What's the secret to unlocking team performance? In the final episode of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, season two, Neela and Emma bring together everything they've discussed this season to find out. Our expert guests have given us insight into the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome, unlocking the power of diversity, stepping up to a leadership role, and of course maintaining a growth mindset. Neela and Emma add to this their own insights from a combined 25+ years of coaching, to h...
Dec 20, 2021•17 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In today's business environment, adaptability is everything. That's why developing a growth mindset is key, both for the success of your business and for your professional development as an individual. On this episode of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, we're joined by Executive Coach Peter Fay, of Unlocked Potential, to discuss the growth mindset. What exactly is it? Why does it matter so much? And how can you make sure you and your team avoid slipping into a fixed mindset? Resources mentio...
Dec 06, 2021•20 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Stepping up to the board level can be a challenging transition. But it's also an amazing opportunity. In this week's episode, we explore some of the ways you can make your step up to the C-suite as smooth as possible. Joining us for the discussion is Wayne Bowers, Founder & CEO of Alpha Bagel Corp Ltd, and consultant to Asset Management, eSports and Tech sectors. From methods for staying confident and keeping a level head, to ways to approach issues of culture clash between established and e...
Nov 22, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, we explore the power of difference – or in other words, how diversity can lead to more productive, innovative teams. Joining us is Marie Gardner, Business Growth Trainer and Coach, an expert on workplace DE&I and founder of Red Thread Strategies . We've all come across people who think of 'diversity' as just another political correctness buzzword, an exercise in box ticking. But smart leaders know that it can really drive innovation. If...
Nov 08, 2021•19 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, we delve into the topic of empowerment. It may be a business buzzword right now, but what does empowerment actually mean in a team context? And why is it so important for leaders to get it right? Our wide-ranging discussion covers what empowerment looks like in the workplace, some common pitfalls, and insights into how the developing business environment is changing the qualities of a good manager. So, are you ready to meet the challenges o...
Oct 25, 2021•18 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to season two of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast! To start off the new season, we're diving into the topic of imposter syndrome, which comes up with many of our clients as they step up into management and leadership roles. Joining us is Ruth Cooper-Dickson, CEO of CHAMPS Consult , an expert in mental health and wellness in the workplace. There are so many misconceptions about imposter syndrome – for one thing, it's not actually a syndrome at all! We set the record straight on its rep...
Oct 11, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the final episode of the season, Neela and Emma wrap up their discussion of purpose by focusing on the team. Of course it's important for us as individuals to feel a sense of purpose in our life and work, but how does this apply to teams – or even whole companies? The conversation covers everything from mission statements to the workplace priorities of Millennials and Zoomers, with plenty of practical tips along the way. Join us in the autumn for season two of the Virtual Coach Advantage podc...
Jun 28, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In part one of a discussion on the importance of purpose, Neela and Emma explore why it matters for individuals. As a leader, why is it worth taking the time to discover your purpose in life? What benefits does it have in terms of happiness and resilience? And what if you feel like your purpose has changed? Finding your purpose doesn't have to mean changing the world. But it probably will mean changing your own world, so you live in a way which aligns with your values. Join the co-founders of da...
Jun 14, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode, Emma and Neela discuss a challenge all managers and leaders face: how to have difficult conversations. Though they may be tough, there's no need to fear these conversations if you prepare properly. And in fact, by creating the right conditions, you can turn them into positive opportunities for growth and connection. From the role of the amygdala to psychological safety, this wide-ranging discussion covers everything leaders and managers need to know before having a difficult con...
May 31, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Join Emma and Neela in this episode as they discuss how to lead and manage during challenging times. For many of us, our instinct is to hunker down and minimise risk during times of crisis. But the best and boldest leaders know how to face up to challenges, by building community support systems, sharing the right amount of information, and listening to a diverse range of ideas on how to move forward. Resources mentioned this episode: The Happiness Advantage , Shawn Achor Unbroken , Martine Wrigh...
May 17, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, Emma and Neela discuss the merits of IQ and EQ. They suggest that, while your intellect may drive the early stages of your career, as you step into leadership roles it's your emotional intelligence which you need to hone. Emotionally intelligent leaders listen to diverse voices, can empathise with others, and ultimately lead happier teams. So what are the first steps you can take to boost your own EQ? Resources mentioned this episode: Let's...
May 03, 2021•10 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This week on the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, Emma and Neela continue their discussion of Black Swan events. How do leaders make sure their teams and organisations can come survive these events – or even thrive in them? While the compulsion might be to act as the 'hero leader' in times of crisis, Emma and Neela argue that this approach isn't productive. Instead, the focus needs to be on preventing burnout, checking in, collaborating and fostering psychological safety. Resources mentioned thi...
Apr 19, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 4
This week on the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast, Emma and Neela discuss how we as individuals can look after ourselves during Black Swan events. As the COVID pandemic has upended all our lives, many leaders and managers have found themselves driven to work more and more to help their organisations and teams. But in this episode, Neela and Emma argue that you can only look after your team if you look after yourself first. Resources mentioned this episode: In Praise of Walking , Shane O'Mara Atom...
Apr 05, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Welcome to the first episode of the Virtual Coach Advantage podcast! This week, co-founders of the Springboard Future virtual coaching company Neela Bettridge and Emma Calvert discuss the importance of finding your Management Why. So what exactly is a Management Why? And why should every leader to define theirs? Join us every two weeks for bite-sized discussions of big topics in business and management. Find out more about us on springboardfuture.com , or on our Twitter and Linkedin pages. Episo...
Mar 22, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Meet Emma Calvert and Neela Bettridge, co-founders of coaching company Springboard Future. We passionately believe that coaching is the key to unlocking your organisation's potential, and that for too long its use has been limited to the very top executive levels. As part of our mission to make coaching accessible to all, we decided to bring you some of our practical tips and hard-won insights from our combined decades in industry – for free! Join us every two weeks for an insightful discussion ...
Mar 08, 2021•6 min•Season 1Ep. 1
