Now We’re Talking

Sarah and Paul discuss the emerging trend of creating a coaching culture in an organisation and how a leader can bring a coaching approach to their conversations. In this episode we cover (1) coaching as a leader and why leaders need to go deeper into introspective work, so that they understand fully how they show up within the workplace, the impact they have on their immediate team, and sometimes...

Sarah and Mandar discuss his transformational journey from being a petroleum engineer and a 17-year career at Shell to becoming a peace activist teaching meditation and self-care practices. In the conversation we cover (1) Mandar's work integrating meditation and breathing techniques into the corporate world, under the banner of 'innovation', starting with the creation of the "Aware" employee netw...

In this episode, Sarah and Catherine Stothart discuss (1) how understanding a framework of four interaction styles helps you communicate with people whose personality or approach is very different to you own (whether at work or in your personal life); (2) how you can flex your style enabling you to build rapport, collaborate effectively and communicate even when the stakes go up; (3) some real-lif...

In this episode, Sarah and Klaudia discuss (1) what happiness is; (2) how we can grow our happiness through cultivating 'happiness habits'; (3) how to manage destructive self-talk and stop ruminating before a difficult conversation; and (4) how to develop a toolkit so that your happiness doesn't depend on any person, place or thing exterior to you.   About Klaudia Mitura Klaudia is the author of t...

In this episode, Sarah discusses with Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, authors of Wise Power and Wild Power, (1) why cyclical awareness is an under-utilised resource that builds resilience in leaders, (2) how to pick your moment for a courageous conversation (3) how leader is able to be responsive by setting boundaries and standing their ground and (4) how to start a fresh chapter by stay...

In this episode, Sarah discusses with Anne Power, author of Contented Couples and a couples therapist  (1) why couples who learn how to navigate conflict strengthen their relationship, (2) how healthy couples repair after a rupture (3) what a difference it makes when a couple has a learning-together orientation and (4) how a long-term contented relationship is achievable for most of us if we’re wi...

In this episode, Sarah discusses with Dr Sarah Hill (1) why understanding our ‘childhood story’ unlocks stuck behaviour patterns in leaders (2) what a childhood story is (3) how we can start to notice in a high stakes situation that our childhood story has become activated, and (4) what we can do to create a new narrative so that we expand our behavioural repertoire and instead of a dialogue derai...

In this episode following Sarah’s book launch at RADA in London, Sarah discusses with Jan Rakowicz (1) why she wrote her latest book Now We’re Talking (2) what makes conversations so difficult (3) why it’s important to cut through ‘avoidance syndrome’ and (4) the four secrets that enable a manager or leader to discuss what really matters. The four secrets are that help tackle the conversations peo...

In this episode, Sarah and Claus discuss (1) what inner criticism is (2) how we can detect inner criticism starting to operate inside us and (3) how we can manage this mechanism so that it no longer shuts down our dialogue but strengthens us to talk about what matters most. About Claus Dr. Claus Springborg is a thought leader in the field of leadership development and organizational change. Claus...

Sarah and Pete Burden discuss (1) leading mindfully and the difference this makes; (2) cutting through power dynamics so that what needs to be discussed gets talked about; and (3) how to develop practices in teams and in your own leadership that foster reflection and a deeper level of noticing. We also reflect on what the growing movement of 'conscious business' means and share our hopeful aspirat...

Reinhard Stelter (Professor of Sport & Coaching Psychology at University of Copenhagen in Denmark) and I discuss how dialogue is the art of opening up a reflective space, how listening is the most essential skill that a leader can bring to a conversation and how being attentive to yourself makes dialogue transformative for all. "In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change."  About Profe...

Sarah and Megan explore how leaders create spaces for conversations that matter by (1) deepening their listening so that team members speak up and real issues are discussed; (2) being aware of power dynamics and their impact on a conversation; (3) paying attention to the incoming tide of employee activism and the use of generative AI in organisations. About Megan Reitz Megan is Founder of Reitz Co...