Life Beyond The Numbers
What really makes work-life fulfilling?
Through stories, reflections and insights from leaders, thinkers and creatives, we shine a light on the invisible forces that shape our work lives — what it means to be human. This isn’t just something to tune into — it’s something to attune to.
Hosted by award-winning author Susan Ní Chríodáin, Life Beyond the Numbers is for people who care about people. Because while numbers matter — people matter more.
Episodes

Saturday Sep 23, 2023
#146 Highlights from the first 21
Saturday Sep 23, 2023
Saturday Sep 23, 2023
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

Saturday Sep 16, 2023
#145 Facilitate People - John Fairhurst
Saturday Sep 16, 2023
Saturday Sep 16, 2023
"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

Saturday Sep 09, 2023
#144 Move Internationally - Kery (Boucher) Hamman
Saturday Sep 09, 2023
Saturday Sep 09, 2023
"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

Saturday Sep 02, 2023
#143 Executive Presence - Sue Rosen
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
"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

Saturday Aug 26, 2023
#142 Minefields
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
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.

Saturday Aug 19, 2023
#141 Laughter
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
Saturday Aug 19, 2023
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

Saturday Aug 12, 2023
#140 Stay Connected
Saturday Aug 12, 2023
Saturday Aug 12, 2023
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.

Saturday Aug 05, 2023
#139 Every Voice Counts
Saturday Aug 05, 2023
Saturday Aug 05, 2023
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.

Saturday Jul 29, 2023
#138 About Time
Saturday Jul 29, 2023
Saturday Jul 29, 2023
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.

Saturday Jul 22, 2023
#137 Leading Beyond the Numbers
Saturday Jul 22, 2023
Saturday Jul 22, 2023
Over the next six weeks there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes.
As I'm focusing on a specific project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I will share 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 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.

Life Beyond the Numbers
What really makes work-life fulfilling?
If you believe in putting people first — and in purpose, not just profit — this podcast is for you.
Life Beyond the Numbers explores the human side of work-life through honest conversations with leaders, thinkers and creatives. We speak about the things that matter but often go unsaid — stories, reflections and experiences that remind us: that even at work we are human beings, being human. And while numbers matter, people matter more.
Hosted by Susan Ní Chríodáin, award-winning author of Leading Beyond the Numbers and founder of Beyond the Numbers, the podcast invites listeners into a space where uniqueness is valued, voice is honoured and choice is always possible.
80% of people report feeling disengaged at work. Whether you’re part of that 80% — or part of the 20% who’s found meaning — you’re welcome here.
With over 25 years of experience leading multicultural, cross-sector teams across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Susan brings real-world depth, business acumen and emotional fluency to every conversation. Her work — as a coach, facilitator, speaker, and writer — is rooted in helping people reconnect with what truly matters.
This isn’t just something to tune into.
It’s something to attune to.









