Man up.

Does that phrase make you squirm or is it acceptable to you?

We've all been brought up with a set of beliefs and thoughts about how we should behave. But that puts pressure on people to show up in a certain way. It may no longer be considered acceptable or helpful. And it may mean we're covering up what's really going on.

So, what about permission to be authentic?

My guest, Daniel Glyde, Life Coach & Founder of Positive Masculinity, explores a different approach to mental health. We talk frankly about:

• high performance and mental fitness
• camaraderie instead of safe spaces
• emotional intelligence and soft skills
• vulnerability and mindset

Failing to meet the underlying needs for good mental health to be possible reinforces the disconnect between 'my' reality and the support that's available.

We cannot support people to improve their mental health if they don't feel it's relevant and understand the connection with their experience.

Listen to or watch this episode of the podcast for practical advice about improving your own mental wellbeing, mental health, mental fitness or what ever YOU want to call it, and that of your team.

It's time to rip off the badges of honour men can wear when attributing stress and anxiety to being male.

Success is about authenticity, vulnerability, role modelling and giving permission for others to engage in conversations that are critical. Otherwise we continue to do 'good' mental health a dis-service.

Daniel Glyde is a transformational life coach and founder of Positive Masculinity. He coaches men who feel stuck and want to change by providing a supportive and empowering environment for them to explore their self-worth, navigate relationship challenges, clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, cultivate confidence, connection, empowerment, purpose, and clarity in their lives.

LinkedIn:

Daniel Glyde

Positive Masculinity

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: Missing the Point | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Emotional Intelligence; Empathy vs Sympathy: Brené Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy (youtube.com)

Let Men Drive The Mental Health Bus – Nick O’Neill - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting....

Nick O'Neill of Oriel Chambers outlines a modern approach for mental health in a traditional industry that is the legal sector.

He explains that law is known for being a male dominated culture, attracting alpha characters. And that presents a challenge for addressing a very human need, particularly when you consider that many men of the generation that struggle to engage with mental health, are managers. Their perceptions and behaviours have a far-reaching impact.

Add to that Nick's view that most lawyers hate being told what to do and the challenge of billable hours, and you will understand that this is a complex issue.

Nick outlines how the Bar is addressing the layers of cultural complexity to break down barriers.

He shares advice about the need to keep women out - a controversial but informed perspective.

He explains the need to get more people on the bus by creating a commercial case.

And Nick describes the impact of the Merseyside Men's Legal Wellbeing Group, discussing topics such as professional happiness, imposter syndrome and professional goals.

We both detest tick boxes. This is about real life.

Don't let Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Global Wellness Day tomorrow, and International Men's Health Week next week become token gestures. Instead, do something that impacts long term by creating engagement and momentum.

Once you've listened to this podcast, check out what Stuart Codling had to say about the same topic in the police.

These guys have found ways to make a real difference.

How are YOU going about that?

After a successful career as a litigation solicitor/partner at KLS Law, Nick O'Neill recognised his real passion for people / operational management. Following the completion of his MBA at Nottingham Trent University, Nick moved into full time legal practice management in 2010. Nick has managed at 3 private sector law firms and spent 5 years as the Legal Governance and Practice Manager at Wirral Borough Council. In January 2021, Nick moved to take up the role of Chambers Director at Oriel Chambers in Liverpool. Nick struggled with his own mental health as a young solicitor and after a period of self-development and study, became a Lawcare support worker in 2010. Nick is a Lawcare Champion and regularly speaks on the legal circuit on behalf of Lawcare, communicating the services that this amazing charity provides. Nick is a qualified ILM Level 5 mental health / career coach and regularly coaches young lawyers to assist them with their career goals. In 2024 Nick became the Chair of the Merseyside Legal Men’s Wellbeing Group.

LinkedIn:

Nick O'Neill

Oriel Chambers

Watch this episode on YouTube

Make a real difference to your mental health by exploring topics that significantly impact at Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

• psychological safety - by experiencing it
• compassion - by thinking about our own limits before looking to care for others
• emotional intelligence - by recognising the need to step outside our comfort zones...

➡️ Sick notes are on they way out, according to Sunak.

What does that mean for people needing support to get themselves into a place where they feel ok enough to re-engage with work?

➡️ Employees are more aware of their rights and expect more in terms of 'care', with access to services that aren't about making them 'better' but about enhancing their lifestyle.

How do companies know which specialists are credible, who work as a team, and that provide data to leaders to inform them about their work environment?

Individual and organisational wellbeing go hand-in-hand 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼.

That's why I invited Jamie Humphrey, CEO of ReechUs Wellbeing, to join my podcast. He brings the employee part of the solution to the table, around which I sit, with leaders looking to do something different, meaningful, and that has impact.

Are you looking at the whole solution or have you zoomed in one just one part?

Reech out to Jamie to find out more about ReechUs Wellbeing. He's got space for one more foundational member!

While you're at it, let's chat about the bigger picture in terms of your culture.

It's time to join the dots. It's time for change that reverses the decline in the health of our workforce.

Jamie Humphrey is the CEO and founder of ReechUs Wellbeing, a corporate wellness program that gives employees remote access to Therapists, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers and Financial Coaches.

LinkedIn:

Jamie Humphrey

ReechUs Wellbeing

Website: www.reechus.com

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Wellbeing by Design - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Why are we so ill? The working-age health crisis - BBC News

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) by Jonathan Haidt (amazon.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

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From dodging bullets to becoming an executive senior leader of Defence, Phil Holdcroft knows a thing or two about leadership and teamwork.

Phil is a decorated combat pilot with a 20-year military career that culminated in designing and delivering the senior leadership programme at the UK Defence Academy. Drawing on life-lessons and experience, he created the ultimate playbook for leadership, resilience and high performance. And that’s what we discuss on the podcast today.

Now officially a veteran (and he's younger than me!), Phil is continuing to pursue his life’s purpose, having founded High Performance Journey, helping others to conquer their Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

Join us to find out...

• what resilience is really about
• how to reverse being unprepared in leadership roles
• the power of purpose (and how to find it)
• how the 'grandad test' can measure shared vision
• how adversity allows us to grow
• how increasing diversity reduces blind spots

Phil shares his very moving story that proved pivotal in how he engages with others.

What has been your 'a-ha' experience that caused you to question your practice?

Or are you still sitting comfortably?

A twenty year first career in the Royal Air Force spanned from leading missions on the battlefield as a helicopter pilot, through to senior leadership roles, designing and delivering strategy for Defence.

Phil's journey took an unexpected turn in 2014 when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. Helplessly sitting on the side-lines led to an epiphany. Phil realised his passion for endurance sports could be channeled towards raising critical funds for the miracle workers who saved her life. A near-impossible series of extreme challenges followed, culminating in a 3,000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Now a military veteran, Phil has set up 'The High Performance Journey' to pursue his passion for equipping others with the knowledge, skills and mindset for high performance.

LinkedIn: Phil Holdcroft

Website: www.thehpj.com

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

'Peak Performance' by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness (amazon.co.uk)

'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday (amazon.co.uk)

Two psychotherapists in conversation...

This episode of the podcast is an interesting one. James Elliott, of the Sarena Clinic, explains what needs to be done now to shape a healthier workforce for the future. And it's simple stuff.

We need to equip employees with the knowledge and tools to empower themselves and their children to experience meaning and fulfilment, and that supports good mental wellbeing.

And we need to demonstrate empathy, based on knowing our teams well, so that we enable human needs to be met....

You know those days when your head is elsewhere because something significant is occupying your brain? Your teenager has become alien to you and you're concerned. Your finances are too tight. You're worried about a medical issue.

What do you need most?

Probably, someone who knows you, who trusts and respects you, and who will give you the time and space you need.

What happens then? You're able to focus on what is front of mind and resume work.

That's better than the common alternative which is to continue work as normal whilst holding the strain of being unable to do what feels most important. Think about the different outcomes in terms of performance, sick leave, burnout and resentment.

What gets in the way of you being human?

James Elliott is a psychotherapist, resilience coach, ex British airborne forces, multiple world record holder, father, and author, with an MSc in War + Psychiatry.

As the Head of Psychotherapy at Sarena Clinic, he leads a team of qualified and compassionate professionals who provide high-quality and personalised health care to our clients. James has over 4 years of experience as a psychotherapist, working with veterans, prison leavers, and other vulnerable groups to help them cope with their challenges and find their way in life. He is passionate about using his clinical and academic knowledge to create a supportive and respectful environment for clients, where they can explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviours, and achieve their goals.

LinkedIn: James Elliott MSc

Website: james-elliott.mykajabi.com

Instagram: @jameselliottofficial

The Sarena Clinic: Sarena Clinic

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Luckily for us, Dr Jill McGarry is "a geek!"... her words, not mine!

The good news about that is she has a real love for actionable solutions to improve sleep. 💤

And who doesn't need a bit of that in their lives? 😴

In this episode of the podcast we hear, very clearly, why we need to banish beliefs such as...

"YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!"

And we get to grips with practical advice for individuals and employers, including:

✔️ coffee as a recommendation (yes... from a sleep expert!)

✔️ what to do when you can't sleep

✔️ equality

✔️ flexible working

✔️ 4 key factors for sleep hygiene - do YOU know what they are? Are you putting them into practice?

Check out the excellent resources that Jill shares, including those for managers, in the show notes. STOPBANG should become part of your toolkit.

Dr Jill McGarry is a consultant clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in working with mental health issues in the NHS. During this time she has become skilled and experienced in supporting people with sleep issues. In October 2023 Jill decided to leave the NHS because she recognised that companies were a missing piece of the jigsaw in improving sleep for individuals. By focusing on providing support and training to companies regarding sleep we can joinlty reduce staff fatigue, improve team effectiveness and ensure that companies excel.

LinkedIn: Dr Jill McGarry

Email: info@sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk

Website: www.sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leveraging ’Shuteye’ for Resilience (youtube.com) - Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce webinar

NHS choices (www.nhs.uk)

YouTube Matthew Walker TEDx Sleep talk, others and his book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker | Waterstones

Fast Asleep by Michael Mosley | Waterstones & BBC programme in 2022

Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires (ESS) Epworth Sleepiness Scale | Asthma + Lung UK

(asthmaandlung.org.uk)

STOP BANG questionnaire: Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? STOPBang Questionnaire (britishsnoring.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

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