Your Time With James Sweetman

Episode 115 My conversation with Des Canning

This week I’m delighted to be joined by Des Canning, a counselor, and psychotherapist. I was a client of Des’s earlier this year and I’m a huge fan of his work.

In an open and frank conversation, we chat about how men can still be reluctant to discuss mental health and to reach out for assistance. I share some of the ways receiving counseling has benefited me. Des speaks about his journey from working in telecoms to following his passion and establishing his own counseling practice.

Other themes of our conversation include, how we can be our own worst enemies, acknowledging that we do our best, and seeing ourselves as others see us. Des also shares some beautiful and profound quotes that really spoke to me. An episode not to be missed. 

Episode 114 The Disciplines of High Performance

Inspired by all the great sport on TV, and with the Olympics just around the corner, this week I’m exploring the topic of high performance. What does it mean, how do we recognise it and how do we attain it.

I define high performance as achieving above and beyond expected results in a sustainable way over the long term. In this episode I’ll take you through what I refer to as the 7 disciples of high performance, including the mindset as well as the personal qualities that all high performers draw upon, irrespective of their field of endeavor.

Episode 113 Are you a corporate mystic?

Are you a corporate mystic? That’s the question I’m posing this week. The word mystic might conjure up a guru living in a cave, or even Yoda from Star Wars. For me, a corporate mystic is an enlightened leader, someone who is comfortable harnessing the wisdom of both head and heart and who inspires and is inspiring.

Integrity is a value espoused in every organisation, but integrity is not just the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, it’s also the state of being whole and undivided. So this week I’m exploring why companies need corporate mystics as well as the qualities of corporate mystics. Maybe you will recognise yourself in the description?

Episode 112 My conversation with Georgina Durcan

I’m joined this week by Georgina Durcan an Intuitive Therapist who is affectionately known as the ‘Soul Whisperer.’ In her work, Georgina points the way for her clients to come home to who they truly are. I so enjoyed our conversation and I think you will too. Georgina shared her story, how a breakdown led to a breakthrough, and to her own soul calling.

She also speaks about how she helps her clients connect with their internal guidance system, a practice that always leads to our highest good and greatest joy.

She tells us about her own self-care practice and the importance of carving moments of joy. She lets us in on the story behind her new Soul Side Up Mantra Card deck, a fantastic resource that I’ve been using every day. It was such an uplifting conversation. Find out more about Georgina and her work by visiting www.georginadurcan.com 

Episode 111 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome, that sense of not being good enough, feeling like a fraud, and having the fear of being found out, is the topic I’m delving into this week. If we are honest, it’s something we can all relate to.

I believe that imposter syndrome is part of our human make-up, it’s in our DNA, so we can’t remove it, but we can learn to diminish it, so it doesn’t prevent us from reaching for our potential and living the truest expression of ourselves.

So in this episode, as well as sharing tips and practices for overcoming imposter syndrome I’ll be exploring the underlining beliefs that fuel this habit of fear-based thinking. I’ll also speak about my experiences with imposter syndrome and what I do to combat it.

Episode 110 My conversation with Eileen Hopkins

This week I’m delighted to be joined by Eileen Hopkins an experienced Psychotherapist, Life, Career & Public Speaking Coach and Certified Trainer. Having worked in nursing and nurse management for many years, Eileen has a passion for emotional health, self-care, resilience, personal development, pain management, education, and empowering change.

I so enjoyed our wide-ranging conversation where we explored topics including fear of change, compassionate inquiry, our experiences of psychotherapy and having the courage to be vulnerable. As an award-winning toastmaster, Eileen also shared some tips for speaking in public.

Episode 109 Reflect, reminisce, refuel

As well as sharing what I hope is thought-provoking, maybe even inspiring content and conversations, a key intention with my podcast is to give you an opportunity to take some time out of your busy schedule and reconnect with yourself and your inner wisdom.

This week’s episode is based around 5 questions that encourage us to pause, connect with a sense of gratitude, and maybe even have a little trip down memory lane. If you journal, this week’s episode will have you reaching for your pen and notebook.

Episode 108 Redefining Work Life Balance

This week I’m exploring what work life balance means today. No longer do we have the physical environment as a distinguishing factor as technology means we can carry our work and networks around with us.

In metaphysics, balance is a point between opposing forces, but I don’t like the idea of work and life being in opposition. Equally, what’s the point in having work and personal life balanced, if you are not feeling fulfilled. For me, it’s simply about balance and overall quality of life.

It’s also about forging a path through competing tensions, the commitments you have to others, and the commitments you have to yourself and your family. As I explore what balance might look like, or more importantly, feel like, I also share tips and distinctions and as usual pose plenty of questions for you to reflect upon.

Episode 107 The test of a good people manager

Effective people managers know that they only achieve with and through their teams. They don’t view staff as tenants of roles, they view their teams as sets of diverse individuals, each with their own unique blend of motivations and skills.

So what’s the mindset and approach required to harness that potential? This week, I’m sharing 9 questions that I view as the test of a good people manager. I also explore reasons why some managers struggle in this area.

Episode 106 Boosting Self-Confidence

This week I’m exploring a topic that surfaces again and again with clients I work with and that’s self-confidence. It might be that you are seeking the confidence to make some career or life changes, or you’ve got an interview coming up and you don’t want to be consumed by nerves, or maybe at work, you want to feel more confident presenting or speaking up at meetings.

If we are honest, most of us would like to feel more confident in at least some situations, I know I would. Tune in to discover 15 practices that will boost your levels of self-confidence and find out more about my video masterclass on the topic.