Life Beyond The Numbers

#147 This is my Camino

In 2018 I walked from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, or The Camino. I reached Santiago on Sept 30th and on the 5th anniversary of that milestone I've put together an episode to share some of the stories, thoughts, lessons learned and emotions from that four week journey:
Week 1: Survival
Week 2: Struggle
Week 3: Stride
Week 4: Satisfaction
 

#146 Highlights from the first 21

A selection of insights from guests who featured in earlier episodes including  
Episode 1 with Sue Rosen
Episode 4-5 with Gary Cox
Episode 6 with Helen Joy
Episode 9 with Jerry Harris
Episode 13 with Mags de Valois
Episode 14 with John Hayns
Episode 15 with Marcus Thompson
Episode 17 with Kim Bowden
Episode 20 with Aoife O'Brien
Episode 21 with Mark Samowitz

#145 Facilitate People - John Fairhurst

"Leadership [....] it's a lot about trying to create environments where people could thrive and facilitate people being successful and therefore the team, the agenda and the organisation being successful." John Fairhurst
 
John Fairhurst and I discuss his leadership style and philosophy. He emphasises the importance of facilitating and enabling people to be successful. He reflects on the changing nature of the private sector and development sector. And we talk about the crucial need for voices from different sectors, including the private sector, in advocating for change and addressing global challenges. We touch on the importance of not being solely reliant on key individuals in driving change. And we discuss the importance of well-being in the workplace and the need for a broader assessment of what it means to have a thriving workforce.
 
John Fairhurst is the head of Private Sector Engagement at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. John has worked in both the private and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining the Global Fund John was Executive Director at UBS Optimus Foundation and COO at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). He was involved in the establishment and management of the portfolio of programmes of one of the largest international development private foundations, the Children's Investment Fund (CIFF). He oversaw development and humanitarian programs for Oxfam in various geographies including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, and Afghanistan.
 
Connect with John
On LinkedIn
 
Resources Mentioned
The Global Fund
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

#144 Move Internationally - Kery (Boucher) Hamman

"We're not as young as some people who move internationally, which is one thing I think that I've learned a lesson from. And that's one of the harder things here, is that you've left almost your network and everything you've built up in your 25 years experience. You've almost gotta park that to one side and say, well, that was that country - now I have to start again." Kery Boucher 
 
Kery Boucher moved from South Africa to Ireland having never even visited Ireland previously. We talk about the cultural differences you encounter when you move internationally. And what it is like to adapt to a new work environment as well as build a new network. When it comes to networking Kery talks about the importance of connecting on a human level. Kery encourages everyone to take risks and embrace new opportunities. She explains the challenges of living in Johannesburg, including social inequality, lack of basic services, and high crime rates. She also highlights the beauty and potential of the city. 
 
Kery Boucher is an experienced CA(SA) with a demonstrated history of working in multiple industries including financial services, asset based finance and pharmaceutical. She is a passionate facilitator who works in adult education equipping candidates with improved financial and sustainability tools and skills. 
 
Connect with Kery
On LinkedIn

#143 Executive Presence - Sue Rosen

"I think all of leadership and all of executive presence starts from within. It starts with a need. You need to actually take time for reflection. I always describe it to people as, you've got to slow down to go faster. You've got to stop and reflect on what's important to you. What are your values? How do you want to show up as a leader?" Sue Rosen
 
Sue Rosen and I discuss the topic of executive presence. Sue defines executive presence as inspiring confidence in one's capabilities and potential, especially in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of authenticity, genuine connection, and consistency in building trust and confidence. Sue introduces her model for developing executive presence, focusing on confidence, humility, and intentionality. We cover the need for personal growth and development, challenging oneself, seeking feedback, and adapting to different situations. And we touch on the challenges individuals face in maintaining executive presence and the importance of using our voice in support of challenging inequities to bring about change. 
 
Sue Rosen is passionate about empowering professionals to become courageous and compassionate leaders, leading purpose-driven organisations. She loves working with people as they develop their capacity for authentic leadership, whilst finding freedom and fulfilment in their own lives. Sue was drawn to coaching after years of working in roles which didn't energise or excite her. Having over 25 years in senior finance roles Sue has real world experience that counts, as it has inevitably shaped the coach she has become.
 
Connect with Sue
On LinkedIn
Through her website 
 
Resources Mentioned
Stepping into the Unknown, Episode 1 of Life Beyond the Numbers with Sue Rosen

#142 Minefields

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. 
As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. 
These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And I hope to be back next week with the regular format. 

#141 Laughter

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. 
As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. 
These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And I hope to be back in September with the regular format. 
 
Resources Mentioned
Episode 109 Collective Joy with Pete Bearder
Laughology by Stephanie Davies

#140 Stay Connected

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. 
As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. 
These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And I hope to be back in September with the regular format. 

#139 Every Voice Counts

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. 
As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. 
These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And we will be back in September with the regular format. 

#138 About Time

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. 
As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. 
These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And we will be back in September with the regular format.