Life Beyond The Numbers

And They Pay Me - Ana Clements

"When I realised how much joy there was to be had in life, full stop, in your job and in people paying you to do something you actually enjoy, blew my mind. After 20 years of office work, I was like, wait, wait, I get to have fun and they pay me. I was really surprised by that." Ana Clements
 
Ana Clements and I explore the journey of rediscovering passion, pursuing creativity and embracing reinvention at any stage of life. She shares how reaching midlife made her reflect on what she truly wanted - bringing her back to music, voice work and ultimately, audiobook narration. Ana also shares the impact of late diagnosis of ADHD on her life and discusses the significance of self-compassion, continuous learning, and the art of performing while staying true to oneself. Whether you're considering a career shift or simply need encouragement to take that next step, Ana’s story will leave you inspired to trust your own path and embrace what makes you come alive.
 
Award-nominated Ana Clements is a passionate speaker, coach, and professional voice artist. With over a decade in the industry, she has narrated audiobooks for major publishers, bringing a wealth of character voices to her performances in both British and Spanish. As the founder of Audiobooks on Clubhouse, Ana has built a thriving community where narrators and creatives connect and share insights. Since 2021, she has hosted weekly sessions, deepening her understanding of the challenges and lived experiences of a creative career. Ana has spoken at industry-leading events, including VO Atlanta, MexicoAudio, MAVO, One Voice Conference, and at many writers groups and workshops. A qualified coach since 2022, she works with narrators and authors, offering practical, insightful guidance that empowers them to push past self-limitations with actionable direction. Her creative coaching has been described as “helping others reach a point of clarity on who they are as creative professionals.”
 
Connect with Ana:
All of Ana's social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, FaceBook, Threads, etc.) are @AnaClements and her website is https://www.anaclements.co.uk 
 
Resources Mentioned:
MOOC - Massive Open Online Courses https://www.mooc.org/
Personality Isn’t Permanent by Benjamin Hardy 
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander 

We're All Imperfect - Dr Susanne Evans, David Lee & Me

"...because we're all imperfect if we have any kind of power, including even just like having a strong personality, that we can be doing things that we don’t even realise are intimidating or shutting down other people."​ David Lee
 
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Susanne Evans and David Lee for one of our irregular but always insightful conversations. Today, we dive into the topic of bad behaviour in our workplaces — what it looks like, why it happens and what we can do about it. We include some real-life stories shared with us by others. We touch on the corrosive effects of power and the importance of bringing attention to unacceptable conduct when we see it. We ask the question: what if we are the ones that happen to be behaving questionably .... we are all imperfect after all. We cover the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection. 
 
Dr Susanne Evans is an organisation change consultant, trainer, coach and researcher on a mission to change the way that transformations are managed in organisations. She founded Feldspar Consulting in 2007 to help her clients lead change in a more human, effective way. As well as writing and speaking about organisation change, Susanne hosts open storytelling workshops, supporting organisations and individuals in writing a compelling story for themselves, and she is the host of the popular ChangeStories podcast.
 
David Lee is a coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, and author, who loves creating a win/win/win relationship between people and the organizations they work for. He helps leaders and leadership teams learn how to become "people whisperers", and by doing so, increase their ability to make their organization THE choice for "A List Talent" and inspire the best in their people.
 
Resources Mentioned
The No Asshole Rule – Robert Sutton
Think Again – Adam Grant
Don't Bite the Hook – Pema Chödrön
The Jerk's Guide to Happiness - Alyn Mitlyng  
Leading Beyond the Numbers - Susan Ni Chriodain
Episode 64 Being Yourself with Eamon Fitzgerald
Episode 69 What Works for You with Alyn Mitlyng

Transfixed with James Thirlwall

"I was completely transfixed by the idea of these very tiny teapots and these tiny tea cups that were serving small amounts of tea." James Thirlwall
 
James Thirlwall and I explore the connection between tea and creating connection. I venture out of my usual space to record in a delightful and intimate setting: a tiny teahouse in East Oxford. We delve into the world of Japanese tea ceremonies as well as discover how Chinese tea ceremonies cultivate mindfulness and bring people together in a shared, intentional experience. James, who jokingly describes himself as 'a big man in a tiny teahouse', takes us through his journey from living in Japan, his interest in Buddhism and practicing Chinese medicine to opening his tiny teahouse. He shares insights about creating a space that encourages connection and reflection, the role of sensory experiences in evoking memories and emotions and how tea can foster better workplace dynamics.James Thirlwall is a tea lover, former acupuncturist, UKTA certified tea sommelier and educator who uses tea to bring people together. tinyteahouse events are designed to promote fellowship, harmony and inclusion - the values of a traditional Asian tea house culture. James has been working in hospitality for the last 5+ years and works with Michelin star chefs, 5-star hotels and some of the best hotels in Europe.
 
Connect with James
Through his tinyteahouse website and on instagram
 
Resources Mentioned
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24262686.oxford-borough-among-coolest-neighbourhoods-uk/
Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ní Chríodáin

Unlimited Futures

"Any given moment contains unlimited futures that can become real. The reality that occurs is the one you pay attention to."  [Quoting] Penney Peirce
In this inaugural episode of 2025 I reflect on three recent inspirations — a movie and two exhibitions — that explore themes of creativity, certainty and choice. Drawing connections between the iterative nature of creativity, life’s constant rewrites and the courage to start anew, I share insights into how we can embrace change and discover new possibilities and unlimited futures in the year ahead. 
Life mirrors creative endeavours like writing, with continuous cycles of editing and rewriting.
From ancient oracles to modern self-reflection, humans have always sought direction and clarity.
It’s okay to start over, pivot or revise one’s path — every step adds to your story.
This episode might be a catalyst or companion for anyone seeking inspiration to rethink their direction, rewrite their plans and rediscover joy in the process of becoming.Resources Mentioned:
Constellations by David Whyte (Essay on Maturity)
Vibration by Penny Peirce 
Wanderful by David Pearl
Change Stories by Dr. Suzanne Evans (Angus Fletcher on Storytelling)
“Write. Cut. Rewrite.” at the Bodleian Library
“Omens, Oracles, and Answers” at the Bodleian Library
Rumi Oracle Cards by Alana Fairchild

Beyond the Status Quo - Compilation

In this year-end episode of 'Life Beyond the Numbers,' I explore the theme of going beyond the status quo. The episode features a compilation of interviews and stories from previous episodes focused on creating a more fulfilling work life by emphasising the human side of our work-lives. I share a selection of snippets with insights on topics such as the importance of avoiding short-termism, the value of shifting perspective, the impact of intentionality and care in interactions, fostering high-performing teams, and the crucial link between psychological safety and innovation.
Approximate timings:
05:00 Kevin Chevis on Beyond the Short-Term
14:00 Alison Smith on Shifting Perspectives
21:00 Marc Haine on Intentional Interactions
26:00 Liz Jarman on Building High-Performing Teams
33:00 Helen Joy on Psychological Safety & InnovationPrevious Episodes:
#176 Trust with Kevin Chevis
#178 A Metaphor for our Lives with Alison Smith
#190 A Couple of Centimetres of Care with Marc Haine
#187 Willing to Take Risks with Liz Jarman
#170 Leaping Forwards with Helen Joy

The Actions That We Take - Katie McLaughlin

"The actions that we take are the things that are going to get us results, whether we like it or not. And so looking at those results, which business leaders are looking at all the time. We're always looking at those results. Are we meeting our outcomes? Are we meeting our metrics? And if we're not getting those results, well, we're not taking the right actions." Katie McLaughlin
 
Katie McLaughlin returns to Life Beyond the Numbers to chat to me about the team dynamics and how our emotions and actions driver our results. We cover the role emotions play in shaping team performance and the link between emotional awareness and intentional action in the workplace. Katie speaks of her unique use of theatre techniques to help teams explore and transform workplace dynamics. We chat about the importance of having fun and creating moments of levity to improve team culture and how leaders can foster psychological safety and trust within their teams. A key takeaway from this episode is the common misconception we might have that if our actions got results there's this assumption that those actions are correct ... however, there's a lot of different actions that could be taken to get the same results.
 
Katie McLaughlin is an engaging speaker, workshop facilitator, and strategy consultant with over 15 years of experience in high-growth companies such as Wayfair, Upserve, and Rocket Lawyer. In 2020, Katie founded McLaughlin Method, a boutique consulting firm specializing in improving team and company culture through actionable, interactive, skill-building programs. She facilitates team workshops as the core focus of her practice, customizing sessions to fit specific industries, team dynamics, and outcomes. Leveraging her background in theater, Katie creates a fun, judgment-free environment where teams can improve collaboration and achieve goals through empathy, open communication, and conflict resolution. She has facilitated thousands of workshops, helping teams build collaborative cultures and achieve immediate improvements in empathy and connectivity.
 
Connect with Katie:
Her website: www.mclaughlinmethod.com 
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclaughlinkatie/
 
Resources Mentioned:
Free Team Health Score Quiz www.teamhealthscorequiz.com 
Episode 104 Your Intention https://www.beyond-thenumbers.com/podcast-episodes/104 
 

Just a Couple of Centimetres of Care - Marc Haine

"For everything that we do, if you cared this much - just a couple of centimetres of care - it would make all the difference in the world". Marc Haine
 
Marc Haine and I discuss how small, intentional acts of care can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. From building trust to creating a culture of excellence, this episode is packed with insights on why daring to care just a little bit more matters so much. From his journey in hospitality to leading teams in high-pressure environments, Marc illustrates how intentionality and connection can bridge the gap between mediocrity and excellence. He challenges us all to approach every experience — whether a banquet or a brief conversation — with the same care and dedication. Marc shares a story of Orlando Airport staff handing out free ice cream during a heatwave — an example of how thoughtful gestures, even as small as a scoop of ice cream, can leave a lasting impression. If you’ve ever wondered how small changes can lead to big impacts, this episode will inspire you to approach interactions with more intentionality and care, no matter the context.
 
Marc Haine is a customer experience expert, keynote speaker, consultant, and author of Lights! Camera! Action! With 35 years of experience in hospitality, retail, and other customer-facing industries, Marc has created unique frameworks to help organizations build lasting connections to become THE brand of choice. Marc’s energetic, humorous, and authentic delivery makes him relatable and fun. He empowers business operators with unique tools to create jaw-dropping, show-stopping experiences their customers and employees deserve. Marc’s podcasts, Marc Haine Live and Experience Leadership: The Small Business Podcast, have over 150,000 views world-wide. Marc is the 2023 Community Spirit Award recipient in his local community. He is the co-founder and president of several non-profit organizations, such as: Walk the Talks, East of 60 Productions Society, and sits on the national board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS). During his free time (if he has any), you can find Marc tossing a mean pizza, or showing off his mad sourdough skills. If you are lucky, you might even see him on a comedy stage near you. Marc lives in the quaint town of Devon, Alberta with his beautiful wife and his menagerie of pets.
 
Connect with Marc:
https://meetwith.marchaine.com
Marc@MarcHaine.com
Http://MarcHaine.com
FB: / masterofexperiences
IN: https:// www.instagram.com/MarcJLHaine
TW: / marchaine2
 
Resources Mentioned:
Lights! Camera! Action! Business Operational Excellence Through the Lens of Live Theatre by Marc Haine
Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ni Chriodain

Fulfilment - Kate Jones

"We can do so much better for ourselves in terms of the way in which we live and the degree of fulfilment and meaning that we derive from life." Kate Jones
 
Kate Jones shares her unique approach to fostering personal and organisational fulfilment. We explore her Wheel of New Horizons, a framework for helping successful yet unfulfilled individuals reconnect with their heart's desires and navigate life changes with purpose. Kate also unveils her Work Thrivometer, a tool that pinpoints 10 ingredients for thriving in the workplace. From redefining success to balancing sensitivity with strength, Kate offers a fresh perspective on achieving a deeply fulfilling life. Her story of a transformative trek in the Himalayas brings these insights to life, highlighting the interplay of leadership, followership, and inner purpose.
 
Kate Jones is a certified leadership and life coach, consultant and facilitator that specialises in helping purpose-led leaders create more Deeply Human® organisations where more people can thrive and do their best work without burning out. She is on a mission to change the world of work, and to help as many people as possible to live, lead and work well. She founded Neon in 2013 after ten years in corporate consulting and a further ten in social care. She is the architect of the Deeply Human® leadership model and leads The Deeply Human Culture Club, a community of like-minded leaders who want more organisations to be a force for good on the inside and out.
 
Connect with Kate: 
Through her website Deeply Neon
On LinkedIn  
Kate's Linktree
 
Resources Mentioned:
The Wheel of New Horizons & The Neon Work Thriveometer 
Simon Sinek
Brene Brown
The Olympics
 

Creating New Knowledge - Jackie Eaton

"If they're not applying creative and intuitive thinking in addition to critical and judgmental thinking, then they're not creating new knowledge for the organisation. They're just taking old knowledge and rearranging it. And for me, that's not adding value." Jackie Eaton
 
Jackie Eaton shares her unique career path from obtaining a mathematics degree to working in operational research for NATO. She discusses her affection for solving complex problems, her initial struggles to discover a career-fit and the compelling nature of public service. Jackie and I chat about gender dynamics in the workplace, the challenges and rewards of working in a male-dominated, multicultural environment, the importance of effective communication, the role of psychology in leadership and the impact of AI on analytical work. Jackie shares insights on maintaining optimism and tips for those aspiring to work in organisations like NATO. 
 
Jackie Eaton works at NATO. She is a specialist in analysis of public sector issues including defence and health sectors or anything else messy and complex with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. She describes herself as an eternal optimist, smart problem solver, data geek and psychology nerd. She is also a mentor, trainer and ray of sunshine in the office.
 
Connect with Jackie
On LinkedIn
 
Resources Mentioned
NATO
Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ní Chríodáin 
 

Willing to Take Risks - Liz Jarman

"...they were willing to take risks for the experience .... and I think I've really taken that on." Liz Jarman
 
Liz Jarman and I discuss her planned departure as CEO of Living Goods at the end of 2024. She shares her fascinating approach to succession planning, leadership transitions and a non-linear career path. We chat through some of her achievements, including fostering a strong organisational culture, scaling operations sustainably and spearheading a digital transformation in community health. Liz reflects on the influence of her upbringing on her leadership style, her emphasis on a high-performing team and giving people recognition - all offering invaluable lessons on leadership and managing change. 
 
Liz Jarman was named CEO of Living Goods in 2018 and is a member of the Living Goods Board of Directors. Liz has 25 years of experience from various sectors, Liz joined Living Goods in 2014 as Director of Product Strategy and was promoted to Kenya Country Director in 2015 and at the end of 2017, she was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer. Born in Zambia, Liz spent a large portion of her career at Sainsbury’s, a $30 billion UK grocery business where she rose to lead Sainsbury’s Product Development and Fairtrade strategy and worked with thousands of global suppliers with a particular focus on African sustainable supply chains. 
 
Connect with Liz
On LinkedIn
 
Resources Mentioned
Living Goods
Squiggly Careers Podcast