• How to Self Care and Self Love for Everyday Success
    2025/01/14
    We are always taught to put others before ourselves. But when we put ourselves first, it creates a sense of guilt. One of the rare moments when we accept we should is when the cabin crew reminds us on a flight:“Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder. In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking to Self Care expert Araceli Higueras and author of And how? A guide to self-care, self-leadership and purpose.The Superpowers of Self-Care and Self-LoveOne of the biggest investments we can make is in ourselves. When you invest in your own well-being, you’re building resilience, emotional stability, and a stronger capacity to handle challenges.Self-care isn’t about extravagant spa days or indulgent treats (though those are nice occasionally). It’s about maintaining your emotional and mental equilibrium to give your best to the people and tasks that matter. Imagine trying to pour water from an empty jug—impossible, right? The same goes for your energy and focus. You can’t give what you don’t have.Think of self-care and self-love as maintenance for the “machine” that keeps you running. It’s the oil that keeps the cogs running smoothly.Learning from Life’s Pivotal MomentsFor many, the journey toward prioritizing self-care starts with a wake-up call. Araceli knows this firsthand. When she developed alopecia areata—a condition triggered by stress—it forced her to rethink her approach to life and work. Now, she helps professionals navigate transitions like career changes, parenthood, and leadership shifts. These moments often bring stress, but they’re also opportunities to lean into self-care and redefine priorities.The Role of Reflection and PurposeAraceli took her experience a step further by writing a book: And How? A Guide to Self-Help, Self-Leadership, and Purpose. It emerged from a time of uncertainty—losing her job—but became a resource for others navigating their own challenges.Her story is a reminder that self-care isn’t just about physical or emotional upkeep; it’s about aligning your actions with your values. Reflection, whether through journaling or intentional thinking, is a key part of finding that alignment.Five Practical Self-Care Tips for ProfessionalsHere are five actionable ways to incorporate self-care into your busy routine:* Move Your Body DailyEven a short walk or stretch can clear your mind and boost creativity. Movement doesn’t just improve your physical health—it’s a way to reset mentally during a hectic day.* Create Simple RitualsSelf-care can be small. Applying your favorite hand lotion, lighting a candle, or savoring your morning coffee can ground you in the present moment. These rituals create micro-breaks that recharge your energy.* Define Your Core ValuesTake time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Knowing your values helps you prioritize what deserves your energy and attention.* Lean on Your Support NetworkFeeling overwhelmed? Reach out to friends, colleagues, or mentors. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to share the load.* Challenge Harmful BeliefsLet go of the idea that self-care is selfish. Taking care of yourself ensures you can show up as your best self, which benefits everyone around you.Why Self-Leadership MattersSelf-leadership is about taking ownership of your well-being and your choices. Whether you’re a formal leader or not, listening to yourself, recognizing your stressors, and taking steps to address them is crucial for thriving both personally and professionally.For professionals juggling multiple demands, this means setting boundaries, managing expectations, and giving yourself permission to pause. Burnout doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of consistently ignoring your own needs.The Power of Small, Consistent HabitsSelf-care doesn’t have to be about large lifestyle changes. That five-minute morning meditation or the habit of drinking water regularly adds up over time. These small, consistent actions create a foundation of resilience.Final ThoughtsCaring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether you’re a facilitator managing complex workshops or a professional navigating big career transitions, self-care equips you to handle challenges with clarity and strength.Start small. Choose one habit that resonates with you and build from there. Remember, when you prioritize yourself, you’re not just improving your own life—you’re elevating the way you show up for everyone around you.Your future self will thank you.Guest: Araceli HiguerasA Barcelona native based in London since 2002, is a multifaceted professional with a background in business administration. Fluent in English and French, she holds a CEMS master's in international management from HEC Paris. With two decades in financial software, Ara has excelled in training, consulting, data modelling, software development and user experience design. Alongside ...
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    37 分
  • Authenticity for Effective Facilitation
    2025/01/07

    Stuart Young is a fellow expert in visual thinking, product facilitation, and agile methodologies. We delve into the essence of authenticity in facilitation, the power of visual thinking, the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment, and techniques for effective virtual and face-to-face collaboration.

    Key points include the significance of human connections, inclusivity, and continuous learning as essential elements for future-proofing careers in an automated world.

    00:00 Introduction

    01:53 The Power of Authenticity

    04:49 Creating Psychological Safety in Facilitation

    09:14 The Magic of Visual Thinking

    12:44 Future-Proofing with Human Skills

    17:27 Facilitation Techniques and Tools

    23:53 Trends in Agile and Product Management

    26:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

    Paddy Dhanda (Host)

    Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

    Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

    Subscribe to my newsletter:

    👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    30 分
  • Kindness Helped My TV Career
    2024/12/31

    In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Andy Paige, a TV personality, author, and inventor, who shares how the superpower of kindness has shaped her career.

    Andy emphasizes the importance of kindness in overcoming adversity and building lasting relationships.

    00:00 A Tale of Birmingham in the 1970s

    01:40 The Friendship That Defied Prejudice

    04:28 A Special Guest with a Superpower

    05:58 The Journey to General Hospital

    10:58 Revolutionizing TV Shopping

    20:34 The Power of Kindness

    24:46 Building Friendships Through Kindness

    25:39 The Impact of Upbringing and Environment

    30:12 Facing Adversity and Finding Strength

    34:05 Turning Tragedy into Triumph

    38:00 The Power of Positive Energy

    41:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    Guest: Andy Paige

    SOAP ACTRESS, PODCAST HOST, QVC GUEST HOST, BEAUTY/IMAGE/LIFESTYLE EXPERT FOR NATIONAL TV & RADIO

    With her current role as Pearl, on ABC's General Hospital, Andy Paige mimics her actual QVC guest host expertise, captivating and selling products to both TV audiences through innovative consumer advertising.

    You can find Andy's podcast, The Dating Lab with the Hillbilly Yenta on both Youtube and podcast platforms and listen or watch her explore modern dating, its frustrations, realities and solutions with interesting and funny guests from all walks of life.

    Website: https://shophomeandheart.com/

    ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

    Paddy Dhanda (Host)

    Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

    Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

    Subscribe to my newsletter:

    👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    46 分
  • Secret Service Leadership Lessons
    2024/12/24

    In this episode, Steve Stratton shares his fascinating journey from securing presidential visits with the Secret Service to becoming a cybersecurity expert and a prolific author.

    Discover how storytelling and team building have been pivotal throughout his career, learn about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, and receive invaluable advice for young professionals.

    Stratton's compelling experiences and wisdom offer a unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of lifelong learning.

    00:00 Securing Presidential Visits: Behind the Scenes

    00:45 Introducing Paddy Dhanda: Building Human Skills for the Future

    01:23 Team Building Superpower: The Power of Storytelling

    01:51 From the Redwoods to the White House: A Journey Begins

    03:20 Secret Service and Beyond: A Career in Communications

    05:47 The Art of Team Building: Creativity and Diversity

    10:17 Hiring for Initiative: Identifying Great Talent

    16:14 Early Career Adventures: White House Communications

    21:25 High-Stakes Moments: Security and Danger

    25:55 Military Culture and Personal Growth

    32:07 Cybersecurity Threats and Personal Safety

    33:36 Protecting Personal Data: Tips and Tricks

    36:42 National Infrastructure Vulnerabilities



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    59 分
  • Creative Questions to Facilitate Deeper Connections in Workshops E169
    2024/12/17

    In this episode, we delve into the art of facilitation and the power of creativity with Antonio Iturra, a seasoned facilitator and magician.

    From the importance of crafting the perfect questions for meaningful interactions to integrating visual thinking in workshops, Antonio shares his multifaceted approach to creating engaging and effective learning environments.

    We also explore Antonio's concept of 'slow creativity,' emphasizing the need to tune into one's unique superpowers and the value of play, obsession, and wonder in the creative process.

    Whether you're keen on enhancing your facilitation skills or understanding the deeper human elements of workshops, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fascinating perspectives.

    00:00 The Art of Facilitation: Finding the Perfect Question

    01:12 Meet Antonio: A Man of Many Superpowers

    02:53 The Magic of Visual Thinking in Facilitation

    09:16 Creating Connection in Workshops

    18:44 Exploring Creativity: Slow Creativity and Beyond

    32:12 The Importance of Stories and Genuine Connection

    35:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    38 分
  • Liberating Structures Facilitation Tools for Better Meetings E168
    2024/12/03

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Keith McCandless, co-author of 'The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures.'

    We dive deep into how liberating structures can create safe spaces for all voices in a room and make conversations more inclusive and engaging.

    Keith explains the concept of the 'collaborative muscle' and how these facilitation tools can replace traditional brainstorming and presentation methods.

    We discuss practical examples, including the Critical Uncertainties model and the 1-2-4-All method, and explore how these techniques can be applied in various settings, from business and education to personal development.

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

    00:55 Introducing Liberating Structures

    01:02 Guest Introduction: Keith McCandless

    02:14 The Concept of Collaborative Muscle

    03:55 Liberating Structures: An Overview

    07:31 Practical Applications and Audience

    20:04 Writing the Book: The Journey

    26:28 Deep Dive into Liberating Structures

    33:34 The Power of Short Timings

    34:49 Diverse Voices and Recombination

    36:23 Creative Adaptation and Fast Timing

    39:54 Critical Uncertainties and Scenario Planning

    46:16 Liberating Structures in Practice

    48:42 New Ideas and Structures

    52:13 Developing New Structures

    01:00:28 Conclusion and Future Directions

    ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

    Paddy Dhanda (Host)

    Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

    Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

    Subscribe to my newsletter:

    👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    1 時間 3 分
  • How to Find your Superpower E167
    2024/11/26

    Ben Walder, co-author of The Visual Agile Coach Playbook, discusses his experience of feeling constrained in the corporate world and how losing his job led to an epiphany that helped him discover his 'superpowers.'

    He shares his journey of co-authoring the 'Visual Agile Coach Playbook', the process of recognizing and developing one's superpowers, and the significance of human connection and partnerships.

    We also explore how to navigate through comfort, fear, learning, and growth zones, and the future trajectory of work. Tune in to hear insightful discussions on the importance of communication and human connection in the evolving world of work.

    00:00 Introduction

    01:17 Discovering and Harnessing Superpowers

    03:30 Ben's Background and Career

    05:52 Finding Motivation and Overcoming Adversity

    16:13 The Power of Partnerships

    20:31 Taking Bold Moves and Creating Opportunities

    22:46 The Personal Growth Rocket Tool

    25:09 Discovering the Learning Zone and Ikigai

    25:38 Harnessing Your Superpower

    26:24 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth

    27:40 Finding and Honing Your Superpowers

    29:54 The Importance of Passion and Values

    36:27 The Future of Work and Open Source Book Project

    42:34 The Role of Human Connection in the Future

    47:10 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    Guest: Ben Walder

    With over 25 years’ experience as a change and transformation professional, co-founder of The Visual Agile Coach, Ben Walder, has a strong track record in Financial Services and FinTech. Starting out in project management and progressing through programme management to Head of Change, Ben always seeks to make a positive difference for all involved in delivering change.Find Ben on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/benwaldercoacheschange

    ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

    Paddy Dhanda (Host)

    Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

    Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

    Subscribe to my newsletter:

    👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    52 分
  • How to Write a Press Release and Get Published E166
    2024/11/21

    Have you written a book to become a tech thought leader? But how do you ensure you get maximum exposure for your hard work?

    Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, a press release distribution company shares his journey from a poetry enthusiast to a PR expert, stressing how press releases can significantly boost the visibility and success of small businesses and startups.

    We discuss:

    1) Actionable tips on writing compelling press releases

    2) Leveraging surveys to improve your chances of being featured in a popular publication

    3) Using AI to enhance your PR strategy

    Tune in to learn how to effectively tell your story through press releases and attract media attention.

    00:00 Meet Mickie Kennedy: Press Release Marketing Expert

    01:17 The Power of Press Releases for Small Businesses

    02:29 Mickie's Journey from Poetry to PR

    03:47 The Evolution of Press Release Distribution

    04:28 Crafting Effective Press Releases

    14:37 Using Surveys to Enhance Press Releases

    22:48 Success Stories and Real-World Examples

    27:36 The Power of Storytelling in Product Launches

    28:07 Sharing Personal Stories to Connect with Audiences

    28:40 Incorporating Origin Stories in Press Releases

    29:53 The Impact of Strategic Press Releases

    32:33 Mickie's Personal Branding with Glasses

    33:28 The Role of Timing in Press Releases

    36:49 Mickie's Free Masterclass on Strategic Press Releases

    38:08 How to Work with E-Releases

    38:55 Using AI for Press Release Writing

    41:20 Crafting Compelling Quotes for Press Releases

    44:49 The Frustration of Needless Emails

    47:36 Conclusion

    Mickie Kennedy is an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility through tier-1 press release distribution. Mickie founded eReleases 25 years ago after realizing that small businesses desperately need a press release distribution service they can actually afford, giving them access to the media and to a national newswire – all with a personal touch. Mickie lives in Baltimore County, Maryland.

    Mickie has created a free video Master Class on how to create a winning PR strategy, based on the PR campaigns of his most successful clients: https://www.ereleases.com/plan/

    ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

    Paddy Dhanda (Host)

    Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

    Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school

    Subscribe to my newsletter:

    👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe



    Get full access to Superpowers School at www.superpowers.school/subscribe
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    49 分