In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we welcome Dr. Laura Gabayan to discuss resilience through the lens of her Common Wisdom study. Inspired by her struggle with chronic Lyme disease and the lack of thinking outside the box during this time, Dr. Gabayan interviewed wise individuals to uncover the eight key elements of wisdom.

As we delve into the eight key elements of wisdom, Dr. Gabayan shares how resilience is not just about enduring hardship but about shifting perspective—from “Why me?” to “Why not me?”. Many of the wise individuals she interviewed in her study had faced significant life challenges but moved forward with a sense of peace and kindness toward themselves. She emphasises that kindness is a strength, humility is a skill, and living in faith over fear fosters resilience.

As the conversation continues, we discuss how leaders can cultivate wisdom by serving as role models, the importance of self-awareness in developing humility, and how younger generations can nurture wisdom in an era that often prioritises ego over growth.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we explore resilience through the lens of acceptance with guest Aaron Hill. Drawing from his military background, Aaron shares how resilience is not just about endurance but also about learning, self-awareness, and accepting where you are in life. Aaron discusses how a lack of awareness often holds people back from true acceptance and how shifting one’s perception of resilience can be transformative. Aaron highlights the daily habits that have helped him build resilience, including asking for help, understanding what works best for him, and maintaining the basics consistently. Reflecting on his own journey, Aaron emphasises the importance of questioning and self-exploration in developing awareness. His key advice? Go back to the basics. Take the time to understand what you need to care for yourself, how that impacts those around you, and embrace resilience as an ongoing journey of learning and growth.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by Brendon Prince as he shares his journey as the first person to stand-up paddleboard around mainland Britain, breaking five world records in the process. Driven by his mission to prevent accidental drownings, Brendon explains how this ambitious challenge was designed to raise awareness for water safety. Brendon opens up about the fears and mental strain of the journey, from navigating dangerous headlands to losing his paddle far from shore. Brendon reveals how preparation, positivity, and breaking the challenge into manageable mental steps helped him stay focused on his goal. He also reflects on the concept of resilience itself, arguing that good preparation minimises the need for it, while poor planning forces reliance on it. Finally, Brendon shares humbling moments, such as his “orca moment,” that cut through ego and offered a fresh perspective on life’s challenges. His story highlights the power of consistency, showing how even small, steady steps can lead to extraordinary achievements.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, I am joined by Sarah Katherine Schmidt as we explore the fascinating science of how our brains respond to change. Sarah dives into the psychology and neuroscience behind change management, offering actionable insights for leaders navigating transformation in their organisations. Sarah highlights the importance of self-awareness in leaders—understanding their own emotions and how they influence their response to change. Equally crucial is developing empathy for others, recognising the diverse ways team members process change. By fostering psychological safety, leaders can create a sense of inclusion and belonging, encouraging open conversations. The discussion unpacks strategies to elevate positive brain chemicals, like fostering excitement and championing change. Sarah also addresses the unique needs of those who feel more anxious about change, emphasising the need for structure, clear goals, and inclusive conversations to help them feel empowered and impactful.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we welcome former Xero CEO Steve Vamos to discuss how leaders can navigate change effectively. Steve delves into the difference between gradual shifts and sudden shocks, emphasising that leaders who are comfortable with change can respond to shocks with a more measured approach. He shares strategies for avoiding overwhelm during constant change, such as focusing on what’s important and managing energy wisely. Steve highlights the critical role of mindset, stressing the importance of caring, connecting, and enabling others through vulnerability-based trust and genuine respect. Drawing on his experiences, Steve discusses how prioritisation, clear communication, and empathy are key to keeping teams motivated and rebuilding confidence after difficult situations. Reflecting on his career, Steve shares the lessons he’s learned: success comes from prioritising people and embracing a learner’s mindset.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Dr. Alia Bojilova, a former special forces psychologist, shares her unique insights on resilience through the lens of psychology and her military background. Alia highlights the critical role of curiosity in building resilience, helping individuals move beyond the fight, flight, or freeze response and engage more deeply with their environment. Reflecting on her experience of being taken hostage in Syria, Alia explains how curiosity enabled her to understand her captors' intentions and communicate effectively. She also shares how small acts of positivity, like a glance or a smile, can serve as powerful survival mechanisms in the face of challenges. We explore how leaders can cultivate curiosity within teams by fostering awareness, encouraging questions, and creating collaborative environments. Drawing further on Alia’s military background, we discuss the key traits that make special forces personnel elite and resilient: Self-awareness, a deep sense of belonging, curiosity, and the ability to maintain "subjective equilibrium." Alia also offers practical tools for leaders and team members to develop and enhance these traits within themselves.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by Genevieve Hawkins as we explore the fascinating science behind effective leadership and emotional resilience.

We delve into the body’s natural responses—cortisol spikes and increased heart rates—when we receive feedback that feels critical. Genevieve explains how recognising these signals can help leaders pause, reflect, and choose to stay curious instead of defensive. She highlights the importance of oxytocin and serotonin, the "connection" and "happiness" chemicals, in creating a sense of belonging and stability at work. By fostering environments that reduce cortisol and boost these positive chemicals, leaders can help their teams, and themselves, feel safe and supported.

Genevieve also provides practical advice on enhancing our emotional regulation, from small acts of kindness that trigger serotonin boosts to preparing for difficult conversations by focusing on common interests and shared goals, ultimately deepening colleague connections. Her insights offer a powerful reminder that understanding the brain’s chemistry can be key to fostering healthier, more connected workplaces.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by James Marshall as we delve into the essential strategies and adaptations leaders need to build resilience in hybrid and remote teams. Drawing from his experiences, James shares key insights on the surprising shift leaders face when transitioning from in-office management to remote team leadership. He highlights the importance of fostering a collaborative environment, where team members are actively involved in shaping strategy and aligning with the business vision, even from afar. James emphasises the need for leaders to adopt a flexible mindset, focusing on the quality of work rather than quantity, and ensuring a strong framework for a culture of accountability and support is built. We discuss how to maintain mental well-being and productivity in fully remote teams and James advises regular check-ins and surveys, noting the particular challenges faced by more junior team members in remote setups. As the conversation unfolds, James explores whether a fully remote setup is sustainable for everyone and discusses the balance between remote work benefits and social drawbacks.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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