In this episode, host BetvWilliams speaks with Melissa Barry, a dynamic leader with a diverse career spanning travel, events, and food service. Melissa shares her journey of finding work-life balance, and how embracing change has shaped her career. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship and the valuable lessons learned from setbacks, emphasisng the power of adaptability and the significance of underpromising and overdelivering in building trust with partners. In this conversation, Mel shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of her career journey, emphasising the importance of trusting one's instincts, learning from failures, and the unexpected experiences that shape professional growth. She discusses the significance of empowering women in the workplace and creating supportive environments, particularly in the hospitality industry, which is evolving to meet new expectations. Mel also reflects on Sustainability in the hospitality industry, the need for flexibility and the value of experiences over traditional markers of success, offering advice for younger professionals navigating their careers.

Melissa's journey demonstrates that careers can be dynamic and fulfilling when approached with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. If you're considering a career change or seeking inspiration, remember that success is not just about the destination but the journey. Take a cue from Melissa's story and embrace the opportunities that come your way, no matter how unexpected they may be.

Takeaways:

· Success isn't just about job titles or achievements.

· Flexibility to enjoy life is a key aspect of success.

· Embrace change rather than fear it; it's often where opportunities lie.

· Underpromising and overdelivering builds trust with partners.

· Adaptability is a strength; don't underestimate it.

· Every role provides transferable skills for future opportunities.

· Setbacks can lead to the best opportunities in your career.

· Unexpected experiences can be more valuable than job titles.

· Creating a supportive environment for women is crucial.

· Flexibility in the workplace enhances productivity.

· The hospitality industry is adapting to new consumer expectations.

· Success should not be viewed as a race.

· It's important to enjoy the journey of your career.

Chapters

· 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Barry

· 03:05 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

· 05:54 Rewards of the Reinventive Stage

· 09:48 Leadership and Consistent Actions

· 11:43 Facing Career Challenges and Overcoming Them

· 15:49 Embracing Change and Adaptability

· 17:44 Underpromising and Overdelivering

· 22:11 Women in the Workforce

· 23:10 Learning from Failure

· 25:13 Unexpected Career Experiences

· 27:14 Creating Opportunities for Women

In this episode, host Bev Williams speaks with Patricia Seabright, Founder of Archimedes Consulting, about her journey in business and coaching, particularly focusing on empowering women in the workplace. Patricia shares her personal experiences, including being made redundant while pregnant, and emphasises the significance of awareness and choice in navigating career obstacles.

They discuss the challenges women face, including unconscious bias, the importance of resilience, and the need for flexibility in career paths. The conversation highlights the need for women to recognise societal biases and to embrace their strengths in leadership roles. In this engaging conversation, Patricia Seabright discusses various themes surrounding gender equality, the challenges women face in the workplace, and the importance of mentorship. She highlights the need for more women in politics, and the impact of outdated school systems on women's employment. Patricia also shares her perspective on failure, emphasising the importance of viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. Additionally, she explores the role of AI in career development and the necessity of advocating for women's visibility in various sectors.

Takeaways

· Resilience and a brave mindset are crucial for leadership.

· Career paths do not have to be linear; flexibility is key.

· Awareness of societal biases empowers women to make choices.

· Women should give themselves permission to be curious about their careers.

· Labels like 'alpha female' can carry different connotations for women.

· Victorian school hours hinder women's ability to work full-time.

· More women in politics could lead to better productivity solutions.

· Failure should be viewed as an experiment hypothesis.

· AI can enhance coaching but won't replace human interaction.

She Said book https://archimedesspeaks.com/she-said/

TedX St Albans https://tedxstalbans.co.uk/

Be Brave not perfect Tedtalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/reshma_saujani_teach_girls_bravery_not_perfection

Elect Her: https://www.elect-her.org.uk/

For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at www.breathecoaching.co.uk

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Patricia Seabright

04:44 Navigating Career Challenges and Rewards

08:19 The Importance of Resilience and Mindset

12:54 Understanding Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

16:31 Flexibility in Career Paths

20:45 Embracing Labels and Strengths

22:34 Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Sports Media

27:38 Redefining Failure and Learning from Setbacks

32:45 Advocating for Women in Politics

Holly Giddings, the founder of Houx and Houx Knew, shares her journey of reinvention and success in the hospitality recruitment and coaching space. From the birth of Houx to overcoming career challenges, Holly's insights on leadership, accountability, and communication provide valuable lessons for professionals in any industry. The conversation covers topics such as empowerment through clarity, embracing individuality, gender disparities in the hospitality industry, overcoming self-doubt, unexpected career paths, supporting women in business, the future of the hospitality industry, and balancing work and self-worth.

Takeaways:

· Redundancy can lead to new opportunities and directions.

· Finding a niche and focusing on expertise is crucial.

· Setting boundaries is essential for mental health and productivity.

· Self-belief is a superpower for women in the workforce.

· It's important to reflect on career choices and not rush into decisions.

· No response to communication is still a response.

· Leaders must clarify expectations and accountability.

· Embracing one's true self is empowering.

· Success should not be measured by busyness.

https://houx.co.uk

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introducing Holly Giddings and Houx
• 02:00 The Birth of Houx and Houx Knew
• 06:08 Challenges Faced in Different Sectors
• 06:44 Most Rewarding Aspects of Career
• 08:27 Consistent Actions and Leadership
• 12:54 Overcoming Career Challenges
• 16:28 Lesson on Communication and Accountability
• 19:07 Empowerment Through Clarity
• 21:18 Proud to Be 'Too Much'
• 23:07 Gender Disparities in Hospitality
• 27:18 Overcoming Self-Doubt
• 29:21 Unexpected Career Future of Hospitality Indust