How to Thrive

"Take the stress out of sleep, and you start to sleep better."This week on the How to Thrive podcast, Claire and Helen are joined by James Wilson, better known as The Sleep Geek, for a myth-busting, no-nonsense conversation about one of the most fundamental pillars of performance and wellbeing: sleep.James is a sleep expert, keynote speaker and founder of Sleep Unity, whose clients range from Premier League football clubs, to the NHS, the Department of Transport and household names like Mr Kipling and Red Bull. He's also a self-confessed poor sleeper!At a time when sleep has become yet another thing to optimise, obsess over and feel guilty about, James is on a mission to take the pressure off. He talks about the difference between sleep strugglers and sleep optimisers, why trying harder is often the worst thing you can do, and why the explosion of wearable trackers and sleep influencers may actually be making us sleep worse.Find out more about James on his website: thesleepgeek.co.ukWith thanks to our sponsors for this episode:JHB & Partners: https://jhbandpartners.com/Many of the in-house lawyers who listen will recognise Josh Blake as an expert in legal resourcing. Last year he established JHB & Partners and continues to support in-house legal teams to build, scale and optimise their legal functions.With their extensive experience in resourcing and strategic insight, Josh and his team at JHB & Partners provide a real sense of calm and reassurance, which is exactly what you need whether you're hiring or looking for a role. You can find out lots more about Josh and his team at www.jhbandpartners.com. Get in touch and don't forget to mention the podcast when you do.Summize: https://www.summize.com/Summize is an AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform, designed to break the cycle of forgotten obligations, scattered intake, and contract chaos.Meeting teams where they already work, embedding seamlessly into tools like Outlook, Teams, Slack, Salesforce, and HubSpot, Summize makes adoption simple. With self-serve contracting to reduce workload, seamless integrations to create structure, and powerful AI that supports and enhances legal expertise, Summize helps legal teams operate with confidence and clarity, freeing up that all-important capacity so that we humans can focus on the areas where we add unique value. Get in touch with them at www.summize.com - and mention the How to Thrive podcast.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of .Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is wellbeing expert, bestselling author, keynote speaker and “doctor in happiness” - Andy Cope.Andy really does have a PhD in happiness and after spending just an hour with him, our days already felt brighter.That ripple effect is a big part of what Andy talks about, how just a few people with positive energy, giving just a few minutes of their time, can make a huge difference at work and at home.We also discuss mindfulness, the Japanese phrase "ichi-go ichi-e" (for this time only), and noticing the positives.It was also Andy who introduced us to the concept of the seven-second hug. If you’ve listened to the podcast before, you’ll almost certainly have heard us mention it!More about Andy:The Art of Brilliance https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/The Art of Being Brilliant https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/product/the-art-of-being-brilliant-book-new-edition/Spy Dog (children’s book) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spy-Dog-Andrew-Cope/dp/0141318848 With thanks to our sponsors for this episode:JHB & Partners: https://jhbandpartners.com/Many of the in-house lawyers who listen will recognise Josh Blake as an expert in legal resourcing. Last year he established JHB & Partners and continues to support in-house legal teams to build, scale and optimise their legal functions.With their extensive experience in resourcing and strategic insight, Josh and his team at JHB & Partners provide a real sense of calm and reassurance, which is exactly what you need whether you're hiring or looking for a role. You can find out lots more about Josh and his team at www.jhbandpartners.com. Get in touch and don't forget to mention the podcast when you do.Summize: https://www.summize.com/Summize is an AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform, designed to break the cycle of forgotten obligations, scattered intake, and contract chaos.Meeting teams where they already work, embedding seamlessly into tools like Outlook, Teams, Slack, Salesforce, and HubSpot, Summize makes adoption simple. With self-serve contracting to reduce workload, seamless integrations to create structure, and powerful AI that supports and enhances legal expertise, Summize helps legal teams operate with confidence and clarity, freeing up that all-important capacity so that we humans can focus on the areas where we add unique value. Get in touch with them at www.summize.com - and mention the How to Thrive podcast.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of .Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I hear what you say" - it's the biggest lie in the organisational world, according to this week's guest Kay Scorah, who prefers to be introduced as either "a ranty old witch" or "an inappropriate elder."Kay is a communications expert, coach, and consultant who has had what she describes as "a very eventful 70 years" - from growing up with a suffragette grandmother, to finding herself in a kayak next to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist in Maine.She joins Claire and Helen to share some truly fascinating concepts, including "excellent sheep” versus "freaky goats" (it’s all about how our experiences shape the way we think), and her work on learning from disease - where she asks organisations to consider what they can learn from how viruses adapt and survive.Kay also talks about the importance of reverse mentoring, her "Turning the Tables" conference, and the power of listening and noticing.Find out more about Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayscorah/With thanks to our sponsors for this episode:Springbird IP: https://www.springbirdip.com/Springbird is a modern intellectual property firm supporting ambitious, fast growing businesses with trademark and design protection that's transparent, commercially focused and free from unnecessary complexity. Working on a fixed fee and subscription basis, they ensure clients always know where they stand, no clock watching and no hidden surprises.They act as an extension of your team, giving businesses the confidence and clarity to focus on creativity and innovation, giving them more time to work on the areas where they can add the greatest value. You can find out more about their work at www.springbirdip.comHow to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of .Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to season three of the How to Thrive podcast!After a break, we’re back - and we’re not wasting any time tackling the question that's probably on everyone's mind in January: how are you really feeling about the new year?We discuss the pressure we put on ourselves in January, why nature's new year doesn't really start until spring, and how we’re reframing this month as a "warm-up phase" rather than an all-guns-blazing fresh start.In this episode, we discuss human factors, why wellbeing is a wonderful ‘side-effect’ of having systems that work for people, and why reflection time should be mandatory across all professions.It’s great to be back!With thanks to our sponsors for this episode:JHB & Partners: https://jhbandpartners.com/Many of the in-house lawyers who listen will recognise Josh Blake as an expert in legal resourcing. Last year he established JHB & Partners and continues to support in-house legal teams to build, scale and optimise their legal functions.With their extensive experience in resourcing and strategic insight, Josh and his team at JHB & Partners provide a real sense of calm and reassurance, which is exactly what you need whether you're hiring or looking for a role. You can find out lots more about Josh and his team at www.jhbandpartners.com. Get in touch and don't forget to mention the podcast when you do.Summize: https://www.summize.com/Summize is an AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform, designed to break the cycle of forgotten obligations, scattered intake, and contract chaos.Meeting teams where they already work, embedding seamlessly into tools like Outlook, Teams, Slack, Salesforce, and HubSpot, Summize makes adoption simple. With self-serve contracting to reduce workload, seamless integrations to create structure, and powerful AI that supports and enhances legal expertise, Summize helps legal teams operate with confidence and clarity, freeing up that all-important capacity so that we humans can focus on the areas where we add unique value. Get in touch with them at www.summize.com - and mention the How to Thrive podcast.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of .Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Alexander Bell to the How to Thrive podcast this week (no, not Alexander Graham Bell).Alexander is a keynote speaker whose expertise sit at the intersection of technology and productivity - specifically, how our relationship with technology impacts our performance, our wellbeing, and the people we care about most. Having built and sold a Google spin-out agency, he reached a turning point when his then-seven-year-old son Dexter asked for an iPhone for Christmas and turned the tables on him with a question he couldn't answer: "If they're really that bad, why are you and mummy on yours all the time?"That moment set Alexander on a mission to help professionals and parents build a healthier, more intentional relationship with the technology that dominates their lives.We cover peak performance, AI note-takers, and Alexander shares his three top tips for thriving.With thanks to our sponsors for this episode:Springbird IP: https://www.springbirdip.com/Springbird is a modern intellectual property firm supporting ambitious, fast growing businesses with trademark and design protection that's transparent, commercially focused and free from unnecessary complexity. Working on a fixed fee and subscription basis, they ensure clients always know where they stand, no clock watching and no hidden surprises.They act as an extension of your team, giving businesses the confidence and clarity to focus on creativity and innovation, giving them more time to work on the areas where they can add the greatest value. You can find out more about their work at www.springbirdip.comHow to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of .Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season two of the How to Thrive podcast is drawing to a close, so what better time to look back at some of the most memorable and impactful guests we've had on the podcast.In this episode, Claire and Helen reflect on some of the interviews they've done since September 2024 - pulling out the key learnings.Claire also reveals that she has made big progress on something she first mentioned she intended to do a few months back.The How to Thrive podcast is taking a short break for the summer but will be back with more amazing guests and conversations in September.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the How to Thrive podcast, Claire and Helen are joined by somatic and leadership performance coach (and trainee body psychotherapist) Shaun Brooking to explore the deep connection between our bodies, our emotions and our ability to lead well - in life and at work.Shaun shares his own experience of burnout, how growing up in a “harder, faster, stronger” culture shaped his body’s response to stress, and what it means to build real resilience by creating safety and resource within ourselves.He talks about how trauma lives in the body, why rest isn't always restful, and how to retrain our nervous systems for strength, connection and capacity - not just performance.Shaun also explains how simulation and "somatic reps" can help leaders prepare for challenging moments, why slowing down doesn't mean stepping back, and why thriving starts with listening to what your body is really trying to say.More about Shaun:Shaun Brooking CoachingBe Fully HumanWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Civility saves lives - you've heard it on the podcast before but in this episode, we meet the man behind the phrase.Chris Turner is an Emergency Medicine Consultant with the NHS and the Co-Founder of Civility Saves Live, a group of healthcare workers who share the evidence base behind why the best teams respect and value each other, and why this leads to the best outcomes for both staff and patients.He speaks to Claire and Helen about the monumental events in his life and career that led to him thinking deeply about incivility, and the impact it can have on people's performance.Chris also talks about why we need to invite people from diverse backgrounds to fill our pool of wisdom, and why saying sorry is a super power.More about Chris:Civility Saves LivesTED Talk - When rudeness in teams turns deadlyFurther reading:Chrstine PorathWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to connect in today's world?In this episode of the How To Thrive podcast, Claire and Helen explore one of the most fundamental human needs - connection - and how it shapes everything from our personal well-being to our professional success.We talk about the delicate balance between vulnerability and professionalism, why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword but a business necessity, and how to create a "brave space" for ethical leadership.We discuss overcoming networking anxiety, the art of maintaining professional boundaries while building genuine friendships with colleagues, and both offer our three top tips for fostering meaningful connections that go beyond your immediate team or community.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"One of my favourite quotes by Socrates talks about the meaning of life and it's to know oneself."We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Emma Roche to the How to Thrive podcast this week, a philosophically-informed coach and lawyer who combines 3,000-year-old wisdom with modern coaching practices.Her approach is fascinating, but you may be wondering where the connection is between ancient philosophy and thriving in today's professional world.Emma, who helps professionals discover their authentic selves beyond their job titles, explains it perfectly: "It's coaching but with a framework... grounded basically in unveiling who we are."We discuss the art of Socratic questioning, separating your role from your identity, and Emma reveals why thinking time should be as habitual as exercise.Find out more about Emma's work: https://www.emma-roche.com/Books mentioned by Emma in the episode:"Consolations of Philosophy" by Alain de Botton"Atomic Habits" by James Clear"21 Lessons for the 21st Century" by Yuval Noah Harari"Time to Think" by Nancy KlineWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be fully human in a corporate environment?Our guest this week is Dr Albert Viljoen, Co-Founder of Be Fully Human, a human development consultancy that uses neuroscience-backed strategies to help business leaders optimise and sustain their performance.He talks brilliantly about tuning into your body, why learning how to have difficult conversations is a bit like building a six pack, and the power of being quiet.Albert also shares his views on the future of humans in the world of AI, and why he has an optimistic view of that relationship, if we lean into our 'humanness'.Find out more about Albert's work at Be Fully Human: https://befullyhuman.co/With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Don't have negotiations, have conversations with purpose."We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Nigel Taberner onto the How to Thrive podcast this week to share his experiences as a hostage negotiator, being thrown into some of the most intense, high pressure situations imaginable.His stories are incredible, but you may be wondering where the connection is between that and the corporate world.Nigel, who is now an award-winning public speaker, answers that better than anyone else: "You deal with people. You want to influence people. You want to get them to change their behaviour and do things differently. And so do I."We discuss the art of listening, using your voice as a tool, and Nigel reveals his three top tips for thriving.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the How to Thrive podcast, we're focusing on listening.It's crucial to so much of what we do, but how often do we actively listen? It is a theme that has come up in the past on the podcast, so how can we be better listeners and how can that help us thrive at work and at home?Claire and Helen discuss all of this, as well serving up a healthy dose of Easter wiffle waffle ranging from buffalo to driving lessons and everything in between.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I ignored the warning signs and paid the price, I went into my head and almost never came out."That powerful statement from Dan Stanley sets the tone for this episode of the How to Thrive podcast, which aims to shine a light on men's mental wellbeing.Dan says, despite having built himself a life of material success, he came to the realisation that his success was superficial and says his experience nearly cost him his marriage, his sanity and his life. He shares his personal journey of awakening to the superficiality of traditional masculinity, discusses the historical context of masculinity, the challenges modern men face, and the importance of peer support and community. Through his experiences, Dan emphasises the need for men to engage in honest conversations, prioritise self-awareness, and redefine their understanding of masculinity. He also reveals his top tips on how to thrive.Dan is the Founder of BetterMen: https://www.better-men.uk/He has published a book called "Rethinking Masculinity" which you can get a copy of from his website: https://www.better-men.uk/rethinking-masculinity-bookWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Empathy is the number one most important skill to be able to thrive professionally and personally."We're absolutely delighted to have Ed Kirwan on the podcast this week, a former teacher turned filmmaker who is on a mission to make all of us see the tangible benefits of being more empathetic.Ed is the CEO of Empathy Studios, an education and creative studio using the power of film and storytelling to develop the skill of empathy in all. He is also the Founder of Empathy Week, an annual festival that helps develop the skill of empathy in students aged 5-18.So, why is empathy so important in life and in the workplace? How do we go about being more empathic? And how does all of this help us and the businesses we own or work in thrive?Find out more about Ed:Ed KirwanEmpathy StudiosEmpathy WeekWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark International Women's Day (March 8th) Claire and Helen sat down for a chat with Amy Martin to talk about a subject that rarely gets a mention in the workplace - menstrual cycles.As Amy puts it: “We want to move away from the narrative that women are ‘funny’ around their period, but for many of us it’s true. Yet we’re ignoring it in the workplace.”Amy is on a mission to get us all (men included) talking about how someone's menstrual cycle can affect them at different times, and how businesses are failing to get the best from their teams by ignoring the natural fluctuations people experience in mood and energy.She talks powerfully about her own struggles with burnout and the power she has gained from getting to know her own menstrual cycle.Amy is a qualified veterinary nurse, as well as a coach and mentor. You can find her at Ark Referrals, The Point of Care Foundation, and Magnolia Coaching.Amy's book recommendations mentioned in the episode:Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo WurlitzerUma Dinsmore-Tuli's Yoni ShaktiWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting out on your own can feel daunting, even if it's within a profession you're already well-established in.It can, of course be incredibly exciting and liberating, but there will be challenges too, and often it's the unknown elements that feel the most daunting.In this episode of the How to Thrive podcast, we talk to Robyn Sandilands about some of those challenges, and how you can best prepare yourself to overcome them.Robyn doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk, having founded the legal consultancy business Sandilands Legal in 2023.We discuss the strength in saying "I don't understand", why career progression absolutely does not end at 45, and why kindness is the key to good leadership.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I was born and raised in a cult. I talk about how cults are like corporates, a lot."Petra Velzeboer is this week's guest on the How to Thrive podcast and we think we can safely say she has one of the most interesting life journeys we've ever come across. Born and raised in the Children of God cult, she grew up in an unconventional setting, before falling pregnant and deciding to leave.But that wasn't the end of her story, she has battled addiction, loneliness, had to adjust to a whole new way of living, and is now a hugely successful CEO, keynote speaker, and author.So how do you thrive in a new world? Claire, Helen and Petra discuss bravery (it "feels like fear"), accepting that "no one is coming to save you", and why many corporates are just like cults.Find out more about Petra's work on her website. Her new book Digital Wellbeing is out now! Order hereWith thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Kindness is about leaving everyone and everything better'.In this episode of the How to Thrive podcast, Claire and Helen talk to Magnus Wood about the role kidness can play in the corporate world. It's not just about being nice to people, in fact, Magnus believes kindness in all its forms can help industries thrive.So, how do you define kindness? How can it transform corporate environments? And can it really help boost the bottom line?Magnus also introduces us a to a new word 'numinous' - and catches Claire and Helen slightly off-guard with one of the most left field moments we've seen on the podcast so far!Magnus is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Kindness Corporation, find out more about their work on their website.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to nutrition advice, there's so much information (and mis-information) out there that it's easy to become overwhelmed. That's where today's podcast guest comes in.James Collier is the Co-Founder of Huel and now an author, with his new book "Well Fed: How modern diets are failing us and what we can do about it".In this episode of the How to Thrive Podcast, Claire and Helen talk to James about how to separate nutrition fact from fiction, the importance of critical thinking and why eating with others is beneficial in some surprising ways.We also find out James' three top tips for thriving as we start the new year with a bang.With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready. If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai.How to Thrive events:Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.​Visit our website to find out more.Your How to Thrive hosts:Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex KizenkovPodcast Production: Anthony Zahra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.