Creative Career Solutions for Parents

If you listen to just one thing today... make it this. No, seriously... even your favourite Netflix show can wait. On today's episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast, I am speaking to Davinia Tomlinson, CEO & Founder of Rainchq, a service which helps women to take control of their financial futures. Recorded in April 2020, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Davinia Tomlinson, a marketing and business development expert with 15 years experience within the investment management and professional services industries - talks to us about the importance of money mastery for women. Her mission is to empower women to achieve their financial goals and prepare for that rainy day. It's fair to say that we're certainly in "rainy day" territory at the moment  - and hearing this information now is interesting. Acting on it now, however will be beneficial.. potentially even life changing. This episode is packed full of useful, actionable tips to help you take positive financial steps, regardless of what your situation is right now. Davinia talks about why it is especially important that women pay attention to their finances and invest, 3 top financial tips which are relevant during a pandemic and beyond, what she is worrying about and what she is celebrating and together... Davinia and Gina share some personal stories of (financial) influences in their lives... past and present. As a career coach and consultant, Gina is acutely aware that financial awareness and action can be intrinsically linked with how we imagine and execute our career development plans... so if you are thinking about finding a new job, keeping a current job and anything to do with what comes next - the informative and fun conversation here may be just what you need right now. To keep in touch with Davinia Tomlinson's work - you can connect with her via LinkedIn and / or via Rainchq on Instagram or the website. 

Over the course of just a few weeks, our lives have changed in the most profound ways due to COVID-19.  Freedom of movement which we generally take for granted is minimised and working from home is no longer something working parents are fighting for... it is something that is temporarily expected of all of us who can and are not key workers; albeit working with our children underfoot as schools are now closed. In this episode Gina Visram shares 5+ key insights into how we can navigate our temporary new morning with some positivity... even when it feels like we're in the middle of a bad summer blockbuster movie.Please note, Gina is not a healthcare professional and advice and ideas shared are targeted at those who have the mental bandwith to be able to take some purposeful, powerful steps. Naturally, that may currently exclude anyone in a particularly vulnerable state health wise, economically or otherwise - and if that applies to you, please seek the appropriate, qualified support that you need, in your locality. Beyond that, this episode is designed to make you nod with resonance, laugh in solidarity and help you exhale, with the assurance that you have some more tools to deal with the current challenges. Don't forget to comment via Limitless Coaching on Facebook (you may inspire a further episode), subscribe and leave a review on iTunes. 

After an unintentional hiatus from the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast, Gina returns with an episode talking about what's next for the podcast AND shares a nugget of wisdom which has the potential to remove any blocks you have in relation to getting on with your next exciting venture / goal. Remember, if you like what you hear, do subscribe... there's lots more to come. 

The New Year often feels pressured. Y'know... "New Year New You" and all that jazz. If you're someone who sets goals and makes resolutions and actually, especially if you are NOT... you may notice that with the dawn of a whole new decade in addition to it being a new year, there is an extra layer of expectation and pressure. In this episode, through reflection on this notion - I share 3 tips to deal with the pressure and expectation of the new year. Spoiler: A bonus suggestion is that you ride the wave of positive energy and good intentions instead of hiding from it. Listen now for more...

I'm back... and calling myself out for making excuses on a few important fronts, in the past couple of months. This episode includes a bit of a reintroduction about what the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast is all about (amid my rant!) and I am transparent about some of the excuses I have been making to myself in my own life. Excuses which need to stop! This episode is a bit of a cathartic rant and I hope it will give you some space to acknowledge where you are not playing full out but believe you should be as you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't. I also share one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard for content creators and creatives - advice from the awesome Denise Duffield-Thomas - so listen out for that and let me know if it rocks your world the way it continues to rock mine whenever I think about it.I got so carried away in this from the heart, no notes chat that I didn't get onto much of the "what you can do differently" aspect so that may follow in a part two... let's see.You see... practicing what I preach... I could have waited to re-record the whole thing but that would have been unnecessary stalling when you can get some of the goodies now and more in a future episode... coming very soon! Stay tuned, subscribe, share and let's connect again soon.

It's happened again. No sooner were we in awe that it's January... it's now already the second half of the year. What madness is this? Because half time is traditionally a great time to take stock of what's been going on and to recalibrate - this episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast provides a step by step... question by question way to establish what has been working and what hasn't been in this year so far.Grab a piece of paper / notebook and a pen (you can use notes on your phone if needed but there is a greater power in the pen for an exercise like this) and give yourself 20 minutes... just 20 minutes for yourself to review the year so far. In this time you will celebrate... re-strategise and generally acknowledge where you are and where you want to be. Importantly, you will also consider what changes need to be made and what support system needs to be in place for you to truly make it happen.Kindness not judgement is the order of the day and I hope this is a really useful exercise for you. Do let me know how you get on (via email or the Limitless Coaching Facebook page etc).If you like what you here please do subscribe to and review the podcast and I look forward to connecting with you again soon. 

This episode is a must listen for everyone: I was honoured to hear Michelle Obama speak live in London as part of her European book tour and I found her so relatable as a citizen wanting to make her community better, as a leader wanting to impact her country and the world and in other important roles as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a professional in her industry - in ever which way really.Gratitude and motivation both prevail in listening to what she shared so get stuck in, listen and enjoy... and remember, if yu like what you hear do please leave a review on iTunes.(PS - I believe I said Idaho instead of Iowa in relation to one of the stories she shared. Please excuse that error!) 

Before you get yourself in that cycle of "where did all the time go" that we all recognise (you've been there right... haven't we all?!) - listen to this podcast about making the most of long weekends. (If listening in real time), we are at the time of year where there are a series of longer weekends... and there are a few simple actions you can take to ensure you and your family make the most of it... with everyone on the other side feeling satisfied by the weekend (as opposed to baffled by what happened to it!). Being really purposeful is the key here but that doesn't mean intense or stale. Listening to this podcast takes 10 minutes and reminds you of a simple, easy to implement way to enjoy some awesome (long) weekends ahead. **... and please remember to subscribe, share and review if you like what you hear**

Ever get in your own way? Have your perfectionist tendencies ever held you back? This episode is for you if you need a short, sharp reminder of why you should sometimes just get on with it (and figure things out along the way). Working parent or otherwise - imperfect action is the key to so much - this episode is your reminder of exactly why that is. 

Once January comes to an end, it's sometimes tempting to resign yourself to the "fact" that once again, your resolutions or goals haven't started as positively as you intended or hoped and therefore it's okay to give up on that idea. In this episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast - I am here to remind you that we are not machines, we are human - and it is a very small part of the year that has gone by. Whether you were back on the cookies by day 5, your gym has only seen you twice or you're feeling like something has stagnated in some way - this is temporary and it is up to YOU to realise that (1) there's likely much to celebrate already (even if different to what you anticipated and importantly (2) you're entirely capable of making decisions which move you along positively towards what it is you do want. Within all of this - enjoying the journey is key (don't forget that!).There is a highly recommended action to take immediately after listening to this episode so don't forget to share how you got on over on the Limitless Coaching page on Facebook. 

It's time to celebrate you... What are you proud of this year? This episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast is part of a mini (audit) series which will focus on areas of our lives that are beneficial to recognise and evaluate at this end of year / beginning of year time... starting with what are you proud of from 2018 (or from whatever time you are listening to this podcast episode!) As ever, I share some of the things that pop to mind for me and I encourage you to go through this exercise for yourself too. 

In this episode, it's time to reflect on the good the bad and the ugly of working parent life. Gina Visram of Limitless Coaching asks "(How) is your post-baby career different to what you expected? What makes it work? What makes it frustrating? What is worth celebrating and what must... must change? Does thinking about your post-baby career make you feel proud, exhausted or a combination thereof? Do listen and reflect on what's working for you, remember you can make a change if you want to and remember - as we marvel on the fact that this podcast is 50 episodes in (whoop whoop!) - there will be lots more information and inspiration for working parents to come. Stay tuned (and keep sharing and reviewing this podcast so fellow working parents can find it and join the conversation)

Have you ever second guessed yourself? Ha! I'm imagining that that was a resounding yes. A series of events, ending with my toddler telling me to "go away" lead to my compulsion to create a podcast discussing the age old question "Am I good enough" As well as encouraging you to be kind to yourself, I share certain questions you can ask yourself and encourage you to take a greater view of your motivations and plans, when establishing if anything needs to change / improve and if you are indeed doing the right thing. You've got this.

Recently I have been feeling like everything is getting on top of me. Major (though exciting) work projects, my toddler settling into a new (and indeed overwhelming) childcare setting, an important course I'm supposed to be working towards not getting as much of my time as it needs - not to mention important life stuff like sorting out a remortgage, battling (minor) change of season ailments and let's not even begin to talk about how I haven't squeezed in an exercise session for a month. I mean... AAAARRRGGGGH! It is said that we teach what we need to learn - and that is certainly true of this episode as I take 16-minutes to talk to you about this topic in general and to discuss two effective ways to minimise overwhelm. Why two? Lol - well I didn't want to overwhelm you with too many suggestions! These two pack a punch though and may even make help you exhale and feel more in control... even before the end of this episode! As always, if you like what you hear do spread the word, share these episodes and please do leave a review - so other awesome working parents like you can follow you over here and make their way over to this podcast too.

In this from the heart episode, Gina Visram of Limitless Coaching describes how attending the Notting Hill Carnival (NHC), one of her favourite events of the year, makes her a better parent. This episode talks about the importance of parents embracing events, hobbies and activities that fills them up personally - and how that in turn has the potential to make them happier, more fulfilled parents. If you have ever lost yourself in the exhausting yet rewarding world of parenting... this is an episode for you.

This episode has the potential to rock your world (truly). If you would like to laugh more, a swift kick in the behind, the lift yourself from a slump, to feel more joy, to enjoy parenting more, to appreciate your job more - to feel more positive about your entrepreneurial journey or job search and even (and here's a big claim) to pick yourself up from the doldrums about what's happening in the world - this 15 minute episode can bring some much needed levity into your day. How you ask? Well, ultimately through exploration of the theory that there's no happiness without gratitude. In this episode I discuss 2 phrases that I believe we should be consistently using daily (which can contribute to happiness) and explore how an easy, cost-free shift in attitude can have a remarkable impact on our life and goals. Whether you're a working parent or not, much of today's episode is very relatable and I hope you like it, share it and (as a bonus) review the podcast over on iTunes.

In this (partly world cup inspired) episode, you have the opportunity to do some exploration which can result in this year being a transformational one for you. At the time of recording, we are halfway through the year, which makes it an exceptional time in which to do an audit / take stock of the good, bad and the ugly of the year to date. You'll hear some clear guidance on 6 key life areas to include in your audit and get a sneak peak into some of the things I'm personally celebrating and commiserating so far. Don't sleepwalk through the rest of the year. Grab a piece of paper and a pen (yes, old school... why not) and get ready to review your progress through a lens of kindness... a process which can result in a much better second half of the year than you'd have otherwise. You've got this. Let me know how you get on.

So here's the thing. In some ways, my husband has always been amazing with finances. In some ways, I have generally made good financial choices. For both of us... we can definitely have done better... not because we have been reckless per say but because there have been times of being careless (lol - that's probably more true for me than for him). I guess, we can always do better... and in this episode of the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast I share a bit about why it's worth improving our financial situation, some active steps we are taking and also some great resources that have helped us feel more confident about the debt-free direction we are heading in. We're not there yet but with the tools we're using and determination we have - we know we'll get there... and... are feeling good about the choices to do some positive work in this area. If you're on a journey with improving your finances or would like to be - check out this episode. More control in this area often means greater flexibility when it comes to our career and lifestyle goals - which as working parents, would be a great thing.Enjoy the episode - please review on iTunes and share with your networks if you like what you hear

Some months ago, one of my NCT friends added me to a Facebook group... "Flexible working for mums like me" - knowing that I consider the topic of flexible working to be incredibly important. A very short time after this space created by Katy Fridman, ex Microsoft executive and now mum of two, went live - numbers crept up and up and it is clear that flexibility is a major issue for working parents. So let's talk about it. In this episode, Katy and I explore the power of community and connection, invite you to join her (free Facebook) community online and essentially share stories you won't want to miss. Enjoy...

Flexible working is such an integral part of the formula that many parents have when it comes to creating a success of their career and their lifestyle / parenting responsibilities that I can't quite believe that it's been nearly a year since I recorded an episode that mainly focuses on this topic. Well, that all changes here and this topic is one that is going to be a more regular staple within the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast. Let's talk about flexible working. Listen. Digest. Consider how this all applies to you. Take inspired action where relevant. And of course please feel free to share this episode and any others which resonate - and take a few minutes to leave a review on iTunes so more awesome working parentals like you can stumble across and subscribe to this podcast.