Headflex

• Ep 26: Chasing Control - Why Letting Go Can Set You Free

  Why do so many of us feel the need to be in control, at work, at home, and in our relationships? Co-hosts Rebecca and Diane dive into the complex and often messy world of control, exploring what drives our need to orchestrate and manage every detail. From the pressures of change and uncertainty to the deep links between trust, fear, and perfectionism, this episode provides real insights about how control shows up in our lives and impacts those around us.Tune in as Rebecca and Diane discuss how our relationship with control can hold us back and how learning to relinquish control (yes, even when it feels challenging!) can help us move forward, boost collaboration, and restore our energy. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction: Why our relationship with control matters 01:04 Control at work, when it helps, and when it hurts 02:14 What’s behind the need for control? 04:50 What drives controlling behaviours?06:09 Real-life examples: Control at home and in the workplace 08:43 The energy drain of chasing control 09:19 The impact on teams: Collaboration, trust, and getting “stuck” 11:22 The cycle of rescuing, fixing, and passive behaviour 13:21 How to notice where control shows up for you 14:28 Trust, fear, and how to unlock new dynamics 16:15 Relinquishing control leads to innovation, creativity, and freedom 18:27 Self-compassion, pacing, and reframing what matters 20:42 Parenting, delegation, and the lessons for leadership 22:05 How to identify, trust, and delegate more effectively 22:34 Self-coaching questions to reflect on your relationship with controlConnect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

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• Ep 25: Dealing with the Dreaded Appraisal

  Why do annual appraisals inspire so much anxiety from those being appraised, as well as their managers? Co-hosts Diane, and Rebecca take a deep dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of performance reviews, sharing real insights from the coaching room and exploring how shifting mindsets can make these conversations far more meaningful (and less stressful) for everyone involved. This episode brings practical strategies for approaching appraisals,, and offers self-coaching questions so you can reflect and take charge of your appraisal experience whether you’re giving or receiving feedback.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Why it’s time to talk honestly about appraisals01:45 A brief history of appraisals and why nerves kick in03:30 Why appraisals have a negative reputation 04:26 The emotional impact of appraisals06:22 The challenge for managers08:52 Feedback pitfalls: The “feedback sandwich” and surprise revelations11:46 The aftermath and why the negatives stick more than the positives13:12 How to make appraisals more meaningful15:15 Focusing on outcomes and forward-thinking16:32 How to walk into an appraisal constructively17:25 Choose a collaborative approach: Adult-to-adult communication19:24 Who should do the talking? Why managers need to listen more19:32 Self-care, reflections, and three essential self-coaching questions.Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

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• Ep 24: The Many Faces of ADHD Series: Coaching for Real Change at Work

  What role does coaching play in helping people with ADHD thrive in the workplace and why does a non-directive approach make all the difference? Co-hosts Diane Williams and Diane are joined by ADHD coach, educator, and advocate Sally Cater, returning to the podcast for a deeper exploration of how coaching can empower neurodiverse talent. In this third episode of our ADHD Awareness Month series, we spotlight the practical, emotional, and leadership lessons at the heart of truly inclusive workplaces. The episode also brings actionable insights for managers on busting myths, listening deeply, and getting educated from credible sources.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Why ADHD at work needs a new conversation 01:45 Meet Sally: Coach, trainer, and advocate with first-hand experience of ADHD04:54 The freedom of a non-directive coaching approach 07:21 Reclaiming “permission”: Owning needs and differences at work 09:04 Key ways coaches can support clients with ADHD12:32 Navigating workplace adjustments and disclosure 14:03 Helping managers understand ADHD—and what not to do17:54 Small changes, big impact: Doodling, walking, and adjusting meetings for focus 22:08 Education matters: Busting myths and going beyond stereotypes 25:43 How to have better conversations and ask “How does it show up for you?” 28:05 Sally’s big tip: Open dialogue is everythingAbout Sally Cater:Sally has been an accredited coach for 10 years and is a champion for inclusivity and understanding in the neurodiverse community.After uncovering her own late diagnosis of ADHD and and realising that the derogatory labels she had given herself over the years were a result of a lack of understanding of what her neurodivergent brain was struggling to do as she forced herself to fit into a neurotypical world, she has since redefined her narrative, shedding past misconceptions and now helps other coaches expand their confidence and knowledge of ADHD. She runs two brilliant programmes which help coaches seamlessly integrate ADHD-informed strategies into their coaching practice, enhancing their ability to support and empower clients.ADHD in Focus for Coaches course, our ICF-accredited group coaching programADHD Foundations for Coaches course, our self-paced coursePrior to becoming a coach Sally spent 25 years leading and managing teams across the private and third sectors. And had the privilege, in her own words, "of working with teams of all shapes and sizes, brimming with unique and brilliant minds." Connect with Sally:Website: https://sallycatercoach.co.uk/Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

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• Ep 23: The Many Faces of ADHD Series: Supporting Parents in the Workplace

  How can workplaces support parents of children with ADHD? In this episode, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane are joined by PR consultant and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) advocate, Nicola McKelvey, as part of our ADHD Awareness Month series exploring “The Many Faces of ADHD.” Nicola shares her personal journey as a working parent of a child with ADHD, uncovering the unique challenges, unexpected moments, and crucial workplace support that can make all the difference.They dig into the unpredictability of parenting a child with ADHD while balancing a career, the importance of open conversations with employers, and creative approaches like “adjustment leave.” Nicola also shares practical examples of flexibility and “scaffolding,” and why these matter so much for retaining talented employees. The conversation highlights the value of empathetic leadership, real partnership between employers and parents, and offers encouragement for organisations to be truly flexible not just ticking the box.Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the “Many Faces of ADHD” series01:22 Meet Nicola: Working in communications and parenting two boys, one with ADHD02:03 Why being a working parent of a child with SEND is “doubly hard”03:47 Navigating unpredictable moments: From school emergencies to flexible work arrangements06:35 The power of advocacy and peer support08:13 “Scaffolding” children and employees: Building supportive structures at home and work11:00Flexibility redefined: From face time to outcome-based working and the need for a “menu” of support options14:03 Redefining success at work while parenting a neurodiverse child16:27 Challenges with shared parental responsibility and lack of summer childcare provision18:25 The need for communication and understanding: Flexibility ≠ underperformance19:51 Nicola’s advice: Be truly flexible, listen, and tailor support to individualsAbout Nicola:With 25 years’ comms experience, Nicola has worked both in-house and in agencies across multiple sectors such as financial services, FMCG and retail and in countries including the UK, Nordics and Australia and New Zealand.For the past ten years, Nicola has been self-employed, working with a range of clients including Women’s Sport Trust and ASICS as well as freelancing with different PR agencies on projects including Women's Ashes and Women's Rugby World Cup 2021. Nicola is a mum of two boys, the youngest of whom has a diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. In her spare time, Nicola set up and runs a women’s football team which won the inaugural season of the Surrey FA Women's Flexi-League in 2022/2023. Connect with Nicola:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-mckelvey/Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

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• Ep 22: The Many Faces of ADHD Series: Building Inclusive Work Environments with Thomas Woodhams

  What does living and working with ADHD truly look like? We are launching our “Many Faces of ADHD” series for ADHD Awareness Month. This week, co-hosts Diane and Rebecca chat with Thomas Woodhams: tech recruiter, host of the Be You. podcast, LinkedIn Top Voice, and passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community.Thomas shares his candid story of adult diagnosis, challenging misconceptions about ADHD, navigating employment hurdles, and the power of self-awareness. Our conversation explores how workplaces can create genuinely safer, more inclusive spaces for neurodivergent colleagues not by ticking boxes, but by starting with empathy, curiosity, and small, practical changes.Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the “Many Faces of ADHD” series05:24 Self-awareness and diagnosis can clarify unmanageable life issues07:52 Embrace your ADHD diagnosis and get comfortable with it11:43 Identify neurodivergent colleagues and address challenges collaboratively14:17 Supporting neurodivergent staff benefits everyone19:27 Start with self-improvement; clarify points discreetly without revealing neurodivergence20:00 AI note takers in meetings are game changers for neurodivergent staff26:10 Be honest in staff surveys and exit meetings to drive positive change27:10 ADHD friendly workplaces benefit everyone.About Thomas Woodhams.Thomas Woodhams is the owner and co-host of the Be.You Podcast Show, a platform built to share honest stories around careers, mental health, and neurodiversity. Working in Talent Acquisition for Sony Sports Businesses, and diagnosed as neurodivergent (ADHD) six and a half years ago, he uses his own journey to help others feel seen and supported. Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Thomas has grown a community by speaking openly, with humour and heart, about the challenges and wins that come with both work and life. Connect with Thomas:Website: https://careers.hawkeyeinnovations.com/LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/thomas-woodhamsBe You. Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ha3ffq8zgxWyRSSGIrZd0Connect with us at Headflex:Email: [email protected]: www.headflex.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1Produced by Winter Audio

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