Talking Toughness

Part Three of our Talking Toughness Best Bits 2024 is now live on all major podcasting sites. This episode features clips from Jason Wyatt, Adrian Green, Anthony Taylor, Dave Otter, Craig Hammer, Sara Ireland, Jim Loehr, John Mark Williams, Sylwia Rybak, and Sam Sloan.  In the 2024 series of the Talking Toughness podcast, we've had the privilege of engaging with true authorities in their fields such as Dr. Jim Loehr and Professor David Clutterbuck, to explore the evolution of human performance and organisational development.   Through these conversations with experienced coaches and professionals, we've explored the future landscape of personal, team and organisational growth, including pondering how AI will ultimately impact on our work.  We appreciate your feedback, your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you into 2025! Evolution is about growth and adaptation, but it doesn’t require abandoning our core values or essence.

Part Two of our Talking Toughness Best Bits 2024 is now live on all major podcasting sites. This episode features clips from Monika Lozinskiene, Joanne Taylor, William McKee, Paul Ryder and David Clutterbuck. In the 2024 series of the Talking Toughness podcast, we've had the privilege of engaging with true authorities in their fields such as Dr. Jim Loehr and Professor David Clutterbuck, to explore the evolution of human performance and organisational development.   Through these conversations with experienced coaches and professionals, we've explored the future landscape of personal, team and organisational growth, including pondering how AI will ultimately impact on our work.  We appreciate your feedback, your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you into 2025! Evolution is about growth and adaptation, but it doesn’t require abandoning our core values or essence.

Evolution is about growth and adaptation, but it doesn’t require abandoning our core values or essence.  In the 2024 series of the Talking Toughness podcast, we've had the privilege of engaging with true authorities in their fields such as Dr. Jim Loehr and Professor David Clutterbuck, to explore the evolution of human performance and organisational development.   Through these conversations with experienced coaches and professionals, we've explored the future landscape of personal, team and organisational growth, including pondering how AI will ultimately impact on our work.  We appreciate your feedback, your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you into 2025! Part One of our Talking Toughness Best Bits 2024 is now live on all major podcasting sites. This episode features clips from Stephen Murphy, Alessia Mevoli, Lucy Myers, Gordon Ryan, Dan Abrahams and Peter Sewell.

In this discussion with Stephen Murphy, we consider the added value that good quality psychometrics can bring to coaching practice. However, not all psychometrics are the same. Some might be useful in some settings, others in other settings. It all comes down to coaches' better understanding of what psychometrics are and which measures can make a difference for the coach and their clients. This customised understanding fosters a deeper connection with the client and empowers clients to explore and find meaning in their experiences, making the coaching process more effective and fulfilling as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. Listen and learn.

In the next two episodes, we chat with Stephen Murphy. Until recently Stephen was, for many years, Vice President, Thought Leadership & Development for EMCC Global (European Mentoring and Coaching Council.) As Managing Partner for Clarity Consulting, he coaches and mentors senior business leaders, individually and in teams, towards greater self-awareness and operational impact. His experience spans a wide range of sectors including AI, Banking, Chemicals, Consulting, FMCG, Insurance, IIoT, Legal, Logistics, Media, Pharma, Software, and Wines & Spirits. This session explores the importance of 'reflective practice'. As soon as you reflect on something, you start to make sense of it. Effective reflection stems from creating an intentional space — both physically and mentally — where individuals can engage in deep thought and active listening. While coaching models can provide useful frameworks and guidelines, they can also impose rigidity that conflicts with the organic nature of conversation and growth. As coaching evolves, the ability to practice with a coaching mindset will likely become increasingly important, emphasising the significance of reflective practice in nurturing both personal and professional development. Listen and learn.

In this session with Dan Abrahams, we explore his perspectives on the differences and similarities between business coaching and sports coaching, highlighting how the context can shape the coaching approach. In addition, we delve into Dan's biopsychosocial model of coaching, which emphasises the integration of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding human performance and wellbeing. This model illustrates how our physical makeup, mental toughness, and social support systems interact to influence our ability to perform at our best, providing a holistic view that can enhance coaching effectiveness in both sports and business settings. "We have to understand and appreciate the human behaviour, is biopsychosocial informed." - Dan Abrahams Listen, learn and enjoy!

We're excited to welcome Dan Abrahams back today to delve into his insights on how we can elevate those who are already successful to aspire to and achieve even greater heights in an increasingly competitive landscape. Dan shares his strategies for sustaining peak performance, focusing on mental resilience, goal-setting, and adapting to the evolving demands of sports and personal challenges. Together, we explore how he fosters a growth mindset in athletes and coaches, empowering them to navigate competition while continuing to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. It's not just for those who work in sport. It's for everyone engaged in helping others to be the best that they can be. "I don't know what it's like to work in an office. However, I can see the relationship between a game face on the pitch and a game face in that facilitation." - Dan Abrahams Listen, learn and enjoy!

In this session of Talking Toughness, we will tap into the skills, experience and tremendous expertise of Dan Abrahams, a leading sports psychologist dedicated to simplifying the often unnecessarily complex world of sports psychology. Known for his innovative approaches and engaging insights, Dan works with a diverse range of clients, from athletes to coaches, helping them to incorporate practical strategies into their performance. His experience covers Formula 1 (Aston Martin), England Golf, England Rugby, leading European Soccer clubs as well as corporate clients. He has a deep interest in how people of all types mentally approach their challenges Through exploring his professional methods, we can illuminate how Dan demystifies key concepts in sports psychology, making them accessible and actionable for everyday life. Dan also runs his own podcast show, The Sport Psych Show, as he aims to demystify sport psychology for players, coaches and parents. "You know how you perceive the world is going to influence how you act in the world." Dan Abrahams. Listen and learn.

In the second part of our discussion with Lucy Myers, the focus is on the evolving landscape of coaching and therapy, emphasising the importance of accessibility for individuals across all social statuses. As we see similar overlapping approaches such as coaching, mentoring, psychotherapy and so on emerge, Lucy highlights the vital role of professional bodies in avoiding confusion and particularly in defining therapeutic coaching to foster clarity, confidence, and change for clients. As practitioners adapt to the needs of a dynamic world, they aim to empower individuals by helping them recognise the advantages and disadvantages they can bring to a situation and navigate the journey toward effective change. This underscores the virtue of collaborative effort within the community of professionals in this field. The need for clarity has never been greater. Listen and learn.

In the first of two related podcasts, we are thrilled to welcome Lucy Myers, Founder and CEO of Therapeutic Coaching Consultancy, for a timely and insightful discussion on therapeutic coaching. In this part of our conversation, we'll explore what therapeutic coaching entails, who can benefit from it, and how it integrates with traditional coaching practices, shedding light on its unique approach to personal and professional development. While many dual-qualified practitioners have been combining the skillsets of coaching and psychotherapy for some time, there is a lack of formal research into what the term 'therapeutic coaching' means for practitioners, and - crucially - how we can understand the benefits of this approach for clients. Lucy is a key member of a group carrying out formal research, as well as developing case studies, which should serve to support the development of a 'gold standard' of practice for dual-practitioners (in alignment with strategic objectives of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). There is real expertise here. Listen and learn.

In Part 2 of our dialogue with Gordon Ryan, we delve into the complexities of human nature within high-pressure environments, such as the world of first responders. Understanding the diverse manifestations of mental toughness and sensitivity among team members is crucial for effective leadership. By acknowledging individual differences, supervisors can tailor strategies to motivate and support their teams, thereby enhancing resilience and performance in challenging situations. Learning Orientation, in the context of mental toughness, underscores the significance of reflection for personal and professional growth. Constant evaluation of thoughts, actions, and experiences allows individuals to identify areas for improvement, adapt strategies, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. Exploring belongingness sheds light on its dual nature within team dynamics. While it serves as a fundamental aspect of identity and fosters advantages for individuals and teams, the reluctance to speak up or address issues can lead to unhealthy consequences. By listening and learning from these discussions, we can navigate the complexities of belongingness to foster a healthy team environment. Listen and learn.

Our next guest, Gordon Ryan, a chartered psychologist and founder of PRISM Work Psychology, will delve into the challenges faced by first responder services in a two-part series. In the first episode, Gordon highlights the transition to leadership roles within these critical services. Climbing the promotional ladder brings increased stress and new challenges that may catch individuals unprepared, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training. Beyond enhancing basic skills, employees must be equipped to manage their own stressors and foster resilience among their teams. Recognising the strain at higher levels is crucial to creating a supportive environment that minimises stress and promotes success for all team members. First responders often grapple with emotional challenges amid traumatic incidents, facing public scrutiny and organisational expectations. When met with criticism, especially in perceived unjust situations, emotional distress can undermine well-being. Organisations must provide robust support to enhance resilience and mental health in this indispensable workforce. Confidence plays a pivotal role in navigating such pressures. Having self-assurance to trust one's capabilities is paramount when expectations fall short, enabling effective problem-solving. As Gordon aptly puts it, confidence means backing oneself to make the best decisions in challenging moments. Listen and learn

We are living in exceptional times marked by the interests of an individual but also by the interests of the times they live in. Employability was and is still a crucial factor for individuals seeking rewarding careers and control over their lives. It ensures an individual remains competitive in the job market. It involves not only the capability to obtain initial employment but also the adaptability required to meet new job requirements within the same organisation or find new employment if necessary. In the second part of this podcast featuring Alessia Mevoli and Peter Sewell, the discussion highlights how Further and Higher Education institutions play a crucial role in enhancing student employability through innovative curriculum development, such as the introduction of the MAFA modules focused on mental agility, flexibility, and adaptability. This initiative reflects a collaborative partnership between students and institutions, outlining mutual expectations and responsibilities as they navigate their educational journey together. Alessia and Peter are also contributing authors to AQR’s newly released book on employability, ‘The Employability Code - Unlocking the Most Employable Version of You' available on Amazon this week. We hope you enjoy this learning piece.

SEEKING ANSWERS TO THE SECRETS OF ‘EMPLOYABILITY’. We are leaving exceptional times marked by the interests of an individual but also by the interests of the times they live in. Employability was and is still a crucial factor for individuals seeking rewarding careers and control over their lives. It ensures an individual remains competitive in the job market. It involves not only the capability to obtain initial employment but also the adaptability required to meet new job requirements within the same organisation or find new employment if necessary. In the first part of this podcast featuring Alessia Mevoli and Peter Sewell, the discussion highlights how Further and Higher Education institutions play a crucial role in enhancing student employability through innovative curriculum development, such as the introduction of the MAFA modules focused on mental agility, flexibility, and adaptability. This initiative reflects a collaborative partnership between students and institutions, outlining mutual expectations and responsibilities as they navigate their educational journey together. Alessia and Peter are also contributing authors to AQR’s newly released book on employability, ‘The Employability Code - Unlocking the Most Employable Version of You' available on Amazon this week. We hope you enjoy this learning piece.

'What’s happening with modern leadership, and where is it going as a practice?‘ In this second of a pair of podcasts, we welcome Paul Ryder, a Learning & Resourcing Professional with 30+ years of experience split between consultancy and the financial services sector, West (London) and East (Shanghai). In recent times, Paul was a Group Managing Director of the Bank of China Learning Institute in Shanghai where he provided strategic development guidance at the highest levels of the organisation. He provides us with an insight into a culture we can rarely experience for ourselves. In this second part of the discussion with Paul, we explore the inner workings of a leader, examining their level of emotional maturity, leadership style, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving global landscape. "Dealing with your own demons first, before you have the right to manage and lead others.“ - Paul Ryder. Listen, learn and enjoy this insightful discussion.

‘An English Man in Shanghai’ - what can we learn about leadership across cultures? In this pair of podcasts, we welcome Paul Ryder, a Learning & Resourcing Professional with 30+ years of experience split between consultancy and the financial services sector, garnered in the West and in the East (Hong Kong and China) In recent times, Paul was a Group Managing Director of the Bank of China Learning Institute in Shanghai where he provided strategic development guidance at the highest levels of the organisation. In this part of the discussion with Paul, we are exploring the subject of leadership and analysing it in depth through the lens of different jurisdictions, cultures, types of organisations, and workforces. Through the lens of Pauls unique vantage point, we delve into the approaches to leadership in China and the West, exploring significant differences in leadership philosophies, values, and practices between the two regions. It is an incredibly thoughtful exploration which is gently provocative in equal measure. Listen, learn and enjoy this insightful discussion.

In this pair of podcasts, we enter the world of the performing arts where we meet with Monika Lozinskiene, classical pianist. As well as developing a hugely successful career as a pianist, she has developed as a  Social Media expert and a business person who, despite her young age, has long understood that the world of music is, in important ways no different to any other world of work. If you want to succeed, you have to push yourself every day, see challenges as opportunities, have self-belief and confidence, and most of all… know your purpose – why are you doing this? In Part 2 we explore how society can lose out on many great performers if their mental sensitivity has been inappropriately managed preventing them the chance to thrive later on in their lives. By creating a culture of support, we can help these individuals thrive, leading to personal and societal benefits such as increased creativity, improved mental health, and a more diverse range of perspectives and talents being brought to the forefront of everyone's lives. These individuals, often referred to as "highly sensitive people," can bring unique perspectives, creativity, and innovative thinking to the table. "Mental Toughness is not about doing difficult things, it's about you doing things that you might find difficult to do."  - Professor John Perry Listen, learn and appreciate this very personal account.

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY - ADOPTING MENTALLY TOUGH BEHAVIOURS ON STAGE In this pair of podcasts, we enter the world of the performing arts where we meet with Monika Lozinskienė, classical pianist. As well as developing a hugely successful career as a pianist, she has developed as a  Social Media expert and a business person who, despite her young age, has long understood that the world of music is, in important ways no different to any other world of work. If you want to succeed, you have to push yourself every day, see challenges as opportunities, have self-belief and confidence, and most of all…know your purpose – why are you doing this? As a musician, focusing on developing mental toughness and self-belief is, for Monika, as important as purposeful practice. By focusing on building mental toughness, musicians can overcome their fears and doubts, and perform at their best. The best performers are not scared of failing. They are prepared to take risks even though they know they might make mistakes. Having the ability to bounce back from mistakes and setbacks and learn from them can help alleviate performance anxiety and reduce stress. In Part One, we delve into Monika's personal experience. Monika's journey to becoming one of the world's renowned pianists was marked by her intense introspection and self-awareness. She recounts how she had to navigate her own emotions, fears, and obstacles to overcome her struggles with performance anxiety and self-doubt, ultimately finding a path towards greater confidence and artistic expression. Listen, learn and appreciate this very personal story.

Our guest for this second part of the show is Joanne Taylor. Joanne is an early adopter of the 4Cs mental toughness concept and measures, who has led the way in its application with some of the toughest challenges in society. One highly successful flagship 3-year project targeted reducing re-offending by young offenders coming to the end of their sentences. Joanne and her colleagues have shown that by creating self-awareness about their mental approach to the changes they face and developing strategies and tactics to manage what they learn, they can look forward positively to a life with better chances. Talent Match Black Country works in partnership with unemployed young adults, aged 17-29, who have direct experience of offending and those who face disadvantage and are furthest from the labour market, to help them achieve: Increased confidence, optimism and resilience. Reduced levels and avoidance of re-offending. Progress nearer and into sustainable employment. For more information about the application of the 4Cs Mental Toughness Model and MTQ measure to enhance social mobility reach out to joanne@aqrconsulting.co.uk Listen and learn.

A CASE STUDY IN REDUCING YOUNG OFFENDER RE-OFFENDING THROUGH APPLICATION OF THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS CONCEPT Our guest, Joanne Taylor (nee Turley), is an early adopter of the 4Cs mental toughness concept and measures, who has led the way in its application with some of the toughest challenges in society. Joanne is a Co Founder of AQR Consulting, a key partner of AQR, whose remit is focused on providing leadership and talent development programmes to SMEs and organisations of all sizes and types. She was formerly a People & Performance Consultant with ARK Consultancy in the UK which focuses on the social housing sectors and issues associated with that sector Including working with young people who are often at the fringes of society. One highly successful flagship 3-year project Joanne was involved with while at ARK targeted reducing re-offending by young offenders coming to the end of their sentences. Joanne and her colleagues showed that by creating self-awareness about their mental approach to the changes they face and developing strategies and tactics to manage what they learn, they can look forward positively to a life with better chances. Talent Match Black Country works in partnership with unemployed young adults, aged 17-29, who have direct experience of offending and those who face disadvantage and are furthest from the labour market, to help them achieve: ·         Increased confidence, optimism and resilience. ·         Reduced levels and avoidance of re-offending. ·         Progress nearer and into sustainable employment. Joanne has created a body of knowledge and skills working with young people which make a real difference for them and, measurably, for society There is learning here for all.