Making Sense of Work with Jean Balfour

Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching countless individuals on their journey to success, and I've witnessed some incredible transformations. Whether you're eyeing that next big promotion or simply want to level up your career game, here are 5 tips you should consider applying in your role today. Podcast recommendations Ep. #8 Nine Ways to be Politically Savvy at Work Ep. #40 The Gift of Feedback - Even if it Hurts! Ep. #54 Building a Growth Mindset Ep. #63 Making a Bold Career Move with Vanessa Teo Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jean.balfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

After 30 years of consulting to organisations, developing leaders and coaching - there are a few core beliefs Jean has come to believe about what makes for a happy and successful working life.In this episode she introduces her top 11 ways to think about work to create a fulfilling work life. You can contact Jean via LinkedIn to share the beliefs you hold about how to be happy and successful at work. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

There is so much talk about how we should be authentic at work at the moment. But what if we don’t want to be? And what if being authentic is not the right thing to do? Jean Balfour shares in this podcast how it is important to ‘bring ourselves to work’ - however, sometimes it may be better for us to not share all, to be less vulnerable and to manage our authenticity to match our context. Listen in to learn more about this and how to be contextually authentic. Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

What contributes to workplace happiness? How does compassionate leadership enhance team communication and clarity? How can team members proactively give feedback and uphold accountability for our growth and commitments? Tune in to our episode of "Making Sense of Work" featuring Helen Sanderson, a renowned consultant and coach in well-being and self-management as she discusses various approaches leaders can engage to cultivate both high performance and compassionate teams. Meet Helen Sanderson Helen is a sought after consultant and coach. She is an AltMBA alumni and coached on the programme in 2016 and 2017 with Seth Godin. Helen is also a Certified Brene Brown Dare to Lead™ Facilitator. Helen explores self-management in health and car through her practice 'Helen Sanderson Associates' and 'Wellbeing Teams' in the UK. 'Wellbeing Teams' were small, neighbourhood, self-managed teams inspired by Buurtzorg and were the first self-managed teams in social care to be recognised by the Care Quality Commission in the UK and were rated Outstanding in their first inspection in 2019. They were a provider for four years and now support others to learn the practices that they were using in 'Wellbeing Teams.' Connect with Helen on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Each of us is on our path to achieving whatever we want to achieve, Inherently, we yearn for someone who holds unwavering belief in our capabilities. And employees can easily sense if their leader is invested in them. People want to be in a place where their leader believes that they can change, that they can evolve, and that they can grow. Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Impact of Leaders Who Coach" featuring the insights of executive coach Amit Ghosh. Discover the essence of being a coaching-oriented leader and the impact this has on the performance and culture of an organisation. Meet Amit Ghosh Amit is an executive coach and advisor. He works with senior corporate leaders, and founders / CxOs in tech industry. He has 20+ yrs of experience spanning P&L management, strategy, business operations, and business development. Most recently, he was Chief Information & Services Officer for R3, a blockchain software unicorn, and a Board Director at two early-stage technology companies. He is passionate about talent development and believes everyone can transform when they decide to. Book recommendation: The School of Life: An Emotional Education Connect with Amit on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Ever found yourself being unkind to yourself because of perfectionism? The endless self-criticism and worry and overthinking, tied to perfectionism only waste our precious time and energy. And may stop us from brining our best at work. In this episode, Jean Balfour will be revealing some effective strategies we can embrace to conquer this destructive perfectionistic mindset. Book recommendation: The Gifts Of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Do you dream of pursuing a completely different career path but fear of taking the leap? Join us this week on "Making Sense of Work" as we sit down with Vanessa Teo, Director of Strategy Planning (Commercial) at AbbVie. Vanessa's journey is a tale of bold career moves, as she transitioned from HR to the commercial side of the industry. Discover how Vanessa's unique perspective on "stretch seasons" played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with valuable lessons for anyone considering a daring career change. Meet Vanessa Teo Vanessa is a strategic business focused HR leader. She’s passionate about helping organizations make human capital a competitive advantage through developing people to their highest potential. Vanessa has over 20 years of experience spanning the HR and Commercial functions. At AbbVie, Vanessa currently leads Strategy Planning for the Medical Aesthetics function. Since joining AbbVie in 2019, she has held various roles in HR including Director, Talent Management (Intercontinental), Director, Talent Management and Development (JAPAC) and Talent Acquisition (Japan), and HR Director for Singapore (JAPAC HQ and site operations). Vanessa holds an Executive Masters in Change (Organizational Psychology) from INSEAD, and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington. Book recommendation: The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business Working Identity - Herminia IbarraConnect with Vanessa on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Are you a people pleaser? Many people feel that they are better off keeping others happy - but it can have an impact on us in the long run. People pleasers bring big strengths to work - often being people who can bring harmony to situations and being a great team player. But this can often happen at their own expense. In this podcast Jean defines how she sees people pleasing and offers practical strategies for how to become more effective. (listen out for the thunder in the background!) Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

What part of work gives you the most energy and zest for life? From meaningful connections, mentoring students, and the thrill of tackling challenging projects, explore the diverse dimensions of work that fill you with boundless energy. In this episode of Making Sense of Work, be inspired by Ronald Tay, Talent & Diversity Leader and adjunct lecturer at Singapore Management University as he explores the driving force behind passion, enthusiasm, and value found in balancing two career paths. Meet Ronald Tay Ronald is passionate about developing mindsets and skillsets both in the professional field where he until recently served as Head of Leadership at Meta, as well as an educator where he has dedicated over a decade as an adjunct lecturer at Singapore Management University. Ronald’s 20+years of experience in learning and development, leadership and talent management spans across consulting, consumer/retail, financial as well as tech industries. His work has garnered industry recognition awards as well as regular speaking opportunities in conferences. He is a published author of two books "Career Conversations" and "Leadership Conversations" which explore the successes, learning and advice from notable leaders across key diverse industries. Beyond his work life, he derives great value interacting with the Gen-Zs as adjunct professor at the Singapore Management University and is an active career coach/mentor Connect with Ronald on LinkedIn. Book recommendation: The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools: https://www.amazon.sg/Multiplier-Effect-Tapping-Genius-Schools/dp/1452271895 Video recommendation: Liz Wiseman: Diminisher vs. Multiplier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxLlgBATjpI Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn Connect with Jean on Instagram @jeanbalfour Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

It can be really hard to do today the things that will help us to create our Future Self. In this episode Jean shares recent insights she's had into how we can create our Future Selves and Follow our Bliss today - making it more likely that we will achieve our goals and dreams of the future. Jean Balfour IG: @jean.balfour LI: @jeanbalfour Your Future Self - Hal Hershfield - https://www.halhershfield.com/yourfutureself Future Me - https://www.futureme.org/ Atomic Habits - James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

There are currently five generations in the workplace. How do we make it work? How can we tune into the issues facing organisations and work effectively together? In our latest episode of Making Sense of Work, join Vivek Iyyani, a renowned Millennial Specialist and Keynote Speaker at Millennial Minds as he sheds light on how leaders can harmonise the five diverse generations in today's workplace and unlock the key to effective collaboration. Meet Vivek Iyyani VIVEK IYYANI is a Millennial Specialist and Keynote Speaker at Millennial Minds. He is the Author of the books Empowering Millennials, Engaging Millennials, and The Millennial Leader. He is a regular speaker on inter-generational working and has spoken in organisations like PayPal, Oracle, Brunei Government, www.booking [dot] com, Singapore General Hospital, Johnson and Johnson, DELTA Airlines, and many more. Vivek is known in his industry to speak around the globe at conferences on how to engage Millennials to help them reach their peak potential. He has been featured by the National Population and Talent Division in Singapore under the Prime Minister’s Office to feature in a video of #MySingaporeStory. He has appeared on CNBC, Channel NewsAsia as a guest on the Millennial/Gen Z topic. During the pandemic, he signed a 3-book deal with Penguin Random House, launched two books so far, and is launching his third book this year. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097Q15BRF?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_3KY3G4ZY6FEEM1PJK710https://www.amazon.com/dp/9814914134?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y678MM7JX26BKYBV7V8P Connect with Vivek: linkedin.com/in/millennialexpertasia Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Book and podcast recommendations: Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection: https://amzn.asia/d/fPZgyHH Deep Questions with Cal Newport: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-questions-with-cal-newport/id1515786216 Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

To truly change the culture at a workplace, we must embark on an inner journey of self-transformation, and mindfulness. As the saying goes, "If you want to change the world, first change yourself." But how can we cultivate self-kindness, self-compassion, and self-empathetic awareness so that these qualities can radiate toward others? In order for empathy to flow from the top down, it is crucial to equip leaders with the tools of mindfulness and self-awareness. By guiding leaders to understand the depths of their own hearts, they can effectively embody the qualities they wish to see in others. Join Helen Williams, mindfulness coach, Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year, and 50 Most Inspirational Women of the UAE as she shares the power of cultivating mindfulness and presence from within. Jean and Helen discuss: Meet Helen Williams Helen Williams is a New Zealander with a lifetime’s experience in personal and self-development, spiritual direction and in training people from all walks of life in her chosen field of Mindfulness and Meditation. Helen was awarded Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year for her visionary work in the field of personal development in 2014 and in 2017 was honoured as one of the 50 Most Inspirational Women of the UAE by Stylist Arabia as well as one of Arabian Business’s 100 Most Influential People in Dubai. Book recommendation: A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose : https://www.amazon.sg/New-Earth-Awakening-Lifes-Purpose/dp/0452289963 The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself: https://www.amazon.sg/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 Connect with Helen Williams here: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsmindfulme/?hl=en Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Don't miss the newest episode of Making Sense of Work, featuring Lipika Subbiah, Global Coaching Enablement Lead at LinkedIn's Center of Excellence and a certified ICF coach. She provides valuable insights into the transformative effects of building a coaching culture from the ground up. Jean and Lipika discuss: Meet Lipika Subbiah Lipika Subbiah is a Global Coaching Enablement Lead at the Center of Excellence at LinkedIn. She has spent over 18 years in sales in different roles and sectors including 4 years in sales enablement. She is an ICF-certified coach and a PROSCI-certified change practitioner. Lipika has lived and worked in Asia, Europe, and North America, and is now based out Singapore where she lives with her husband, two teenage children, and dog. When she’s not at work, she’s out in nature, hiking, or with her nose in a book. Book recommendation: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle: https://www.amazon.sg/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/1984818325 Connect with Lipika Subbiah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lipikasubbiah/ Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Have you ever struggled with your emotions at work? In our uber analytical organisations welcoming emotions can feel very risky. The challenge is that for all of us emotions are a normal part of our lived experience - including our working experience. In this episode Jean provides perspectives on how to welcome our emotions and see them as a valuable tool. Susan David - https://www.susandavid.com/ Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/ Feelings Wheel - https://feelingswheel.com/ Amanda Blake - Your Body is your Brain - https://embright.org/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

We have a unique opportunity to coach and mentor our children toward success, happiness, and personal growth. Tune in to the latest episode of Making Sense of Work as Chris Avis, Educational Psychologist and Faculty member of Bailey Balfour delve into techniques, and insights that can empower you to become an effective parental coach. Meet Chris Avis Chris studied psychology at Bristol University and decided during this course to train as an educational psychologist (EP). Over the last 35 years she has worked as an EP in 6 different local authorities and have held a number of management roles. Chris trains as a coach with Coaching Development in 2009 as this approach fitted with the way in which she likes to work with people and help them to develop themselves. Book recommendation: The Art of Coaching: A Handbook of Tips and Tools: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Coaching-Jenny-Bird/dp/113889186X Connect with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-avis-386760b/ Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

What is your approach to learning something new? Are you able to adopt a growth mindset and approach it with excitement and opportunity? Or do you see it as a challenge which feels too difficult? In the latest episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean shares the idea behind a Growth Mindset and how to build one. Book recommendation: Mindset - Carol Dweck https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck-ebook/dp/B000FCKPHG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684721638&sr=8-1 Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

How do we navigate change in a way that's good for people? Tune in to the latest episode of Making Sense of Work as Uen-Li, Downstream Chief of Staff at Shell, reveals creative approaches for coping with uncertainty within large organisations. Jean and Uen-Li discuss: Meet Uen-Li Uen-Li, currently Head, Downstream Ultimate Potential and Business Advisor to Downstream Director, is a Downstream veteran, having worked across functions such as Operations, Pricing, Sales, Strategy, M&A, Procurement and Supply Chain within the Fuels and Lubricants businesses in Shell since 2002. She thrives in making sense of a messy world and is now hard at work driving Shell’s Downstream Business to achieve its Ultimate Potential. It is an exciting transformation journey that requires us to know our North Star whilst steadily closing our knowing-doing gap, using digital, data and leadership discipline. Externally, she is a faculty associated with LinHart Group for the Leadership Influence curriculum at NUS Business School and Nanyang Technological University, and the Leadership Influence for Early Executives program. Most recently she is Senior Advisor to NUS Business School’s Enterprise Leadership for Transformation program, coaching and mentoring a group of Small and Medium Enterprises on their growth and reinvention plans. Book recommendation: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling: https://www.amazon.com/Storyworthy-Engage-Persuade-through-Storytelling/dp/1608685489 linkedin.com/in/uen-li-chia-59a254Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Have you noticed yourself feeling a bit afraid recently or perhaps worrying more or generally being really affected by the doom and gloom news that we are surrounded by in our media? In this episode of making sense of work, Jean shares ideas for how we can overcome the paralysis that fear brings and move towards courage and calm. You can find the 4-fold breathing meditation with Danielle Van de Velde here: https://insig.ht/axVvl4l6xzb Connect with Jean Balfour here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

How well do you perform under pressure? Join Mylène Baxter, executive coach and equestrian psychologist in this latest episode of Making Sense of Work. She shares psychological commonalities between competitive horseback riding and leadership in the workplace and also the factors that affect one’s confidence, motivation, and capacity to perform effectively when confronted with pressure. Jean and Mylène discuss: Meet Mylène Baxter Mylène Baxter is an executive coach, talent and Leadership Consultant and Equestrian Psychologist–as well as being of the faculty member of Bailey Balfour. Previously, she was the Director of Talent Development and Communications reporting to the CEO, and with 25 years experience working at a senior level in global commercial organisations. Mylène Baxter understands the challenges faced by leaders and senior teams. Her interest is in helping leaders change their own beliefs and behaviours to influence change in their teams and the wider organisation. Mylene’s coaching philosophy is that everyone is resourceful and has the answers within themselves–these answers may not be clear at first, but with help and a desire to change, they soon emerge. Book recommendation: Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Compassion-Proven-Power-Being-Yourself/dp/0061733520 : https://www.linkedin.com/in/myl%C3%A8ne-baxter-162301a/ https://www.mylenebaxter.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

You are not alone if you are struggling with workplace-related anxiety and stress. In this episode, Nick Jonsson, author of "Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways To Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression," discusses the widespread issue of workplace-driven anxiety and stress. He shares his personal experience with anxiety and addiction and advocates for health strategies to alleviate these challenges, which can affect individuals at any level from junior staff to senior leaders. Jean and Nick discuss: Meet Nick Nick is the co-founder and Managing Director of one of Asia’s premiere networking organizations, Executives’ Global Network (EGN) Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia — EGN is a caring peer group network providing hundreds of executives and business owners a safe haven to share their challenges, receive support, and learn from each other. Nick is enthusiastic about supporting his local community. He is a volunteer and fundraiser for the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), a suicide hotline in Singapore. He also does frequent community service for a support group for problem drinkers. Now in recovery himself in his third year, he is also an International Coaching Federation (ICF) coach, who loves to work with executives to help them with their career and lifestyle choices. Book recommendation: Digital Darwinism: Survival of the Fittest in the Age of Business Disruption: Link: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Darwinism-Survival-Business-Disruption/dp/0749482281 : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson/ https://egnpeernetwork.com/Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Loneliness-Overcoming-Isolation-Depression/dp/1646335880https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/https://www.instagram.com/jean.balfour/Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming programmes: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/