Emotional Resilience
“ You can’t pour from an empty cup”
This has been one of my mantras for years and to this day it is such an important message. No one – no matter how talented or capable – can keep giving to everyone and everything else without giving something back to themselves – replenishment is key otherwise we are like cars without diesel – we stop working.
Thankfully wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important subject not least of which because of the Global pandemic we have all been navigating. Sadly, however, our wellbeing was already being challenged by complex lives, workplace stress, long hours, caring responsibilities at both ends of the life cycle to name but a few.
Good wellbeing takes focus and care. Sometimes the hardest step to take is learning to be kind and compassionate to ourselves. To listen to our emotions and our bodies (which always tell us when we don’t listen) and put things in place to help us maintain a good equilibrium. Life is about thriving not just surviving.
I have been running workshops and 121’s for major corporates, the NHS and charities for some time now and focus on Stress, Resilience, Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health. In our groups we work together to create an environment where firstly, it is safe to talk and explore. Secondly, where we look at our triggers or overloads and identify strategies/support that can be put in place to change the dynamic of overwhelm, exhaustion, burn out or general fatigue.
I also work in collaboration with one of the best providers of wellbeing support in the UK to be able to provide comprehensive guidance on sleep, nutrition, massage (including on site) and reiki ( of which I am a practitioner also). It means that clients have access to a totally holistic approach to their wellbeing support.
“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally”
Kabat Zin
Mindfulness
Mindfulness was instrumental for me in changing from the classic mouse on the treadmill to a calmer, more present coach who was able to work through issues rationally and compassionately for me and my clients. I still recommend it’s use because it isn’t just about mediation – we can all finds things in our life to use as our flow activities to thrive. To slow our breathing and clear our heads before making huge decisions.
I have run various course in mindfulness and the results remain the same – the clients become calmer, more relaxed, replenished, healthier ad more able to accept what they can control and what they can’t.
As Jon Kabat Zin said – Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.
There is now so much evidence that confirms how quickly mindfulness can change your wellbeing. Especially for stress relief, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and skin conditions.
What My Clients Say About Me
Helen has guided me through a time of redundancy, she has enabled me to understand my worth in the job market and has used her vast experiences in the field of HR to help explore the right roles for me. She is simply lovely to talk with, Helen is warm and wise. A credit to her profession and her clients.
Pete CookDynamic L&D professional enabling organisations to flourish
I had a number of sessions with Helen over several months following a career change. I found Helen’s approach and style very supportive. She offered constructive challenge at appropriate times and the discussions were always informative, engaging and stimulating. The sessions covered a mixture of topics and the free flowing nature did not limit the breadth of the discussion as many aspects of life are intertwined. I enjoyed the dialogue with Helen and found the experience of great benefit.
Cameron WardManagement Consultant
I had the pleasure of working with Helen when she was the HR Director of Global Research at ABN AMRO. She was one of the most professional HR advisor that I have worked with and always showed respect to all of her HR colleagues as well her clients within the Business. Helen was always aware that individuals alone did not make a successful HR department and that it was a team effort with everyone playing their part. Helen always made time to provide advice and council even when she herself was under considerable pressure (Bonus and Salary review spring to mind!).
Her warm and generous personality made her a very approachable HR advisor and I am not surprised that she has branched out into the coaching and mentoring arena as this will suit her skills perfectly.
I have no hesitation in recommending Helen for any role she seeks as I know she will be committed and passionate in whatever she chooses to do
Marion JacksonPayroll Specialist at Seeking New Opportunity within HR Payroll
I have been incredibly impressed by Helen’s insight into me and the value she has added to me with senior management performance development. l have no hesitation in recommending Helen and her work.
Amyn FazalExperienced NED
Helen was part of the Global Equities HR team during a challenging time for the business. She was always very professional and focused on the identification of optimal solutions for both the business and individuals. Helen is personable and easy to work with. Even during the most difficult of times she manages to retain her sense of humor and lightness of touch. I would recommend Helen highly.
Liz AshfordHR Director at TSB Bank
Helen is an excellent and insightful life and career coach. She took just a few minutes to get to the reality of issues I was holding onto from a previous post. This allowed me to reflect and deal with these more quickly than I would have, alone.
Building on my strengths, she has helped me to focus on getting ready for the market again – lifting and maintaining my confidence. She is friendly, creates a ‘safe’ and confidential space in which to work and her extensive knowledge from an enviable career history allows her to be insightful and pose questions in a way which provoke deep reflection. She has a solid integrity and a natural sense of what is right which enables thought-provoking coaching – not ‘advice’; coaching with just a few well chosen and targeted questions to have you solving, for yourself, what needs to be considered.
I have really enjoyed working with Helen and would recommend her without hesitation. It wasn’t just business either; Helen is able to engage on a personal level and have a good laugh. I will stay in touch with Helen for sure. A charming confidante and consumate professional! Much respect and many thanks, Helen!
Andy ChiltonHelping Organisations free up operational capacity for improved productivity and transformation with unique digital solutions
I found Helen to be extremely professional & able to understand my situation very quickly.
She identified a number of points & provided clarification on certain issues which helped me greatly in prioritising actions to develop my business.
I have no hesitation in recommending Helen – she is very personable. A great person to work with.
David McCabeOwner/Director - Five Point Consulting Limited
I can not recommend Helen more highly I found her fantastic to work with. She really got me focused enabling me to perform to the best of my ability.
Gary Buxton
Intuitive and entrepreneurial Director of IT and operations within Financial Services. Expertise in relationship management, small companies, delivering complex and leading teams. Delivered agile and cloud solutions.
This is a talented lady! Helen has made huge impact with me during our work together. I have been fortunate, indeed, to find her and was immediately impressed by her high standards, yet down-to-earth approach. Helen has re-orientated me in my career and steered me to identifying choices, which has given me true focus and energy in tackling the challenges ahead She has a relaxed manner, combined with a substantial set of techniques, through which she uses her considerable expertise. It is a real pleasure to recommend her.
Philippa BogleEnterprise Adviser at The Careers and Enterprise Company