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Ever wondered what happens when you say "yes" to life's weird coincidences and let them lead you somewhere completely new?  In this episode I talk to Joy France, a retired teacher turned poet, performer, and battle rapper about her wild ride into creativity and adventure… all by simply following unexpected doors as they opened.  Joy shares her story of evolving after retirement: from socially anxious, shy, and "ordinary" to poet-in-residence, rap battler, stand-up comic, and "collector of chance encounters."  If you're feeling stuck, bored, or ready for change, Joy's approach to following coincidences, no matter how leftfield, will have you rethinking what's possible, and might just nudge you to open a new door to creativity. Here are the highlights: ​​00:00 The retired teacher who followed coincidences and said yes to opportunities 09:09 Retirement sparked a creative adventure 10:37 Pitching a free creative space for all art forms, and they said yes! 19:57 Embrace courage, ignore opinions, and the world becomes limitless. 28:15 Take opportunities for change without fear of judgment. Joy's change toolkit: Soundtrack: "Brimful of Asha" – Cornershop  Book: "I used to read a lot when I didn't have a life. Now I barely read, I'm too busy living!"    One Piece of Advice:  "People are presented with opportunities for change but don't step into them. My advice? Don't be terrified. If you're not hurting anyone, why not do the thing? Don't wait for 'one day', you never know what's ahead. If there's something, why not go for it now?"  About Joy France: Joy's life has been one of 2 halves. She was a quiet, unassuming teacher, always worrying about what others thought. That is, until her mid-50's when she finally found her voice and the courage to embrace life. Joy challenged herself to do 60 new things at the age of 60 and had so much fun that she's continued to "grow old playfully." Joy is an all round creative - a multiple slam-winning poet, stand-up comedian, and writer who travels around delivering talks, running workshops and performing at a variety of festivals and unusual venues. There is nothing Joy loves more than helping others find their voice and embrace their potential.   Watch Joy's Documentary: Joy Uncensored – search online for the uncensored version (and be warned: it's not for the easily offended!)   Work with Eleanor Buy the Book - Another Door Opens; 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the messiness of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com     Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

#168: Paying attention to endings, the power of closing things well with Philip Atkinson "Keep moving, keep learning, keep investing in your own development. Don't hang on to the value that you used to have that's no longer relevant, no longer fit for purpose." Have you ever felt the seasons of your own life shifting, nudging you to find the courage to start anew? That's exactly what we're exploring on today's episode. When I sat down with Philip Atkinson, we talked about his unique journey. After 25 years in a big multinational, he walked away from the comfort and certainty, stepping into the unknown to build something entirely his own. This is the bit I love, part of that journey Philip has written a great, however not just a book about leadership or change. His book, Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive, brings together his wisdom and observations from work experience with his love of bees, and specifically the rituals of bees. He weaves together what bees can teach us about teams, cycles, and closure. It's a brilliant read, with so many intriguing layers to the insights.  This is the perfect conversation if you want to activate your curious mind! Highlights: 00:04 The power of letting go, lifelong learning, and personal development 06:01 Understanding emotional exits 10:53 Why Western cultures struggle with endings 13:02 Ceremonies, rituals & why we need to mark our endings 14:56 Projects or experiments? Why reframing failure helps us grow 16:37 How reward systems make closure difficult (and how to break out) 18:42 Why Philip combined his love of bees with leadership coaching 20:01 Building HiveLogic 22:45 Why seasons matter (for bees and personal reinvention) 24:00 Lessons from the beehive 34:30 Pay attention to endings. Close every meeting, project, and phase well. Philip's Change Toolkit: Soundtrack: "Don't Stop Me Now" – Queen Book: Time to Think – Nancy Klein One piece of advice:  "Pay attention to endings. If it's time to close something, close it well. Make sure that meetings close well. Make sure that projects close well. Make sure that career phases close well. And think about your head, your heart, and your body and where you are. Every single ending, make sure you've got enough time to close it well."   About Phillip Atkinson: Philip is based in Alsace, France, and is the founder of hive-logic.com Coaching & Communications with offices in Basel, Switzerland, and London, UK. Philip is a leadership team expert and organisational coach. As a beekeeper, Philip loves to spend the summer tending to and observing his precious bees and spending the winter learning, reading, and writing about them. Throughout the whole year, Philip supports leadership teams and leaders worldwide to grow and develop. You can contact Philip by email on [email protected] Buy the book - https://beewisebook.com/   Work with Eleanor Buy the Book - Another Door Opens; 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the messiness of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com     Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Life's been tough over the last couple of years not just for me, but economically, for a lot of businesses. If I can bring joy into business owners' lives and make them feel better about what they're doing, that's brilliant." Ever wondered how to reopen doors (or even build brand new ones) after life throws you a curveball? This episode is all about finding the spark of joy, even in your darkest moments, and building communities that thrive on play, experimentation, and authentic connection. I'm joined by brand strategist, author, and accidental entrepreneur Sapna Pieroux, who opens up about pausing her business after a breast cancer diagnosis, dealing with grief, rediscovering herself through play, and why "karaoke networking" (aka The NotWorkers) might be the future of business building. Sapna shares how volunteering, creativity, and saying YES to the things that spark joy led her not just to restart, but to totally reinvent what community means in business.  Highlights: 00:05 Why play matters more than ever in business and life 04:05 Sapna's cancer journey and closing her business 05:28 Walking through grief and rediscovering herself 07:03 How coaching (and the search for joy) transformed her next steps 09:56 Volunteering, Borrow My Doggy, and finding joy in small moments 14:03 The birth of The NotWorkers, karaoke as business networking 16:33 Why the caliber of company beats perfect pitch 18:25 How play fast-tracks real relationships (and great business) 19:00 Personal brand vs. business brand, how Sapna evolved her business 28:06 Playfulness as a business advantage 31:31 Play, creativity, and mental health, why it works 37:04 Why your hobbies and passions matter for your brand 42:18 Practical tips: Getting visible when you're navigating change 49:03 Sapna's soundtrack for change (think: karaoke gems!) 50:25 The books that shaped Sapna's journey 52:43 The best advice for navigating change (and life) with joy Sapna's Change Toolkit: Soundtrack: "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany, "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse, "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross, and anything joyful and karaoke-worthy! Book: The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell Bonus: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo One piece of advice: "There is always a choice. Declutter fiercely and focus on what sparks joy, people, work, experiences. Success isn't just size or money, it's happiness with your choices." Connect with Sapna: Connect with Sapna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sapnapieroux/ Thinking about rebranding? First your Brand Performance Score https://letsgetvisiblequiz.scoreapp.com/ Join the free VIP Waitlist for BrandVisions.AI launching soon: https://waitlist.brandvision.app/ Join The NotWorkers Waitlist https://forms.gle/AoS2GZH8wHpsK2WCA   Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens; 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com     Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Be brave enough to say yes even if it wasn't in your niche or part of 'the plan'. That's what keeps you moving forward before you're ready for that next door to open." Ever wrestled with the idea of turning down your "dream job"?  This episode is exploring the tricky decisions we have to make in moments of change and how to solve leadership problems that are really just life problems in disguise.  I'm joined by Katie Best, a leadership expert, author, and consultant who shares her personal closing door moment: letting go of her dream role in the creative industries to invest fully in building her own business. Katie shares her story about 'the chase', 'the pivot', and 'the messy', and the reality of starting a consultancy from scratch including how simply saying "yes" can unlock unexpected opportunities.  Highlights:  00:22 Katie's "dream job" offer and why she walked away 06:02 Chasing the dream and what happens when you achieve it 10:00 Saying no for work-life balance and owning your choices 13:09 The serendipity that launched her consultancy 15:59 How she landed her first clients 17:49 Why being open (not stubborn about niche) builds runway for your business 23:45 Building her book: The 10 Toughest Leadership Problems (which are really life problems) 26:31 The number one issue leaders face - self-management and personal effectiveness 29:50 "Decidophobia", and why not deciding is still a decision 33:29 Why leaders should explain their decisions and show their thinking 35:50 Katie's SOLVE framework for problem solving. Katie's Change Toolkit Soundtrack: "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N" by Noah and the Whale Book: Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky One piece of advice: "Pause and do the research. Don't rush to a solution, take time to dig into the feelings, understand what's really going on, and embrace the messiness of change." More about Katie  Dr Katie Best is the founder and director of Katie Best Associates, a leadership development consultancy that works with executives, senior leaders and business owners at companies including KPMG, EY, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Verizon,Oxfam, the NHS and many others. In addition, she is a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics, where she heads the MBA Essentials executive education programme, and a visiting research fellow at King's College London. In her book, The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them, Katie works through ten of the trickiest and most common leadership challenges: avoiding burn-out, making good decisions, increasing influence, working through cultural issues, improving employee performance, engaging staff, managing teams, implementing strategy, leading change and handling the reality of hybrid working.  Website: katiebest.com LinkedIn: DrKatie Best     Work with Eleanor Buy the Book - Another Door Opens; 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com     Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"It's not a tick box exercise. It's a genuine need to care for people and other human beings. Ultimately they'll thrive again given the right support…and bring a whole new level of compassion and empathy if they're nurtured the right way." What happens when your life changes in an instant, not by choice but by tragedy? In this episode I'm with Caroline Roodhouse, who shares her incredibly moving story of losing her husband to suicide, the surreal aftermath, and the slow journey of rebuilding identity, family, and hope. Caroline opens the door on grief: the shock, the vividness and then the blur, learning to parent alone, redefining family from a 'square' to a 'triangle', and the tools and thinking that helped her through the darkest chapters.  We talk about being a 'hope carrier,' the lifelong waves of loss, and the vital work of supporting others  at home, in the workplace, and in community. Caroline is an incredible people, impressive with her ability to share how she navigating the hardest moment of her life, and now support others in that moment.  The Highlights: 00:14 The moment everything changed 06:14 How it feels when the ordinary is shattered 08:47 Parenting through grief and finding yourself at rock bottom 11:03 Finding strength in new shapes: from a fragile triangle to resilience 13:14 Building a triangle of recovery: self, children, community 16:24 The "hope carrier", what it means and why it matters 21:19 Navigating the unpredictable waves of loss, identity, and reminders 26:01 Turning lived experience into advocacy and helping others 29:38 The reality of workplace support 33:17 Practical advice: checking in, communication, and true humanity 35:14 Supporting someone through trauma: what actually helps   What Helped Caroline Navigate Change: Soundtrack: Anything by Taylor Swift (thanks to the kids!) Book: Emotional Agility by Susan David One piece of advice: "Try not dwelling on the past and not worrying about the future, just focusing on what's in front of you right now. Sometimes that means one minute at a time, and that's okay." More about Caroline: Caroline Roodhouse is a mother, writer, lifelong learner, internal communicator and speaker on the subjects of mental health and bereavement through suicide. In 2018, Caroline's husband, Steve, took his own life without warning or explanation.  Caroline writes and talks about her lived experience of grief and loss to give a voice to others who have been impacted and to continue her own healing journey. As a 'double parent' with a busy work life, spare time is limited, but when she is able, Caroline builds on her skills both personally and professionally by listening to and appearing on podcasts, attending conferences, workshops and learning sessions, contributing to the public conversation and reading plenty of books! Find out more: https://daddyblackbird.com/ Work with Eleanor Buy the Book - Another Door Opens; 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com     Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"No matter what you do in life, you're gonna get judged. You may as well just embrace exactly what you want to do at that moment in time. Open that door. Go through it. You'll be a bit scared. It'll be new, it'll be novel. You'll definitely learn a lot about yourself. You will be challenged, you will be supported."  What happens when you choose to walk away from what society expects of you and step through a door that feels equal parts terrifying and right? In this episode, I speak to Lee Chambers, psychologist, entrepreneur, author, and leading voice in the male allyship space for an honest conversation about courage, redefining leadership, and creating true inclusivity.  Lee shares the moment he left his successful tech business to become a stay-at-home dad, and what he has learned stepping into unfamiliar rooms and how listening to mothers, grandmothers, and his own discomfort, has inspired a career dedicated to justice and equity.  We talk about allyship and why now, more than ever, it's needed and is the foundation for the change we want in the world. The Highlights: 04:36 Closing the door on the business and becoming a stay-at-home dad 06:19 What really happens when you're the only man at the toddler group 08:26 Navigating other people's judgment 15:16 Learning to walk again 21:28 Curiosity, justice, and entering the work of allyship 23:37 What women shared that changed his path 24:59 Why male allyship is not "rescuing" but partnership and humility  32:08 The power of introversion, and how Lee creates impactful content  38:05 Skills of allyship - stepping forward to the side and back 41:11 Misplaced "scarcity," and the unseen privilege of building equality  48:06 Why challenging conversations and self-exploration are essential.   Lee's navigating change list  Soundtrack: "Harvest for the World" by The Isley Brothers Book: Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez One piece of advice: "When you walk through a door, you normally walk in from a place that has limits, barriers, walls. When you actually close the door behind you, there's always an expanse in front of you to go and explore. A closed door is a blank canvas. The root of the word authentic is 'author.' So when you walk through that door and it closes, pick up that pen, become the author. Don't let other people write your story. Start writing it for yourself."   More about Lee Lee Chambers is the Founder and CEO of Male Allies UK. After a diverse career, from corporate finance to building and exiting a tech company, he is now focused on supporting organisations to engage men in inclusion and promote effective allyship. He speaks globally on allyship and intersectionality, having taken the stage at One Young World, ChangeNOW and the Bloomberg Global Equality Summit, and is the author of the bestselling book, Momentum: 13 Ways To Unlock Your Potential.   Find out more: https://leechambers.org/   Work with Eleanor Buy the Book - Another Door Opens; 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"If you look for them, glimmers, these little micro moments of joy, are everywhere."  What if being lost isn't a problem to fix, but a path to joy and self-discovery? In this episode, I speak with Gavin Oattes author, speaker, creativity advocate, and former stand-up comedian for a conversation about closing doors, moving forward, and how letting go can be the bravest thing you do. Gavin shares his journey from a whirlwind comedy career (with stories of sold-out shows, almost-making-it, and friendship tensions) to running a business, writing uplifting books, and learning how to navigate seismic life changes. If you've ever faced a breakup (romantic, platonic, or creative), wondered what glimmers of joy might be hiding in the chaos, or just need reassurance that being "confidently lost" is a great place to start, this episode is essential listening. The Highlights: 03:40 Gavin's closing door: Saying goodbye to stand-up comedy and creative partnerships 07:33 Friendship breakups and why endings aren't always "bad" 13:29 Knowing when to let go even if your heart's still in it 17:26 How to honour the magic rather than mourn what-might-have-been 19:12 Family change, shifting priorities, growing through life's phases 21:17 Getting "ghosted" and learning to move on 23:33 Gavin's new chapter: Writing as a way out of chaos 30:29 Glimmers—a practice for finding joy when you're lost 35:18 Reverse goal-setting & why the next "shiny thing" won't always make you happy 39:53 Writing for yourself (and letting go of the outcome) What helped Gavin navigate change: Soundtrack: Dookie by Green Day Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom One piece of advice: "You are not everyone else. We're each an experiment of one, and accepting that is truly door-opening."   About Gavin Oattes: Gavin Oattes owns Tree of Knowledge, one of the UK's most exciting people development organisations. Working with some of the largest organisations in the world, Gavin is now regarded as one the most talented and sought after speakers, regularly delivering keynote speeches at conferences and exhibitions around the world. An award winning comedian and best-selling author, his inspiration all comes from where he began his career….Primary School Teaching. https://www.gavinoattes.com/   Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens;5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Start to not tolerate things, and the bigger things will become easier." What if the hardest (and most transformative) endings in our lives are the ones we choose ourselves?  In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Aldana, Breakup Artist, coach, and advocate for navigating change on your own terms. Elizabeth shares her story of moving across the world from LA to Singapore in a whirlwind week, not because she had to, but because a part of her just wouldn't tolerate staying still any longer. It was the first major "breakup" she initiated not just from a partner, but from her old patterns, relationships, and ways of seeing herself. This conversation explores what it takes to recognise the little (and big) things you're tolerating in life, how to build the muscle of choosing change, and why breakups aren't just about romance, they're about leaving behind people, places, and patterns that no longer fit. So, if you're teetering on the edge of a decision, feel stuck in old habits, and ready to open a new door, this conversation is for you. The Highlights: 03:38 Closing the door yourself: Elizabeth's story of moving to Singapore 07:30 The very real (messy) inner conversations behind big choices 10:09 How stepping away reveals who you can become 16:17 Fear vs. Love: The two energies that drive all big decisions 21:27 Why leaving a job with nothing lined up can be the most self-loving decision 26:27 Why small changes prime you for bigger ones 36:32 Why you don't have to fit yourself into anyone else's box 45:08 Projection, people-pleasing, and knowing when it's time to initiate your own ending 51:28 The story and belief you hold in change determines which door opens next What helped Elizabeth navigate change: Soundtrack: Rose Quartz by Toro y Moi  Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig  One piece of advice: "Be aware of what you believe about the situation and the story you're creating. It will impact which door opens next."   About Elizabeth Aldana: Elizabeth is a breakup coach and founder of the Breakup Artist. In her work, she helps people reframe their ends as beginnings, and realise that breakups are not confined to romantic connections. Whether it's a relationship, career, identity, or pattern, breaking up with the old creates space for the new. After navigating her own pivotal career and identity shifts, Elizabeth set out to destigmatise the word "breakup." Now, she helps clients move through the grief, guilt, and paralysis of big life changes… Into something more honest and aligned. Today, we're going to talk with Elizabeth about why a breakup isn't just an end, and why the most important goodbye you'll ever say is to the relationship that kept you small. https://breakupartist.coach/ Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens out now. 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Change is messy, but it's also fertile ground. Pause. Rest. Play. Try. Restart. The five steps aren't a life 'hack' , they're a thinking space to get you through so that you can find joy, calm and opportunity amongst the chaos." How good are you at navigating change? What happens when life throws you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown? How do you let go, rest, experiment, and eventually restart when you're not sure what comes next? This special episode celebrates the launch of Another Door Opens: 5 steps for navigating change, my latest book guiding you through the real, messy, emotional process of change. Guest host Mark Shayler (author, speaker, environmental consultant, and spoon-carver extraordinaire!) interviews yours truly for a raw, uncensored conversation about what inspired the book, the ideas behind the 5 steps, how we can do change better and how we all struggle (and grow) through the in-between. This one's for anyone experiencing change at work or in life, starting over, or supporting others navigating their own doors closing and opening. The Highlights: 05:10 Why the book is needed and the dangers of getting stuck in old patterns 07:11 The practice of "letting go", why it's so hard, the letter to your closing door, and honouring your old self 12:30 The gift of the in-between: embracing messiness and the discomfort of pausing 17:13 Rest as resistance: radical naps and breaking the "busy" spell 19:30 Five steps to navigating change: Pause, Mess, Play, Try, Restart how to use the framework and why it's not strictly linear 24:53 Why play feels uncomfortable for adults! 33:02 Permission to feel everything, staying with uncomfortable emotions, and why it can be magical 35:22 Using music, movement, and collective energy as fuel in times of change 38:49 Purpose (without grandiosity): showing up for what matters today, and reframing the "why" 45:03 What businesses (and all of us!) get wrong about change, and the importance of benefit mindset 59:48 Making change stick Some ideas to help you navigate change: Write a letter to your closing door Get to know new you in this moment Get playful: try curiosity as a little rebellion Frameworks are thinking spaces, not tick-lists Build up your capacity and energy, then press restart with intention About Mark Shayler: Mark is an author, sustainability expert, provoker of purpose, breathwork practitioner, and, most importantly, a granddad. He works with businesses to reduce their environmental impact. He's worked with the world's biggest and smallest companies and he's saved his clients over $200 million per year through better environmental performance. His latest book is "You Can't Make Money from a Dead Planet." Connect with Mark: Website: https://www.markshayler.com/ Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens out now. 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"If you look back on your life and see that you would have done something differently, that means you're wiser now than you were then. And that means, by definition, the best thing you've ever done is ahead of you and will always be ahead of you."   What happens when you walk away from the thing that defined you, your job, your identity, your sense of success and step into a space of not knowing?    In this episode, I speak to writer, entrepreneur, and all-around inspiring human, Dan Kieran. The co-founder of the pioneering publishing platform Unbound, Dan shares his story of closing the door and walking away from his creation, his vision, but knowing it was time to move on.   Dan shares the exhaustion of life as a CEO, the ego death that comes from letting go, and the unexpected joy (and financial precarity!) of redefining what success means on your own terms.    So tune-in if you've ever wondered whether it's time to move on, felt stuck in a life that looks "successful" on the outside, or craved permission to pursue meaning over metrics.   The Highlights:   04:07 How Unbound was created and the rollercoaster ride of startup life   10:44 When the hot streak ends: pandemic, VCs, and knowing when you're done    14:55 Identity loss, ego death, and what's left when the title disappears   17:21 Carl Jung, two adulthoods, and why your second act is worth celebrating   22:13 Why "not knowing" your next step is a huge opportunity   24:05 Practical advice: preparing for change without a perfect plan   27:49 Bringing your family (and your honesty) with you through change   30:06 Autotelic living: doing things for their own sake, not just the external rewards.  What helped Dan navigate change:   Soundtrack: Birdsong, especially blackbirds in the garden and forest. Dan recommends getting outside, into nature, as a grounding soundtrack for big transitions.   Book: The Middle Passage by James Hollis   One piece of advice: "If you look back and see that you would have done something differently, that means you're wiser now. So the best genuinely is ahead of you, don't let anyone (especially yourself) tell you otherwise. Back yourself."   About Dan Kieran:   Dan is the author of 14 books including the Business Book Award Winner - Do Start: How to create and run a business (that doesn't run you) where he tells the story of his own entrepreneurial journey with the publishing platform Unbound.   Having left the business in 2022, he now works as a Fractional co-founder with female founders and diverse teams who are building companies that will help create a more sustainable and ethical world.   Website: dankieran.com Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens out now. 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Are you at least willing to push through the discomfort so that the team can win, so that your family can win, so that the mission can win and ultimately perhaps so that you can win?" Have you ever had life slam a door in your face maybe even in the most public way possible? What if, in that moment, you could hit pause, dig into the mess, and come out the other side with fresh lessons (and maybe even a laugh or two)? In this episode, I talk to executive coach and all-around inspiring human, Brandon Clift. Brandon shares his spectacular "door closed" moment on national TV as a contestant on Australian Ninja Warrior, and the series of reflections and transformations that followed his Ninja splashdown. This conversation dives (literally at some points) right into the messy reality of change, confidence, ego, failure, and finding humility when life doesn't go to plan. Brandon gets honest about what happens when your head gets a little too big, and how embracing the true lessons in failure can completely shift your story. If you've ever been blindsided by an unexpected turn, questioned your own confidence, or wondered how to pick yourself up, this episode is for you.  The Highlights: 04:24 From gymnastics to van life: when breakdowns lead to breakthroughs 08:40 Why extreme confidence can tip into arrogance  13:03 Ninja Warrior: the inside story 19:28 When overconfidence means you miss the details right in front of you 23:16 Identifying personal blind spots and rewriting old stories 27:12 Shadow work, childhood beliefs, and facing your own truth 34:44 The power in detaching from outcomes (and why Buddhist wisdom beats business hype) 38:31 Supporting others, men's circles, and getting out of your own head 41:57 From Ninja crash test to executive coach.   What helped Brandon navigate change: Soundtrack: "It's Nice To Be Alive" by Ball Park Music  Book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink  One piece of advice: "Take stock of the stories you're telling yourself as to why you're resisting the change and find a path through, with kindness, mentorship, and community. Change is inevitable, ask how it might be happening for you, not to you."     About Brandon Clift After representing Australia as a competitive Gymnast, Brandon channeled his passion for performance and coaching into founding Zone, a fitness and wellness company that became #1 in its industry and earned him a nomination for Young Entrepreneur of the Year before its successful sale. Brandon then moved to the U.S., where he expanded his coaching into sales, marketing, leadership, and emotional intelligence training where he has partnered with companies like AT&T, Volkswagen, Lulu Lemon, and United Healthcare. Outside of work, Brandon is passionate about issues faced by boys and men, a passion that led him to host The Mankind Podcast, a Top 1% show that reaches thousands of men weekly.  Website: brandonclift.com Work with Eleanor: Buy the Book - Another Door Opens out now. 5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched. Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change. Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.     Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"When you're too comfortable, when you have space to overthink, then nothing happens... But when there's fire under you, you have to move, or you die." In this episode, we are joined by Mike Morrison, entrepreneur, founder of Membership Geeks, and a true veteran of life's unexpected detours.  Mike shares openly about the many doors that have closed throughout his career and personal life, including the literal locked door that ended his "secure" marketing job, relationship breakdowns, and the surprising, sudden departure of his co-founder. Each setback forced Mike to reimagine what was next, galvanising him to build something new from the ashes. We talk about the uncomfortable, messy bits of change: how the emergency of a closed door can often push us toward clarity, the myth of job security, and why sometimes losing everything is the spark you need to re-launch.  The Highlights: 04:30 The closed door: a company goes into administration, a post-it note, and no safety net 09:51 Losing both a job and a marriage 14:08 Why real change means letting go of comfort, overthinking, and pride 18:32 "Doing my own thing" from hustling for clients to growing a multi-seven figure business 24:19 Why how you handle each closed door will change over time 28:33 Finding clarity in chaos, and the unexpected freedom of taking action 35:33 Coping with big business changes: when your co-founder leaves  40:00 Slowing down, survival mode, and not rushing the 'new normal' 41:31 Developing your way of managing change, even when the path isn't clear. What helped Mike navigate change: Soundtrack: Anything from the albums Mesmerize and Hypnotize by System of a Down. Book: Go It Alone by Geoff Burch (for practical, no-nonsense business advice); The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson One piece of advice: "Try and think of what this change makes possible even the smallest things. Sit with a pen and notebook and ask: what doors does this open? You can always find something to latch onto in the mess."   About Mike Morrison: Mike Morrison is founder of the Membership Geeks and Membership Academy, where he's been the driving force behind countless successful membership businesses for over a decade.   He's the host of a popular podcast, author of 3 best-selling books, and can regularly be found on stages around the world at events including Social Media Marketing World, Atomicon and Podcast Movement.   But it's not all been smooth sailing. From starting a business in the depths of depression, to experiencing multiple early failures and pivots, the path to success was a bumpy one. With perhaps the biggest curveball coming with the sudden exit of his co-founder of 9 years from the business they built together. However the resilience built along the way helped him navigate these obstacles and come out of the other side even stronger.     Website: membershipgeeks.co   Work with Eleanor: Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched.   Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change.   Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.   Buy the Book - Another Door Opens - 5 steps for navigating change.   Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Resist that urge to jump right into job applications and start applying. You want to give yourself some space to process what you've been through and maybe avoid making any big decisions." In this episode, we have Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. Steve has been laid off four times during his career each time making space for reflection, resilience, and ultimately, growth.  We talk about the messy middle: what it really feels like to lose your job, how to process grief and anger, and why hope, connection, and self-care make all the difference. Steve shares stories from his own journey, what he's learned from starting over. We chat about why you should always keep building your network, and how every door that closes can make room for unexpected opportunities. The Highlights: 04:06 Why now is the time for authentic conversations about job loss 06:32 Steve's first layoff, the loss of confidence, and an unexpected popcorn-scented flashback 10:37 Keep going vs. giving up, and the role of hope 11:48 After every layoff I've always come back stronger. 13:48 Not settling - why your next job could be an upgrade 15:25 Building real relationships (before you need them!) and helping others 20:32 The mind-body-spirit approach to dealing with a setback 23:14 Why layoffs are so common (40% of Americans!) 30:15 Why you need to let yourself feel all the feelings 40:10 What's Next: Steve hints at writing another book! What helped Steve navigate change: Soundtrack: Unstoppable by Sia, Freedom by Beyoncé, Closing Time by Semisonic Book: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing One piece of advice: "A closed door is not the end of the story, it's an invitation to something new. Give yourself some grace in that messy middle and pause for growth." About Steve Jaffe 2024 taught Steve that marketing strategy and writing a book have more in common than you'd think. Both require a deep understanding of your audience, a compelling narrative, and the resilience to keep pushing forward. After 25 years in marketing, Steve learned that the most powerful marketing isn't about selling, it's about connecting. Whether Steve is consulting for organisations or writing a book, the core skill remains the same: crafting clear, resonant, and meaningful communication. Connect with Steve:  Website: thestevejaffe.com Book: The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery   Work with Eleanor: Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched.   Book in a Change Mastery for teams session - when your team is navigating change.   Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.   Buy the Book - Another Door Opens - 5 steps for navigating change.   Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"Sympathy is rushing to turn the light on into someone's darkness so that we feel better, whereas empathy is being prepared to sit with somebody in their darkness and connect with them and just be there for them." In this episode, I'm joined by June Hogan. June helps organisations to do redundancy and layoffs well! So of course I'm a fan. It's never easy or simple when companies have to let people go, but it can be done well, and with empathy and fairness. This is what June's work is all about.  We talk about the difference between empathy and sympathy when you are leading change, or letting your team go. How organisations can do redundancies well.  And June shares her story of embracing life-changing moments, sitting with the discomfort of the unknown, and discovering that transformation can often be waiting on the other side of uncertainty. Our conversation is all about what it means to open new doors in your life and career. Whether you're facing redundancy, longing for something different, or simply rethinking your relationship with work, we dig into the messy, honest reality of change. June shares the wisdom she's gained from not just walking through her own doors, but from supporting others. The highlights: 04:09 From HR to Coach: June's pivot  11:32 Finding your niche after redundancy 14:16 The myth of having it all figured out (and why it's okay to be "messy") 17:46 Re-thinking identity, self-worth, and shame after losing your job 18:49 The overlooked emotional toll of delivering bad news at work 23:50 Sympathy vs. Empathy (and how to truly support people in tough moments) 32:35 The pace of change: why redundancy and layoffs feel more sudden than ever 36:07 The double-edged sword of too much (or too little) warning 43:28 How to give yourself permission to "pause" and feel during change   Things that help June navigate change: Soundtrack: "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake (yes, the Trolls movie one). Books: The Gifts of Imperfection and Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown    One piece of advice: "Just acknowledge how you're feeling, don't rush it, and give yourself permission to take time and reach out to others. Slowing down doesn't mean standing still. It's about bringing self-awareness to what's really happening, so you can move forward on your own terms."   About June Hogan June understands the emotional and practical challenges of both delivering and receiving difficult news. Having experienced redundancy herself, twice, she appreciates how tough that journey can be. After redundancy, she took a career break overseas and pursued professional coach training. She found the experience life-changing and returned to the UK with a clear vision: to launch her own outplacement firm. Wildwood Coaching was founded in 2019. Her specialism in outplacement support reflects a combination of personal experience, professional coaching qualifications, and core values. June has built a trusted team of experienced, qualified associates who share a commitment to a person-centred and empathetic approach.  Website: www.wildwoodcoaching.co.uk   Work with Eleanor Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.   Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched.   Book in a Change Mastery for teams session - when your team is navigating change.   Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work. Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.   Buy the Book - Another Door Opens - 5 steps to navigating change.   Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com   Produced by winteraudio.co.uk  

"You can have a bad day, some days, that's fine. But then at some point, you've got to go, all right, I've got to take a little bit of responsibility now and get on with this."   In this 'epic' (long!) episode, I sit down with Chris Hirst, author known for his "no bullsh*t" approach to leadership and work. We go deep, wide and around the block talking about the realities and myths of career progression, change, redundancy, and what it really means to be a leader.  Chris shares transformative moments in his career, including going to Harvard and facing redundancy, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on success, self-identity, and responsibility. If you're questioning your next step, looking for the truth about modern leadership, or searching for practical wisdom on navigating the world of work, this will give you plenty to reflect on (and maybe even prompt some action).   The highlights: 05:04 Chris's "door closing" moments: Harvard revelations and sudden redundancy   08:24 Why losing your job is so disorientating and what nobody tells you about structure   13:25 The underrated power of curiosity (and why not having answers is okay)   20:12 Doing "everything right"…and still struggling (it's not just you)   25:58 Why the biggest barrier to your own success is (usually) you   28:26 The pivotal experience that changed Chris's self-narrative forever   33:11 Why moments of struggle aren't wrong, they're just life   38:06 The real reason vulnerability is hard at work (and that awkward HR conversation)   01:01:06 Finding comfort in what you're good at, not just escaping to something new   The things that help Chris navigate change: Activities: Playing tennis and writing Books: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré; Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel, and Citizens by Simon Schama.   One piece of advice:   "Nobody's coming to save you. Ultimately, the thing that's either going to move you forward or get in your way, is you. Take ownership, even just 1% more."   About Chris Hirst: With more than a decade of experience in Global and UK CEO positions, Chris is widely recognised as an innovative and inspirational leader with a proven track record of successful business transformation guiding businesses to record growth and lasting repetitional change. He is the author of the best-selling and award winning book No Bullsh*t Leadership and No Bullsh*t Change.    His new book, Indispensable:The No Bullsh*t Guide to Career Success is for anyone who wants to build a better career, on their own terms.   Connect with Chris: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hirst-4b77882/ Website: chrishirst.com   About your host Eleanor Tweddell:   Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's 121 coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training. Eleanor's work centres around how we, as humans, work through change, embracing the messy bits, the role of playing, with the aim to see opportunity. "Too often we get stuck in the change happening to us, when just through that next door is an exciting next chapter."    Eleanor is the founder of Another Door, and author of Another Door Opens - 5 steps for navigating change in life and at work.   Connect with Eleanor: Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/  Website: www.another-door-opens.com     Produced by winteraudio.co.uk