Headflex

Rebecca Walker & Diane Williams
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Management
  • Updated fortnightly

Work can be brilliant. It can also be messy, confusing and, at times, completely baffling. Headflex is the coaching podcast for anyone who's ever found themselves stuck in the haze of work and thinking “am I the only one that feels or thinks like this?” Hosted by leadership coaches Rebecca and Diane, each episode explores the conversations that happen in the coaching room. The moments of doubt, difficult decisions, unhelpful thinking and workplace challenges that so many of us experience but rarely talk about. They don't go in for corporate speak or easy answers. They ask questions. Challenge assumptions. And explore different perspectives. Expect honest conversations, thoughtful challenge, plenty of laughter and practical reflections you can take back into your own work and life. Between them, Rebecca and Diane have spent more than 20 years coaching leaders, teams and organisations. They're on a mission to make coaching feel less mysterious and far more accessible - because everyone deserves the space to think more clearly. Whether you're leading a team, navigating your career or simply trying to make sense of a tricky situation, Headflex gives you the chance to pause, reflect and see things differently. No jargon. No pretending to have all the answers. Just real conversations that help you think better. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: @head.flex

  1. 19 Oct

    Ep 50: Lessons, Laughter & Learning Out Loud - Celebrating 50 Episodes

    How do you keep showing up, and keep having fun, when you’ve stepped well outside your comfort zone? In this milestone 50th episode, Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams look back on the journey of creating Headflex, sharing their favourite moments, hard-won lessons and the impact the show has had on them, their coaching practices and their listeners. Rebecca and Diane revisit standout conversations, from Andrew Blair’s fresh take on curiosity to Oscar Trimboli’s masterclass in deep listening. They open up about the early doubts (including nearly pulling the plug!), the commitment it takes to keep going, and the nerves that come with putting yourself out there for others to hear. As experienced coaches, they reveal how making the podcast has sharpened their skills, kept their curiosity alive and pushed them to rethink their ideas (yes, even arguing with themselves on air). They’re honest about the awkwardness of those first few episodes, grateful for the support behind the scenes, and proud to be making coaching conversations accessible, helping listeners feel less alone and more empowered at work. This episode is a celebration of growth, honest conversations and the power of asking better questions, for yourself, your team and your career. Ready for a fresh dose of inspiration? Tune in and celebrate 50 episodes of learning out loud! Here are the highlights: 00:00 Intro - Celebrating Headflex’s 50th episode 00:20 The value of pausing to look back 02:51 Carrying forward lessons from a guest's perspective 03:22 The value of the ADHD series and guests' openness 07:04 Embracing fear and learning the world of work is messy 08:12 Providing a safe space for workplace reflection and conversation 09:42 The value of continuous learning and research 11:39 The energy and fun of recording studio “vodcasts” for YouTubewith Winter Audio 13:23 How podcasting has refreshed their approach to work and practice 15:59 Reflective questions for listeners about their own working lives 16:43 Gratitude for the journey and their community. About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoaching Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by Winter Audio

  2. 5 Oct

    Ep 49: Got the Promotion But Still Unhappy? The Arrival Fallacy at Work

    What do you do when you finally accomplish a long-awaited goal, only to find yourself feeling unexpectedly underwhelmed? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane dig into the "arrival fallacy" the idea that achieving success will automatically bring lasting happiness. They share why our emotions often don't match our expectations after promotions or big wins, and how tying our self-worth to achievements can leave us feeling perpetually dissatisfied. Throughout the conversation, Rebecca and Diane reflect on their own experiences and their work as coaches, revealing how many clients confuse outcomes with the feelings they’re really chasing. Instead of focusing relentlessly on the next title or milestone, they encourage listeners to uncover the deeper needs like confidence, belonging, or purpose that drive ambition. They also offer practical advice for leaders aiming to support their teams’ personal definitions of success, rather than pushing uniform goals. For anyone who’s ever thought, "I thought I’d feel different when I got here," this episode offers both validation and actionable strategies. Listen in for thoughtful self-coaching questions and new ways to reframe what success truly means to you. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Intro: Why achievements sometimes feel underwhelming 01:53 The belief that reaching a goal will bring lasting happiness. 02:58 How we often confuse the outcome with the feeling 07:07 The endless cycle of "I'll feel good when," leading to burnout 08:46 Warning not to make achievement responsible for happiness. 13:41 The importance of self-compassion and celebrating wins 16:05 Climbing the ladder vs excelling in your current role 18:02 Reframing success to focus on personal fulfilment 22:23 Bringing goals into the present About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by Winter Audio

  3. 21 Sept

    Ep 48: Career No Longer Fits? How to Know It's Time to Move On

    What happens when the career you planned and worked so hard for suddenly doesn’t fit anymore? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams tackle the often undiscussed and unsettling experience of realising your career path may no longer suit you. They also share how to work out whether it’s time for a change, or simply a moment of exhaustion or frustration. Rebecca and Diane both share personal stories of their own career pivots and coach clients through the emotional and practical challenges of transition emphasising that discomfort can linger for a long time before you’re ready to address it out loud. They underline the importance of asking the right questions, voicing your uncertainties, and not jumping to conclusions about needing a complete career overhaul. Sometimes, burnout or a bad manager clouds your judgment, so restoring energy and perspective is step one before making big decisions. If you’re feeling restless in your role, this episode is full of practical insight and support for finding the courage and clarity to consider what’s next. Here are the highlights: 00:22 What happens when a planned career no longer seems to fit. 01:09 Career paths aren't always a simple upward journey. 03:01 Change can be driven by shifts in roles, industries, or personal growth. 04:27 The unsettling feeling when a career no longer fits 08:20 It sometimes takes time and courage to address the issue 09:02 How physical feelings of unease can signal deeper career misfit. 10:07 Explore which aspects no longer fit instead of rushing to change 13:22 How exhaustion can cloud career decisions 14:13 Vital to boost resilience and energy before making decisions. 15:03 The impact one small change can have in creating momentum. About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by Winter Audio

  4. 7 Sept

    Ep 47: Group Coaching & Why It’s Gaining Ground

    What if some of the biggest challenges at work aren’t meant to be solved alone? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams explore why group coaching is gaining ground and how bringing people together to think, reflect and learn can create something that one-to-one coaching simply can’t. While individual executive coaching remains incredibly valuable, today’s workplace challenges, from hybrid working and organisational change to increasing complexity, pressure and pace, are often shared challenges that need collective solutions. Group coaching creates a psychologically safe space where people can step out of the day-to-day, think differently and learn from the experiences of their peers. But group coaching isn’t about teaching people what to do. It’s about creating the conditions for better thinking, honest conversations and meaningful action. Diane highlights another powerful benefit: the realisation that “it’s not just me.” Whether it’s managing workload, giving difficult feedback, leading appraisals or simply keeping up with constant change, hearing others share similar experiences can transform isolation into connection. And perhaps that’s why group coaching matters more than ever. We may be individually responsible for our work, but we don’t have to navigate its challenges alone. Tune in to discover what makes group coaching different and why it could be the missing piece for organisations looking to support people through change. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Intro: Why is group coaching gaining ground 01:24 How group coaching helps address shared workplace challenges 02:36 Group coaching is not training, but coaching people with shared goals 03:33 Exploring the value of pooling perspectives 04:33 How psychological safety and trust are built through group coaching 05:06 Common themes include change, AI pressures, resilience, feedback and confidence 06:13 Group coaching can alleviate professional isolation 08:21 How participants become more open and willing to share 09:39 Why accountability and continuity are natural outcomes 15:39 How diverse perspectives from across an organisation enhance problem-solving and learning. About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by Winter Audio About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: https://headflex.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoaching Connect with Rebecca Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by https://winteraudio.co.uk/ Produced by Winter Audio

  5. 24 Aug

    Ep 46: Leading Without Losing Yourself

    Stepping into leadership often comes with pressure to adapt, perform and become the leader you think you’re expected to be. But what happens when that adaptation starts to pull you away from who you really are? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams explore the tension between authenticity and expectation, and the hidden cost of constantly performing a version of leadership that doesn’t feel like you. They discuss how overcompensating in a new role can erode confidence, credibility and impact, why emulating other leaders can leave you feeling disconnected from your own strengths, and the signs that you may be drifting away from your authentic leadership style. Rebecca and Diane share personal experiences of masking, adapting and navigating the expectations that come with leadership, alongside practical insights into staying self-aware and grounded in your values. Listen to learn more about why authentic leadership isn’t about refusing to change. It’s actually about adapting while staying connected to who you are and finding a way to lead with flexibility, confidence and integrity without losing yourself in the process. Here are the highlights 00:00 Intro: How to become a great leader without losing yourself 00:22 What might you be losing when you shift into leadership mode 01:32 The subtle changes that happen when taking a leadership role 02:22 Exploring the tension between authenticity and expectation 03:07 The impact of adapting versus overcompromising 04:15 Constant performance erodes trust and leadership impact 06:14 Emulating others or suppressing your own style is exhausting and unsustainable 08:19 Introducing the authentic leadership model 09:20 Exploring the challenge of flexing your leadership style 11:41 Recognising signs that you’re losing yourself in leadership 14:08 Considering when an environment no longer fits your authentic leadership and deciding to move on 16:25 Advice on reclaiming your leadership identity and reflection questions for self-coaching About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: https://headflex.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoaching Connect with Rebecca Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by https://winteraudio.co.uk/ Produced by Winter Audio

  6. 10 Aug

    Ep 45: Deep Listening at Work: Oscar Trimboli on Transforming Team Communication

    What if listening isn’t just about hearing words, but could be your most overlooked leadership advantage? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane are joined by deep listening specialist Oscar Trimboli to unpack how listening shapes meetings, team dynamics, and leadership impact in the modern workplace. Drawing on personal stories and research from over 60 professions, Oscar explains why great listeners have rituals and processes to bring their full attention to each conversation. Discover the powerful ripple effects when teams co-create listening environments including quicker meetings, increased trust, and true collaboration. The trio share practical strategies for leaders and participants alike, from setting meetings up for success (hint: don’t start on the hour!) to using the “compass question” that transforms conversations. Hear why checking in on what’s been heard, not just said, leads to clarity, action, and strong relationships and why “listening to yourself” might be the place to start. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Meet Oscar Trimbolil 02:17 The pivotal moment that launched Oscar’s listening journey 03:48 What does Coding your listening in the workplace mean? 07:06 Why research in listening is behind other leadership skills 10:09 The world’s best listeners prepare themselves 11:28 Only 20% of a conversation is spoken so what do we listen for in the other 80%? 13:22 Improve meetings by simply shifting when and how they start 15:24 The “compass question” that changes meetings 18:00 Moving from leader-led to team-led listening environments 19:46 The ways we can all influence better listening in meetings 22:54 Role modeling and spotlighting listening habits 28:56 Curating environments for listening 33:04 Tangible rituals to humanise online meetings & team connection 34:41 Should we police phones or make meetings more engaging? 38:08 Getting teams to listen for each other can break silos 44:45 Self-coaching questions 48:45 Oscar Trimboli: “Listening starts by listening to yourself.” About Oscar Trimboli: Oscar Trimboli is an author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening and a sought-after keynote speaker. Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace.Through his work with chairs, boards of directors, and executive teams, Oscar has experienced first-hand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words. He believes that when leadership teams focus their attention and listening, they will build organizations that create powerful legacies for the people they serve – today and, more importantly, for future generations. He is the author of how to listen – discover the hidden key to better communication – the most comprehensive book about listening in the workplace, Deep Listening – Impact beyond words and Breakthroughs: How to Confront Assumptions Oscar loves his afternoon walks with his wife, Jennie, and their dog Kilimanjaro. On the weekends, you will find him playing Lego with his grandchildren. Connect with Oscar: Website: https://www.oscartrimboli.com/about-oscar/ About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: https://headflex.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Did you know we have a YouTube Channel? You can watch the podcast here: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoaching Connect with Rebecca Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by https://winteraudio.co.uk/

  7. 27 Jul

    Ep 44: How Trust Transforms Your Team’s Performance

    Is trust just a “nice-to-have” in teams, or could it be the make-or-break factor for high performance and speed? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams tackle why trust is more than a soft value. Instead, it’s a hard commercial driver that unlocks creativity, resilience, and successful team relationships. They explore what happens when trust is missing: defensive behaviour, information hoarding, slower decision-making, and a pervasive sense of threat that stifles free thinking. Referencing brain science, Diane and Rebecca explain how low trust sends our brains into self-preservation mode, narrowing our attention and shutting down openness or risk-taking. In contrast, high-trust environments are described as “freeing,” making it safe to try new things, recover quickly from setbacks, and have honest conversations. Expect a candid, practical look at why trust isn’t just the foundation for good teamwork; it’s also the engine for speed, truth-telling, and long-term business success. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Building trust is a superpower for high performance 01:31 Low trust leads to a defensive mode and stifles creativity. 02:00 High trust enables teams to bounce back from setbacks 02:56 Low trust puts the brain in threat mode and shrinks resourcefulness 03:36 Trust allows people to feel free to be themselves, experiment, and take calculated risks. 04:10 Holding back information and decision-making gets worse in low trust environments. 04:49 Trust takes time to build and should be talked about overtly, especially in group settings. 07:21 Trust is an economic driver; higher trust speeds things up and reduces costs. 08:39 Low trust increases friction, defensive behaviour, and slower execution 10:14 Having honest conversations about how to handle conflict builds trust from the start. About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by Winter Audio

  8. 13 Jul

    Ep 43: Dealing with First-Time Manager Shock

    What really happens when you go from being great at your job to suddenly leading the team? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams unpack why the transition into management can feel so unexpectedly tough and what new managers can do to make it easier. They challenge the assumption that being good at your job naturally prepares you for management, highlighting the “shock” many experience when task-oriented work is replaced with the ambiguous, people-centric role of managing others. Diane and Rebecca discuss how new managers are often unprepared for the emotional complexity, shifting definitions of success, and the challenge of leading former peers and friends. They explore common traps for first-time managers, including avoiding difficult conversations, trying to do everything themselves, and struggling to delegate. The conversation addresses the importance of letting go of old identities, stepping into a new mindset, and redefining personal measures of success from individual achievement to enabling others. Expect an empathetic, practical discussion that shines a light on why moving from peer to boss is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding milestones in any career, and how it can become less of a shock with the right support and mindset shift. Here are the highlights: 00:00 The shock of being made a manager, new skills are needed 02:27 It often feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you 03:03 Newly promoted managers frequently struggle with workload 03:30 Progression doesn't always have to mean promotion 04:32 Shifting the focus to leading and enabling people. 05:53 Success in a manager role becomes about the team's performance 07:16 Managing former peers and friends adds complexity 09:04 Avoiding difficult conversations and feedback is a common trap 10:10 Delegating is tough at first 13:26 Peer support and sharing common challenges can help 15:13 There’s no need to have all the answers as a new manager 16:05 Moving away from rescuing or fixing people 21:07 Self-coaching questions. About Headflex: If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/ Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/ Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1 Produced by Winter Audio

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About

Work can be brilliant. It can also be messy, confusing and, at times, completely baffling. Headflex is the coaching podcast for anyone who's ever found themselves stuck in the haze of work and thinking “am I the only one that feels or thinks like this?” Hosted by leadership coaches Rebecca and Diane, each episode explores the conversations that happen in the coaching room. The moments of doubt, difficult decisions, unhelpful thinking and workplace challenges that so many of us experience but rarely talk about. They don't go in for corporate speak or easy answers. They ask questions. Challenge assumptions. And explore different perspectives. Expect honest conversations, thoughtful challenge, plenty of laughter and practical reflections you can take back into your own work and life. Between them, Rebecca and Diane have spent more than 20 years coaching leaders, teams and organisations. They're on a mission to make coaching feel less mysterious and far more accessible - because everyone deserves the space to think more clearly. Whether you're leading a team, navigating your career or simply trying to make sense of a tricky situation, Headflex gives you the chance to pause, reflect and see things differently. No jargon. No pretending to have all the answers. Just real conversations that help you think better. Connect with us at Headflex: Email: hello@headflex.co.uk. Website: www.headflex.co.uk Instagram: @head.flex

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Walker & Diane Williams
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Rebecca Walker & Diane Williams
  • Show Website
    Headflex