- 16
- Episodes
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About MentorMeet Stories
MentorMeet Stories shares real conversations with coaches and mentors from diverse fields on the MentorMeet.com platform, exploring how people grow, adapt, and unlock their potential. Each episode dives into the human side of performance, mindset, and change, offering thoughtful perspectives and practical takeaways from professionals who help others reach their next level. Brought to you by MentorMeet.com, a platform that connects people with expert coaches and mentors across industries and disciplines.
- Publisher
- MentorMeet.com
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 8 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 4 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
16 episodes in the feed.
4 Oct 2026
The World of Coaching Is Changing: What Coaches Need To Know - MentorMeet Stories
In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer Layburn sits down with Clare Walker, MCC transformational coach, coach supervisor and global corporation lead for coaching and mentoring, to explore the changing world of coaching and what coaches need to pay attention to. Clare shares what she's seeing as sessions get shorter and time gets tighter, and how coaches can still go deep quickly without losing the silence that makes coaching work. She gives her take on the AI debate, including why people are trying AI coaching and then returning to human coaches, where AI genuinely helps, and the ethical questions around consent, confidentiality and client data. The conversation also covers recent changes to ICF accreditation, whether credentials matter to clients and organisations, how younger professionals are shifting coaching towards a blend of coaching and mentoring, and why mentor coaching and supervision are essential for keeping coaches safe and sane. A thoughtful conversation for coaches, mentors, supervisors and anyone commissioning coaching in a fast-changing world. Connect with Clare and Jennifer: Clare Walker: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/clare-walker/ Jennifer Layburn: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/ Find more coaches and mentors: https://www.mentormeet.com
6 Sept 2026
Rethinking How We Work Disability, Inclusion & Coaching | MentorMeet Stories
In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer Layburn sits down with disability coach and inclusive leadership coach Michelle Scicluna to explore how we think about disability, inclusion and the world of work. Michelle shares her experience of acquiring a disability while working at the Financial Times and how that experience changed the way she approached work, identity and performance. She explains why disability isn't always visible, why the same support won't necessarily work for everyone, and why being disabled should not mean being defined by what others assume you can or cannot do. The conversation explores the medical, charity and social models of disability, Michelle's Disability Force framework, and the role coaching can play alongside medical and workplace support. Jennifer and Michelle also discuss reasonable adjustments, organisational culture, disability-informed coaching, lived experience and the importance of helping people understand and articulate what they need to perform at their best. A thoughtful conversation about inclusion, agency and creating the conditions for people to thrive at work. Connect with Michelle and Jennifer: Michelle Scicluna : https://mentormeet.com/profiles/michelle-scicluna/ Jennifer Layburn: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/ Find more coaches and mentors: https://www.mentormeet.com
2 Aug 2026
Working Hard Isn’t Working | Career Acceleration & Coaching | MentorMeet Stories
In this episode of MentorMeet Stories, Jennifer sits down with Mo Khan, enterprise agility coach, Forbes Coaches Council member, and co-founder of MentorMeet, for a conversation about what actually accelerates growth, at work and beyond it. Mo shares his Three Pillars way of thinking: technical skill, soft skills, and knowing how to navigate the room you're in. Using career as the lens, they explore why "work smarter, not harder" often misses the point, why interpersonal fluency rarely gets taught directly, and why coaching and mentoring still get treated as remedial support rather than the acceleration path they actually are, in careers and in life.The conversation moves from the workplace into something more personal: a health scare in his late 30s, the mentor who kept asking him "why not you?", and the Cambridge application Mo almost didn't send. It's a look at the parts of growth that don't show up on a CV, and why so few people talk about them openly.This episode is useful for anyone thinking about how to grow faster, whether in their career or their wider life, how to read the unwritten rules of the environments they're in, or how coaching and mentoring can shortcut years of trial and error.Connect with Mo Khan: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/mo-khan/ Connect with Jennifer Layburn: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com
5 Jul 2026
The Acting Lesson Every Person Needs | MentorMeet Stories
In this follow-up episode, MentorMeet coach Joshua Roche, a speech coach and theatre director for the Royal Shakespeare Company, returns to speak with fellow MentorMeet coach Dr Joanna Bagniewska, a lecturer at Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford. Following their first conversation on storytelling and how to keep people listening, this episode explores what happens when we actually stand up to speak. Drawing on Joshua's experience directing theatre and training actors, the discussion examines how acting principles can help us communicate with greater authenticity, confidence and presence. The conversation explores why everyone performs in different situations, how performance anxiety affects communication, why trying to look confident can have the opposite effect, and how breath, pauses and intention can help speakers feel more natural and connect more effectively with an audience. Whether you're giving presentations, leading meetings, teaching, interviewing, pitching ideas or simply looking to become a more confident communicator, this episode offers practical techniques that can be applied straight away. Connect with Joshua Roche: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/joshua-roche/ (https://mentormeet.com/profiles/joshua-roche/) Connect with Dr Joanna Bagniewska: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-joanna-bagniewska/ (https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-joanna-bagniewska/) Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com (https://www.mentormeet.com/)
31 May 2026
The Chairman’s Advice Nobody Tells You Early Enough | MentorMeet Stories
In this episode, MentorMeet mentor Ken Andrew speaks with MentorMeet coach Susannah Chambers about the career and leadership lessons people are often not told early enough. Drawing on experience across multiple industries and from building and exiting three businesses of his own, Ken shares what he has learned from mentoring senior leaders, executives, and business owners through periods of growth, change, and major decisions. The conversation explores trust in mentoring, building visibility inside organisations, understanding stakeholders, listening for what is not being said, and helping people move beyond the immediate problem to uncover what they really want next. Along the way, Ken reflects on real mentoring examples, including helping leaders gain influence, navigate career progression, and make decisions that align with both professional and personal goals. Connect with Ken Andrew: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ken-andrew/ (https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ken-andrew/) Connect with Susannah Chambers: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/susannah-chambers/ (https://mentormeet.com/profiles/susannah-chambers/) Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com (http://mentormeet.com/): https://www.mentormeet.com (https://www.mentormeet.com/)
3 May 2026
How to Speak So People Keep Listening | Storytelling Tips
In this episode, MentorMeet coach Joshua Roche, a speech coach and theatre director for the Royal Shakespeare Company, speaks with fellow MentorMeet coach Dr Joanna Bagniewska, a lecturer at Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford, about how to speak clearly, hold attention, and make ideas easier to follow. Drawing on his work in theatre, Joshua explains how simple storytelling techniques can improve everyday communication, from conversations with family and friends to workplace discussions, presentations, introductions and elevator pitches. The conversation explores why people lose interest when speaking becomes too flat or over-detailed, how to use three-act structure, why “show, don’t tell” matters, how to create a stronger hook, and why the middle of what is said often matters most. Connect with Joshua Roche: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/joshua-roche/ Connect with Dr Joanna Bagniewska: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-joanna-bagniewska/ Find more coaches and mentors at MentorMeet.com: https://www.mentormeet.com
5 Apr 2026
Full Throttle Leadership: Lessons from the Fast Lane | Engineering Leadership, Motorsport & Technical Teams | Coaching Engineers, Strengths-Based Management & Resilience | MentorMeet Stories
ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP & MOTORSPORT | Full Throttle Leadership: Lessons from the Fast Lane MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for engineers and technical leaders seeking inspirational mentorship on leadership transitions.This mindset mentor podcast features engineering coaches sharing insights on building high-performing technical teams. Episode: How engineers transition to leadership, why Formula1 teaches resilience under pressure, and how to blend technical expertise with coaching. Nick Henry, Engineering Director and executive coach withmotorsport background, shares 20 years transitioning from hands-on Formula 1 composites engineering to senior leadership while earning Henley Business School coaching certification. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: For engineers transitioning to leadership, technicalmanagers leading teams, engineering directors balancing strategy with detail, motorsport professionals under pressure, small business technical leaders, managers of former peers, and anyone blending technical expertise with people development. GUEST: Nick Henry Engineering Director, executive coach. Mechanical engineering degree Southampton University. Formula 1/motorsport background. 20 years experience from hands-on composites to senior leadership. Henley Business School executive coaching. Own consultancy: engineering consulting + coaching.Part-time Engineering Director composites company. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/nick-henry/ HOST: Alan Arnett Thinking partner and coach, 30+ years transformation experience. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/alan-arnett/ EPISODE LENGTH: 46 minutes THREE TAKEAWAYS: 1. "Round pegs in round holes": Understand whopeople are and what they enjoy. Structure teams so everyone operates to strengths most of the time. 2. Use three engineering questions for clarity: What's theproblem we're solving? What's the outcome we're aiming for? What options do we have? 3. Take walks for clarity: Stepping away isn't wastedtime—it naturally files buzzing thoughts and creates clarity on what needs to happen next. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find engineeringcoaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet |TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodesexplore engineering leadership, technical management, and professional growth.Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in livedexperience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories#MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #EngineeringLeadership #TechnicalLeadership #Motorsport#Formula1 #EngineeringManagement #ExecutiveCoaching #TeamBuilding #Resilience #StrengthsBased #CareerTransition #TechnicalTeams
1 Mar 2026
Why Your Bid Keeps Losing | Public Sector Bidding, Procurement Strategy & Government Contracts | Innovate UK Funding, Tender Writing & SME Growth | MentorMeet Stories
PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT & INNOVATE UK FUNDING | Why Your Bid Keeps Losing MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for startups and SMEs seeking inspirational mentorship on winning government contracts and securing funding. This mindset mentor podcast features procurement experts sharing insights on breaking into public sector markets. Episode: Why SMEs struggle with government contracts, how to secure Innovate UK funding, and common bid mistakes that guarantee rejection. Hannah Bryant, procurement consultant with 15 years experience, shares how innovative companies can overcome risk-averse public sector buyers and win their first commercial contracts. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Key topics: - Common myths: government only buys from big companies, too bureaucratic - Why public sector buyers are risk-averse: managing organizational risk - SMEs as unknown quantity vs established suppliers - New Procurement Act: join frameworks anytime, central digital supplier platform - Innovate UK: government innovation agency, 30-40 grants available - Early-stage MVP development to market-ready products - 400 words on innovation out of 6,000-word application (rest: team, market, business case) - Common mistakes: scope too great, unnamed team, weak route-to-market - Writing rule: never draft more than 25% over word count (500 max for 400-word questions) - Can't edit 2,000 words to 400 without losing meaning - £15 million contract success: health/social care startup breaking into traditional market - Relationship building BEFORE tenders appear - Join frameworks for quick procurement routes - Find a Tender website: £130k+ contracts advertised - Case studies as critical evidence for SMEs - Demos beat documents for innovative products - Two-stage procurement: capability statement then detailed tender - Focus strategy: geographic or sector-specific targeting - 2-month application windows: decide quickly, takes weeks to develop quality application - Advisory boards with diverse potential clients - Government spending expected £822 billion by 2030 - Small trials (paid/unpaid) build credibility - Treat public sector business development same as private - Multiple relationships within one client (bigger entity) For startups seeking Innovate UK funding, SMEs breaking into public sector, innovative companies with government procurement struggles, engineers needing commercial strategy, businesses facing tender rejections, technical founders building go-to-market plans, and entrepreneurs navigating government contracts. GUEST: Hannah Bryant Procurement consultant, Innovate UK funding specialist, 15 years experience. Helps innovative SMEs secure funding and win public sector contracts. Smart cities, health, social care, education, drones experience. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/hannah-bryant/ HOST: Dr. Nadia Mahmood https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-nadia-mahmood/ EPISODE LENGTH: 42 minutes 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find business development coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodes explore business development, procurement, funding, and growth. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #PublicSectorProcurement #InnovateUK #GovernmentContracts #TenderWriting #SMEGrowth #BusinessDevelopment #ProcurementStrategy #StartupFunding #PublicSectorBidding #SMESupport
1 Feb 2026
Money Decisions Made Simple | Financial Coaching, Money Mindset & Personal Finance | Holistic Finance & Budgeting | Financial Literacy for Women | Values-Based Spending | MentorMeet Stories
FINANCIAL COACHING & MONEY MINDSET | Money Decisions Made Simple | Holistic Financial Mentorship MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on navigating life and business challenges. This mindset mentor podcast features mentors and coaches sharing practical insights. Episode: How holistic financial coaching transforms money anxiety into confidence through mindfulness and values-based spending. Carolyn Millward, financial coach and former chartered accountant with 20 years in corporate finance, shares how she combines mindfulness, coaching, and financial expertise to help clients—particularly women—understand their money mindset and create empowering financial plans. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: This business mentorship conversation explores the emotional relationship we have with money, why traditional budgeting fails, and how aligning spending with values creates the life you want. Key topics: - What holistic financial coaching is (mindfulness + money management) - How your childhood "money story" shapes every financial decision - Why money choices are 90% emotions, 10% math - Common money myths: "I'm terrible with numbers," "I've left it too late," "Finance is too complicated" - Case study: Young business owner who transformed financial chaos across multiple countries into clarity - Case study: Midlife professional who discovered she was well-positioned for retirement despite anxiety - Values-based spending: Creating a "mindful money plan" instead of restrictive budgets - Three essential money habits: Know your numbers, pay yourself first, build resilience before investing - Why women especially struggle with money shame and how to overcome it - Carolyn's 12-week holistic financial coaching program This mentorship conversation is for anyone wanting to improve their relationship with money—entrepreneurs juggling business and personal finances, women planning retirement, solo business owners, single parents, younger professionals building financial foundations, or anyone experiencing financial anxiety or shame around money. GUEST: Carolyn Millward Financial coach combining 20 years as chartered accountant with mindfulness practices. Specializes in helping women develop confident, values-based relationships with money. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/carolyn-millward HOST: Jill DeMasi https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jill-demasi/ EPISODE LENGTH: 40 minutes THREE TAKEAWAYS: 1. Finance isn't as difficult as you think—break it down, take one step at a time, ask for help 2. Know your numbers: How much you earn + how much it costs you to live 3. Save first, not last: Automate savings monthly, even if small—something beats nothing 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find mentors and coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features experienced mentors and coaches across industries. Each episode explores mindset, financial wellness, entrepreneurship, and professional growth through real mentorship conversations. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. Subscribe for mentorship on personal finance, money mindset, entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional development. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #FinancialCoaching #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracy #HolisticFinance #WomenAndMoney #MoneyManagement #FinancialWellness #Budgeting #FinancialAnxiety #ValueBasedSpending #MindfulMoney #FinancialEmpowerment
4 Jan 2026
Navigate the New Year Like an Elite Athlete | Performance Coaching, Resilience Building & Leadership | High Performance & Burnout Prevention | Olympic Mindset | MentorMeet Stories
PERFORMANCE & RESILIENCE COACHING | Navigate the New Year Like an Elite Athlete MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for business leaders and professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on thriving under pressure. This mindset mentor podcast features mentors and coaches sharing practical insights from elite environments. Episode: What business leaders can learn from Olympic athletes about building lasting resilience, managing high-pressure performance, and sustainable excellence. Dawn Sanders, performance and well-being coach who spent 20+ years supporting GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes, shares insights from elite sport now applied to business leadership. Works with Google and UK Sports Institute. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: This business mentorship conversation explores the person behind the performance—why defining yourself solely by achievements creates vulnerability, and how broader identity builds sustainable success. Key topics: - Identity beyond your job: the "cogs of performance" model - Resilience built on well-being foundations, not burnout - Vulnerability in leadership and psychologically safe teams - Strength-based coaching vs constantly fixing weaknesses - Support systems: why elite performers can't go alone - Change vs transition: psychological response to restructure - Kübler-Ross change curve: three phases leaders must support - Why New Year's resolutions fail and how to set goals that stick - Myths about resilience: it's developable, not just grit - Why business leaders resist rest and recovery more than athletes - Accountability: achieving goals with others vs alone - Process goals vs outcomes: celebrating incremental wins For business leaders managing pressure, professionals navigating change, entrepreneurs balancing growth with well-being, managers building resilient teams, athletes transitioning from sport, and anyone wanting sustainable high performance. GUEST: Dawn Sanders Performance and well-being coach, 20+ years supporting GB Olympic/Paralympic athletes. Now works with business leaders on resilience and sustainable performance. Google, UK Sports Institute, England Women's Football. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dawn-sanders/ HOST: Alpa Wagjiani https://mentormeet.com/profiles/alpa-wagjiani/ EPISODE LENGTH: 45 minutes THREE TAKEAWAYS FOR 2026: 1. Be kind to yourself with New Year's goals—change is hard. Ask: How important is this goal (1-10)? How much energy do I have (1-10)? If not 7+, explore blocks. 2. Seek accountability—you achieve more with others. Find a coach, partner, or team. 3. Celebrate small wins—not every goal ends in gold, but you're successful if you've learned about yourself. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find performance coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches across industries. Episodes explore performance, resilience, leadership, and well-being through real conversations. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. Subscribe for mentorship on leadership, resilience, performance, and professional development. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #PerformanceCoaching #ResilienceBuilding #LeadershipCoaching #WellbeingAtWork #HighPerformance #BurnoutPrevention #OrganizationalChange #NewYearsGoals #SustainablePerformance #MentalHealthAtWork #ProfessionalGrowth
30 Nov 2025
The Subtle Art of Connecting with an Audience | Science Communication, Public Speaking & Presentation Skills | Effective Communication & Audience Engagement | MentorMeet Stories
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION & PUBLIC SPEAKING | The Subtle Art of Connecting with an Audience MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for professionals and scientists seeking inspirational mentorship on connecting with audiences effectively. This mindset mentor podcast features mentors and coaches sharing practical communication insights. Episode: How to communicate complex ideas to non-experts, make presentations engaging, and connect with any audience. Dr. Joanna Bagniewska, Oxford-based ecologist, science communicator, and co-author of "The Communicating Scientists," shares lessons from academia, COVID vaccine communications, and teaching scientists to make technical topics accessible. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: This business mentorship conversation explores communication fundamentals and why experts must make messages clear—it's not the audience's job to untangle complications. Key topics: - Communication fundamentals: sender, receiver, message, purpose, obstacles - Baseball fielding error analogy: if the catcher doesn't catch, the thrower failed - Making audiences feel smart vs proving how clever you are - Writing for non-specialists: simple but not simplistic - How "The Communicating Scientists" book became a tribute after co-author's death - COVID vaccine communication: Oxford-AstraZeneca group, media queries - Three audience types: legitimate concerns, confused but open, hecklers - Why informing isn't convincing: facts alone don't change minds - Trust and storytelling: what actually shifts opinions - Social media echo chambers and polarization - Balancing passion with accessibility in presentations - Presentation hacks: fewer slide items, bigger text, sequential reveals - Why the audience wants you to succeed - "Calling the room": acknowledge distractions - Learning from students forces better engagement For scientists communicating to non-experts, business professionals presenting complex ideas, public speakers, educators, anyone writing for non-specialists, and leaders managing change communication. GUEST: Dr. Joanna Bagniewska Oxford-based ecologist, award-winning science communicator, co-author of "The Communicating Scientists." Worked on Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine communications during COVID. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-joanna-bagniewska/ HOST: Dr. Nadia Mahmood https://mentormeet.com/profiles/dr-nadia-mahmood/ EPISODE LENGTH: 41 minutes THREE COMMUNICATION HACKS: 1. Put fewer things on slides and make them BIG—if you can't see from front row, neither can anyone else 2. The audience is on your side—they didn't show up to watch you fail 3. When something goes wrong, acknowledge it. "Calling the room" removes distraction. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find communication coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches across industries. Episodes explore communication, presentation skills, leadership, and professional growth. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #ScienceCommunication #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills #EffectiveCommunication #AudienceEngagement #CommunicationSkills #ComplexIdeas #BusinessCommunication #LeadershipCommunication #ProfessionalDevelopment
16 Nov 2025
Are You the Blocker? | Leadership Coaching, Executive Coaching & Self-Awareness | Organizational Change & Imposter Syndrome | Agile Coaching | MentorMeet Stories
MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for leaders and professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on self-awareness and organizational change. This mindset mentor podcast features executive coaches sharing insights on unlocking potential. Episode: How to recognize when you're unknowingly blocking your own progress or your team's success, and why self-awareness is the key to effective leadership. Susannah Chambers, executive coach with 20+ years across fintech, retail, education, and agile coaching, explores the subtle ways leaders become blockers without realizing it. Cambridge tutor and coach to world-leading organizations. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: This business mentorship conversation explores "unknown unknowns"—the invisible barriers holding you back that you don't know exist. Key topics: - The blocker concept: when lack of self-awareness prevents progress - Unknown unknowns from the Johari Window model - Why self-awareness is the critical coaching skill - "So what?" question: identifying patterns in repeated challenges - Gathering feedback vs analyzing it for actionable patterns - Creating legitimate space for reflection in busy work environments - Failure culture: glamorizing failure vs actually learning from it - Why leaders should publicly celebrate coaching/mentoring, not hide it - Modeling behaviors you want to see in your team - Making data-driven decisions about personal development - Coaching vs mentoring: distinct practices, different purposes - The ambiguity challenge: discomfort with admitting "I don't know" - Why "I don't know" is one of the biggest blockers for high achievers - Executive coaching reality: often addresses imposter syndrome, life coaching, career transitions—not just corporate strategy - Beginner's mindset (shoshin): staying open to fresh perspectives - Prime directive: we make best decisions with information available at the time - How one unexpected mentor can change your entire career trajectory For leaders feeling stuck despite resources, professionals navigating change, managers wondering why teams aren't progressing, anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, leaders wanting to model growth, and professionals seeking self-awareness. GUEST: Susannah Chambers Executive coach, 20+ years experience. Cambridge tutor, agile coaching background, fintech and retail experience. Specializes in leadership development, self-awareness, and organizational change. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/susannah-chambers/ HOST: Jennifer Layburn https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/ EPISODE LENGTH: 42 minutes THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Create space for reflection—emotionally and practically. If difficult, get support from a coach or mentor. 2. Model behaviors you want to see—consciously practice missing qualities to test if you're the blocker or it's external. 3. Make data-driven decisions on your growth—leverage feedback, analyze patterns, triangulate with coach/mentor. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find leadership coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches across industries. Episodes explore leadership, self-awareness, organizational change, and professional growth. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #LeadershipCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #SelfAwareness #OrganizationalChange #ImposterSyndrome #AgileCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingAndMentoring #PersonalDevelopment #ReflectivePractice #ChangeManagement
2 Nov 2025
How Setting Boundaries Can Change Your Life | Career Coaching, Leadership & Work-Life Balance | Burnout Prevention & People-Pleasing Recovery | MentorMeet Stories
CAREER COACHING & BOUNDARIES | How Setting Boundaries Can Change Your Life MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on career development and well-being. This mindset mentor podcast features career coaches sharing insights on boundaries and sustainable success. Episode: How to prevent burnout through boundaries, why people-pleasers struggle, and practical frameworks for saying no without guilt. Lucile Kamar, award-winning career coach and leadership expert, shares her journey from mental health crisis caused by lack of boundaries to helping clients transform careers through conscious boundary-setting. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Key topics: - Lucile's story: mental health crisis from people-pleasing - Signs you need boundaries: resentment after saying yes, exhaustion while appearing fine, overthinking reactions, personal priorities always last - 2025 work demands: hybrid models, global teams, always-on connectivity - Performance impact: client who worked late until attitude suffered - Relationships: leader as team "therapist" until drained - Well-being: hardest boundaries are with yourself - Myths: boundaries don't make you difficult, don't mean constant no, good leaders aren't 24/7 available - ACE framework: Awareness (where drained/resentful), Choice (what you'll accept), Expression (communicate clearly) - Leadership transitions: boundaries with former peers - Open door ≠ anyone anytime - Guilt around no: "no is a full sentence" - Women and conditioning: "be nice, don't rock the boat" - Primal fear: boundary-setting = exclusion threatens safety - Professional vs personal boundaries - Letting things build until explosion - Well-being enables sustainable performance - Start with one boundary, communicate consistently For professionals feeling exhausted but appearing fine, people-pleasers who overextend, new leaders navigating dynamics, anyone with work-life boundary struggles, and leaders modeling healthy behaviors. GUEST: Lucile Kamar Award-winning career coach, culture and leadership expert, Cambridge alumni. Boundaries, people-pleasing recovery, leadership transitions, sustainable performance. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/lucile-kamar/ HOST: Katie Bradbury https://mentormeet.com/profiles/katie-bradbury/ EPISODE LENGTH: 25 minutes THREE TAKEAWAYS: 1. Boundaries = deciding what you're available for. Every yes to something draining is a no to something that matters. 2. ACE framework: Awareness (notice where drained), Choice (decide what you'll accept), Expression (communicate kindly but clearly). 3. Start with ONE boundary. Communicate consistently. Get accountability buddy or coach. Clear boundaries = MORE respect, not less. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find career coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodes explore career development, boundaries, leadership, well-being. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #CareerCoaching #BoundariesAtWork #WorkLifeBalance #BurnoutPrevention #PeoplePleasing #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAtWork #SayingNo #ProfessionalBoundaries #WorkplaceWellbeing #CareerDevelopment
8 Oct 2025
ADHD: Difference, Not Deficit | Executive Coaching, Neurodiversity & Executive Functioning | Late Diagnosis, RSD & ADHD at Work | Adult ADHD Strategies | MentorMeet Stories
ADHD COACHING & NEURODIVERSITY | ADHD: Difference, Not Deficit MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on neurodiversity and ADHD. This mindset mentor podcast features executive coaches specializing in ADHD and executive functioning. Episode: How ADHD presents as uneven abilities, why late diagnosis is common especially for women, and practical strategies for thriving with executive functioning challenges. Alex Smith, executive coach specializing in ADHD and neurodiversity, shares his diagnosis journey at 37 and how understanding ADHD transformed his coaching approach. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Key topics: - Alex's 20-year journey to ADHD diagnosis at 37 - "Brain wired for interest not importance" (William Dodson) - ADHD myths: can't have it if academically successful - Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD): extreme sensitivity to criticism driving perfectionism, workaholism - Energy scale: vulnerable at both ends—sedentary/under-stimulated and burnt-out/crisis - Situational variability: brilliant in one context, unable to function in another - Gender differences: boys 3x more likely diagnosed historically, girls mask more - Women misdiagnosed with anxiety when ADHD is root cause - Executive functioning: time management, procrastination, emotional dysregulation - Maladaptive adaptive strategies developed without understanding why - INCUP motivators: Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, Passion/Purpose - 12,000 additional negative criticisms by age 18 - "You can do it when interested" dismissive feedback - Out of sight, out of mind: self-monitoring challenges - Uneven skill set: brilliant at rare things, struggle with what everyone else can do - "Everyone else had a key I didn't have" - Sacrifice at altar of corporate dysfunction - ADHD rarely travels alone: co-morbidities - Boundaries: people cope until they crack - Chronobiology differences: productive times vary - Short sprints vs long-term planning - Specifics first, system second: need for variety - Externalizing and retrieving learning - ADHD as intermittently brilliant For adults with recent/late ADHD diagnosis, professionals struggling with procrastination, women wondering if anxiety is ADHD, managers supporting neurodivergent teams, anyone experiencing burnout from masking, and people with uneven skill sets. GUEST: Alex Smith Solution-focused executive coach specializing in ADHD, executive functioning, neurodiversity. Background in publishing, diagnosed ADHD at 37, trained with ADD Coaching Academy. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/alexander-smith/ HOST: Jill DeMasi https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jill-demasi/ EPISODE LENGTH: 49 minutes RECORDED: October (ADHD Awareness Month) KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. ADHD brain works well on its own terms—succeed by giving yourself permission on YOUR terms, not neurotypical standards. 2. Understanding INCUP motivators (Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, Passion) helps create strategies wired for interest. 3. Advocate for what you need: specific outlets, hybrid work, shorter feedback loops, environments matching your energy. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find ADHD coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodes explore ADHD, neurodiversity, executive coaching, and professional growth. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #ADHDCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #Neurodiversity #ADHDAtWork #AdultADHD #ExecutiveFunctioning #RSD #ADHDWomen #ADHDDiagnosis #NeurodivergentCoaching #ADHDStrategies #LateDiagnosis
8 Oct 2025
The Inner Critic | Self-Doubt, Imposter Syndrome & Self-Compassion | High Performers, Perfectionism & Confidence Building | HEART Framework | MentorMeet Stories
PSYCHOLOGY & SELF-COMPASSION | The Inner Critic MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for professionals seeking inspirational mentorship on confidence and personal growth. This mindset mentor podcast features psychologists sharing insights on overcoming self-doubt. Episode: How to recognize your inner critic, why high performers struggle with imposter syndrome, and the HEART framework for transforming harsh self-talk into self-compassion. Dr. Katere Adeseko, applied psychologist working with global organizations, explores the universal inner critic and how to rewire your brain to become your own inner coach. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Key topics: - Why high performers have louder inner critics (sensitivity + ambition) - Types: all-or-nothing thinker, perfectionist, catastrophizer, mind reader, imposter - Comparing back wheel to others' highlight reels - Protective fear (keeps you safe) vs growth-oriented fear (butterflies = opportunity) - Confidence comes AFTER taking action, not before—you need courage first - HEART framework: Hearing inner chatter, Examining origin (whose voice?), Assigning name (activates logical brain), Reframing compassionately with evidence, Transforming into affirmations - Synaptic pruning: new thought patterns carve new neural pathways - "I'm nervous" vs "I'm excited": what you tell your brain changes threat response - Public speaking example: story you tell your brain determines access to information - Brain tabs open in background draining energy - Self-awareness: what you're not aware of controls you - Cognitive behavioral therapy: challenge thoughts with evidence - Pro/con list: how likely is failure based on past evidence? - Speaking up in meetings: fear someone will steal your idea - Decision-making paralysis from self-doubt - Why we need inner critic: survival, social belonging, protection - Not about silencing—about lowering volume - Self-compassion: speak to yourself like best friend or personal trainer - Progress over perfection - Practice creates new habits and neural pathways For high performers with imposter syndrome, perfectionists never feeling good enough, professionals holding back in meetings, anyone with self-doubt, leaders building confidence, people with decision paralysis, and individuals seeking self-compassion. GUEST: Dr. Katere Adeseko Applied psychologist, works with global organizations, leaders, teams. Specializes in inner critic, self-compassion, confidence building, high performer psychology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4kuz8hboJM HOST: Jennifer Layburn https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jennifer-layburn/ EPISODE LENGTH: 32 minutes THREE TAKEAWAYS: 1. Self-awareness first: You can't change what you're not aware of. Hear your inner chatter consciously. 2. Use HEART framework: Hear it, Examine origin, Assign name, Reframe with evidence, Transform into affirmation. 3. Practice consistently: One time won't rewire your brain. Repetition carves new neural pathways and creates new habits. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodes explore confidence, self-doubt, leadership, and personal growth. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #InnerCritic #ImposterSyndrome #SelfDoubt #Perfectionism #SelfCompassion #Confidence #PersonalGrowth #HighPerformers #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #Neuroplasticity #Psychology
8 Oct 2025
Getting Out of Our Own Way | Leadership Through Change & Complexity | Questioning Assumptions, Transitions & Showing Up Authentically | MentorMeet Stories
LEADERSHIP & CHANGE MANAGEMENT | Getting Out of Our Own Way MentorMeet Stories is a mentorship podcast for senior leaders seeking inspirational mentorship on navigating complexity and change. This mindset mentor podcast features thinking partners and executive coaches. Episode: How to let go of scripts and certainty, why simple questions unlock complex problems, and the difference between confidence and comfort. Alan Arnett, thinking partner and coach with 30+ years leading transformation at BP, PWC, AXA XL, explores how leaders get in their own way through over-reliance on experience. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Key topics: - Letting go: holding ideas lightly (open palm) vs tightly (closed fist) to stay flexible - Myth of right answers: we're conditioned to believe there's always one, but leadership requires ambiguity - Pace and lead: meet people where they are before moving forward - Transitions vs changes: William Bridges model—letting go, neutral zone (scary creative gap), new beginning - Neutral zone: where innovation happens between old and new - Ford filing system: computerizing manual card index made it slower (don't layer tech onto old processes) - AI adoption parallels: questioning assumptions vs automating old ways - Leaders recreate old organizations in new settings - Three questions: What's the problem? Where are we aiming? What options do we have? - Playing roles vs showing up authentically - Cost of performing: drains energy, narrows creativity - Why telling doesn't work: people resist direct instructions - Stress narrows knowledge access and creativity - Asking questions calms your brain - "What do you care about most?" unlocks authentic engagement - Confidence vs certainty: real confidence is curiosity and solving together - Leaders have less control as they move up - Sense-making as active process - Simple solutions for complex problems - Put your own oxygen mask on first - Why town halls and slide decks don't drive change - Building collaborative cultures through questions - 70% sales increase thought experiment For senior leaders facing tough decisions, executives navigating change and restructures, leaders feeling pressure to have answers, managers trying to drive change through presentations, anyone implementing new technology, and leaders building collaborative cultures. GUEST: Alan Arnett Thinking partner and coach, 30+ years transformation experience. Former leader at BP, PWC, AXA XL. Specializes in complex decisions, organizational change, senior leadership challenges. https://mentormeet.com/profiles/alan-arnett/ HOST: Jill DeMasi https://mentormeet.com/profiles/jill-demasi/ EPISODE LENGTH: 52 minutes THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Put your own oxygen mask on first: Ground yourself before trying to lead others. Ask "What do I care about most in this situation?" 2. Use three simple questions: What's the problem we're solving? Where are we aiming? What options do we have? 3. Hold ideas lightly: Confidence isn't certainty—it's curiosity, questions, and solving things together through small steps. 🎧 Also on YouTube and YouTube Music 🌐 Find executive coaches: https://www.mentormeet.com Browse profiles: https://mentormeet.com/profiles/ 📱 Instagram.com/mentor_meet_ | LinkedIn.com/company/mentor-meet | TikTok.com/@mentormeet ABOUT THIS MENTORSHIP PODCAST: MentorMeet Stories features mentors and coaches. Episodes explore leadership, change, complexity, and transformation. Inspirational mentorship and educational mentorship grounded in lived experience—not theory. New episodes every first Monday of the month. KEYWORDS: #MentorshipPodcast #MentorshipStories #MindsetMentorPodcast #BusinessMentorship #InspirationalMentorship #EducationalMentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #ExecutiveCoaching #OrganizationalChange #Complexity #Leadership #Transformation #QuestioningAssumptions #ThinkingPartner #SeniorLeadership #ChangeLeadership #AIAdoption #Curiosity
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