Welcome to this special wrap-up episode of Your Permission to Pause with me Jo Cowlin. Today we’re rounding off season two by reflecting on some of the highlights over the past few months, we’ve explored everything from rest and allyship to pain, productivity, and leading through change, all with the goal of helping you lead and live in a way that feels more intentional. We’ve also heard from some brilliant guests, like Lyndsey Oliver on inclusivity and Ben Causer on the impact of pain. A big th...
Apr 17, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Have you ever found yourself faced with change at work or in your personal life and found it overwhelming? In this episode of Your Permission to Pause I explore the intricacies of transformation and the stages we go through, whether it's personal change or leading change within an organisation. In this episode, we'll break down the stages of change, explore why resistance often meets our efforts, and arm you with insights and practical tips to navigate change successfully. Join me as we unpack h...
Apr 03, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 11
What does it take to become a successful female leader in the modern world? Dominique Kent, Chief Executive Officer of Bluecrest Wellness, shares her fascinating path to becoming a CEO. Recounting her journey from attending a girls grammar school through to the pivotal moment in her career where she joined Sainsbury's as a trainee manager, Dominique discusses the fascinating ups and downs she has experienced. Alongside this she shares a wealth of candid insights and valuable points surrounding t...
Mar 20, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Feel like you're constantly running on empty and struggling to keep up the leadership pace? Join me to explore the fascinating world of body intelligence and learn about how the wisdom of the body can elevate your leadership potential and personal well-being. Inspired by Claire Dale's transformative insights, I unpack how harnessing the power of bodily signals can improve confidence, focus, and communication. From incorporating breathwork for stress relief to engaging in movements that fuel moti...
Mar 06, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Tired of feeling foggy and depleted at work? In this episode, nutritional therapist Jo Crovini joins me to share practical wisdom on fueling your performance through better nutrition choices. Rather than promoting restrictive diets, Jo advocates for sustainable changes that support energy, focus and resilience. From crafting quick protein-rich breakfasts to navigating corporate buffets and afternoon slumps, she offers realistic strategies for busy professionals. We discuss the deeper connection ...
Feb 20, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Have you ever set a clear goal and mapped out a perfect plan, only to find life throwing you a curveball? We've all been there. This episode is all about embracing those moments of imperfection and unpredictability, viewing them not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and resilience. I’ll be taking you through five key areas so you can learn how to stay on track when the best laid plans go awry. So, take a deep breath, give yourself permission to pause, and let's explore how to turn thos...
Feb 06, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Today's episode explores the significance of movement during menopause with our guest, Jo Hoskings. I’m thrilled to share a conversation full of insights and practical advice on how exercise can boost creativity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Jo Hoskings, a dedicated health and wellness coach, joins us to explore the transformative power of daily movement and strength training, adapting routines to individual needs, and the vital role of a balanced diet and self-care. Here are the High...
Jan 16, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Happy New Year! Today, I'm talking about a famous mantra that I'm sure we're all hearing a lot at the moment: "New Year, New You" - and it tends to irritate me! As the clock strikes midnight, we're bombarded with messages urging us to redo every part of our lives. But is this incessant pressure to change really helpful? In this episode, I'll be sharing why I genuinely hate this phrase, outlining its pitfalls, and offering you healthier, more compassionate alternatives for approaching your goals ...
Jan 02, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 5
How well do you understand the messages sent from your body? Ben Causer, a highly experienced sports therapist and strength and conditioning coach, joined me to share his wisdom on understanding and managing pain. We talk about everything from the root causes, including emotional and physical influences, to holistic approaches that bridge the gap between pain and performance. Ben emphasises the importance of balance and proactive stress management, and we explore different elements that impact w...
Dec 19, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Are you suffering from meeting overload? I’m exploring the world of meetings - specifically, the challenges and strategies behind making them truly matter. We've all experienced the frustration of unproductive meetings that seem to dominate our schedules. Hybrid meetings, in particular, can drain our mental energy as we navigate the complexities of blending in-person and online participants. That's why I’ll be discussing how to create more effective, intentional meetings whether they’re fully in...
Dec 05, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Lyndsey Oliver is an expert in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I), and my very dear friend. She joined me to talk about the intricate and essential concept of allyship. Whether you're navigating the complexities of maternity transitions, grappling with societal biases, or seeking to amplify marginalised voices in your workplace, this episode is full of wisdom to help you lead with purpose and compassion. Don't miss this powerful conversation that redefines what it means to be an ally in...
Nov 21, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Rest is vital for Productivity. In this episode, I'm discussing the often-overlooked necessity of true rest for busy, driven women. I explore various dimensions of rest - creative, emotional, social, and spiritual - each serving as a vital component for holistic well-being. I share personal anecdotes and insight on how to incorporate these restful practices into our busy lives, reminding you that rest is not a luxury, but a crucial ingredient for a balanced, fulfilling life. Tune in to discover ...
Nov 07, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Welcome to the finale of the very first season of Your Permission to Pause! For this special episode, I'll be talking about the fundamental themes that have shaped this journey, offering profound insights for driven female leaders striving to harmonise ambition with well-being. Join me for a discussion on clear communication, connection, and collaboration, and discover their transformative effects on leadership and personal growth. I'm reflecting on the highs and lows of the past 13 episodes, re...
Oct 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 14
Unlock the potential of your best tomorrow by redefining the stories you tell yourself today. I’m discussing the transformative concept of the future self. Discover how the narratives we create shape our reality and learn practical strategies to break free from self-limiting beliefs. Tune in to explore the four-stage approach to becoming the best version of yourself, one intentional step at a time. Whether you want to boost your confidence, enhance your leadership skills, or simply find more joy...
Oct 03, 2024•27 min•Ep. 13
Discover the core elements that distinguish high-performing teams from dysfunctional ones. In this episode, I share how focusing on clarity, connection, and collaboration can elevate team dynamics and impact well-being. From reducing stress on the nervous system to fostering a supportive work environment, you’ll discover practical tips to revolutionise your leadership approach. Tune in for a power-packed discussion designed to empower you to lead with purpose and passion. Here are the Highlights...
Sep 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 12
You know that feeling when your job changes overnight, and you're left navigating uncharted waters? In this episode, I explore the intricacies of workplace transitions and the fine line between being stretched and feeling stressed. I share how understanding individual capacities for growth, coupled with proactive planning, can make all the difference during these critical moments. I share personal anecdotes, expert insights, and actionable advice to equip you with the tools to not just survive b...
Sep 05, 2024•34 min•Ep. 11
If we don’t feel safe, how can we be productive at work? In this episode, I share practical techniques to help you build a resilient team, such as identifying unique values, practising the 'speak once before speaking twice' rule, and engaging in gratitude and appreciation circles. I explore the critical role of constructive feedback and growth mindsets in promoting an authentic and creative workplace where individuals feel safe to share their ideas without fear of judgement. Psychological safety...
Aug 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 10
Join me, Jo Cowlin, in this episode of Your Permission to Pause as I explore the origins of the term "imposter syndrome," how it manifests, and why I believe labelling ourselves in this way might not be particularly helpful. We'll discuss the imposter cycle, perfectionism, and the fear of failure and success, along with the denial of competence - key traits often linked to imposter syndrome. More importantly, I'll share practical strategies to dismantle these patterns and manage them more effect...
Aug 08, 2024•27 min•Ep. 9
In today's episode, we're discovering the secrets of a successful mid-year review. As we approach the midpoint of the year, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate our goals to ensure we're on track for success. Many senior leaders see this process as merely a tick-box exercise, but it can be so much more. By taking a deep dive into your achievements, challenges, and areas for growth, you can transform this review into a valuable opportunity for connection, engagement, and motiv...
Jul 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 8
In today's episode, we're delving into a critical topic for personal and professional growth: the power of boundaries. We'll explore what boundaries are, why they matter, and the unique challenges women face when setting them. Plus, I'll provide practical tips and a helpful acronym, FREEDOM, to guide you in establishing and maintaining effective boundaries in your life. Whether it's safeguarding your time, energy, or well-being, setting healthy boundaries is key to being an impactful leader and ...
Jul 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 7
In today's episode, we're talking about support groups, communities, and networks that can help to foster leadership success and personal well-being. I'm also exploring the unique challenges women face in leadership, from imposter syndrome to work-life balance, and discuss how building intentional, supportive communities can be foundational for resilience and growth. Join me as we unpack strategies to curate a network that not only aligns with your professional goals but also nurtures your emoti...
Jun 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 6
Today we are exploring the thought-provoking concept of "Choose Your Hard." Leadership, much like life, presents us with constant challenges. Whether it's giving feedback, managing your team's development, or even committing to personal fitness, hard choices are inevitable. But what if we could reframe these choices, focusing on what best aligns with our long-term goals? In this episode, I explore how discerning and mindful decision-making can help us navigate these tough choices with greater ea...
Jun 20, 2024•18 min•Ep. 5
Today, we’re exploring a topic that doesn't just impact your work, but your entire well-being. As a driven female leader, you know that great leadership isn't just about managing projects and hitting targets. It's also about managing stress and taking care of yourself. In this episode I explore the intricate relationship between stress, hormones, and leadership, and I'll share personal stories and practical tips to help you navigate this journey. So, find a quiet spot, tune in, and give yourself...
Jun 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, we will be exploring the concept known as the "helper's high” and examining its double-edged sword on our well-being and leadership effectiveness. The good feeling we get from helping others is scientifically backed by the release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which bolster our mood and overall health. But what happens when the desire to help leads us down a path of stress and burnout? When does altruistic helping become a burden on us and our teams? We'll explore how ...
Jun 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 3
Today’s episode is a guide to creating margin in your bustling life. Have you ever found yourself scrambling at the eleventh hour because life threw a curveball at you? Think of this episode as your sanctuary from the storm of busyness. We’ll explore together not just how to cope with the unexpected, but how to weave essential space into your days for rest, reflection, and resilience. So whether you're juggling a high-stakes career, managing family life, or just trying to find a moment to breath...
Jun 05, 2024•45 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the first ever episode of Your Permission to Pause podcast! The podcast where we rediscover the power of stepping back, reflecting, and recharging in our overstimulated world. I'm your host, Jo Cowlin, and in today’s episode, "Let’s work Smarter, Not Harder," we're going on a journey to unlock the secrets of maximising productivity without burning out. Have you ever felt like you're juggling too many tasks, each clamouring for your attention, leaving you drained and dissatisfied? In a...
Jun 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1
Introducing Your Permission to Pause, a podcast dedicated to helping you become more intentional in how you live your life and lead your people. Join Jo Cowlin, a no-nonsense Northerner and development expert with over 20 years of experience working with ambitious, driven leaders. She invites you to create a path to success without abandoning yourself or your well-being in the process. Join Jo for actionable advice loaded with wisdom and plenty of humour. This podcast brings inspiration, wisdom,...
May 14, 2024•53 sec
