On average someone is diagnosed with cancer at least every 90 seconds in the UK. That's a hard-hitting statistic.

What is also alarming is a finding by a Cancer@Work study that found 50% of people undergoing cancer treatment are too scared to tell their bosses they have cancer. Fear gets in the way.

When you add to that the discomfort many line managers have about talking to employees about their cancer, we realise we have a BIG problem. But it shouldn't be.

Like everything I talk about when advocating for a work culture where employees are able to show up with authenticity and experience what they need to feel and perform well... it's about simply being human.

That does not require managers or colleagues to be subject experts. But it does require genuine care and curiosity. After all, cancer, like most things in life, is a unique experience, so it's about getting to know the individual's reality by asking.

This podcast conversation with the brilliant Sharron Moffatt helps us understand what to say and do, what to avoid, and the very real difference that can make.

Why? Because with stats like that above, cancer is definitely not a niche - you need to know your part.

It will affect your workforce.

It will affect your reputation.

Sharron specialises in mental health and has lived experience of cancer. She is incredibly good at communicating what you need to know, usually with a sprinkling of her awesome energy and humour that makes her super easy to engage with. I can't recommend her highly enough if you're looking for workshops and support.

Sharron Moffatt, a Mental Health Trainer, Cancer Awareness Ambassador and Speaker brings 30 years of global experience in health and wellbeing, and her approach is as inspiring as it is relatable.

Mental health and cancer can be challenging subjects, but Sharron has a unique way of breaking down barriers and making these conversations feel relatable, approachable, and empowering. Drawing on her professional expertise and a side of hard-earned wisdom, she’s passionate about sparking real, meaningful change—both in the workplace and in the lives of everyone she touches.

LinkedIn: Sharron Moffatt

Instagram: @50_bald_and_boobless

Website: sharronmoffatt.co.uk

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

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Managing Cancer in the Workplace (www.macmillan.org.uk)

How to Create a Cancer Aware Workplace Culture (cancersupportuk.org)

www.worldcancerday.org

Ever wondered how playfulness and authentic communication could revolutionise workplace culture and accelerate outstanding leadership? In this episode I joined Chris Marshall, Behavioural Scientist and Founder of The Playfulness Institute, as a guest on his 'The Being Playful Podcast'.

We talked about how creating the right environment enables both people and businesses to flourish. I shared my perspective on workplace dynamics, revealing how understanding and responding to human needs creates environments where creativity, innovation, and authentic connection can thrive. I explain how focusing on the human side of business leads to better performance and engagement.

The conversation explores the deep connection between environment, emotional awareness, and performance, with key insights including:

• The distinction between controlling performance and creating conditions for excellence
• How acknowledging emotions can transform team dynamics
• The importance of leaders modelling authentic behaviour
• Why collective intelligence trumps individual brilliance
• The power of understanding and working with our natural stress responses

We deep dive into:

• How creating psychologically safe environments enables peak performance
• Why pausing and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership
• The importance of normalising emotional responses in professional settings
• How playfulness naturally emerges when stress levels decrease
• The role of curiosity in fostering innovation and connection

The discussion takes fascinating turns into how both playfulness and emotional awareness can help manage uncertainty, encourage authentic expression, and create environments where innovation flourishes. This leads to more effective leadership and deeper workplace relationships.

Chris Marshall is a Behavioural Scientist, Futurist and Psychologist and the founder of The Playfulness Institute, a not-for-profit organisation that helps organisations, teams and leaders cultivate places where humans can thrive through playfulness.

LinkedIn:

Chris Marshall

The Playfulness Institute

Website: www.playfulnessinstitute.org

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Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Being Playful Podcast (Spotify)

The Being Playful Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

Playful Insights - Playfulness Institute Blog

Three Pillar Playfulness Scale...

This is a first! Recording in front of a live audience at Google HQ for part of the fantastic Alliance of Independent Agencies' Festival of Happiness was exciting if not slightly daunting. But my guest, Jaye Cowle of award-winning company Launch, was an absolute delight to talk with.

Why listen? You get to hear about why Launch won the 'Independent Agency Purpose Award' recently. And that's not something to be sniffed at.

Spoiler alert... it was about creating a happy performance agency, having a clear purpose, and setting out to measure the impact that work on culture has on performance.

Jaye shares how she went about leading that, what she learnt, and how she overcame some of the pitfalls along the way. She provides sound advice for other business leaders who are thinking of embarking on a similar journey to become industry leaders in the future.

Jaye Cowle is the CEO & Founder of Launch, the happy performance agency. From kitchen table to £3m+, she has scaled Launch without investment and has set targets to double revenue in the next two years. Her ethos is happy people do great work. Jaye has created a high performing team at Launch by being a champion for both employee well-being and professional growth. Jaye speaks widely about leadership, team motivation, and building a thriving agency culture powered by happiness. Her infectious positivity and commitment to excellence makes her standout in the industry and a role model for female entrepreneurs. Under her guidance, Launch has become a trusted partner for brands looking to drive growth through their digital advertising and connect meaningfully with their potential customers. She sits on the Google Exec Circle as the only sole female founder.

LinkedIn:

Jaye Cowle

Launch

Website: www.launchonline.co.uk

For leaders and managers looking to develop their practice within their individual context, Labs are a brilliant opportunity to learn, experiment and evaluate, focused on the specific challenges you face. Find out more: Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Festival of Happiness 2024: Main stage panel session: ‘How Happy People Drive Performance'

People First for Business Success (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Psychological Safety (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - Daniel H. Pink (amazon.co.uk)

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For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving...