The Stephen and Oliver Show

Being around calm people can physically and mentally lower your own anxiety levels. Inspired by a transformative round of golf, Stephen and Oliver explore with you today, how the temperament of the people around us can directly impact your stress levels and ability to perform.  They discuss the value of 'calm entities' in personal and professional life and how a mental reset can break th...

Today we explore the transformative power of patience. Hear how rushing into solutions or accepting the wrong job offers out of fear can hinder long-term success, and why the best results often come to those who 'stay in the game' just a little longer. Hear why moving straight to a solution without patience often leads to solving the wrong issue. Stephen shares a powerful story about per...

We explore the profound impact of 'giving back' through lecturing, mentoring, and sharing life experiences with younger generations. Hear how passing on hard-earned knowledge not only inspires the next generation but also provides a powerful sense of reflection and renewed energy for you, the mentor. Stephen shares his recent experience lecturing at a university, explaining why he choose...

Today we tackle a question sent in by a listener, "Do you actually have to be happy at work?" While the ideal answer is 'yes,' the reality for many professionals is far more nuanced:  We discuss the difference between 'being happy' and 'being happier,' and how personal circumstances, like financial planning and retirement goals, can sometimes shift your pers...

Who have you lost touch with? Today we explore the concept of "forgotten help" — people in your network you've lost touch with who could offer valuable support and fresh perspectives.  Stephen explains how reconnecting with these individuals can remind you of past strengths and help you overcome current challenges.  Oliver shares examples of former clients returning after years apar...

Are you having a bad time? And are you sharing it with anyone? Today we discuss the importance of staying connected during difficult times. Oliver shares how withdrawing during a tough period caused him to miss supporting a friend who had also lost their mother.  Stephen opens up about his diagnosis and how isolating himself worsened his struggles, until opening up revealed others facing similar c...

Are you an Ambivert? Today, we’re diving into why you should never "judge a book by its cover." We explore how easy it is to unfairly size someone up based on surface-level impressions and how personality labels—like being an introvert or extrovert—can actually lead to misjudgment. We also introduce the idea of the ambivert and share how balancing these traits can change your perspective...

In this episode of The Stephen and Oliver Show , we discuss the challenges of maintaining healthy routines, the value of regular health checks, and how you can think about making conscious, lasting changes to support your overall health. You'll hear Oliver sharing his recent struggle with recurring flu and reflecting on his health habits, including diet, supplements, and exercise.  Stephen sh...

Today, we discuss the power of intentional networking and genuine conversations for long-term personal and professional growth. Hear why focusing on building deep relationships with 10–20 key people over the next year, rather than simply making superficial connections at large events, can help you towards your goals and what you are looking for in life and business. We share some practical tips—su...

If your New Year’s resolutions are already starting to feel like a burden, Stephen and Oliver have a better idea:  Stop making them. In this episode of the Stephen and Oliver Show , we discuss why any month is the right month to ditch failing New Year’s resolutions and instead perform a deliberate "audit" of the previous year.  By reflecting on 2025, in this conversation, we aim to help...

We're back! Today, we explore the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s growth, mindset, and actions and how real change starts with individual ownership. We touch upon the importance of setting short-term goals, making incremental progress, and avoiding blame—whether at work or in life.  We remind you of the value of authenticity and the challenge of common excuses. Think ab...

Have you ever expected something from somebody else? Have other people expected things of you? Looking back, how did that go for you and them?  Has anyone ever not met your expectations?  Have you ever failed to live up to somebody else's expectations? How did this feel? Stephen really enjoyed setting Oliver up for this one. “Expectations are toxic,” says Oliver. In fact, he believes, expecta...

Have you made your boundaries clear to those around you?  Are people knowingly or unknowingly overstepping those boundaries? What can you do about it? Have you ever considered that people might be overstepping? In this episode, we get stuck into this whole topic so see what you think for yourself. Let us know what you think. https://www.hillcoachingcompany.co.uk/the-sos-show

There’s a lot of talk about values. Company values. Family values. Your own personal values.  However, how many of us could tell someone else what those values were and without hesitation? It’s something that really gets Stephen very frustrated and Oliver is quite happy to get him going.  Let us know what you think. https://www.hillcoachingcompany.co.uk/the-sos-show

Today, Stephen and Oliver discuss the benefits of being flexible and moving from "a safe position". Often, in life and work, we are stationary; we stand still and do not work towards the things we want. We find ourselves distracted by our smartphones and less focused on the important things in life. What's stopping you from doing the things you want to do now? What brings you enjoym...

Today, Stephen and Oliver discuss overcoming procrastination and the fear of failure by encouraging you to "just jump" into action rather than overthinking the outcomes. This doesn't mean being irresponsible! As you'll hear, they stress the importance of preparation, realistic risk assessment, and adaptability, using sports analogies to highlight growth through practice. Confid...

Today, Steven and Oliver explore the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s growth, mindset, and actions. The duo discusses setting short-term goals, making incremental progress, consistent actions over time, and avoiding blame—whether at work or in life.  Oliver highlights the value of authenticity, challenging common excuses like job security, and encourages listeners to reflect...

Today, Stephen and Oliver discuss the importance of understanding and playing to individual strengths, inspired by Stephen’s daughter joining a football team. Together, they explore how leaders and managers can create supportive environments in sports and business, using tools like CliftonStrengths, to identify talents.  The conversation highlights the need for more engaging and respectful intervi...

In this episode of "The Stephen and Oliver Show," Oliver and Stephen discuss the concept of focusing on your current "task," drawing inspiration from Adlerian psychology and the book, The Courage to Be Disliked .  Oliver shares how this theory suggests the importance of being present, taking responsibility, and not letting past experiences or future worries distract from immedi...

This week, Stephen and Oliver explore the true value of networking and authentic, quality relationships over sheer numbers.  They discuss the challenges of asking for help, cultural differences in vulnerability, and the importance of finding networking spaces that align with your values. Stephen shares a story about designing a controversial football shirt for Norwich City Football Club, illustrat...

Today, Stephen and Oliver discuss modern communication methods, ranging from face-to-face meetings to digital options such as voice notes, texts, and video calls. Oliver shares insights from a LinkedIn poll, revealing a strong preference for in-person and written communication over voice notes. Stephen highlights the importance of non-verbal cues and quality over quantity in relationships.  We exp...

Today, Oliver and Stephen explore the power of mindset, focusing on how negative self-talk and “don’ts” can sabotage performance.  Oliver shares a story involving golf, where pressure led to mistakes, highlighting the mental challenges athletes face.  Together, they discuss the importance of positive visualization, recognizing mindset triggers, and learning from setbacks.  Stephen and Oliver offer...

Today, Stephen and Oliver critically examine the world of “hustle” and “side hustle” culture.  In the first episode of Season Three, Stephen and Oliver question whether relentless busyness truly leads to fulfillment or simply burnout, urging you to prioritise purpose, health, and relationships over constant work. Drawing on their own personal experiences and cultural references, they challenge the...

Today, Stephen and Oliver share their perspectives on therapy, mentoring, and coaching.  Oliver shares his skepticism about traditional therapy’s focus on the past, inspired by Adlerian psychology, and emphasises the value of moving forward. Stephen highlights the complementary roles of therapy for healing and mentoring for personal growth.  Both hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own e...

This week's episode is aimed at helping you recognise that you’re not competing with anybody but yourself.  Comparing yourself to others can be draining and often leads to distraction away from what you need to be doing.  Focusing on ‘you’ is how you move forward. Not from judging and comparing yourself harshly against others.  Let us know what you think. https://www.hillcoachingcompany.co.uk...