You Are Not A Frog

Doctors and healthcare professionals are so busy that they would rather do other things than spend hours working on their appraisals. However, appraisals are a vital part of your medical career. This process allows you to reflect on your past experiences and figure out how to move forward.  Dr Susi Caesar joins us to talk about how you can elevate and enjoy your professional life with annual...

Dr Ed Pooley joins us in this episode to discuss what we should do when we see inappropriate behaviour like badmouthing. He shares how we can manage difficult conversations with the intent of helping others. We also discuss the importance of recognising triggers through the SCARF model. Resources Get in touch and book a slot with us for live program courses of the Shapes Toolkit. Bookings are open...

Everyone’s experienced self-doubt at some point. However, downplaying our accomplishments and skills might lead to negative self-talk. That's not to say questioning yourself is completely bad — sometimes it can spur you to improve! Resources Sign up for the Resilient Team Academy to join a supportive and thriving community of leaders. Listen to Episode 67: Bringing Your Best Self to Work with Dr S...

Do you find yourself stuck in a pattern of aggressive conversations in certain situations? Do you ever wonder why those conversations trigger you? It can be hard to understand what's happening when we're feeling in what he calls a ‘red state’. Identifying the feeling is the first step in mindfulness practice; we need to recognise our red emotional states to move away from them. Graham Lee joins us...

Dr Karen Forshaw and Chrissie Mowbray join us to discuss how our core beliefs shape the way we respond to situations. When taken too far, empathy and helping people can be a big cause of stress. In addition, we also talk about we can learn to reframe and reassess their core beliefs.  If you want to know how to help people without absorbing their emotions, stay tuned to this episode. Here are...

When was the last time you had fun at work?  Dr Kathryn Owler joins us in this episode to discuss the importance of having a fun mindset at work. She shares her fascinating research on the characteristics and traits of people who enjoy their current jobs. We dissect the common themes these people have in finding success in their careers. If you want to start adopting the mindset people who ha...

Dr Ed Pooley and Dr Hussain Gandhi join us to discuss critical management skills they wish they had learned at med school. We also talked about how you can develop these practices now. Resources Eisenhower Matrix and Ike App Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt Dr Ed Pooley’s Ten Minute Medicine website , Facebook and FB Group Dr Hussain Gandhi’s Linkedin eGPlearning's website , Facebook and Youtube THR...

We all have our own take on what success looks like. Throughout our careers, we’ve conditioned ourselves to work extra hard to get to where we want to be, but many professionals who have reached high levels of success seem to be unhappy. Is this really what success looks like?  There is no one definition for success. We’re all different — from our talents and skills down to the priorities we...

In this episode of YANAF, we’re talking about worry and anxiety, particularly rational worry and anxiety. You know the phrases, don’t worry, it’ll probably never happen, or ‘It’s not like anyone’s going to die!’ – well what do we do when bad things may well happen, or people’s lives and livelihoods are genuinely at risk? How do we stop ourselves from becoming overwhelmed with anxiety then? To expl...

In this episode, Dr Giles P. Croft joins us to discuss how stress starts with our thoughts and emotions. He talks about how the mind works and its tendency to create narratives and predictions that stress us out. We also delve into the importance of allowing ourselves to calm down and letting go of the things we can’t control. Episode Highlights [05:20] Past YANAF Episodes with Giles [06:46] Where...

Holidays and celebrations often come with their own set of obstacles and difficulties. Our idea of a perfect holiday never happens because our own assumptions and unrealistic expectations get in the way and lead to an environment filled with conflict. In this special Christmas episode, Corrina Gordon-Barnes shows us the groundwork for setting a peaceful and successful holiday season while navigati...

We’ve got a lot to handle in the medical field — irate patients, pressure to succeed, and who knows what else? But sometimes, the problem is the system itself. We can’t allow ourselves to grow comfortable in a toxic environment. Look around and see where you can create a change for the better. In this episode, Dr Abdullah Albeyatti talks about improving your life and career by making changes and t...

Drs Claire Edwin, Sally Ross, and Taj Hassan join us to discuss how we can manage and deal with our failures more effectively. We explore the idea that rather than doing something wrong, failure is an opportunity to really grow and learn both as individuals, as leaders and as organisations. In any situation, it’s important to remember that we’re all human. It’s okay to be honest with ourselves and...

Sheela Hobden joins us to discuss how we can harness the power of checklists to create a routine! When people fail to reach their goals, they often just stop trying or feel a lot of shame. Be realistic and learn to encourage yourself by taking on a range of targets instead of one. Sheela also recommends creating identity-based goals to ensure that you keep building your new identity even after com...

Dr Nik Kendrew unravels why we experience overwhelming guilt when bad things happen to us. He also shares some tips, techniques, and resources to cope with difficult times and circumstances. Apart from this, Nik talks about the significance of scheduling our entire day to do important things. Finally, he discusses why setting boundaries is necessary to maintain our sense of self. If you want to le...

Dr Sarah Coope joins me to talk about the workload of medical professionals and the benefits of setting boundaries while dealing with criticisms amidst the global pandemic. We discuss the three elements of the Drama Triangle and ways to navigate or avoid them reliably. As we dive deeper into their conversation, we emphasise the art of saying 'No' through acknowledging our limits.  If you want...

Dr Naren Senthil Nathan joins us to talk about what makes it hard for people to talk about their feelings. He shares that the first step is acknowledging your problems and knowing that there is nothing wrong with seeking help. If you know people who are struggling, remember that they need to feel comfortable with talking about their struggles first.  Episode Highlights [04:52] The State of Me...

Dr Joanna Bircher talks about essential leadership skills and the impact of our personalities, motivations, and strengths on our teams. She explains why you need to act like a leader even if you think you are not one, and gives brilliant advice on becoming more self-aware.  Episode Highlights [05:54] You Are a Leader, Even if You Don’t Think You Are  Even if you're a trainee in a company...

In this episode, we hear from the expert in conflict management and mediation, Jane Gunn. She discusses important tips to keep in mind in order to host great meetings. Jane also shares some practical conflict management tips and how to make decisions that you and your team agree on.  Episode Highlights [04:14] Why You Avoid Conflict You may be afraid of your emotions or unconfident to navigat...

Annie Hanekom joins us to share the three important conversations you need to have — with yourself and with others — to help you get unstuck. We discuss the importance of having meaningful conversations and the weight it carries on your mindset and wellbeing. Episode Highlights [03:23] The Importance of Meaningful Conversations The conversation is the relationship and thus carries a lot of weight....

Dr Richard Pile and Rachel do a deep dive into what it means to have a meaningful, purpose-driven life. We also explore the concept of ikigai and how you can use this to determine your purpose, so that you can enjoy your work more and ultimately unlock your potential to live life to its fullest. Episode Highlights [05:51] Is Purpose a Given for Doctors? Everyone, including doctors, can benefit fro...

Anna Dearmon Kornick teaches us strategies for managing time and determining when to delegate. She also explains why time management is heart management. When you get clear on your vision, goals, and values, you can do more of what matters to you.  Episode Highlights [08:48] How to Have More Control in Your Day Mentally walking through your day allows you to anticipate problems in advance and...

In this episode, Dr Caraline Wright and Dr Lizzie Sweeting discuss the second victim phenomenon. They explain why patient safety incidents are occupational hazards and how they can affect healthcare providers. Finally, they share tips on how to avoid second victimhood and how to provide support. Episode Highlights [04:31] What is a Second Victim? A second victim is a healthcare provider who become...

In this episode, Dr Pauline Morris shares common pitfalls that create unsustainable work habits. She also explains why staying in your comfort zone can be detrimental to your performance.  Finally, we learn about self-care. Episode Highlights [02:55] Top Career Concerns From Doctors Many doctors think that they aren't in a work environment conducive to growth. Others are starting to rethink t...

This week, Dr Edward Pooley teaches us how to respond when colleagues make inappropriate comments about others. He gives us concrete steps to prepare ourselves to speak up when the situation requires.  Episode Highlights [05:05] Finding Yourself in an Uncomfortable Conversation These conversations usually fall under three categories.  The first two are more permissible, while the third i...