Dog Walk Thoughts - with Clare E Kenny

kennyclare844
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Sharing my thoughts and tips on how to boost your wellbeing, all while I’m walking my dogs!

  1. 3 FEB

    Your nervous system needs daily recovery (not just weekends)

    Many of us cope through the week only to crash at the weekend - but that isn’t recovery, it’s survival. In this episode, I explain why chronic fight-or-flight reduces focus, collaboration and strategic thinking, and why waiting for holidays doesn’t solve the problem. I talk through how to spot early warning signs, widen your window of tolerance, and build small, realistic moments of nervous system regulation into the working day - including the often overlooked power of white space.

    23 min

  2. 20 JAN

    January isn’t a 'fresh start' - it’s survival season

    January asks us to perform at full pelt when our biology is still in hibernation mode.  In this episode, I unpack why so many of us feel anxious, snappy, foggy or overwhelmed at this time of year, and what’s actually happening in the nervous system when we slip into survival mode. I’ll share a few simple, practical ways to create space, calm the system, and get back to clearer thinking (without beating yourself up for struggling).

    31 min

  3. 10/12/2025

    High masking, not high functioning

    In this episode, I talk about masking, why “high functioning” is really just “high masking”, and how much it costs our nervous systems over time. We explore neuro-inclusion, social energy, recovery and boundaries, and why living outside your authentic limits is a fast track to burnout.

    22 min

  4. 17/11/2025

    ADHD Is relentless

    After a morning of unexpected tears and a sense that everything has been a bit much lately, this episode is a straight, honest reflection on what happens when ADHD becomes relentless. I talk about the past few months feeling heavier than usual, the strange release of crying at Netflix show 'Heartstopper', and the relief of speaking to someone who genuinely understands the constant noise in my head. It’s all about overwhelm, sobriety without an off-switch, and the ongoing work of accepting how my brain works rather than trying to completely fix it.

    20 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Creating space for dissent - the key to unlocking psychological safety

    In this episode, I dive a bit deeper into what true psychological safety really means at work. It’s not just about people feeling comfortable - it’s about creating an environment where they feel safe to challenge, to disagree, and to say when something isn’t working. I share a few stories, including a focus group experience that still makes me laugh (and feel a certain level of rage about) years later, along with some brilliant insights from Amy Edmondson on how to spot whether psychological safety really exists in your team. I also talk through some simple, practical ways to create space for honest feedback, respond to critique without getting defensive, and use that feedback to drive genuine growth. Because if as a leader the ONLY 'culture' feedback you’re hearing is that people wish others would unload the dishwasher, it’s probably not the dishwasher that’s the problem!

    23 min

  6. 05/11/2025

    What is psychological safety and why it matters at work

    After a little summer break, I’m back with another Dog Walk Thoughts, this time exploring one of my most requested topics, psychological safety. As I walk the pack (with a pocket full of turkey slices!) I unpack what psychological safety really means beyond the buzzwords, from Amy Edmondson’s original research to why it’s the biggest driver of team performance. We’ll look at why mistakes matter, how to create space for honest challenge, and simple ways to build trust and openness in your team. It’s a practical introduction to one of the most powerful foundations of thriving, high-performing workplaces.

    21 min

  7. 19/08/2025

    Simple tools to shift a bad mood

    Ever struggle to shake off a bad mood? In this episode, I hit record while walking my dogs - in the middle of one of those flat, fed-up days - to see if I could shift my mood in real time. I share practical tools I use in workshops (like the circles of control, gratitude reframing, and healthy dopamine boosts), plus some honest reflections on why it’s okay to sit with your feelings before moving forward. If you’ve been feeling flat, frustrated or just “off,” this one’s for you.

    27 min

  8. 05/08/2025

    Why is it never enough?

    Ever feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough? In this episode, I dive into the “never enough” mindset that fuels burnout and share the small but powerful shifts I’m using to quiet it down. From naming my inner critic (yes, it has a name!) to questioning old beliefs about worth and productivity, I explore practical ways to find more balance, compassion, and calm in daily life. If you’ve ever ended the day feeling like you should be doing more, this one’s for you.

    26 min
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Sharing my thoughts and tips on how to boost your wellbeing, all while I’m walking my dogs!

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