Reach Minds - ‘Thoughts for your Life Journey’

• I'm Not Done Yet

  Podcast – 34 I’m Not Done Yet ( INDY)Welcome to the Reach Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey podcast. In this episode, we will explore be delving into a topic that touches us all: retirement and aging. Specifically, we'll be highlighting what some refer to as the "dangerous decade," that period from the mid to late 50s to the mid to late 60s, a time when ageism can often rear its head, potentially bringing a sudden halt to a vibrant working life.My guest today has a truly inspiring story that directly addresses this challenge. He's here to share his personal journey of realizing that while others might perceive him differently in the workplace due to his age, he was, unequivocally, not done working. This realization led him to found an organization called "I'm Not Done Yet" seven years ago – a name that perfectly encapsulates his profound belief in the enduring importance of purpose and activity in later life.Join us as we hear how he navigated these perceptions, rekindled his professional path, and built a community around the idea that age should never be a barrier to contribution and fulfilment. It's a conversation that I believe will resonate deeply, offering insights and encouragement for anyone contemplating their own journey through the later stages of life and career. Let's welcome Andrew Middleton. About Andrew Middleton Andrew Middleton is the founder of INDY (I’m Not Done Yet), a peer network and movement for people exploring life beyond traditional retirement. After leaving full-time work at 58, Andrew coined the term “soft retirement” to describe a new way of living, one that blends purpose, flexibility, and freedom. Drawing on a diverse background in senior leadership, charity work, and creative consultancy, he now supports others navigating the space between work and retirement. Whether hosting events, running the INDY online community, or one of his other portfolio roles, Andrew champions the idea that this stage of life is not about slowing down, but shifting focus. He writes and speaks about ageism, transition, and how to stay relevant and energised in your 50s, 60s and beyond. Through INDY, Andrew brings together people who still have ideas to share, projects to build, and more to say. Because, as he puts it, "We're not done yet."Andrew shared his personal journey of self-reflection, triggered by unexpected prejudice later in life, which led him to develop concepts to help others navigate similar experiences.In this podcast we pose the following questions on I’m Not Done YetHow did the idea of INDY come about? What was that pivotal moment or series of moments that sparked its creation?Your journey from corporate technology and management roles to leading a charity as CEO, before eventually moving to self-employment? What have you discovered and perhaps learned about yourself during this time? Has anything surprised you about your own capabilities or resilience?what's been the most fascinating thing you've discovered, perhaps about aging, purpose, or the human spirit in later life? What’s been the most fascinating things you have discovered? Tell me about your I’m Not Done Yet logo?What keeps you going?What tips and insights would you give to people who want to explore retirement?What’s the motto you live by? www.imnotdoneyet.co.uk the website with link to the INDY Online CommunityBooks The Bue Zone  - By Dan BuettnerThe 100 year life Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott et al

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• No One is You and that is your Superpower

  Welcome to 'Reach Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey.' Today, we're diving deep into the power of quiet self-determination and conviction. Discover how a steadfast work ethic and living with purpose can empower you to achieve success, overcome life's bumps, and silence the voices that try to put you in a box.This journey perfectly encapsulates the backstory of my wonderful guest, Jenny Garratt OBE. I've had the pleasure of working with Jenny through Jenny Garratt Global, and I've been truly in awe of the success and impact she's created in her business. Her powerful motto in life says it all: "No one is you and that is your power."About Jenny GarrettJenny Garrett OBE is a highly acclaimed leadership and talent expert, and a prominent Black businesswoman based in the UK. With two decades of experience leading an award-winning, impactful global leadership, talent, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) consultancy, Jenny is at the forefront of coaching, leadership, and training.Recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours 2021 for services to Entrepreneurship and Women in Business, Jenny is also a Freeman of the Company of Entrepreneurs and was listed in Brummell Magazine's Top 30 City Innovators 2016. She holds the highest honorary award of 'Companion' from the Institute of Leadership and Management for her significant contributions to advancing the practice of leadership and management for public benefit.Jenny's expertise is further solidified by her two powerful books: "Equality vs Equity," which tackles critical issues of race in the workplace, and "Rocking Your Role," a guide for female breadwinners navigating life and work. She holds a master’s in management Learning & Leadership, a Post Graduate Certificate in Coaching, and a BA (Hons) in Business.Jenny's business is built on three essential pillars: Inclusive Leadership, providing the "why" and core principles of valuing every individual; Entrepreneurial Leadership, offering the "how" to innovate and adapt with diverse thinking; and Humanising AI Adoption, addressing the "where" and "what" for applying these principles to transformative technology, ensuring fairness and benefit for all.She is also the co-host of the "AI For Equity" podcast with her daughter, Leah Garrett. Her extensive client list includes prestigious organisations such as MasterCard, National Gas, the NHS, and the National Union of Students (NUS). Jenny's work empowers individuals and organisations globally to unlock their full potential and drive equitable change.In this podcast, we pose the following questions from the past to the present Jenny, you came from a humble beginning, and how did that early environment shape your aspirations?I mentioned in the opening the qualities of  quiet self-determination and conviction how did this shape you?How have you experienced moments in your professional life where you perhaps felt you shouldn't be there, or doubted your place?What did it mean to you OBE for services to Entrepreneurship and Women in Business? What's a core philosophy that has remained constant in your life?Is there someone in your world that has particularly influenced/supported you? Success is fantastic, I am curious what maybe a cost associated with this for you? Focusing on today's world, what major changes are you observing, and how can Jenny Garratt Global be an enabler for people navigating these shifts?What continues to shape and keeps  you going with the work that you do? What tips or resources would you offer to others to tap into? Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Jenny Garrett Global Site https://jennygarrett.global/Diverse Executive Coach Directory https://diverseexecutivecoaches.co.ukRocking Ur Teens http://www.rockingurteens.comAI For Equity Podcast https://linktr.ee/coachjennygarrettRocking Your Role and Equality vs Equity Books https://jennygarrett.global/rocking-your-role-the-book/

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• Navigating Our Own Fears

  In today’s  podcast we will be venturing into the realm of fear, a powerful and often perplexing emotion that's been with us since the dawn of humankind. It's a feeling as old as humanity itself, a primal response that has kept us safe from countless dangers throughout our evolution. But fear isn't just a simple alarm bell. It's a complex tapestry woven from our biology, our experiences, and the stories we tell ourselves. Understanding the intricate dance of neurons firing in our brains when faced with a perceived threat, and how those responses can become deeply ingrained, is the first step in truly understanding its power over us. How many times has that nagging feeling held us back? Our exploration today isn't about some mythical state of fearlessness; rather, it's about cultivating a new way of relating to this fundamental emotion. About Liz Carruthers I am joined in this conversation with my friend, Liz Carruthers  who is registered Psychotherapist with the UKCP working with patients and couples in a top London cancer centre for many years.Now we are not experts on fear however we thought it might be worthwhile airing this and sharing our insights personally and professionally.  In this podcast we pose the following questions on Fear?What is fear? How, in your experience of people facing mortality, can fear be a catalyst for change ?Neuroscience research over the years has helped us to learn about our Fight/flight freeze responses, but what we probably know less about is our freeze responses and how getting stuck in freeze response can be unhelpfulSometimes there seems to be some confusion between fear and anxiety. How would you differentiate them, and what's their relationship between them? Finally, can fear ever be a motivator – perhaps even a positive one – to push us to strive for more, or to take action?" Resources There are many books on fear, here is a list of few of them. One of the most highly recommended books for overcoming fear is ``Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway'' by Susan JeffersFear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm by Thich Nhat HanhDaring Greatly by Brené BrownThe Confidence Gap A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ HarrisThe Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy"The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence" by Gavin de Becker: Focuses on trusting your intuition and recognizing subtle warning signs of danger. While not strictly neuroscience, it's crucial for understanding real-world fear."Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry" by Catherine M. Pittman and Elizabeth M. 1 Karle: Provides a clear and accessible explanation of the brain mechanisms underlying anxiety and offers practical strategies for rewiring those pathways.   Befriending and Navigating Fear:Acceptance and Awareness: Emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting fear as a natural human emotion rather than trying to suppress or ignore it. Mindfulness practices can be helpful here.Cognitive Reframing: Discuss how we can challenge and re-evaluate fear-inducing thoughts. Are they based on reality? What are the alternative perspectives?Exposure Therapy (Gradual): Explain how carefully and gradually facing our fears in a safe environment can desensitize the fear response over time.Building Resilience: Explore strategies for developing emotional resilience, such as self-compassion, strong social support, and healthy coping mechanisms.Understanding the Purpose of Fear: Frame fear not just as a negative emotion but also as a signal that can alert us to potential danger and motivate protective actions.Mindfulness and Meditation: Discuss how these practices can help us observe fear without judgment and reduce its intensity.Somatic Practices: Explore how body-based techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help regulate the physiological responses associated with fear.

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• Positive Intelligence, Stress and Well-being

  Welcome, everyone, to another insightful episode of 'Reach Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey'! Today, we're diving deep into a fascinating and incredibly relevant topic: Positive Intelligence, stress and well-being. Have you ever wondered how some people seem to navigate life's inevitable stresses with such grace and resilience? Well, that's often the power of positive intelligence at play.In this show, we're going to explore what exactly positive intelligence is, its practical applications in our daily lives, and why it's so crucial for managing our own stress and overall well-being. And I'm thrilled to introduce our guest today, who has been making waves with her recent work on stress awareness techniques. Her content has resonated deeply with so many, offering tangible strategies for navigating the pressures of modern life. Get ready to glean some powerful insights that you can immediately apply to your own journey. Let's get started!About Marie LoneyMarie Loney, the founder of Glow Consultancy London and a transformative Executive Wellbeing Coach. Marie empowers professionals to unlock their potential by placing wellbeing at the heart of personal and organisational growth. Her approach is rooted in the belief that when individuals feel well, they lead well cultivating high performance, deeper engagement, and meaningful success in a post-pandemic world.Marie works holistically, guiding her clients to align their goals with their emotional and physical wellbeing. Through her coaching, leaders evolve their emotional and positive intelligence, strengthen communication, foster genuine collaboration, and build trust across their teams and communities.Her work inspires a ripple effect shaping healthier, more human centred workplaces where people don’t just survive, but truly thrive. Marie invites us to reimagine leadership through the lens of wellbeing, creativity, and conscious presence.In this podcast, we pose the following questions What started you on the stress and well-being?Tell us about Positive Intelligence and how you integrate this in your work with clients?How does positive intelligence relate to stress and well-being? In your experience, what are some of the most common underlying causes of chronic stress in today's world?What are some of your personal go-to strategies for managing stress and nurturing your own well-being?You've seen positive feedback on your stress awareness techniques – what do you think makes them particularly effective for people?Examples of your work and where it has impacted client positively? For someone listening who's new to this concept, what's one small, actionable step they could take today to start exploring their own well-being? Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Website: https://www.glowconsultancy.londonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-loney-9a23b015/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glow-consultancy-london/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowconsultancy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glow-Consultancy-106139887922148/Tools to Support you De StressWeek 1: Physiological Sigh - A deep, conscious breath pattern that relaxes the body and brings clarity in under a minute.https://youtube.com/shorts/yh11C2P6aOE?feature=shareWeek 2: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding - A sensory based reset to anchor you in the present and ease anxiety.https://youtube.com/shorts/FD4NbGc9QOg?feature=shareWeek 3: Name It to Tame It - Noticing and naming your emotion helps you manage it making space for calm, not chaos.https://youtube.com/shorts/6odMGqbQjPs?feature=share Week 4: The Magic If – A moment of imaginative mindset shift: “What if I could…?” helping you reframe and reset in an instant.https://youtube.com/shorts/TfpmSQX__rs?feature=shareDon’t forget to subscribe & leave a review! 🌟Tune in now and learn how to deepen your healing practice! 🎧

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• How to get to where you want to be

  Welcome to this episode of Reach Minds: Thoughts for Your Life’s Journey. Today, we’re diving into what it really means to build a diverse and meaningful career—one that brings not just success, but fulfilment and purpose. My guest is someone who made that shift. Instead of letting others dictate what he should do, he began asking himself the deeper questions and took ownership of his path. By managing his career intentionally, he crafted a life that reflects his values, passions, and vision for the future.About Ian DrewToday, I am joined by Ian  Drew, whose career spans over 25 years working globally and  occupying leadership roles as a part of has C-Suite, senior leadership teams. He is a Serial business founder and fan of disruptive ideas. Chairman Life score Music, ex-Chairman Foundries.io. He has inspired FTSE 50 Senior Executive and Entrepreneur in the world-wide technology industry with a track record of leading growth. He was the Vice chair of The Eve Appeal, a leading gynaecological cancer charity. Ian has also committed himself to creating between 1,3000 jobs in the UK.In this podcast, we pose the following questions:Ian, what has guided the career decisions you’ve made so far? How do you know when it’s time to change direction in your career? What are some of the key values that drive your career choices? How do you identify the skills you need to develop, and what’s your approach to learning them? What role has leadership and management training played in your career journey?Can you share a few key moments in your life that really shifted things for you? What made those moments so impactful? What keeps you motivated? What advice would you offer to someone feeling uncertain about their career direction? Resources Mentioned in This Episode:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-drew-84a11a1/💬 Let us know what resonated with you – and if this sparked a new reflection.Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review! 🌟

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