Content warning: This episode discusses suicide andmental health challenges. If you’re affected, please reach out to a mental health professional or confidential helplines. UK: Samaritans 116 123; US: 988. If you’re in another region, please contact your local crisis line.

Have you ever come across someone who makes a profoundimpact on you, the very first time you meet them? This is Martin Williams, a recently retired partner and employment tribunal advocate from Mayo Wynne Baxter. He was also a member of Ampa, the UK’s leading legal and professional services group and one of the largest professional services B-Corporations in the world.

In this deeply moving episode, we talk about the realitiesof mental health, leadership, and the power of vulnerability. Martin bravely shares his personal journey, including the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned about being open, seeking help, and supporting others. Thisconversation is raw, honest, and full of insights for anyone seeking understanding, support, or inspiration on their mental health journey.

Summary:

💡 Explore mental health challenges faced in high-achieving careers.

💡 Find out why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💡 Get inspired by Martin’s journey from silence to openness and the impact it had on his life.

Here’s to your health and wellbeing.

Estelle Read  

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast

0:40 – Introduction: About Estelle Read

1:04 – Why this episode matters: Martin’s background and theimportance of talking about mental health

2:13 – The impact of not talking and Martin’s leadershipphilosophy

2:36 – The reality of suicidal thoughts as a leader

2:57 – Support resources and the importance of reaching out

3:14 – Introducing Martin Williams

3:33 – How Estelle and Martin connected; the power of aheartfelt LinkedIn post

3:53 – Martin’s origin story: family, childhood, and earlychallenges

6:45 – From music to law: Martin’s career journey

14:40 – The role of arts, advocacy, and confidence-building

19:55 – Coping with isolation, bullying, and buildingresilience

24:41 – The power of vulnerability: Martin’s viral LinkedInpost

27:00 – The healing impact of sharing and community support

33:45 – Journaling, self-reflection, and processing emotions

41:39 – Mentoring, overcoming labels, and advice to theyounger self

49:47 – Letting go of perfection and embracing openness

58:39 – The importance of non-judgmental listening andsupport

1:09:39 – What’s next for Martin: mentoring, poetry, andlegacy

1:11:52 – Final thoughts: authenticity, learning, andlooking after yourself

1:13:22 – Outro: Subscribe, share, and connect with Estelle

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit.

For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit ⁠www.EstelleRead.com⁠ 

Connect with Martin Williams:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-williams-900a5a13/

Get support from the Samaritans:

Call them anytime: 116 123

https://www.samaritans.org/

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

I catch up with coach, Gemma Hogan to discuss what it means to be resilient and how to bounce back and thrive in challenging times. We have a candid conversation about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating career pivots, and finding your flow - both professionally and personally.Gemma shares the momentous moments that shaped her, and the practical tools she uses to help others break through their own barriers.

• Discover how Gemma transformed early feelings of not fitting in into a thriving career—and how you can do the same.

• Learn practical strategies for managing energy, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout as you pursue your goals.
• Hear real-life stories about overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing creativity, and building a life you love.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read  

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

01:04 – Meet Gemma Hogan: Origin Story and Early Challenges

04:30 – Navigating Expectations, Imposter Syndrome, and Self-Doubt

08:00 – Turning Points: Motherhood, Career Growth, and Coaching

13:00 – The Power of Boundaries and Managing Energy

18:00 – Strengths Profiling and Positive Psychology

23:00 – NLP, Breakthroughs, and Overcoming Phobias

28:00 – Levelling Up: What’s Next for Gemma

32:00 – Creativity, Art, and Finding Your Flow

37:00 – Final Thoughts: Brilliance, Resilience, and Advice for Listeners

41:00 – How to Connect

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit.

For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit ⁠www.EstelleRead.com⁠ 

Find Out More About Gemma Hogan visit: www.talenta.me.uk

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode I sit down with the incredible Neil Jinks - a top legal influencer, brand ambassador, and champion of diversity and inclusion.

We dive deep into Neil’s personal journey, from overcoming imposter syndrome to embracing his unique strengths and daily routines that fuel his success.

Neil shares candid stories about his upbringing, the impact of his parents, and the life lessons that have shaped his approach to work, wellbeing, and happiness. Whether you’restruggling with self-doubt or looking for practical ways to rise to your next level, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable tips to help you shine.

Summary:

• Discover how Neil transformed imposter syndrome into a source of strength - and how you can too.
• Learn the daily habits and mindset shifts that drivelasting success and happiness.
• Hear behind-the-scenes stories from Neil’s career,including his encounters with rock and pop royalty!

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read  

Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

00:41 – Meet Estelle Read and the Podcast’s Mission

01:04 – Introducing Neil Jinks: Background & Achievements

03:44 – Neil’s Origin Story: Family, Upbringing, and Early lessons

09:05 – The Power of Being Yourself & Defining Brilliance

16:18 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Sabotage

19:49 – The Role of Daily Routines, Compounding, and Wellbeing

35:57 – The CLEAR Process: Vision, Action, and Rising to the Next Level

59:00 – Final Thoughts, Takeaways, and How to Connect

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit.

For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit ⁠www.EstelleRead.com⁠ 

Connect with Neil Jinks:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiljinks/

Neil is the Brand Ambassador for Broadriver Group: www.broadrivergroup.co.uk
The group includes:
Control Account: www.controlaccount.com
dataTrace UK: www.datatraceuk.com
Sinclair Taylor: www.sinclairtaylor.co.uk
Identeco: www.identeco.co.uk
Harp Software: www.harpsoftware.co.uk
Neil is also:
Chair of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM): www.cicm.com
Chair of the Civil Court Users Association (CCUA): www.ccua.org.uk
President of the Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation (West Midlands):www.irrv.net/associations

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode, I interview Rachel Rainbow, a seasoned HR professional with 16 years of experience across multiple industries. Rachel shares her journey into HR, her passion for authenticity and integrity in leadership, and practical advice for managers and leaders. The conversation covers the evolution of HR, the importance of psychological safety, tips for handling underperformance, and the shift from work-life balance to work-life blend.

Summary:

• Discover the top four qualities that make leaders and candidates truly stand out—straight from an HR veteran who’s seen it all.
• Learn why “work-life balance” is an outdated concept, and how embracing a “work-life blend” can transform your wellbeing and productivity.
• Get practical, real-world tips for tackling underperformance and creating a psychologically safe workplace where everyone can shine.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read  

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and host

01:03 – Introducing Rachel Rainbow: HR background and leadership philosophy

02:59 – Rachel’s origin story: From Yorkshire to HR

04:19 – The impact of performing arts and singing on wellbeing

09:45 – Falling into HR: Early career lessons and challenges

11:42 – What makes people brilliant? Qualities admired in leaders and candidates

15:33 – The importance of authenticity, integrity, and psychological safety

17:36 – Addressing underperformance: Practical steps for leaders

21:46 – Unconscious bias and the “horns and halo” effect

24:54 – Learning styles, academic paths, and the value of experience

28:41 – The HR Ninjas community and peer support

31:24 – Work-life blend vs. work-life balance in the digital age

32:52 – Rachel’s future outlook and personal mission

33:37 – Closing thoughts

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead⁠ 

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit.

For free resources, book a discovery call or join The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Connect with Rachel Rainbow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-rainbow-chartered-mcipd/
Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

Alex Wickens is fearless, positive, and resilient. She embodies these mindsets when facing challenges - on stage, in high-adrenaline sports, and through personal trials like recovering from cancer and losing a parent in the same year. She shares her stories with infectious humour and positivity.

Alex is a true multi-hyphenate: interior designer, lecturer, senior business surveyor, community first responder, and amateur dramatics enthusiast. She’s also my “Cumbrian bestie.”

In this episode:

• Alex shares stories from her unique upbringing in Storrs Hall Hotel, surrounded by people from all walks of life - including well-known celebrities from the 80s with helicopters and powerboats!
• Alex is one of the bravest people I know – she will give practically anything a go, which has shaped her career and personal life.
• Alex is quite the local celeb herself – not that she would describe herself in that way. However, during the festive season you will see her face plastered around Windermere on posters for the Christmas panto. We get into how to overcome the fear of public speaking and she shares:
• Her techniques for avoiding forgetting her line son stage.
• Insights on learning lines, handling mistakes onstage, and engaging an audience—plus how these lessons apply to business and life.
• The importance of self-belief, competing with yourself, and striving for your personal best.
• Navigating setbacks including cancer and the loss of aparent all in the same year, and the value of humour and positivity.

Key Takeaways:

- Brilliance is about authenticity, self-belief, and embracing challenges.

- Mistakes are human - own them, use humour, and keep moving forward.

- Every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow.

- Stay positive, take baby steps, and don’t be afraid to “give it a go.”

Connect with Alex Wickens:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwickens/

See the Lakes Players: http://www.lakesplayers.co.uk/wpsite/

Connect with Estelle Read, Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:

https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

I hope you’re enjoying the podcast! If you’d like to help it grow, you can:

1. Subscribe
2. Leave a review
3. Share it with someone who might benefit

Thank you!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

01:04 – Meet Alex Wickens

02:08 – Growing Up in a Hotel

04:28 – Fearlessness & Taking Chances

07:11 – Adrenaline & Adventure

12:41 – Self-Belief & Competing with Yourself

16:53 – Getting Into Amateur Dramatics

27:45 – Handling Mistakes & Engaging the Audience

34:52 – Resilience Through Health Challenges

41:20 – Redefining Success & Letting Go

45:00 – Maintaining Positivity & Adapting to Change

48:23 – Defining Brilliance & Final Thoughts

In this episode, I dive into Chapter 10 and wrap up my bestselling book  Inner Brilliance: Outer Shine, 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.  I reflect on the importance of self-care, managing energy, and not letting work or stress steal our joy. I use personal stories, client examples, and research to highlight how our habits around food, sleep, movement, and self-compassion directly impact our wellbeing and performance.

My goal is to encourage you to treat yourself with the same care you’d give a child, to make healthy choices, and to take mini-holidays every day so you can truly shine in work and life. I also share a glimpse of what’s next for the podcast, including upcoming interviews and new topics.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to the podcast and book wrap-up
• The importance of self-care and energy management
• The "energy bank" analogy and how to make healthy deposits
• The impact of food, sleep, and movement on health and performance
• Recognizing and addressing inflammation and its effects
• Personal and client stories about overcoming burnout and health challenges
• Practical tips for better sleep, nutrition, and daily routines
• The value of self-compassion and treating yourself like you would a child
• Encouragement to take daily "mini-holidays" for wellbeing
• Summary of key points and a heartfelt conclusion
• Preview of future podcast episodes and guest interviews

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read x

Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Podcast Overview
• 01:04 – Chapter 10: Access the Mess Deck
• 03:02 – The Energy Bank Analogy
• 08:22 – Good Energy Deposits & Withdrawals
• 18:24 – Inflammation: The Root of Many Health Issues
• 27:31 – Food, Mitochondria, and Energy
• 40:06 – Sleep: Why It Matters and How to Improve It
• 57:02 – Move Your Body: Exercise and Longevity
• 1:01:20 – Daily Self-Care and Mini-Holidays
• 1:03:12 – Summary of Key Points
• 1:04:37 – Conclusion & Final Reflections
• 1:10:01 – What’s Next for the Podcast

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead⁠ 

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For free resources, to join the SHINE Coaching Programme or to apply for a discovery call, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode, I dive into Chapter 9 of my bestselling book Inner Brilliance: Outer Shine, 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.  I share how learning to handle life’s rough seas can shape our journey, both personally and professionally. I discuss the importance of managing our state of mind, processing emotions, and usingpractical tools to build resilience and find joy, even during challenging times. My goal is to help you become the captain of your own ship, steering toward greater wellbeing and fulfilment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Our state of mind directly impacts our actions, performance,and happiness.
• Acknowledging and processing emotions is essential. I sharehow and the consequences of not doing this.
• Tools like Havening and EFT can help reset limiting beliefsand manage stress.
• Scheduling joy and making space for fun are vital forresilience.
• You have the power to navigate challenges, no matter thecircumstances.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read x

Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and host

00:40 – About Estelle and the episode’s focus

01:04 – Reading from "Inner Brilliance OuterShine" – Antidote #9

01:32 – The importance of state of mind

02:26 – My friend’s skiing story: accessing positivestates

04:56 – State of mind: thoughts, feelings, body,neurochemistry

06:03 – How to change your state

08:03 – Personal story: perimenopause and HRT

09:47 – Research: state of mind and leadership

11:06 – Managing intense emotions

12:24 – Story: emotions at a family funeral

14:10 – Bottling emotions vs. acknowledging them

16:00 – Meta-emotions explained

18:00 – Emotional processing techniques

22:47 – The “emotional bucket” analogy

25:55 – Strategies for stress and resilience

28:45 – Introduction to EFT

31:17 – EFT resources and support

32:41 – Cultivating and scheduling joy

35:09 – Key takeaways and summary

39:43 – Closing, resources, and next episode preview

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead

You can find my EFT video mentioned in the podcast here: https://youtu.be/_PROjHMnKAg?si=lhaZXMd-9fENcuyh⁠ 

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For free resources, to join the SHINE Coaching Programme or to apply for a discovery call, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode, I dive into Chapter 8 of my bestselling book  Inner Brilliance: Outer Shine, 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, which focuses on how to develop an inner captain and take charge of your thoughts.

Key Topics Covered:

• I explore how to develop an “inner captain” to take charge of your thoughts and beliefs.
• I share personal stories, including my experience withimposter syndrome and a cancer diagnosis, to show how mindset tools work in real life.
• I discuss the impact of negative self-talk and how reframing thoughts can change your emotional state and outcomes.
• I reveal practical strategies like journaling, havening, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and positive affirmations, to manage stress and negativity.
• I talk about the importance of gratitude and how focusing on what’s good in your life helps you to stay positive and become happier.
• I explain how I interrupt negative thought patterns—sometimes with humour, distraction, or even singing!
• I highlight the dangers of comparison, especially on social media, and how you can bring your focus back to your own journey.
• I encourage listeners to process emotions rather thansuppress them, using various tools.
• I remind you that negative feelings are temporary, and that we have the power to choose our response.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read x

Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and host
• 0:40 – About Estelle and her book
• 1:33 – Starting Chapter 8: Develop Your Inner Captain
• 2:37 – The impact of negative thoughts and language
• 6:17 – Strategies to counter imposter syndrome andnegativity
• 8:38 – Personal story: Facing a cancer diagnosis
• 14:07 – Blackpool Illuminations: Spotting and interruptingnegative thought patterns
• 17:04 – Journaling and processing thoughts
• 21:06 – Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and havening
• 24:06 – Dealing with uncertainty and "what if"thinking
• 27:00 – Useful vs. useless thoughts; learning to reframe
• 31:16 – Down in the doldrums: Coping with depression andloss
• 36:46 – The power of gratitude and "re-dipping"into positive memories
• 41:17 – Affirmations and manifesting positive change
• 46:09 – Summary of key points and closing thoughts
• 48:48 – What's next: Preview of Chapter 9

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead⁠ 

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For free resources, to join the SHINE Coaching Programme or to apply for a discovery call, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode, I dive into Chapter 7 of my bestselling book  Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress. I share practical strategies for running a tight ship in both your work and personal life. I open up about my own journey with boundaries, time management, and the lessons I’ve learned from clients and personal experience. If you’re ready to stop overworking, reclaim your time, and shine brighter, this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Boundaries Matter: Ishare how setting boundaries has helped me (and my clients) avoid burnout and reclaim joy in work and life.
• Parkinson’s Law: I explain how work expands to fill the time we give it, and why limiting our thinking time" to four hours a day can boost creativity and effectiveness.

• Production Line Analogy: I use my experience in manufacturing to illustrate how we can manage ourworkload, avoid bottlenecks, and prevent overwhelm.
• Saying No (Without Guilt): I talk about the importance of saying no, even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Time and People Boundaries: I reflect on how I’ve learned to protect my time from "time stealers" and set healthy boundaries with people who drain my energy.
• Delegation and Letting Go of Perfectionism: I discuss how perfectionism and the need to please can lead to overwork, and how I’ve helped clients (and myself) delegate and trust others.
• Owning Your Space: I share stories about how body language, mindset, and language can help us projectconfidence and claim our space, at work and beyond.
• Recognising When You’ve Used Up Your ‘Help Quota’: I talk about the importance of fair exchange in relationships and knowing when to step back from living too much.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read x

Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction & episode overview
• 02:01 – Antidote #7: Run a Tight Ship
• 04:44 – Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill time
• 06:49 – The four-hour productivity rule
• 08:12 – Managing your “production line” (workload)
• 13:15 – Overcoming perfectionism and people-pleasing
• 18:10 – Learning to say no
• 20:58 – Time stealers and digital boundaries
• 22:12 – Setting people boundaries
• 32:51 – Summary & key takeaways
• 33:48 – Next episode preview & closing

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead⁠ 

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For free resources, to join the SHINE Coaching Programme or to apply for a discovery call, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode, I dive into Antidote #6 from my book, "Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine" which is about offloading excess baggage.

Key Topics Covered:

• I share personal stories from my coaching practice, highlighting how emotional baggage can hold us back in both our work and personal lives.
• I introduce you to Havening, a technique that has transformed not only my clients' lives but mine too.
• I explain the science behind Havening, how it was developed, and why it's my go-to tool for helping people release limiting beliefs and emotional pain in order to transform performance and personal lives.
• I also guide you through the process of identifying the root causes of recurring patterns and emotions, especially those that stem from childhood.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Estelle Reed
• 01:04 – What is “offloading excess baggage”?
• 03:00 – Real-life stories of overcoming emotional baggage
• 06:23 – The science behind emotional baggage (ACE study)
• 10:49 – How to identify and release limiting beliefs
• 16:06 – What is Havening and how does it work?
• 27:43 – What to expect from Havening
• 39:14 – Summary and key takeaways
• 41:56 – Preview of next episode and closing

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead⁠  

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For free resources, to join the SHINE Coaching Programme or to apply for a discovery call, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

In this episode of the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast Idive into Antidote #5: Navigate to Destination Joy.

Discover how to move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed tofinding true fulfilment in work and life. Through real-life stories, practical strategies, and personal reflections, I share how setting a clear vision, aligning your goals with your values, and taking small, consistent steps can help you reach your own ‘Destination Joy.’

Start charting your course to a more joyful, purpose-driven work-life.

Key Topics:

• The difference between vision and mission, and why both matter.

• Real-life coaching stories, including Jennifer’s journey from “Destination Grim” to “Destination Joy.”
• The dangers of drifting through life on “autopilot” and how to become the captain of your own ship.
• The pitfalls of fantasising about outcomes without taking action, supported by neuroscience research.
• The importance of setting specific, measurable, relevant, and time-bound (SMRT) Goals.
• How to break down big goals into manageable tasks and the power of accountability.
• The role of values and purpose in aligning your goals and vision.
• Personal anecdotes about vision boards, serendipity, and making congruent life decisions.
• What the science says about how to increase your chances of goal attainment.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & podcast overview

03:28 – Chapter 5: “Navigate to Destination Joy”

03:58 – Jennifer’s story: from stress to joy

07:32 – Why vision needs action (research insights)

08:31 – Small steps and resilience

11:09 – Vision vs. mission; being congruent

13:20 – Overcoming self-sabotage

16:41 – Aligning vision with family and values

19:07 – Setting and writing down goals

21:11 – Breaking goals into tasks; accountability

28:54 – Visualising and drawing your goals

30:16 – Summary and key action points

31:17 – The SHINE Coaching Programme and free resources

32:03 – Closing and next episode teaser

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead  

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For free resources, to join the SHINE Coaching Programme or to apply for a discovery call, visit www.EstelleRead.com 

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

I’m reading Chapter 4: Align Towards Your Starsfrom my bestselling book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress. I’m sharing all 10 chapters from my book as a way to support your summer growth and personal development.

The goal of this chapter is to help you tune into everythingthat is brilliant about you and important to you, so that you are super-powered towards what makes you shine. In this episode, we’ll explore:

• What happens when our shine is dulled.
• What makes you amazing: your strengths.
• How to accept and understand nature-based weaknesses.
• How we can ‘fix’ nature-based weaknesses.
• How to recognise when your stars align.
• What happens when we overdo our strengths.
• Working out what’s important to you: your values.
• What happens when we are misaligned with our values.
• The different types of values: towards and away from values.
• The consequence of over-doing values.
• Understanding your purpose

I have permission from my publisher to read most of my book aloud. If you'd like to access the parts I’ve omitted, you can download the accompanying workbook and journal here: https://estelleread.com/resources/

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle x
Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Connect & access free resources here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Hello there!

In this episode, I read Chapter 3: Understand What Causes You to Sink from my bestselling book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.

I’m sharing all 10 chapters from my book as a way to support your summer growth and personal development.

The goal of this chapter is to help you understand the rootcause of your stress, workaholism and imposter syndrome. In this episode, we’ll explore:

• The Nature vs Nurture Model of Personality

• Whether you grew up in a safe and stable environment or wasit unsafe and unpredictable one
• Whether you felt loved or rejected
• Whether you felt like a success or failure
• What happens when faking it doesn’t help you make it
• How we can ‘cheat’ change and update outdated beliefs andcoping strategies

I have permission from my publisher to read most of my book aloud. If you'd like to access the parts I’ve omitted, you can download the accompanying workbook and journal here: https://estelleread.com/resources/

Here’s to your shining!

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Connect & access free resources here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Hello there!

In this episode, I read Chapter 2: Captain Your Ship from my bestselling book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress. I’m sharing all 10 chapters from my book as a way to support your summer growth and personal development.

The goal of this chapter is to help you realise you havemore control over your conscious and unconscious mind—and how your thoughts and attitudes influence your results.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• The importance of coming off autopilot and how you can make yourself 4% better!
• How your conscious and unconscious minds work

• How to be more consciously in charge and how processing through our senses influences our outcomes
• Shifting from a victim or persecutor mindset toward being your own Brave Captain [of your ship].

I have permission from my publisher to read most of my bookaloud. If you'd like to access the parts I’ve omitted, you can download yourself-coaching tools here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle x
Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Connect & access free resources here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Hello there!

In this episode, I read Chapter 1: Know Your Co-ordinates from my bestselling book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress. I’m sharing all 10 chapters from my book as a way to support your summer growth and personal development.

The goal of this chapter is to help you establish where you are right now, so you can start reflecting on what you’d like to change.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• How we get stuck in Groundhog Day with our stress patterns
• What burnout and stress really are
• Why moving beyond stress, workaholism, and imposter syndrome is an inside job - we have to take charge of our ‘ship’
• Why reassurance-seeking doesn’t work to make us feel good enough
• How we shrink our space and limit ourselves
• What imposter syndrome is and how it connects to not feeling good enough
• Why denial only prolongs our suffering and how to break free

I have permission from my publisher to read most of my book aloud. If you'd like to access the parts I’ve omitted, you can download them from my Workbook and Journal, which serves as a self-coaching model, available here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle x
Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Connect & Access Free Resources here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Hello there!

I’m so excited to re-launch my podcast under a new title: Optimising Your Brilliance. To celebrate, I’ve received permission from my publisher to share from my bestselling book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress. I thought it would be a great way to support your summer growth.

In this first episode, I read the introduction to my book and share an overview of what you can expect from future chapters. See if you can relate to 'Charlotte'.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle x

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Access Free Resources, Connect or Find Out More Here: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

Roz very kindly endorsed my book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress. We trained together as coaches 18 years ago and what’s always impressed me about her, is that she makes a success of whatever she turns her hand to.

She’s been a partner in a firm of patent attorneys in Derby, run a coaching business and is now an award-winning crime author with Harper Collins with her DI Meg Dalton Crime Series.

This episode of Leader Insider Secrets was recorded from her writing shed overlooking a field where she thinks about murder plots. We talk about:

· Her murder board.

· How she uses repetitive activities to think creatively.

· How she knows when it’s time to change something in her work or life.

· Her tips for focusing and concentrating.

· The positive childhood experience which taught her to ask for help and to trust people.

· How she doesn’t get hung up on goals which she can’t control. She focuses on things she can make happen.

· How she handles 1 star reviews.

· How it’s important to let yourself feel ‘it’ and be genuine in your emotions.

· How she cheers herself up if she feels down, when she needs to get a job done.

· The worst piece of advice she’s been given.

Roz is one of the most interesting people I know and has a brilliant brain. It was easy to see, listening to her, why she makes a success of things.

The best place to connect with Roz is on Twitter. You can find out more about her books here, the first in the series is The Devils Dice.

You can connect with me Estelle Read, book a free 30 minute discovery session, get free resources or order my book Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress here.

Thank you for listening to Leader Insider Secrets. You can help this podcast grow by leaving an honest review.

Also, if you want to get future episodes remember to hit subscribe.

I was privileged to interview podcasting royalty Professor Damian Hughes. He’s the co-host of UK’s most popular pod, The High Performance Podcast with Jake Humphrey and they’ve interviewed some amazing guests ranging from Mathew McConaughey, Rio Ferdinand, Alastair Campbell, Dame Kelly Holmes and Mel Robins.

Damian is an international speaker and the author of many best-selling books. I was therefore honoured when Damian agreed to come on my podcast AND endorse my book, Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress.

As you might expect with Damian, this episode is jam-packed with thought provoking statements and advice about recreating high performance.  We talk about:

· How success leaves clues.

· How to establish a culture of high performance.

· The person Damian thinks of when he thinks about success.

· How imposter syndrome at school, positively drove him on to where he is today.

· How confidence comes from evidence.

· How to create psychological safety.

· The importance of a ‘blueprint’ for high performance, which is based on strengths and looking for what has already been done successfully.

· And of course, sport! He has worked with and interviewed many international sporting heroes.

Damian is someone I’ve looked up to for a long time. We first met 16 years ago at the launch of his first book and I can remember thinking wow back then. I was left feeling even more impressed following our conversation. He’s candid, funny, holds a wealth of knowledge and generously shares his time and expertise.

You can connect with Damian on LinkedIn, Instagram or find out more about him here. This is where you can listen to his podcast and find his latest best-selling book.

You can connect with me Estelle Read, book a free 30 minute discovery session, get free resources or order my book Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress here.

Thank you for listening to Leader Insider Secrets. You can help this podcast grow by leaving an honest review.

Also, if you want to get future episodes remember to hit subscribe.

You never forget Matt when you meet him; he’s statesman-like, tenacious, honest, really passionate about his business and how people are led. He also has an amazingly creative mind.

In this episode we talk about:

• His presentation at a People Strategy day. He really shone in that moment. Matt talks about how he gets nervous doing speeches; it really wasn’t evident on the day and was one of the best key note speeches I have seen.

• Imposter Syndrome and what it’s related to for him.

• His experience of Havening and how he overcame events from his past.

• His daily routine. He has clear time boundaries, which help maintain a healthy work-life balance. He shares his tips.

• What people get wrong about him. He’s been told he can be blunt hostile and insufferable. However, it’s just a front. He really cares and is terrified of people thinking ill of him.

• Organisational culture and the importance of trust.

• A high performance model which incorporates trust and the behaviours which grow trust within businesses.

Matt Trewartha is a Partner at Fisher German and joined the business in April 2013. He is a Property Manager and Consultant for large Corporate and Private Clients. This involves the proactive management of property assets on behalf of clients to maximise income, optimise opportunities, reduce risks, protect the capital value of the asset and remove the distraction to allow the owners to captain their industry, protect their heritage or simply enjoy their time.

You can connect with Matt on LinkedIn here. You can find out more about Fisher German here.

You can connect with me Estelle Read, book a free 30 minute discovery session, get free resources or order my book Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress here.

Thank you for listening to Leader Insider Secrets. You can help this podcast grow by leaving an honest review.

Also, if you want to get future episodes remember to hit subscribe.