Your Time With James Sweetman

Episode 135 The many faces of modern leadership

This week I’m revisiting the broad topic of leadership focussing in particular on the qualities and mindset a modern leader must possess to be effective in their role. As I often say, today’s leaders have to be equal parts accountant, visionary, counsellor and coach, so how do we balance these seemingly diverse roles? I look at how to navigate the path between the rational mind and empathetic heart, the hard realities of the balance sheet and people engagement. In these days of authentic leadership and where we wish to bring our whole or best selves to work, I also look at how effective leadership also means coaching others around what aspects of their best self is best left at home.

Episode 134 Do you have a book in you?

Most people say they have a book in them, or that they’d love to write a book. With my sixth book Word to Inspire out soon, this week I’m sharing my experiences on what it takes to write a book.

One of the biggest hurdles all writers and creatives face is dealing with resistance, those limiting beliefs usually wrapped around our perceived lack of worthiness. Wearing my coaching hat, I also explore ways of managing this.

If your ambition is to write a book, or even to get more proficient at writing articles or blogs, this episode, with tips on ways to access your creativity and how to get out of your own way, as well as plenty of practical writing tips is especially for you.

Episode 133 Nothing to fear but fear itself

“Nothing to fear but fear itself.” Those famous words spoken by President Roosevelt are the inspiration for this week’s episode. Watching the news it’s easy to believe that we have more to fear today than ever before. In our own lives, many of our decisions and behaviours are motivated by fear - the fear of not being good enough, or the fear of letting others down. This week, I’ll take you through some of the less obvious ways fear influences our thoughts and actions. We’ll also look at how our minds and bodies react when we feel under threat and of course I share practical tips and strategies we can apply when fears comes knocking on the doors of our minds and knots our stomach.

Episode 132 In conversation with Susan Maxwell

This week I’m joined by Susan Maxwell. Susan is a great example of someone who is managing a portfolio career, combining her interests in different areas from the travel industry, to well-being and even writing. In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, like many people and businesses, she had to instigate change and just over a year ago she launched her latest business venture, The Ruby Sue Collection. We had a great chat discussing risk-taking, entrepreneurship, her business and sources of inspiration.

Episode 131 ’Making a Difference’ interviewed by Michael Daly

The tables are turned this week as I'm sharing an interview recently broadcast on Phoenix FM. I sat down with host Michael Daly on his weekly radio programme 'Making a Difference.' He asked me about the people who have influenced me, my career journey and the source of my motivations. It was a deeply personal and meaningful conversation as I speak too about my late Dad, whose anniversary it happens to be this week. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. 

Episode 130 - ’Dare to be a Revolutionary Leader’ with Charley Swords

This week I’m joined by Charley Swords, leadership consultant, trainer and mentor to discuss her book ‘Dare to be a Revolutionary Leader.’ Charley’s book is the most comprehensive guide to modern leadership I’ve read in ages and I was delighted to delve into many of the themes she expounds, from starting with self-leadership to emphasising why ‘people are the solution.’ I also ask Charley for her views on leadership capability and the essential skills leaders require today, whether we are a constituency of one, or managing a large organisation. I loved our conversation, learned loads and I think you will too. For more on Charley visit www.charleyswords.com 

Episode 129 The Big Why

This week I’m asking some ‘Big Why’ questions. So often we are focused on what we do and how we do it and the ‘why’ is easily forgotten. In this episode, I’m turning the dial from productivity to purpose. If you’ve every contemplated the 'big why' questions, such as 'why do I do what I do?', or 'why am I here?', then this is an episode for you. I also speak about why the adage of following your bliss is not always helpful especially when the idea of bliss is a foreign concept.

Episode 128 What I learned from taking a sabbatical

I’m kicking off this new series with my reflections on having taken a ‘practical sabbatical’ over the last few months. I speak about how imposter syndrome and other limiting assumptions surfaced when I was not distracted by the busyness of work. How I went back to basics, delved into my motivations and even sought ways to fall in love with my business again. As well as a time of renewal, it was also a reunion, a time to reconnect with parts of myself that I’d discarded or forgotten. I also share some exciting news, something I couldn’t have predicted when taking a ‘timeout.’

Episode 127 Why I’m pressing pause

This week I’m sharing how after a few weeks of contemplation, I’m pressing pause on several aspects of my business including my weekly podcast. I’ve had to put my hand up and concede that I need a rest.

In this very personal episode, my final one before I take what I’m calling a practical sabbatical, I share the question that prompted this reassessment. We’ve all been through so much and sometimes a pause is needed, not just to reassess direction, but to take a breath to rebalance and resource ourselves.

If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or know some change is trying to take place in your life or work, know you are not alone. I’m walking the path too.

Episode 126 What are you investing in?

What are you investing in? We don’t just invest money, we invest our time and energy too. This week I look at 6 different aspects of life including physical and mental health, relationships, career, and future security, and ask how am I investing my time, energy, and resources.

I focus on the idea of investing in our dreams and look at the challenges we have to navigate, especially the voice of the inner saboteur. I also recount a story about how I invested in my dream of running my own business and the unexpected dividends I reaped when I committed to taking action.