In this thought provoking, confronting and practical episode, we are privileged to speak with Victoria Spatchenko — intercultural coach, trainer, and author — about the power of small shifts, daily practices, and what it means to live a Solution Focused life.

Drawing on years of work with educators, businesses and public service, Victoria shares how the Solution Focused approach shapes her conversations, her mindset, and her way of being. From coaching and facilitation to national mental health programs, she reflects on how the language of strength, progress, and potential can quietly transform how we work and connect with others.

We explore:

• How Solution Focused principles can show up in journalism, education, and national wellbeing programs
• What it means to practise “glimmering” — and how to train your attention toward moments of hope and connection
• The difference between using Solution Focused tools and embodying a Solution Focused stance
• Why pausing to notice strengths can lead to better decisions and braver actions
• How everyday conversations can become spaces for presence, perspective, and possibility

This conversation is full of practical ideas and grounded wisdom — offering a clear example of how Solution Focused practice can be lived, shared, and sustained over time.

Find out more about Victoria here

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In this playful and precise episode of the Towards Solutions podcast, we sit down with Paul Z. Jackson — author, improviser, and co-creator of The Solutions Focus — to explore what it means to build on what’s working and invite change through conversation.

From his roots in journalism and theatre to decades of coaching and consulting, Paul brings a rare blend of performance, clarity, and practical insight. Together, we dive into:

• The power of saying “yes, and…” — and why improvisation matters in leadership and coaching
• How lightness, precision, and curiosity can turn any moment into a chance for movement
• The discipline of noticing — and how to work with what’s already present
• What Solution Focused practice offers when we resist the urge to solve and instead choose to build

Paul reminds us that transformative conversations don’t need to be dramatic — they just need to start from where you are, with what you have.

Whether you’re coaching a team, leading through uncertainty, or simply wanting better conversations, this episode offers clarity, humour, and plenty of moments that will stay with you.

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In this vibrant and energising episode of Toward Solutions, we sit down with Ayse Adil — co-founder of Family Based Solutions — to explore what it means to stay truly client-led.

Ayse shares her journey from early scepticism (“I thought Solution Focus was wishy-washy!”) to becoming a passionate and creative advocates. Drawing on her experience with families, young people, survivors, and those who have used violence, she shows how Solution Focus can flex to meet the moment — even in silence.

Together, we explore how a light touch, a strong intuition, and deep respect can unlock new possibilities, even in complex or high-risk situations. Ayse introduces her metaphor of the “brain librarian,” the surprising power of silent sessions, and how humour, humility, and courage to improvise can shift everything.

We explore:

• Moving from scepticism to living Solution Focus as a way of being
• Preparing families to move from problem-focus to possibility-focus
• Adapting Solution Focus to work with survivors, perpetrators, and children
• Letting go of being “strictly Solution Focus” to stay truly client-led
• Why silence, humour, and mistakes can lead to real change

Ayse’s warmth, honesty, and creativity shine in this conversation.

Find out more about Ayse's work at https://familybasedsolutions.org.uk/

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