Lead with Kindness: Insights for Workplace Wellbeing Helen Rimmer

Episode Title: Transforming Workplaces through Kindness and Wellbeing
Host: Helen Rimmer
Guest: Jo Dew, Team Coach Specializing in Team Dynamics and Organizational Culture
Introduction: Join Helen Rimmer as she delves into the transformative power of kindness and wellbeing in leadership with Jo Dew. This episode explores Jo's journey from marketing to coaching, focusing on how team dynamics and individual career aspirations interplay within organizational cultures.
Episode Highlights:
* Jo Dew's Background and Career Shift:
* Early career in marketing with Orange and T-Mobile.
* Transition to the charity sector inspired by a chance encounter with a Macmillan Cancer Support van.
* Currently a team coach in the charity sector, leveraging marketing skills to foster team resilience and effectiveness.
* Insights on Team Coaching and Career Aspirations:
* Building meaningful relationships through educational programs like the PGCert in the Psychology of Kindness and Wellbeing at the University of Sussex is significant.
* Discuss non-linear career paths and the evolving nature of job roles in contemporary settings.
* Strategies to Prevent Burnout:
* Introduction to Jo's "Resilience and Results Programme," which has been implemented in over 30 teams.
* Key strategies include playing to strengths, managing energy (not just time), emotional awareness and regulation, and embracing acceptance and commitment training (ACT).
* The Role of Team Culture in Resilience:
* Defining team culture and its impact on individual and organizational resilience is important.
* Practical tips for leaders to assess and evolve their team's culture effectively.
* Book Mention:
* Jo discusses the influence of Stephen C. Hayes and his work on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which has been pivotal in her coaching practice.
* Get in touch with Jo -
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannadew/
Websites - https://lifecoachingcafe.com/
https://www.teamcoachingcafe.com/
Conclusion: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership through kindness, wellbeing, and resilient team dynamics. Helen and Jo provide actionable advice and deep insights into making meaningful changes in any workplace.
Recommended Book:
* "ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" by Dr. Russ Harris – A practical guide to implementing ACT in various settings, inspired by the foundational work of Stephen C. Hayes.


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Episode Overview: In this insightful episode of "Lead with Kindness," host Helen Rimmer engages with Tracey Smith, a visionary in the football industry. Tracey is celebrated for her innovative approach to player care and support, focusing on mental health and emotional well-being in the competitive world of professional football. Their discussion highlights the critical role of kindness and support in the sports industry, offering valuable insights into creating a positive impact both on and off the field.
Key Highlights:
* Tracey Smith's Vision for Football: Introduction to Tracey Smith and her pioneering organization dedicated to improving football players' lives and their families through enhanced mental health support and well-being initiatives.
* Mental Health in the Football Industry: Delve into the challenges and achievements in promoting mental health and emotional well-being among athletes. The importance of comprehensive player care departments and the positive effects of external support mechanisms are discussed in detail.
* Influence of Fan Behavior: Analyze how fan engagement—positive and negative—significantly affects players' mental health and performance. Strategies for fostering a more supportive fan culture are explored.
* Guidance for Aspiring Footballers: Tracey offers practical advice to young athletes on navigating the pressures of the sports industry, highlighting social media management and the importance of enjoying the journey.
* Collaborative Efforts for Player Well-being: Learn about the collaborative efforts between Tracey's organization, football clubs, and the broader sports community to bolster player well-being. Future initiatives and visions for enhancing player care in football are also shared.
Conclusion: The episode concludes with a compelling call to action, encouraging listeners to reflect on their role in fostering a kinder, more supportive community within and outside the sports industry. Tracey Smith's dedication to player care and support in football serves as an inspiring example of the positive change individuals can achieve through compassion and dedication.
Learn More and Contribute: Listeners inspired by the conversation are encouraged to learn more about Tracey Smith's work in player care and support. Visit
https://playercareandsupportservices.com/ to discover how you can contribute to spreading awareness and supporting the football community and beyond.


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Welcome to "Lead with Kindness," the podcast where we challenge the norm and transform the workplace through kindness and wellbeing. I'm your host, Helen Rimmer, bringing over two decades of leadership experience and a deep passion for positive psychology. Together, we'll explore practical tips and inspiring stories to revolutionise leadership.
In today's episode, we're delighted to welcome Amanda Christensen, a Level 4 qualified nutritionist and personal trainer, and the force behind Infinity 8 Fitness. As friends and neighbours, our connection goes beyond the community; it's a shared commitment to leading with kindness in all life's aspects, including health and wellbeing.
Website: Infinity 8 Fitness Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Episode Highlights:
* The Role of Kindness in Fitness and Nutrition: Amanda shares how leading with kindness towards oneself is crucial for making any positive change, particularly in fitness and nutrition. Emphasizing self-kindness lays the foundation for a healthier and happier life.
* Facing Setbacks with Kindness: We dive into the importance of self-compassion and gratitude in overcoming setbacks. Amanda discusses her personal strategy for maintaining mental health through exercise and the small victories that build resilience.
* Creating a Supportive Environment: Amanda highlights the significance of a one-on-one, judgment-free zone in her coaching, fostering a sense of community and support that’s pivotal for client success.
* Tailoring Coaching to Individual Needs: Acknowledging the diversity of her clients’ lives, Amanda emphasizes the bespoke nature of her coaching approach, ensuring each client’s unique challenges and goals are respected and met.
* The Link Between Physical Health and Leadership: Discussing how nutrition and fitness directly impact leadership abilities and decision-making, Amanda points to the transformative power of taking care of one’s physical health for better workplace performance and leadership outcomes.
* Incorporating Fitness into Busy Schedules: Practical tips for leaders to integrate fitness into their and their team's daily routines, highlighting the benefits of group activities and challenges to foster a culture of wellbeing.
* Fostering Wellbeing in Teams and Organisations: Amanda shares insights on how leaders can promote a culture of wellbeing through practical initiatives and why putting employees' health first is a win-win for productivity and happiness.
* Preventing Burnout with Self-Care: The crucial role of self-care, including fitness and nutrition, in preventing burnout among leaders, with strategies for maintaining physical and mental health amidst the pressures of leadership.
* Real-Life Impact Stories: Amanda provides examples from her work, demonstrating how improved physical health has led to better leadership and career outcomes for her clients.
Closing Thoughts:
Our conversation with Amanda underscores the undeniable link between kindness, wellbeing, fitness, nutrition, and effective leadership. It’s clear that fostering an environment that prioritises health and kindness can lead to significant improvements in productivity, satisfaction, and overall workplace culture.
Thank you, Amanda, for joining us and sharing your invaluable insights. And thank you, our listeners, for tuning in. Let’s continue to lead with kindness and make wellbeing a cornerstone of our leadership practices.
Remember to Check Out: Infinity 8 Fitness for transformative fitness and nutrition coaching that empowers you to lead a healthier, happier life.
Until next time, keep leading with kindness. Goodbye and take care.


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Welcome to the latest episode of "Lead with Kindness," where we dive deep into the heart of trauma-informed leadership with Fiona Bicket, a trailblazer in integrating trauma awareness into leadership and organisational practices. This episode unravels the essence of trauma-informed leadership and its pivotal role in today's workplace. Join us as we explore:
* What Trauma-Informed Leadership Entails
* The Journey to Trauma-Informed Leadership:
* Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Leadership vs Traditional Models
* Impact on Team Dynamics and Organisational Culture
* Practical Strategies for Leaders
* Resources and Future Trends
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, managers, and anyone interested in fostering a culture of kindness and well-being in their workplace. Fiona's expertise and practical tips offer a roadmap for navigating leadership with empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of the human aspect of work.
Key Takeaways:
* Understanding trauma and its impact on individuals is crucial for effective leadership.
* Self-care and self-awareness are foundational elements of trauma-informed leadership.
* Implementing trauma-informed practices can significantly improve team dynamics and organisational culture.
* Continuous education and being open to new approaches are essential for adapting to future trends in leadership.
Remember, the journey to a kinder workplace starts with us, and embracing trauma-informed leadership is a significant step towards that goal.
Where you can find Fiona:
https://www.fionabicket.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionabicket/
Resources:
* "The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Maté - This book delves into how society operates on trauma and the problems it causes, offering insights into addressing these issues.
* "What Happened to You?" by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey - Presented as a conversation between Dr. Perry, a psychologist and neuroscientist, and Oprah Winfrey, this book explores the origins of certain behaviours and how to address them. It's particularly noted for its accessible format and the engaging dialogue between the authors.
* A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast by Katie Kurtz - Katie Kurtz hosts a detailed podcast discussing the history and application of trauma-informed approaches beyond the medical lens, aiming to create a trauma-informed future across various sectors and contexts.
Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode of "Lead with Kindness"! By subscribing, you ensure you never miss an episode filled with transformative insights and inspiring stories. Liking and sharing help spread the message of kindness and wellbeing in leadership to a wider audience, contributing to a global shift towards more empathetic and understanding workplaces. Your support makes a difference in building a community committed to positive change. Thank you for joining us on this journey to revolutionise the workplace. Let's continue to grow together and transform the world of work into a place where wellbeing and kindness are the norm.


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Lead with Kindness: Episode 2 - Embracing Mindfulness with Sally Singleton
Release Date: March 12th 2024Duration: 22 minutes
Episode Summary:In this episode of "Lead with Kindness," host Helen Rimmer, talks to Sally Singleton, a distinguished mindfulness coach and teacher. Sally has dedicated her career to guiding individuals towards peace, balance, and presence through mindfulness, transforming both personal and professional lives. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of mindfulness and its pivotal role in creating a kinder, more compassionate world of work.
Key Points Discussed:
* Sally's Journey to Mindfulness: From corporate stress to mindfulness coaching, Sally shares her personal journey and what led her to embrace and teach mindfulness.
* Defining Mindfulness: Sally dispels myths and simplifies the concept of mindfulness, emphasising its foundation in presence, attention training, and the crucial elements of kindness and self-compassion.
* The Science of Mindfulness: The discussion highlights the scientific backing of mindfulness, its benefits for psychological well-being, physiological health, and professional performance.
* Mindfulness in Practice: Sally provides insights into how mindfulness can transform workplace culture and leadership, offering practical examples of its impact.
* Mindful Leadership: The conversation explores how mindfulness enhances emotional intelligence, fosters deep connections, and supports effective leadership.
* Starting Your Mindfulness Journey: Practical advice for those inspired to begin practicing mindfulness, emphasising starting small and the importance of kindness in the process.
Memorable Quotes:
"Mindfulness is not just brain training; it requires gentleness, kindness, and self-compassion."
"With mindfulness, life can get a little bit easier."
Connect with Sally Singleton:
* Website: mindfulinterlude.co.uk
* LinkedIn: Sally Singleton
Resources Mentioned:
In the podcast we mention that there is a lot of research about compassion and mindfulness. These are some easily accessible resources to explore this further -
Kristin Neff is a leading expert in self-compassion, renowned for her extensive research that has transformed our understanding of mindfulness and compassion's impact on well-being. Her work, accessible through self-compassion.org, provides essential tools for fostering resilience and emotional health. https://self-compassion.org/
Brun, C., Akinyemi, A., Houtin, L., Mizzi, C., Cardoso, T., & Isnard Bagnis, C. (2022). Mindfulness and compassion training for health professionals: A qualitative study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1113453. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1113453 This study assesses the Mindfulness Based (MB) CARE program's impact on healthcare professionals (HCPs), revealing that compassion-centered mindfulness training enhances their compassion towards patients and themselves, improves kindness, and increases attentiveness to needs. It aids HCPs in accepting difficult experiences with equanimity, reducing reactivity. The findings suggest such training programs as effective tools for institutions to foster more compassionate HCP-patient relationships.
Micklitz, K., Wong, G., & Howick, J. (2021). Mindfulness-based programmes to reduce stress and enhance well-being at work: a realist review. BMJ Open, 11(3), e043525. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043525 This realist review of workplace mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) across 75 studies reveals that MBPs can significantly aid participants, including healthcare professionals, in skillfully managing stress and enhancing well-being. The success of MBPs hinges on mechanisms such as awareness/self-regulation, acceptance/compassion, self-care permission, personal growth, and goal attainment. Key to their effectiveness is a supportive workplace environment that fosters safety in engaging with self-care and sharing emotional challenges among peers, as well as aligning program activities with e

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Lead with Kindness," where we embark on a journey to infuse the world of work with more kindness and well-being. I am your host, Helen Rimmer, a dedicated kindness and well-being coach and consultant. With two decades of experience in library and higher education senior leadership, I have cultivated a profound understanding of the transformative power of positive psychology in the workplace.
In today’s episode, we dive deep into my personal and professional journey, exploring the milestones that have shaped my approach to leadership and well-being. From my early days in the library and higher education sectors to becoming a Strengthscope Master, I share the insights and experiences that have led me to champion kindness and well-being in work environments.
What You'll Discover in This Episode:
* My background in senior leadership and how it paved the way for my focus on kindness and well-being.
* The pivotal role of positive psychology in fostering healthy work cultures.
* The inspiration behind my mission to transform workplaces into havens of kindness and well-being.
Let's Connect and Grow Together:
To learn more about my journey and services, visit my website at www.thekindbraveleader.co.uk.
For additional resources and to connect with me on social media, visit my Linktree at https://linktr.ee/thekindbraveleader.
To pre-order my book - https://amzn.to/3UYZWnc
Subscribe for More Kind Leadership:
If you’re inspired by our mission to transform the world of work, make sure to subscribe to "Lead with Kindness" on your favourite podcast platform. By subscribing, you not only stay updated with our latest episodes but also help others discover the power of kindness and well-being in leadership. Share this podcast with friends and colleagues who believe in creating a more compassionate workplace, and let's grow this community together.
Join us on "Lead with Kindness" as we explore the transformative impact of compassionate leadership and how you, too, can be a beacon of kindness in your professional and personal life.


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