Focus on why!

I just love when I discover a new podcast. Particularly if it comes recommended and there are so many episodes for me to tune into, learn lots of snippets, and basically binge-listen. Well shortly after my first Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA) meeting, I discovered Amy Rowlinson, who was the guest speaker, talking about all things podcasting. Amy worked in the property world prior to covid and had a successful podcast then. Once covid hit she began her own podcast called 'Focus on Why' currently there are 285 episodes to enjoy, it is now in 113 countries and is in the Top 1% of more than 2.8 million podcasts globally. Here are some that I listened to (newest first) and my takeaways. If you haven't already, I suggest you subscribe to Amy's podcast, Focus on Why

284 The Genius Maker with Lysette Offley.

Lysette makes studying for exams sound so easy! She talks about procrastination, imposter syndrome, anxiety or perfectionism. She is on a mission to help more women into the Professional Services Industry and to support those already there by addressing exam and confidence challenges.

283 Professional Relationships with Andy Lopata

Wow! I think I will be listening to a lot more of Andy's talks! he has lots of tips about networking and really connecting with people. I too hate when people just connect on LinkedIn without a message or a real intention to connect, just to build numbers! He has a great 5-minute assessment to see if your professional relationships are supporting your professional success, link above with his name, check it out!

282 Serve your purpose with Sue Richardson

Sue was into books from an early age and she is a publisher who owns The Right Book Company, I listened to this while picking elderflowers and thinking about my book on cooking in menopause.... By the end, I was convinced I would submit it to publishers and I have! Sue has lots of great content including her power lunch sessions.

281 Start with yourself Abigail Langridge

What a great service! Abigail set up Poppins PA, a modern-day Mary Poppins, managing all your PA requirements. I just love it, imagine working full time and knowing someone like Abigail has your back, reminds you of world book day in school, managing upcoming birthdays and events like school sports days in your diary so you can work and be at your best as a mother. She created this business so she could be around for her family as well as work from home.

280 Reflections with Amy episodes 275-279

Son in these podcasts, Amy lets her guests shine, and asks the questions but doesn't really have the opportunity to give her opinion. She does these reflection episodes looking back on past episodes and offering updates and insights on them. Here is her key takeaway "How do you spread your word to share your WHY to attract all the people you need to make things happen? Whatever you are trying to achieve in life, it is likely that you will go faster and better if you collaborate with the right people. If you recognise your areas of expertise, know your limitations and involve others in your cause.” I particularly liked the update on her daughter's friends episode, students against sexism.

275 Demystifying mental toughness with David Charlton

David is a sports psychologist and talks about the choices people make when under pressure. I found it interesting how he helps athletes to improve their performance by developing their mental toughness to help move them forward. He shares some resources and he talks about mental toughness and focusing your attention and energy on what is in your control. "Look at what it is that's under your control. What is out of your control? Make sure you focus all your attention and energy on what you can control and you might be able to make it happen. Certainly no reason why not, there's only you potentially stopping yourself.”

268 Reflections with Amy episode 263- 267

Interesting discussion on legacy, some thoughtful questions here for the listener, e.g what is success, fulfillment & happiness for you? Inspired by Tony Brooks. Building self-worth and re-writing your story with, being an architect of your own life with Meena. Wasted energy on worrying, complaining or blaming with David Roberts. Following your soul and helping women to create the income they desire, live a first-class life with Helen Adams.

261 Reframing Perspectives with Elisa Iannacone

Wow, Elisa's podcast is one that will stay in your mind for a while afterwards. "Using a trifecta of media, law and politics, Elisa Iannacone leverages her cinematography and multi-media creative skills to deliver messages and tell stories of domestic and sexual violence, conflict areas and humanitarian crises. Focused on reaching the masses, as a visual thinker, Elisa conveys stories of restoration, empathy and healing through the medium of art where words may have previously failed. As a cinematographer and an advocate for equality and human rights, Elisa has worked in six continents for outlets such as the BBC, Newsweek and National Geographic. Navigating a kinder world to create a more cohesive society, Elisa’s work is all about humanising, human connection and reframing perspectives."

260 The Business of Speaking with Steve Lowell

Steve is president of the Global Speakers Federation and a very easy person to listen to. He has a wealth of experience on stage and talks about Zig Ziglar's quote 'you can get everything you want out of life so long as you help enough other people get what they want.' He raises the question if things aren't going right, am I operating in a manner with how I see myself?

These are the podcast episodes I have listened to so far, there is so much content on Amy's podcast and inspiration from so many different people, I suggest you check it out! Well done Amy. Now I need to talk to Amy to see how best to re-launch my podcast Cook Eat Nourish!