The Everyman: Guest Richard Edmondson

I'm Gonna Be Okay: Guest Lysha Holmes

Having just celebrated her 23rd year in the Industry Lysha Holmes has experienced many highs and lows.

When it comes to her mental health, however, it’s the focus on the job and running her own successful Rec2Rec that’s kept her afloat and grounded when life around her has become chaos. 

Mental Health management wasn’t a thing for Lysha until she hit her 40’s.  

When her husband and partner of 17 years and father of her 2 daughters came out and told her he was gay, her world fell apart.  

At the time, Lysha had just set foot on a path to sobriety.  When her husband moved out and the need for self-care became apparent, she knew she would never drink again.  

She went on a painful journey yet made the decision that she was going to be okay. 

In this honest and thought-provoking episode, Lysha talks candidly about her journey and about the importance of self-care.  She also shares what sobriety means to her and how it has impacted both her physical and mental health.


You can connect with Lysha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyshaholmesr2r/

Taking Time To Listen: Guest Michelle Flynn

An experienced and high performing technical recruiter Michelle Flynn was money motivated and fiercely driven. 

She never would have considered herself stressed, it wasn't a word that she knew.  She was someone who was the epitome of success and did whatever it took to get the job done.

It wasn't until she collapsed with a suspected heart attack and needed emergency medical attention that she knew something wasn't quite right.  

Her body tried to get her to sit up and pay attention yet she still wasn't taking the time to listen which led to a more serious collapse 3 years later. 

The result of that second episode led to a complete lifestyle and purpose overhaul along with a passion for healthy others listen properly to what their bodies might be telling them. 

We talk about Michelle's journey and the valuable work she now does in the industry in particular the importance and value of supporting our people and ourselves for not only better mental health but better business performance.


You can connect with Michelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleflynn/

Living Life To The Full: Guest James Osborne

James Osborne is known in the recruitment industry as the Co-Founder of The Recruitment Network, he is also widely known for his relentless energy, eternal optimism and a genuine desire to help people. 

James is one of these people that consciously lives life to the max.  

He wasn't always this way.  

In 2005, his baby son TJ, passed away.  It was an indescribable loss and a life-changing moment for James and his wife. 

TJ was their first child and represented hopes, dreams and aspirations for a future they were building.  Losing him left a very deep emotional scar.  

In this episode, we discuss however the experience fundamentally changed James, and how he made a commitment in memory of TJ to live life to the full.  To impact people's lives and to make a real difference. 

This is an honest account of how good things can and do come from heartbreaking situations and how the choice we make in responding to what's going on around us can make such a huge difference. 



If you are affected by this episode please reach out to the Rainbow Trust for support:   https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/

You can connect with James Osborne here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/innergy

My Superpower: Guest Chris Stringer

Chris Stringer is the Owner of That Recruitment Company and has worked in the industry since 2006.

He has suffered from Anxiety for as long as he can remember and accepts it as a part of who he is and how he's wired. 

As a leader Chris understands that Mental Health is individual and personal, not everyone is the same. 

In this episode, we discuss the reality of the condition as well as the impact on people around you.  This is an honest conversation with someone that tries to make a difference whilst understanding that they are not always the easiest person to be around.

We also talk about losing much-loved team member Ben Briggs in July 2020 to a Complex Brain AVM that rocked both the business and Chris as a leader.

This is an insightful look at authentic and vulnerable leadership with a man who knows he is on a journey that's not always within his control.

You can Link with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstringer
Find out more about The Butterfly AVM Charity here: https://www.butterflyavmcharity.org.uk/

If you are affected by anything discussed in today's episode please click here: https://www.mentalhealthinrecruitment.org/are-you-okay-mental-health-support

Speaking Out & Speaking Openly: Guest Chris Hart

Chris Hart spent 30 years keeping everything inside.

The life and soul of a good night out, he was the highly sociable friend that went out of his way to talk to and support others when they were struggling.

Having suffered from intense social anxiety throughout childhood, nobody would have guessed that behind the carefully placed mask Chris had created, he was battling with his own intense feelings and depression.

Conversations were never about Chris.  He became an expert at deflection, and over time, created a master who excelled at hiding what was going on beneath the surface.

In this episode, we look at one man's journey and behaviour, including what happens when three decades of buried emotion starts spilling out uninvited.

Now an active mental health advocate, Chris gives is an insightful and honest account.  We learn about Borderline Personality Disorder and that although the idea of asking for help is terrifying, speaking out and speaking openly can change your life.

You can connect with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismhart/

Additional resources:
UK https://www.mentalhealthinrecruitment.org/uk-support-directory
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/borderline-personality-disorder-bpd/about-bpd/