Welcome to the 100th episode of The Fulfilled Leader! In this heartfelt milestone episode, Jean Balfour reflects on the journey that began in December 2021 with Making Sense of Work and evolved into The Fulfilled Leader. 

Jean shares three powerful lessons she's learned through podcasting and how her long-standing journalling practice has not only sustained the show, but also shaped her career and personal growth. This episode is part memoir, part masterclass in personal leadership tools, and a rich encouragement for anyone navigating self-doubt, lack of feedback, or the challenge of staying consistent.

🪄 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The three unexpected leadership lessons learned from podcasting 100 episodes
• Why doing what energizes you helps you stay consistent, even during burnout
• How to manage imposter syndrome by simply showing up and making space
• Why not receiving feedback doesn’t mean your work doesn’t matter
• How journalling became Jean’s secret weapon for clarity, courage, and creativity
• Practical journalling tips and prompts to help you start or deepen your own practice

Here is a link to a journaling guide - Journalling Guide

You might also enjoy Julia Cameron. 

💬 Join the Conversation:

Do you journal? What has it helped you uncover? 

Jean would love to hear your thoughts on this episode, ideas for future topics, and guest suggestions for The Fulfilled Leader.

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In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and practical exploration of emotional resilience at work. From the subtle emotional triggers we experience in a single day to the more overwhelming waves of stress and anxiety that can derail us, Jean explores how leaders can strengthen their ability to stay grounded amidst pressure.

Jean recounts her own journey - including a difficult piece of feedback that changed the trajectory of her leadership - and outlines five powerful, research-backed strategies for managing emotional triggers and building lasting emotional strength. This episode is a supportive guide for leaders navigating complex challenges while wanting to stay calm, compassionate, and focused.

You’ll learn:

• Why emotional resilience matters more than ever for leaders today
• The surprising power of naming emotions
• How values and purpose can anchor us in tough moments
• A simple 3-step technique to “unhook” from reactive thoughts
• Why small recovery rituals throughout the day are essential

Whether you're leading through crisis, juggling demands, or quietly wrestling with internal doubts, this episode is your reminder that strength doesn’t mean never feeling - it means knowing how to come back to centre.

Resources mentioned:

• The "mad, sad, glad, bad, scared" emotion check-in
• Box breathing and grounding techniques
• Journaling and diffusion practice

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In this powerful opening episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares the personal and professional journey behind the podcast's transformation. After nearly four years of Making Sense of Work, Jean saw a shift - both in herself and in the leaders she coaches. The focus is no longer just on performance or organizational outcomes, but on fulfillment, emotional wellbeing, and resilience at work.

Jean openly reflects on closing her successful coach training business to focus more on one-to-one coaching, retreats, and creating content that supports leaders in leading from their inner strength. She introduces her new Fulfilled Leader model: a six-part framework designed to help leaders cultivate deeper purpose and satisfaction in their work lives.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• Why fulfillment and emotional resilience are becoming central to effective leadership
• The myths we hold about what leaders are “supposed” to feel
• Jean’s six core components of a fulfilled leader:
  1. Deep Satisfaction
  2. Aligned Clarity
  3. Grounded Confidence
  4. Centred Calm
  5. Relational Connection
  6. Intentional Growth
• The personal story behind Jean’s decision to shift her career focus
• What’s next for Jean’s work with leaders - including 1:1 coaching and retreats

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Guest: Danny Dagan – Author of The Game

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dagan, author of The Game, a gripping thriller that has just hit the shelves to glowing reviews. Danny’s journey to publication was anything but overnight—The Game is his seventh novel, following years of writing, rejection, and relentless persistence.

We dive deep into the discipline of writing, the mindset needed to keep going despite setbacks, and the surprising role of delusional self-belief in long-term success. Danny also shares how his corporate and legal background helped him navigate the business of publishing and how his community—both online and on his remote North Sea island—played a pivotal role in launching his book.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Danny transitioned from corporate life to full-time writing
✅ The daily habits and discipline that fuel his creative process
✅ Why rejection is part of the journey—and how to push through
✅ The power of community and network in launching a creative career
✅ The ethical dilemma at the heart of The Game

About The Game

The Game is a high-stakes thriller with a chilling premise: the children of five billionaires are kidnapped by a self-styled Robin Hood group, and only one will survive—the child whose parent pays the highest ransom. The ransom money? Destined for good causes. But is it justified?

A page-turner from start to finish, The Game is both a thriller and a thought-provoking exploration of ethics, wealth, and power.

Links & Resources:

📖 Grab your copy of The Game – https://dagan.co.uk/the-game-by-danny-dagan/

 🎙️ Follow Making Sense of Work for more inspiring conversations

💡 Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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In this inspiring episode of Making Sense of Work, I sit down with the incredible Punita Lal, a distinguished business leader, board director, and executive coach. With a career spanning over 35 years in leadership, strategy, and marketing, Punita has held executive roles at PepsiCo and Coca-Cola and now serves on multiple global corporate boards, including DBS Bank and Carlsberg.

Punita shares her zigzag career journey, from her early days in advertising to leading teams in multinational corporations, navigating boardrooms, and eventually embracing coaching. She reflects on the power of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability, offering insights into how we can future-proof our careers in an ever-changing world.

We explore:
✨ The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in leadership
✨ How taking career risks can lead to greater fulfillment
✨ The role of creativity in problem-solving and business leadership
✨ Why mentors and sponsors are essential for professional growth
✨ How to navigate career transitions with courage and resilience
✨ The value of diverse interests in shaping an innovative mindset

Punita also shares her thoughts on balancing work and life, why we should all be mentoring and sponsoring others, and how a simple habit—reading outside your field—can spark creativity and breakthrough ideas.

Resources & Mentions:
📖 Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg – A book that changed Punita’s approach to supporting women in leadership
🎧 GetAbstract – A tool for quick insights on business books
💡 Reverse mentoring – The value of learning from different generations

💬 “We need to upskill, reskill, and sideskill—traditional careers are no longer enough.” – Punita Lal

Enjoyed this episode?
💡 Share it with a friend who’s navigating career transitions!
⭐ Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway.

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In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour explores the role of accountability in helping us achieve our goals—both in our personal and professional lives. Initially uncertain about the topic, Jean embarked on a journey of discovery, engaging with her LinkedIn and Instagram communities to understand how others view accountability. The results were surprising: the vast majority found it motivating and helpful.

Through personal reflections, expert insights, and practical frameworks, Jean delves into why accountability matters, how it differs from responsibility, and how we can frame it to be a positive force. She also shares tools and techniques, including the Stages of Change model, accountability structures, and the power of small wins to keep us moving forward.

Key Topics Covered:

• Jean’s personal journey from accountability ambivalence to advocacy
• The difference between responsibility and accountability
• How external accountability can be supportive rather than patronizing
• The role of accountability in coaching and leadership
• The Stages of Change model and how it supports accountability
• Tools for self-accountability and supporting others
• The power of small wins in habit formation and personal growth

Resources & References:

• The Conscious Leadership Group: Jim Dethmer on accountability vs. responsibility 
• Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change Model
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – the impact of small, consistent actions

Takeaways & Reflection Questions:

• How do you currently view accountability in your life?
• Are there areas where accountability could support you in achieving your goals?
• What structures or accountability partners could help you stay on track?

Join the Conversation: Jean would love to hear your thoughts on accountability! Share your insights and experiences by reaching out on LinkedIn or Instagram. And if you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit.

Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Making Sense of Work on your favorite podcast platform and stay updated with the latest insights on coaching, leadership, and workplace dynamics.

Thank you for listening!

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Relational leadership is a transformative concept focusing on building trust and connection within teams, especially crucial in our tech-driven work environments. Leaders are encouraged to foster relationships, create open communication, and support team members to navigate the complexities of modern work effectively.

In this episode, join Jean Balfour as she shares the meaning of being a relational leader.

• Explore the essence of relational leadership
• The vital role of trust and communication in leadership
• Balancing task focus and relational engagement
• Real-world examples illustrating the need for relational practices
• The power of informal connections in building strong workplace relationships

Explore more episodes on Relational Leadership: 

• Episode 66: Helen Sanderson on compassionate leadership.
• Episode 44: Mairead McCormack on leading a hospital through COVID.
• Episode 41: Building a Mindset of Servant Leadership with Dr Maria Pressentin.

Join Our Leadership Reset Challenge 2025!

Kickstart the year with our Leadership Reset Challenge and take your leadership skills to the next level: https://baileybalfour.com/leadership-reset-coaching-challenge-2025/

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In this inspiring episode, Jean Balfour welcomes Sas Petherick, an internationally renowned coach and expert in healing self-doubt. Sas shares her remarkable journey from a fast-paced corporate career in London to becoming a leading voice in helping people build self-belief. 

With over a decade of coaching experience, a master's degree from Oxford, and groundbreaking research published in the International Journal of Coaching and Mentoring, Sas brings unparalleled expertise to the conversation.

Sas's trauma-informed, evidence-based coaching methodology has supported countless women in transforming their professional and personal lives. She's also the host of the Courage and Spice podcast, a top-rated show on self-doubt, with over half a million downloads.

Jean and Sas talks about:

• The impact of self-doubt in work and life.
• How modern workplaces often perpetuate self-doubt and ways to counteract it.
• The journey from self-doubt to self-belief, including the critical role of self-trust, self-worth, and self-acceptance.
• Practical strategies for understanding and overcoming resistance patterns like procrastination and perfectionism.
• How self-doubt can serve as a doorway to deeper self-awareness and growth.

This is a conversation packed with insights for anyone seeking to understand and navigate self-doubt, find fulfillment in work, and embrace a life rooted in self-belief.

Book Recommendation:

• Combining by Nora Bateson – A thought-provoking mix of poetry, art, and change theory that invites readers to think differently and explore the complexity of our world.

Connect with Sas Petherick:

• Website: https://selfbelief.school/
• Podcast: Courage and Spice (available on all major platforms)
• Social Media: Instagram

About Jean Balfour:
Jean is the host of the Making Sense of Work podcast and founder of Bailey Balfour, specialising in leadership coaching and ICF-accredited coach training.

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In this insightful episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Dr. Saba Hasanie, Managing Director and Senior Partner of OSC Leadership Development.

Dr. Saba introduces Biographical Dimensions of Leadership using BDMM© – Level One, a framework designed to explore unconscious behavioral patterns rooted in the past that may hinder growth and development in coaching. 

With over 20 coaching and psychology certifications, a doctorate in coaching psychology, and her involvement with the prestigious Forbes Coaches Council, Saba brings a wealth of experience in executive coaching, leadership development, and coaching supervision. Originally from Canada and now based in Singapore, Saba shares her professional and personal journey spanning over 14 years in the APAC region.

Key topics covered in this episode include

• Saba’s career pillars: executive coaching, leadership development, coach training, and professional writing.
• The deep connection between our childhood experiences and how they influence our leadership styles and professional behavior.
• The importance of understanding “why I am” rather than just “what I do” as a leader.
• Saba’s unique Biographical Dimensions of Meaning Making (BDMM) model, which explores how past experiences, family dynamics, and personal history shape leadership tendencies.
• Ethical considerations in coaching, especially when exploring childhood influences and how to ensure clients are resourced to handle those conversations.

Coming Soon: Saba’s upcoming book on leadership development and the biographical dimensions of meaning-making. For more information about Dr. Saba Hasanie’s work, coaching, and upcoming book, visit OSC Leadership Development.

Books & Resources Mentioned:

• Bittersweet by Susan Cain
• Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability
  
  
  
  

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In this special episode of Making Sense of Work, released in honor of World Mental Health Day, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and reflective narrative on her journey with emotional wellbeing and resilience.  From the challenges of her early years as a young teacher through subsequent phases of depression and burnout, Jean speaks candidly about the ongoing process of managing her mental and emotional health.

Jean emphasizes the vital connection between personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness. With vulnerability and insight, she highlights the importance of creating safe spaces at work, the role of leaders in supporting their teams, and practical strategies for individuals to cultivate their own emotional resilience and self-compassion.

Jean’s story serves as a reminder that mental health is a continuum and that seeking support is an act of strength, not weakness. It’s a call to normalize talking about struggles in the workplace and to prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside professional success.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Sharing Stories: Jean’s own story illustrates how being open about mental health challenges can reduce stigma and create a culture of support.
2. Self-Compassion and Resilience: Resilience is not just about pushing through; it’s about acknowledging struggles, seeking help, and cultivating self-compassion.
3. Creating Supportive Work Environments: Leaders play a key role in supporting the mental health of their teams by creating safe, open spaces for dialogue.
4. Practical Strategies for Self-Care: Jean shares her go-to tools—therapy, journaling, mindfulness, and the support of trusted colleagues and friends—to maintain her wellbeing.
5. Redefining Resilience: Resilience is about perseverance and adapting through challenging times. It’s less about toughness and more about being open, vulnerable, and kind to oneself.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
• The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

Connect with Jean:
LinkedIn: Jean Balfour

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In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Katie Hasson, the dynamic leader of the Ignite program at Standard Chartered Bank. Katie shares her inspiring journey from a tax accountant to leading a team of over 230 internal coaches across 35 countries. The Ignite program, deeply aligned with diversity and inclusion goals, empowers women, local talent, and people with disabilities to reach leadership positions through coaching.

Katie reveals how her personal experiences led her to discover coaching and ultimately spearhead the Ignite program, which has transformed the careers of many within the organization. She discusses the importance of starting small, the power of internal coaching, and the significant impact the program has had on both coaches and clients. From improving confidence and executive presence to fostering a coaching culture within the bank, Katie's work is a testament to the power of coaching in driving organizational success.

Jean and Katie also delve into the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of self-care, and the transformative impact of relational leadership in today's rapidly changing world. Katie shares practical advice for organizations looking to create their own coaching cultures and emphasizes the importance of daily habits in personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ignite program's evolution from a small pilot to a large-scale initiative impacting thousands of employees.
• The measurable ROI of coaching on confidence, executive presence, and career progression within the bank.
• The role of coaching in fostering inclusivity and supporting underrepresented groups in leadership.
• Katie's personal strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and maintaining personal growth.

Recommended Resources:

• Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (Netflix Documentary)
• Jim Rohn: Lessons on Personal Development and Leadership (Podcasts and Books)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Have a topic you’d like Jean to explore? Check the show notes for how to get in touch!

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• Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/
• For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a transformative power that can revolutionize our lives. In this episode of "Making Sense of Work," I share my personal journey of how curiosity led me to uncover my own thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.  By embracing curiosity, we can shift our perspectives and explore new opportunities, finding more magic and hope in our everyday experiences.

Key Topics: 

1. Harnessing curiosity as a transformative tool for personal growth
2. Overcoming self-doubt and persistent pain through curiosity
3. Understanding the emotional roots of discomfort
4. Shifting the brain from fear to creativity with curiosity
5. Enhancing well-being by forming new neural pathways
6. Improving interactions in leadership, coaching, and teamwork through curiosity
7. Letting go of assumptions to foster innovation and openness
8. Creating positive change and deeper connections in daily life
9. Exploring the role of curiosity in sparking creativity and new opportunities

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Episode Summary: In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour welcomes Ellie Scarf, founder and CEO of Lucent Global and the Impact Coach Collective. Ellie shares her journey from law to executive coaching and her insights on building a successful coaching business. They discuss the transition from corporate roles to coaching, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and practical advice for coaches pursuing ICF accreditation at all stages of their business journey.

Key Topics:

1. Ellie's Professional Journey:
   • Transition from law to human-centered roles in learning, development, and organizational transformation.
   • Founding her executive coaching business and later the Impact Coach Collective.
2. Building a Coaching Business:
   • The significance of professional credibility and leveraging existing networks.
   • Essential mindset shifts for viewing oneself as both a coach and a business owner.
   • The importance of sales and marketing in sustaining a coaching practice.
3. Differentiating Executive and Life Coaching:
   • Contextual differences between executive and life coaching.
   • Selling coaching services to organizations versus individuals.
4. Lessons Learned and Practical Advice:
   • The necessity of consistent, disciplined effort in business.
   • Overcoming negative perceptions of sales and marketing.
   • The value of clarity in coaching identity and the services offered.
5. Ellie's Impact Coach Collective Program:
   • Monthly masterclasses, coaching Q&A sessions, and deal clinics.
   • A supportive community for new and established coaches to share insights and strategies.

Connect with Ellie Here:
https://www.elliescarf.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliescarf/

Books and Resources Mentioned:
The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
100 Million Dollar Leads by Alex Hormozi

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Have you ever wondered how your life could change if you spent just a little time dreaming about your perfect day? On this episode of Making Sense of Work, I invite you to join me on a transformative journey where I'll share my experiences of visualizing my ideal day and how it provided clarity and direction in my career.

You'll discover why it's crucial to dream without limits and how guided visualisation can turn your ideal day into reality. 

Together, we'll engage in a detailed exercise to imagine every parts of your perfect day—from your morning routine to how you navigate work tasks, interactions, and even challenges. 

I'll also share tips for finding a balanced approach that brings you closer to your ideal work-life harmony. Tune in and get ready to start crafting the life you've always aspired to live.

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Join us for an inspiring chat with Betsy Kimmel, our incredible PCC-level alumni and coach! Betsy takes us on her exciting journey, from tackling coaching projects in high-pressure environments to starting her own yoga practice. 

Her work is all about inclusivity, making sure everyone from leaders to drivers benefits from her coaching. Betsy also emphasises the importance of setting personal boundaries to avoid burnout and shares heartwarming stories of leaders who have successfully reclaimed their personal time. Don't miss out on this uplifting conversation!

Meet Betsy Kimmel 
Betsy has over 25 years of experience in coaching, consulting, and creating well-being solutions for individuals and organizations in the humanitarian sector. As the President of Betsy Kimmel Consulting, she partners with clients to enhance their personal and professional growth, performance, and resilience. 

She offers humanitarian leadership coaching and social impact career coaching. Betsy is also the founder and Chief Yoga Officer of an international wellness firm and holds certifications in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mental Health First Aid.

Follow Betsy on her Social Media 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsykimmelcoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsykimmelconsulting/
Book an appointment: https://calendly.com/betsykimmel/complimentary-consultation-with-betsy

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In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of office dynamics and explore the Drama Triangle, a powerful psychological model developed by Dr. Stephen Karpman. Join Jean Balfour as she uncovers the roles of the Villain, Victim, and Hero that often play out in workplace interactions, leading to unproductive and toxic environments.

Jean Balfour shares practical strategies for recognising and disrupting these patterns. Learn how to transform your office culture by promoting healthier communication, fostering accountability, and building a supportive work environment.

Tune in to discover how you can break free from the cycle of drama and create a more positive and collaborative workplace.

Resources: 

Blog on Understanding the Drama Triangle at Work
Check out Conscious Leadership and their work on Drama Triangle 

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Have you ever paid attention to your breathing during times of stress? Most likely, we don't, yet it's a powerful tool we can harness to maintain calmness within ourselves. Meet our special guest Céline Fontaine as she shares how conscious breathing impacts creativity, mindfulness, and well-being. Discover how controlled breathing enhances leadership and personal development, inviting you to experience its transformative power firsthand. From practical methods to integrating breathwork into daily work routines, Céline Fontaine guides you toward a more present and focused self.

Meet Céline Fontaine
Céline Fontaine is an executive coach, facilitator, and certified breathwork practitioner with over two decades of corporate experience across Europe and Southeast Asia. After years in high-pressure corporate environments, Céline pivoted to focus on her well-being and embrace her full potential outside the traditional workplace. 

For Céline, It was love at first sight with breathwork, a practice she describes as her "holy grail." Breathwork proved to be a transformative tool, helping Céline calm her mind, release emotions, and reconnect with her highest self. Her journey into breathwork deepened her understanding of its power and potential, making it an integral part of her mission to help others. Céline believes breathwork is the antidote to our relentless, fast-paced world and is passionate about sharing this extraordinary art with as many as possible. 

Currently based in Phuket, Thailand, Céline leverages her extensive background in Learning and Development to integrate breathwork into her coaching and leadership development practice. She works with corporate professionals, educators, parents, and anyone curious about enhancing their health and overall life satisfaction, guiding them to unlock and harness the extraordinary power of their breath. 

Céline is a certified Advanced Breathwork Practitioner by the Global Breathwork Professional Alliance.

Céline has 2 breathwork demonstration videos which you can use to help you in your own breathwork quest. Links below!

The Grounding Breath - https://youtu.be/07WCFZ08JC0

The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique - https://youtu.be/jdoghm0bTdY 

Visit her LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/celinebousquetfontaine/

Visit her LinkedIn Page for Breath@Work - https://www.linkedin.com/company/breathatwork/

Vist her Website at https://breathatwork.net/
 

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Imagine finding a sense of calm and ease amid the chaos of your workday; I believe it's not just a fantasy but a tangible goal.

In this episode I share how the philosophies in Beth Kempton's "Kokoro" and Nancy Klein's "Time to Think," introduce how leaders and professionals can reclaim tranquility in their our hectic lives.

I look at society's traditional definitions of ease and how they often clash with our rushed existence, revealing that there's more to work than just ticking boxes and beating deadlines.

We can embrace coaching's potential to foster spaces free from pressure, and I share insights on how we can infuse a serene flow into our daily grind.

For a different perspective ,aided by Byron Katie's "The Work," I dissect the deep-seated belief that slowing down is a luxury we can't afford.

You can find the resources I reference here. 

Beth Kempton - Kokoro
https://bethkempton.com/kokoro-2/

Nancy Kline - Time to Think
https://www.timetothink.com/

Bryon Katie - The Work
https://thework.com/

Jean Balfour
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/
https://baileybalfour.com/

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• For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, weighed down by stress and dissatisfaction? This is part 2 of the neuroscience of misery at work and it’s your invitation to discover how you can turn misery all around. We're not just talking about the everyday gripes of excessive workloads or lackluster recognition; we're diving into the science that shows our brains are directly wired to our work experiences. Join me, Jean Balfour as I share steps you can take you mitigate misery and how you can perform in your most creative and productive zone when you don’t feel like the most.
 
 Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
 View masterclass on-demand on neuroscience of misery at work: here

View video: Choice point by Russel Harris

Read and download our guide: Overcoming Burnout: Leveraging the Power of Glimmers

Read and download out guide: 10 Root Causes of Feeling Overwhelmed

Read and download out guide: Find your career values

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• Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/
• For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, weighed down by stress and dissatisfaction? This episode is your invitation to discover the neuroscience that explains why—and how you can turn it all around. We're not just talking about the everyday gripes of excessive workloads or lackluster recognition; we're diving into the science that shows our brains are directly wired to our work experiences. Join me, Jean Balfour, as we pull back the curtain on common workplace woes and shed light on global studies that reveal the widespread nature of these issues, especially among younger workers and those under financial pressure.

Resources mentioned in this epsiode:

View masterclass on-demand on neuroscience of misery at work: here

Read and download our guide: Overcoming Burnout: Leveraging the Power of Glimmers

Read and download out guide: 10 Root Causes of Feeling Overwhelmed

• Sign up to my weekly newsletter.
• Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min
• Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/
• For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Today’s episode is inspired by Marianne Williamson and Gay Hendricks. Jean Balfour shares insights and experiences on overcoming self-imposed limitations to embrace our true potential. Join us as we navigate the zones of incompetence, competence, excellence, and ultimately, genius, uncovering how to push ourselves out of our limiting beliefs of what we can't do!

Recommended book reading: The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level

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• Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/
• For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

In today’s episode, Jean Balfour shares her own experiences of feeling overwhelmed, and  shares insights on identifying, understanding, and overcoming the chaos that comes with being overwhelmed. 

From uncovering the root causes to implementing practical strategies, we'll embark on a journey towards reclaiming energy and joy in our daily work. Tune in for tips, stories, and inspiration to navigate the feeling of overwhelm and emerge stronger in your everyday and work life! 

Sign up to Jean's blog here : https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/

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• Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/
• For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

In today’s episode, we explore how being fully present with another person is not just a skill, but a critical gift that fosters genuine connection. Join Jean Balfour as she shares the journey of how we can master this skill, how we can be aware of our own pitfalls and together, we'll uncover practical strategies and insights to enhance our ability to truly hear and understand others.

To download our guidebook mentioned in this episode, click here: https://baileybalfour.com/blog-listening-and-presence/

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Welcome to  Season 3 on "Making Sense of Work" 

Today’s episode is drawing inspiration from the impactful Netflix film, "Nyad." The documentary encapsulates the awe-inspiring story of Diana Nyad, who, at the remarkable age of 64, achieved the extraordinary feat of swimming from Cuba to Florida.

Jean reflects on Nyad's resilience and tenacity, drawing parallels to personal challenges and contemplating the profound impact of persistence on individual aspirations.

Drawing from personal experiences, she shares insights into overcoming low confidence and the enduring efforts required to construct a foundation of self-belief.

Acknowledging the merits of persistence, Jean delves into its potential drawbacks, emphasizing the importance of self-care and recognizing when a goal, despite persistent efforts, may come at too high a cost. This sets the stage for a balanced perspective on the journey toward achievement.

There are key strategies for embracing persistence, from setting clear and ambitious goals to creating visual representations for motivation. Jean underscores the importance of a robust support system, resilience cultivation, and the fostering of a growth mindset. 

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Picture this: I started the year with a grand plan—a visionary roadmap for my business and a commitment to its growth. Little did I know, the universe had a different script in mind. The first half of the year threw some serious challenges my way. 

By the year's end, we not only weathered the storm but exceeded our initial expectations. However, let me be real with you—2023 was no walk in the park. In this episode, I talk about how the struggles forced me to dig deep into my own resilience, revoking my goals and accepting redirections. 

I encourage you to join me in reflecting on your own journey, learning from the past, and stepping into the next year with a sense of wholesomeness. Here's to embracing the uncertainties, finding joy in the unplanned, and growing into the next beautiful chapter of our lives.

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