Breakfast with Boots: Health & Wellbeing in Your Own Two Hands

Episode 15 - Prioritising mental health & wellbeing | Breakfast with Boots & Mel Cunningham

For the final interview of my 10-part series, we decided to switch things up and turn the interview spotlight on Becca Boots. Becca is the host of Breakfast with Boots and the founder of Siendo, a company invested in promoting positive health and wellbeing. 

During this podcast, we talk about everything; from the need for greater investment in mental health to the importance of taking a proactive stance towards your own wellbeing. 

Among many nuggets of gold, Becca explains that long-gone is the day when people used to see mental health and physical health as separate entities. Our mental health and physical health are in one constant feedback loop and it doesn't just make sense for people to prioritise their mental health, but it makes financial sense for business to prioritise it as well. 

Actual figures for discussed statistics are: 
* 91 million working days lost in the UK due to Mental Health, £30 billion cost each year. These figures do not include those that self-report incorrectly, or those who are off work due to physical health conditions that may be a result of mental ill health. 
* Then, the aggregate UK cost of presenteeism (reduced on-the-job productivity) associated with mental health problems is estimated at £21.2 billion in 2016/17. An increase of 40% on the corresponding figure for 2006, which was calculated at £15.1 billion.
* 18,000 inpatient adult Mental Health beds in England & Wales, and just 2,000 inpatient beds for young people. 

Campaign Mentioned:

* Sign the petition to make Mental Health First Aid a legal obligation within companies: https://www.wheresyourheadat.org/

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So, who is Becca Boots?
Until recently, Becca worked within the corporate banking world as a Business Manager, but her love of people, human behaviour and personal development led her to re-train as a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, Yoga Teacher, Personal Development Coach and Public Speaker.

Over the last decade it has become abundantly clear to Becca that prevention and early intervention is the cornerstone for a mentally and physically healthy society. All Siendo's services, therefore, come from a place of exactly that; giving people the confidence and knowledge they need to support their own wellbeing, at every stage of their lives.

Find more about Becca:
Website: https://www.siendo.co.uk/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siendo-wellbeing 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siendo.wellbeing 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siendo.wellbeing 

Episode 12 - Supporting your employees through COVID-19 | Breakfast with Boots & Meg Fenney

For the 7th of my 10-part series, I am joined by the wonderful Meg Fenney, the founder and CEO of HRDownload. Meg, who has a wealth of experience in HR, shares how businesses can support their employees during this time of huge change and uncertainty. Among many nuggets of gold, Meg talks about the importance of being able to communicate openly with your staff in a way that not only offers reassurance, but also encourages them to get on board with the company's goals and vision - a skill that is often a lost art in today's business world.

So, who is Meg Fenny?

Meg Fenney, founder and CEO of HRDownload, has over 17 years' experience in HR. She is a fun-loving mum and wife and gains her work energy from helping leaders do what they didn't realise they were capable of doing. Meg has a natural flair for creating people strategies that develop strong, profitable growth for her clients and puts her dynamic and progressive stance at the heart of HRDownload's approach. 

Throughout her career, she has worked for numerous blue-chip companies, including Shell, Air Products, MAG, Elior, HM Prison Service and The Christie Hospital Trust, NHS. Meg's experience across this broad range of sectors gives her a unique perspective and invaluable commercial awareness.

In 2019, Meg founded HRDownload with a real passion making high-end people solutions at affordable prices. This fits in with her belief that everyone should enjoy their work. 

Valuing people is a powerful way of improving motivation and creating positive people experiences; this combination enables freedom to do great work and drive organisational profits. Alignment of your people strategy to both your business strategy and values is a vital ingredient in achieving this, so taking the time to understand what you do is the foundation of the approach. HRDownload gets to know your business both personally and statistically, generating a data-based strategy that yields real results. To enhance the stickiness of the work done, technology is used helping further develop leadership capabilities within your organisation.

Get in touch and see what she could do for you - Meg would love to hear from you. 

 

Find more about Meg & HR Download:

Website: https://hrdownload.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrdownload/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrdownload.co.uk/

LinkedIn - Meg Fenney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-fenney-595a5a18/

LinkedIn - HRDownload: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrdownload/

Episode 11 - Establishing connection in this new virtual world | Breakfast with Boots & Mel Cunningham

For the 6th of my 10-part series, I am joined by Mel Cunningham, a vivacious photographer who shares with us the power of acknowledging the person behind the photo and the important steps that we can take to establish more effective human connection in this new virtual world. Among many nuggets of gold, Mel also talks about the importance of caring about something outside of yourself and the power of immersing ourselves within nature, both in and outside our home.

Who is Mel Cunningham?

“People assume I’ll be watching them intently to get that precisely, perfect photograph. I’m listening for the lift of joy in your voice… soon you’ll be laughing into your smile.”

Mel is a photographer specialising in events, professional headshots, personal brand images for your website. As if that isn't enough, Mel has also created a motivational photography program called "I am my change". This program helps you to break-free from the yo-yo cycle we so often find ourselves in.  'I am my change" is about capturing you creating your alternative future where you commit to being active, because you made a different decision. 

If you hate being photographed or you hate seeing photographs of yourself, you are Mel's favourite type of client. Really? Yes - genuinely! It’s Mel's personal mission to replace those "ickie" images in your head with images that show you the beauty she can see in you. And then you’ll see for yourself how beautifully you CAN be photographed!

Not only that, Mel loves capturing an atmosphere. While your guests are enjoying themselves, Mel listens out for the lift in someone’s voice, for the punchline reaction. Be it a new product launch, a science fair, a charity fundraiser, a networking group, or an awards ceremony; you will see that every photo has the vivacious stamp of animated joy.

Get in touch and see what she could do for you - Mel would love to hear from you. 

Website: https://www.vivaciousmelphotography.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivaciousmelphotography/

Episode 10 - Overcoming adverse childhood experiences | Breakfast with Boots & Beverley Webb

For the 5th of my 10-part series, I am joined by Beverley Webb, wellness coach and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) expert who shares with us the power of acknowledging our traumatic experiences and the important steps we must take in order to aid recovery. Among many nuggets of gold, Beverley also talks about the importance of being truly heard and what you can do to support a colleague, friend or relative who shares a traumatic experience with you. 

Who is Beverley Webb?
“Giving a voice to Survivors of childhood trauma and abuse" and enabling difficult conversations, using the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scoring is something Beverley is incredibly passionate about; to Educate, Enable and Empower.

Recognising experiences of childhood trauma and abuse, both through personal development, a recovery programme and study, has enabled Beverley to acknowledge her own resilience, strength and vulnerability, as well as the importance of self care to heal and overcome.

Beverley's mission is to ensure that everyone is able to access information and we stop the silence, which only exacerbates the shame, guilt and stigma for victims/survivors of abuse and enable voices to be heard. Beverley believes that raising awareness of the long-term effects and outcomes of childhood trauma into Adulthood also provides proactive prevention of abuse for the children of today.

Find out more about Beverley:
YouTube - Beverley Webb StepForward to Have a Voice: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic-RkutqBBv9ajXKGRL5Ow/videos
Website: https://stepforwardcoaching.online/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverley-webb-stepforward/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stepforward_tohaveavoice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readytogoforward/

Episode 09 - Weaving emotional intelligence into your company culture | Breakfast with Boots & Jon Treanor

For the 4th of my 10-part series, I am joined by Jon Treanor, psychotherapist and emotional intelligence expert who, with 40 years of business experience under his belt, shares with us the importance of emotional intelligence and how it plays into the world of business. Among many nuggets of gold, Jon shares how your level of emotional intelligence is a critical factor in how you experience this period of change and uncertainty that we're currently moving through, and what you can do today to improve your emotional health and awareness. An episode you do not want to miss.

Who is Jon Treanor?

Jon has over 40 years business experience from being amongst the ranks of the entertainment and technology business elite. He’s held senior positions for SONY, PARAMOUNT Pictures, MGM/UA, Universal Studios and Philips NV. 

He has evaluated over 600 business concepts across the world for large investment and government consortiums through his Conduit business; he has lived in Japan, USA, Turkey and Greece. He successfully raised over £209 million in investments for early stage businesses.  
 
Jon started his working life as a trainee chef working his way up through sales and marketing in to become recognised as an expert in managing and motivating people. Jon is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM) and Fellow of the (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). He was Ernst and Youngs ‘Entrepreneur of the year’ winner in 2002.
 
Now semi-retired Jon spends his time between the UK with EiPEOPLE a business he co-founded and his beloved sailing yacht ‘HINENI’ in the Greek Islands. 
He practices a few days a month as a psychotherapist and advises businesses on emotional resilience for people performance, motivation and wellbeing as an Emotional Intelligence expert. He is a member of both the UKCP and British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists; Jon mentors young people for the Princes Trust and is a fund raiser for the charity ‘Save the children’.

Additional Content mentioned:

Fear, Masks and Shadows - by Jon Treanor (out soon)

Home Grown Club Zoom Series: How to learn from Adversity

Find out more about Jon:

EiPeople: https://www.eipeople.co.uk/

Psychotherapy: https://www.jontreanor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santipurnaretreats/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-treanor-17a565149/

Episode 08 - Keeping mentally and physically fit during lockdown | Breakfast with Boots & Ali Bell

For the 3rd of my 10-part series, I am joined by Ali Bell, a qualified Boxercise, HIIT and Circuits Instructor who, amongst many things, shares with us the importance of taking care of your physical health during lockdown. We discuss the connection between physical and mental health and the power of just moving, in a way that makes you feel good. 

Who is Ali Bell?

Ali's passion for Boxercise and keeping fit emanates from her; it is clear to see that she loves changing how people feel about exercise.  As a personal trainer for 12 years, Ali has found that Boxercise is an amazing way to de-stress and get fit.  In July 2019, Ali became a licensed Boxercise instructor and ever since has been running classes in her local area for adults, and is also branching out to deliver Boxercise in-house for local businesses.

Due to the incredible physical and mental benefits associated with Boxercise, Ali has now expanded her work into schools with a new initiative for kids holiday workout sessions and workshops. Taking care of our wellbeing and keeping fit is essential for all of us, no matter how old we are.

In Ali's classes, you will receive clear instructions on both your stance and punch technique, with all the necessary equipment provided for you.  Classes can be simply boxing, drills or circuits – she has found that variety is key to keep everybody interested, alongside the banging tunes. 

One of Ali's feel-good factors with teaching is being able to watch an individual’s reaction to Boxercise as they realise they can hit, hard if they would like to, not hurting anyone.  The stress drains away as a smile lights up their face. 

As if this wasn't enough, Ali also provides Virtual Support to SMEs (admin, marketing etc)... taking care of all the important backstage bits, allowing you to focus on your business. Ali loves to cycle, travel and spend time with her family and friends and adores walking her chocolate Labrador, Cleo! 

Find out more about Ali:

Ali’s Boxercise Thame on Facebook: @AlisBoxerciseThame

Watch Ali bust out some moves here: https://www.facebook.com/AlisBoxerciseThame/videos/2649530508706435/ 

Or alternatively, if you have any queries, Ali would love to hear from you. Contact her on: Alison@fitbox.org.uk

Episode 07 - Creating lasting change for future generations | Breakfast with Boots & Sam Moinet

For the 2nd of my 10-part series, I am joined by Sam Moinet from Student Breakthrough who, amongst many things, shares with us the importance of providing both an emotional and academic education to young people through using simple and effective coaching tools and strategies to help students believe in themselves. It is a podcast you do not want to miss!! So many nuggets of gold coming your way!

  

Who is Sam Moinet?

Sam is a speaker, student life coach, teacher and founder of Student Breakthrough.

 

Having been a teacher for half a decade, Sam witnessed many challenges that young people face; such as anxiety, low motivation and students who under performed. Sam found there simply wasn’t the right type of emotional support for students or enough time to help them reach their full potential. 

 

Sam founded Student Breakthrough which uses revolutionary coaching methods to provide young people with the tools, vision and techniques to succeed in all areas of their lives. In 2019 Student Breakthrough helped over 400 students across the world to become happy, successful and confident. 

 

Sam now provides training for inspirational teachers to deliver the 3B Programme of Boost, Believe and Breakthrough in order to bring coaching to more students and help more young people worldwide.

 

Sam’s aim is to revolutionise emotional support for young people and create lasting change for future generations.

 

Books mentioned:

13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success - Amy Morin

 

Find out more about Sam:

Website: https://www.studentbreakthrough.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studentbreakthrough/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studentbreakthrough/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-moinet-165a3114b/

Episode 06 - Finding happiness throughout your life | Breakfast with Boots & Pete Mols

For the 1st of my 10-part series, I am joined by Pete Mols from Outside Ideas who, amongst many things, shares with us the importance of focusing on the right things in both your business and life and how, through doing this, you can make monumental change to find true happiness.

 

Please keep in mind, Pete is enjoying the lovely sunshine in his garden throughout this podcast, so at times you may hear birds, lawnmowers and the wild wind blowing through the trees. But never fear, the background noises do not detract from the powerful messages shared throughout this podcast, so sit back and relax with Pete in his lovely garden.

 

Who is Pete Mols?

Pete Mols; Proud Dad, Loving Husband and supportive friend.

 

Pete's a RAVING FAN of people and businesses that deserve it.

 

A family man, lover of nature, the outdoors, nice food and international adventures. He has a passion for entrepreneurship, spotting opportunities, dreaming big & connecting great people. He always looks for Win/Win/Win.

 

Pete works with business owners, who struggle to juggle the adventures of life with the excitement and challenge of running a great business; often they haven't quite got the balance right.

 

Pete's clients build brilliant, profitable businesses and maintain epic relationships with the people they love.

 

Books mentioned:

The Miracle Morning - Hal Elrod

E-Myth - Michael E. Gerber

Think and Grow Rich! - Napoleon Hill

Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie

 

Video Mentioned:

I had a black dog, his name was depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc

 

Important note: during this interview, Pete mentions going 'cold turkey' from his medication and although this may have worked for Pete; if you are considering stopping your medication for whatever reason, please consult your doctor.

Episode 05 - Taking care of your mental wellbeing during uncertainty

In this episode, we take a look at how you can address and manage the worries you may be feeling during this period of uncertainty. We have never before experienced a time like this, and so never before has mental fitness and resilience been so important. I truly believe we have all the tools within us that are needed to support our own mental health during these strange times, but we must remember to make time for self-care. So take a listen and see how you can manage your worry and what self care practices you can put in place to help you to support your own wellbeing over the next few months. 

 

 

Important to note: this podcast is intended as a source of information to help guide you in supporting your wellbeing. It is not as a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor. Although we’ll be discussing how you can improve your wellbeing in this podcast, if you’re concerned that you need support in improving your health, then please do consult a medical professional.

Episode 01 - Simple habits for long term change

In this episode, we discuss two main factors that influence whether we are able to follow through on our goals, or whether we fall into the 80% of people who give up on their New Year Resolutions by February. We discuss sleep habits that affect your emotional and physical state and how behavioural change science can help us to achieve our goals, even when our motivation is low. 

Books discussed are:

Dr Satchin Panda - The Circadian Code

BJ Fogg PhD -Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything

Mel Robbins - The Five Second Rule