The Interim's Interim...

ABOUT ME

Welcome to this special launch newsletter on all things, health, wellness, weight loss interim and more!

I have great plans for it and you, but as this is the inaugural one I thought I’d start with a little bit more about me

My name is Lisa Ali and I’m a 50 something health and weight loss coach who specialises in working with interim managers and contractors.

“Why’s that??” I hear you cry… well I was one for 20 odd years.?I know the industry challenges and world very well and it gives me a chance to give something back to a community that served me well for a long period of time.

I also happened to be very overweight, weighing in at about 14.5lbs – to be honest, I’d stuck my head in the sand a little so it could have been a bit more….. (see glamourous pic of me on a horse, there weren’t many of me at that size..)

6 years ago, I left the interim world for good to start my coaching business.?It’s not been without its ups and downs – there have been times I’ve struggled with the business and times when it’s flowed.?But all in all, it makes me happy.

I’m pretty proud that September is my 6 year anniversary of when I first set up my on line coaching business.?And I think that I’ve learned a lot – I should have done to be fair!?Whilst I’ve not changed the basics of how the programme works, I’ve learned so much more.?I’ve also introduced an app and streamlined a lot of the processes not just for clients, but so that the business runs as it should!

In fact to celebrate, I will be giving away 6 copies of my e-book (one for each year) Project You, Reclaim your Body with my No Diet Formula.

To be in with a chance of winning one, all you have to do is be one of the first 1,000 subscribers to this newsletter, and I will put proverbial names in hats…. Well I’ll get someone to pick 6 numbers between 1 and 1,000.

ABOUT YOU

I’ve just returned from 2 wonderful weeks in Mexico and it’s still as hot as anything here in Spain.?But for many folks, it’s that time of year when summer is still fresh in our minds but with most of the kids back to schools this week, and routines slowly returning to something like normal and a time of reflection.?I think this week particularly it’s reflective because of the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II.?To be honest for most of us, it’s all we’ve ever known and it is for me a reflective time.

I think the changing of the seasons is another reason why we tend to shift our thoughts and start to review what’s happened in the last few months and what’s to come

And if you’re anything like me, you may find that you’ve gained a few extra pounds post your holiday and getting back to “normal”

I know those “water cooler” conversations would often centre on “Yes we had a great time, but all my clothes feel a little too tight!”

The big news here, is that if you’ve gained a few summer pounds, you’re not alone AND it’s not the end of the world.?

A lot of folks think they should go from one extreme to the other – from all the barbies and beers to total restriction and giving everything up and trying to get to the gym 5 days a week.

Let me tell you, neither are sustainable!?

What’s the first thing I’d advise…. Don’t panic!?Likely that any weight gain, isn’t just “fat” but could be stored water and glycogen weight that’s affecting the scales.?

Second thing is, pick one or two things to focus on and really nail it in the coming week.?This could be anything from….

• Drink 2 litres of water daily
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day
• Get 7-9 quality hours sleep
• Eat protein at every meal (it will fill you up)
• Move a bit more – just walk for 10 minutes a couple of times daily

It really doesn't have to be more complicated than that to make a start

But if you just focus on one or two things, you won’t feel overwhelmed but by the end of the week you will feel that you’ve moved forward and you’ve taken some action which you can keep taking the following week.?Then pick one more thing…. You see where I’m going with this.

But if you do feel that things have got a little bit out of control and you’d like some more specific support with your health and fitness goals, just DM me.?I’m always happy to have a no obligation chat/

ABOUT THE INTERIM WORLD

My intention here is to have some of my wonder clients, old and current, pals from days gone by and interesting folks for a comment on the interim world.

However in this inaugural newsletter… well you’ll have to make do with me!?So here’s my take….

Since my last contract the interim world has shifted considerably, the introduction of IR35 in the private sector, Brexit plus a certain pandemic put a strain on numerous businesses and the interim world was no different.

The market seems more settled now from those I talk to with many not having had the trifecta of whammys to deal with.?Interesting as well those industries really impacted by Covid restrictions.

Having said that, by default, being an interim you’re used to change, you have to adapt quickly and go with the flow

The pandemic seemed to create a whole new set of interims – those just keen to be working again, with the “career interim” head down and doing their do.

IR35 and the pandemic also saw many going from years as an interim transitioning into the right perm roles for stability.

Personally, I don’t think I’d be able to do that.?I did it once and realised I’d made a major mistake! I was also well positioned in terms of being able to pay myself through my Limited Company – but then again, would I be getting inside or out?

What has happened in your interim work world in the last couple of years?

If you’d like to contribute to the Interim corner, let me know too.

WHAT’S COMING UP

If there’s anything you’d like to see in this newsletter, just please do DM me and I will do my best to cover that for you, but some of the topics (that I get asked about) and I’ll write about will include

• Improving energy on a daily basis
• How to start a health journey when you feel you have no mojo
• Staying motivated to reach your goals, even when life throws you lemons
• How to eat well when you're on the go

But for now, thanks for reading and we’ll speak soon!