S7, Ep9: Dr Rina Bajaj - The Magic in Me

S8, Ep 8: Em Stroud - The Power of Play

Welcome to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast where we explore the intersection of joy and work. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and in this engaging episode, we dive into "The Power of Play" with the vibrant Em Stroud, a corporate clown coach who's turned joyful play into a business revolution.

As adults, we often find ourselves shackled by societal expectations that suggest play is solely the realm of children. But what if embracing play could unlock creativity, productivity, and genuine connection in the workplace? In this episode, Em and I unpack the practical benefits of integrating fun into our daily routines, redefining play for the adult world, and the transformative effects it can have not just on individuals, but on organisational culture as a whole.

From reimagining meetings with a more active and playful setup to sharing accidental moments of joy through simple acts like out-of-office messages, Em Stroud offers tangible strategies to sprinkle play into our working lives. And, with a reminder that play isn't one-size-fits-all, we'll discuss how finding your unique play style can enrich every aspect of your life.

Whether you're someone who thrives on the thrill or a person who finds a deeper connection in quieter activities, this episode will inspire you to craft moments of delight and encourage a cultural shift towards a more playful business environment.

Stay tuned as we explore the power of play with Em Stroud and challenge the notion that work and joy are mutually exclusive. Join us on the WorkJoy Jam, where we're jamming on the joy of work, and the work of joy!

Connect with Em

Instagram @emstroudldn - @clowningaroundpodcast - @laugh.think.play

LinkedIn : https://uk.linkedin.com/in/em-stroud

Website: https://emstroud.com and https://laughthinkplay.com

S8, Ep 7: Alice Sheldon - Needs Understanding (AKA Bridge Club Moments!)

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the WorkJoy Jam! I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and today we are diving deep into an episode that's all about understanding our needs and nurturing joy throughout our professional journey.

Joining me is the multifaceted Alice Sheldon, whose career has spanned from schoolteacher, to barrister, to CEO, and whose passion for psychology and neuroscience has fuelled her work in personal development..

In this episode we explore how Alice's career choices were meticulously intertwined with her values and how these decisions led her to a life brimming with joy and purpose—despite the challenges she faced along the way.

Alice will share her profound insights on nonviolent communication and how understanding human needs has reshaped her approach to relationships and conflict resolution. We'll confront the pressing need for emotional education that extends beyond academia into our everyday interactions.

Have you ever encountered a "bridge club moment"? Well, Alice will explain how taking a moment to understand our reactions and needs can not only improve our personal lives but also our professional relationships. And she’ll share a personal anecdote on handling emotions and being uncomfortable in social situations—proving that we all have something to learn when it comes to navigating our emotional worlds.

So, whether you're battling work monsters or weathering storms of emotion, this episode promises to be as enlightening as it is joyful. So tune in and get curious!

Connect with Alice

You can find out more about her work at www.needs-understanding.com.

Website: https://www.needs-understanding.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-sheldon/

S8, Ep 6: Catherine Garrod - Conscious Inclusion

Welcome back to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast that delves deep into the heart of what brings joy and fulfillment at work. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and I'm absolutely thrilled for the conversation we have lined up for you today.

Today's episode is a real treat and we will be exploring the intricate dance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace with the insightful Catherine Garrod, founder of Compelling Culture and a true pioneer in creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a background of leading inclusion for thousands at Sky, Catherine brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how to foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard.

In our conversation, we delve into the importance of broadening our own perspectives – be it through diversifying our social media feeds, seeking out different teams, or updating our bookshelves – and how that shapes empathy, approachability, and effectiveness in decision-making. We'll distinguish between the concepts of diversity and inclusion, recognise the importance of moving past mere diversity numbers to truly inclusive cultures, and learn how to strategically equip both underrepresented and overrepresented groups for collective success.

Catherine shares invaluable insights from her book "Conscious Inclusion: How to Do EDI, One Decision at a Time." We'll discuss the 99 decisions that can transform our workplaces, and how to employ conscious inclusion to make workplaces safer and unlock potential without increasing burdens. We will talk about the importance of integrating diversity and inclusion into every facet of organisational decision-making, from product design to everyday meetings.

And it's not just about the workplace. Catherine's approach transforms relationships and community by recognising commonalities, learning from mistakes - or as she fondly calls them, "whoopsie daisies" - and celebrating progress over perfection. We’ll hear about her monthly newsletter dedicated to the "crown jewels" and "whoopsy daisy" moments in organisational diversity efforts, and her passion for seeing change-makers realise their true impact.

So, whether you're a leader striving to improve your organisation's culture, an individual looking to expand your personal awareness, or simply someone who cherishes WorkJoy, this episode is tailored for you.

Connect with Catherine

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

S8, Ep 5: Ruth Richards - What's Happened to Work Best Friends?

Welcome to another engaging episode of the WorkJoy Jam. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and joining me today is Ruth Richards, a communication consultant who has made a significant transition from marketing in the charity sector to helping individuals and teams collaborate more effectively.

In this episode titled "What's happened to work best friends?", we're delving into the dynamic world of workplace relationships and how they've been impacted by hybrid work and the recent challenges posed by the post-COVID-19 working world.

Ruth brings her wealth of experience to the conversation, exploring how internal dynamics within organisations can shape our work experiences. We talk about the importance of having a sense of purpose, the overlooked but critical need for training in collaboration skills, and the changing landscape of building human connections.

Throughout our discussion, we'll also touch on Ruth's personal insights and the joy she finds in bouncing ideas off others to create meaningful connections on a micro-level. We'll uncover the challenges faced by employees in forming work best friends in a remote setting and the undeniable importance of brief personal interactions to foster trust and camaraderie, even online.

To top off our episode, Ruth and I will share practical tips for nurturing relationships in this new era of work and how embracing personal responsibility can transform the way we collaborate, even when physically apart. So, connect with us as we deep-dive into what's really going on with our work friendships and what it means for our WorkJoy.

Connect with ruth

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-richards-46153a23/

• And my website is www.ruthkrichards.co.uk

S8, Ep 4: Lauren Neal - Valued at Work

Welcome back to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast where we explore the joy, challenges, and the unexpected adventures of the modern workplace. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and in this episode I’m joined by Lauren Neal - a trailblazer who wears multiple hats as a chartered engineer, project professional, and author.

With a career that began amidst the Lego bricks of her childhood and propelled her into the male-dominated world of engineering, Lauren has faced and overcome discrimination while forging a path to inclusion in STEM fields.

In this episode, we get an insight into Lauren's journey of defying gender stereotypes, advocating for inclusivity, and finding support in unlikely places. We’ll hear about her transition from a subsea engineer to a project manager, and how organic career growth can arise from refusing to be pigeonholed.

Lauren shares her experience of working in unusual environments, the importance of holding fast to your potential, and why creating supportive workplace cultures is crucial for everyone. We'll uncover the psychology behind open-mindedness, the power of advocating for others, and the ripple effect of joy it brings into the workplace.

She also discusses her book "Valued at Work," intended not just for women in STEM but also for men, aiming to foster understanding and change.

Grab your drink, settle in, and let’s learn how we can all contribute to making our workplaces spaces of value, recognition, and of course, WorkJoy. Let's get started.

Connect with Lauren

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenneal/

Instagram: @lvneal