Ep 47: Group Coaching & Why It’s Gaining Ground

Why do so many of us find ourselves stuck in meeting after meeting, losing hours we could actually be using to work? In this episode, co-hosts of Headflex Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams get honest about the explosion of meetings in modern work life and what we can do about it.Rebecca and Diane dig into how meetings have quietly become the default response to almost everything at work, even when a quick chat or email would do. They explore the habits, fears, and trust issues behind recurring meetings that overstay their welcome, as well as how remote work has made “let’s just jump on a call” the easy option. As experienced coaches, they share practical ways to reclaim your calendar, from questioning the real purpose of every meeting to shifting the focus to outcomes, not just updates. They discuss how meetings can create a false sense of productivity, what truly makes a meeting worthwhile, and how to experiment with different formats, lengths, and approaches to collaboration.Ready to stop letting meetings run your week? Listen in for new perspectives and practical strategies.Here are the highlights: 00:00 Why are there so many meetings? 02:06 How meetings crept into our calendars after the shift to remote work 04:29 Why quick conversations became full 30 or 45-minute meetings 06:12 How meetings become habits and questioning if they’re still useful 08:09 FOMO, trust issues, and the hidden reasons meetings persist 10:04 Is your meeting about control or genuine collaboration? 12:13 Turning agendas into questions for real engagement and outcomes 16:18 Recognising when meetings work and when they’re a waste of time19:03 Getting intentional: Who really needs to be there, and for how long? 21:04 Practical alternatives to unnecessary meetings 22:14 Asking: keep it, change it, or kill it? Doing a calendar MOT 24:43 Respect for everyone’s time and protecting space for real work 25:35 Self-coaching questions for meeting sanity 26:47 Wrapping up: small changes, big impact for your work week About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected] Website: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoaching Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

How do you keep showing up, and keep having fun, when you’ve stepped well outside your comfort zone? In this milestone 50th episode, Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams look back on the journey of creating Headflex, sharing their favourite moments, hard-won lessons and the impact the show has had on them, their coaching practices and their listeners.Rebecca and Diane revisit standout conversations, from Andrew Blair’s fresh take on curiosity to Oscar Trimboli’s masterclass in deep listening. They open up about the early doubts (including nearly pulling the plug!), the commitment it takes to keep going, and the nerves that come with putting yourself out there for others to hear.As experienced coaches, they reveal how making the podcast has sharpened their skills, kept their curiosity alive and pushed them to rethink their ideas (yes, even arguing with themselves on air). They’re honest about the awkwardness of those first few episodes, grateful for the support behind the scenes, and proud to be making coaching conversations accessible, helping listeners feel less alone and more empowered at work.This episode is a celebration of growth, honest conversations and the power of asking better questions, for yourself, your team and your career.Ready for a fresh dose of inspiration? Tune in and celebrate 50 episodes of learning out loud!Here are the highlights:00:00 Intro - Celebrating Headflex’s 50th episode00:20 The value of pausing to look back 02:51 Carrying forward lessons from a guest's perspective03:22 The value of the ADHD series and guests' openness 07:04 Embracing fear and learning the world of work is messy08:12 Providing a safe space for workplace reflection and conversation 09:42 The value of continuous learning and research11:39 The energy and fun of recording studio “vodcasts” for YouTubewith Winter Audio 13:23 How podcasting has refreshed their approach to work and practice 15:59 Reflective questions for listeners about their own working lives16:43 Gratitude for the journey and their community. About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected] Website: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoaching Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

What do you do when you finally accomplish a long-awaited goal, only to find yourself feeling unexpectedly underwhelmed? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane dig into the "arrival fallacy" the idea that achieving success will automatically bring lasting happiness. They share why our emotions often don't match our expectations after promotions or big wins, and how tying our self-worth to achievements can leave us feeling perpetually dissatisfied.Throughout the conversation, Rebecca and Diane reflect on their own experiences and their work as coaches, revealing how many clients confuse outcomes with the feelings they’re really chasing. Instead of focusing relentlessly on the next title or milestone, they encourage listeners to uncover the deeper needs like confidence, belonging, or purpose that drive ambition. They also offer practical advice for leaders aiming to support their teams’ personal definitions of success, rather than pushing uniform goals.For anyone who’s ever thought, "I thought I’d feel different when I got here," this episode offers both validation and actionable strategies. Listen in for thoughtful self-coaching questions and new ways to reframe what success truly means to you.Here are the highlights:00:00 Intro: Why achievements sometimes feel underwhelming01:53 The belief that reaching a goal will bring lasting happiness.02:58 How we often confuse the outcome with the feeling07:07 The endless cycle of "I'll feel good when," leading to burnout08:46 Warning not to make achievement responsible for happiness.13:41 The importance of self-compassion and celebrating wins16:05 Climbing the ladder vs excelling in your current role18:02 Reframing success to focus on personal fulfilment22:23 Bringing goals into the presentAbout Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more.Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

What happens when the career you planned and worked so hard for suddenly doesn’t fit anymore? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams tackle the often undiscussed and unsettling experience of realising your career path may no longer suit you. They also share how to work out whether it’s time for a change, or simply a moment of exhaustion or frustration.Rebecca and Diane both share personal stories of their own career pivots and coach clients through the emotional and practical challenges of transition emphasising that discomfort can linger for a long time before you’re ready to address it out loud. They underline the importance of asking the right questions, voicing your uncertainties, and not jumping to conclusions about needing a complete career overhaul. Sometimes, burnout or a bad manager clouds your judgment, so restoring energy and perspective is step one before making big decisions. If you’re feeling restless in your role, this episode is full of practical insight and support for finding the courage and clarity to consider what’s next.Here are the highlights:00:22 What happens when a planned career no longer seems to fit. 01:09 Career paths aren't always a simple upward journey. 03:01 Change can be driven by shifts in roles, industries, or personal growth. 04:27 The unsettling feeling when a career no longer fits08:20 It sometimes takes time and courage to address the issue09:02 How physical feelings of unease can signal deeper career misfit. 10:07 Explore which aspects no longer fit instead of rushing to change 13:22 How exhaustion can cloud career decisions14:13 Vital to boost resilience and energy before making decisions. 15:03 The impact one small change can have in creating momentum. About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

What if some of the biggest challenges at work aren’t meant to be solved alone?In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams explore why group coaching is gaining ground and how bringing people together to think, reflect and learn can create something that one-to-one coaching simply can’t.While individual executive coaching remains incredibly valuable, today’s workplace challenges, from hybrid working and organisational change to increasing complexity, pressure and pace, are often shared challenges that need collective solutions. Group coaching creates a psychologically safe space where people can step out of the day-to-day, think differently and learn from the experiences of their peers.But group coaching isn’t about teaching people what to do. It’s about creating the conditions for better thinking, honest conversations and meaningful action.Diane highlights another powerful benefit: the realisation that “it’s not just me.” Whether it’s managing workload, giving difficult feedback, leading appraisals or simply keeping up with constant change, hearing others share similar experiences can transform isolation into connection.And perhaps that’s why group coaching matters more than ever. We may be individually responsible for our work, but we don’t have to navigate its challenges alone.Tune in to discover what makes group coaching different and why it could be the missing piece for organisations looking to support people through change.Here are the highlights:00:00 Intro: Why is group coaching gaining ground01:24 How group coaching helps address shared workplace challenges02:36 Group coaching is not training, but coaching people with shared goals03:33 Exploring the value of pooling perspectives04:33 How psychological safety and trust are built through group coaching05:06 Common themes include change, AI pressures, resilience, feedback and confidence06:13 Group coaching can alleviate professional isolation08:21 How participants become more open and willing to share09:39 Why accountability and continuity are natural outcomes15:39 How diverse perspectives from across an organisation enhance problem-solving and learning.About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter AudioAbout Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more.Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: https://headflex.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head.flex/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoachingConnect with Rebecca Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by https://winteraudio.co.uk/Produced by Winter Audio

Stepping into leadership often comes with pressure to adapt, perform and become the leader you think you’re expected to be. But what happens when that adaptation starts to pull you away from who you really are?In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams explore the tension between authenticity and expectation, and the hidden cost of constantly performing a version of leadership that doesn’t feel like you.They discuss how overcompensating in a new role can erode confidence, credibility and impact, why emulating other leaders can leave you feeling disconnected from your own strengths, and the signs that you may be drifting away from your authentic leadership style.Rebecca and Diane share personal experiences of masking, adapting and navigating the expectations that come with leadership, alongside practical insights into staying self-aware and grounded in your values.Listen to learn more about why authentic leadership isn’t about refusing to change. It’s actually about adapting while staying connected to who you are and finding a way to lead with flexibility, confidence and integrity without losing yourself in the process.Here are the highlights00:00 Intro: How to become a great leader without losing yourself00:22 What might you be losing when you shift into leadership mode01:32 The subtle changes that happen when taking a leadership role02:22 Exploring the tension between authenticity and expectation03:07 The impact of adapting versus overcompromising04:15 Constant performance erodes trust and leadership impact06:14 Emulating others or suppressing your own style is exhausting and unsustainable08:19 Introducing the authentic leadership model09:20 Exploring the challenge of flexing your leadership style11:41 Recognising signs that you’re losing yourself in leadership14:08 Considering when an environment no longer fits your authentic leadership and deciding to move on16:25 Advice on reclaiming your leadership identity and reflection questions for self-coachingAbout Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more.Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: https://headflex.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head.flex/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoachingConnect with Rebecca Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by https://winteraudio.co.uk/Produced by Winter Audio

What if listening isn’t just about hearing words, but could be your most overlooked leadership advantage? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane are joined by deep listening specialist Oscar Trimboli to unpack how listening shapes meetings, team dynamics, and leadership impact in the modern workplace.Drawing on personal stories and research from over 60 professions, Oscar explains why great listeners have rituals and processes to bring their full attention to each conversation. Discover the powerful ripple effects when teams co-create listening environments including quicker meetings, increased trust, and true collaboration. The trio share practical strategies for leaders and participants alike, from setting meetings up for success (hint: don’t start on the hour!) to using the “compass question” that transforms conversations.Hear why checking in on what’s been heard, not just said, leads to clarity, action, and strong relationships and why “listening to yourself” might be the place to start.Here are the highlights: 00:00 Meet Oscar Trimbolil02:17 The pivotal moment that launched Oscar’s listening journey 03:48 What does Coding your listening in the workplace mean? 07:06 Why research in listening is behind other leadership skills 10:09 The world’s best listeners prepare themselves11:28 Only 20% of a conversation is spoken so what do we listen for in the other 80%? 13:22 Improve meetings by simply shifting when and how they start 15:24 The “compass question” that changes meetings18:00 Moving from leader-led to team-led listening environments 19:46 The ways we can all influence better listening in meetings 22:54 Role modeling and spotlighting listening habits28:56 Curating environments for listening33:04 Tangible rituals to humanise online meetings & team connection34:41 Should we police phones or make meetings more engaging? 38:08 Getting teams to listen for each other can break silos 44:45 Self-coaching questions48:45 Oscar Trimboli: “Listening starts by listening to yourself.”About Oscar Trimboli:Oscar Trimboli is an author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening and a sought-after keynote speaker. Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace.Through his work with chairs, boards of directors, and executive teams, Oscar has experienced first-hand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words.He believes that when leadership teams focus their attention and listening, they will build organizations that create powerful legacies for the people they serve – today and, more importantly, for future generations.He is the author of how to listen – discover the hidden key to better communication – the most comprehensive book about listening in the workplace, Deep Listening – Impact beyond words and Breakthroughs: How to Confront AssumptionsOscar loves his afternoon walks with his wife, Jennie, and their dog Kilimanjaro. On the weekends, you will find him playing Lego with his grandchildren.Connect with Oscar:Website: https://www.oscartrimboli.com/about-oscar/About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: https://headflex.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head.flex/Did you know we have a YouTube Channel? You can watch the podcast here: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@headflexcoachingConnect with Rebecca Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by https://winteraudio.co.uk/

Is trust just a “nice-to-have” in teams, or could it be the make-or-break factor for high performance and speed? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams tackle why trust is more than a soft value. Instead, it’s a hard commercial driver that unlocks creativity, resilience, and successful team relationships.They explore what happens when trust is missing: defensive behaviour, information hoarding, slower decision-making, and a pervasive sense of threat that stifles free thinking. Referencing brain science, Diane and Rebecca explain how low trust sends our brains into self-preservation mode, narrowing our attention and shutting down openness or risk-taking. In contrast, high-trust environments are described as “freeing,” making it safe to try new things, recover quickly from setbacks, and have honest conversations.Expect a candid, practical look at why trust isn’t just the foundation for good teamwork; it’s also the engine for speed, truth-telling, and long-term business success.Here are the highlights:00:00 Building trust is a superpower for high performance01:31 Low trust leads to a defensive mode and stifles creativity.02:00 High trust enables teams to bounce back from setbacks02:56 Low trust puts the brain in threat mode and shrinks resourcefulness03:36 Trust allows people to feel free to be themselves, experiment, and take calculated risks.04:10 Holding back information and decision-making gets worse in low trust environments.04:49 Trust takes time to build and should be talked about overtly, especially in group settings.07:21 Trust is an economic driver; higher trust speeds things up and reduces costs.08:39 Low trust increases friction, defensive behaviour, and slower execution10:14 Having honest conversations about how to handle conflict builds trust from the start.About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more.Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

What really happens when you go from being great at your job to suddenly leading the team? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams unpack why the transition into management can feel so unexpectedly tough and what new managers can do to make it easier.They challenge the assumption that being good at your job naturally prepares you for management, highlighting the “shock” many experience when task-oriented work is replaced with the ambiguous, people-centric role of managing others. Diane and Rebecca discuss how new managers are often unprepared for the emotional complexity, shifting definitions of success, and the challenge of leading former peers and friends.They explore common traps for first-time managers, including avoiding difficult conversations, trying to do everything themselves, and struggling to delegate. The conversation addresses the importance of letting go of old identities, stepping into a new mindset, and redefining personal measures of success from individual achievement to enabling others.Expect an empathetic, practical discussion that shines a light on why moving from peer to boss is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding milestones in any career, and how it can become less of a shock with the right support and mindset shift.Here are the highlights:00:00 The shock of being made a manager, new skills are needed02:27 It often feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you03:03 Newly promoted managers frequently struggle with workload03:30 Progression doesn't always have to mean promotion04:32 Shifting the focus to leading and enabling people.05:53 Success in a manager role becomes about the team's performance07:16 Managing former peers and friends adds complexity09:04 Avoiding difficult conversations and feedback is a common trap10:10 Delegating is tough at first13:26 Peer support and sharing common challenges can help15:13 There’s no need to have all the answers as a new manager16:05 Moving away from rescuing or fixing people21:07 Self-coaching questions.About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more.Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

In this episode, Diane and Rebecca dig into the real reasons we put things off: self-preservation, fear, the need for rest, and the emotional signals hiding beneath our avoidance.They challenge the idea that procrastination is purely a character flaw; sometimes it's your mind asking for a break, or a sign that clarity, motivation, or support is missing. From instant gratification to unclear expectations, they unpack what's actually fuelling the delay.They also take a leadership lens to the problem, exploring how managers can unwittingly create procrastination in their teams and share practical tools like accountability partnerships, body doubling, and environmental changes to help break the cycle. Make sure you tune in to learn more.Here are the highlights:00:00 Challenging the myth that procrastination equals laziness 01:42 Exploring procrastination as a form of self-preservation and emotional management 02:28 Procrastination as a protective behaviour, even when self-defeating 03:39 When putting things off gives needed space for creative thinking 05:08 Instant gratification, "self-gratification monkey," and substituting easy rewards for real progress 06:45 How unclear tasks or lack of a plan feed avoidance 08:47 When procrastination becomes self-sabotage and habitual behaviour 10:36 The importance of managerial clarity, support, and nonjudgmental help 12:29 How to use coaching conversations to break cycles of procrastination 14:02 Useful tools to combat procrastination16:25 Why deeper self-awareness is important18:32 The impact of changing environments and reducing distractions 20:19 Three coaching questions to help you reflect,About Headflex:If you're curious about coaching, Headflex offers a range of coaching programmes to suit different needs. 1:1 coaching, team coaching, group coaching and their Headflex in Residence programme. We also offer Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk to find out more. Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio