Episode 13 - Masterclass: Reading the room

Preventing Burnout and  New Coach’s challenges  Episode 14: Ever felt like your work—no matter how rewarding—is slowly draining the life out of you? Or wondered how to keep growing as a facilitator, coach, or leader without burning out? In this episode of 1AM Talks, Andry McFarlane and Rachael Palmer get real about the highs and lows of facilitation, learning, and leadership. They share their own career journeys and areas of focus—including Andry’s research on what new coaches and mentors really experience in their first three years. You’ll hear: How to avoid burnout (or bounce back from it): Rachael’s tips for setting boundaries, switching off, and why "everything is a win when the goal is experience"—not perfection. The power of journaling: Andry’s simple, five-minute trick to help groups (and individuals) ground themselves before diving into learning. Spoiler: It’s not about writing essays. Tailored learning that actually works: How Rachael’s L&D programme adapts to each person’s needs—whether they’re just starting out or have been grafting for years. The tough questions new coaches face: Andry’s research reveals the real struggles in those first three years—from imposter syndrome to organisational roadblocks—and how to push through them. Challenging the status quo: What happens when the workplace culture you’re coaching in isn’t inclusive?  For facilitators, coaches, and L&D pros, this episode is packed with practical takeaways: ✅ Burnout-proof your work: Rachael’s disciplined (but realistic) approach to protecting your energy. ✅ Design for real people: How to create inclusive learning that meets people however they turn up to learning events —not where you think they should be. ✅ Feedback that changes culture: How to use your role as a coach or facilitator to nudge organisations toward fairness and inclusion. Find out more: To connect with Andry and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam Explore The Learning Moment’s services in the UK: https://thelearningmoment.org For global L&D/OD support, connect with Andry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313 Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks   ⭐ If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s juggling facilitation, coaching, or leadership—and don’t forget to subscribe for more real talk on learning and growth. Podcast production by: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk #1AMTalks #Facilitation #AvoidBurnout #Coaching #LearningAndDevelopment #NewVoices #RealTalk #Leadership #Inclusion

Preventing Burnout and  New Coach’s challenges   Episode 14: Ever felt like your work—no matter how rewarding—is slowly draining the life out of you? Or wondered how to keep growing as a facilitator, coach, or leader without burning out? In this mini trailer for 1AM Talks, Andry McFarlane and Rachael Palmer give you a taste of the tips for avoiding burnout from their real life long term facilitator -coach-supervisor experiences.  How to avoid burnout: Rachael’s tips for setting boundaries, switching off, and why "everything is a win when the goal is experience"—not perfection. The power of journaling: Andry’s simple, five-minute trick to help groups (and individuals) ground themselves before diving into learning.  Tailored learning that actually works: How Rachael’s L&D programme adapts to each person’s needs—whether they’re just starting out or have been grafting for years. The tough experiences new coaches face: Andry’s research reveals the real struggles in those first three years—from imposter syndrome to organisational roadblocks—and how to push through them. Find out more: To connect with Andry and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam Explore The Learning Moment’s services in the UK: https://thelearningmoment.org For global L&D/OD support, connect with Andry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313 Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks

Masterclass: Reading the room   What if the key to connecting with groups - whether its for facilitation influencing or leading —isn’t about having all the answers. But is actually reading the room? In this episode of 1AM Talks, Andry McFarlane and Rachael Palmer share their personal journeys—from teaching and youth work to coaching and training—and how their experiences have shaped the way they work, live and lead today. For facilitators, educators, and L&D professionals, this episode offers: How to "read a room": Andry explains a simple exercise she uses to help people tune into what’s really happening in a group—and why it’s a skill anyone can learn. When to throw out the plan: Why experienced facilitators sometimes scrap their prepared notes to follow where the conversation needs to go—and how to get clients on board with that flexibility. A better way to talk about tough topics: Rachael shares a story about reframing a sensitive subject (like abstinence) in a way that actually connects with people. Squiggly Careers: How the hosts  winding career  paths led them to work with charities, the NHS, B Corps and young people—and why they’re drawn to organisations that care about people more than profits. Nerves, excitement, and the power of silence: How to handle the emotional side of leading groups. Connect: To discuss us supporting your team, staff and managers  do reach out for a chat. UK focused individuals and  teams: [email protected]. Global individuals and teams: [email protected] Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague, rate the podcast, and subscribe for more real conversations on learning, leadership, and adaptability. Podcast recording and production team: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk #1AMTalks #FacilitationSkills #ReadingTheRoom #L&D #YouthWork #EmotionalIntelligence #ValuesDrivenWork #SquigglyCareers #CoachingCulture

Masterclass: Reading the room   Mastering the art of  leading and facilitation often hinges on learning to read the room.   And it’s one of our favourite topics. Meet your hosts and get tips that took them years to figure out!  For facilitators, educators, HR and  L&D professionals, the full episode offers: How to "read a room"—and why it’s a skill anyone can learn. When to throw out the plan: Why experienced facilitators sometimes scrap their prepared notes to follow where the conversation needs to go. A better way to learn about tough topics: Rachael shares a story about reframing a sensitive learning  subject (like sexual abstinence). Squiggly Careers: How the hosts  winding career  paths led them to work with charities, the NHS, B Corps and young people. Nerves, excitement, and the power of silence: How to handle the emotional side of leading groups. Connect: To discuss us supporting your team, staff and managers  do reach out for a chat. UK focused individuals and  teams: [email protected]. Global individuals and teams: [email protected] Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks ⭐ If this trailer resonated with you, share it with a colleague, rate the podcast, and subscribe for more real conversations on learning, leadership and thriving at work. #1AMTalks #FacilitationSkills #ReadingTheRoom #L&D #YouthWork #EmotionalIntelligence #ValuesDrivenWork #SquigglyCareers #CoachingCulture Podcast recording and production team: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk

Can one coaching session make a difference to leaders? What if just one coaching session could change how someone sees themselves as a leader—or even change the direction of their career?  In this episode of 1AM Talks, we flip the script: Rachael Palmer, usually a co-host, steps into the interviewee’s seat to share her experience with a single coaching session—and how it helped her recognise her own leadership potential.  She’s joined by Gerald Vanderpuye, CEO of Impact Brixton, who reveals how coaching gave him the clarity to make a life-changing decision: turning down a high-paying job to build Europe’s only Black-owned co-working space from the ground up. Rachael opens up about her coaching  hesitations—"What if this is just 90 minutes I’ll never get back?"—and how her curiosity and openness led to a breakthrough. She also reflects on how her identity as a Woman of Colour,  shaped her approach to risk and growth. Gerald, meanwhile, shares the raw, emotional moment when coaching helped him see through the noise and make a decision aligned with his values—even when it felt terrifying. Together, we discuss: The power of a single coaching session: How even a short coaching conversation can spark real change. Leading without realising it: Rachael’s journey from "I’m not a leader" to owning her role as leader and later General Manager. Courage in decision-making: Gerald’s story of choosing uncertainty over security, and why it paid off for him and his community. Creating a culture where people thrive: How Impact Brixton’s values-driven approach—trusting teams, embracing vulnerability, and focusing on strengths—turns a  co-working space into a place people bring their families to. Build a workplace culture: Simple ways to create a great workplace  coaching into your workplace. Encourage openness: Tips for helping employees (and yourself!) approach coaching with curiosity, not scepticism. Reflection Questions for Your Team: Who in your organisation might be a ‘hidden leader’ like Rachael was—someone contributing more than they realise? How could you use short, focused coaching sessions to support key decision-makers during transitions? What would it look like to create a workplace where people feel safe to take risks and grow? 🎧Find more episodes  for free on Spotify   Podbean   and  Apple podcasts Find Out More about your hosts: Connect with host Andry MacFarlane: https://linktr.ee/andryam Explore The Learning Moment’s L&D and OD services in the UK: https://thelearningmoment.org Guest Details: Gerald Vanderpuye – CEO, Impact Brixton Gerald turned down a six-figure salary to build Impact Brixton, a thriving co-working space rooted in community and freedom.  Rachael Palmer – General Manager, Impact Brixton Rachael went from volunteer to General Manager—without ever planning to be a leader. Find out more about Impact Brixton: https://www.impactbrixton.com ⭐ If this episode inspired you, share it with your team, rate the podcast, or subscribe for more real stories about learning, leadership, and growth. Podcast production by: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk #Coworkingleadership #entrepreneurs #1AMTalks #CoachingThatWorks #LeadershipDevelopment #HR #L&D #WorkplaceCulture #ImpactBrixton #OneSessionWonders

Can one coaching session make a difference to leaders? In this trailer for our upcoming 1AM Talks episode, Gerald Vanderpuye, CEO of Impact Brixton, shares his leadership mantra: "Your job is to look after the people, not the business. Help them go from 70% to 90% of themselves—that’s what coaching is for." But this full episode that drops this week,  isn’t only about Gerald leading. Rachael Palmer Impact Brixton’s resident General Manager is back too and you’ll discover lots about her journey to leadership. Discover..  How one standalone coaching session can create lasting change (no long-term programme needed) for a leader like Rachael Palmer, General Manager of Impact Brixton.  The art of spotting hidden leaders—those who step up naturally but don’t yet see their own potential. Why values-driven high-risk decisions (even the tough ones) lead to stronger, more lasting leadership. 🎧Full episode dropping soon.  Listen for free on Spotify   Podbean   and  Apple podcasts #1AMTalks #CoachingThatWorks #LeadershipDevelopment #HR #L&D #WorkplaceCulture #ImpactBrixton #OneSessionWonders #Coworkingleadership #entrepreneurs

Tight L&D budgets, big staff learning ambitions, constant OD  pressure?
1AM Talks shares bite-sized, real stories about what actually works in learning and organisational development. Each 20-minute episode takes a 360° look at one real programme — through the eyes of the commissioner, the facilitator and the participant. Launching 5th November. 🎙Your host Andry McFarlane shares a taste of what’s to come in Episode 1,  when Andry and co-host Rachael Palmer meet Amanda Cummins and Karen Nelson from South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust, exploring how wellbeing and communication focused coaching and a workshop,  were designed to help staff build confidence, speak up and thrive at work. Connect and meet us To find out more about Andry McFarlane and 1AM Talks: https://linktr.ee/andryam Learning and development work in the UK: https://thelearningmoment.org For global work connect with Andry McFarlane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrymcfarlane   #LearningAndDevelopment  #ProgrammeDesign #HRLeadership #OrganisationalDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceWellbeing   We’d love to hear from you:  💭 What are your thoughts on designing learning that meets both individual and organisational needs?   

What does it take to act courageously  and make successful high  risks decisions? In this 1AM Talks episode, we speak with Gerald Vanderpuye and Rachael Palmer from Impact Brixton about leadership at a crossroads, and the role coaching played in helping a CEO at a high risk moment.  Gerald reflects on the period before taking on a co-working space, when his future work felt unclear. The episode also explores what makes Impact Brixton distinctive now: a workplace shaped by connection, collaboration, minimal hierarchy and a powerful  sense of belonging.  Rachael brings the perspective of leading and managing  day to day,  in a trust-based, community-first environment. 💡Leadership, culture, risk and decisions at Impact Brixton 🎙 For HR, OD and L&D practitioners, this episode shows: how coaching can support CEOs and other leaders  when they are at a crossroads -   with high-risk evidence-based decisions how trust-based leadership culture grows in low-hierarchy workplaces how community and belonging shape organisational culture how coaching can strengthen aligned decision making, confidence and self-accountability in staff how leadership development  support both emerging leaders  and a  wider workplace culture in SME’s  ➡️ In the next episode, we hear more from Rachael Palmer about her own leadership  journey and the impact  just one coaching session had on her work and leadership. Connect and meet us To find out more about Andry McFarlane and 1AM Talks: https://linktr.ee/andryam Learning and development work in the UK: https://thelearningmoment.org For global work connect with Andry McFarlane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrymcfarlane   ⏱ Moments to look out for in the Full Episode 00:00 — Andry introduces 1AM Talks and sets the scene at Impact Brixton, Brixton, London 01:37 — Gerald reflects on why he first sought coaching — and the make-or-break moment that changed everything for his business 02:47 — “Filter the signal, not the noise” — Gerald on how coaching sharpened his decision-making as a leader 09:17 — Andry shares how Impact Brixton inspired her to offer a voluntary coaching programme to the staff team — and what made it unique 12:23 — Gerald on building a non-hierarchical culture and why coaching filled the accountability gap his team needed 17:30 — Rachael and Gerald on why Impact Brixton is more than a workspace — and what it means when members bring their families to show it off   💭 Reflective Questions — For HR & L&D Managers 1.When your organisation invests in coaching, how do you assess whether the coach is the right fit — not just on paper, but in terms of trust and culture alignment? 2.Gerald describes coaching as helping leaders “filter signal from noise” in high-pressure moments. How are you currently supporting your managers to make quality decisions when the stakes are high? 3.The coaching offered to the Impact Brixton team was a single 90-minute session with no follow-up or evaluation. What does this challenge you to think about in terms of how your organisation measures the value of coaching interventions? Guest details Gerald Vanderpuye— Guest Bio Gerald Vanderpuye is CEO of Impact Brixton. He also  advises and implements AI systems for tech start-ups, incubators. He tells  Brixton’s story through Brixton Culture Capital + Make Rum for fun @Brixton Alchemist. Rachael Palmer — Guest Bio Rachael Palmer is General Manager at Impact Brixton. She brings insight into day-to-day leadership in a community-first workplace where people are trusted to grow into responsibility. Impact Brixton: https://www.impactbrixton.com   Podcast recording and production team: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/ #LeadershipAtCrossroads #LeadershipCulture #CoachingAtWork #OrganisationalDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #CommunityFirst #TrustBasedLeadership #ImpactBrixton #CoworkingCulture #1AMTalks #SME’s We’d appreciate your ideas: What kind of culture helps people step into leadership? How does your organisation build trust without relying on heavy hierarchy? 

💡What does it take to go with  courage and make  values based decisions when the risks are high? In this trailer, we give you a hint of what’s coming in our full episode, as host Andry McFarlane sits down with Gerald Vanderpuye, CEO of Impact Brixton — a vibrant coworking space in South London — and General Manager Rachael  Palmer, to explore the real impact of coaching at a crucial moment of his life. We get a glimpse of Gerald  at a crossroads where he was choosing whether to become a CEO -entrepreneur leading a co-working space or or an employee.  He gives us a taste of how coaching helped him filter ‘clarity from noise’ — and why he now turns to it every time the pressure rises.   We also get a preview of how Gerald brought that experience full circle, commissioning a coaching programme for his own team at Impact Brixton, and what it unlocked in terms of confidence, leadership awareness and accountability.   Plus — a sneak peek at what makes Impact Brixton so hard to  describe in words -  but impossible to resist , as Gerald and Rachael try to put into words the community magic of a place where members bring their parents, and Rachael’s kids think they can ‘just drop by’. 💡In the Full Episode You’ll Hear: Why successful  leaders lean into support rather than away from it How coaching improves successful  high stakes  CEO decision-making The secret behind building an empowered team culture with a flat team structure  The  coaching programme that supported  the Impact Brixton team leaders,managers and staff   🎙 Thanks for Listening Thank you for tuning into this trailer for 1AM Talks. If this has sparked your curiosity, the full episode is available now. Share it with a colleague, leave us a review, or continue the conversation on socials. Every episode is a real learning journey  and we’re glad you’re part of it.   Recorded live at Impact Brixton by the production team at Artifact Films:: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/

💡How is the quality of  student services impacted by coaching?  💡In this episode of 1AM Talks, Kieren Macintosh (Vice Principal, Lewisham College) and Rebecca Henry Litteck (Head of Learning and OD for SHMS, City St George’s) share their powerful stories of how coaching and mentoring break down silos, build trust, and drive inclusion—ultimately enhancing quality and student experiences. And we discuss the end of the ‘superhero’ leader.  🎧 You’ll hear: ✔️ Kieren’s transformation: From feeling "stuck" in his role to using coaching to prioritise impact, build a track record of success, and elevate his team’s performance—directly benefiting student support and outcomes. ✔️ Rebecca’s vision: How peer mentoring and coaching are replacing the "hero leader" model with collaborative, inclusive leadership—creating cultures where every voice is heard and valued. ✔️Coaching communities of practice in action—not the formal groups, but the informal spaces where managers and teams use coaching skills to drive change. ✔️ Real impact on students: How coaching skills spill into classrooms and student services, fostering engagement, confidence, and belonging—critical for quality education and retention. ✔️ Inclusion in action: Practical ways to weave EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) into coaching and mentoring, ensuring all staff and students thrive. ✔️ Budget-friendly strategies: How to design impactful programmes—even with limited resources—using cross-organisational partnerships, action learning sets, and team coaching. 💡 Key takeaways for L&D, OD, and education leaders: 🔹 Coaching is a tool to changer conversations, empower all staff and improve student experiences.  🔹 How coaching  supported one manager’s journey to enhance students experiences , including enhancing safeguarding services. 🔹 Inclusion starts with conversation—use coaching to build more equitable cultures. 🔹 Collaboration > silos—how peer coaching and cross-institutional partnerships strengthen the entire education sector. 🔗 Listen now to explore how coaching can transform leadership, enhance quality, and create inclusive environments where staff and students alike can thrive. #CoachingInEducation #FurtherEducation #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #InclusiveLeadership #QualityInEducation #PeerMentoring #L&D #OD #1AMTalks ➡️ In the next episode, we continue the conversation with more practical reflections on coaching, leadership and learning cultures. Find out more To find out more about your hosts, Andry and Rachael: Our learning and development work in the UK https://thelearningmoment.org   About us and global work too: https://linktr.ee/andryam Connect with Andry Anastasis McFarlane and global work  on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313 Follow the podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks   🎧Only 20 mins to listen? 💫  Follow , share and listen to 1AM talks episodes for free on Spotify   Podbean   and  Apple podcasts   Guest details Rebecca Henry Litteck — Guest Bio Rebecca Henry Litteck was previously Head of Learning and Organisational Development at St George’s, University of London, with over 14 years’ experience leading learning, leadership and organisational development initiatives across Further Education, Higher Education and the public sector. Following the 2024 merger with City, University of London, she is now Head of Learning and OD for SHMS within the expanded City St George’s OD team, supporting the organisation through a significant period of change and integration. As an OD practitioner, she specialises in leadership and team development, organisational change, employee engagement, and the development of coaching and mentoring programmes. She is also a qualified coach, an EQ-i 2.0 practitioner, and a strong advocate for coaching and mentoring as powerful approaches to personal, professional and organisational growth. Kieren McIntosh — Guest Bio Kieren McIntosh is Vice Principal for Curriculum and Quality at Lewisham College, part of NCG. He has worked in the Further Education sector for 18 years, with experience spanning curriculum leadership, quality improvement, and supporting teams to deliver consistent and effective practice. At Lewisham College, Kieren leads on Curriculum and Quality, overseeing curriculum strategy, quality assurance and performance improvement across programme areas. His work focuses on supporting strong teaching, learning and assessment, helping teams work consistently, and improving learner experience and outcomes. Before joining NCG, Kieren was Group Curriculum Director for Supported Learning at New City College, where he oversaw provision for around 900 High Needs students across multiple campuses. He also led Hospitality and Catering, including training restaurants, and contributed to the wider leadership journey towards Ofsted Outstanding. #Quality #ManagerAsCoach #PeerCoaching #ActionLearning #TeamCoaching #GroupSupervision #LeadershipDevelopment  #FurtherEducation #HigherEducation #studentinclusion #inclusion #Student services #OFSTED #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingAndMentoring #PeerCoaching #ActionLearning #TeamCoaching #GroupSupervision #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganisationalDevelopment #FurtherEducation #HigherEducation #EDIB #1AMtalks We’d appreciate your ideas: How is your organisation widening its use of coaching, peer learning or action learning to support staff and students? What shifts are you seeing in leadership and development across FE or HE?