Dot to Dot Life Connected™

Fiona and Robert explore the importance of intellectual curiosity, self-understanding, and the trade-offs between traditional careers and entrepreneurial pursuits. They delve into the concept of hospitality, its impact on life satisfaction, and discuss practical advice for increasing happiness and emotional resilience. Robert introduces his research on hospitality, examining its role in well-being and social trust across cultures. The conversation also covers the complex relationship between happiness and economic context, offering practical advice for increasing life satisfaction and emotional agility. Finally, they highlight the importance of connection and belonging for well-being and the need to teach social and emotional skills in schools and workplaces.Dr Biswas-Diener is a leading authority on strengths, culture, courage, hospitality and happiness. His extensive research, has taken him to places like Greenland, India, and Kenya and resulted in over over 60 peer-reviewed academic articles and seven books, including The Upside of Your Dark Side. His expertise in cross-cultural psychology and well-being policy, have led to him contributing regularly to the Global Council for Happiness and Wellbeing. His work has also made a lasting impact on the coaching profession. When he’s not researching, he enjoys rock climbing and drawing, and lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife.For more from Fiona go to:www.fionamurden.comFor more from Dr. Biswas Diener go to: www.robertdiener.com     For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

In 1942, Viktor Frankl faced unimaginable adversity as he was sent to Auschwitz. Amid the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, Frankl observed a remarkable truth: those who found meaning and purpose, even in the darkest moments, displayed an unshakable resilience.These profound insights became the foundation of his groundbreaking work,Man’s Search for Meaning.Building on Frankl’s work and modern psychological research, this episode of Life Connected™ unpacks the third pillar of resilience: Significance. Significance, purpose, and meaning are integral to resilience because they provide the "why" behind our actions, helping us navigate life’s toughest moments with clarity and determination. They ground us in our values and passions, offering a sense of direction when everything feels overwhelming. These elements do more than just help us endure—they empower us to grow, adapt, and find ways to contribute to something greater than ourselves. Viktor Frankl’s experiences remind us that even in the most harrowing circumstances, a connection to meaning can transform suffering into strength and purpose, offering an anchor of hope when we need it most.Explore the power of the 3Ss—Self-Awareness, Social Connection, and Significance—to build your resilience muscle and create a life of deeper meaning and fulfillment.To learn more about the Life Connected framework, read blogs and find upcoming courses go to:www.fionamurden.com Mentioned in the podcastFiona's first book Defining YouRuss Harris' podcast discussion on Dot to Dot first episode Russ Harris' podcast discussion on Dot to Dot second episode The Values Exercise which can be found on Fiona’s website as a free resource. The Connection Tips which can be found hereThe Strengths Exercises can be found here     For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Fiona shares her 3S framework with the key elements to building emotional resilience —Self-Awareness, Social Connection, and Significance (the "3 S's"). Each episode will unpack one of these elements, providing you with practical strategies to enhance your emotional toolkit. This first episode is focussed on Social Connection.  Throughout this podcast, you’ll discover science-backed methods to build your resilience, including giving to, receiving from and growing social connection.  Tune in as we explore what it means to live a Life Connected—because you deserve to feel happier, more fulfilled, and truly in touch with what matters most to you.To learn more about the Life Connected framework, read blogs and find upcoming courses go to:www.fionamurden.com  Mentioned in the podcastFiona's first book Defining You   For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Fiona shares her 3S framework with the key elements to building emotional resilience —Self-Awareness, Social Support, and Significance (the "3 S's"). Each episode will unpack one of these elements, providing you with practical strategies to enhance your emotional toolkit. This first episode is focussed on Self-Awareness. Throughout this podcast, you’ll discover science-backed methods to build your resilience, including self-monitoring techniques, stress relievers and mindset strategies. We’ll also discuss how creating a sense of “home” within yourself can serve as a foundation for exploring your emotional landscape.Tune in as we explore what it means to live a Life Connected—because you deserve to feel happier, more fulfilled, and truly in touch with what matters most to you.To learn more about the Life Connected framework, read blogs and find upcoming courses go to:www.fionamurden.com  Mentioned in the podcastFiona's first book Defining YouTasha Eurich's podcast episode on Dot to DotKelly McGonigal's Ted talk about StressIt was Daniel Siegel who used the term Human Family    For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Calarco shares insights from her research, highlighting how the pandemic intensified the already heavy burdens placed on women revealing how they often became the primary caregivers when formal systems fell short. She discusses the impact of structural barriers within the USA, like underfunded social support systems, and how societal norms and expectations further pressure women into these roles, leading to feelings of guilt and exhaustion.The conversation also explores the deep-rooted issues of gender roles and economic inequality, emphasizing the need for a reimagined approach to support networks. Jessica reflects on how these challenges connect to a broader history of individualism and inadequate social policies that have left women disproportionately carrying the load, especially within the United States.Listeners are invited to reconsider the narratives around caregiving and to think critically about the collective responsibility needed to build a fairer, more supportive society. This episode serves as both a revealing look into modern motherhood and a call for systemic change.For Jessica Calarco's site click hereFor more from Fiona click hereTo connect with Fiona on social media go to:InstagramLinkedin   For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

In this episode, we dive into the concept of authenticity versus emotional labor, exploring the powerful difference between "being" and "seeming." Drawing from psychology and real-world examples, we discuss the hidden costs of faking emotions, both on our mental and physical well-being. We explore how leaders and everyday interactions are impacted by emotional labor and why choosing to be authentic can lead to stronger connections, better leadership, and a healthier, more fulfilling life. Tune in to learn how embracing your true self can transform the way you work, connect, and thrive.For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com

Fiona and Jude discuss the power of verbalizing problems, the initial awkwardness of applying coaching techniques, and the value of experimentation and feedback. Jude outlines the two main steps of her model for coaching - the coaching two-step: asking someone to tell you more and reflecting back what you hear. Jude emphasizes that coaching is a natural skill we can all benefit from, much like cooking, and shares strategies for giving effective feedback and handling difficult emotions with empathy. To sign up to 'The Dot' newsletter for fortnightly insights into how to live life feeling more connected to yourself and others go to:www.fionamurden.com  Biography Jude SclaterJude Sclater is a coach, author, and trainer. Her book, “Think Like a Coach: How to empower your team through everyday conversations,” introduces the innovative Coaching Two-Step model that simplifies coaching down to its core principles, enabling you to swiftly adopt a coaching management style.Over 20 years her career she has worked for companies such as Deloitte. Pearson and Penguin Books. She draws on this vast experience to coach and train managers from consulting, legal, and financial service industries, guiding them from individual contributors to great team managers. Find out more at www.thinkwithjude.com   For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

For Fiona's blog which explores how values can help reduce the 'Fear of Failure' when setting goals go toGoals Are Great Until Life Takes a DetourTo sign up to 'The Dot' newsletter which comes out every 2 weeks go to:FionaMurden.com To connect with the 'Life Connected' community on Instagram go to:The Connected Psychologist  For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Leila Rezaiguia, a passionate advocate for equipping coaches with the skills to effectively serve both individuals and teams. With her extensive experience in corporate roles spanning learning, development, and talent management across various industries, Leila emphasizes the transformative impact of one-on-one and systemic team coaching in fostering trust, collaboration, and a shared purpose within organizations.Leila also voices her concern about the lack of understanding and awareness around coaching in her region, highlighting the risks posed by unqualified individuals labeling themselves as coaches. She champions ethical coaching practices that empower clients and honor their resourcefulness, steering away from overly directive or prescriptive methods. Additionally, she distinguishes between mentor coaching, which develops specific coaching competencies, and coaching supervision, which deepens the coach's self-awareness and their influence on the client relationship.With her international background, particularly in the Middle East, Leila addresses the often-taboo subject of menopause in many cultures, especially in some where the stigma can be more pronounced, and how coaching can provide crucial support for women navigating these challenges. For more from Leila go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-rezaiguia/For Fiona news from The Dot newsletter go to https://www.fionamurden.comOr Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionamurden/ Bio for Leila Rezaiguia (MCIPD, PCC, ORSC, NLP, STC)Leila is a highly sought-after multi-lingual Executive, Systemic Team Coach, ICF Mentor Coach & CSA accredited Coach Supervisor with over 24 years, in public and private sectors, working with leading organisations, and individuals to enhance productivity, maximise performance, and accelerating growth across 5 continents. She is renowned for her high energy, enthusiasm, passion, fun-loving nature, and love for building connections, empowering, and working with people from diverse cultures. She is passionate about 1:1 & Systemic Team Coaching, Coach Training, Coaching Supervision, and Women in Leadership. Leila integrates cutting-edge learning techniques to deliver the most effective evidence-based solutions to her clients and strives to help her clients from graduate to C-suite levels reach higher performance personally and professionally.Leila is passionate about Coaching, Mentoring, Women in Leadership, and Leadership Development and has created successful performance, coaching, and mentoring cultures across different industries.She is based between Dubai and Turkey and leads both Kompass The Coaching Company & the Academy of Executive CoachingUAE.    For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges I'm hoping this may help. Join us on this episode as we dive into practical strategies and psychological insights to help you regain control and find calm amidst the chaos. Whether you're facing personal or professional hurdles, discover how to navigate them with resilience and grace.For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com

Tori's journey reflects her commitment to resilience and compassion, shaped by her experiences at Smith College and Harvard Divinity School, where she learned about the importance of empathy across cultures and religions. Her work with marginalized populations, including running a shelter for homeless women, led her to pursue a law degree to advocate for change. But perhaps more notable are her personal challenges, including growing up with a brother who has developmental disabilities. It's these which have fueled her passion for social justice and healing. A pivotal influence in her life was Muhammad Ali, whose compassion inspired Tori to overcome her own struggles. He encouraged her to finish what she started, leading to her successful second attempt at rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. But there were other lesser known figures from a boy at school who stood up for her brother to a teacher who taught her persistence who've also played a huge role in the values she holds closely even today. Join us as we explore Tori's incredible story, her insights on compassion, and her mission to inspire others to rise above their challenges. This is a conversation filled with wisdom and inspiration that you won't want to miss.  For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Discussion Points:Psychological Vitamins: Dr. Keyes and Fiona discussing the importance of "psychological vitamins"—activities such as helping others, continuous learning, and forming meaningful connections and how these activities are crucial in fostering a healthy and fulfilling life.Small Changes Big Impact: They discuss the fact that very small changes in lifestyle, if focussed on the ‘right’ things can create a significant difference in mental health. Impact of Childhood Trauma: The lasting impact of childhood trauma on mental health is explored, with Dr. Keyes sharing firsthand experiences from his own life. This personal insight highlights the long-term effects of trauma and the importance of addressing it early.Mental Health in Healthcare Workers: Dr. Keyes emphasizes the critical role of mental health in supporting healthcare workers. Ensuring their mental well-being is not only vital for their own health but also for maintaining high-quality patient care.Preventive Mental Health Care: A significant portion of the discussion focuses on shifting society's approach from solely treating mental illness to preventing it. Dr. Keyes' research indicates that individuals who are flourishing are less likely to develop PTSD, depression, or anxiety, especially during stressful events like the pandemic. In contrast, those who are languishing are more vulnerable.Critique of Medication-Only Approaches: Dr. Keyes critiques the current approach of relying heavily on medication to treat mental health issues. While some individuals benefit from medications, many treatments are primarily placebic and expensive. He advocates for a preventive approach that promotes overall mental well-being to reduce the likelihood of relapse.Promoting Flourishing: By fostering flourishing, individuals are more likely to maintain long-term recovery from mental health issues. Dr. Keyes underscores the importance of promoting positive mental health alongside treating symptoms of depression and anxiety.Historical Perspective: Reflecting on his career, Dr. Keyes notes that despite recognizing depression as a major public health challenge in 1996, societal approaches to mental health have not significantly changed. He stresses the need for a proactive mental health care system to improve outcomes and reduce the overall burden of mental illness.Role of Education and Societal Change: Fiona and Dr. Keyes discuss the importance of education and societal shifts in promoting mental well-being. In the UK, some doctors now prescribe social activities to improve mental health, but broader educational efforts and societal changes are needed for long-term impact.Analogy with Athletes: Dr. Keyes draws an analogy with athletes who prepare their bodies and minds to withstand challenges. He suggests that individuals should adopt similar preventive measures in their daily lives to ensure long-term health and resilience.Future Vision: Dr. Keyes envisions a healthcare system that monitors individuals' mental health proactively, much like a pit stop team in a car race. Such a system would detect early signs of declining mental health and provide timely interventions to prevent crises. For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

The discussion delves deep into the paradoxical nature of perfectionism, exploring how it often leads to hiding our struggles and hopes out of fear of disappointment or perceived failure. Jordana reveals how keeping challenges secret, particularly in sensitive situations like IVF, can actually deprive us of crucial support rather than protect us from disappointment. Throughout the episode, Fiona and Jordana explore the importance of selective vulnerability, the power of social support, and the journey of overcoming perfectionist tendencies. They disxuss how society feeds us with certain beliefs that we pursue They touch on various aspects of personal growth, including empathy, creativity, and the process of changing ingrained behaviors to align more with personal well-being than societal expectations.This episode offers valuable insights for anyone grappling with perfectionism or facing personal challenges they're hesitant to share, emphasizing the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of allowing ourselves to be supported. Key Takeaways:Perfectionism often leads to hiding struggles, which can prevent receiving necessary supportSelective sharing with trusted allies can provide crucial emotional supportSocial support is vital both in pursuing goals and facing adversityOvercoming perfectionism involves embracing vulnerability and allowing support from othersChanging ingrained perfectionist behaviors is possible and beneficial for personal growth Why not subscribe to The Dot newsletter form Fiona and the team “The simplest, most impactful newsletter for personal growth and meaningful connections.”Click here to go to the sign up page Every fortnight, a new edition includes:One Key Insight based on science One Simple Exercise to put the insight into practice and live a ‘life connected’ One Point to Ponder over the next two weeks.  By deepening your understanding of yourself and your relationships you’ll begin to find more joy and success. Connecting the dots on your life one step at a time.To find Jordana Confino and the resources she offers click here  For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

At 16, Corey Keyes seemed to be thriving after a brutal childhood. He excelled in school, played quarterback on the football team, and lived with his loving grandmother in Wisconsin, USA. However, as he writes in his book, Languishing: How To Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down, he felt a "restless emptiness" whenever he slowed down. Determined to understand this feeling, he became a sociologist. Corey explains that languishing is a normal reaction to life's challenges but can become debilitating if not addressed. He describes it as “the absence of wellbeing…the absence of the really good things that make life meaningful and worth living.” He goes on to explain that “We all languish in a slightly different way. You may feel you don’t have purpose in life. You don’t belong. You’re not contributing. You don’t have warm relationships. You’re not growing as a person.”Dr. Keyes identifies 11 qualities essential for well-being, including social and psychological aspects. The discussion delves into how mental illness impacts functioning and the importance of preparing for adversity. Corey highlights the significance of mental health preparation, emphasizing the need for social support.Corey and Fiona discuss importance of social support in healthcare, encouraging professionals to acknowledge and appreciate their colleagues. They also discuss trust in high-performing teams, offering strategies like daily check-ins to build trust and openness. The conversation addresses languishing and ghosting in the workplace, stressing the need for consistent communication and connection.    For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Jordana is full of energy, a joy to listen to and as one might expect of a Yale Law School grad she really "Knows her stuff".  She's also brutally honest explaining her own struggles through a seemingly ideal life of high achievement and how much of her perfectionism stems from a mother who herself "was a ruthless perfectionist, and she tried to perfect me." Jordana and Fiona also discuss the critical role of trust and vulnerability in effective mentoring and more importantly in simply being human - highlighting how these qualities are often overlooked, especially by professions where they are most needed. They debunk the idea that success requires sacrificing well-being, revealing instead that well-being fuels success. Jordana explains that positive psychology involves acknowledging negative emotions to fully experience positive ones, helping to explain the key differences between positive psychology and toxic positivity. She also explains that acknowledging negative emotions is crucial to fully experience positive ones. They also discuss the impact of positive emotions and how they enhance cognitive function, creativity, and resilience. Jordana is a certified positive psychology coach and the founder of JC Coaching & Consulting. She helps lawyers, doctors, and other high achievers transform their lives for the better.To connect with Jordana go to:Website:jordanaconfino.com     For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Gelmi and Fiona begin the conversation with an exploration of personality development for leaders and leveraging psychometrics as a tool to uncover innate qualities and potential. Gelmi uses the analogy of nurturing plants to illustrate how individuals can flourish given the right conditions. He also emphasizes the importance of mentoring, self-reflection, and creating safe environments where people feel valued and heard, in order to drive high-performance teams. The discussion examines the significance of perspective, empathy, and emotional intelligence in leadership and workplace culture. Gelmi stresses the need for consistent modelling of desired behaviours by leaders to effect change across workplace cultures. He encourages embracing human emotions rather than shying away from them, highlighting the role of authenticity, self-awareness, and effective communication in fostering trust and openness. Throughout the episode, Gelmi provides practical advice and thought-provoking insights, offering listeners a roadmap for personal and professional development in today's dynamic world. Gelmi’s website is a great resource for anyone wanting to explore this topic further. You can find it at: https://gelmi.coach/en/ And to find Thomas on Linkedin go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasgelmi/  For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

During the podcast Alex shares her inspiring journey and the inception of the foundation. Coming from a family with a deep love of sports, Alex's early exposure to hockey instilled in her a profound love for the game. She embarked on her own sporting journey with a fervent desire to represent England in hockey. Supported by her family, coaches, and teachers, Alex pursued her dream with unwavering determination. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she faced rejection at the under-16 England trials. This setback deeply affected Alex, leading to a struggle with her mental health as she grappled with the loss of her identity as a hockey player. Reflecting on her experience, Alex realized the need for young athletes to have a holistic relationship with sports, one that goes beyond performance on the field. She recognized that while sports play a significant role in shaping individuals, they are just one aspect of a person's identity. Fueled by a desire to support young people facing similar challenges to herself, Alex founded The Mindtridge Foundation. The foundation aims to help young individuals develop positive relationships with sports by harnessing the power of positive role models, including Olympians and Paralympians and providing young people with the guidance needed to navigate the world of sports while maintaining a strong sense of self-worth and identity. Her vision is to ensure that no young person experiences the isolation and struggle she faced, but instead finds fulfillment and empowerment through sports in any capacity. So far the charity has helped 88,000 young people. Concluding the episode, Alex and Fiona share their shared vision for empowering youth and overcoming obstacles through preparation, determination, and a commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments within the sports industry. Fiona is lucky enough to be one of the Mintridge Squad – part of the team supporting the amazing work that Alex and the charity are doing for young people. To learn more about Mintridge or to donate to this worthwhile charity please go to:https://www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk  For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Zoiey is a trailblazing inclusion activist who has made significant contributions to the world of sports. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has worked her way up from being an athlete to becoming a highly respected inclusion consultant. In 2017, Grazia magazine recognized her as one of the top Black British influential figures in the UK.Zoeiy's journey is one of unwavering determination and resilience. She shares insightful anecdotes and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of embracing one's identity and advocating for inclusivity in sports and beyond.Throughout the episode, Zoeiy also reflects on the challenges she's faced, from childhood encounters with racism to navigating gender biases in the sports industry. Her candid insights shed light on the importance of creating inclusive spaces and challenging societal norms. Zoeiy's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity, her impact on the industry is undeniable.  For more from Zoeiy you can find her at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiey-smale/To find out more about Oka and how we can help to improve DEI within your work place go to:https://www.oka.life For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

Through her work with bloss.m, Lola is breaking barriers for underrepresented groups in the workplace and addressing systemic obstacles to success. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and self-awareness in achieving long-term goals.Join us as we explore Lola's impactful journey, her commitment to empowering women and girls, and the transformative power of mentorship and self-reflection. Lola radiates warmth and inspiration, illuminating every room she enters or, in this case, every airwave she graces. With her fearless approach to life's journey, she charts paths less traveled, guiding others along the way and encouraging others to discover their true potential. We can all learn from Lola's insights and be inspired to make a difference in our own life and the lives of others.For more from Lola go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaolaore/   For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com 

For more from us go to:https://oka.life or https://fionamurden.com For more from Dr Russ Harris go to:https://www.actmindfully.com.au Or find him on YouTube at @dr.russharris-acceptanceco972    For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com