Your Time With James Sweetman

After a break from recording, I’m delighted to return with a simpler and more reflective format of my podcast. In this new episode, I explore the concept of psychological permission, those moments in life when we already know what feels true for us, but struggle to give ourselves permission to act.
At a time when we are bombarded by information, it’s important to recognise that wisdom is not always something we need to acquire externally. It’s something we need to stop talking ourselves out of internally.

In this special episode, I sit down with Frankie Sheahan, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Summit, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation.
As well as chatting about this year’s Pendulum Summit, taking place on Friday 23rd January at the Convention Centre Dublin, Frankie shares insights into the thinking behind the event, the evolution of Pendulum over the years and what makes this year’s gathering particularly special. We touch on the stellar line-up of speakers including Brené Brown, Marc Randolph, Rory Sutherland, and Richard Susskind.
Beyond the event itself, our conversation goes behind the scenes, reflecting on past Pendulum moments, the realities and pressures of running a world-class summit, and Frankie’s personal approach to leadership, work life balance, and staying grounded when the pressure is on. It's a conversation not to be missed.

This week’s episode, the last in the current series, is one of my favourites, my annual book review. I speak about 10 books that have inspired, entertained and stretched me over the past 12 months, five non-fiction books and five novels.
From books about creativity, awareness and purpose, to stories that explore connection, courage, and the human condition each one reminded me why reading is high on my list of passions.
If like me, you’re a book lover, avid reader, on the lookout for a new read, or are curious about the themes and insights that shaped my reading year, then I think you’ll enjoy this episode.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined once again by international keynote speaker and high performance coach Gerry Duffy (www.gerryduffyacademy.com) We chat about his latest book Lessons for Leaders, a collection of 28 practical and thought-provoking insights designed to help leaders reflect, grow and inspire. Our conversation explores what leaders are hungry for today and how common sense is not always common practice. Gerry also shares what his ideal week looks like and the leadership lesson that continues to re-teach itself to him. Whether you’re leading a team, managing projects, or simply seeking inspiration to show up as your best self, this is a conversation packed with ideas and insights.

We all run the gamut between waiting to be found and waiting to be found out. On one hand we long to be seen and appreciated, on the other, we fear criticism and rejection. In this week’s episode, I explore the hidden cost of visibility, how it takes courage to show up, speak up and share our work with the world, but it’s the courage to rest and refill the well that keeps us whole. If you’ve ever felt that post-sharing wobble, or the emotional fatigue that follows exposure, this episode is for you.