Your Time With James Sweetman

Episode 35 My favourite books of the year

I’m a great lover of books and I read a lot.

In this week’s episode, I take you through the 30 plus books I’ve read and enjoyed this year. The novels, biographies, business and personal development books.

If you are seeking a good book to get stuck into this Christmas or some ideas for gifts, this is the episode for you.

Episode 34 Giving Thanks

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, a holiday I wish we celebrated in this part of the world (and not just as the eve of ‘Black Friday!)

Being thankful enriches our lives. Gratitude is also the difference between fulfilment and achievement.

In this week’s episode, I share 6 insights on gratitude, 6 practices to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude.”

 

Episode 33 Breaking down barriers

This month marks the 30^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Pondering this historic event I was struck by parallels with our own lives.

In this week’s episode I pose questions such as - where have we put up barriers? Equally, if we are facing difficult circumstances and are struggling to see how things can change, there is comfort in knowing that seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome in ways we cannot predict.

Episode 32 The Ultimate Teacher

My family had a bereavement earlier this year and the passing of a loved always reminds us of how precious life is.

At funerals we will hear phrases such as ‘life is too short,’ ‘it puts things in perspective,’ and ‘it reminds you of what’s really important.’

The ‘it’ of course being death.

In this week’s episode, I share my thoughts as to how death is perhaps the ultimate teacher. What I thought might be a solemn topic actually turned out to be insightful even inspirational.

Episode 31 Your Hour to Empower

How can you act on what matters most and not be at the mercy of what matters least?

What is the antidote to putting things on the long finger?

These are the two questions driving this week’s episode. I’ll be sharing tips and insights on the ‘3Ps’ – Priorities, Productivity and Proactivity and how to harness them into your ‘hour to empower.’

Episode 30 What it takes to be a modern leader

Modern leadership is all about authenticity.

The focus is on empowering others rather than wielding power. The days of tolerating secrecy, lack of integrity and the concentration of power via old command and control styles of leadership are coming to an end.

In this week’s episode, I share 10 distinctions of effective modern leadership, as well as the key question, that when asked and answered, goes to the heart of what modern leadership is all about.

Episode 29 Connecting with your Inner Wisdom

One of my favourite ways of giving my rational, logical, organising mind some time off is with meditation, particularly guided meditations and visualisations.

At a minimum it is relaxing, but it is usually insightful too. So this week, I’ll take you through a led meditation to help you connect with our Inner Wisdom and to harness the power of your unconscious mind.

Episode 28 Creating your Personal Brand

What’s the experience you want other people to have when they interact with you?

That is the question at the heart of personal branding. In this week’s episode, we explore the concept of personal branding, why it’s important, the factors that influence your personal brand and the steps you can take to create your personal brand.

Episode 27 My Morning Routine

Over the years I’ve fine-tuned a morning routine that is the foundation of my work-life blend and well-being practice.

It sets me up for the day. In this week’s episode, I share the main elements of my morning ritual which will hopefully encourage you to think about how you could start your day.

Episode 26 Moving beyond your Comfort Zone

As humans, we love our comfort zones, those spaces where we feel secure and in control.

But equally, we are hot-wired to grow and evolve which means expanding beyond the confines of our comfort zones.

In this week’s episode, I’ll explore why the emotions of worry and self-consciousness that patrol the border of our comfort zones are also signposts for personal growth and expansion.