In this episode of the How to Thrive podcast, Claire and Helen are joined by somatic and leadership performance coach (and trainee body psychotherapist) Shaun Brooking to explore the deep connection between our bodies, our emotions and our ability to lead well - in life and at work.

Shaun shares his own experience of burnout, how growing up in a “harder, faster, stronger” culture shaped his body’s response to stress, and what it means to build real resilience by creating safety and resource within ourselves.

He talks about how trauma lives in the body, why rest isn't always restful, and how to retrain our nervous systems for strength, connection and capacity - not just performance.

Shaun also explains how simulation and "somatic reps" can help leaders prepare for challenging moments, why slowing down doesn't mean stepping back, and why thriving starts with listening to what your body is really trying to say.

More about Shaun:

Shaun Brooking Coaching

Be Fully Human

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Civility saves lives - you've heard it on the podcast before but in this episode, we meet the man behind the phrase.

Chris Turner is an Emergency Medicine Consultant with the NHS and the Co-Founder of Civility Saves Live, a group of healthcare workers who share the evidence base behind why the best teams respect and value each other, and why this leads to the best outcomes for both staff and patients.

He speaks to Claire and Helen about the monumental events in his life and career that led to him thinking deeply about incivility, and the impact it can have on people's performance.

Chris also talks about why we need to invite people from diverse backgrounds to fill our pool of wisdom, and why saying sorry is a super power.

More about Chris:

Civility Saves Lives

TED Talk - When rudeness in teams turns deadly

Further reading:

Chrstine Porath

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to connect in today's world?

In this episode of the How To Thrive podcast, Claire and Helen explore one of the most fundamental human needs - connection - and how it shapes everything from our personal well-being to our professional success.

We talk about the delicate balance between vulnerability and professionalism, why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword but a business necessity, and how to create a "brave space" for ethical leadership.

We discuss overcoming networking anxiety, the art of maintaining professional boundaries while building genuine friendships with colleagues, and both offer our three top tips for fostering meaningful connections that go beyond your immediate team or community.

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"One of my favourite quotes by Socrates talks about the meaning of life and it's to know oneself."

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Emma Roche to the How to Thrive podcast this week, a philosophically-informed coach and lawyer who combines 3,000-year-old wisdom with modern coaching practices.

Her approach is fascinating, but you may be wondering where the connection is between ancient philosophy and thriving in today's professional world.

Emma, who helps professionals discover their authentic selves beyond their job titles, explains it perfectly: "It's coaching but with a framework... grounded basically in unveiling who we are."

We discuss the art of Socratic questioning, separating your role from your identity, and Emma reveals why thinking time should be as habitual as exercise.

Find out more about Emma's work: https://www.emma-roche.com/

Books mentioned by Emma in the episode:

"Consolations of Philosophy" by Alain de Botton

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear

"21 Lessons for the 21st Century" by Yuval Noah Harari

"Time to Think" by Nancy Kline

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be fully human in a corporate environment?

Our guest this week is Dr Albert Viljoen, Co-Founder of Be Fully Human, a human development consultancy that uses neuroscience-backed strategies to help business leaders optimise and sustain their performance.

He talks brilliantly about tuning into your body, why learning how to have difficult conversations is a bit like building a six pack, and the power of being quiet.

Albert also shares his views on the future of humans in the world of AI, and why he has an optimistic view of that relationship, if we lean into our 'humanness'.

Find out more about Albert's work at Be Fully Human: https://befullyhuman.co/

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Don't have negotiations, have conversations with purpose."

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Nigel Taberner onto the How to Thrive podcast this week to share his experiences as a hostage negotiator, being thrown into some of the most intense, high pressure situations imaginable.

His stories are incredible, but you may be wondering where the connection is between that and the corporate world.

Nigel, who is now an award-winning public speaker, answers that better than anyone else: "You deal with people. You want to influence people. You want to get them to change their behaviour and do things differently. And so do I."

We discuss the art of listening, using your voice as a tool, and Nigel reveals his three top tips for thriving.

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the How to Thrive podcast, we're focusing on listening.

It's crucial to so much of what we do, but how often do we actively listen? It is a theme that has come up in the past on the podcast, so how can we be better listeners and how can that help us thrive at work and at home?

Claire and Helen discuss all of this, as well serving up a healthy dose of Easter wiffle waffle ranging from buffalo to driving lessons and everything in between.

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I ignored the warning signs and paid the price, I went into my head and almost never came out."

That powerful statement from Dan Stanley sets the tone for this episode of the How to Thrive podcast, which aims to shine a light on men's mental wellbeing.

Dan says, despite having built himself a life of material success, he came to the realisation that his success was superficial and says his experience nearly cost him his marriage, his sanity and his life.

He shares his personal journey of awakening to the superficiality of traditional masculinity, discusses the historical context of masculinity, the challenges modern men face, and the importance of peer support and community.

Through his experiences, Dan emphasises the need for men to engage in honest conversations, prioritise self-awareness, and redefine their understanding of masculinity.

He also reveals his top tips on how to thrive.

Dan is the Founder of BetterMen: https://www.better-men.uk/

He has published a book called "Rethinking Masculinity" which you can get a copy of from his website: https://www.better-men.uk/rethinking-masculinity-book

With thanks to our sponsors Flank, an AI colleague for your in-house legal team. Flank is designed to work like a high performing team member for your legal department. Flank agents are able to instantly handle commercial team requests, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure your legal team operates at the speed your business demands. Flank agents are always on, always accurate and always ready.

If you'd like to discover more about how Flank can redefine your legal operations, then take a look at getflank.ai. If you get in touch with them, please do mention How to Thrive, so that they know that it came from one of our wonderful listeners.

How to Thrive events:

Our events are a chance to come together with other Community Members to network and share learnings in a safe space. All of our events are focussed on HOW to thrive and deliver practical skills that you can incorporate into your work and home lives.

​Visit our website to find out more.

Your How to Thrive hosts:

Claire Sanders, former Corporate Lawyer, General Council and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Helen Silver-MacMahon, Human Factors Specialist, Veterinary Nurse and Co-Founder of Being Human Consulting.

Music Credit: Lo-Fi Hip Hop (Never Old Fashioned) by Alex Kizenkov

Podcast Production: Anthony Zahra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.