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Welcome to the 148th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month's theme is supporting your work-life balance or blend, and in this episode, I share with you an example of a work-life blend checklist.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.On today’s show Why this topic was chosen. [01:43] About the knowledge element of the work-life blend checklist. [02:26] The application element of work-life blend checklist. [03:47] More information about the adaptation element of the work-life blend checklist. [05:26] Why taking care of yourself is very important. [06;03]  Quotes Knowledge is about listening to how you feel and warning signs, and how you use this knowledge to guide actions that you take in relation to your work-life blend. We can have the knowledge, we can apply it, but we always have to adapt it. Celebrate success and acknowledge any achievements. Finding the right work-life balance is a journey because we're constantly reviewing what we're doing. As with anything, it's great to listen or absorb information, but what we do with that information is even more important.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my SpeakPipe Check out my course: The Mentally Healthy Professional 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think Listen to Episode #57: Assertiveness and Self-Care  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC Join my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/DMMCHSUOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 147th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, we continue our series on this month's theme of supporting your work-life balance or blend. Specifically, I talk about how to find the time - a key issue and something that seems to evade most of us.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.On today’s show What is the definition of work-life balance or blend. [01:41] The biggest challenge of balancing or blending our work and life. [02:19] What is the ideal work-life blend? [02:53] What to do to create your ideal work-life blend. [04:26] About the 168 Time management method. [05;06]  Quotes I think it's important to remember that we have still we have been through and we're still going through an enormous amount of flux. Work-life balance is the balance that a working individual needs between time allocated for work and other aspects of life. Work-life blend is not a one size fits all model as everyone will vary. Think about where you are now in terms of work in your personal life. A lot of our time is being sapped into scrolling on our phones. I'm certainly guilty of this, and it stops me from going to bed earlier.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my SpeakPipe Check out my course: The Mentally Healthy Professional 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think Listen to Episode #57: Assertiveness and Self-Care  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC Join my mailing list here: https://bit.ly/DMMCHSUOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 146th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about tips to support your work-life balance or blend. In this episode, I'm going to give you a framework to think about your mood and checking in with this.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. You can also read the blog version of this podcast here.On today’s show The meaning of the word mood. [01:26] Why is a mood tracker and why it's important to have one? [03:03] One particular mood tracker model that can really help you. [05:06] An example of how quickly our mood can change. [06:37] About the grey zone and why it's important to understand it [07:48]  Quotes I think moods and emotions are interlinked. There are certain things that we have to do, or we have to partake in, it can put us in a bad mood, We can't always read our emotions, We're not meant to be in a positive happy mood 100% of the time. Unfortunately, life does throw curveballs at us, and we might be in a bad mood, more than we might want to.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my SpeakPipe Personal Resilience Training Listen to Episode #141: Loneliness and Mental Health  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 145th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. It's the month of June, and this month’s theme is all about tips to support your work-life balance or blend. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. You can also read the blog version of this podcast here.On today’s show Why I chose to cover this topic today. [01:08] About the tea cup energy drainer. [05:35] How to apply the tea cup analogy in your life. [06:29] About the concept of eliminate, automate or transfer [09:16] The importance of delegation [13:03] Quotes It seems that hybrid working may be causing a lot of UK workers to ignore their mental health. It's really about making sure you have the right balance for yourself. Our professional lives are really tied up with identity. Balancing or blending our work and life is quite a delicate act, You cannot drink from an empty cup.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my SpeakPipe Episode #134: Recognising the needs of Carers Listen to Episode #18: Looking Beyond New Year’s Resolution Check out Episode #114: Identifying and Combatting Burnout  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 144th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. As we approach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to pick up on a topic I often get asked about - one that can link to people not being able to speak about their Mental Health at work - and that is, suspicion and thinking people are faking it.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.On today’s show Why I chose to cover this topic today. [01:27] Some issues that could cause mental ill-health at work. [03:47] What we can do to support people struggling with mental ill-health at work [06:03] How to deal with people that actually open up to you about their mental ill-health. [08:03] What to do if people are actually faking mental illness. [10:56]  Quotes In my experience, it's extremely rare that someone fakes mental ill-health. I think faking mental health to escape work or gain or redundancy package, is very bizarre to me. What I found is that staff don't ask for help when experiencing mental ill-health. It's better to try and have a conversation, even if it doesn't go perfectly than to jump to conclusions. We know that mental and physical health, are not completely distinct. They overlap, and they overlap significantly.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my Speakpipe Mental Health First Aid England Samaritans SANELine Mind Anxiety UK Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)  Mind’s WAP Remploy Support Listen to Episode 97: The art of listening to support someone Check out Episode 143: Why won’t they accept help? Universal Design and why it’s so important  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 143rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, as it’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is loneliness, we are going to be focussing on loneliness and the impact of mental health on various groups. Today I am talking about why it can be so difficult for people to accept help when they are diagnosed with mental health challenges or are just feeling low.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.On today’s show Why I chose to cover this topic today. [01:09] Some factors that prevent people from seeking help. [02:26] A look into the Cartman Drama Triangle [06:01] About the emotional reality and responsibility model. [16:34] What we can do to encourage people to seek help. [17:16]  Quotes No family sits down and says, right, what's our communications policy? Or what's our health and safety policy in our home. If we're trying to support someone, or feel frustrated with them, we have to really be mindful of what are we feeling first. When emotions are high, you want to check the reality and move the person to responsibility. Just like with physical health, when we want to train or do something in the gym, we generally don't go from being a beginner runner to being an elite athlete. The person who is in that victim mode feels overwhelmed by their sense of vulnerability, inadequacy or powerlessness.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my Speakpipe Learn more in Episode 63: Anti-bullying initiatives that work Listen to Episode 97: The art of listening to support someone Wheel of wellbeing  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 142nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, as it’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is loneliness, we are going to be focussing on loneliness and the impact of mental health on various groups. Today I am talking about how racism creates mental-ill health. In today’s show Why I chose to cover this topic. [01:12] .How experiencing racism can impact someone's mental health. [07:20] Things that can happen in the workplace that can impact mental ill-health [14:41] What we can do to support people with mental health challenges. [17:16] Some questions to reflect on how Racism Creates Mental-Ill Health. [20:10] Quotes The National Health Service is England's largest employer of global majority black and diaspora communities. If you're from a dominant culture, or from a dominant profile, you are not neutral. It's just that things are set up easily, and things are set up to empower you. It's key to remember that different cultures will have varying perspectives on mental ill-health. Depression is linked with racism and racist experiences, due to the isolation that people experience. Often when we try and talk about racism in the workplace, it is dismissed away. Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my Speakpipe Listen to Episode 41: Racism and Genuine Allyship Learn more in Episode 68: Still too scared to talk about race? Check out Episode 43: Windrush Day with Patrick Vernon Listen to Episode 97: The art of listening to support someone Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 141st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, as it’s Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is loneliness, focussing on loneliness and its impact on mental health.In today’s show How loneliness is affecting people living in the UK. [01:19] Why loneliness is subjective. [02:30] The meaning of loneliness? [02:54] Some statistics about loneliness. [04:05] What we can do when we feel lonely. [10:10] Quotes Society needs to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. The pandemic has made me feel like much more of an introvert. Loneliness is that unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship. If we enjoy our own company, we’re doing something that brings us joy, we might be alone, but we’re not lonely Being lonely can become a serious problem when it becomes a day to day reality, and over time, that can grind us down. Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my Speakpipe Jo Cox Foundation Loneliness Report  Listen to Episode 75: How love promotes positive mental health Check out Episode 76: Self-love and Self-Esteem what does it all mean? Listen to Episode 97: The art of listening to support someone Check out Episode 140: Why we need to talk about Maternal Mental Health Listen to Episode 125: Doing Less Being More 18 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Lonely, According to Experts Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 140th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, as it's Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is loneliness, we are going to be focussing on supporting the Mental Health of various groups and combating loneliness. In today’s show About the Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. [01:46] How different cultures perceive mental illness related to pregnancy. [02:53] What is post-natal depression? [04:19] How post-natal depression can affect some mothers. [20:27] Some tips for employers on how to manage returning parents. [07:21]  Quotes Around 20% of women experience perinatal mental illness. Often, when we talk about mental ill-health in the workplace, we related to stress but of course, that stress could be internal it could be external. After giving birth to a child, many mothers experience or can experience a period of mental ill-health known as postnatal depression. Having a family and giving someone is a life-changing event and can have lasting effects on parents, emotionally and physically. For some, returning to work as a parent can be highly stressful, so employers need to be aware of the potential strain and how the returning parent, in particular, the mother, wants to manage her mental well being, her parenting and also her role at work.  Resources Leave me an anonymous message on my Speakpipe Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Listen to Episode 135: Recognising Different Ways to Have a Family Check out Episode 65: Why Training isn’t a Panacea Listen to Episode 97: The art of listening to support someone Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 139th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s focus is all about music and mental health. Today we are going to be talking more about drum and bass, one of my favourite kinds of music as many of you will know, mental health and particular male musicians. To join me in doing this is music therapist Mitekiss.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.About my guest Mitekiss With over two decades of experience and an impressive collection of his signature soul-infused releases on some of the most formidable labels across the drum & bass spectrum including imprints such as Shogun, Chase & Status’ MTA and Skankandbass, since signing to Hospital Records back in 2018 Mitekiss has become a staple figure in the scene crafting out his very own unique sonic identity. From the tender age of 15, the London-native has been sculpting his sound through the exotic experimentation of other diverse genres that eventually lead him to a steady heartbeat of 174BPM. Mitekiss began to pick up momentum when ‘Void’, a free track on Skankandbass caught the attention of Shogun Audio head honcho, Friction. Among dropping his own sonic gems Mitekiss also runs his own label Goldfat Records with Mr Porter, which continues to grow year on year whilst nurturing some of the most promising future talents in the world of drum & bass. In 2018, he dropped his debut album ‘Crate Six Seven’ which further proved his musical versatility as he explored the sounds of ambient, jungle, liquid-jazz and soul across 14 stunning tracks. 2020 saw the release of his incredibly curated ‘Objects To Push’ EP home to the widely popular single ‘Matter (feat. Ruth Royall)’.  With his next big project ‘Bolivian Hotel Bistro’ released on Friday 25 Feb 2022, don’t take your eyes off Mitekiss as he continues to trailblaze his way to the top of the liquid drum & bass sphere. His multi-faceted approach to drum & bass as an artist, label owner, mentor and all-around tastemaker proves his commitment and love for the sound.In today’s show About Mitekiss and the type of music he produces. [03:36] What mental health means to him. [07:48] How producing music helps him with his mental health. [08:14] What the culture of mental well-being looks like in the drum and bass world. [20:27] His top 3 tips for looking after his mental health. [30:56]  Quotes When I was younger, in my early 20s, I had a real tough time with anxiety, to the point where I couldn't have a job anymore. Generally, the drum and bass world can be quite open-minded, and upfront about mental well-being. 70% of musicians report symptoms of mental illness. It's taken me 20 years of my life to recover from my social anxiety. When you're in a low place, you do need professional help.  Resources In conversation with Mitekiss  Connect with my guest Mitekiss' website  Mitekiss on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 138th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s focus is all about music and mental health. Today we are going to be talking about adult play, music and connection.  To join me in doing this is music therapist Crystal Luk-Worrall.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.About my guest Crystal Luk-Worrall Crystal is an HCPC registered music therapist and EMDR therapist based in London. Clinically she works part-time at the early child development service in the NHS and runs a private practice called Clap and Toot, where she specialises in working with adopted families.  She also runs the Freelance Network at the British Association of Music Therapy. She loves bringing people together and encourages people to not be shy about talking about the work we do. Crystal offers career development supervision, where she helps other therapists to design their careers and to incorporate 'play time' as part of our work routine.'In today’s show About Crystal Luk-Worrall and the work she does. [01:38] How she became a music therapist. [03:38] Some outcomes families hope to achieve when they work with her. [06:56] What the term "mental well-being" means to her. [09:46] Her top 3 tips for looking after her mental health. [28:51]  Quotes The meaning of mental well-being differs from person to person and from time to time. I had to learn to allow people to love and support me because I had always been very independent up to a point. I'm a huge believer that there's no one-size-fits-all mental well-being formula that works for everyone. Mental well-being doesn't just sit on its own. It connects in a lot of areas in our life. Plan your breaks ahead. Especially if you're a freelancer.  Resources Cove Music App Episode #130: Trauma Recovery through Yoga  Connect with my guest Crystal's website  Crystal on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 137th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about music and mental health. So, in today’s episode, I am going to be sharing with you 11 tracks that boost my mental wellbeing.  Unfortunately, I can’t play them due to licensing regulations, but I have created a playlist as part of this episode to share with you.  I’d love to hear from you as listeners, to make this super easy I have created a place online where you can leave me a voice note anonymously called SpeakPipe or with your name, you choose.Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.In today’s show Why I decided to talk about music and mental health. [00:55] An interesting piece of research about how music affects the human brain. [01:07] Some of the ways music can boost our mental health. [04:26] How we can use music to support our mental health and wellbeing. [11:55] The ways in which we can use playlists as part of our wellbeing toolkit [13.05] Quotes Meditative music has a very cathartic effect on us. Music can help us focus on our work, study or the activity that we're doing. Understanding how music affects your emotions goes a long way to help ease anxious and depressive thoughts. Music increases memory and retention, as well as maximising learning capabilities. When we select a piece of music and replay it, it can really help us to express emotion without having to say anything. Resources The playlist Listen to Episode 41: Racism and Genuine Allyship Check out Episode 39: 5 lessons we can learn from noughts and crosses: Work with me Join my mailing list where you will receive a copy of my e-Book The Mentally Healthy Leading Manager: https://bit.ly/MHLMEBK21 Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to a bonus episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about music and mental health. However, it is also Stress Awareness Month, so I wanted to do an extra episode for you about resilience. Focussing on why resilience isn’t a sticking plaster. Keep listening, as I am also doing a giveaway in this episode.  I’d love to hear from you as listeners, to make this super easy I have created a place online where you can leave me a voice note on a platform called SpeakPipe with or without your name, you choose.In today’s show on Why Resilience Isn’t A Sticking Plaster Why I decided to create this special bonus episode. [01:20] The meaning of resilience. [01:40] What resilience is not. [02:14] How to win a place in my e-course – the mentally healthy professional. [03:51] 3 tips to help you consider your resilience strategy. [05:08] Quotes on Why Resilience Isn’t A Sticking Plaster Prior to the pandemic resilience had been something on employers’ lips for some time. Resilience is the ability to adapt following setbacks and difficult life events whilst maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing. I often think of resilience as an internal rubber band. Putting up with poor management and simply sucking it up, bullying behaviours, thinking you’re not strong enough is not resilience. Organisations and businesses also need to build resilient systems by realising that people are simply not machines. Resources for on Why Resilience Isn’t A Sticking Plaster Check out Episode 39: 5 lessons we can learn from noughts and crosses Blog Post: Personal resilience training Blog Post: How to address your Stress BITC Report Work with me Join my mailing list where you will receive a copy of my e-Book The Mentally Healthy Leading Manager: https://bit.ly/MHLMEBK21 Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1  

Welcome to the 136th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about music and mental health. So, in today’s episode, I am going to be talking about how music boosts our mental health. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.In today’s show What today's topic is about. [00:39] Why I decided to talk about today's topic. [00:55] An interesting research about how music affects the human brain. [01:07] Some ways music can boost our mental health. [04:26] How we can use music to support our mental health and well-being. [11:55]  Quotes  Meditative music has a very cathartic effect on us. Understanding how music affects your emotions goes a long way to help ease anxious and depressive thoughts. Music increases memory and retention, as well as maximising learning capabilities. Music can help us focus on our work, study or the activity that we're doing. When we select a piece of music and replay it, it can really help us to express emotion without having to say anything.  Resources Music 'releases mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain' 5 positive effects music has on your mental health Why We Listen to Music With Lyrics We Don’t Understand Episode 75: How love promotes positive mental health Episode 89: Connecting with Nature and Mental Health Episode 125: Doing Less Being More  Work with me Join my mailing list where you will receive a copy of my e-Book The Mentally Healthy Leading Manager: https://bit.ly/MHLMEBK21 Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 135th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, the focus is recognition, and today, we are talking about the right to have a family and the different ways to do this with Jenny Saft, Founder of OVIAVO.About my guest Jenny Saft Jenny has a business background and completed her MBA at Hult International Business School in San Francisco. Attracted to the startup world, she stayed there for three years before moving back to Germany. Before starting Oviavo, she worked as VP Business Development for the Dutch fintech company Adyen (IPO 2018). Jenny has personally undergone several social freezing cycles and has experienced the inadequacy of medical advice and support, the lack of transparency from clinics on treatment, cost, physical and psychological effort, the stigma in our society and the overwhelming amount of (often misleading) information online. OVIAVO is a fertility benefits platform that helps employers attract & retain top talent while tackling diversity & inclusion. By providing fertility benefits, OVIAVO is helping modern companies overcome inequality. Not everyone is able to conceive a child and OVIAVO wants to support everyone in their family forming journey regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or marital status.In today’s show on About Jenny Saft and why she started OVIAVO. [02:05] Why she decided to freeze her eggs, even though she wan't sure she wanted children. [04:13] Her vision of true equality in the fertility, adoption and surrogacy space. [05:04] What workplaces can do to genuinely support staff who are on mental ill health and fertility journeys. [14:07] Her top 3 tips for looking after her mental health. [25:56]  Quotes on Starting a family should be a right and not a privilege. Communication is so important. You have to force yourself to look after yourself. In most European countries, the adoption rates are really low because there are not that many children that are up for adoption. Implementing fertility benefits alone is not enough.  Connect with my guest and learn more about OVIAVO on Instagram and Facebook OVIAVO website OVIAVO's info@oviavo.com  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 134th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. Today, we are going to be talking about recognising the needs of carers, and as you know, this month's theme is all about recognition and recognising different groups To join me in talking about this is Anita Powell.About my guest Anita Powell Anita grew up in Bedford England. Currently, she is a Community Engagement Advocate based in Bedford, her career has included working on and off in the voluntary and community sector.  She has a natural internal interest in working with and around social issues and injustices.  She has worked on causes and jobs working with women, men, young people including mental health, ex-offenders, long term unemployed, menopause and refugees, Founder Menopause Alliance former in 2019 is currently an online peer  Facebook group and page, but before the 2020 Covid Pandemic it organised faced to face meetings. Co-founder Black Women in Menopause with Nina Kuyper’s we organise online zoom sessions. Co-founder of Bedford Radio Local community radio Station Women officer for the Labour Party within Bedford. Speaker on Menopause, community, Ethnic Minorities, and women issues. Awarded ‘I am Inspiring’ in 2016 by Evans, Garnier and Marie Claire Magazine for her community work and community radio show. https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/meet-iamme-award-winners-348942 Current Community radio show: Disabilities matters. Anita is a mother of an autistic child, she was a child carer of a parent with a disability, and she is also dyslexic. When she has time, she tries to draw, paint, sew, make mosaics, and read.In today’s show on About Anita Powell and her purpose in life. [02:36] How she has managed to juggle her work and her personal life. [04:38] How got involved in community radio. [08:47] What workplaces can do to genuinely support staff who have caring responsibilities. [21:58] Her top 3 tips for looking after her mental health. [28:51]  Quotes on One of the things that I've had to do is, I've had to learn to say the word no. I've had to develop a change of mindset in certain things, because I'm also also single parent. Community radio helped me build my confidence and my communication skills as it helps you develop the skill of being analytical and ability to articulate my thoughts or feelings. Human Resources departments of workplace should create a menopause policy, something in black and white, that clearly outlines how the organisation manages the topic of menopause. Sharing time with important people, is my emotional boost.  Connect with my guest and learn more about Black Menopause and Beyond on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Anita on Twitter Anita's blackmenobeyond@yahoo.com Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 121st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, the podcast has focussed on access and accessibility. Thinking about how certain groups have access to certain careers and others don’t. In today's episode, I am so excited and delighted to be speaking to an award-winning burgeoning fashion designer Parastro Qalandri. About my guest Susan Popola Susan has a first degree in political science. In addition, she's achieved diplomas and personnel management and the art of systems thinking. She has a postgraduate diploma in human resources with a specialism in organisational consultancy and a master's in human resources, strategy and change. She is a member of both the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the CIPC and a member of the Milton Keynes branch, the British Chamber of Commerce. She's also a common purpose graduate, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Windsor Castle Society of Leadership Fellow. Susan has experience of working on projects from the private-public and voluntary sectors, including era WorleyParsons, Department of help London Fire Service and the Royal Festival Hall. She has a focus on HR strategy and change, talent management, performance management, succession planning, diversity and inclusion. And she's previously worked as a youth worker and a business ambassador for youth enterprise. She was in fact a founding board member and committee chair on a school board for 10 years. She now also conducts work within education and runs programmes for young adults. Susan uses her skills and capabilities to leverage the value of people in the world of work society that we live in. And through the education and integration of the younger generation. Susan refers to this as human value optimization.In today’s show on About Susan Popola and what she does. [02:44] How she became a human value optimisation specialist. [04:53] What the term "Allyship" means to her. [08:57] Some ways men can really be true allies to women. [09:56] Her top 3 tips for looking after her mental health. [24:40]  Quotes on Growing up, I was taught, everyone has value, something to offer. Allyship to me means men caring about women, recognising that they have a place and thinking about ways to support them. Men need to understand how typically, women think differently from them. I know who I am and what I do. I'm very purpose-driven. So that means I'm less likely to be distracted by people and what's going on around on me. We're all on a journey and It makes sense to have a better understanding of where people are and to journey together from the point that they're at.  Connect with my guest and learn more about Susan on Twitter Susan's website

Welcome to the 131st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about recognition. In particular, recognising things we may take for granted and things outside our sphere of reference.  So, in today’s episode, I’m going to be talking about how true crime podcasts can help us to see bias.In today’s show Why I decided to connect bias and true crime podcasts. [01:15] What unconscious bias is [02:35] Some of the podcasts that I listened to that brought this to the forefront for me. [05:03] Different types of biases. [06:45] The role that bias had to play in some of the scams. [12:47]  Quotes from The Body Keeps the Score Unconscious bias refers to a bias, is something that we're unaware of, and it happens outside of our control. Past experiences influence our thinking. We see the world as we are not as it is. We may also ignore the faults of people we like, and notice the faults of more of people from groups we unconsciously don't like. When people are more tired, and under time pressure, the more vulnerable they are.  Resources Thinking Fast and Slow Leaders Guide to Unconscious Bias ACAS: Dealing with Unconscious Bias  Work with me Join my mailing list where you will receive a copy of my e-Book The Mentally Healthy Leading Manager: https://bit.ly/MHLMEBK21 Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 130th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s focus is all about giving and sharing, and today we are going to be talking about trauma recovery through somatic movement for ourselves and others. And to join me to do this is the wonderful, Ava Riby-Williams.About my guest Ava Riby-Williams Ava is a queer artist, community facilitator, activist, yoga teacher and student, of Ghanaian and Indian descent, living in London. Her work focuses on using creativity to connect, and guiding groups into deeper contemplation about issues concerning their liberation and wellbeing - on personal and collective levels. As a guide, Ava is clear that the point of her work is to encourage students to become their own inner teachers: she does this with young people and adults.  Ava is driven by the importance of making healing practises accessible to isolated and marginalised communities as a tool to unwind trauma; she has been facilitating and creating training in this field since 2017. She is passionate about creating safe, accessible spaces for self-exploration, expression and acceptance, and is deeply curious about how we can do this across lines of oppression. With over 10 years of Yoga, creative practice, facilitation and performance experience, her teaching is often woven with song, poetry and play as a way to deepen our capacity to Love and experience life.  In today’s show on About Ava Riby-Williams and what she does. [02:35] What it's like for her being a yoga teacher of color. [05:53] Why she decided to become a yoga teacher. [09:29] What the term somatic movement means to her. [12:50] Her top 3 tips for looking after her mental health. [35:53]  Quotes on The word somatic basically means just of the body. Everyone deserves to be nourished and resourced. Everyone is worthy of that, no matter how hard or long a person is working. It is helpful to give people a space to connect in a way that isn't necessarily just about the themes of work, but does facilitate their connection and openness with one another. I used movement as a way to discharge, express, celebrate what it is that I'm feeling. I do a lot of work around helping people to get out of their heads, and helping people to get out of the framework of "doing it right".  Connect with my guest and learn more about Ava on Instagram Ava's website  Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my FAQs here: https://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/ You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. Subscribe to the podcast  If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?  You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.