrition, and mindset can turn the lights back on. We talk panic to purpose, self-sabotage, “good enough” days, stress, hormones, and why clean, consistent basics beat heroic bursts.
If your Wheel feels wobbly, begin here. Small steps create momentum; energy, clarity, and the small shifts that change everything.
About the Evolution Project and Co-Founder James Llewelyn
The Power of Now | Eckhard Tolle | Books
The Untethered Soul | Michael Singer | Books
The Surrender Experiment | Michael Singer | Books
Atomic Habits | James Clear | Books
Dark Side of the Light Chasers | Debbie Ford | Books
Published on: October 7, 2025This season of More Than a Lumpy Jumper takes a journey around the Wheel of Life - a coaching tool that helps us notice the different parts of life that shape our sense of balance.
In this opening episode, Bobby and Bridge reflect on their own Wheels: where they’re thriving, where they’re stretched thin, and what they hope to learn from the guests joining them in the weeks ahead. It’s an honest, practical starting point for a season of conversations that explore health, money, work, love, spirituality, and more.
Join us as we sketch out the Wheel, ask what balance really looks like, and begin to notice where small shifts can make the biggest difference.
Wheel of Life | Evaluate Your Life Balance in 12 Key Areas
Published on: September 30, 2025Join Bobby and Bridge as they unpack workplace emotions with their usual no-holds-barred frankness.
In this season-six finale, they question whether emotions belong in a locked box or if acknowledging them isessential to effective leadership. What happens when your emotional-self shows up at work, intentionally, vulnerably, fully human?
Expect a candid, juicy conversation about emotional agility, leadership limits, and the fine line between expressing feeling and being overwhelmed. If you’re curious about how emotions can be a superpower rather than a liability in leadership, this episode is for you.
Hit play and let the two Bs guide you through embracing what’s real … no filters, no pretending.
Susan David: The gift and power of emotional courage | TED Talk
No Hard Feelings | Liz Fosslien & Mollie West Duffy | Books
Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life | Susan David | Books
Inside Out | Pixar | Accepting all Emotions including Sadness is part of your Mental Health
Brene Brown | The Power of Vulnerability | TED Talk
Atlas of the Heart | Brene Brown | Amazon
Published on: July 29, 2025Urgent. Important. Overdue. All of it… NOW?!
If your to-do list is longer than your arm and every task feels like a fire, this episode is for you.
Bobby is joined by career and HR coach Faye Wallis, creator of the “Essential HR Planner”, for a conversation about how we untangle the noise and refocus with purpose. They dive into practical tools, productivity myths, people-pleasing traps, and the pressure to keep doing all the things.
Spoiler: you don’t have to.
This is your permission slip to stop glorifying busy and start leading with clarity instead.
Eat That Frog! | Brian Tracy | Books
Tranquillity By Tuesday | Laura Vanderkam | Books
How to gain control of your free time | Laura Vanderkam | TED - YouTube
The Four Tendencies | Gretchen Rubin | Books
The Four Styles of Self-Motivation with Gretchen Rubin | YouTube
The Four Tendencies Quiz | Gretchen Rubin
Published on: July 22, 2025What if your most powerful leadership tool wasn’t in your head, but in your rhythm?
In this episode, Bobby is joined by wellness educator and inclusion specialist, Samantha Garstin (aka the Period Princess!) to explore what it means to lead in sync with the natural cycles of energy, focus, and capacity, whether those are hormonal, seasonal, emotional, or simply human. The conversation is vast, including talking about the effects of hustle culture, burnout, and the boldness of listening to your body.
If you’ve ever found yourself running on empty and wondering what’s wrong with me, this conversation might just be your turning point. It really is a conversation for everyone.
Samantha Garstin🩸Period Princess 👸 | LinkedIn
4 ways to practise cyclical living when you're overwhelmed
Wild Power | Alexandra Pope, Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer | Books
Second Spring | Kate Codrington | Books
Moon Time: Living in Flow with your Cycle | Lucy Pearce | Books
Period Repair Manual | Lara Briden ND | Books
Hormone Repair Manual | Lara Briden ND | Books
July Full Moon: Spiritual Meaning for the Buck Moon | The Pagan Grimoire
Published on: July 15, 2025From nappy changes to boardroom changes… what if parenting was the best leadership training you never knew you were in?
This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bobby is joined by Charlie Lyons - coach, HR pro, and mum of two, to explore what happens when the worlds of parenting and leadershipcollide. They will be talking about burnout, overwhelm, micro-moments of sanity, and how learning to lead well often starts at home.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re dropping balls in every part of life or wondering why the parenting manual and the leadership books both feel like a lie, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Big-hearted, deeply honest, and full of permission to stop pretending we’ve got it all figured out.
Parenting Without a Map: A Sto…–Made Possible by Parenthood – Apple Podcasts
Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself | Lisa Marchiano | Books
Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind | Nancy Kline | Books
Published on: July 8, 2025What if the most powerful thing a leader can say is: “I don’t know”?
In this episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into the discomfort, courage, and wisdom of not having all the answers. From military mess-ups to organisational mayhem, we explore what happens when leaders drop the act, make space for others, and lead with honest uncertainty, not panic, not performance.
Sometimes not knowing is the start of something braver.
Dare to Lead | Brene Brown | Books
The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED Talk
Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree | TED Talk
Creativity, Inc | Ed Catmull | Books
A true leader can say I don't know - St Simon Sinek
Published on: July 4, 2025“No More Pencil Skirts and Other Leadership Metaphors”
From soufflés to swans, corn beef to cognitive diversity, this episode is a deliciously metaphor-filled conversation with neurodiversity advocate Hayley Brackley.
Bobby and Hayley explore why real leadership means shedding the need to be perfect, embracing messiness, and daring to dance (or not) in your comfiest metaphorical harem pants.
A must-listen for anyone tired of the one-size-fits-all model of work and ready to design for the edges.
Links
Published on: June 24, 2025What does it really take to feel safe enough to speak up at work?
In this powerful episode of More Than a Lumpy Jumper, we dive into psychological safety - what it is, why it matters, and what happens when it’s missing. Joining Bobby are two brilliant guests: Ali Spooner and Naomi Withers, who bring honesty, humour, and real-life insight from lived experience, psychology, leadership, and loss.
From people-pleasing to power dynamics, team trust to trauma triggers, this conversation doesn’t shy away from the messy stuff. If you've ever sat in a meeting biting your tongue, or wondered whether you’re the only one feeling unsafe, this one’s for you.
Naomi (Ordinary 🚫) Withers | LinkedIn
David Rock's SCARF Model: Social Threats in the World of Work - The World of Work Project
The Fearless Organization Summary - Amy Edmondson | 12min Blog
Published on: June 17, 2025In this episode, Bobby and Bridge are pulling at the threads of what leadership really looks like. Not the glossy, top-floor kind, but the kind that happens in the messy middle.
Being in the Weave explores how leadership shows up without titles, how power flows in every direction, and why being quietly influential might just be your superpower.
Expect laughs, truths, and a bit of mayhem (including a lost spreadsheet and a quilt metaphor you didn’t know you needed).
If you’re a middle-sitter, an edge-walker, or someone who just gets stuff done, this one’s for you.
Give and Take | Adam Grant | BooksRebel Ideas | Matthew Syed | Books
You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader | Mark Sanborn | Books
Six Ways To Lead Even When You Aren't In A Leadership Position
Published on: June 10, 2025What if the voice in your head wasn’t running the show?
In this episode, award-winning coach and founder of Quiet the Hive, Jane Galloway, joins Bobby to explore the power of questions over should’s, statements, and stuckness. From NHS leadership to poetry and post-it notes, it’s a conversation full of honesty, humour, and permission tolive your one wild and precious life a little braver.
Links
Jane (Bellamy) Galloway | LinkedIn
Elizabeth Gilbert | Big Magic | Books
Tara Mohr | Playing Big | Books
23 Powerful Michael Jordan Quotes on Failure: Fuel for Success.
Published on: June 3, 2025What does it really mean to lead from below the neck?
In this funny, thoughtful, and occasionally inappropriate episode (sorry, Richard Strozzi-Heckler), Bobby and Bridgetexplore what it actually takes to lead with the body, not just the brain.
From control habits and emotional spirals to guinea pig impressions and the rhythm of excitement (yes, that kind), this episode is a gently clumsy invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
If you've ever felt like a walking head or a premature fixer, this one's for you.
Links
The Leadership Dojo | Richard Strozzi-Heckler | Books
Your body language shapes who you are | Amy Cuddy 2020 | TEDx
Strozzi Institute for Somatics
The Art Of Leading With Intuition: Why Gut Feeling Is Your Best Ally
Podcast - On Being with Krista Tippett – Interviews with Bessel van der Kolk, Resmaa Menakem
Podcast - Coaching for Leaders – Episodes on embodied leadership and presence
Podcast - Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Episodes on vulnerability and grounded confidence
Published on: May 27, 2025Maybe you’re not broken. Maybe you’re just shedding a little.
In one of our most delightfully random (yet sneakily profound) episodes, we explore what it means to outgrow old roles, identities, and expectations - in leadership and life. From liminal interludes to caterpillar wisdom, we talk transformation, coaching, and why sometimes, performance reviews need a total reboot.
Warning: contains butterflies, bureaucracy, and bread!
LinksAct Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader | Herminia Ibarra | Books
Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes | William Bridges | Books
Hagitude | Sharon Blackie | Books
Herminia Ibarra | The Authenticity Paradox | TEDtalk
The 5 Levels of Leadership | Maxwell LeadershipTop 5 Best John Maxwell Books for Leaders
Published on: May 20, 2025What happens when everything’s shifting, and you’re still expected to lead? In this episode, Bobby and Bridge dive intothe beautiful chaos of change. From being called a chaos pixie to learning how to hold space without fixing, this is a raw, real, and occasionally sweary look at change from the inside out. Expect giggles, grounded wisdom, and the kind ofhonesty you won’t find in your average change handbook.
Bridges Transition Model - William Bridges Associates
Bridges' Transition Model for Change: A Simple Summary - The World of Work Project
The Change Curve: A Simple Summary - The World of Work Project
Your Boss Thrives on Chaos. Here’s How to Protect Your Energy.
Published on: May 13, 2025What does it mean to be at your learning edge?
This throwback to Season 2 is full of wobbles, wisdom, and wonderfully weird metaphors (yes, there’s a goose, a javelin, and a cheeky nod to S&M). In this solo re-run, Bobby explores how learning is more than just knowledge - it's a messy, brave experiment in how we show up, stretch ourselves, and sometimes fall flat.
And yes, this is the second ball dropped. No guest. No noble excuse. Just Bobby, a mic, and a beautifully imperfect adventure in learning.
References:
Visual Facilitation with - Jon McNestrie | LinkedInFind a Visual Facilitation course - Northern Shore Consulting
Published on: April 22, 2025So Bridge dropped the ball and didn't manage to record with a guest this week (and she didn't tell Bobby who is going to be mad!) so in an effort to mitigate the damage (you can tell she works in humanitarian security now ;-) ) she decided to share a past episode "Coping with Overwhelm" which she thought was apt. There are loads of gems in this episode from very early on in the MTALJ journey, most of which Bridge is putting to good use while bullets and bombs and peacocks are flying. Even if you're an avid fan there's still lots to revisit and if you're new then you get to hear some of the back catalogue that you may not have had a chance to catch up on
Links
How to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed - Mental Health FirstAid
Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science | Compassion-Based Resilience
TrainingKindness to Self | Compassion Based Meditation
About Dr Libby Weaver - Nutritional biochemist
Rushing Woman's Syndrome | Dr Libby Weaver
The Pace of Modern Life versus our Cavewoman Biochemistry: Dr Libby Weaver: TedX
Life is a Verb | 37 Days to Wake Up, be Mindful and Live Intentionally | Patti Digh
Unwind with the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (mondaycampaigns.org)
Published on: April 15, 2025This week, Bobby chats with the wonderful Mandy McDowall - Headteacher of not one, but two primary schools.
What starts as playful banter about being “roped in” quickly unfolds into a rich, honest conversation about leadership in education, emotional regulation, the blur between managing and leading, and why schooling your face might just be the survival skill we all need.
Hooked early on by the camaraderie and humour of MTALJ, Mandy brings warmth, insight, and a touch of her South African roots to this episode.
Come for the headteacher chat, stay for the mic-drop moment: “It’s okay to take risks.”
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fgBE43A70qeGPEyObD7Of?si=a6S2ccJtRlq6dr7RB6HnKg
It's time for guests with gifts as Bobby and Bridge take a short break. This week we've invited back the inimitable Wendy Faux to the show. Wendy is a Military veteran and reservist, an artistic innovator, the curator of "Not just a Wife" photography exhibition and the creator of the show's logo. She loves the concept of bringing your true self to your leadership but hates the title "authentic" and she chats with Bridge about why differences are so important. She audaciously suggests that Matthew Syed could challenge Saint Simon Sinek to the top leadership spot with his book 'Rebel Ideas' and is totally to blame for Bridge's bad language in the episode.
Links
MTALJ Being your authentic self
Play isn’t just for children! It’s a secret weapon for creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. But somewhere along the way, many of us started treating it like a luxury rather than a necessity.
In this episode, we’re flipping that narrative. We’ll explore why play matters in leadership and life, uncover the science behind it, and dive into Stuart Brown’s play personalities, because yes, you have one! And if you’ve ever Googled ‘adult play’… well, you might have found more than you bargained for!!
So, let’s get into it, because what if play wasn’t something tomake time for, but something that made time better?
Stuart Brown: Play is more than just fun | TED Talk
The Importance of Play for Adults - National Institute for Play
The 8 Play Personalities that illustrate how we have fun
Dr Stuart Brown on The 7 Properties of Play | Human Performance
Can We Actually Develop Leadership Through Play? | Psychology Today
What is LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®? | Official LEGO® Shop CC |Official LEGO® Shop US
Published on: March 25, 2025Stories shape how we see the world and how the world sees us. But are we telling the right ones?
This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, we dive into the power of storytelling. How the narratives we craft influence our confidence, decisions, and leadership. From bedtime stories to boardroom strategy, we explore what makes a story stick and how to frame experiences in a way that resonates, persuades, and lasts long after we've left the room.
So, grab a cuppa and get comfy, because it’s time to Be the Story.
What Makes Storytelling So Effective For Learning? - Harvard Business Publishing
Influence Through Stories: The Leadership Power of Narrative
The magical science of storytelling | David JP Phillips | TEDxStockholm
Chip Heath & Dan Heath: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die | Amazon
Storytelling Can Make or Break Your Leadership
The Importance of Stories | Simon Sinek
The Wise Crone's Cottage in the Woods: The Crone as theStoryteller
"Pentamerone: The Tale of Tales" Explained - Owlcation
Published on: March 18, 2025So many leaders wear exhaustion like a badge of honour. But what if sleep and self-care weren’t indulgences, what if they were leadership strategies?
This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bridget and I dive into the power of rest in honour of World Sleep Day. We’re tackling the myths, the science, and the impact of sleep onleadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Plus, we make a strong case for the noble art of napping (with a special shoutout to the 26-minute NASA nap!).
If you’ve ever pushed through fatigue thinking it was just part of the job, this one’s for you. Time to rethink what it really means to lead well, starting with a good night’s sleep.
Come and take a listen to Being Your Own Retreat
Want to Become a Better Leader? You Need to Sleep on It
8 Leadership Practices to Optimise Sleep and Productivity | CCL
Why Sleep Is Crucial For Good Leadership
Matt Walker: Sleep is your superpower | TED Talk
Matt Walker: 6 tips for better sleep | TED Talk
7 Reasons You Should Be Taking Daily Naps At Work In 2024
Published on: March 11, 2025This week, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we’re diving into the stories of six extraordinary women; leaders, visionaries, and change-makers whose impact still ripples through history.
From courtroom battles to political trailblazers, from radical educators to artistic revolutionaries, each woman’s story holds powerful lessons for leadership today. But which iconshave we chosen? And what unexpected insights do they reveal?
Tune in as we unpack resilience, influence, and what it really means to be a catalyst for lasting change.
Stacy Schiff: Cleopatra | Amazon
Cleopatra: Stacy Schiff in conversation with Tim Gunn | 2020-05-21 | LIVE from NYPL
Remembering bell hooks and her Enormous Legacy | YouTube
Frida Kahlo's Art in 8 Minutes: What Makes it So Special?
Frida Kahlo: Feminism's Influential Leader - had.com
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Who was she and why was she so important? - BBC Newsround
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Remembering Her Life And Legacy | YouTube
Madeleine Chapman: Just how cool was Jacinda Ardern in high school? | The Spinoff
Published on: March 4, 2025Leadership or management - are they really that different?
Or do we just love to put them in neat little boxes? In this episode, Bobby and Bridge attempt (with varying success) tobring some structure to the conversation, diving into mindset, skills, and the sometimes blurry lines between the two.
Expect metaphors (hello, glaciers!), a few rogue interruptions, and the big question: Can you be a leader without also being a manager? Or are the best leaders actually just really good at knowing when to roll up their sleeves and when to step back?
Oh, and if you ever wondered what’s worse - being on mute or snuffling like a badger in the background - we cover that too.
Hit play and join us!
What Leaders Really Do (HBR) - John P Kotter
Simon Sinek: Leaders Eat Last | Amazon
Peter Drucker: The Effective Executive | Amazon
Simon Sinek: Start With Why | Amazon
Simon Sinek: Start with Why | TED Talk
Seth Godin – Leadership vs. Management - What it means to make a difference
Roselinde Torres: What it takes to be a great leader | TED Talk
Moneyball: Building a Winning Team Through Numbers | Film
Invictus: The Poem that Inspired a Nation | Film
Published on: February 25, 2025Resilience and flexibility - are they two sides of the same coin, or do we just like overcomplicating things? In this episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into what it really means to bounce back and bend without breaking (hello, bamboo analogy!), why being too resilient can backfire, and the tiny habits that make a big difference.
Expect real talk, a few questionable metaphors (boats, trees, and maybe some unexpected fairy lights), and a deep dive into how your body holds resilience just as much as your mind.Plus, what happens when all your frustration ends up… on a tennis ball?
Join us for Being Flexibly Resilient!
Links
The Secret to Building Resilience | HBR
Dr Carol Dweck: Mindset - Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential |Amazon
Carol Dweck: Developing a Growth Mindset | TED Talk
Richard Strozzi-Heckler | The Embodied Leader
Teaching Grit Cultivates Resilience and Perseverance | YouTube
Simon Sinek: Build for Resilience | YouTube
Simon Sinek: Strength through Resilience and Accountability
Angela Duckworth: GRIT | Amazon
David Epstein: Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World | Amazon
James Clear: Atomic Habits | Amazon
Bessel van der Volk: The Body Keeps the Score | Amazon
Published on: February 18, 2025For this final week of reflections on our MTALJ library Bridge is thinking about love in the run up to Valentine's Day. Why do we often struggle to talk about leadership in terms of love when all of the actions of a good leadership are really the manifestation of love? - patience,care, kindness, humility, emotional balance, and honesty. While the general advice on speaking is to avoid politics and religion there's a little hint of both, but the focus is all on love with not a chocolate or a cupid in sight.
Links
Love and Leadership - NCO Journal
Servant Leadership - James C Hunter
Published on: February 11, 2025This week Bridge is reflecting on blame and accountability. How blame can undermine teams, trust, innovation, problem-solving and avoiding making the same mistakes again. It's a ranty episode because lessons learned episodes that are simply blame exercises are a bug bear of both Bobby and Bridge. Both Bobby and Bridge admit they they are recovering blamers but they are in the good company of St Brene Brown. However with a little mindfulness and reflection it is possible to change your mindset from blame to reframe, focus on facts rather than fault and systemic causes rather then pointing the finger at people. If you want to improve your team's approach to lessons learned come and join us for Being Blame Free with Accountability.
Published on: February 4, 2025This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bridge revisits the “Being a stand for self-compassion ,” from June 2024. Self-compassion isn't selfish and it isn't a luxury. It's actually part of your job as a leader to ensure you have the resilience to be the leader your team need during a crisis. Check out the self-compassion guru Kristin Neff and Bobby's resilience practices and remember that you need to be reflective and proactive to be able to start being compassionate with your self. You ready to treat yourself with the same kindness, consideration and care that you would a dear friend? Have a listen
Links Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff: Join the Community Now
Published on: January 28, 2025This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bobby revisits the mini-episode, “Cultivating Play and Rest… but Mostly Play,” from Christmas 2023. Inspired by Brené Brown’s work and the National Institute of Play, she reflects on why play is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and leadership, how to rediscover play as adults (hint: it’s not lost, just forgotten!) and the fascinating “Play Personalities” and what they reveal about how we lead and connect. Play isn’t a luxury—it’s the key to joy, alignment, and even better leadership. Ready to bring more play into your life? Take a listen to this mini of a mini now!
Links
The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition: Brené Brown
Infographic for the 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living by Brene Brown
Stuart Brown: Play is more than just fun | TED Talk
The Importance of Play for Adults - National Institute for Play
The 8 Play Personalities that illustrate how we have fun
Bobby revisits one of the most popular topics: Being a Dynamic Team Leader. Reflecting on hers and Bridge’s original conversation, she dives into; How leaders can recalibrate team dynamics and tackle those "elephants in the room," the importance of healthy conflict and why leaning into discomfort matters, insights from Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team and how to build trust from the ground up. As well as some practical tips for more effective meetings and onboarding processes.
If you're looking for actionable insights and a fresh perspective on team leadership, this mini episode is for you alongside the original.
Links
8 Alternatives to Having a Meeting (lianedavey.com)
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Patrick Lencioni (Amazon.co.uk)
A summary of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team : Executive Agenda
Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Adjourning Tuckman Model | PM Study Circle
Published on: January 14, 2025Season 5 of More Than a Lumpy Jumper kicks off with a trip down memory lane as Bobby revisits the very first episode, “Being in the Conversation.”
Here she reflects on how far she and Bridge had come since those raw, unpolished beginnings, key lessons on communication, connection, and vulnerability and the ripple effect of starting something imperfectly and letting it grow. Whether you’ve been with them from the start or are just joining, this is a great place to start.
Published on: January 7, 2025Time for another “Guest Gifts” with Bobby at the mic! Pull up a chair (and maybe a crash helmet) as Lizzie Beuzeval and Sara Scott join Bobby for an unfiltered chat about juggling life, work, family, and everything in between. These multitasking marvels share their wisdom on finding flow, saying no (or not yet), and redefining what it means to truly thrive—without dropping too many plates (or whole dinner services!) along the way.
We dive into the freedom of setting boundaries, and the challenge of finding those elusive 15 minutes of "me time." From navigating the fine line between perfectionism and play to embracing the art of uni-tasking, Lizzie and Sara offer sharp insights and relatable stories.
Oh, and there is also some talk of fancy-dress shenanigans and a black Sharpie of doom. Listen in to find out more!
Tune in for a glorious celebration of life's chaos, with plenty of relatable stories and laughter to keep your plates spinning—and your sanity just about intact!
Links
Sara (Hamerton) Scott | LinkedIn
Simon Sinek - Together is Better (Amazon)
The Uni-tasking Revolution - Sarah Furness (Amazon)
Four Thousand Weeks - Oliver Burkeman (Amazon)
Right Kind of Wrong - Amy C. Edmondson (Amazon)
Cultivating Play and Rest but mostly Play
And now it’s the Bobster’s turn to be in the driving seat for "Guest Gifts," hanging out with dedicated listeners.
Welcome to a powerhouse of self-discovery and connection as Aime Rushton and Ali Spooner join Bobby for a raw, real, and riotously funny conversation. These two phenomenal women tackle big themes—belonging, community, finding your voice, and navigating the complex dance of introversion and extroversion—all with a hefty dose of humour and heart.
From untethered moments of loss to the joy of finding their tribes, Amy and Ali reflect on what it means to truly know yourself and be seen. We dig deep into the myth of "faking it till you make it," the power of authentic connection, and yes, the occasional need to “thwang it out” (you'll have to listen to get it!).
Whether you're building your community, stepping into your space, or just figuring out how to sing from your belly, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and laugh your way to a deeper understanding of yourself and others.
Press play and join the conversation that feels like a warm hug from your tribe—minus the toxic cocktails
This is Bridge's last week in the driving seat of guests gifts and she is joined by Leina Ibnouf, a Sudanese Irish community activist and John 'Willy' Williams a military veteran, 7 Signal Regiment survivor and scrum master (which apparently has nothing to do with rugby). They discuss why they listen to the podcast, their favourite episodes with a focus on curiosity, the pain of not belonging, and how somehow Bobby and Bridge have become role models (yes seriously!) despite their tendency to be a bit sweary. It's a really honest, vulnerable and heartfelt episode so come and join for some real chat.
Links
Ellie Middleton - autism advocate
AkiDwA - Network of Migrant Women in Ireland
It's the in between seasons bit! So we get to hang out with some of our lovely listeners. This week it's Lucie Barker and Murray Smith fellow soldiers who share a love of messing about in boats. We get to chat about their favourite episodes as well as motherhood, cat parenting and why self-reflection is important but only to a point.
Links
Learn to Sail from Princess to Pirate
Inside the mind of a master procrastinator - Tim Urban
Ted Cutts - try something new for 30 days
Published on: November 26, 2024Join Bobby and Bridge as they mark International Men’s Day. They are joined by their special guest, Daniele Fiandaca from Token Man Consulting to dive into the often-overlooked challenges that men face today, from mental health to shifting roles in society. Together, they discuss the importance of creating spaces for men to be vulnerable, break stereotypes, and how inclusive leadership plays a crucial role in moving the conversation forward. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation on why it’s time to support men as allies and agents of change.
Links
Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, Gender Equity | Michelle P. King (michellepking.com)
7 Leadership Lessons Men Can Learn from Women (hbr.org)
This week, Bobby and Bridget are back with a vibrant new episode, welcoming Michelle Hartley from People Sorted and the HR Geek Squad. Known for her rainbow wardrobe and lively energy, Michelle is here to talk about "Being a Sparkling Introvert." They dive into the paradox of introversion and extroversion, the power of self-awareness, and the courage it takes to lead authentically. Tune in to uncover why there's no one quite like you-er than you!
Links
Michelle Hartley FCIPD | LinkedIn
An Introvert’s Guide to Visibility in the Workplace (hbr.org)
How to work with Introverts and Extroverts (amazingif.com)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking: Susan Cain(Amazon.co.uk)
Quiet at Work | 30-day Interactive Journey with Susan Cain
INFOGRAPHIC: What Every Introvert Needs to Know to be Happy and Successful (happify.com)
The Different Characteristics of Introverts, Extroverts and Ambiverts
In today’s episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into the transformative power of personal branding with Kayleigh Lloyd, a creative powerhouse helping women in business craft authentic, standout brands. Kayleigh shares her unique journey from working with corporate giants to becoming a "brand goddess," and offers insights into how personal branding is so much more than just a logo—it's about telling your story. Learn how to align your brand with your true self, embrace creativity, and create a lasting connection with your audience. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips on building a brand that's authentically you.
Links
Quick Links — Lloyd Creative (lloyd-creative.co.uk)
Personal Branding: What It Is and Why It Matters (hbs.edu)
A New Approach to Building Your Personal Brand (hbr.org)
How to Define, Develop, and Communicate Your Personal Brand (hbr.org)
Who are you really? 25 Questions to define your personal brand. | LinkedIn
Published on: November 5, 2024
It's our birthday! Welcome to the one-year anniversary episode of More Than a Lumpy Jumper! Bobby and Bridge are celebrating 39 episodes, 14 mini-in-between Season episodes, 23 incredible guests, and countless laughs. In this special one, they reflect on the highs, the lessons learned, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments (including a memorable baguette incident). Whether you're curious about their journey, or just here for the laughs, join them as they look back—and forward—at the wild ride so far!
Links
For one week only, we are back to diddly squat! Take a little look back over previous episodes to see what Resources you might have missed
In this episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into the fascinating dynamics between leadership and followership, exploring how followers play a critical role in organisational success. Following the insights from thought leaders like Barbara Kellerman and Robert Kelley, they break down the five followership styles. And through real-world examples and personal stories, they discuss how good followers can challenge leaders, promote teamwork, and contribute to a thriving organisational culture.
Whether you're a leader or follower, this episode will leave you thinking about how both roles work together for success. Tune in for “Being a Leading Follower” and see where the convo takes you.
Links
A British Army Followership Doctrine Note.pdf (mod.uk)
Followership - the great skill of Leadership
Kelley's model for followership
Followership: How Followers Are Creating Change and Changing Leaders: Barbara Kellerman: Amazon.com
Encouraging critical thinking in the workplace
A Leader is Made by a First Follower (YouTube)
What Is Followership? 14 Qualities of Good Followers | Indeed.com
The 10 Rules of Good Followership: Meilinger.pdf (govleaders.org)
How Followership leads to Leadership: Clive Barrow (TedX)
Manager meets the monkey- Ken Blanchard
Published on: October 22, 2024Networking—it’s no longer just awkward handshakes and juggling canapés while swapping business cards. Join Bobby and Bridge as they explore how networking has evolved into something much more meaningful. In this episode, they’ll dive into new, informal, and digital ways to connect, showing how with a bit of intention and a fresh perspective, networking can transform from a dreaded task into a powerful tool for building genuine relationships. Sound less ghastly? Tune in to hear more on "Being an Intentional Networker" with Bobby and Bridge!
Links
Takingthe Work Out of Networking : Karen Wickre (Amazon.co.uk)
[PDF] Taking the Work Out of Networking Summary - Karen Wickre (shortform.com)
KingsleyAikens - The Networking Institute
Giveand Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success: Adam Grant (Amazon.co.uk)
HowLeaders Strategically Enhance Their Networks For Maximum Impact (forbes.com)
EasyNetworking Tips for the Networking Haters (hbr.org)
Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader: Herminia Ibarra (Amazon.co.uk)
Social-Chemistry-Decoding-Patterns-Connection : Marissa King (Amazon.co.uk)
Why Women Need a Professional Network : Forbes.com
Adam Grant's Wish for Workplace Cultures
Seven-tips-for-building-a-strong-network-of-fellow-women-in-business: Forbes.com
How-women-leaders-can-build-strong-networks : ddiworld.com
Why-women-need-to-build-and-actively-use-more-networks : Gov.UK
In this special episode timed to coincide with National Coming Out Day, Bobby and Bridge are joined by Colonel Ali Brown OBE and Alex Meyrick from Fighting With Pride – the LGBTQ+ Military Charity, to discuss the challenges LGBT+ veterans face.
Ali shares her journey as part of the first female intake at Sandhurst, navigating military life while concealing her identity, and her mission to improve services for female veterans. Alex discusses her work supporting veterans and the lasting impact of the military's LGBT+ ban. And all together, we explore how leadership is evolving, the cost of hiding one's true self, and the importance of diversity in leadership. A powerful conversation on pride,resilience, and healing. #making the journey home
Links
Ali Brown (fightingwithpride.org.uk)
Lifting the ban on gay military service members | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)
Pride in Veterans Standard (fightingwithpride.org.uk)
Are you a master at putting things off? So are Bobby and Bridge! In this episode, they dive into their own procrastination habits, sharing why they think they do it and Bobby shares old practices from her younger days that might help them out now that they're working for themselves. And for all those procrastinating leaders out there, there's also some fascinating research on breaking the procrastination cycle, the self-talk that can shift your mindset, and why dealing with discomfort is key to getting things done.
So if you're ready to face your procrastination demons (or just want to delay that looming task) join Bobby and Bridge for a fun, honest and maybe a little uncomfortable conversation on "Being a Procrastinator (or maybe later!)"
Links
Pomodoro® Technique - Time Management Method (pomodorotechnique.com)
Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator | Tim Urban (TEDTalk)
Why You Procrastinate Or Lack Motivation—And What To Do About It. (forbes.com)
The 5 Second Rule | Mel Robbins (youtube.com)
Five-ways-leaders-can-embrace-and-manage-their-procrastination : Forbes.com
4-types-of-procrastination-problems-and-solutions : www.belongly.com
The Cure to Procrastination - Leadership Society of Arizona (leadaz.org)
How-to-Beat-Procrastination-as-a-Leader-7-game-changing-strategies: Nirmal Chhabria: medium.com
The-productivity-paradox-exploring-the-positive-effects-of-procrastination: Blog
21-ways-successful-people-beat-procrastination: cleverism.com
The-5-stages-of-procrastination: wizeprep.com
Published on: October 1, 2024
This week we chat with Debra Corey, who transitioned from traditional HR roles to becoming a "Chief Pay It Forward Officer" (flipping love this title!!). Debra shares her journey, discusses the evolution of HR, and explores the true meaning of workplace culture. She also dives into the lasting impact of "bad bosses" and her latest book, "Bad Bosses Ruin Lives." Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation on trust, empathy, and building a positive workplace culture.
Links
Bringing Your Values Out to Play: A Playbook on Company Values | Debra Corey | Amazon.co.uk
Bad Bosses Ruin Lives | Debra and Ken Corey | Amazon.co.uk
Effective HR Communication | Debra Corey | Amazon.co.uk
Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life |James Kerr | Amazon.co.uk
How to Drive Employee Engagement and 'Pay it Forward' |Debra Corey on Happiness at Work | Spotify
Building-Better-Bosses-with-Debra-Corey: Happier at Work
Summary of Legacy: All Blacks by James Kerr: thegrowthfaculty.com
Adam Grant: Workplace Culture: thegrowthfaculty.com
Published on: September 24, 2024
Join Bobby and Bridge as they dive into the world of emotional intelligence (EQ) and uncover its complexities. From the origins of EQ to its impact on leadership and corporate culture, they explore how EQ can be both a powerful tool and a potential weapon. Whether it's leaders who thrive despite low EQ or the rise of "dark empaths" who use their emotional savvy for manipulation, we tackle the good, the bad, and the controversial sides of EQ. Tune in for a lively discussion that challenges the conventional wisdom on what it really means to be emotionally intelligent.
Links
The Art of Managing Emotions | Daniel Goleman (youtube.com)
Merve Emre on Emotional Intelligence as Corporate Control - WorkLife with Adam Grant | Spotify
Is Emotional Intelligence Real - WorkLife with Adam Grant - Apple Podcasts
Emotional Mastery: The Gifted Wisdom of Unpleasant Feelings | Dr Joan Rosenberg (youtube.com)
The Power of Emotional Intelligence | Travis Bradberry (youtube.com)
Emotional Intelligence from a Teenage Perspective | Maximillian Park (youtube.com)
The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence (simplypsychology.org)
15 Most Valuable Emotional Intelligence TED Talks on Youtube (positivepsychology.com)
Adam Grant podcast work life with Merve Emre
Walter Michelle: Marshmallow study
No stupid question Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner - How important is Emotional Intelligence
Mayor-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)
Merve Emre - The repressive politics of Emotional Intelligence
Salovey and Mayer - model of 4 emotional intelligence abilities (You Tube)
12 Traits of Emotionally Intelligent People: Daniel Goleman (Podcast)
‘Dark empaths’: how dangerous are psychopaths and narcissists with empathy?
Daniel Goleman On How To Manage Your Emotions At Work & Why EQ Is More Valuable Than IQ (LinkedIn)
Preview YouTube video The Salovey & Mayer Model of Four Emotional Intelligence Abilities
The Salovey & Mayer Model of Four Emotional Intelligence Abilities
Hmmmmm…that moment when you wonder if you should have had a Guest for this topic. A leader who is professional in their handling of criticism rather than Bobby and Bridge’s approach which entails going bright red, potentially yelling “f*ck off” or disappearing for a good old teenage sulk!! Seriously…should these two really be let loose on such a topic!
Well, the answer is YES. Come and have a listen to these two feisty leaders being incredibly honest about their relationship with unsolicited feedback (in other words, criticism) and how their approaches have morphed (or not on occasion) as they have grown in self-awareness, self-reflection and self-assurance.
Links
7 Strategies Smart Leaders Use to Handle Criticism | Inc.com
Dealing with Criticism | Wisdom for Life (YouTube.com)
How to Keep Criticism from Undermining Your Confidence (hbr.org)
4 Constructive Ways Leaders Can Handle Criticism (forbes.com)
Why Your Critics Aren’t the Ones Who Count - Brené Brown (brenebrown.com)
Wisdom from The Four Agreements | Don Miguel Ruiz (Amazon.co.uk)
The Seven Day Mental Diet: How to Change Your Life in a Week | Emmet Fox (Amazon.co.uk)
It's a new season! And boy have we got a heap of awesomeness coming your way! This week join Bobby and Bridge as they welcome the fabulous, Fiona Galbraith, to join them on MTALJ. Through her business, Ruralink, she partners with land-based businesses to develop career opportunities focusing mainly on career changers especially advocating for fellow ex-military colleagues. Fiona is also a University Lecturer in Intelligence Security, Risk and Resilience, as well as Chair of Governors at Cirencester College and a volunteer responder for REACT Disaster Response. Clearly a Master of Pivots amongst Pivoters (is there such a word). Come and join us for Fiona’s multitude of insights into making career decisions and in the words of Barack Obama “Being the person who gets things done”
Links
Ruralink - Growing Fresh Careers
4 Key Pivoting Phases of a Successful Career Change (forbes.com)
Five Strategies for Making a Career Pivot | Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Rise of Security and Why We Always Want More | Mike Croll (Amazon.com)
Published on: September 3, 2024Welcome to the final episode of our "Guests with Gifts". This week, Bridge is joined by two remarkable women who've made significant impacts in their fields and communities. First, Nina Killick, a longtime friend of Bridge with a portfolio career including sports coach and project manager in the hospitality industry, and Lieutenant Colonel Ann O’Flynn, the Commanding Officer of the British Army’s 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. They discuss everything from sports like rugby and triathlons to values, change management, and authenticity. Get ready for a sporty, thoughtful, and engaging finale to our mini season!
Links
Dr Ann O'Flynn MCMI BSc (Hons) BVSc PGDip MSc MRCVS | LinkedIn
1st Military Working Dog Regiment
Being Blame free with accountability
Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose
Being comfortable with curiosity
Being your authentic self - Keeping it real
Published on: August 27, 2024In this episode of "Guest with Gifts," Bobby and Bridge connect with some more of their most dedicated listeners. Bobby is joined by Sarah and Nicole, two exceptional managers who kept her almost sane during the dark days of COVID, bringing camaraderie, chuckles, and a lot of hard work. Sarah and Nicole are the ultimate doers. They describe themselves as Planners, but their “get sh*t done” attitude sets them apart. Though different in style, approach, and learning, their camaraderie and now strong friendship shine through in this conversation. Tune in to hear how these massive supporters feel like every episode is recorded just for them. And if you know the long fancy word Bobby used in an early episode, please get in touch!
Sarah Abercrombie Chartered MCIPD | LinkedIn
Radical Candor — Kim Scott (kimmalonescott.com)
Unreasonable Hospitality: Will Guidara: Amazon.co.uk
Being in Community - More Than a Lumpy Jumper
Being a Fraud and Doing it Anyway
Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose
Being in Meetings - More Than a Lumpy Jumper
Constantly Curious - More Than a Lumpy Jumper
Being comfortable with curiosity - More Than a Lumpy Jumper
Published on: August 20, 2024This week, Bridge is joined by James Fulford-Talbot, making a return to MTALJ, and Jogging Jodie Fulford-Talbot, a new and very welcome guest. The conversation is rich, with an overriding message that this podcast helps leaders not feel alone in their struggles. They can come here to listen in for conversation starters, something to share, and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in to hear more from these super advocates and discover who the famous Freddie and Mr. Percival are!
Jodie Fulford-Talbot | LinkedIn
James Fulford-Talbot | LinkedIn
Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose
Constantly Curious - More Than a Lumpy Jumper
Being comfortable with curiosity - More Than a Lumpy Jumper
Published on: August 13, 2024Welcome to Guest Gifts, where Bobby and Bridge get to hang out with some of their most dedicated listeners.
This week, Bobby is joined by Gina and Ella, who must be the most patient humans she has ever met. They've endured Bobby's appalling technical skills with grace and are incredible people in general, especially given the work they do in the HR world.
Gina and Ella are deeply invested in their own development, exploring MTALJ with a commitment to trying new things both at work and in their personal lives. They have discovered some valuable nuggets amidst Bridge and Bobby’s meanderings.
Come and listen as they share what they are learning and how they are applying it.
Links
Georgia Ella Smith-Dunn | LinkedIn
Being a Fraud and Doing it Anyway
Published on: August 6, 2024This week for Guests with Gifts, Bridge is joined by Danni and Jo, who truly embody all the beautiful C’s: Curious Conversationalists, Community Collaborators, Connectors, Creatives, and above all, Carers. They lead with kindness, passion, and ideas, making this episode full of thoughtfulness, raw honesty, and a real desire to support future generations.
Tune in and listen for all the delightful C’s!
Links
Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose
Good Day Cork: Be inspired by uplifting news, podcasts and videos
Many Tongues of Cork - pandemic edition
Speak Up and Grow Podcast with Danielle Edwards and Bridge as a guest
Published on: July 30, 2024Welcome to Guests with Gifts, where we get to hang out with some more of our dedicated listeners.
This week, Bobby is joined by Roger and Gail, exceptional leaders, lifelong learners, and heart speakers with military connections. So many joining of the dots as they discussed their favourite MTALJ episodes with Bobby.
Roger and Gail are deeply committed to developing others and seek learning through various mediums to achieve this. You’ll find them delving into the additional research links after listening to each episode, with their healthy appetite to learn more.
Come and listen to these fantastic advocates as they share their feedback and extended insights, keeping our Being conversations alive and kicking.
Links
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
Published on: July 23, 2024In the Season 3 finale, Bobby and Bridge explore the transformative power of the phrase "Yes...and." Despite initial doubts about the topic's depth, they dive in with curiosity, a bit of discomfort in trying to practice “Yes…and” in the moment with a bit of spurious chat about an imaginary hat and a committment to take an improv class together.
Yes…AND in the process they begin to uncover the surprising depth that a simple shift in language can bring for creativity, collaboration, and growth for us, in work, and even for life in general. Join us for this slightly random but enlightening episode to wrap up the season!
Links
Whose Line is it anyway - you tube
How To Leverage 'Yes And...' As The Gold Standard for Influencing (forbes.com)
Leading With A 'Yes, And' (forbes.com)
The Power of Yes: Why the Yes Mindset Leads to Innovation and Creates Great Leaders (forbes.com)
The Risks of ‘Yes, and’ Leadership - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Why “Yes, and…” Might Be the Most Valuable Phrase in Business. Big Think
What is a Kaospilot?: Explore now and become part of Kaospilot
Adam Grant: Why Brainstorming Doesn't Work | TIME
Vote for us in the British podcast awards
Published on: July 16, 2024Join Bobby and Bridge as they dive into the wild world of meetings! From the taxonomy of different meeting types to those head-scratchers where you’re not sure why you're there, they are dissecting it all. They share experiences of various meeting styles, ponder why people often stick to unproductive routines, and discuss how we can all break free from habitual suffering. Whether you're a meeting lover or dread them, this episode is packed with insights and chuckles. Tune in and rethink your next invite!
Links
A taxonomy for meetings: distinguish or suffer | LinkedIn Maximizing The Productivity of Meetings Is as Easy As 3-2-1 (forbes.com)
Stop Wasting People’s Time with Bad Meetings (hbr.org) Stop the Meeting Madness (hbr.org)
Stop wasting valuable time (Hbr.org)
What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Meeting (harvardbusiness.org)
How to set up a Fishbowl conversation meeting
Open space technology meetings
Silent Meetings are more inclusive
Monitor manterrupting with gender timer
Equaltime.io speaking monitoring app
UN-REDD monitoring women and men's meeting participation
Meeting Audit in 2023: Stop Wasting Precious Time (rhythmsystems.com)
Published on: July 9, 2024Ooooooooooooooo A GUEST!
Bobby and Bridge are joined by the amazing Alison Riley (better known to us as Dunney!!) who they met at Sandhurst some 30-plus years ago. And she’s another one who has had an interesting “career path” since those tumultuous days of military training.
Alison served for 5 years before leaving and qualifying as a secondary Maths teacher. She taught for 10+ years before deciding on a further career change and being ordained as a Minister!!
So join us as we hear about the whys and wherefores of her career journey before delving into Alison’s wisdom on what faith, spirituality, and belief (you choose the word for yourself) brings to leadership.
Oh, and find out about Chill Church. It is just SO cool (pardon the pun!!)
Links
Rev. Alison Riley Network Youth Church
The Centre for Action and Contemplation - Building on Richard Rohr's Founding Vision
Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean | Kim Scott | Amazon.co.uk
Spiritually-Intelligent-Leadership | Yosi Amram PhD | Amazon.co.uk
Published on: July 2, 2024As it's Armed Forces Week we have an excuse to have a chat with a couple of female veterans who just happen to be our lovely friends - the amazing Lt Col Wendy Faux MBE and the equally wonderful Lt Col (retd) Sally Purnell. Despite having given you all an episode on Not Saying Sorry, Bobby and Bridge do think they need to offer an apology as there are probably a whole load of acronyms that are going to pop up during this episode which will make you think WTF (look there’s another one!). They really tried to pull together a Glossary but…it didn’t happen. If it really makes little sense, get in touch. Otherwise, sit back and listen to the regaling of tales from a bunch of ladies, who go back a long way and have MUCH to say about their time serving in the Army and all that happened after.
While we have your attention we'd really appreciate if you could vote for MTALJ in the British Podcast Awards https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Links
Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her own words
Begum Hazrat Mahal: The Revolutionary Queen of Awadh
To War with Whitaker( Wartime Diaries of the Countess of Ranfurly: Amazon.co.uk
Published on: June 25, 2024Join Bobby and Bridge as they embark on a fascinating journey, analysing why loneliness seems to have reached epidemic proportions across the young, the old and whatever the in between looks like. What is at the root of loneliness? How does it affect leadership? And then most importantly, what can we start to do to bridge the gap of loneliness, seeking to rebuild our social muscles in a world that feels more disconnected than ever.
Links
Jonny Sun: You are not alone in your loneliness | TED Talk
Kio Stark: Why you should talk to strangers | TED Talk
Richard Renaldi | Touching Strangers Index
Robert Waldinger - Research on Loneliness
Robert Waldinger - Loneliness Kills
Vivek Murthy: How To Solve the Work Loneliness Epidemic (forbes.com)
Kingsley Aikins - The Networking Institute
Published on: June 18, 2024You couldn’t make these things up. Join Bobby and Bridge as one of them spends more time on mute coughing themselves inside out and not practicing self-care when they are meant to be talking about self-compassion and resilience. I ask you…the hypocrisy!! And in spite of all that, here is another episode full of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical strategies for embedding self-compassion into everyday life. Enjoy…cough, splutter, gasp!
Links
10 Powerful TED Talks on Resilience, Empathy, & Compassion - mind remake project
Operationalizing Kindness at Work: This Is What Kindness Looks Like | LinkedIn
Self-Compassion Will Make You a Better Leader
Discover the Empowering Videos Featuring Dr Kristin Neff
Self compassion exercise (with apologies about the bath scene)
Published on: June 11, 2024“It wasn’t me; it was her!” Are we listening to the words of a 5-year-old or an adult work colleague throwing you under the bus??! Both.
Blame just comes all to easily in the workplace to help us escape from discomfort, pain, anger and the like. But what happens when a leader takes true accountability for the part they played? When they have their teams do a deep dive into lessons learned when things go wrong
Come and join Bobby and Bridge as they track through the science of blame, their experience of blame cultures and practical advice on how to change an organisation’s narrative to one of accountability.
#nipitinthebud
Links
Project Retrospectives: A Handbook for Team Reviews: Norm Kerth
Creating a Culture of Accountability, Not Blame - Michael Timms (including Table showing Culture of Blame v Culture of Accountability)
Blame Culture Is Toxic. Here's How to Stop It. - Michael Timms
Published on: June 4, 2024Oh they SO wanted to behave Disgracefully in this episode and then decided that perhaps they weren’t quite old enough yet?
So, instead Bobby and Bridge are here considering our aging workforce. What are the stages of life you witness at your dinner table when the family gets together? And then how does that extrapolate to a business? How do you cater for the spectrum of ages in a workforce and how they look at and interact with the world and each other?
Turns out this is a great topic…whatever your age. Come and have a listen.
Links
Richard Rohr - Falling Upwards
Harnessing the power of age diversity
Article on Aging
Helena Clayton | Leadership or eldership?
The Elders | Independent global leaders
Ethical Leadership Why You Should Create a “Shadow Board” of Younger Employees (hbr.org)
Warning by Jenny Joseph - Scottish Poetry Library
Published on: May 28, 2024Silos, Barriers, Walls … doesn’t matter what you call them, if they take hold in an organisation … EVERYTHING seems to get that little bit trickier – communication channels, processes, procedures and above all relationships.
So, join Bobby and Bridge as they do a little bit of ranting and a whole lot of chatting about how to deal with Silo Working. Do Silos ever work in an organisation? And what can you do rather than deconstructing a whole organisation in an attempt to get rid of them. That’s where the Bridge comes in. Over to you Bridge!!
Links
NextMapping | The Future is Human | Cheryl Cran
Future of work - No more silos
Breaking down silos - Cheryl Cran
Making Silos Work for Your Organization (hbr.org)
Published on: May 21, 2024“I wonder if today’s the day I get found out”. “Oh…I was just lucky to get this job”. “I feel such a Fraud”.
Do any of these little mutterings ever take up residence in your self-talk?
Join Bobby and Bridge as they try and fathom which comes first your self-talk or the environment that helps create it. Is there a cure? And if not what strategies do we have to work with this phenomenon?
Links
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women : Valerie Young
Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are
Stop telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome
The Authority Gap : Mary Ann Sieghart
Ted Talk - How to close the authority gap
Why imposter syndrome doesn't exist
Published on: May 14, 2024Wowzers…when you decide to get going on the topic of Belonging and Inclusion, you just find out how much we still need to learn and how far we still need to go. THIS, however, is no reason not to make a start.
So, join Bobby and Bridge as they make THEIR start in contemplating what it feels like to Belong BE INCLUDED.
Links
How to overcome our biases. Walk boldly towards them : Verna Myers (TEDx)
Micro-messaging-final.pdf (utsouthwestern.edu)
The quiet discrimination of microinequities: A Q&A with Adjunct Professor Mary Rowe | MIT Sloan
Micro messaging: Why Great Leadership is Beyond Words : Stephen Young (Amazon.co.uk)
9 Ways Leaders Can Build A Culture Of Belonging (forbes.com)
The Key to Inclusive Leadership (hbr.org)
Published on: May 7, 2024What makes a great team? What makes a terrible one? And what do you do when you know the vibe is slightly off?
Join Bobby and Bridge as they attempt not to incriminate themselves talking about teams they have enjoyed being part of or leading and those they have not! Along with some pieces of research to help you in your quest for team dynamism.
Links
20 Questions to Ask When Your Team’s Vibe Is Off
Tuckman's Model of Team Development
The Avengers and Tuckman's Model
Johnson and Johnson Cooperative Learning
Five Vital Conversations for Getting Things Done In Groups | Richard Watkins | TEDxRoma
Improve Your Team Dynamics (lianedavey.com)
Read the damn pre-read people! (lianedavey.com)
8 Alternatives to Having a Meeting (lianedavey.com)
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Patrick Lencioni
A summary of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team : Executive Agenda
Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't: Jim Collins
Published on: April 30, 2024Can you make “Sorry” sound like you don’t mean it at all? Or do you use it every other word out of habit, even when there is nothing to apologise for!
In the last episode of the “Easter minis” Bobby and Bridge offer some gifts to help break the habit.
#sorrynotsorry
Stop Over-Apologizing at Work (hbr.org)
Shira Miller: Stop the Apology Speak | TED Talk
How Apologies Kill Our Confidence | Maja Jovanovic | TEDxTrinityBellwoodsWomen (youtube.com)
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals: Rachel Hollis
Published on: April 23, 2024This week is International Leadership Week (15th – 21st April) celebrating this year’s theme of the Power of Collaborative Leadership.
Bobby and Bridge offer some gifts around the topic including those inimitable words once again… Creativity and Communication
#CollaborateForSuccess
Links
Betterup blog : Breaking Down Silos
Five Vital Conversations for Getting Things Done In Groups | Richard Watkins | TEDxRoma
Group Genius: The Creative Power of Collaboration: Keith Sawyer
How to manage for collective creativity, Linda Hill [TED] - DeBoer Fellowship
Cheryl Cran- Transformational Leadership & Breaking Down Silos
Published on: April 16, 2024How do you introduce yourself? OK, fine…you might start with your name but then what? Your title? What does that actually mean or even say about you as a person?
Bobby and Bridge explore some more Easter gifts in this mini to support Leaders in leading without a title.
Step forward and be YOU!
Links
Leaders Without Titles: Unlocking the Power of People
Who Am I?: Psychological exercises to develop self-understanding: The School of Life
Leadership is a Choice, Not a Title | Leadership Expert Mark Sanborn
How to be a leader without the title | Proclinical Blogs
Leading Without a Title: Robin Sharma
Published on: April 9, 2024Does your face often scream what you are trying not to say? Oh yeah! Bobby and Bridge have tried for years to curb both their Inner Voice AND their faces saying exactly what they are thinking! So in some sort of cathartic exercise, they are looking to share some Easter gifts with you on this topic. And then, of course, they will need to go and take heed of all these gifts themselves.
Life remains a work in progress!
Links
Who Am I? How Face Language Reveals Your True Identity: Eric Standop
Freeing the Natural Voice : Kristin Linklater
What's that look on your face Catherine S. Snodgrass
10 Face Yoga Moves to do each morning
How to Manage Your Facial Expression When You Speak
How to Control Your Emotions During a Difficult Conversation
Published on: April 2, 2024Do not fear…they are not off sailing or map reading (both of which Bridge is good at…Bobby not so much!), instead they are off into a conversation around navigating tricky conversations, dealing with discomfort. How can you hang out there and learn to listen to understand rather than listening to respond.
Join them for some ideas on how to cope and even thrive in such moments.
And however, hard she listened, Bobby never quite got to the bottom of the Pigeon Playing Chess scenario. See if you do better!
Links
5 Exercises to Improve Your Conscious Listening - Wide Lens Leadership
Julian Treasure books: How To Be Heard and Sound Business
Playing chess with a pigeon- arguing with idiots
“Life is about perspective and how you look at something…ultimately, you have to zoom out”. Whitney Wolfe Herd
Published on: March 26, 2024Happiness, in psychology, a state of emotional well-being that a person experiences either in a narrow sense, when good things happen in a specific moment, or more broadly, as a positive evaluation of one’s life and accomplishments overall—that is, subjective well-being ~ Brittanica
On the cusp of International Day of Happiness (20th March), Bobby and Bridge explore their relationship with happiness and how it might have changed or stayed the same through stages of life. And in what they have learned, how can Happiness be applied in the workplace, by leaders?
Come and join them and please don’t forget to bring a grin with you!
Links
International Day of Happiness
Get a monthly happiness calendar
The Happiness Report 2024
Create a Happy List - The Joy Within
Your Happiness Calendar for March 2024 (berkeley.edu)
Rohit Dev | LinkedIn | Creating a Happiness Playbook
The Science of Happiness | Greater Good (berkeley.edu)
Radical Acceptance - Tara Brach
Happiness In The Workplace Is Serious: Why Leaders Need To Respond (forbes.com)
Sugar and sloth neurodiversity cuteness
The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less Socrates
Published on: March 19, 2024When was the last time you were an absolute beginner…learning something from scratch?
Can you even remember or like so many of us, the discomfort of not knowing how to do something is just TOO much?
Join Bobby and Bridge as they chat about learning styles, the benefits of having both a growth and a fixed mindset, how we expand our learning “blob” in different territories and not have it stay contracted because of previous experiences. There is also chat about Banksy style mind maps, geese, stationary collecting and javelin throwing. But you will need to join them to find out more.
Come and find out about your Learning Edge.
Links
Sir Ken Robinson | Speaker | TED
Gardner's Theory Of Multiple Intelligences (simplypsychology.org)
Carol Dweck: The power of believing that you can improve | TED Talk
What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means (hbr.org)
Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential: Amazon.co.uk: Carol Dweck
Published on: March 12, 2024Sticky floors, broken ladders, glass ceilings? What on earth are these two up to now? Talking about “investing in women, accelerating progress” in preparation and to honour of International Women’s Day, this coming Friday (8th March).
This, however, is NOT a podcast for women only. Bobby and Bridge talk collaboration for solutions to benefit ALL. How are we, TOGETHER, going to fix that ladder rung into middle management.
There’s no easy answer…but come and take a seat anyway, share in the meanderings and give yourself some time for leadership reflection.
And if you know a good adhesive remover…let us know!
“I love to see a young girl go out and grasp the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve gotta go out and kick ass” ~ Maya Angelou
Links
International Women's Day | United Nations
A Modest Manifesto for Shattering the Glass Ceiling (hbr.org)
How women can escape the “sticky floor” and innovate for the future (diversityq.com)
Women in the Workplace 2023 report | McKinsey
New LeanIn Study: The Broken Rung Keeping Women From Management (forbes.com)
The 50 cups of coffee challenge | Bobby Audley | TEDxPSUErie (youtube.com)
Published on: March 5, 2024Leap Day is nearly upon us. The day where, tradition states, women can propose to men and men should be sure to carry cash and gloves with them to hand over to any woman’s proposal they wish to refuse!
Don’t worry…Bobby and Bridge are not looking to make an episode out of this baloney…only to use it as a segway into conversation about all of us learning to stand our ground for what we believe in and filling our space just the right amount rather than shrinking from the world.
What does ground and space mean for our variety of leadership styles?
And before we go…does anyone know what a group of peacocks is called?
Links
Shrinking Women Poem by Lily Myers (youtube)
Shrinking Women Poem by Lily Myers
Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are | TED Talk
Why women stay out of the spotlight at work - HBR
“Our bodies can change our minds and our minds change our behaviours and our behaviour changes our outcomes”.
Published on: February 27, 2024Ooooooooooooooo A GUEST!
Bobby and Bridge are joined by Neena Sims, coach, facilitator, poet and mother as well as formerly an actor and director. Needless to say…awesome!
Together we explore how we can learn to love ourselves more.
Our beautiful conversation meanders through some theory, depth and simplicity, a “real life” working example (where Bobby sweats a bit), and some interruptions from our menopausal brains. What’s not to love. Come and join us.
Links
Meet Neena and Third Space Coaching
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz |
The Gifts of Imperfection:10th Anniversary Edition by Brene Brown |
One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon |
Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic by Lisa Lister |
Published on: February 20, 2024So, whilst romance isn’t entirely dead in either Bobby or Bridge’s house, it was much easier to focus this episode questioning whether there is a place for the word LOVE in leadership and the workplace.
They even go as far as to explore the word INTIMACY in the workplace…NOT the naughty, naked type (that’s a whole other podcast!)
Love and intimacy might not be the words many of you, as leaders, want to use but what about your leadership actions? Showing more care, attention…love.
Curious? Come and have a listen and make up your own mind.
Links
The Oxford Character Project | About Us
Leader: Know, love and inspire your people by Katy Granville-Chapman | Amazon
The Leadership Challenge Book Summary by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (shortform.com)
Can You Really Power an Organization with Love? (hbr.org)
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant | Amazon
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek | Amazon
Matt Tenney: Why the Best Leaders Make Love the Top Priority | TED Talk
“Give away love like you are made of the stuff..” Bob Goff
“You can love people without leading them, but you cannot lead people without loving them” Unknown
Published on: February 13, 2024What have Barry Manilow, Bernard Matthews and Bernard Manning got to do with speaking from the heart? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
But other than this slight confusion about who’s who, Bobby and Bridge do manage to get into the topic as to why it really is SO hard to speak from your heart to another’s.
Fear of rejection, vulnerability? Putting on an act to mask true feelings? Or blasting when you haven’t spoken what’s truly in your heart and kept it bottled in?
Do any of these sound like you? Come and have a listen.
Links
Sidney Jourard - The transparent self
Simon Sinek – turn off your phone
Keeping communication authentic during remote work
“Leadership is not a formula or a program. It's a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It's an attitude, not a routine.”
Published on: February 6, 2024Time to Talk Day is upon us which has prompted Bobby and Bridge’s conversation around the “I’m Fine” response to the question “How are you?”
No really. How are you?
Join them as they explore how to get underneath the “I’m fine” response and the impact it can have on psychological safety, mental health and wellbeing and feedback if you don’t.
And seemingly a WRAP can be so much more than a lunchtime option. Who knew?
Links
Time To Talk Day - 1st February 2024
Strozzi Institute | Somatic Practice
Inspiring insights - Well-being and resilience in senior leaders (deloitte.com)
How Leaders Fake Psychological Safety (hbr.org)
The Basics of Prosocial Behaviour (verywellmind.com)
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation | Welcome
Published on: January 30, 2024Ooooooooooooooo A GUEST!
Bobby and Bridge are joined by Kelly Swingler, Coach for the HR World, Burnout Expert, Author…basically all-round Bonne Oeuf with a compelling story to tell about her recovery from Burnout and her crusade to ensure it doesn’t KEEP happening to HR Directors the length and breadth of the land.
And all three of them have got colds whilst recording this episode. Promise it isn’t too much of a snort fest other than the inevitable laughter…
Links
Kelly Swingler | The Coach for HR Leaders
Mind The Gap: A Story of Burnout,... by Swingler, Kelly (amazon.co.uk)
Frazzled The Podcast (kellyswingler.com)
10 rules for a stress-less life
Blends - artisan ayurvedic lattes by Claire Paphitis
Light Is the New Black: A Guide To Answering Your Soul’s Callings: Rebecca Campbell: Amazon Books
Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring: Davina McCall
Published on: January 23, 2024National Mentoring Month gives Bobby and Bridge a way into a conversation on how to establish a support system for growth, development and learning. Their history has clearly been spattered with support and help which, in their youth, they have clearly been CRAP at requesting or didn’t realise they had. So join them as they explore the importance of a support system for SELF as well as the need for Leaders to step up and find the capacity to be support systems for others.
Links
What the Best Mentors Do (hbr.org)
Bridge mentoring - A Better Approach to Mentorship (hbr.org)
Are men afraid to mentor women? Forbes
How to set up a mentoring programme
Well…you may feel like Bobby and Bridge are splitting hairs here as they try to fathom the distinctions between a vague and probably unachievable New Year Resolution versus making a Commitment…and then where the heck does an Intention fit in? But join them anyway as they get to grips with making Commitments for the year. Find out what BSQ stands for. And another of Bobby’s pet hates is revealed!
Links
How to Play to Your Strengths (hbr.org)
The Importance of Practice – And Our Reluctance to Do It HBR-
Feedback is a gift ! ACT receiving feedback model
What is BSQ Goal: Goal-Setting Framework (hqhire.com)
Don't underestimate the power of reflection - HBR.org
The power of journaling as a life habit - Rest Less
What happens when you get rid of performance reviews - Forbes
5 steps for giving effective feedback - the muse.com
Now for the woo-woo How to have a moon ceremony - Vogue
Published on: January 9, 2024Whilst overwhelm can come calling at all times of the year, December can bring some added pressures to daily life…attending and throwing parties, entertaining extended family, gift shopping. And then there’s the December lurgies, the lack of daylight, more feelings of exhaustion than normal. Is overwhelm any real surprise?
Join Bobby and Bridge as they search out a few more little gifts to help you with such feelings over the holiday period.
Links
How to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed - Mental Health FirstAid
Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science | Compassion-Based Resilience
TrainingKindness to Self | Compassion Based Meditation
About Dr Libby Weaver - Nutritional biochemist
Rushing Woman's Syndrome | Dr Libby Weaver
The Pace of Modern Life versus our Cavewoman Biochemistry: Dr Libby Weaver: TedX
Life is a Verb | 37 Days to Wake Up, be Mindful and Live Intentionally | Patti Digh
Unwind with the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (mondaycampaigns.org)
Published on: January 2, 2024Bobby and Bridge do love the curiosity topic. Or is it more their toddler predilections of asking Why? Either way, they are very aware that curiosity as part of our make up has such benefits. It can make you happier, strengthens relationships, expands empathy and boosts achievement to name but a few. So join these two inquisitive creatures as they hand out some gifts to improve your curiosity. It really didn’t kill a cat!
Links
Britannica’s Curiosity Compass | 10 Ways to Improve Your Curiosity
Britannica’s Curiosity Compass | The Quiz
Why curiosity gets you farther than ambition | Drew Lynch | TedX
The book of beautiful questions - Warren Berger
encouraging curiosity (not just for kids)
Published on: December 26, 2023What an awesome topic!! Eager to continue this conversation about the importance of play (and NOT just because they are an evil couple of mischief makers!!), but for now Bobby and Bridge offer you some gifts around play and rest…but mostly play, in the belief that when playing, you really are giving yourself a break. So don your fancy dress, grab a water pistol or a pillow, tell stories, jokes, laugh and if all that fails, take a listen to this mini episode for some more inspiration.
Links
The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition: Brené Brown
Infographic for the 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living by Brene Brown
Design your life book by Burnell and Evans
Published on: December 19, 2023Centring is not just for Christmas because…. it’s a practice to help all of us whether we are celebrating this holiday period or not…it’s equally a practice that could help all of us every day of the year. So what is Centring? Centring or Grounding (interchangeable) usually refers to our mental and physical state of mind. It’s the place we know we have to get back to when we’re not feeling like ourselves. Bobby and Bridge chat and offer gifts a plenty of things you can do to help you back to Centre. And there’s a lot of chat about Gravy!
Links
Richard Strozzi Heckler - Centring Practice
Shout Out to the lovely Grainne Bagnall of Forest Bathing West Cork
123 Gratitude Journal Prompts: The Only List You'll Need
Centring yourself: 11 practices to try
To round off the series, Bobby and Bridge are joined by James Fulford-Talbot of nXsus People in Australia for a conversation about Boundaries. How do you keep a check on your own boundaries whilst working in an environment whose structures and habits may call for more…perhaps unreasonably so? What helps or hinders us setting healthy boundaries for ourselves, within our teams and indeed within our family set ups? And what are the consequences when we don’t?
Links
Our Amazing Guest!
nXus
Global Leadership Wellbeing Survey
Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson
About the lecturer and author Thomas Erikson (surroundedbyidiots.com)
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown Teacher Speaking
Herrman Brain Dominance Instrument
HBDI (Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument)® Assessment | Herrmann (thinkherrmann.com)
Bobby and Bridge talk about showing up as their most Bobbyist and Bridgeyist selves and what it’s like when you don’t. The difference that others can feel when you are all in and when you are not. And then once again, they meander off topic and begin surmising who would play them in the movie version of themselves. There’s even a story about stockings. Honestly, who let these two loose with recording equipment.
Link
Authentic Leadership Authentic Leadership: What It Is & Why It's Important | HBS Online
Living your Values – Brene Brown Living Into Our Values Brené Brown (brenebrown.com) Values Document
Bevy Smith: How to discover your authentic self -- at any age | TED Talk
Leader: Know Love and Inspire Your People by Katy Granville-Chapman, Emmie Bidston
Good Leadership in UK Business
Leading and Flourishing in Difficult Times - online course
Human Flourishing Programme - Harvard
Daniel Goleman – Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Ecological Intelligence
Goldberg on Emotional Regulation Emotional Intelligence Frameworks, Charts, Diagrams & Graphs (positivepsychology.com)
Caitlin Moran and the menopause
More menopause and more Caitlin
Always look on the bright side of life
What’s the difference between a truly toxic workplace and being in an environment where there’s high pressure situations and people are stressed? Are they one and the same? Where do you find allies? How do you look after yourself?
Bobby and Bridge talk about their different experiences in such environments AND what they found by way of connection and solace when finding community and making time to look after themselves.
Links
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD
Nonviolent communication cartoon
Positive and Negative Feedback Helps Agents Perform
Toxic Work Cultures 5 Marks Of A Toxic Work Culture—And How You Know It’s Time To Leave
Published on: November 22, 2023Ooooooooooooooo A GUEST!
Bobby and Bridge are joined by Steve White - NED, Executive Coach, Board Advisor and Deputy Chair of BLESMA (the Armed Forces Charity for Limbless Veterans) as they chat about living and learning through their decades in Leadership Roles. What would they go back and tell their 20 something versions? What have they learnt along the way?
And whilst Steve wanted to be introduced as “once a tw*t always a tw*t”, he’s anything but. Full on human being who cares deeply for others whilst keeping things light and full of cheeky banter.
About Steve: Steve is currently the Chairman at Moat Homes Limited, a Board Member for Orwell Housing Association and Deputy Chair for BLESMA (Armed Forces Charity for Limbless Veterans) and most importantly.... he was once Bobby's Boss. Steve was part of the first all-amputee team to swim the English Channel in 2014 and recently became the first amputee to swim the 14 km across Lake Geneva. If you would like to donate to BLESMA, the JustGiving page is in the links below
Links
Our Amazing Guest! Steve White
Caitlin Moran : All About Women 2021 Menopause, Drugs and Me
Military Charity for Limbless Veterans - Blesma
Steve's Lake Geneva Swim Just Giving page
Published on: November 14, 2023Curiosity starts with building a safe space for questions. Questions DO NOT mean you are somehow lacking. That is Boll*cks! Think about children you know, FOREVER asking “Why?”. Yes exhausting but SO necessary for learning and progress. When did you last ask Why?
Join Bobby and Bridge as they explore the power of curiosity, harnessing playfulness for creativity (with or without alcohol) versus hiding your light under a bushel, accepting the status quo and missing a place where new possibilities can take root.
The art of great communication might be where Bobby and Bridge start with this episode but as with so many of their conversations, they meander all over the shop! One of the key requirements of great communication is storytelling and wowzers they do love a story! Listen in as they chat about the importance of understanding and being understood, crafting messages, and the power in conversations where everyone wins.
Published on: October 30, 2023