Join me for this week’s episode where I have the pleasure of speaking with Claire Urquhart, a former corporate lawyer turned co-founder and director of the charity Open Books. Claire has spent over a decade promoting literacy and community through her work and is also a trustee at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. We delve into her inspirational journey from high-pressure legal work to meaningful community engagement, her views on leadership, and the foundational steps of building...

Welcome to this week's episode! This week, we're talking about apologies. Specifically, we're exploring the common perception that women apologise more than men, why this is, and if it's even true. Here are the highlights: (02:38) Gender differences (03:12) Why do we apologise? (06:10) Apology Study (08:32) Weakness Get my guide to being heard here:  ...

This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Caroline Bernard, a senior leader in the charity sector.  Caroline is the Director of Influence at Respect UK, an organisation dedicated to ending domestic abuse by targeting perpetrators.  With a wealth of experience and a passion for women’s rights, Caroline shares her journey, the challenges she's faced, and the lessons she's learned along the way.  Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding purpose and passion in your career. Here are the...

Welcome to Episode 28! In this episode we're talking about ambition. Specifically, how women and girls having ambition can often be looked down upon. Ambition is not a dirty word, but sometimes it can be seen that way. I want to talk about why thats harmful, and what we can do to change this stereotype... Here are the highlights (01:02) Women face criticism for being ambitious (05:56) Career progression (09:31) Being knocked back Read the Fawcett Society Research here: ...

​Welcome to our next episode, Embracing Your Weird!  In this episode, we dive into celebrating the quirks that make each of us unique with our delightful guest, Rebecca McLean.  With her vibrant background from Dundee to Devon and her passion for environmentalism, Becky shares how embracing our true selves is not just liberating but essential for personal and professional growth.  Whether you’re in a career transition, reflecting on your identity, or just in need of a good laugh about life’s...

Welcome back to Frustrated and Exhausted! In today's episode, I'm tackling the timely theme of reengaging with our professional lives.  Whether you're coming back from a break, revamping your business strategy, or simply searching for that spark of motivation to reignite your productivity, I’ve got all the tips you need. So, get ready to make your work life more fulfilling than ever - even during the tricky times.  Here are the highlights:  (1:07) Impact of time off work on women's confidence...

Welcome to another episode of Frustrated and Exhausted, where we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership.  I’m thrilled to welcome Justine Riccomini, who shares her incredible journey from interior design in Marbella to becoming a respected tax expert and non-executive director.  Justine delves into the importance of self-awareness and resilience in navigating the professional landscape.  We explore how understanding yourself is crucial in maintaining confidence and...

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the theme of personal identity and the significant shifts that redefine who we are. As life throws its curveballs—be it marriage, career changes, or even moving countries—our sense of self is often put to the test. We'll explore how nostalgia can sometimes hold us back and share strategies for embracing the person you've become. Here are the highlights (03:00) Identity shifts and nostalgia's impact on self-discovery (04:02) Changes in life after...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of resilience and legal challenges with my special guest, Ingrid McGhee, a seasoned employment law expert from Weightmans Law Firm in Glasgow.  Ingrid's journey into law is a fascinating story of ambition, adaptability, and tackling tough challenges head-on.  She shares her unique perspective on navigating the legal field, the importance of emotional intelligence, and her experiences of stepping outside her comfort zone to grow personally and...

In this episode I'm going to be taking a look at the concept of our shadow, and how that can impact us at work.  I talk about what the benefits are, and how to understand the less shiny, positive side of ourselves, and why it matters when we're in leadership roles.  Here are the highlights  (01:31) Personal growth  (03:03) Understanding emotional responses at work  (09:15) Personal biases  To read more about Jung and his ideas, start here: Jung: The Key Ideas, by Ruth...

In this episode, we confront the discomforting reality of how others perceive us when we aren't present. I give tips and tricks on how to deal with the anxiety of this concept and talk about the reasons why we may feel anxious. Get in touch:  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/resonateleadership  LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthalexandrawood  Website:https://www.resonateleadership.co.uk  Book a call:  https://link.coachspace.ai/widget/bookings/resonatediscovery   

In this episode of "Frustrated and Exhausted," we delve into the topic of mansplaining, a phenomenon where men feel compelled to offer unnecessary explanations, often disregarding women's expertise.  We kick off the discussion with a viral TikTok clip featuring golfer Georgia Ball, who encountered a patronising person while golfing. Throughout the episode, we explore strategies for addressing this behaviour while dissecting the underlying biases that cause it.   Georgia Ball video: ...

 In today's episode, coinciding with Neurodiversity Awareness Week, we're chatting with the incredible Susan Ball!    Susan is a passionate advocate for diversity and neurodiversity, earning herself a place on the Diversity Power List 2023/4   We dive into Susan's journey, from her tax hustle to her gigs as a non-Executive Director and trustee. She spills the beans on her personal battles with neurodiversity in the workplace and shares some useful strategies for overcoming them.   Here are...

In this episode, we delve deeper into the topic of resilience, adding onto our last discussion on the mental health crisis in the workplace.   We'll explore the signs of low resilience and talk about the importance of understanding the root causes of low resilience such as socioeconomic circumstances, early life experiences, and feelings of isolation as the key factors.   Here are the highlights  (02:09) Factors impacting resilience and mental health  (06:01) Low resilience stages and their...

In this episode of "Frustrated and Exhausted," we address the pressing issue of mental health in the workplace, prompted by recent tragic events. Despite increased awareness, work-related pressures continue to take a toll on individuals' mental well-being. For help with any of the issues raised in this show, you can speak to someone in confidence at the Samaritans on 116 123 and find their website at https://www.samaritans.org   You can find more information on training as a mental health...

Let's talk about power and the fact that we are constantly giving it away! We don't always recognise our power, and that often limits us. If we choose to see and use our power, we can lead and make a positive impact in our spaces.  This episode is about acknowledging our power and identifying when we need to use it and when it might be OK to give it away. Here are the highlights: (02:57) We haven't set boundaries with people.  (04:31) We can also give away our power when we stay...

As women, we need to be listened to, not just passed over, because we are smart and our ideas matter! So, what do we do when we suddenly get cut off?   This episode will show you how to get your point across with simple tips that can help you navigate everyday conversations. Here are the highlights: (06:47) We need to make unconscious bias conscious for people. (09:16) There is nothing wrong with a bit of assertiveness.  (10:25) Take up as much space, physically at the table, as you...

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Caroline Collison, a trailblazer in tax law and an advocate for gender equity. Caroline shares her unique journey in the legal field, facing challenges with part-time work, navigating personal and professional growth, and championing diversity and inclusion. From her early days facing resistance to her innovative path through academia and back into a leadership role, Caroline's story is a testament to resilience and the power of backing oneself. Dive...

In this episode, I dive into a topic close to my heart: how to keep my team motivated and stay positive myself when feeling the weight of pressure and exhaustion  This episode is all about finding the balance between caring for your own well-being while also meeting the demands of leading and motivating a team!    Here are the highlights  (04:32) Managing stress and energy for leaders  (08:46) Motivating teams through understanding individual motivations  (12:31) Team motivation and...

This time of year, with annual appraisals and feedback sessions in full swing, many leaders find themselves preparing for or reflecting on these discussions.  The stress of delivering difficult or awkward feedback is a common theme brought up in coaching sessions.  Why are these conversations so stress-inducing? It often boils down to a few key reasons: the pressure to 'get it right', not wanting to hurt someone's feelings, fear of damaging important work relationships, or past experiences...

As we near the end of January, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past year and look forward to 2024.  This episode focuses on the significance of these small but impactful words in shaping our lives and leadership.  We explore how saying 'yes' and 'no' sets boundaries, grants consent, and ultimately directs our personal and professional paths!    Here are the highlights  (02:24) Saying yes or no to opportunities and priorities  (04:58) Making life-changing decisions based on...

In this week’s episode, we’ll be discussing the topic of embracing chaos in our ever-changing world. From the impact of global events to the complexities of organisational changes, I'll share insights into leading and succeeding amidst these continuous transformations. Drawing on my background in strategy and change, I'll provide five key points to help you navigate these challenging time Whether you're leading a team or managing personal transitions, this episode is a guide to building...

  This episode explores various aspects of connection, particularly its significant role in leadership and resilience.  I delve into why establishing strong connections is essential for effective leadership and how it contributes to resilience in challenging times!    Here are the highlights:  (01:30) Building resilience through open connections  (04:31) Attachment theory  (06:29) The importance of relationships  Get the 5 Day Resilience Kickstarter here: ...

Welcome to "Frustrated and Exhausted," where today's episode delves into the concept of 'Building on Solid Ground'. We explore the balance between coping with life's challenges and achieving a state of resilience and stability.  This episode addresses the crucial link between high performance and resilience, highlighting the importance of managing stress and maintaining a healthy emotional and mental state.    Here are the highlights  (01:51) Resilience, stress management, and...

  In this episode of "Frustrated and Exhausted," we welcome Anna Hemmings, a transformation expert in the third sector.   Anna's career is rooted in charities focused on aiding marginalized groups. Her passion for leadership, especially in promoting diversity and inclusivity, makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in how these elements drive organizational success.     Here are the highlights  (04:57) Gender roles, work-life balance, and self-care for women  (14:31)...