Welcome to "Leading with Kindness: Transforming Workplaces", a podcast where compassion meets leadership. Hosted by a seasoned Kindness and Wellbeing Coach with two decades of experience in senior leadership and coaching, this podcast brings together the brightest minds in the fields of positive psychology, wellbeing, and leadership. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, shedding light on how kindness and emotional intelligence can not only transform leadership styles but also create more positive, productive, and resilient organisations. From practical advice, real-life case studies, to interactive sessions, this podcast is a treasure trove for leaders who aspire to foster a culture of kindness and wellbeing in their workplaces. Whether you’re a budding leader or a seasoned executive, these insights will empower you to lead with a heart-centred approach, making your workplace not just successful, but also a beacon of wellbeing and positivity. Tune in to start your journey towards kinder, more empathetic leadership.
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S3 ep2: Integrating Compassion in the Workplace with Anna Reeve
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 • Duration 37:31
Host: Helen Rimmer
Guest: Anna Reeve, Certified Coach specialising in compassionate work methods
Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of Lead with Kindness, host Helen Rimmer is joined by Anna Reeve, a certified coach who helps professionals cultivate compassionate work habits. Anna shares her journey of overcoming burnout and how embracing self-compassion changed her life and approach to work. Together, they explore the importance of integrating kindness and compassion into the workplace and offer practical strategies for leaders and professionals alike to foster a more compassionate and balanced work environment.
Key Discussion Points:
* Anna’s Journey: Anna opens up about her experience with burnout in her 20s and 30s, which led to chronic stress and migraines. She discusses how the pursuit of perfection and external validation affected her wellbeing and career.
* Discovering Self-Compassion: Anna explains how learning and practising self-compassion, mainly through the teachings of Kristen Neff, has been key to managing stress, boosting productivity, and preventing burnout.
* The Importance of Compassionate Leadership: The conversation highlights how leaders can model self-compassion and create a work culture that prevents burnout and supports employee wellbeing.
* Workplace Culture & Burnout: Anna and Helen talk about the societal and workplace pressures that contribute to burnout, especially for passionate and dedicated employees.
* Practical Tips for Creating Compassionate Work Habits:
* Start small: Make small changes to introduce rest and recovery into your daily routine.
* Be mindful: Recognize that your brain and body need rest to function at their best.
* Self-awareness: Learn to spot red flags for stress and burnout in yourself and your team.
* Role-modelling: Leaders must practice self-compassion to inspire it in others.
* Advice for Disconnecting from Work: Anna shares strategies to switch off after work hours and set clear boundaries to protect personal time, such as setting up reminders and creating personal motivations.
Key Takeaways:
* Compassion Enhances Success: Integrating compassion into work routines can lead to personal and professional success.
* Start Small: Small, consistent actions like taking short breaks or dedicating time for personal hobbies can have a profound impact.
* Compassionate Leadership Matters: Leaders play a vital role in preventing burnout by recognizing when their team needs support and leading by example.
* Self-Compassion is a Skill: Like any skill, self-compassion requires practice and is essential for long-term wellbeing.
* Happier Work, Happier You Program: Anna's upcoming four-month coaching program focuses on integrating self-compassion into work for improved productivity and happiness.
Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave a review. Every small act of kindness helps spread the message of compassionate leadership.
S.2 Ep5: Revolutionising Leadership with Compassion: Insights from Nicky McCrudden
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • Duration 50:26
Welcome back to Lead with Kindness, your go-to podcast for transforming workplaces through compassion and well-being. In this episode, host Helen Rimmer sits down with Nicky McCrudden, a renowned expert in leadership and learning, to delve into the power of compassionate leadership.
Guest Bio: Nicky McCrudden, founder of the McCrudden Partnership and a PhD candidate at the University of Chichester, brings over 17 years of experience in helping organizations reconnect with learning and enhancing their value. Her current research focuses on developing a more humanistic leadership style among frontline managers.
Episode Highlights:
* Introduction to Nicky McCrudden:
* Nicky's journey into leadership and learning.
* The story of how Nicky transitioned from various roles to discovering her passion for training and leadership.
* The Importance of Early Learning Experiences:
* Reflecting on influential teachers and moments that shaped Nicky's love for learning.
* Founding McCrudden Partnership:
* Nicky shares her motivations and the rewarding experiences of working with diverse organizations and leaders.
* Compassionate Leadership in Action:
* A successful case study of reconnecting an NHS organization with learning and the positive impacts on staff motivation and organizational value.
* Humanistic Leadership Explained:
* Defining humanistic leadership and its importance in modern workplaces.
* Key insights from Nicky’s PhD research on compassion in frontline management.
* Challenges and Solutions:
* Common barriers managers face in adopting compassionate leadership.
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Series 1 Episode 2 - Embracing Mindfulness with Sally Singleton
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 • Duration 22:33
Lead with Kindness: Episode 2 - Embracing Mindfulness with Sally Singleton
Release Date: March 12th 2024Duration: 22 minutes
Episode Summary:In this episode of "Lead with Kindness," host Helen Rimmer, talks to Sally Singleton, a distinguished mindfulness coach and teacher. Sally has dedicated her career to guiding individuals towards peace, balance, and presence through mindfulness, transforming both personal and professional lives. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of mindfulness and its pivotal role in creating a kinder, more compassionate world of work.
Key Points Discussed:
* Sally's Journey to Mindfulness: From corporate stress to mindfulness coaching, Sally shares her personal journey and what led her to embrace and teach mindfulness.
* Defining Mindfulness: Sally dispels myths and simplifies the concept of mindfulness, emphasising its foundation in presence, attention training, and the crucial elements of kindness and self-compassion.
* The Science of Mindfulness: The discussion highlights the scientific backing of mindfulness, its benefits for psychological well-being, physiological health, and professional performance.
* Mindfulness in Practice: Sally provides insights into how mindfulness can transform workplace culture and leadership, offering practical examples of its impact.
* Mindful Leadership: The conversation explores how mindfulness enhances emotional intelligence, fosters deep connections, and supports effective leadership.
* Starting Your Mindfulness Journey: Practical advice for those inspired to begin practicing mindfulness, emphasising starting small and the importance of kindness in the process.
Memorable Quotes:
"Mindfulness is not just brain training; it requires gentleness, kindness, and self-compassion."
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Introducing Helen Rimmer: The Kind Brave Leader
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 • Duration 39:06
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Lead with Kindness," where we embark on a journey to infuse the world of work with more kindness and well-being. I am your host, Helen Rimmer, a dedicated kindness and well-being coach and consultant. With two decades of experience in library and higher education senior leadership, I have cultivated a profound understanding of the transformative power of positive psychology in the workplace.
In today’s episode, we dive deep into my personal and professional journey, exploring the milestones that have shaped my approach to leadership and well-being. From my early days in the library and higher education sectors to becoming a Strengthscope Master, I share the insights and experiences that have led me to champion kindness and well-being in work environments.
What You'll Discover in This Episode:
* My background in senior leadership and how it paved the way for my focus on kindness and well-being.
* The pivotal role of positive psychology in fostering healthy work cultures.
* The inspiration behind my mission to transform workplaces into havens of kindness and well-being.
If you’re inspired by our mission to transform the world of work, make sure to subscribe to "Lead with Kindness" on your favourite podcast platform. By subscribing, you not only stay updated with our latest episodes but also help others discover the power of kindness and well-being in leadership. Share this podcast with friends and colleagues who believe in creating a more compassionate workplace, and let's grow this community together.
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Welcome to Lead with Kindness: Transforming Workplaces Through Compassion
Friday, March 1, 2024 • Duration 01:44
Welcome to the official trailer for "Lead with Kindness," a podcast dedicated to reimagining the world of work through the lens of kindness and well-being. Hosted by Helen Rimmer, a kindness and well-being coach with a rich background in leadership and positive psychology, this podcast invites you on a journey to discover the power of compassionate leadership.
In This Trailer, You Will Discover:
* The Mission: Understand the core mission of "Lead with Kindness" and how it seeks to transform workplace cultures by integrating principles of kindness, well-being, and positive psychology.
* The Host: Get to know Helen Rimmer, your guide on this journey. With over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles and a deep passion for promoting kindness at work, Helen shares her insights and experiences to inspire change.
* The Content: Preview the engaging and insightful content you can expect from our episodes, including expert interviews, practical tips, and stories of kindness in action.
* The Invitation: Learn how you can join the movement towards creating more compassionate work environments and the impact it can have on individuals and organisations.
Why Subscribe?
Subscribing to "Lead with Kindness" means joining a community of like-minded individuals and leaders who believe in the transformative power of kindness. Together, we can make a difference in how work is perceived and practiced globally.
Join us on "Lead with Kindness" and be part of the movement towards a kinder, more compassionate world of work. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform and let's embark on this journey together.
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Embracing Kindness: A Loving Kindness Meditation for the Holiday Season
Monday, December 4, 2023 • Duration 04:20
Hello,
As the holiday season unfolds with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, it's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of preparations and celebrations. But in the midst of all this, I believe it's crucial to take a moment for ourselves—to breathe, to reflect, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and kindness.
My Special Gift: Loving Kindness Meditation
In the spirit of the season, I have a special gift for you. It’s not wrapped in shiny paper or tied with a bow, but I hope it brings you as much joy and peace as any beautifully packaged present.
I'm excited to share with you an exclusive Loving Kindness Meditation audio file and a companion meditation video. These are designed especially for the holiday season, aiming to bring you tranquility and warmth during these bustling days.
The audio file is above (and can be downloaded if you would like to listen to it away from a screen.
This meditation is a token of my gratitude for your support and a reminder to cherish kindness and wellbeing not just during the holidays, but every day.
Exciting News for January 2024!
I have some thrilling news to share! Starting January 2024, I will be offering a monthly meditation exclusive to my paid subscribers. Each month, you’ll receive a unique meditation audio file, focusing on themes like self-compassion, mindfulness, and cultivating joy. This is part of my ongoing commitment to bring more peace and positivity into your lives. If you haven’t subscribed yet, now is the perfect time to join our growing community of kindness and wellbeing enthusiasts.
Why Loving Kindness Meditation?
In the chaos of holiday preparations and end-of-year deadlines, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. This meditation is a gentle nudge to reconnect with yourself and spread the warmth of kindness to those around you. It's a practice that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the holidays—compassion, connection, and peace.
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Season 2, Episode 4: Embracing Your Strengths: A Journey to Leadership with Steph Tranter
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 • Duration 51:36
Host: Helen RimmerGuest: Steph Tranter, Leadership Coach and Author of LEAP!: How to Be More You and Find a Career You'll Love
Introduction
* Welcome to Lead with Kindness:
* Podcast focused on transforming the workplace through kindness and well-being.
* Hosted by Helen Rimmer, a seasoned leader with a background in positive psychology.
* Aimed at sharing practical tips and inspiring stories to challenge conventional leadership.
About the Guest
* Steph Tranter:
* Visionary leadership coach and consultant.
* Former corporate leader in the retail industry.
* Author of LEAP!: How to Be More You and Find a Career You'll Love.
* Focuses on helping leaders and individuals navigate career crossroads.
* Expert in corporate experience combined with psychological insights.
Episode Highlights
* Steph’s Background and Journey:
* Began career at Tesco, progressing from checkout to leadership roles.
* Transitioned from corporate to freelance, driven by a passion for coaching and leadership development.
* Emphasizes a strengths-based approach and has worked across various sectors including corporates, charities, and sports teams.
* Unique Coaching Approach:
* Combines corporate experience with therapeutic insights.
* Holistic view of clients, addressing both personal and professional aspects.
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Fostering Belonging and Engagement in Higher Education with Caroline Cooke
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 • Duration 43:34
Fostering Belonging and Engagement in Higher Education
Host: Helen Ritmer
Guest: Caroline Cooke, Deputy Director Library Services, Royal Holloway University of London
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of Lead with Kindness, host Helen Ritmer welcomes Caroline Cooke, the Deputy Director of Library Services at Royal Holloway University of London. With a rich background in education and student engagement, Caroline shares her insights on the crucial role of belonging in higher education and its profound impact on student success and well-being.
Key Discussion Points:
* Introduction to Caroline Cooke:
* Caroline’s diverse career path, from teaching at various levels to becoming a librarian and a meditation teacher.
* Her passion for education and creating supportive learning environments.
* Importance of Belonging in Higher Education:
* Discussion on how a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need.
* The impact of belonging on student engagement, motivation, and overall success.
* Caroline’s insights on the psychological safety that comes with belonging, fostering a conducive environment for learning and growth.
* Practical Strategies for Enhancing Belonging:
* Caroline’s dissertation on belonging during COVID-19 and the development of a framework to support student belonging.
* Key strategies such as creating small, enduring groups (proximal affiliations), fostering an inclusive culture where students feel they matter, and ensuring clarity in their educational journey (cognitive mapping).
*
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Lead With Kindness S2 Ep2: Emma Skilton: Transform Your Leadership with Gut Health and Kindness
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 • Duration 39:03
In this insightful episode of Lead with Kindness, Helen Rimmer sits down with Emma Skilton, an expert in gut health and the creator of the She's Got Guts program. Emma shares her holistic approach to gut health, emphasizing its profound impact on overall well-being and effective leadership. Discover practical tips on adopting a gut-friendly lifestyle, the importance of self-care, and how fostering kindness towards oneself can enhance leadership qualities.
Key Takeaways:
* Holistic Gut Health: Emma explains the connection between gut health and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of a balanced gut for mental and physical health.
* Self-Care and Leadership: Learn how prioritizing self-care can improve your leadership abilities, reduce burnout, and set a positive example for your team.
* Practical Tips: Emma shares simple habits to support gut health, such as staying hydrated, avoiding sugary snacks, and incorporating various colourful, plant-based foods into your diet.
* Kindness in Leadership: Discover how leading with kindness towards yourself and others can create a more positive and productive work environment.
* Sustainable Practices: Emma discusses the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable health practices for increased energy, mental clarity, and resilience.
Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with fellow leaders, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more people committed to positive change.
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Lead with Kindness - Season 2, Episode 1: Lorene Kennard, Leading Libraries with Empathy and Vision
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • Duration 39:08
Lead with Kindness - Season 2, Episode 1: Lorene Kennard, Leading Libraries with Empathy and Vision
Overview: In this episode of Lead with Kindness, Helen Rimmer sits down with Lorene Kennard, a distinguished leader in the library sector and the host of The Librarian Linkover. Lorene shares her extensive experience across public, academic, and corporate libraries, discussing how kindness and empathy have been foundational in her leadership journey.
Key Topics:
* Career Journey and Motivation:
* Lorene's diverse roles in various library settings, including public, academic, and corporate libraries.
* The influence of a chance connection with a Disney corporate librarian on Lorene's career path.
* Her transition from public to corporate libraries and the entrepreneurial leap to start her own research business.
* Leadership and Empathy:
* The evolution of Lorene's leadership style towards inclusivity and empathy.
* Managing a diverse team in a unionized environment at Rockford Public Library.
* The importance of supporting staff with resources and networking opportunities.
* Adapting to New Teams:
* Strategies for integrating into existing teams and building trust.
* Overcoming the challenges of middle management.
* The significance of over-communicating and meeting team members where they are.
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* Practical tips on overcoming these challenges and fostering a supportive work environment.
* Communication and Influence:
* Balancing empathy and effective communication in leadership roles.
* Strategies for influencing teams while maintaining compassion.
* Final Advice for Leaders:
* Nicky's top advice for leaders striving to lead with kindness and compassion in today’s challenging work environments.
Key Takeaways:
* Compassionate leadership boosts staff retention, loyalty, and productivity.
* Building trust through compassionate interactions enhances team dynamics.
* Understanding and supporting team members as human beings, not just employees, is crucial for effective leadership.
* Balancing support and performance expectations creates a healthier, more productive workplace.
Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Lead with Kindness, share it with fellow leaders, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and inspire more people committed to positive change.
In the podcast we mention that there is a lot of research about compassion and mindfulness. These are some easily accessible resources to explore this further -
Kristin Neff is a leading expert in self-compassion, renowned for her extensive research that has transformed our understanding of mindfulness and compassion's impact on well-being. Her work, accessible through self-compassion.org, provides essential tools for fostering resilience and emotional health. https://self-compassion.org/
Micklitz, K., Wong, G., & Howick, J. (2021). Mindfulness-based programmes to reduce stress and enhance well-being at work: a realist review. BMJ Open, 11(3), e043525. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043525 This realist review of workplace mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) across 75 studies reveals that MBPs can significantly aid participants, including healthcare professionals, in skillfully managing stress and enhancing well-being. The success of MBPs hinges on mechanisms such as awareness/self-regulation, acceptance/compassion, self-care permission, personal growth, and goal attainment. Key to their effectiveness is a supportive workplace environment that fosters safety in engaging with self-care and sharing emotional challenges among peers, as well as aligning program activities with existing goals. Without a conducive environment, issues like fear of non-productivity or exposure could lead to strategic use of mindfulness exercises, non-adherence, or dropout, underscoring the need for a supportive context to maximize MBPs' benefits.
Closing Thoughts:A huge thank you to Sally Singleton for sharing her wisdom and experiences with us. This episode not only sheds light on the importance of mindfulness in personal and professional growth but also reinforces our mission to lead with kindness. Remember, the journey towards a more mindful and compassionate workplace begins with each of us taking that first step.
Next Episode Preview:Stay tuned for Episode 3 of "Lead with Kindness," where we'll explore Trauma Informed Leadership with Fiona Bicket, offering more insights and practical tips for transforming the workplace.
Don’t forget to connect with The Kind Brave Leader via www.thekindbraveleader.co.uk
Join us on "Lead with Kindness" as we explore the transformative impact of compassionate leadership and how you, too, can be a beacon of kindness in your professional and personal life.
This meditation is an invitation to slow down and savour the joy of the season.
The audio and video guides you through a journey of self-compassion, extending kindness to loved ones, acquaintances, and even those with whom we have challenging relationships. It culminates in a beautiful moment of wishing peace and happiness to all beings around the world.
How to Make the Most of This Gift
* Find a Quiet Space: Dedicate a quiet corner for your meditation where you won’t be disturbed.
* Set a Regular Time: Whether it’s morning or evening, a regular schedule helps in cultivating a habit.
* Involve Your Family or Friends: Share this gift with them and meditate together.
* Reflect and Journal: After meditation, spend a few minutes writing down your thoughts and feelings.
Let's Spread Kindness and Wellbeing
As a kindness and wellbeing coach, my goal is to transform the world of work into a place where wellbeing and kindness are the norm. But it starts with us, in our hearts and homes.
I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts on this meditation. Feel free to reply to this email or share your reflections in the comments section of the video.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and loving kindness.
Take Care and Stay Kind,
Helen
P.S. If you find this meditation helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might appreciate a moment of peace during this busy season.
* Subscribe to Lead with Kindness for more inspiring episodes.
* Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments or leave us a review.
* Join our community of leaders committed to fostering kindness and well-being in the workplace.
Closing Remarks:
Thank you for joining us in this insightful conversation about the importance of belonging and student engagement. Remember, every small step towards creating a supportive environment can make a significant difference. Until next time, keep leading with kindness and making a positive impact.
Closing: Thank you for joining us on Lead with Kindness. Remember, the transformation towards a kinder workplace starts with us. Every small step counts. Keep leading with kindness and fostering well-being in all that you do. Until next time, take care!
This episode is brought to you by Lead with Kindness, your essential podcast for disrupting the workplace with kindness and well-being.
Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with fellow leaders, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more people committed to positive change. Keep leading with kindness and fostering wellbeing in all that you do.
Next Episode: Stay tuned for more conversations with people making a difference by leading with their hearts. In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.
Contact: Follow Helen Rimmer on social media or visit our website for more insights and updates.
