Ever-So-Lean Podcast
The Ever-So-Lean Podcast is the destination for exploring how Leadership and Continuous Improvement foster High Performance. Come and join us as we share the real-life experiences of global industry leaders and front-line workers, diving deep into their journeys of triumph and adversity. Each episode offers genuine insights, practical wisdom, and valuable takeaways to support your path to excellence. Whether you’re striving for personal excellence or leading a team toward new heights, the Ever-So-Lean Podcast offers the fuel you need to transform your vision into reality. Discover us on all major podcast platforms or visit www.eversolean.com and take the first step toward becoming the leader you were meant to be.
Episodes

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
This is Ever-So-Lean Extra, where we serve up an extra dose of excellence!
In Season 1, we're immersing ourselves in the prestigious UK Excellence Awards, an event that epitomises innovation, quality and sheer excellence on a national scale. Imagine a platform where industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries converge to celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in business.
We're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into each award category. From the judges who meticulously study every submission to the sponsors who lend their support, from the finalists who embody excellence to the winners who stand triumphant—we'll hear from them all!
In this special episode, we delve into the UK Excellence Awards' category of Excellence in Environmental Sustainability. This category aims to reward those committed to the future of our world by considering natural resources, as well as social and economic reserves. If you’ve made changes to your people, processes, systems, or products to create a culture of sustainability by involving and engaging everyone, this is the award for you!
I am thrilled to introduce Bryony Roberts from Pragmatic Consultancy, one of the judges for the Environmental and Sustainability category. Pragmatic Consultancy, also the sponsor of this award in 2023, will continue their sponsorship in 2025, which is fantastic news! Bryony will take us behind the scenes to reveal what the judging panel looks for in excellence in sustainability.
Additionally, we'll hear from Tim Sismey and Paul Roach from National Express, finalists in 2023, who will share their inspiring journey. Last but not least, we'll meet our 2023 winners, Vanesa Kelly from HVS. Vanesa will give us an inside look at their winning entry and share insights on what makes a successful submission.
Introduced in 2023 as 'Excellence in Environmental Sustainability', this award has now evolved to 'Excellence in Sustainability' for 2025, broadening its scope to recognize even more outstanding efforts.
To learn more about the UK Excellence Awards and the benefits of being a BQF member, visit www.bqf.org.uk. And don't forget to tune in to more episodes of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, available on all major platforms or at www.eversolean.com.

Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
This is Ever-So-Lean Extra, where we serve up an extra dose of excellence!
In Season 1, we're immersing ourselves in the prestigious UK Excellence Awards, an event that epitomises innovation, quality and sheer excellence on a national scale. Imagine a platform where industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries converge to celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in business.
We're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into each award category. From the judges who meticulously study every submission to the sponsors who lend their support, from the finalists who embody excellence to the winners who stand triumphant—we'll hear from them all!
In this special episode, we delve into the UK Excellence Awards' category of Excellence in Innovation. We'll hear from visionary organizations that challenge norms and pioneer ground-breaking solutions.
Smiths, the esteemed sponsors of this category, will discuss with us the true essence of innovation, as we're joined by Sarah-Jane Bacchus and Tony Tielen, Director of the Smith Excellence System, who was also on the judging panel at the 2023 awards, to tell us all about heir story.
We'll also feature Martin Snewin from Currys, the 2023 award recipients, who will discuss their journey, the significance of the accolade, and how innovation drives their excellence.
To learn more about the UK Excellence Awards and the benefits of being a BQF member, visit www.bqf.org.uk. And don't forget to tune in to more episodes of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, available on all major platforms or at www.eversolean.com.

Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Join us in this inspiring episode of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast as we welcome Carl Appleton, Co-Founder of Shape Associates and a true advocate for technology-driven efficiency. Carl's remarkable journey from the Royal Navy to the Hampshire Fire Service and eventually to the Ports of Jersey as a Process Improvement Manager is a testament to the power of adaptability and seizing new opportunities.
In this episode, Carl shares his invaluable insights on embracing continuous improvement, leveraging Microsoft 365 for maximum efficiency, and overcoming cultural and organisational challenges. Discover how questioning processes and applying common sense can lead to successful process improvements and hear real-world examples of leaders empowering their teams to challenge the status quo.
We'll take a light touch on the generational differences in technology adoption and how demonstrating the benefits of digital solutions can bridge the gap between younger and older employees. Carl's firefighting background brings a unique perspective on prioritisation and maintaining focus, ensuring that every improvement effort is both effective and timely.
Fostering a collaborative and supportive culture is key to successful process improvement, and Carl emphasises the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where innovation can thrive. Learn how continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and staying curious are vital for personal and professional growth in the realm of continuous improvement.
One of the highlights of this episode is Carl's emphasis on engagement and buy-in from leadership. Hear how senior leaders at the Port of Dover set the tone for continuous improvement events and the powerful message it sends to their teams.
Finally, Carl's dedication to simplifying complex concepts makes continuous improvement accessible to everyone. By using plain language and relatable examples, he ensures that participants can grasp and apply what they learn effectively, making sustained change a reality.
Don't miss this enlightening and inspiring conversation with Carl Appleton. Tune in to gain practical advice, actionable insights, and the motivation to embrace continuous improvement in your own career and organisation.
Key Takeaways from Conversation with Carl Appleton
Adaptability in Career Transitions:
Carl's transition from the Navy to the Fire Service and eventually to the Ports of Jersey demonstrates the importance of adaptability and seizing new opportunities for continuous growth. Carl's journey started with a Yellow Belt training course and rapidly progressed to a process improvement manager role, highlighting the value that embracing continuous improvement methodologies can have for career advancement.
Questioning Processes and Applying Common Sense:
Success in process improvement often stems from a natural inclination to question existing processes and apply common sense to find better solutions. Question everything and keep it simple are key message I picked up from Carl.
Overcoming Cultural and Organizational Challenges:
Addressing resistance within hierarchical structures requires fostering a culture of trust, reducing unnecessary checks, and empowering employees to embrace change. Carl gave some great examples where leaders have empowered their teams to embrace continuous improvement, giving them the key the city, the power to challenge every process in the search for waste. This empowerment is a great motivator, and really is a key necessity if you want to get the most out of continuous improvement methods.
Leveraging Microsoft 365 for Efficiency:
Utilising tools like Microsoft Lists, Power BI, and Power Apps can streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and enhance overall productivity, maximising the ROI of existing software. But before you invest in these platforms and systems, look at what you have already, are you maximising its potential? Is there any juice left to squeeze?
Adapting to Generational Differences:
Understanding and addressing generational differences in technology adoption was another area that we touched on. Carl explained that he does find a clear divide in a willingness to adopt digital methods between generational types. Demonstrating the benefits and ease of digital solutions can help bridge the gap between younger and older employees. One size doesn’t fit all, something to consider when preparing you communication approach to change.
Prioritization and Perspective:
Drawing from his firefighting background, Carl emphasises the importance of prioritising tasks and maintaining perspective. Not every decision is critical, and a pragmatic approach leads to effective improvements.
Fostering Collaboration and Supportive Culture:
A supportive culture where team members assist each other fosters a more productive and positive work environment. Encouraging collaboration over finger-pointing is key to successful process improvement. It’s all about creating a positive, psychologically safe environment, where innovation thrives and scientific thinking is used to try things, with no blame if it doesn’t work out. It’s all about learning.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation:
Embracing change, seeking mentorship, and staying curious are vital for personal and professional growth in continuous improvement. Having frontline operational experience is invaluable for process improvement managers or change leaders, providing essential credibility, empathy, and understanding.
Engagement and Buy-In from Leadership:
Strong engagement and visible support from senior leadership is so important for the success of process improvement initiatives. Carl’s example for how the Senior Leadership at the Port of Dover open and close the continuous improvement events is just brilliant. The message this sends to the team just cannot be underestimated.
Simplifying Complex Concepts:
Making methodologies understandable is crucial. Using plain language and relatable examples ensures that participants can grasp and apply what they learn effectively. It’s all about knowing your audience, adapting your delivery methods, and making it meaningful. If you don’t tick these boxes, sustaining any change will be a challenge.
🔗 Links to Carl's resources:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-appleton-5b6161113/
Shape Associates - https://www.shapeassociates.com/
To find out more about the certifications available with Catalyst Consulting Ltd, visit www.catalystconsulting.co.uk
Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x
Find out more about the Ever-So-Lean Podcast at www.eversolean.com
Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters!

Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
This is Ever-So-Lean Extra, where we serve up an extra dose of excellence!
In Season 1, we're immersing ourselves in the prestigious UK Excellence Awards, an event that epitomises innovation, quality and sheer excellence on a national scale. Imagine a platform where industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries converge to celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in business.
We're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into each award category. From the judges who meticulously study every submission to the sponsors who lend their support, from the finalists who embody excellence to the winners who stand triumphant—we'll hear from them all!
Customer experience is crucial for building loyalty and driving the success of any business or service. But what does it take to achieve true excellence in customer experience? In this episode, we dive into the Excellence in Customer Experience award category at the UK Excellence Awards, celebrating organisations that prioritise their customers at every touchpoint.
Join us as we hear from the 2023 winners, reigning champions Octopus Energy, and finalists Arthur Ellis. Gain exclusive insights from Mike Vernon of Arval, a judging panel member, to uncover what the judges look for in a winning entry. Plus, don’t miss our conversation with Laura McLaren, Head of Continuous Improvement at Tesco, a brand synonymous with customer-first thinking and proud sponsor of this award category. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of customer excellence!
To learn more about the UK Excellence Awards and the benefits of being a BQF member, visit www.bqf.org.uk. And don't forget to tune in to more episodes of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, available on all major platforms or at www.eversolean.com.

Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
This is Ever-So-Lean Extra, where we serve up an extra dose of excellence!
In Season 1, we're immersing ourselves in the prestigious UK Excellence Awards, an event that epitomises innovation, quality and sheer excellence on a national scale. Imagine a platform where industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries converge to celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in business.
We're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into each award category. From the judges who meticulously study every submission to the sponsors who lend their support, from the finalists who embody excellence to the winners who stand triumphant—we'll hear from them all!
In this episode, we dive into the heart of "Excellence in Continuous Improvement Culture" with insights from two of the judging panel, Carla Thomas and Martin Brenig-Jones. They reveal the tough decision to award two outstanding winners, CooperVision and Smiths, each embodying excellence in CI Culture in their own unique approaches. Hear from these inspiring organisations and their journey to success, alongside insights from award sponsor, PMI, into what it is that attracts them to sponsor this prestigious accolade.
To learn more about the UK Excellence Awards and the benefits of being a BQF member, visit www.bqf.org.uk. And don't forget to tune in to more episodes of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, available on all major platforms or at www.eversolean.com.

Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Step into the realm of leadership mastery as we meet Katie Anderson, an international recognised author, leadership consultant, coach and professional speaker. Join us as we delve deep into purpose-driven leadership, continuous improvement, and it's importance in organisational culture. We uncover transformative insights from Katie's bestselling book, "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn," hailed with international acclaim, including the prestigious Shingo Publication Award!
In this episode, Katie shares her profound experiences living across seven countries and collaborating closely with Toyota leader Mr Yoshino, offering a global perspective that enriches our understanding of leadership excellence. From aligning actions with inner purpose to embracing failure as a catalyst for growth, Katie unveils her secrets to fostering cultures of learning that accelerate individual and organisational impact.
Explore the evolution of purpose-driven leadership and discover the pivotal role of reflection and continuous learning in personal and professional development. Gain insights into creating psychological safety and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, essential for driving innovation in today's dynamic landscape.
This is an enlightening conversation not to be missed, as Katie takes us on a journey inside her remarkable career, offering precious insights into purpose-driven leadership, continuous improvement, and the transformative power of reflection and growth.
Key Takeaways:
Intention and Purpose-Driven Leadership: Katie emphasised the importance of aligning actions with inner purpose and values. Her approach to leadership involves helping individuals and organisations identify their purpose and develop habits that align with it.
Learning and Continuous Improvement: Katie's journey, particularly her collaboration with Mr. Yoshino in Japan, highlights the value of continuous learning and improvement. Learning from others and reflecting on personal experiences are key drivers of growth.
Serendipity and Seizing Opportunities: The conversation underscored the role of serendipity in life's journey, such as Katie's opportunity to collaborate with Mr. Yoshino. Recognising and seizing opportunities can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
Purpose Evolution: Katie likened the evolution of purpose to the interweaving of threads on a loom, where core elements remain constant while new aspects are discovered over time. This evolution shapes leadership and personal development journeys.
We discussed the evolution of leadership, from learning to lead to leading to learn. Katie's transition reflects a shift towards helping others learn and grow, highlighting the value that comes from mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
Reflection and Learning: Reflection emerged as a crucial aspect of learning and leadership development. Katie shared how reflection led to transformative shifts in her leadership style, emphasising the importance of deep introspection.
Habitual Behaviours: Seeking feedback, even when hard to hear is so important in our own development. Katie told a great story of how she obtained feedback and challenged herself in terms of interrupting habitual behaviours, such as filling silence. Strategies like counting to ten serve as reminders to pause, allowing space for reflection and dialogue.
Cultural Influence: Katie highlighted the Japanese concept of hansai (reflection) and its impact on leadership practices. The contrast between Eastern and Western approaches underscores the importance of cultural awareness in leadership.
Embracing Failure: Katie shared stories from her book that Mr Yoshino told from his time at Toyota, highlighting the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Toyota's response reflects a culture of psychological safety, where failures are viewed as opportunities for improvement.
Creating Psychological Safety: Toyota's approach to failure demonstrates the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable admitting mistakes and contributing ideas without fear of retribution.
Continuous Improvement: The conversation underscored the value of continuous improvement in fostering innovation and problem-solving. Leaders play a crucial role in creating and sustaining a culture that encourages learning and growth.
🔗 Links to Katie's resources:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/
KbjAnderson.com - https://kbjanderson.com/
Learning to LEAD, Leading to LEARN - https://amzn.to/3SCwQbd
To find out more about the certifications available with Catalyst Consulting Ltd, visit www.catalystconsulting.co.uk
Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x
Find out more about the Ever-So-Lean Podcast at www.eversolean.com
Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters!

Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
This is Ever-So-Lean Extra, where we serve up an extra dose of excellence!
In Season 1, we're immersing ourselves in the prestigious UK Excellence Awards, an event that epitomises innovation, quality and sheer excellence on a national scale. Imagine a platform where industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries converge to celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in business.
We're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into each award category. From the judges who meticulously study every submission to the sponsors who lend their support, from the finalists who embody excellence to the winners who stand triumphant—we'll hear from them all!
The UK Excellence Awards celebrate organisations achieving significant operational transformations, benefiting customers and employees alike. Entries, ranging from cultural shifts to process improvements, compete for the prestigious Transformation Excellence Award. In this episode, we hear from 2023 laureates Jade Wilcox of Wilcox Limousines (winners) and Laura McLaren of Tesco (finalists), both sharing their transformation journeys. Additionally, we discuss the symbiotic relationship between the award and Strathclyde Business School, with Katie Ballantyne providing insights as both a school representative and a judge in this category.
To learn more about the UK Excellence Awards and the benefits of being a BQF member, visit www.bqf.org.uk. And don't forget to tune in to more episodes of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, available on all major platforms or at www.eversolean.com.

Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
This is Ever-So-Lean Extra, where we serve up an extra dose of excellence!
In Season 1, we're immersing ourselves in the prestigious UK Excellence Awards, an event that epitomises innovation, quality and sheer excellence on a national scale. Imagine a platform where industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries converge to celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in business.
We're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into each award category. From the judges who meticulously study every submission to the sponsors who lend their support, from the finalists who embody excellence to the winners who stand triumphant—we'll hear from them all!
In this episode, Matt sits down with forvis mazars Partner, Alan Frost, to explore the profound connection between forvis mazars and the UK Excellence Awards. Uncover the driving forces behind forvis mazars' steadfast commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in business. Gain invaluable insights into the synergies between forvis mazars' values and the ethos of the UK Excellence Awards, and discover the transformative impact of this partnership on the business landscape.
To learn more about the UK Excellence Awards and the benefits of being a BQF member, visit www.bqf.org.uk. And don't forget to tune in to more episodes of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, available on all major platforms or at www.eversolean.com.

Sunday Mar 24, 2024
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
Tune that dial for an inspiration fuelled journey through the epic saga of Fix Radio, a modern-day David battling the industry Goliaths in the realm of UK radio. Led by visionary Founder Louis Timpany and industry veteran, Director Paul Chantler. Fix Radio's rise from humble beginnings to national acclaim is a gripping tale of passion, perseverance and the power of innovation.
Join Paul and Matt as they peel back the layers of this captivating narrative, uncovering the secrets behind Fix Radio's meteoric ascent and the daring manoeuvres that propelled it to the forefront of the radio industry. What were the challenges? Where did the idea of a UK trades focused radio station come from? And what about the presenters, are they really builders?
Prepare to be swept away by tales of triumph, resilience and the unwavering pursuit of excellence as we explore the remarkable journey of Fix Radio, a true underdog story for the ages.
Key Takeaways:
Station founder and visionary Louis Timpany’s recognition of a niche market opportunity for a radio station targeting builders highlights the importance of market research and identifying underserved or untapped niche markets. It was an opportunity that he spotted through everyday life. This identification inspired think big behaviours that led to realisation. Being brave and taking the opportunity to put his vision in front of Paul at the first opportunity was a calculated risk, but offering a big reward.
Paul's extensive network and connections within the radio industry played a crucial role in facilitating the launch of FIX Radio. Leveraging existing relationships can open doors, provide valuable insights, and accelerate the process of building partnerships and securing funding. This really does demonstrate the importance of investing time and effort in networking, building relationship and earning trust.
Launching a new venture, especially in a competitive industry like radio, requires persistence and resilience. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Paul and Louis remained committed to their vision and persevered through the obstacles they encountered. Having that drive for excellence is a trait that can be seen in all successful people. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.
Paul emphasised the importance of authenticity in connecting with the target audience or customers. By recognising the need to resonate with builders, they demonstrated agility by shifting towards hiring authentic voices from the construction industry, contributing to the station's success. This underscores the significance of adapting strategies based on feedback and market dynamics.
While Paul initially had a more modest vision for FIX Radio, Louis had a grander vision for the station's potential. Having ambitious goals and a clear vision can drive innovation, expansion, and long-term growth. The meeting of these two minds and complimentary skillsets are what really brought this vision to life. This showcases perfectly the value of diversity, perspective and a common desire for success.
Paul and Louis recognised the authenticity and expertise of raw talents like builders Brad and Sam, despite their lack of radio and industry experience. They saw their strengths, capitalising on their humour and knowledge of the building trade. Then, they provided them with production support and training to bridge the gaps required to make them more radio-friendly. This exemplifies effective leadership—recognising potential, nurturing talent and empowering individuals to grow and excel in their roles. Just brilliant!
Funding a new venture can be a real headache! Getting sponsorships and advertisers onboard requires effort, persistence, relationship-building and salesmanship. Paul acknowledges the role of Louis, and sales team in securing sponsorships by building relationships with advertisers over time. Building trust and mutual partnerships. The team built a trusted brand that appealed to advertisers. They offered a targeted advertising solution, demonstrating the value of reaching a specific audience without wastage.
🔗 Links to Paul's resources:
FIX Radio - https://www.fixradio.co.uk/
Essential Media Law - https://amzn.to/3Ty1O4h
Sadly, Paul passed away on 31.03.2024, just weeks after appearing on the show. following a short battle with illness. I will forever be grateful to Paul for giving me his time, his kind words, his wisdom, and the inspiring stories that he shared with us. He was a true legend and was loved by many in the radio industry. Thank you, Paul, you will be missed!
To find out more about the certifications available with Catalyst Consulting Ltd, visit www.catalystconsulting.co.uk
Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x
Find out more about the Ever-So-Lean Podcast at www.eversolean.com
Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters!

Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Welcome to a transformative episode of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of sleep, stress management, and peak performance with the remarkable Alexandra Gibson.
Join us on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as Alexandra shares her insights into optimising performance and well-being through the power of quality sleep and stress management. From her acclaimed clinics in London's Harley Street to virtual boardrooms, Alexandra's mission is clear: to optimise performance and wellbeing by unlocking the power of quality sleep and stress management.
Just how important is a good nights rest? Why does it matter? How many hours of sleep should we get? Get answers to these questions and more, as we explore the profound impact of sleep on our cognitive abilities, physical health, problem solving and overall well-being. Discover practical strategies for enhancing sleep quality, navigating change, and embracing a mindset of growth and positivity.
Get ready to "awaken" your sleepy self and embark on the road to optimal performance and well-being with Alexandra Gibson.
Key Takeaways:
Alexandra emphasized the importance of routine and comfort in achieving better sleep and performance. Establishing familiar routines and creating a cosy sleep environment, whether at home or traveling, can significantly improve sleep quality.
We explored the negative impact of screens, particularly the blue light emitted by devices like phones and laptops, on sleep quality. Alexandra highlighted the importance of avoiding screens before bedtime to regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Furthermore, the discussion debunked the misconception that sacrificing sleep for productivity is beneficial. Alexandra stressed the importance of getting adequate sleep (typically between 7 to 9 hours per night) for optimal performance and overall well-being.
Insights into change management were provided, highlighting the need to understand individual mindsets and routines. Alexandra spoke about the importance of respecting people's preferences to facilitate smoother transitions and acceptance of change. – It goes back to the heart of continuous improvement and respect for people.
Positive framing emerged as a powerful tool for encouraging behavioural change, with Alexandra emphasizing the benefits of focusing on healthier habits rather than dwelling on the negatives.
The conversation underscored the interconnectedness of sleep, routine, mindset, and performance, providing valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to optimize well-being and productivity.
Shifting gears to decision-making, Alexandra shared that lack of sleep can impair our abilities. Sleeping on a problem often leads to better solutions and decisions, highlighting the importance of quality sleep in problem-solving.
REM sleep was highlighted as crucial for problem-solving and learning. Examples such as Dmitri Mendeleev's discovery of the periodic table during a dream illustrate the significance of REM sleep.
Experience and intuition were also discussed as vital components of decision-making. Alexandra emphasized the role of trusting instincts while considering logical reasoning, particularly for seasoned professionals.
We also explored the benefits of trance and hypnotherapy in reducing stress and improving sleep, as Alexandra highlighted their effectiveness in accessing the subconscious mind.
Addressing 'Sunday Scaries' and managing anxiety involves techniques such as questioning beliefs, visualization, and reframing thoughts, as Alexandra outlined. These practices can promote better sleep and overall well-being.
In summary, Alexandra's insights on managing our 'stress bucket,' and balancing rational and emotional decision-making are crucial for success.
Remember, prioritizing sleep, maintaining healthy routines, and managing stress effectively are foundational for well-being and peak performance.
🔗 Links to Alexandra's resources:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragibson/
Sandbox Hypnotherapy - https://www.sandboxhypnotherapy.co.uk/
To find out more about the certifications available with Catalyst Consulting Ltd, visit www.catalystconsulting.co.uk
Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x
Find out more about the Ever-So-Lean Podcast at www.eversolean.com
Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters!