Sharp - The Podcast

Episode 88 – Speaking with confidence with Helen WalkerFrom church mouse - to Miley Cyrus! What a brilliant conversation this was with Helen Walker. Helen shares her transformative approach to boosting confidence and mastering your mindset. Whether you're taking the stage, networking, making videos, selling products, or in any situation where you need to speak about yourself confidently - this will help!Helen's insights are designed to empower you to step up with confidence and authenticity.Here's what we covered:Mindset MasteryUncover the strategies Helen uses to transform fear into confidence.Explore the crucial components of a confident mindset.Discover how to rewrite the stories you tell yourself.Networking with EaseLearn Helen's top tips for making genuine connections and standing out in any crowd.Practical tips for making impactful connections.How to approach networking events with confidence.Public Speaking Like a ProGet practical advice on captivating your audience, whether in person or on camera.Tech

Episode 87 – Energy: Your SuperpowerIn this enlightening episode, we dive into how transforming your health can significantly impact your work performance and personal life. Our guest, Aaron Morton, shares his expert insights on harnessing the power of energy to become more effective and fulfilled in all areas of life.Here's what we covered:The Energized Mind: Explore the five crucial aspects that contribute to a vibrant and focused mindset.Nutrition for Energy: Learn how the right dietary choices can elevate your energy levels throughout the day.Movement Matters: Discover simple, effective strategies to incorporate physical activity into your routine, boosting both energy and mood.Optimizing Your Environment: Tips on creating a space that fosters focus, productivity, and positivity.The Secret to Restorative Sleep: Uncover strategies to enhance sleep quality, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.Key Takeaways:Practical, actionable tips in each area to help you cultivate a high-energy lif

Episode 86 – Using the batch system to create social media content for a whole quarter in 5 hours!We chatted with Rob Osborne about his amazing system for compiling and creating all of your social media content (or marketing) in a super-efficient, effective way.Freeing you up to spend the time on running your business, delivering your service, or doing anything that you'd rather be doing.And this way of working doesn't just apply to social media. You can use the 'batching' process to deal with any repetitive task that you do multiple times a month.Here's what we covered...The system has five steps, each of which you can complete in an hour:Hour 1Identify 5 topicsThese will be the areas your content will be aboutThey should relate to your business or your area of knowledgeHour 2Identify 13 bullet points per topicYou can use A.I. to help13 ideas/quotes/thoughts or solutionsHour 3Choose 65 pictures/imagesYou can use places such as Pexels or Pixabay(check for copyright requirements)Hour 4Create a template in Canv

Episode 85 – As we crash into 2024, we thought it would be good to review last year.We released 7 episodes in 2023, some were brand-new subjects, some were interviews, and some were re-releases of our favourite episodes from the past.In this episode, we're taking a peek back at them, with a small sample from each. If you're new to sharppodcast, or you just didn't manage to catch everything from last year - this is a great place to start.Here's what we covered, with the link to listen again at the end:April - Ready Steady TomatoWe looked at the Pomodoro designHow it works1980’s ItalyThe techniquesSteve and Lisa at the kitchen tableMay - Work-Life BalanceWhat is it?Is it achievable?Does it work?I changed my view making this episodeJuly - Hayley JonesDemystifying AccountancyTop finance tipsWhy having an accountant mattersAugust - What's wrong with Positive?Another one where I changed my personal viewWhy 'just being positive' isn't necessarily a good thingHow sometimes it could hold you backOctober - Melanie Grif

Episode 84 – Yes this is a FREE sample, a free insight into our brand new course CLEAR®Due to be released next year, the course is designed to help people who feel overwhelmed, too busy, under pressure, or who just don't feel like they are getting to the things that matter.The course will be released over 3 Levels, with Level 1 coming first to explain the CLEAR® framework, how to get it going, and where to start.Each chapter of the course will have a 'podcast' at the end, with all the audio from that chapter. And we have decided to give you - our loyal podcast listeners - a free sample.This episode is the actual podcast of the FULL INTRO section, setting out what the course is about, who it's for, and you get to meet LUCY.Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:What the CLEAR® framework stands forCatch - how to deal with the stuff as it comes at youLocate - where to put it allExecute - how to set your day up for successAdapt - dealing with change and things that can de-rail your dayReview - cel

Episode 83 – A more serious episode than usual. We look at mental health. Specifically the power of the subconscious, trauma, and – importantly – how to overcome these challenges.Trigger warning – in this conversation we address (briefly – no details)…·     Phobias – animals, dentists, tight spaces·     Smoking, car accidents, domestic violence, domestic abuse, suicide, child lossBUT...Sandie talks about bringing JOY to all these people’s lives. Listen to find out how she does it…Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:How Sandie discovered the power of hypnotherapy – solving TWO problemsWhy Sandie is Nannie McAffee!Accessing the subconscious through relaxationNLP – Neuro Linguistic ProgrammingSelf-talkBLAST – Trauma therapyNick Davies EMDRHow Sandie took someone from an inability to get into a car – to a confident driver againThe role of the Amygdala in traumaHaving good intentions in how you talk to peopleBeing kind – you don’t know what’s happening in their worldHow our self-talk has an impa

Episode 82 – This is a CRACKERJACK of a conversation!As Melanie says in the opening line - "The biggest relationship we will ever have in our life, is the one we have with our body".As so begins a fabulous conversation about movement. And it may not be quite what you expectLook at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:What does Melanie mean by moving?700/200Mel’s experience movement beating cancerSedentary jobs – why lack of movement not greatFitness vs movement – not the same thingWhy people aren't moving properlyThe GAIT cycle from Anatomy in Motion2 reasons why walking and mobile phones don’t mixTips to get moving in your dayIn your chairStanding upWalkingOther interesting stuffOur brain needs time to do nothingRelationships between two people with different working characteristicsSelf-employed vs employedCorporate structured vs informal unstructuredMain breadwinner – senior player – importantTips on how to helpABBA-themed dance holidaysWatching paint dry!Portsmouth Business Exchange - check it ou

We're re-uploading some classics from the past 6 years. These episodes are hand-picked from subjects we think can help you get even better at what you do.This month we're listening again to our episode where we challenge the notion that 'positive' is automatically good. We hope you enjoy it!...Episode 25 - This week, we challenge the idea that being 'positive' is always the best approach. In fact, we discovered some research that suggests it could even hold you back:Some of the stuff in there is:Astonishment at our global listener groupMe failing to greet our listeners in a few different languagesThe glass half full half empty scenario - it might not be helpfulHow social media can make us feel like our lives are half emptyOur discovery of where we are in the world on incomeTry it yourself; you may be surprised - How Rich Am I?How positive thinking influenced my ability to pass a testSteve-in-the-field goes to the races to prove me wrongA Washington Post article - interview of Susan David challenging forced po

Episode 81 – You're gonna love this episode.No matter what you do, at some point, you've got to deal with money. You may even need to account for money professionally.Many of us don't enjoy it and don't find it interesting. And yet, if we could get better at dealing with our finances, we're highly likely to operate better and get better results.So I decided to talk to an expert - Hayley Jones - the non-stereotypical accountant.Whether you're employed, self-employed, or run a business - I'm confident you'll find something in our conversation that will help you.Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Why have a good accountant?How can it reduce stress and help you focus on what matters to you?The joys of self-employmentTen terms demystified (We ask the dumb questions, so you don't have to!)Top tipsManaging financesManaging timePlanningProductivityTo connect with Hayley and find out more about a non-stereotypical accountant:Hayley Jones BFP ACA LinkedInHB Associates WebsiteInstagramFacebookTo find

We're re-uploading some classics from the past 6 years. These episodes are hand-picked from subjects we think can help you get even better at what you do.This time it's a second outing for our Work-Life Balance episode. We hope you enjoy it!...Episode 70 – We investigate the idea of work-life balance. What is it? Is it really a thing? How do we get it? Look at all this stuff we covered:What really IS work-life balance?Why much of the advice seems to be unhelpfulIt means different things to different peopleThree different perspectives from the ‘TED’ stageIt is important and urgent for us to solveWork-life balance is a fallacyWe could revisit our perspectiveSteve-In-The-Field’s adverts are definitely unhelpful!What happens if you ‘google’ family-life balance or hobby-life balanceConsidering the research, what are the practical steps?Take up Shawn Achor’s DAILY challenge for 21 daysWrite down 3 gratitudesJournal 1 thing that went well because of youExerciseMediatePerform 1 Random Act of KindnessTake stock of you

We're re-uploading some classics from the past 6 years. These episodes are hand-picked from subjects we think can help you get even better at what you do.This time it's a second outing for our Pomodoro story. We hope you enjoy it!...Episode 33 - We go on a journey from modern-day Manchester to 1980s Rome and learn how you can solve YOUR procrastination problems.Some of the USEFUL stuff in there is:Who on earth is Bradley GriffinWhy is he in Starbucks? (The clue is that the episode is about procrastination)What that's got to do with 1980s ItalyHow a student there had some problems, and why it matters to you how he solved themThe Pomodoro TechniqueThe basic steps:Step 1 - Get the tools: a timer, a piece of paper, and a pencilStep 2 - Turn off distractions, and be clear on what piece of work you're going to doStep 3- Set the timer for 25 minutesStep 4 - Start working, really focus, and just work. During the 25 minutes, if something comes up that could distract you, make a note of it on the piece of paper and ca

 Episode 80 – The final episode in our trilogy talking to Nick Drake-Knight about the origins of his work.If you have customers, have a team who helps customers, or in any way engage with customers in your organisation – you need to know what Every Customer Wants®. It will give you remarkable solutions to all those problematic challenges you face every day.Hospitality, healthcare, call centres, after-care, retail, web support (the list goes on). Customers have high expectations and, rightly so, demand great service.And, it’s actually very simple to deliver. Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Getting the service edgeThe research on customer experienceNPS scoresCSAT resultsMystery shop evaluationsRecorded callsCustomer focus groupsThree componentsUnderstand meAdd value for meMake it easy for meWhy listening is importantGet inside their worldMaking a differenceThe human experienceThe impact on customer loyalty of the effort they have to makePatterns which connectNuggets of goldCustomer experi

Episode 79 – Our second in the trilogy where we look at the work of Nick Drake-Knight, and how it can help you and your team. Last time we checked out – Continue & Begin Fast Coaching.This time, it’s the turn of Meerkat Selling®. If you (or your team) are helping customers to buy things, this one is for you.Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:What Meerkat Selling is all about The emotional factors that impact customersThe common thread of feelingsMoving towards – or away from1000’s of hours of Mystery Shopping – what Nick learnedPatterns of successPatterns that had LESS successCommunicationKeeping it simple – 5 stepsGetting rid of complicated sales processesHow being like a ‘Meerkat’ helpsAll the resources we discussed:The Meerkat Selling bookNick’s website – Meerkat SellingThe Motivation Agency – Meerkat Selling ONLINEMy website – sondevelopment.comThe sondevelopment YouTube accountThe voiceover Twitter accountSondevelopment on InstagramAs always, we’re really grateful for your help in

Episode 78 – Yes, we’re back!(Unless you’re listening to this in the back catalogue – in which case, we never went away!)This is the first in a trilogy where we share a conversation I had with Nick Drake-Knight about the origins of his fabulous work. Nick helps people with a wide range of skills, from selling to service, and all sorts in between.In this short episode, we learn about the origins of Nick’s fabulous coaching model – Continue & Begin Fast Coaching®. If you (or your team) have regular conversations with people to help them improve in some area of their life or their performance, this one is for you.Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:What approach we’re taking to episodes now – more relaxed!Joining sharppodcast and sondevelopmentWhat Continue & Begin Fast Coaching® isThe brilliant organisations using itFeeling goodRoom C46a (?)Confidence and anxietyCelebrating successWorking under pressureEgo strengtheningRecognising your own talentConfidence and resourcefulnessHow it wo

Episode 77 – I was invited to join Karl Craig-West on his podcast. It’s all about being self-employed and we’ve decided to share the episode here, so you can listen to it too. Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Why I’m at the kitchen tableWhat I’ve been up to since the last episodeWho Karl Craig-West isMoving to self-employmentHelping businesses improve performanceMarketingMaking videosSocial mediaPerfectionism – (It was actually episode 47!)Not working long hoursJuggling chainsawsWhy it’s crucial to have a system that supports youCan anyone be self-employed?The importance of goalsWhy we don’t want a FerrariHaving a planThe Big 3What a newly self-employed person should do quicklyThe daily taskPlanning your life – not just your jobWhy sharppodcast has been quietAll the resources we discussed:How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale CarnegieKarl’s websiteThe Smashing Self Employment PodcastHis LinkedIn ProfileKarl’s YouTube channelMy LinkedIn Profilesondevelopment.comThe sondevelopment

Episode 76 – I promised you an episode to listen to at Christmas – and here it is! We’ve taken a look back at what happened in 2021, the episodes, the stuff. Then, we look forward to 2022 and I give you an alternative to New Year’s Resolutions.Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Moving house and rebuilding the studioNew jobs Building the business (have a look if you’re interested):sondevelopmentDoing face to face training againCreating my own digital content (have a look if you’re interested)sondevelopment – YouTube channelReview of our episodes this year – click each one to listen in full:Looking Ahead – STP069Work-Life Balance – STP070Meditation Benefits – STP071Casanova Brooks – STP072Quick UpdateJoy & Deadlines with Suzy The Casual Birder STP073Resilience & Smart Culture with Mark Billage STP074Physical and Mental Fitness with Aaron Morton – STP075Approaching 2022 – the alternative to New Year ResolutionsThe Forbes article on why New Year’s Resolutions FailFocus on progress – no

Episode 75 – This is a great conversation. We spoke with Aaron Morton not only about his approach to fitness, nutrition and psychology but also so much more! We learn why, for Aaron, being a personal trainer is not only limited to physical fitness, how to look at your wider lifestyle, and why you may need a crisp strategy. Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:How Aaron helps people with habits:EatingBreathingSleepingMovementGeneral Physical Preparedness – GPPSpecific Physical Preparedness – SPPWork-Life BalanceHappiness and confidenceCoaching people to fitnessHis approach to managing time ListsBreaking tasks downComponentsSteven King’s routineSeinfeld chain methodCore stabilityRelationships Creating a framework to support itWeekly planningGeneral Relationship Preparedness (GRP we invented this! Copyright Steve and Aaron®)Emotional eating – The Health ProtocolWillpower versus habitAlcoholHere are the links to the resource we talked about:Aaron’s website – AMTInstagram – @aaronmortoncoYouTube

 Episode 74 – This is a JAM-PACKED conversation. We chatted with Mark Billage from Smartculture.UK about resilience, communication, leadership and loads more. Listen to the end, where we talk about his brand-new book. This one is WELL WORTH an hour of your time!Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Blue socks!Smart CultureLeadership and cultureJoyCommunicationThe 5 VoicesBeing self-awareUnderstanding people betterThe impact of your voiceCross-cultural trainingCulture shock“I See You” Mark’s book about leadership principlesResilienceAbility to bounce backFlexibilityIt’s not fixed – you can develop itIt’s about being able to deal with changeNelson MandelaWhy learning is an important partBeing realistic about where you are at, not optimisticGetting perspectiveCoachingPersonal DevelopmentBeing curious for lifeMark’s productivityGet clear on what you’re doingUse a diaryCreate spacesPrioritiseUse to-do lists wellChoose a time of day based on your energy levelsHere are the links to the resource we t

Episode 73 – In this episode, we chat with Suzy from the Casual Birder podcast. We cover so much stuff and get into a really rich conversation about how Suzy has found herself ‘stuck’ with her productivity and look at some solutions. It’s a great chat!Look at all this stuff we covered in this full episode:Peach socks!Learning is about a journey not a destinationFocusing on todayBeing confined unlocking joyLoads of helpful systemsTrelloNotionTo-do istKanbanChecklistsTemplatesPrioritisation challengesDeadlines creating flexibility and spaceWeekly planners for family timeVisualising great outcomesHere is the resource we talked about:The Casual Birder websiteCasual Birder on InstagramThe Twitter accountThe Trello appNotionTo-doistThe Kanban systemChecklists – The Checklist ManifestoTemplatesAs always, we’re really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To do this you can:Buy me a coffee (I’d be ever so grateful)Rate or subscribe on apple podcasts by going here – apple podcastsContact us on Twitter – w

      Quick update -  Not an episode, just an explanation! Yes, we've been gone TOO long. Have a listen to find out more.    As always, we're really grateful for your help in supporting this podcast. To do this you can: * Buy me a coffee (I'd be ever so grateful) * Rate or subscribe on apple podcasts by going here - apple podcasts * Contact us on Twitter - we are @sharppodcast here * Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sharppodcast/ * Share with at us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharppodcast/ * Post comments on the website. This link will take you to the home page, and then you can go onto the episode you'd like to comment on here Thanks EVER SO MUCH for listening. If we help you to BE BETTER at what you do, then it's all been worth it!