In Pursuit of the Better You

Talking about 'we can do hard things'. This year, both Becki and Fay have done some 'hard things' and it's good to recognise what we can actually do because we don't always give ourselves the credit.  What are you doing that's a 'hard thing'? How are you coping, managing, getting on with it? Do you believe you can do these hard things? It's important to remember that we don't know what's going on for other people - and what hard things they're dealing with at any time - and so remembering to show people some grace if it's needed.  Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk    

Are you having a break for the summer? Or are you powering through? In this episode, Fay and Becki are talking about their summer plans which seem to be a mix of work and a much looked forward to break.  We talk about the science behind why it's good to have a break and how this can re-energise us - and this led to a bit of a chat about sleep and how we both have and do use sleep for that energising factor.  Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk

Is stress real or do people create their stress? Perhaps a better questions is to ask what stress means to those involved if we're talking about their stress because people will have different tolerances to stressful situations.  Becki talks about two different types of stress: Eustress is challenging but manageable and leads to growth Distress is difficult and has a negative outcome.  Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk    

What even is an accidental manager?  It's the transition we make from being a team member to a team manager.  Perhaps you're now running the team you used to be a part of. How can you make the best of this situation? You've probably got the job because your leadership potential has been identified. But how do you navigate this change? This is what we're talking about this week - tune in to find out how we managed this in our careers.  Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk

Are you askinng me if I'm not prepared to be successful? No!!! On the contrary. Failure is a big part of success. Going through the motions - doing new things - stepping out of our comfort zone means that things may not always go to plan. There are risks to be taken that might not pay off... at least the first time.  The key is being prepared to fail - but learning from the failure. All of our best lessons come from those failures.     

In the training or presentation space - what are you delivering? Is it 'Death by Powerpoint'? Some hints and tips for deliverers - or feedback you can give if you're a participant.  1) Where are you designing your presentation and what images/design points can you use? 2) Have a 'hook' 3) Keep your slides clean - minimal content 4) Make your audience feel like they matter 5) Is a slide even needed? 6) Be a subject expert Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk        

The rider, the elephant and the path! A concept to help you think about change.  If we want to make some change, our brain has to get involved. Our emotional side of the brain is more powerful than the rational side of the brain. The rider is the rational side of the brain - riding the elephant, the emotional side of the brain. The path is the clear direction for the elephant to follow, with the rider on its back.  Here's the link to watch the short video on YouTube https://youtu.be/X9KP8uiGZTs?si=kS6ryKOjfMAKPTN7 Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk    

People can forget what you do and what you say - but they'll never forget how you make them feel. Feelings stick with us - our emotions are strong. How do the people you're surrounded by make you feel? We're responsible for how we feel - other people don't create those responses in our emotions - that's our response. And then we realise we have agency on changing our minds - we have control over how we feel.  People can try to make you feel a certain way - but how you feel ultimately, is on you. This can be empowering but also quite a confronting concept.  Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk

What are your top skills?  And are you putting yourself in situations where you can use them? Are you considering them when your in situations that push you out of your comfort zone - i.e. how they might be able to help you? Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk

If you could wave a magic wand - what would your life be like? What a question! What are your big dreams and where are you now in terms of making those dreams come true? We have this one life and it's our own responsibility to make sure we make the most of it, because one thing is for sure, Prince Charming isn't riding in to save us! How often are you checking in on your dreams and making sure you're on the right track? Contact Fay - https://www.fayblakey.com  Rebekah - https://www.quest4est.co.uk Thank you to Jon at Wahhoo Media for our production: https://www.wahhoo.co.uk