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Love Your Work! with Rachel
Rachel Sparkes
19 episodes
6 days ago
Podcast created by Work Content Creator & Your HR Bestie from Big Tech Rachel Sparkes: Helping ambitious professionals succeed in the corporate world with purpose, creativity, and humanity — no burnout, no selling out.
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All content for Love Your Work! with Rachel is the property of Rachel Sparkes and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Podcast created by Work Content Creator & Your HR Bestie from Big Tech Rachel Sparkes: Helping ambitious professionals succeed in the corporate world with purpose, creativity, and humanity — no burnout, no selling out.
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Careers
Business
Episodes (19/19)
Love Your Work! with Rachel
Leading with Heart in the Age of AI: Samantha Middlebrook on Purpose, Confidence & Connection

From customer experience to global product strategist, Samantha’s story reveals how staying human is the real superpower in tech.

Summary

In this episode of Love Your Work, Samantha Middlebrook shares her journey from a non-tech background to becoming a globally recognized product strategist. She discusses the importance of human-centered design in technology, navigating imposter syndrome, and the balance between passion and boundaries in leadership. Samantha also reflects on her experiences with AI transformations and the significance of maintaining human interaction in a tech-driven world. As she launches her consulting firm, she emphasises the need for empowerment and support among women in tech

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Samantha Middlebrook's Journey

02:53 Navigating the Tech Industry: From Customer to Vendor

05:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence

08:10 Passion, Boundaries, and Sustainable Leadership1

0:57 The Evolution of Leadership: From Reluctance to Embracing Responsibility

13:55 AI Transformations: Serving People, Not Just Trends

19:40 The Importance of Human Interaction

22:35 Launching a Consulting Firm: The Right Moment

27:49 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Lessons

For more head to https://rachelsparkes.substack.com/

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1 week ago
31 minutes 51 seconds

Love Your Work! with Rachel
Work It Real Good Series – Chapter 3 – The Top 10 Career Mistakes (Plus Two More!)

In this episode, Rachel Sparkes discusses the top 10 career mistakes that individuals often make, drawing from her experiences in HR and coaching. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive, setting clear goals, and maintaining self-awareness.

Rachel also highlights the significance of personal branding, understanding the job market, and preparing effectively for interviews. Additionally, she introduces two modern mistakes related to boundaries and time management, encouraging listeners to take control of their careers and avoid common pitfalls.

Takeaways

  • Most people treat job hunting like window shopping.
  • You're 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.
  • Self-awareness is a superpower in your career.
  • Respect your culture, but your career is yours.
  • Purpose plus pay equals a sweet spot.
  • Self-belief doesn't mean arrogance; it means backing yourself.
  • Your brain grows with resistance; keep learning.
  • If you don't market yourself, nobody will.
  • Jobs get created when great talent shows up.
  • Boundaries aren't selfish; they're professional.
  • Avoid These Career Mistakes
  • Top 10 Career Pitfalls to Avoid


Chapters

00:00Introduction to Career Mistakes

00:20Top 10 Career Mistakes Explained

05:51Modern Career Mistakes and Conclusion

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3 weeks ago
5 minutes 40 seconds

Love Your Work! with Rachel
Creating Before We Consume

Summary

In this episode of the Love Your Work podcast, Rachel Sparkes discusses the vital role of creativity in both personal and professional life. She emphasizes the importance of creating for joy, sharing her experiences with music and the use of AI tools like Suno AI for music production. Rachel encourages listeners to engage in creative activities and build a community around shared creativity, highlighting that personal creativity enhances work life and overall happiness.

Takeaways

  • Creativity is a critical part of any work.
  • Engaging in creativity contributes to your work life.
  • Create something new before you consume.
  • Creating for joy is essential, regardless of skill level.
  • Using AI tools can enhance the music creation process.
  • Suno AI allows for innovative music production.
  • Building a community around creativity is important.
  • Personal creativity adds meaning and purpose to life.
  • Encouragement to share creative endeavors with others.
  • Life is about doing something amazing with your talents.
  • Unlocking Creativity in the Workplace
  • The Joy of Creating: A Personal Journey
  • "Just create for the joy of it."
  • "Suno AI is a really cool tool."
  • "What are you creating this week?"


Chapters

00:00The Importance of Creativity in Work

02:26Creating for Joy: Embracing Imperfection

10:30Exploring Music Creation with AI

11:37Using AI Tools for Music Production

19:09Encouragement to Create and Share


Subscribe to the Love Your Work! Substack for full episode, free courses and more.

Rachel

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3 weeks ago
20 minutes 32 seconds

Love Your Work! with Rachel
"Work It Real Good" Series – Chapter 2: Factors Affecting Todays Workplace

Factors Affecting Todays Workplace

Welcome back, friends — we’re diving into Chapter 2 of my book Work It Real Good (yep, the one I wrote a whole decade ago). This is also Episode 2 in our new series where I dust off those ideas, give them a shake, and see how they hold up in today’s wild world of work. Spoiler: a lot has changed, and a lot hasn’t.

Here’s the quick and dirty:

  • A whopping 87% of people are disengaged at work. Yikes. Leadership really is the make-or-break here.

  • Tech is both our bestie and our frenemy. Applicant tracking systems can ghost your CV, video interviews are now normal, and AI is quietly moving in as your new co-worker.

  • Online learning? Totally mainstream now. No excuses — skills are just a click away.

  • Younger generations are chasing purpose over pay checks, and women are starting businesses in droves.

  • And the big one: human connection wins. Robots may be clever, but they can’t lead with empathy, build trust, or crack a good dad joke in a team meeting.

This chapter is all about how economics, tech, and social shifts collide to create the workplace we’re living in right now. It’s a reminder that while the tools change, what people actually want from work — meaning, growth, connection — really hasn’t.

So grab your coffee, hit play on the video, and let’s go a little deeper together.
This has been Rachel Sparkes, your HR Bestie from Big Tech, exploring culture, creativity, and conscious leadership in the modern workplace.

Love Your Work!
Follow along for the next chapter 3 in the Work It Real Good series which is The Top 10 Career Mistakes.


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1 month ago
13 minutes 33 seconds

Love Your Work! with Rachel
"Work It Real Good Series" Chapter 1: The Epic Career Quest, Ten Years Later: What Still Matters About Work You Love

In this episode, Rachel Sparkes introduces her book 'Work It Real Good' and discusses the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in achieving career satisfaction. She outlines the common struggles faced by individuals in their careers and presents a roadmap for transformation through clarity, confidence, and conviction. Rachel shares her personal journey from IT recruitment to coaching, emphasizing the need for meaningful work and the impact of emotional events on career choices. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their career paths and consider the factors affecting today's workplace.

Takeaways

  • The secret to finding work you love is self-awareness.
  • Many people feel stuck in their careers due to fear.
  • Career transformation involves six clear stages.
  • Clarity, confidence, and conviction are key to career flow.
  • Emotional events can significantly influence career choices.
  • It's possible to design a career that resonates with your true self.
  • The journey to a fulfilling career requires hard thinking and commitment.
  • You have the power to choose a career that makes you happy.
  • The book provides a roadmap for career navigation.
  • Investing time in a fulfilling career is essential for happiness.


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1 month ago
20 minutes 13 seconds

Love Your Work! with Rachel
What Drives People: The 6 Human Needs You Need to Know

From UX to L&D to leadership—why nothing changes until you meet the right need


Ever tried to roll out a workplace change, only to have it land with all the excitement of a damp muffin?
Yeah, me too.

Recently, I was deep in the weeds designing a technology certification drive. that would be rolled out to thousands of tech folk. The goal? Get people certified. The problem? Most people didn’t exactly leap out of bed thinking, “Yes! Today’s the day I conquer that ServiceNow Pro Plus Suite exam!”

So, I started thinking like a behaviour hacker. Not: How do I tell them what to do? But: What do they actually need? Because if you can speak to someone’s deep human needs, you stop shoving change down their throats and instead make them want to take the bite.

Cue Tony Robbins’ Six Human Needs (here’s the breakdown):

  • Certainty ↔ Variety

  • Significance ↔ Connection

  • Growth + Contribution (the two universal needs that sit above the others)


  • In a change program, someone high in certainty wants FAQs, roadmaps, and guarantees. Someone high in variety wants options, flexibility, and fun side quests.

  • Change management, learning and development, UX design, EX design, leadership coaching—it all starts here. You don’t need to hypnotise anyone (although… tempting). You just need to know which needs to tickle.

    Ask yourself:

    1. Which need is their number one driver right now?

    2. How can I meet that and sneak in one or two others for good measure?

    3. How do I make it feel like their idea to take action?

    People aren’t lazy—they’re just busy meeting their own needs.
    When you meet those needs better than the status quo, behaviour changes without the eye‑rolling, foot‑dragging, or mysterious “sick days” during training week.

    💡 Love Your Work! Takeaway:
    Start mapping your change or program against these six needs before you roll it out. Then stand back and watch the “I’ll get to it someday” crowd suddenly find the time today.

    by Rachel Sparkes
    Exploring Culture, Creativity & Conscious Leadership in the Modern Workplace
    Love Your Work!

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    3 months ago
    15 minutes 22 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Planes, People & Perspective ✈️ Why a Month Abroad Was the Career Reset I Didn’t Know I Needed ✈️

    I just got back from a whole month working overseas — yep, a full four weeks in Manchester, with side quests to our London and German offices, and some much-needed personal travel to Menorca, The Hague, and Amsterdam with my partner.

    It wasn’t just a change of scenery — it was a full-blown mindset refresh. And guess what? Science says this kind of thing isn’t just good for the soul — it’s brilliant for your career too.

    We’ve been banging on about “flexibility” and “remote work” for years now, but there’s something uniquely powerful about being in the room. Real eye contact. Serendipitous coffee chats. Strategy whiteboards with too many post-its. You just can’t replicate that magic over Zoom or Teams.

    🔍 The Research Backs It Up
    The Harvard Business Review reports that in-person interactions lead to significantly more trust and cooperation among teams. In fact, a study by MIT found that face-to-face requests are 34 times more successful than email. Thirty-four times! I mean, I love a good emoji-laden teams thread as much as the any millennial leader, but let’s be real — nothing beats a spontaneous hallway chat.

    And it’s not just about productivity. According to Gallup, employees who feel “connected” at work are more engaged, have higher wellbeing, and are far more likely to stay.
    I felt that deeply this month. Relationships that were once polite Teams calls became real, warm, and full of shared context. I got to sit with colleagues and really listen. I spent quality time with my boss. I even bumped into super senior executives I might’ve never have met otherwise.

    ✨ Unexpected Perks
    There were surprises, too. I learned best practices I never would’ve picked up on if I wasn’t physically present. I saw how other teams onboard, sell, deliver, collaborate. I stole — I mean, “borrowed” — some killer ideas for our teams in other regions. 😉

    And let’s not ignore the joy. Travel gave me perspective. Those long workdays in Manchester, weekend escapes to Menorca, Spain and art-strolling through The Hague with my partner, it all made me feel alive. I came back with a full heart and a fresh brain. I remembered why I love this work — because it’s human.

    💡 If you’re a people leader — take note. Encouraging international (or interstate, or even in-the-office) collaboration and offering space to combine work with mini-breaks isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. It leads to better performance, retention, creativity, and connection.

    So here’s my cheeky challenge to you:
    Say yes to the next overseas or interstate work trip. Or better yet — create one. Make time to connect, explore, and soak up the richness of in-person interaction.

    You might just fall in love with your work again.

    This has been Rachel Sparkes, exploring culture, creativity, and conscious leadership in the modern workplace.

    Love Your Work!

    Show more...
    3 months ago
    6 minutes 35 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    From Burnout to Balance at Work with Psychologist and Mindfulness Educator Liv Downing

    Liv Downing's journey from corporate to becoming a thought leader in workplace wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, creativity, and compassion in leadership.


    In this episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, host Rachel Sparkes interviews Liv Downing, a psychologist and mindfulness advocate.
    They explore Liv's journey from corporate HR to becoming a thought leader in workplace wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, creativity, and compassion in leadership.
    Liv shares insights on the differences between mindfulness and meditation, the signs of burnout, and strategies for creating psychological safety in teams. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and the role of compassion in fostering a supportive workplace culture. In this conversation, Liv Downing and Rachel Sparkes explore the importance of connection, mindfulness, and self-awareness in leadership and personal growth.
    Liv shares practical mindfulness techniques, the significance of rest, and the balance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership roles. They also discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and how mindfulness can be tailored to support them.
    The conversation emphasizes that true change begins with self-awareness and understanding one's triggers and motivations.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Liv's Journey

    05:08 Understanding Mindfulness vs. Meditation

    09:58 The Role of Creativity in Liv's Work

    14:59 Burnout: Causes and Prevention Strategies

    19:57 The Importance of Compassion and Psychological Safety

    27:40 The Power of Connection

    29:46 Mindfulness Practices for Leaders

    36:35 Understanding Rest and Recovery

    41:25 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership

    44:44 Mindfulness for the Neuro-divergent Community

    47:4 9The Importance of Self-Awareness

    Links
    Website: https://www.livmindfully.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-downing-06b7974/

    You Are Loved Book: https://www.livmindfully.com/new-products/you-are-loved

    You Are Loved Podcast: https://www.livmindfully.com/podcast


    Show more...
    6 months ago
    51 minutes 28 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast — But What Is Culture, Really?

    summaryIn this conversation, Rachel Sparkes discusses the critical importance of company culture in influencing employee performance, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction. She emphasizes that culture is not merely about perks like ping pong tables or free snacks, but rather the collective experience of employees from recruitment to exit. Sparkes shares insights on building a people-first culture, highlighting strategies such as co-creating culture with employees, implementing effective onboarding processes, fostering psychological safety, and ensuring consistent recognition and career development opportunities. She concludes by stressing that cultivating a strong culture is an ongoing commitment that requires daily leadership engagement.takeaways

    • Company culture impacts performance and retention.
    • Culture is the felt experience of employees.
    • Co-creating culture involves giving employees a voice.
    • Effective onboarding is crucial for first impressions.
    • Psychological safety allows for open communication.
    • Recognition should be consistent and celebrated.
    • Career development should be employee-driven.
    • Purpose-driven companies attract good talent.
    • Culture is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time project.
    • Leadership must prioritize people to build a strong culture.Subscribe to the Love Your Work! newsletter and podcast to read the full post and for more articles here https://rb.gy/7wxx86
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    7 months ago
    5 minutes 2 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    The Power You’re Afraid to Own: Unmasking Fear and Unlocking Leadership

    How Self-Knowledge Transforms Fear from a Roadblock into a Catalyst for Leadership

    In this episode of Love Your Work!, I discuss the profound importance of self-knowledge in conscious leadership — and how AI tools like ChatGPT can unexpectedly support our personal growth journeys.

    A key theme we explored was fear — particularly how it holds many leaders, especially women, back from embracing their true power. I was reminded of the iconic quote from Marianne Williamson:

    "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."

    This idea resonates deeply with the journey of conscious leadership. True leadership doesn’t stem from controlling others — it begins with understanding and leading ourselves. Self-knowledge is the foundation of this power.

    In this chat I touch on how AI can serve as a surprising tool for self-reflection. Many of us use ChatGPT for productivity, but what if we used it to uncover insights about our own minds and behaviour?

    Here’s a prompt I recommend trying:
    “Can you share some extremely deep and powerful insights about my psyche and mind that I would not otherwise be able to identify or see — as well as some that I may not want to hear?”

    This prompt invites honesty — even discomfort — which is where the most profound self-discoveries often lie. Leadership requires courage, and that starts with confronting the truths we tend to avoid.
    This has been Rachel Sparkes exploring culture, creativity and conscious leadership in the modern workplace….Love Your Work!

    Episode Chapters

    00:00 Embracing Our Inner Power
    00:00 Self-Leadership and Conscious Awareness
    03:20 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Authenticity
    Episode Takeaways

    • Self-knowledge is crucial for effective leadership.

    • AI tools can provide deep insights into our psyche.

    • Confronting fears is essential for personal growth.

    • Many leaders fear their own power and potential.

    • Bringing subconscious fears into consciousness is key.

    • Reframing negative thoughts can empower us.

    • Leadership starts with understanding oneself.

    • Everyone has underlying fears, regardless of their position.

    • Conscious leadership involves making choices from awareness.

    • Life is short; we should strive to do something meaningful.

    • Using AI to Deepen Self-Knowledge
    Show more...
    7 months ago
    5 minutes 47 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Delegation Done Right: 3 Tips Leaders Often Miss! Conscious Leadership tip, brought to you by Love Your Work! Podcast Host Rachel

    I had a huge response to my Blog Post on delegation 2 weeksago. Seems many leaders miss these three game-changing principles:

     

    🎨 Colour: Connecting theDots – Help your team see the full picture, not just their piece of the puzzle.

    💬 Be Clear to Be Kind –Vague instructions lead to frustration. Clarity = confidence.

    ⚖️ Communicate the Consequences –What happens if they nail it? What if they don’t? No surprises = no stress.

     

    I break these down in my latest video—watch now forpractical delegation tips that will transform your leadership!

     

    🎥 Watch this latestConscious Leadership tip, brought to you by Love Your Work! Podcast Host RachelSparkes.

     

    #Leadership#Delegation#WorkPodcast#ConsciousLeadership#ManagementTips

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    8 months ago
    3 minutes 51 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    The Two Word Check In - Conscious Leadership Tool To Build Trust with host Rachel Sparkes

    This video is from the Love Your Work! podcast and blog on Substack hosted by Rachel Sparkes You can read the full article here:

    https://rachelsparkes.substack.com/p/the-two-word-check-in


    Other Links

    1. Brown, Brene. Dare to Lead. Link to Brene Brown’s work

    2. Harvard Business Review: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership. HBR Study on EQ

    3. Zak, Paul J. “The Neuroscience of Trust.” Harvard Business Review. Neuroscience of Trust Study

    4. Gallup: “The State of the Global Workplace.” Gallup Trust and Productivity Study

    5. Zenger, J., & Folkman, J. “The Extraordinary Power of Trust in Leadership.” Zenger and Folkman Trust Study

    Show more...
    9 months ago
    3 minutes 6 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Unleashing Everyday Creativity with Mykel Dixon

    In a world that often prioritizes productivity over play, Mykel Dixon reminds us that creativity is not just a skill—it’s a life force. In a lively conversation with me (Rachel Sparkes), Mykel shares his journey from jazz musician to corporate consultant, highlighting the transformative power of creativity in leadership and the workplace.

    Many organizations struggle to replicate transformative experiences. Why? Because they fail to nurture cultural artefacts that sustain engagement. Mykel emphasizes that creativity isn’t something reserved for artists—it’s an essential ingredient for innovation, connection, and growth.

    “Creativity is a life force, not a skill,”he says. And yet, too often, we shy away from creative expression, fearing imperfection. Mykel argues that courage is the key:“It’s okay to do it badly.” The act of creating, even imperfectly, fuels personal and professional success.

    The conversation also delves into the evolving workplace. As organizations seek sustainable growth, Mykel challenges the notion of“growth for the sake of growing.” Instead, he champions the role of cultural architects—leaders who foster connection, community, and a joyful work environment.

    “We need more joy and generosity in these times,” he says.“Let’s make a new story for humanity.”

    Mykel also introduces the idea of the“8D reality,” where aliveness and abundance is everywhere—we just need to notice it. He encourages us to shift our perspective and embrace gratitude.

    So, how can we bring more creativity into our work lives? Start small. Give yourself permission to create, embrace imperfection, and become a cultural architect in your own right.

    For more insights, check out Mykel Dixon’s work atmykeldixon.com or connect with him onLinkedIn. Let’s make work—and life—more creative, connected, and joyful.
    This conscious leadership podcast and blog post bought to you by your host, Rachel Sparkes

    Love Your Work!


    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to Creativity and Leadership
    03:00The Impact of Transformative Experiences
    05:47Cultural Artefacts and Ongoing Engagement
    08:57Mykel Dixon's Journey and Backstory
    17:57The Everyday Creative: Embracing Our Inner Creativity
    24:05Courage and Permission to Create
    31:08The Dance Between Service and Ambition
    40:40Abundance and Interdependence
    42:01The New 8D Reality in Organizations
    45:20Cultural Transformation in Business
    48:07The Future of Work and Leadership
    52:02The Role of the Cultural Architect
    56:09Creating a Joyful Work Environment
    01:00:03Embracing Change and Connection

    Show more...
    9 months ago
    54 minutes 18 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    How a Four-Day Work Week Changes Everything with Christian Miran

    In this episode of theLove Your Work! podcast, I sit down with Christian Miran, a trailblazer in organizational transformation, to discuss reimagining work culture through the lens of the four-day work week. Our conversation dives into the motivations, structure, and measurable outcomes of this innovative approach at Medibank, while uncovering broader themes of conscious leadership and employee engagement.

    “People are not resources, but remarkable individuals with untapped potential.” Christian Miran, Thrive Nation

    Christian shares the guiding principle behind the initiative: a shift from focusing on tasks to prioritizing outcomes. At Medibank, the four-day work week provides employees with 100% pay for 80% of the time, aiming to enhance productivity and well-being. This restructuring demonstrates that when organizations value time over mere output, they unlock hidden potential and foster innovation.

    • Trust employees to make decisions—it boosts morale and productivity.

    • Address burnout proactively through meaningful changes, such as reducing work hours.

    • Engage employees by genuinely listening to their needs and ideas.

    “A culture of trust and accountability is essential for success.” Christian Miran, Thrive Nation

    As work culture evolves, organizations must adapt to retain talent and foster growth. Conscious leadership that prioritizes people over processes can create a ripple effect, driving innovation and well-being.

    “The four-day work week is not just a perk; it’s a strategy for unlocking human potential.” Christian Miran, Thrive Nation

    Your Host,

    Rachel Sparkes

    Love Your Work!

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to Transforming Work Culture

    01:49Implementing the Four-Day Work Week

    16:05Measuring Success and Overcoming Hesitations

    23:40Unlocking Human Potential at Work

    32:27Emotional Connection in Leadership

    34:40The Power of Emotional Check-Ins

    36:05Building Emotional Awareness in Organizations

    39:14Employee Engagement Strategies

    40:53Understanding Organizational Systems

    43:47Trust and Empowerment in Leadership

    46:37Trends in Work Culture and AI

    49:27Addressing Workforce Challenges

    51:32Closing Thoughts on Conscious Leadership

    Links

    Connect withChristian Miran

    4 Day Work Week Resources

    Show more...
    9 months ago
    46 minutes 24 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Creating Podcasts, Piano & Playing with AI with Rachel Sparkes

    Summary

    In this episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, host Rachel Sparkes shares her journey of starting a podcast and exploring creativity through music. She discusses her experiences with various technologies and tools that aid in music creation, including AI music production. Rachel emphasizes the importance of creativity in personal growth and encourages listeners to engage in creative activities.

    Takeaways

    • Rachel Sparkes is new to podcasting and learning as she goes.

    • Music creation is a deeply healing and spiritual process for Rachel.

    • Technology can enhance music creation without needing extensive technical knowledge.

    • AI tools can provide new avenues for creativity in music production.

    • Creativity can be pursued without formal lessons or significant financial investment.

    • Engaging in creative activities can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.

    • Rachel encourages listeners to prioritize creation over consumption.

    • The podcast explores the intersection of careers, creativity, and conscious living.

    • Rachel shares her personal experiences with music and technology tools.

    • Creativity is essential for a sustainable and joyful life.

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Equipment Testing

      02:40 Exploring Creativity Through Music

      05:50 Tools and Technology for Music Creation

      09:15 AI in Music Production and Creative Challenges

      14:55 SoundCloud - Broken version

      17:20 SunoAI - Broken version


      Links

      SunoAI Music - Rachel..Sparkes.Music

      SoundCloud RachelSparkes

      SoundCloud Rachel Sparkes Music


    Show more...
    11 months ago
    17 minutes 25 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    The Power of Knowing Your 'Personal Why' for Career Success with Rachel Sparkes

    Podcast Summary
    In this solo episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, global HR executive and coach, Rachel Sparkes explores the themes of career crossroads, creativity, and conscious living.
    She addresses the struggles of individuals seeking more meaning and purpose in their work, particularly those in midlife.

    Rachel emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's creative self and integrating creativity into both personal and professional life. She introduces the concept of 'purpose carving,' a process that aligns individual purpose with organizational purpose, and shares practical tips for identifying personal values and goals.

    The episode concludes with a focus on the significance of knowing one's financial numbers to foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life and work.


    Takeaways

    • Many people feel a lack of meaning in their careers.

    • Creativity is an essential part of our identity.

    • Midlife often brings a reckoning with our creative selves.

    • Purpose carving connects individual and organizational purpose.

    • Identifying personal values is crucial for fulfilment.

    • Vision boards can help visualize and achieve goals.

    • Knowing your financial numbers fosters conscious living.

    • Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership.

    • Conscious living includes mindfulness and self-awareness.

    • Finding joy in work often comes from serving others.

    Chapters

    00:00 Navigating Career Crossroads
    07:13 The Importance of Creativity in Work
    20:03 Vision Boards and Life Goals
    26:38 Unlocking Joy and Purpose in Life and Career
    28:06 Knowing Your Numbers
    Links
    How to Find, Devine and Use Your Values - HBR

    Wheel of Life - Free Online Assessment

    Running with the Wolves Book

    Money Mastery - Tony Robbins Book

    Start with Why Book - Simon Sinek

    Start with Why - TED Talk - Simon Sinek

    Ramit Sethi - Podcast - The Rich Life

    Subscribe to Rachels Substack to get access to episodes and blogs before anyone else.

    Love Your Work! Substack

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    11 months ago
    28 minutes 11 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Leading as a Woman in Technology & Giving Back with Kristina Chaston co-MD from Her Tech Circle

    Summary
    In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Kristina Chaston, a leader at the crossroads of technology, leadership, and community impact. With a diverse background spanning operational management, people development, and business strategy, Kristina has made an impressive mark in both the corporate world and the tech industry.

    As Co-Managing Director of Her Tech Circle, a volunteer-run organization focused on empowering women in tech, she is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive spaces for women to learn and thrive.

    Kristina’s leadership journey includes roles at Jonas Software, SupportAbility Software, and Upland Software, where she has led teams, driven business growth, and built initiatives that prioritize people. Her commitment to giving back is evident in her volunteer work with non-profits like Impact for Women Inc., helping those in need.

    Today, Kristina shares her story, leadership philosophy, and insights on the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating opportunities in the tech world. It’s an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss!

    Takeaways

    • The importance of personal experiences in shaping one's journey.
    • Sponsorships can significantly impact opportunities.
    • Collaboration is key to success in any field.
    • Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights.
    • Building connections is essential for growth.
    • Incredible sponsors can elevate projects.
    • Talent is often found in unexpected places.
    • Open communication fosters better collaborations.
    • Learning from others' experiences is beneficial.
    • Final reflections can lead to new opportunities.

    • Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Kristina Chastain

      03:04 The Meaning of Success in Tech

      05:29 Navigating Passion and Practicality in Business

      07:56 Challenges and Benefits of Women in Tech

      10:28 The Role of Empathy in Leadership

      12:59 Giving Back: Volunteering and Mentorship

      15:42 Her Tech Circle: Empowering Women in Tech

      17:58 Work-Life Balance in Leadership

      20:39 Purpose-Led Business and Personal Purpose

      23:11 Legacy in Leadership

      26:02 Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders

      28:20 Finding and Doing Work You Love

    For more information on the various great volunteer work Kristina is doing please check out the organisations she is driving to help women in technology and to flee domestic violence below

    Her Tech Circle
    Impact For Women

    This has been Rachel Sparkes, exploring the intersection of career, creativity and conscious living so you too can find and do the work you love.

    Remember, live is short so do something awesome.

    Love your work!

    Rachel Sparkes

    Show more...
    12 months ago
    33 minutes 23 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Insights About Creating from Seth Godin

    In this first solo episode, Rachel Sparkes reflects on the insights gained from a podcast featuring marketing legend Seth Godin.


    She discusses the importance of discipline in creativity, the necessity of taking action by 'shipping' work, and how to navigate feelings of resistance as indicators of growth.


    Rachel emphasizes the value of sticking to a routine, engaging directly with the tools of creation, and recognizing that frustration can signal progress in personal development.


    Chapters

    00:00 The Power of Discipline in Creativity

    05:21 Navigating Resistance: Signs of the Right Path


    The podcast with Seth Godin mentioned in this episode is the one with Marie Forleo linked here - Seth Godin on Creativity, Generosity and the Practice


    Check out the book by Stephen Pressfield - The Artists Journey


    If you are interested in starting your own podcast using this amazing software I recommend Riverside.fm. You can get 20% off by using my Riverside besties link here


    For more from Rachel subscribe to her Substack Newsletter Love Your Work!

    Show more...
    1 year ago
    7 minutes 56 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Bringing the Spark Back to Work with Mark Truelson

    Love Your Work! Podcast

    Exploring the intersection of career, creativity and conscious living. Insights on balancing the grind with growth, the hustle with healing, and choosing creativity over mindless consumption. Episode Summary

    In this episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, host Rachel Sparkes interviews Mark Truelson, a seasoned business leader and consultant. They explore Mark's journey from corporate roles to consultancy, discussing the importance of employee engagement, psychological safety, and the balance between passion and practicality in work.

    Mark shares insights on defining success, the role of purpose in business, and the significance of understanding one's Sparketype to find fulfillment in various domains of work.

    In this conversation, Rachel Sparkes and Mark Truelson explore the intersection of creativity, career development, and leadership. They discuss the importance of holistic career conversations that go beyond performance reviews, the need for work-life integration, and the adaptability required in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

    Mark shares insights on evolving internal motivation as a leader and the significance of leaving a positive legacy. The discussion concludes with practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing curiosity, kindness, and the importance of emotional connections in the workplace.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Love Your Work Podcast

    02:20 Mark's Journey to Consultancy

    10:23 Defining Success in Business

    18:29 The Importance of Psychological Safety

    21:43 Finding Purpose and Passion

    28:55 Balancing Passion with Practicality

    32:53 Embracing Creativity and Learning

    34:15 The Importance of Holistic Career Conversations

    39:33 Work-Life Integration vs. Work-Life Balance

    42:03 Adapting to Rapid Changes in Business

    47:02 Evolving Internal Motivation as a Leader

    52:11 Legacy and Purpose in Leadership

    56:41 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    Resources and Mark Truelson's contact details

    Mark Truelson | LinkedIn @get_sparked on Instagram

    You can also take the free SPARKETYPE Assessment Home - Sparketype

    Show more...
    1 year ago
    1 hour 19 seconds

    Love Your Work! with Rachel
    Podcast created by Work Content Creator & Your HR Bestie from Big Tech Rachel Sparkes: Helping ambitious professionals succeed in the corporate world with purpose, creativity, and humanity — no burnout, no selling out.