S1:E2 - In this captivating episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are honoured to welcome Tanya Mann Rennick, a transformative figure in the fields of clinical hypnotherapy, EMDR, and life coaching. Tanya's journey is nothing short of extraordinary—she has not only survived personal trauma and anxiety but has also dedicated her life to helping others achieve emotional resilience and personal transformation.

With decades of experience, Tanya has developed a unique toolkit that bypasses traditional methods, offering personalised strategies that lead to lasting change. Her unconventional approach, infused with compassion and tough love, has made her a sought-after expert at the highest levels. Tanya's insights have reached prestigious platforms such as the House of Lords, the European Parliament, and even 10 Downing Street, where she has shared her groundbreaking ideas on mindset and emotional recalibration.

In this episode, Tanya delves into her latest programme, Emotional Mindset Recalibration—a powerful method that allows individuals to reset their emotional dials and take control of their mental wellbeing. Through a combination of life coaching and therapeutic empowerment, Tanya guides her clients in aligning their conscious and subconscious minds, leading to profound self-awareness and personal growth.

Tanya also shares inspiring stories of transformation from her one-to-one coaching sessions, where her holistic approach—rooted in love, intuition, and experience—has helped clients overcome deep-seated fears, heal from past traumas, and rediscover joy and purpose in their lives. Whether it’s helping a client move past a childhood trauma to find love and happiness or empowering a young woman to reclaim her self-worth, Tanya’s impact is both profound and enduring.

Join us for an engaging conversation that not only sheds light on the power of emotional recalibration but also offers practical insights into living a life filled with love, joy, and resilience. Tanya’s passion for helping others is palpable, and her wisdom is a testament to the transformative power of understanding and harnessing the mind’s true potential. Whether you're facing personal challenges or seeking to enhance your emotional resilience, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Learnings

Emotional Mindset Recalibration as a Tool for Personal Growth: Tanya introduces the concept of emotional mindset recalibration, which involves resetting emotional controls to better manage anxiety, increase connection, and align the conscious and subconscious mind. This approach empowers individuals to gain control over their emotions and behaviours, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

The Power of Leading with Love and Intuition in Coaching: Tanya emphasises the importance of leading with love and using intuition in her coaching practice. Her unconventional approach, which includes tough love, physical touch, and creating deep personal connections with clients, is central to achieving profound transformations. Tanya's ability to see the beauty in everyone she works with allows her to build trust and help clients achieve lasting, positive change.

Guest Information
Tanya Mann Rennick
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyarennick

S1:E5 - In this compelling episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we sit down with Tracey Barr, a remarkable strategic advisor whose journey from a small village in Cumbria to leading roles in healthcare and consultancy sectors is nothing short of inspiring. Tracey’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to her values, all while breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

Tracey began her career as the only female in her engineering course, sponsored by Ford. She navigated the challenges of a male-dominated environment with a blend of self-confidence and determination, forging friendships and alliances that helped her thrive in an industry that was not always welcoming. Her experiences at Ford, including the cultural shock of moving from rural Cumbria to the industrial environment of Dagenham, shaped her approach to leadership and strategy.

Transitioning from engineering to strategic consulting, Tracey continued to break new ground, applying her engineering background to complex strategic decisions in healthcare. Her extensive work with the NHS and other healthcare organizations highlights her dedication to making a positive impact. One of her most rewarding projects was her role in the expansion of the Evelina Children’s Hospital, ensuring that more children receive the care they need in a child-friendly environment.

Tracey also played a pivotal role in the highly political campaign to save Lewisham A&E, a project that required her to balance local needs against central government pressure. Her structured thinking and data-driven approach were instrumental in preserving vital services for a vulnerable population.

Throughout her career, Tracey has remained committed to her core values, often finding herself in roles where she could make a difference rather than merely pursuing financial gain. She shares insights on how she balances financial stability with her desire to create positive change, emphasizing the importance of intellectual challenge, working with people she respects, and making a tangible difference in the world. In this episode, Tracey also reflects on her approach to leadership and mentorship, particularly in guiding others through complex strategic decisions. Her calm, reflective personality has been a key asset in navigating high-pressure situations, whether in healthcare or other sectors.

Finally, Tracey offers advice to young professionals, especially women entering male-dominated fields. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tracey Barr, as she shares her journey, insights, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, leadership, or simply hearing from a trailblazing woman who has made a significant impact.

Key Learnings
Resilience and Adaptability in Male-Dominated Environments: Tracey’s journey highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability when navigating male-dominated industries. Her experiences at Ford, where she was often the only woman, taught her the value of building relationships, maintaining self-confidence, and turning challenges into opportunities. Her ability to adapt to the culture, engage with her male colleagues, and persist despite initial hostility played a crucial role in her success.
The Impact of Purpose-Driven Work: Throughout her career, Tracey has consistently chosen roles that align with her values, particularly in healthcare. Her work on projects like saving Lewisham A&E and expanding Evelina Hospital demonstrates her commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Guest Information
Tracey Barr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-barr-healthcare-strategy-digital/
Email: tracey.barr@thestrategiclink.co.uk

S1:E4 - In this enlightening episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down with Karen Ferris, a renowned author, consultant, and speaker who has revolutionised the approach to organisational change and workforce resilience. Karen's journey from IT service management in the UK to becoming a pivotal figure in organisational change in Australia is nothing short of inspiring. Her books, including Unleash the Resiliator and Be Remarkable: Learn to Unlearn the New Leadership Mindset, have equipped leaders with the tools and mindsets necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Karen dives deep into her unique transition from IT to organisational change, revealing how a chance encounter with a sustainability framework led her to discover her passion for helping organisations navigate complex change. Her story illustrates the importance of adaptability and how her IT background has influenced her innovative approach to change management.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around the concept of resilience—a term that has been overused and misunderstood, especially since the pandemic. Karen clarifies the true meaning of resilience, debunking common myths and stressing that it is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be developed. She emphasises that resilience isn't about simply "toughing it out" but rather about navigating complex situations with the right tools and support systems. Karen’s approach to building resilience in organisations involves customised programmes based on her books, which offer "superpowers" that individuals can use to manage stress and challenges effectively.

Karen also tackles the critical issue of leadership in today's hybrid and remote work environments. She argues that many leaders are struggling to adapt, clinging to outdated notions of control and performance measurement. Karen advocates for a fundamental shift in leadership mindset—moving away from micromanagement towards building trust and autonomy. She underscores the importance of the learn-unlearn-relearn cycle, encouraging leaders to embrace continuous learning and growth to stay relevant and effective.

Throughout the episode, Karen shares practical advice on how organisations can truly support mental health and resilience beyond superficial initiatives like gym memberships and yoga sessions. She stresses the need for genuine conversations about mental health in the workplace, creating environments where it's okay not to be okay, and equipping leaders with the skills to recognise and support employees in need.

Tune in to hear Karen Ferris's expert advice on creating resilient organisations and leading in a time of constant change. Be sure to check out her books for more in-depth strategies and follow her ongoing work in organisational development.

Key Learnings:
The Importance of Personalized Resilience: Karen emphasises that resilience isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. While the term has become widely used, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, true resilience requires personalized approaches tailored to the individual and their specific circumstances.
The Cycle of Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning: Karen discusses the critical need for leaders and professionals to embrace the cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning. This process is essential in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of work, particularly in the face of challenges like the pandemic.

Guest Information:
Karen Ferris
https://linktr.ee/karenferris
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenferris-resilience-change-management/