Life Beyond The Numbers Susan Ni Chriodain

"I then realised that if gardening can be a metaphor for supplier management, nature's landscapes could be a metaphor for our lives." Alison Smith
 
Alison Smith and I discuss her unique approach as a facilitator, coach, and author, of using nature and its landscapes as powerful metaphors to bridge understanding in business and life. Over a 24-year journey, Alison has developed various techniques, including drawing, walking, and storytelling metaphors, to help individuals gain insights while leaving their logical minds aside. Alison also highlights the significance of language, mindset, and creativity, and shares how her journey from 'sleepwalking' through life to embracing her creativity has unfolded. We also explore the importance of allowing space for internal wisdom and the benefits of stepping outside the traditional confines of a work environment.
 
Alison Smith wears a number of hats - facilitator, coach, trainer, author, podcaster, and poet. She helps people, inside and outside of organisations, see situations from a different perspective to see the wood for the trees and get back on track. She has over 35 years of applying these in a procurement environment but they're no longer exclusively applied there. Her work with others is done in nature, parks, museums, offices and virtually. She mainly works in Scotland and the rest of the UK but has also ventured further afield. Connect with Alison
Through her website
On LinkedIn
 
Resources Mentioned
Landscaping Your Life Podcast
Can't See the Wood for the Trees by Alison Smith 
Start Close In by David Whyte

"There's four key components that I focus on in my work and my programs. The environment [ ]. There's behaviour. You would be shocked if I told you that almost every single thing that we do from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to bed, is an amalgamation of the quality later that night of how we sleep." Dan White
 
Dan White and I discuss the critical role of sleep in our daily lives. He outlines four key components - environment, behaviour, psychology, and culture - that influence sleep. We delve into Dan's personal experiences with sleep, why quality trumps quantity, and how our modern lifestyles impact our sleep and circadian rhythms. Dan shares valuable insights into the interplay between sleep, health and well-being, and performance at work. We also touch on Dan's initiatives with Sleep Better, Live Better Foundation which focuses on educating younger generations about the benefits of proper sleep habits. Throughout, Dan stresses the value of simple solutions, like spending time outdoors and integrating natural light into daily routines, to improve sleep and health.
 
Daniel White is a Registered Nutritionist (MSc, ANutr) and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC) with extensive educational, research and clinical experience in the fields of nutrition, psychology, stress management, sleep science, health education and human behaviour change. Daniel educates people on how to radically transform their lives whilst spreading his passion for a natural and holistic evidence-based approach to health and well-being. 
 
Connect with Daniel
Through social media: LinkedIn and Instagram
Visit his website
Check out Sleep Better Live Better Foundation
 
Resources Mentioned
Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker
The Biology of Sleep & Your Unique Sleep Needs | Huberman Lab Guest Series with Dr. Matt Walker

"The one thing ..... there's so many. I would probably say, as a reaction to your question, trust yourself and other people." Kevin Chevis
 
Kevin Chevis shares valuable insights from his extensive career in a variety of leadership roles, highlighting his diverse experiences, including with mergers, acquisitions, and navigating financial challenges. He discusses the significant shift he experienced from merely selling products, like speed cameras, to engaging in initiatives that make the world safer. Kevin emphasises the importance of developing intimate, trusting relationships with clients and suppliers, focusing on long-term goals, and fostering open communication. He discusses the impact of a strong internal company culture that values empathy, trust, and effective communication and fosters environments where people are motivated to contribute and succeed. Kevin recounts the challenges and successes of working in international and diverse environments, including navigating cultural differences in multinational teams. Throughout the episode, Kevin reflects on his career milestones, the impact of mentorship, and his belief in trusting and supporting employees for better business outcomes.
 
Kevin Chevis has extensive international experience running technology-based companies. He has been involved in several MBO/MBI deals involving Private Equity, all with successful exits. He is an innovative thinker, with excellent communication skills, P&L experience and a proven ability to lead and drive strategic development, cultural change, sales and client service on a global basis.
 
Connect with Kevin:
Reach out to him on LinkedIn 
 
Resources Mentioned:
Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ni Chriodain 
Helen Joy at People Spark

"Susan, I've taken enough time with these questions. Firstly, I just want to say, I'm thankful that I've met you. And two, this is an absolutely brilliant book and I love it." Matt Phelan
In this episode I celebrate the launch of my new book Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work. The book was launched during a LinkedIn Live on Monday May 13th with the help of Matt Phelan, who wrote the foreword to the book, and Dr. Susanne Evans. The book has already achieved bestseller status in three Amazon categories in the UK. We explore the key themes, some takeaways and personal reflections including the creative process, navigating self doubt and what I hope the legacy of the book will be. Please do purchase, read and review the book to help spread its impactful message.
 
Matt Phelan is a dad, founder, business adviser & keynote speaker as well as being a proud geek (his words!) and supporter of decent people. He believes that the future of tech is human and co-founded The Happiness Index to try and positively shape the future of work in a small but important way. Matt has written two books ‘Freedom to be Human: The business case for happiness’ and most recently ‘The Happiness Index: Why today's emotions equal tomorrow's business success.’ He also hosts the insightful ‘Happiness and Humans’ podcast.
 
Dr Susanne Evans creates change, one story at a time. She is on a mission to change the way transformations are managed in organisations. She founded Feldspar Consulting in 2007 to help her clients lead change in a more human, effective way through her work as an organisation change consultant, trainer, coach and researcher. Susanne is a storyteller and is writing ‘ChangeStories: How to have powerful conversations, tell inspiring stories and build engagement for transformation’ which is due to be published in November and is the host of the engaging ChangeStories podcast.

 
Resources Mentioned 
Follow this link to purchase Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work
If you would like to read a preview of this book follow this link.
If you would like to watch the LinkedIn Live click here

"Variation is the norm, that actually we're all unique. We are all different. And even how we approach learning and decision making, we're all different." Susan Ni Chriodain
In this special episode of 'Life Beyond the Numbers,' I take on a unique role as the interviewee, giving Dr. Susanne Evans the reins to explore the themes, inspirations, and key takeaways from my about to be launched book, 'Leading Beyond the Numbers.' This episode not only showcases the book's concepts but also reflects on the broader implications for personal development and organisational change. We shed light on why embracing individual differences and genuine self-expression in professional settings is not just beneficial but essential for creating more engaging and effective workplaces. We conclude with emphasis on the SEE-SAW acronym (Sleep, Eating & Hydration, Exercise, Sense-making, Awareness, Wisdom) as a practical framework for capturing the essence of this book.
 
Susan Ni Chriodain is a leadership coach, facilitator and experienced finance director Susan Ní Chríodáin who sits at the nexus of business and emotion and in her book Leading Beyond the Numbers she reveals how to reintroduce humanity into the workplace, for improved engagement and fulfilment, benefiting both individuals and organisations.
Dr. Susanne Evans, host of ChangeStories podcast and founder of Feldspar Consulting, was the guest host on this episode.
 
Connect with Susan
On LinkedIn
 
Resources Mentioned
Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work is published on May 14th 2024 and can be purchased from https://mybook.to/LBTN
Lisa Feldman Barrett
Episode #126 Slowing Down - Professor Giana M. Eckhardt
Episode #127 The Performance Paradox - Kerry Cullen
Episode #128 Alignment - Ana Bernardes
Episode #134 I Feel Like Me Again - Jo Hunter
Episode #67 Being Yourself - Eamon FitzGerald

"When momentum really comes into play so much of the background noise fades further into the background. And then momentum builds momentum. You become unstoppable, mostly!" Susan Ni Chriodain
 
In this episode you are invited to explore the multifaceted journey of writing and self-discovery, offering a glimpse into the challenges and rewards. I delve into the inner and outer challenges faced during the writing process, including self-doubt, perfectionism, and the importance of acknowledging progress. And I discuss the transformative impact of sharing the manuscript. I also emphasise the value of commitment, momentum, asking for help, and adapting personal routines to enhance your creativity and productivity. And I talk about celebrating the arrival of the book!
 
Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work will be published by Practical Inspiration Publishing on May 14th, 2024.
 
Connect with me:
On LinkedIn
Through my website: Beyond the Numbers
 
Resources Mentioned:
Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work will be published on May 14th 2024 by Practical Inspiration Publishing. It is available for pre-order online at major booksellers and on Amazon.
David Whyte: Consolations and Start Close In