On art and ecology with Eva Bubla

Problem Busters

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Fixable

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Frances Frei is a Harvard Business professor. Anne Morriss is a CEO and best-selling author. Anne and Frances are two of the top leadership coaches in the world. Oh, did we mention they're also married to each other? Together, Anne and Frances move fast and fix stuff by talking to guest callers about their workplace issues and solving their problems – in 30 minutes or less. Both listeners and guests will receive actionable insights to create meaningful change in the workplace – regardless of their position on the company ladder. If you want to be on Fixable, call our hotline at 234-Fixable (that's 234-349-2253) to leave Anne and Frances a voicemail with your workplace problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

לפני 4 שנים 1:01:15

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Ecological artist and activist Eva Bubla shares how art can challenge us to see the wood for the trees when it comes to our impact on the planet. She takes the Problem Busters on a fascinating tour of eco-clever projects spanning multiple countries. If you have ever wondered if your creativity could get people thinking in a positive way, then this episode is for you.

About the show:

Problem Busters is a show that highlights people with ideas to solve the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide.

About our guest:

Eva Bubla is a Hungarian artist who deals with environmental and ecological issues. Her insightful and thought-provoking projects have both an activism and education element and have been widely recognised. Eva has participated in a range of projects and artist collectives, including Green Root Lab and PAD. Eva is currently based in Budapest.

Eva's website

Show mentions:

01:50 Art has always been in my mind. Ever since being a child.
My current practice is rooted in Indonesia, because that is where I started dealing with environmental issues. I studied there and stayed longer, those experiences pushed me in this direction. Wanting to deal with environmental issues both as a person and as a citizen.
03:00 What sparked the interest in the environment specifically? 2011-13 I was at University, we had a task to form groups and experiment using art. I used to study painting before (a solitary process), but this working with a group, on location at the beach, was exciting. We were asked to use materials we found on the spot.
Using material on-site was one of the sparks in taking me in this direction.
Because the materials included a lot of rubbish on the beach - it was obvious to use that, and one of the experiences that started my journey.
This was 9 years ago and my perspective has changed a lot.
I would not now use rubbish as a material (I find it contradictory), but at the time it was a moment that got me starting thinking about the environment.
06:00 The question of visibility. We have services that take rubbish away, so it is not visible how much rubbish we create.
Governments such as the UK government pay for rubbish to be exported to other countries. Many just put it to landfill, it's important to follow the chain and have visibility of it.
Greenpeace UK as an important group in raising awareness here.
Documentary: Plastic China. A movie about family businesses that process plastic, horrible waste, which was imported into China from other countries. It's a must-see for all of us.
Regulations are already changing, a lot of countries are already saying no to waste that is exported to them from other countries.
Making art from things that have been found can really shock people.
In that project - we built the shape of a nautilus shell, but the material related to this human habit of generating waste.
I no longer want to create artworks from waste because it has the risk of making waste look aesthetic.
11:00 Earliest memory of being interested in art - kindergarten! My first memory that comes to mind is sitting at a small table in kindergarten and drawing a tale for children.
12:30 Project: Designated Breathing Zone. The first version came out of a residency with HONF foundation (art and engineers - makers).
My process: I have an initial idea but decide a topic to explore only once I am on the spot. The place is important for the people, the materials I work with.
I got sick in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, related to air pollution I think. This is a global issue (not related to a specific country).
Certain green areas where I used to ride my bike disappeared, so I started to dig into it and read into local regulations, how much green area the city is supposed to have, etc.
I started to read about how certain plants can remediate air pollution.
Project: Designated Breathing Zone is basically an incubator for the snake plant / mother in law plant. This is one of the plants that is really effective in making indoor air quality better.
How does it work? The air goes into this box, with the plant inside it, and a fan to ventilate the air out via a mask. You can take the mask and breathe the air through the mask.
This idea actually exists on the market, but I used materials that I found around the area (e.g. a box from a restaurant nearby).
The purpose: A symbolic object to raise awareness of the importance of plants, air pollution.
Combining art and education is something important to me.
What was the reaction to your work in this case? Some surprise, raising questions in them, and then a really nice conversation with people, especially kids.
Children were very sensitive to the issue of air pollution.
In public spaces you can reach a wider audience than in a gallery. I didn't see a difference between children and adults in their sensitivity to the issue.
Workshops with kids are more curious maybe, but not necessarily more or less interested (a lot depends on the parents).
23:00 szabadonbalaton (Free balaton lake) (also in English here) - a group project raising questions around the challenges of the lake and its ecosystem. We have various art events, including social scientists, ecologists and engineers. We have cocktails and foods that are sourced from the area. Chips from plants found in the lake.
The reaction from people is really interesting - they can't believe food can come from the lake.
The perception of people is usually that the lake is clean if you can see the bottom. If it is clear. But this is false, it is not necessarily related to the water quality, may also be related to the bottom of the lake or ocean.
28:30 we need a change in perspective in certain respects. We should treat lakes as lakes. We should become friends with its elements (e.g. mud) and not be disgusted by it.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddi: There is a lake in Wales (there is also one in Russia) that is nicknamed "the blue lagoon" - and looks blue, but cloudy - and it's caused by Slate from a quarry. Remnants of an industrial past. Locals still swim in it.
The story of the two fish, and the old fish. Two fish are swimming and they see an older fish. It nods at them and says "isn't the water great today". The other two swim on and look a bit weird, then ask each other a bit later "what is water?".
It is hard to generalise which generation is wiser. We should learn from elder generations what they did right, mistakes they made, but should keep the curiousity of children.
If we are curious, that can be used as a tool to explore and understand.
33:00 Are you seeing improvements in environmental awareness? I see more and more people paying attention to the environment. But it's not that simple. Is it enough for us as citizens to pay attention and become aware? When actually the problem is caused by companies, so we should also make change at the government or corporate level. In the latter there is not enough change.
Me personally, I don't want to wait for governments or others (anyone else), I want to do what I can do, even if in the end it is not enough.
Many people don't have a positive perspective on where we are heading to. But I want to live with the idea of I do my best and if more and more people do their best, maybe that will lead to a change.
36:30 The word solution. I was often using this word, but maybe it is too big to be used. We cannot solve certain problems, but what we can do as artists, is raise questions, start conversations and think of alternative ways.
In design and technology - in design thinking we can really look at a problem and think of solutions. Designing objects that have technological elements is great.
The first step is that you start to raise questions. Perhaps one thing we need to learn is to adapt to whatever is around. There are certain things we can't solve in climate change, but we need to learn to adapt to the unknown. With certain methods and art, you can develop a different ability and mindset to adapt - a love for beings (human and not).
I really look up to ideas that combine art and technology, even on a global scale. We don't need to think global to make a difference
Artist collective: Superflex, Tanzania - a project in Tanzania installing biogas. An example of a movement where art is not about creating something beautiful for a gallery, but is understood more widely.
A saying: Ask a builder to build a house and they will build a box. Ask an architect and they will build something that works into the surrounds. The two can work well together.
Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci - who invented the design for Helicopters
TV Show: Star-trek inventions and introducing new ideas that eventually became real as flip phones, voice activation, microwaves.
Does life imitate art? or does art imitate life?
The ability to inspire someone to create a solution is powerful.
We can only control what is in the sphere of our control. Western countries can only control themselves. Telling third world countries they can't use fossil fuels is hard - because they need it.
Being in Sardinia in June - at a festival where the theme was breathing. An important element was to work with locals there.
Project: Designated Breathing Zone: Sardinia. In this project I had an artist's residency in Sardinia, the island off the coast of Italy.
Association: Rimettiamo Radici. The local association I worked with in Fluminimaggiore, Sardinia. I worked with this organisation of activist women, we did experiments with wild carrot, investigated plants of the regions and characteristic plants. We reused wine bottles adding pumps and a funnel where the smell could come out. This was a new version of the designated breathing zone.
Designated breathing zone - Sardinia. A metal structure that had plants upside down, so as you walk, you walk into them and can breathe the scent of the plants.
Back in Budapest and the idea of Designated Breathing Zone: Public Breathing Practices.
Project: Designated Breathing Zone: Public Breathing Practices
During the lockdown, I found people were scared in public and at times of each other. This project focused on harmonising breathing
Preparing for at the moment: Bucharest Biennale 9 Research Lab, I represent the Doctoral School of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts - Hungarian School of Fine arts. And an upcoming research lab and exhibition.
52:00 When we think about plants and their role and our role in the ecosystem, it's a global issue. Each place is different but the outcomes may be the same.
53:30 Advice on limiting your impact on the world? What I more and more believe and focus on is that the root of all of this (pollution/waste) is that we need to develop our connection with the elements of nature and the elements of the environment around us. If we try to see ourselves as part of this system.. I would wish that power struggles and status struggles disappear from the world and you want to collaborate with people and natural elements in the world.
If we really develop this skill of being empathetic towards the environment that can have an impact on our decisions and then our actions.
I learned painting but I do everything but painting! I teach myself design programs and software, I love to use my hands and I enjoy learning new things.
One of my hobbies is to leave my comfort zone.
Artist: Lilli Tölp, an inspiring Estonian artist
59:00 The method? you have an idea, you don't know how you will realise it, but you are crazy enough, passionate enough to go for it and make it real.
Being an artist is hard, sacrifices need to be made, but art is something that is less supported because it is in certain minds less necessary. But those who really believe and stick to their passion, then sooner rather than later they find a way.
Who do you most look up to in the world? There is not one, there are so many people!! People who don't give up, even if it is impossible.
Rocky balboa from the Rocky movies!
What book/film has most inspired you recently? I have at least 6 books right now.
Book: Eva-Maria Dreyer: What kind of edible wild plant is this?
Book: Mogyorósy-Révész Zsuzsa: Érzelemszabályozás a gyakorlatban (Emotion Regulation in Practice) and certain practices or exercises which are useful for me and I turn them into my art projects.
Book: T.J. Demos: Decolonizing Nature. Contemporary Arts and the Politics of Ecology
Projects that excite you? I'm inspired by my work so all of them! Especially the ongoing projects. I am about to curate in the next project, creating a concept of the program and selecting
Project: Budapest - Placcc festival - Sensing the City. Projects related to the 5 senses. I'm really excited about the projects that will be exhibited! Projects dealing with waste management, agricultural technologies, a sound/audio walk, and one on the cycle of life and death.
Amazing how people without a sense can still navigate the world - soundscapes and colour blind designers are super interesting.
Project: Designated breathing zone: C19 (face masks)
Is there one thing you would like to change in the world? Power struggles. If there were no power struggles then our relationship to one another would be so different.
Eva's website: https://evabubla.art

Credits:

Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor

35 פרקים

#Science #Business #Podcasting Education #Problem Busters

On art and ecology with Eva Bubla

Problem Busters

published לפני 4 שנים

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

About the show:

About our guest:

Eva's website

Show mentions:

01:50 Art has always been in my mind. Ever since being a child.
My current practice is rooted in Indonesia, because that is where I started dealing with environmental issues. I studied there and stayed longer, those experiences pushed me in this direction. Wanting to deal with environmental issues both as a person and as a citizen.
03:00 What sparked the interest in the environment specifically? 2011-13 I was at University, we had a task to form groups and experiment using art. I used to study painting before (a solitary process), but this working with a group, on location at the beach, was exciting. We were asked to use materials we found on the spot.
Using material on-site was one of the sparks in taking me in this direction.
Because the materials included a lot of rubbish on the beach - it was obvious to use that, and one of the experiences that started my journey.
This was 9 years ago and my perspective has changed a lot.
I would not now use rubbish as a material (I find it contradictory), but at the time it was a moment that got me starting thinking about the environment.
06:00 The question of visibility. We have services that take rubbish away, so it is not visible how much rubbish we create.
Governments such as the UK government pay for rubbish to be exported to other countries. Many just put it to landfill, it's important to follow the chain and have visibility of it.
Greenpeace UK as an important group in raising awareness here.
Documentary: Plastic China. A movie about family businesses that process plastic, horrible waste, which was imported into China from other countries. It's a must-see for all of us.
Regulations are already changing, a lot of countries are already saying no to waste that is exported to them from other countries.
Making art from things that have been found can really shock people.
In that project - we built the shape of a nautilus shell, but the material related to this human habit of generating waste.
I no longer want to create artworks from waste because it has the risk of making waste look aesthetic.
11:00 Earliest memory of being interested in art - kindergarten! My first memory that comes to mind is sitting at a small table in kindergarten and drawing a tale for children.
12:30 Project: Designated Breathing Zone. The first version came out of a residency with HONF foundation (art and engineers - makers).
My process: I have an initial idea but decide a topic to explore only once I am on the spot. The place is important for the people, the materials I work with.
I got sick in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, related to air pollution I think. This is a global issue (not related to a specific country).
Certain green areas where I used to ride my bike disappeared, so I started to dig into it and read into local regulations, how much green area the city is supposed to have, etc.
I started to read about how certain plants can remediate air pollution.
Project: Designated Breathing Zone is basically an incubator for the snake plant / mother in law plant. This is one of the plants that is really effective in making indoor air quality better.
How does it work? The air goes into this box, with the plant inside it, and a fan to ventilate the air out via a mask. You can take the mask and breathe the air through the mask.
This idea actually exists on the market, but I used materials that I found around the area (e.g. a box from a restaurant nearby).
The purpose: A symbolic object to raise awareness of the importance of plants, air pollution.
Combining art and education is something important to me.
What was the reaction to your work in this case? Some surprise, raising questions in them, and then a really nice conversation with people, especially kids.
Children were very sensitive to the issue of air pollution.
In public spaces you can reach a wider audience than in a gallery. I didn't see a difference between children and adults in their sensitivity to the issue.
Workshops with kids are more curious maybe, but not necessarily more or less interested (a lot depends on the parents).
23:00 szabadonbalaton (Free balaton lake) (also in English here) - a group project raising questions around the challenges of the lake and its ecosystem. We have various art events, including social scientists, ecologists and engineers. We have cocktails and foods that are sourced from the area. Chips from plants found in the lake.
The reaction from people is really interesting - they can't believe food can come from the lake.
The perception of people is usually that the lake is clean if you can see the bottom. If it is clear. But this is false, it is not necessarily related to the water quality, may also be related to the bottom of the lake or ocean.
28:30 we need a change in perspective in certain respects. We should treat lakes as lakes. We should become friends with its elements (e.g. mud) and not be disgusted by it.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddi: There is a lake in Wales (there is also one in Russia) that is nicknamed "the blue lagoon" - and looks blue, but cloudy - and it's caused by Slate from a quarry. Remnants of an industrial past. Locals still swim in it.
The story of the two fish, and the old fish. Two fish are swimming and they see an older fish. It nods at them and says "isn't the water great today". The other two swim on and look a bit weird, then ask each other a bit later "what is water?".
It is hard to generalise which generation is wiser. We should learn from elder generations what they did right, mistakes they made, but should keep the curiousity of children.
If we are curious, that can be used as a tool to explore and understand.
33:00 Are you seeing improvements in environmental awareness? I see more and more people paying attention to the environment. But it's not that simple. Is it enough for us as citizens to pay attention and become aware? When actually the problem is caused by companies, so we should also make change at the government or corporate level. In the latter there is not enough change.
Me personally, I don't want to wait for governments or others (anyone else), I want to do what I can do, even if in the end it is not enough.
Many people don't have a positive perspective on where we are heading to. But I want to live with the idea of I do my best and if more and more people do their best, maybe that will lead to a change.
36:30 The word solution. I was often using this word, but maybe it is too big to be used. We cannot solve certain problems, but what we can do as artists, is raise questions, start conversations and think of alternative ways.
In design and technology - in design thinking we can really look at a problem and think of solutions. Designing objects that have technological elements is great.
The first step is that you start to raise questions. Perhaps one thing we need to learn is to adapt to whatever is around. There are certain things we can't solve in climate change, but we need to learn to adapt to the unknown. With certain methods and art, you can develop a different ability and mindset to adapt - a love for beings (human and not).
I really look up to ideas that combine art and technology, even on a global scale. We don't need to think global to make a difference
Artist collective: Superflex, Tanzania - a project in Tanzania installing biogas. An example of a movement where art is not about creating something beautiful for a gallery, but is understood more widely.
A saying: Ask a builder to build a house and they will build a box. Ask an architect and they will build something that works into the surrounds. The two can work well together.
Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci - who invented the design for Helicopters
TV Show: Star-trek inventions and introducing new ideas that eventually became real as flip phones, voice activation, microwaves.
Does life imitate art? or does art imitate life?
The ability to inspire someone to create a solution is powerful.
We can only control what is in the sphere of our control. Western countries can only control themselves. Telling third world countries they can't use fossil fuels is hard - because they need it.
Being in Sardinia in June - at a festival where the theme was breathing. An important element was to work with locals there.
Project: Designated Breathing Zone: Sardinia. In this project I had an artist's residency in Sardinia, the island off the coast of Italy.
Association: Rimettiamo Radici. The local association I worked with in Fluminimaggiore, Sardinia. I worked with this organisation of activist women, we did experiments with wild carrot, investigated plants of the regions and characteristic plants. We reused wine bottles adding pumps and a funnel where the smell could come out. This was a new version of the designated breathing zone.
Designated breathing zone - Sardinia. A metal structure that had plants upside down, so as you walk, you walk into them and can breathe the scent of the plants.
Back in Budapest and the idea of Designated Breathing Zone: Public Breathing Practices.
Project: Designated Breathing Zone: Public Breathing Practices
During the lockdown, I found people were scared in public and at times of each other. This project focused on harmonising breathing
Preparing for at the moment: Bucharest Biennale 9 Research Lab, I represent the Doctoral School of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts - Hungarian School of Fine arts. And an upcoming research lab and exhibition.
52:00 When we think about plants and their role and our role in the ecosystem, it's a global issue. Each place is different but the outcomes may be the same.
53:30 Advice on limiting your impact on the world? What I more and more believe and focus on is that the root of all of this (pollution/waste) is that we need to develop our connection with the elements of nature and the elements of the environment around us. If we try to see ourselves as part of this system.. I would wish that power struggles and status struggles disappear from the world and you want to collaborate with people and natural elements in the world.
If we really develop this skill of being empathetic towards the environment that can have an impact on our decisions and then our actions.
I learned painting but I do everything but painting! I teach myself design programs and software, I love to use my hands and I enjoy learning new things.
One of my hobbies is to leave my comfort zone.
Artist: Lilli Tölp, an inspiring Estonian artist
59:00 The method? you have an idea, you don't know how you will realise it, but you are crazy enough, passionate enough to go for it and make it real.
Being an artist is hard, sacrifices need to be made, but art is something that is less supported because it is in certain minds less necessary. But those who really believe and stick to their passion, then sooner rather than later they find a way.
Who do you most look up to in the world? There is not one, there are so many people!! People who don't give up, even if it is impossible.
Rocky balboa from the Rocky movies!
What book/film has most inspired you recently? I have at least 6 books right now.
Book: Eva-Maria Dreyer: What kind of edible wild plant is this?
Book: Mogyorósy-Révész Zsuzsa: Érzelemszabályozás a gyakorlatban (Emotion Regulation in Practice) and certain practices or exercises which are useful for me and I turn them into my art projects.
Book: T.J. Demos: Decolonizing Nature. Contemporary Arts and the Politics of Ecology
Projects that excite you? I'm inspired by my work so all of them! Especially the ongoing projects. I am about to curate in the next project, creating a concept of the program and selecting
Project: Budapest - Placcc festival - Sensing the City. Projects related to the 5 senses. I'm really excited about the projects that will be exhibited! Projects dealing with waste management, agricultural technologies, a sound/audio walk, and one on the cycle of life and death.
Amazing how people without a sense can still navigate the world - soundscapes and colour blind designers are super interesting.
Project: Designated breathing zone: C19 (face masks)
Is there one thing you would like to change in the world? Power struggles. If there were no power struggles then our relationship to one another would be so different.
Eva's website: https://evabubla.art

Credits:

Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor

35 פרקים

#Science #Business #Podcasting Education #Problem Busters

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לפני 2 years1:23:52

1:23:52

Follow Sanath on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_giving_sanath/ Donate via Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sanath-demel In this captivating episode of the Problem Busters Podcast, hosts Jon and Ollie dive deep into the extraordinary journey of their guest, Sanath de Mel, a digital nomad who transformed his life to become a humanitarian hero in Ukraine. Sanath shares his early career as an engineer and his deep interest in cryptocurrency, exploring the potential of digital currencies and blockchain technology. This fascination with crypto laid the foundation for his future endeavors and set him on a unique path of exploration and problem-solving. Living life as a digital nomad, Sanath cherished the freedom of remote work, allowing him to roam the globe while making a living. However, it was his unwavering desire to make a positive impact that eventually led him on an awe-inspiring mission. The episode unravels Sanath's decision to purchase and modify a Mitsubishi L200 to deliver essential supplies in Kyiv, Ukraine. Through ingenious modifications, Sanath transformed his vehicle into a versatile resource capable of traversing challenging terrains and reaching those in need. As Jon, Ollie, and Sanath recount his journey across Europe, listeners are taken on a virtual adventure, experiencing the trials and triumphs encountered during the testing phase. From navigating rugged Italian landscapes to braving the bustling streets of Kyiv, Sanath's modified Mitsubishi L200 proves to be an invaluable asset, highlighting the significance of innovation and adaptation during times of crisis. The conversation then delves into Sanath's life in Ukraine before the country was engulfed in conflict. He offers insights into the local culture, the warm hospitality of the Ukrainian people, and his decision to remain when others chose to leave. Sanath's determination to assist those affected by the conflict becomes apparent as he shares his experiences fundraising and organizing initiatives to purchase and deliver essential supplies to the Ukrainian frontline. Through Sanath's accounts, witness his resilience, determination, and selflessness in the face of adversity. His inspiring story serves as a reminder of the profound impact individuals can make, even in the direst circumstances. Join Jon, Ollie, and their extraordinary guest, Sanath de Mel, on this episode of the Problem Busters Podcast as they explore the transformative power of crypto, the exhilaration of the digital nomad lifestyle, and the incredible journey of a man who became a true humanitarian, lending a helping hand to those in need on the Ukrainian frontline.…

Problem Busters

1
Liz Batalla on Women Levelling Up 51:06

לפני 3 years51:06

51:06

Liz Batalla shares how she came to realise her dream of helping women level up both individuals, groups and the organisations lucky enough to have them. This is an inspiring episode from an experienced and finely-honed leadership coach. We learn how to set about writing a book, what you could expect to learn on Liz' Masterclasses, what issues commonly hold women back at work, and most importantly, how to support the women around you. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Liz Batalla is the Founder and Executive Director of The Institute for Achievement and Excellence and the author of the book - Level up to move up. Liz helps women level themselves up and helps businesses educate and promote their female talent. Show mentions: A corporate and academic background 2020: create the Institute for Achievement and Excellence to help women level up across 9 life areas so they can better navigate the business world and step into leadership roles. As well as assist organisations better educate and promote their female talent. Working in male-dominated environments, finding women had concerns around personal and professional progress. A common question: how to navigate this space, in order to grow professionally and personally? 03:30 three things that worry women in the corporate environment. Lack of confidence, a feeling of overwhelm/imposter syndrome, a lack of flexibility in the organisation (e.g. flexible working hours). Women still tend to be the main carer at home. Having flexibility can really help. Female family members are the women I look up to (grandmothers, mum, god-mother, sisters). 06:00 Anything I'd do differently if I had my time again? Starting the process of what I'm doing now, earlier i.e. I'd have set up the Institute for Achievement and Excellence earlier. Providing help as a manager or lecturer is different than running the Institute. I am able to touch many more lives due to making my knowledge and experience available via: online, self-paced masterclasses. 09:00 What impact are the 3 challenges women are experiencing having on society? Monumental impace because it affects their contribution to their organisations, family and community. If they are unable to give of their best then the everyone they are in contact with never benefits fully from all she can offer. Article: McKenzie and Company (2020) - Women make up just 15% of executive-team membership, and more than a third of companies have no women at all on their executive teams. This due to not putting themselves forward as well as not being sponsored and supported into it. There are both intrinsic and extrinsic challenges. A man may put himself forward with 50-60% understanding of a role, a woman may require 90% upwards to feel confident to do the same. 11:00 How can the Institute help? Assisting companies to better educate and promote their femal talent and also helping the woman herself to take responsibility and level up herself so she can rise to the occasion. 12:00 The 3 forces in achieving excellence are: Identity of the individual (improving oneself), connections (relationships with self and others), status (managing one’s standard of living). 3 life areas in each of the 3 forces in achieving excellence, there are 9 life areas in total. 14:30 Women going through the process of a self-assessment. Easiest way to identify areas of strengths and areas for improvement. The three Cs: Courage, Confidence and Charisma. A lot of women coming into corporate environments are lacking the fundamental skills to navigate the world of business because these skills are not taught in schools. 18:00 What can women do now, to get the ball rolling? Establish where you are. Then establish where you would like to be. A gap analysis. If you don't know where you are and where you are going, it's hard to navigate the space. Speak to loved ones who are supportive of your progress, professionals and coaches, or an easy way - do a free assessment online. 20:30 Liz' story as an author. There needs to be a plan. It can be loose, doesn't need to be fixed. Need to be flexible, however knowing what you need to accomplish every single day is important. I don't measure the size of the step, I just do something every single day. Break it down into small chunks, so I don't feel overwhelmed, then even smaller. Example: it takes 6 months to write a book, with 12 chapters say. So to reach my goal, I need to do 2 chapters per month. 10 pages per chapter gives 20 pages per month. 4 weeks in one month gives 5 pages a week = 1 page a day (not including weekends) to be written. 25:30 steps to get the book published. In my business, I never pay or farm out anything until I understand the process myself (unless it's very technical). So I can guide the person, and if they become unavailable, I can roll up my sleeves and do it myself. 28:00 What it feels like to get a book out there. Initially scared, then proud, then happy Book: Elizabeth Batalla - Level up to move up: the 3 forces in achieving excellence. 30:00 How working with women is worth it. Why I do it. How much it means to me! 33:30 The sharing section 34:00 Who do you most look up to in the world? The women in my family. There isn't just one, from my grandmother to my mum, to my sisters. <---- 36:00 What book/film most inspired you recently? Book: The game of life and how to play it, by Florence Shinn. It helped me to understand that like all games, there are rules. Once someone understands the rules of the game, you can play better. I started to see everything like a game. What projects or movements have you most excited right now? The foundation of why I formed the institute. To reach more people, to help more people, to have positive impact on women in leadership McKinsey and Company’s 2020 report: Companies with broadly diverse leadership teams were 45 percent more likely to report growth in market share and 70 percent more likely to capture a new market. It's a huge effect. The conversations are happening and I would like to see more than just a few posts on social media or text in a mission statement. The movement that supports women in accomplishing their goals. 39:30 How businesses can improve the situation. Two things: recognise how massive the benefit is to empower women. The fact is that diversity is not a trend, it is here to say. The public is demanding strategic representation in businesses. Secondly more action being taken. Beyond saying the right things, the action needs to be looked at holistically from inception, induction all the way through the employee lifecycle, to exit. 42:30 How men can help the women around him. I choose to believe people are inherently good, but may not be aware of the situation. Be aware of the way things are said, and the way things are done. Don't speak over women in meetings. Ask questions, as she may not feel confident enough to expand on her ideas. <----- In isolation, a situation may not seem like a big deal. But when a woman has to deal with a situation every single day, it can be exhausing. So just be more aware and not to trivialise what seems to be an isolated issue from your point of view. From her point of view is is neither isolated nor trivial. 46:30 What is one thing you'd like to change in the world? I would love it if people could slow down just a little bit, so they could listen more actively. Really listen, not waiting to interject or to bring the conversation back to them. It is very rare to have someone truly, actively listen to what you have to say - and genuinely show interest. 49:00 What one thing would you like people to take away from this episode? Identify your goal, your dream, your purpose. And don't wait. Start where you are. Use what you have and do the best that you can. Some of the greatest achievements started with tiny steps. <---- How can people find out more about you? Website: https://achievementandexcellence.com Take your free assessment: https://courses.achievementandexcellence.com/p/professional-assessment-benchmark Book: https://books2read.com/leveluptomoveup LinkedIn personal profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbatalla Social Links: Youtube:n https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn08Yx5bKaRIwf0Im5P69dg?sub_confirmation=1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-institute-for-achievement-and-excellence FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/instituteforachievementandexcellence Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achievementandexcellence Twitter: https://twitter.com/InstExcellence Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/AchievementandExcellence Blog: https://achievementandexcellence.com/blog Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

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Clare Seek on Repair Cafes 54:23

לפני 3 years54:23

54:23

Repair Cafe Portsmouth founder Clare Seek opens the Problem Busters' eyes to the Right to Repair. We learn about the growing, global community of Repair Cafes and most importantly - how to start one in your town. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Clare Seek is all about building community for people and planet. Based in Portsmouth, a city in south west England, she is the founder of Repair Cafe Portsmouth, Green Drinks Portsmouth and other community-based projects besides. Clare lives in Portsmouth UK with her family. Show mentions: 02:00 A bit about Clare and how a move into motherhood coincided with an interest in the environment and our impact on the planet. Repair is at the heart of walking more lightly on the planet. The sheer existence of my children had a lot to do with my becoming interested in treading lightly, and my community 04:00 Why Repair Cafe ? Started in the Netherlands by a woman who initiated what has become a global movement. What is a Repair cafe? A place that brings together people who fix things with people who have things to fix. 05:30 The setting up of a Repair cafe. 200 people showing interest within 1 day! Portsmouth is an island city, one of the most densely populated areas of the UK outside of London. 4 months later, we ran our first Repair Cafe. Starting with people who could repair and fix each other's stuff. 07:30 What is next for Repair Cafe Portsmouth ? We are a pop-up event, we hold it once or twice a month. We've had to stop advertising because we are at capacity. Opening up a space permanently, taking it to the next step The library of things concept - we will work it in with that. 09:00 Campaign - The right to repair. A global campaign. Most of the carbon in electronics happens before the first use of the item. The right to repair campaign is focusing on manufacturers and policy makers to provide goods that are designed to last longer, can be fixed, have manuals and spare parts available. Right to repair as a justice issue - lobbying to create a fairer way to consume goods and services. 11:00 Petition - The restart project . And changing where tax is applied. 12:00 Shifting culture from wastage to consumers being able to repair. In France - they have a system that shows on products how repairable they are. Consumers are better informed. [13:00 Jon Coughs] The UK is the second biggest producer of e-waste per capita in the world. It's shocking. 14:30 Why is the UK so high on the e-waste scales? We have an appetite for the latest gadgets, Norway is ahead of us, we are second. 16:00 There is a pressure in our culture to have the latest thing and the best tech for that. 17:00 What do kids learn in school about sustainability? Very little. However, thankfully coming generations are taking more of an interest in the environment anyway. There is very little in schools that leads kids down a repair career path, although elements of sustainability are sprinkled through other career paths. Concept - the circular economy There is a stronger voice from individuals and community groups, than the Government, when it comes to pushing for real change. Episode - Hakim and Aryaana 19:30 Where is the concern in the young coming from? Concern about climate change. Kids are really aware of that. They have clear and vivid imaginations about these things. Kids wonder about the world, they question things. They sense the urgency. Conference: Cop26 Extinction rebellion Pester power - from kids to parents, e.g. adding pressure to reduce plastic consumption. 21:00 It's really interesting to talk to kids about career paths in sustainability Greta Thunberg David Attenborough Topic: at what age should children be able to vote? Should it be lowered? 22:30 What benefits does the Repair Cafe bring to the community? It's about a lot more than just fixing stuff. It's all volunteers, there is a relaxed social environment. It's a safe place to volunteer and offer skills, to learn, to welcome people, to serve cake. It's an opportunity for people to get more skills. Building peoples' confidence up. Project - city of sanctuary . Linking into a group who help asylum seekers. They can give back in that way. Community as a way to challenge isolation. 25:00 creating a place that has a purpose, not just being a place to chat, but a place to tinker. website: iFixit (great for how-to guides and spare parts) Jonathan's family friend who learned to repair washing machines. A great example of community assistance that became a business for him. 30:00 How to access spare parts and why does the law in the UK stop at white goods? Having a kit to repair phones in your house. Ifixit guide to repair your mobile phone Campaign - chargers. Aiming to enforce universal chargers. 33:30 What is openability? Phone - The Fairphone . A phone designed with easily replaceable elements. Hair dryers - most are literally sealed shut (manufacturers claim safety), and cannot be fixed. Irons - working out how to open them is very challenging. Repair Cafe Portsmouth is planning on collecting old irons that can't be fixed and start a repository with the tips and tricks on how to open them, to have a chance of fixing them. 35:30 What goods can be repaired? For us, around 67% of electrical, and almost all clothing, jewellery, bikes and lots of toys. It's great when items have a real story and sentimentality. Show - The Repair shop on the BBC - a great way to inspire people (although somewhat different to what we do in community repair) 37:30 How to buy with more care. Do you need to buy it? Can you borrow it? Can you share one someone else already has? Check the website of the product "fixing X", see if it can be fixed or not. Petition to sign: The Restart Project (UK) . Asking for repairability measures to include everybody, not just for professionals, but also for DIY/community repair groups. Commitment to right to repair for electronics. Reducing the VAT on repairs. Poll - YouGo v (UK) - 81% of the public are behind the right to repair. How to get a conversation with your MP - use the website. TheyWorkForYou website to find your MP Knock on their door if they have an office nearby. When they come door knocking, looking for votes, talk to them about right to repair. Look up local repair projects and get involved. Both to get your things repaired, and to help repair things. Website - Repair Café Foundation shows groups around the world as well as The Restart Project 44:30 How to set up a Repair Cafe in your town. Find a few people who are interested in helping you. Get along to the nearest Repair event to you. Look up tools and guides advising how to set one up. We are a helpful bunch! Movement: Community repair network (UK) Bringing Repair to Every Community 47:00 The sharing section Who do you most look up to in the world? I totally admire people and get excited and inspired by them. But I am into everyone being really awesome. Inspired by my kids, by people who are carers, people who helped us get through the pandemic. Film - Belfast. It was amazing! Beautifully shot, poignant, looking at conflict in Northern Ireland. Book - Non-violent communication by Marshall Rosenberg . About repairing ourselves and our relationships with others. The Problem Busters bookshop - where all books mentioned in the show are available in one list. Movement - Restorative Practice . A fascinating way to bring people together when there are disagreements. A great way to solve problems. Movement - Positive journalism. Magazine/email list: Postive.news . A great magazine to have on the table and to inspire and bring positivity into the house and the day. Tool: Ti.To for bookings (used for repair cafe bookings) The value of turning apps off, unsubscribing to things. Using the unsubscribe button on emails. 56:30 What is one thing you'd like to change in the world? My husband's snoring ;-) Switching to natural bedding (latex and wool duvets). People pausing and engaging the brain a bit more before they do something. Whether that is something they do, say, buy. That ability to slow down in the moment before reacting. Could even lead to world peace. 57:30 What one thing would you like people to take away from this episode? Repair is an option. It's always an option. To set up a repair project, right through to buying things carefully, or repairing what you have first, before buying. https://repaircafeportsmouth.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @southseamum Clare on LinkedIn Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

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Candice Gasper on Urban Farming 54:20

לפני 3 years54:20

54:20

Candice Gasper of Valley Mill Microgreens shares her story from bright-eyed environmental science graduate, to corporate, to ultimately becoming an Urban Farmer. She explains what urban farming is, what microgreens are (and why they are such a great way to get nutrients from your veggies) and how anyone, with as little as a sunny windowsill of space, can grow their own food. It's a great time to talk to Candice as her startup Valley Mill Microgreens is still in its first year, so we talk about the joy of working for yourself and soak up her enthusiasm for growing. We talk about the state of food, why the world needs more Farmer's markets, and how wonderful it is to connect directly to those who grow what we eat. Candice describes the foraging movement and gives us step by step instructions on how to germinate your own seeds, and grow your own food. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Candice Gasper is an Urban Farmer and is the founder of Valley Mill Microgreens. An Environmental Scientist by trade, she has worked in both the corporate world and scaled urban farming but these days is enjoying the life of a startup founder. She lives with her partner in Baltimore USA and is passionate about educating people about nutrition and the joy of growing your own food. Show mentions: A childhood outside, and choosing to study environmental science. A career in sales for environmental consulting and green construction. 02:00 Volunteering at the neighbourhood farmers market. One of the only place you can meet local farmers in a city. Food justice and food equity - and how access to food affects people 03:30 getting my first part time job on a women-owned microgreen farm. Saving up, losing my job and then going full time as a farmer 05:30 Hydroponics and how they work. Pros and cons. Learning what it's like to work in a large scale production facility. 07:30 Starting up my own business growing in my back yard. And the pride to get to here. The love of what I do. 10:00 Microgreens - what they are and why they are so cool. They can be added to any dish. You can sneak them in and get nutrient density into any dish. They are packed with flavour. Microgreens are nature's multivitamins 12:00 Anybody can grow microgreens, all you need is a sunny windowsill, a container, some water, some soil and some seeds. 12:30 Urban farming allows people to be more connected to their food. It's just neat to see my peers doing this and just right down the street, not in the middle of nowhere or far away. Saving on carbon emissions by not having to truck food into the city. There is really nothing cooler than getting to know your farmer 14:30 There is a lot of healing in growing - it teaches you patience. 50% percent of plants will die, and you learn how to care for them. The quality of food that is readily available not being great in many cities. Is soil quality deteriorating due to constantly farming them? 16:30 Cover crops are something you can plant between seasons that will extract nitrogen out of the air and regenerate the soil. Mass production leads to no breaks in the growing season and leads to less nutrients in the soil and therefore in the food. Microgreens grow so fast - they are only growing 2-3 weeks at most and they really don't need fertiliser. 18:30 how to get started growing microgreens in your own home. Kale microgreens have the cutest miniature kale leaves when they grow 21:30 There is a certain level of acceptance of failure in farming. Everything has been a learning process - if something doesn't work, I don't feel like I'm failing, I feel like I'm going into the next round of learning. 23:30 It's hard to make a good living as a farmer. Farming is difficult to get into because land access is difficult. Price of land, even renting land is unbelievable. I started my farm with about $10,000. 26:00 for most people wanting to get into agriculture, it's probably best to do it as a side hustle. Sell at your local farmers market. I try to shop at farmers markets as often as I can. The best bit is at the end of the market you can trade with the other farmers - and have groceries for the week! Food with backstory - you can tell by the way the grower raises their products that there is going to be more nutrient density in it. Episode: Nathan Ranklin on taking charge of your weight 31:00 The types of vegetables to look for in an urban area. Pay attention to what is in season. If it's in season and at a farmers market, you can bet it was grown nearby. The cost of living crisis in the UK, and in the USA right now. 33:30 What types of vegetables you could grow yourself. Microgreens are your best option. You don't have to repot them. SNAP (Supplemental nutrition assistance program) in the U.S. you can use the money to buy seeds - which is really exciting. Your dollar goes further. Urban garden rental plots. Renting a piece of land in a community garden. Allotments and their growth in popularity. Plant starts - a small plant you can repot when you get home, to get you started growing. 38:00 How to make fertiliser from kitchen scraps. The benefits of alfalfa tea for fertiliser. 40:00 How to support local farmers - buy directly from them. Sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) - paying in advance for a box of food. It helps the farmers to buy up seeds beforehand. Or go to the farmers market and buy directly from them! Supporting restaurants that also support local farms. Restaurant - Wild Flor (Hove UK). For supporting local farmers and having food that tastes just so amazing. Movement - School gardens and exposing kids to the joys of growing food, of getting involved in food. It's something they can do at an early age and it really impacts their lives. 44:30 Who do I most look up to in the world? Other women-owned farmers. Just to see someone else like myself doing well and being successful. Book - Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. How he talks about food is just awesome. Movement - Foraging. Trying to understand indigenous foraging practices and learning about mushrooms and food all around you. We have gotten away from some of those crucial indigenous food practices. 48:00 What would I like to change in the world? I would love to see more young people get involved in agriculture. I love the creative energy that comes from having to solve a problem right away. Agriculture is really interesting because it involves so many skillsets. 49:00 What one thing I would like people to take away from this episode? If you aren't happy sitting at a desk all day, just start being curious about the things that make you feel good, feel happy and spend some time volunteering. Getting in touch Instagram: valleymillmicrogreens Farmers market: Central market at York Pennyslvania Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

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Nathan Ranklin - Taking charge of your weight 1:08:46

לפני 3 years1:08:46

1:08:46

Nathan Ranklin has lost 18.5 stone, over 200kg and half his body weight. He talks the Problem Busters through what it's like to be a "big kid" growing up, how he took control of his weight (and kept it off), and most importantly - how he's helping others do the same. This is an honest and empowering look at a global issue which affects many in our lives at any given moment. Nathan has a disarming yet straight up style and therefore delivers a punchy and important message in an easy to digest way. We talk diet, lifestyle and modern food. Nathan explains how listening to those who have an addiction to food (or anything else) is the single most important step. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Nathan Ranklin is a 1:1 Diet Consultant for Cambridge Weight Plan. He lost 18 and half stones in 14 months, and won the male slimmer of the year 2020. Now he is here to share his gift with the world - the ability to take charge of your weight. Show mentions: 02:00 Growing up as a "big kid", being isolated as a result of my size Issues with food: comfort, binge and secret eater. For me, food was just there as my best friend - I'd just turn to it. Being a secret eater, it's hard for friends and family to monitor - as they don't see the eating 03:00 First realisation of being big at Alton towers, being taken off the ride at age 12. Doctor at 14 saying if you carry on like this, you would make it to 30. As a teenager I was still quite active, running about. 05:00 At 18, sitting down and doing nothing, I piled the weight on. There is always a reason to eat in the office. I was a yes man to eating. Being a binge drinker as well as a bing eater. At 20, diagnosed with sleep apnea. The fat around my throat limiting my breathing when I lay down at night to sleep. Being on a machine to sleep all through my 20s. At 26 being bed bound for a few days - the doctor turned around and said the weight you are, what do you expect? This was when the hard reality really set in. At 29 - went to Budapest, was quite sluggish this time. I wasn't the same, I was always tired. I needed a machine to stay alive at night time. Having to shop online or at big shops. 09:00 the moment I had an intervention from a Jamaican woman I sat down next to. I ran away for 4 months, but this woman was so persistent, she kept catching me in all the worst moments. Catch me having naughty meals. Eventually I gave in and went to her house on 22 March 2019. I weighed 36.9 stone (239 kilos). She promised me that I would never see that weight again, that she promised I would go down to a L size shirt size. How could she change my life in a week? I did the 1:1 diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. I hated it, hated everyone around. 13:00 I had tried a lot of diets before, but there was no one really there. Even through the doctors. No real structure. This was the first time I had someone on my ass the whole time. A week later I came back, I didn't feel like I can lost any weight To my surprise I lost 17 pounds (just over a stone, 7.7 kilos). Next week, another 10 pounds (almost 2 stone in 2 weeks!) I was hooked, the calculations were done. That was it, there was no turning back. I'm thinking I have a second chance here. The result - in 14 months straight, lost 17.5 stones (107 kg). How I did it, a lot of walking then I started the gym afterwards. The 1:1 diet is a combination of meal replacements and a healthy meal plan. It's all calculated for you, then I had to make myself the two additional meals. The thing was cutting out the carbohydrates. I kept seasoning all my food I started using fry light instead of oil, a george forman and an air fryer Tech: Air fryer - I absolutely love it! 19:00 The way to losing weight is - Water, your sleep, diet then exercise. Water goes in, breaks down the fat in the cells and flushes it out. I now drink 5 litres a day, just to stay hydrated. Majority of people should drink 2.5 - 3 litres a day 22:00 How I became a weight loss coach. 24:00 How being a weight loss coach works. Getting to know the person. Know their triggers. It's not one size fits all. What are the issues they are dealing with? Gaining weight is usually a side issue to something else. It's often filling a void of something else. It's all about relating to the person so I can help them. Then putting together a plan for them. Calorie limits, eating plan, tailored to their lifestyle. 27:30 The slimmer light is a choice I make every day. It's easy to slip into old habits. Everyone's body works differently. 29:00 Some mistakes I made and what I learned. The general level of people's knowledge is quite low. It's not's people's fault, they've never been educated. Social media and all the Just Eat adverts appear on Fridays. 31:30 The weekend is the hardest thing. The number one line is "the diet starts on Monday". Weekends and evenings. The cake I watched. The cake that watched me. 33:50 What about cheat days? I cheated for 29 years, I didn't need any more cheat days. I'd say plan in your meals. Work it out. The calories you will consume. You don't want this cheat day to wreck everything you've done. Get to the point you have control over your habits, then you can plan in the occasional naughty meal. 36:30 Food addiction is a real thing, that doesn't really get discussed. Usually people have a stone, 2 stones, maybe 5 stones to lose. They have the same problems, but they are catching it earlier. 38:30 How to tackle your weight. First step, be honest with yourself. It's never to late to start. Make sure you are doing it for yourself and not for someone else. And just get started. 40:00 How to support a loved one who is trying to lose weight. Do not fat shame! That whole bullying thing will trigger another emotion. Have conversations and see how they are feeling. If you don't have a problem with your weight, and your family or loved one is having trouble with theirs, do your naughty take aways out of the house. Do jump on board with the plan. You don't have to diet, but get involved with the cooking. Everyone can benefit from having a nice healthy meal. Suggest activities that don't resolve around food. There are so many things you can do that don't involve food. Show your support by joining them once a week or a month with them at a gym. You can occasionally fight their corner for them. Maybe you don't need another drink or another meal. It's all about being conscious. 45:00 All the things people did, that didn't help me when I was on my diet. Why don't we share it? It's me. So many shady things that didn't help. When you change your life around, you need to understand that people need time to catch up. I flipped the switch and that was it. There was no public announcement, that was it. 49:00 The sharing section 50:00 Who do I most look up to in the world? Barak Obama. Because he defied all odds and became a black president. I relate to that in the sense that I always thought I would be this big person. I've defied the odds. Book - The SAS guide to survival. I feel that growing up in a concrete jungle in London, books were always successful and networking. Money orientated. This book is nothing to do with money. It's about getting back to nature. Being the black Bear Grylls! The importance of reconnecting to nature, a long walk to recalibrate yourself Projects or movements have me most excited? I want to help expand my team. Help train people to help people lose weight. I want to educate the youth - that's missing. I feel like they are getting left behind. Their skills are going to come from YouTube. Kids are exposed to so many things and so quickly. They need guidance. Zoom has allowed me to connect to so many people all around the world. To connect to people and my dieters from anywhere. Tik Tok - the algorithms are amazing. The information on Tik Tok is the best when you're travelling. You can plan your life via Tik Tok! 01:02:04 One thing you'd like to change in the world? The education system for children. I'd implement nutrition and exercise in there properly. Food technology should not be optional. 01:04:00 Always cook from fresh. I love food. I like to understand what I'm making. 01:05:00 The one thing would you like people to take away from this episode? You are never too far gone. If I can do it, you can do it too. If you have a goal in life, it is never too late to go for it. There is so much you can do in a year. Getting in touch: Facebook (nathan ranklin), Instagram (call_me_slender), Tik Tok (1:1 diet with slender). Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

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Kapil Pankhania on coaching and being coached 54:44

לפני 3 years54:44

54:44

Life Coach Kapil Pankhania takes the Problem Busters through finding a coach, how to make the most out of being coached, and how to coach and mentor those in your team. Kapil has a refreshingly open and honest way of talking about coaching. He explains the difference between mentoring and coaching, tells his story and answers common questions about how both life coaching and coaching in general can benefit us. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Kapil Pankhania is a life coach from North London, currently working with Ollie at Form3. Kapil has a background in Finance and technology. website: www.kapil.coach Show mentions: Realising that coaching was a good route to becoming a better person, both professionally and personally App: Spotify Arriving at coaching as an idea Looking for a workshop and running into Becky, who was running the workshop. Life Coach: Becky Balzano became my first coach The benefits of coaching Coaching as a way to become more self-aware 05:00 Overcoming the excuse of "I have no time", and the importance of finding time for myself The value of putting time aside for myself every morning, for journaling, reading and plugging away Becoming aware of where you are spending your time Identifying where time is not being spent well, and substituting it for something more valuable 07:00 The emotional aspect of coaching. Digitised world, rare to have a time to have a proper conversation, about you. The value of saying things out loud - taking a big breath of fresh air. 09:00 Listening but also being present in the conversation. Really understanding where they are at before suggesting solutions. Coaches are not perfect, we are all humans. Trying not to relate to the client, but remaining separate in order to focus entirely on them and their challenge. 12:30 Advice to people who are looking for a coach Look for a coach you can trust, who is a good listener and is non-judgemental Suggest a first discovery session to see if you will work well together. 15:00 Figuring out what coaching is to you - and what each person wants to get out of the process. The importance of momentum and impact 18:30 What to expect from your first discovery session with a coach 20:00 How to get the most out of working with a coach Insight: The goal presented initially is not always the ultimate goal The importance of picking a place to start - the first challenge to tackle Write down as much as possible before the session Take notes as you go, so you have something to refer back to 24:00 The value of being accountable for your actions - of committing to take action. Playing back in next session on which actions you've taken. The value of taking action between sessions 26:30 What I've learned from coaching people 28:30 The importance of just letting people speak. The importance of reading body language 31:00 The difference between mentoring and coaching. The value of asking good questions 33:30 Advice for Managers wanting to coach their teams better Demonstrating the power of coaching is the way to sell it. 34:30 The value of developing a coaching culture, both between managers, at the exec level and out to all people in the business. 36:00 common mistakes managers make when coaching others The importance of not making assumptions. Ask, don't assume. Ask questions first in order to understand 37:00 How to develop a feeling of trust, of being heard 38:00 Daily habits I have picked up from coaching The value of a solid early morning routine Journaling as a daily practice. Thoughts on the day, what I've learned, unlocking your thoughts and creating space for new thoughts. The importance of reading regularly - as a way to learn Book: The miracle morning 41:00 The value of goal setting Getting crystal clear on what you want to get done, so you can start your day with purpose 42:00 the difference between life before and after goal setting 43:30 What it was like to start journaling Realising the importance of writing down my thoughts rather than what was happening around me. 45:00 The sharing section Who do I most look up to in the world? NBA Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers). He won many championships, but he had both an amazing work ethic and was a great person. The Black Mamba. Book: Can't hurt me by David Goggins A remarkable guy with remarkable mental toughness Movie: Good Will Hunting One thing you'd like to change in the world? Have people being more empathetic and have more compassion for the people around them. To not judge people for who they are and what they've done, but understanding them first. The best way to see how other people see the world is to ask them questions. 50:00 One thing would you like people to take away from this episode - look at your own motivations. Are you living your life on auto pilot? Or are you living your values? Look at the 2-3 main things you did in a day and decide if they served you or should be eliminated. Coach: Paul Søgaard Putting YouTube videos out as a way to help share knowledge with people. YouTube channel: Coaching Conversations getting in touch website: www.kapil.coach Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

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Adeola Haruna - Girls Can Code 1:01:42

לפני 3 years1:01:42

1:01:42

GirlCode co-founder Adeola Haruna shares how she got into tech, the experience of being a minority (a woman) in tech, and what motivated her to founding a non-profit coding academy to give back. GirlCode Academy is a volunteer-powered organisation that is rapidly becoming a movement. Headquartered in Lagos Nigeria, they have off their own backs created courses that have given hundreds of women the chance at a career in tech. Whether the students opt for Product Design, Frontend coding or perhaps Product Management, they have had an incredible impact on the people involved, many of whom return as volunteers to help others. This is an awesome story and includes the ability for us too to help - by donating a used laptop or supporting a woman in learning to code. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Adeola Haruna is the co-founder of GirlCode Academy - a volunteer organisation in Nigeria that has trained hundreds of women in Frontend coding and Product Design. She is a Project Manager, now a Product Manager and has a background in Fintech. Adeola is from Lagos Nigeria, and now resides in Aberdeen Scotland (for the castles, what a great reason to move anywhere!). Website: https://girlcode.academy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlCodeAcademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlCodeAcademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlcodeacademyng/ Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeola-haruna-24490434/ Show mentions: Adeola is the co-founder of the GirlCode academy, and by day is a product manager and former software engineer and graphic designer. 03:00 What is the GirlCode academy ? Being the only woman in every technical team, from company to company In 2016: In Lagos Nigeria - decided to find a solution to being the only technical woman in tech Women were interested in technology but didn't have the opportunity to participate in tech. The idea: train women in coding. 2017 - GirlCode academy was launched. 2017 - 25 women trained We have 100 applications in the first batch, then 300+ for the second. 2018 - 66 women trained in a bigger office Why do girls want to learn to code? "I tried to learn online, but I didn't get it, so I want to be in the class" 2021 - now over 1,000 applications each time We added more classes; front-end engineering, product design. 09:30 Is there disparity between men and women in Nigeria? Yes. We grew up with mothers with roles such as nurses, catering, fashion. In Nigeria you keep hearing "this is for men, this is for women" The problem we wanted to solve - having the right information and the right opportunity. We want to place a women in tech in every family Plenty of my cousins have taken up product and web design 12:30 Representation really matters. When you have someone who looks like you doing a thing, you want to do it too. What it's like to be a woman in tech. It's not difficult, but you will encounter some forms of discrimination or bias. 13:00 Example of looking for work and experiencing discrimination It's getting better in Nigeria - there are a lot of women I look up to in media and tech now, so it's getting better by the day. 17:30 What career paths did the GirlCode graduates end up taking? An internship is included in the program. A lot of them have gone on to bigger things. Example: someone studying medicine, but wanted to learn to code. She started the program, was one of our best and now she has stopped medicine, and works for one of the largest e-learning organisation in the world. From the last batch of graduates - we've had some girls come to us and say "I want to do Product Management, how do I do it?". They inspire me every day and they make me want to be better. 20:00 What I learned running GirlCode Even though we were doing it for free, I realised that volunteers deserved to be paid for their time. It's made me appreciate those who taught the first batch of girls, for free. I learned the value of friendship I've learned to try to outsource. We try to do lots of the things for ourselves, but we are getting less done by doing it alone. We've realised that with more volunteers we can take it to the next step. 23:30 Some of the feedback we've had They want us to extend the training! To have more time, more courses Last year we decided to add a Product Design course - over 500 applicants! We took 84 girls into the course. We had applicants from other countries for the first time. 25:00 A run through of the Frontend course 8 weeks - saturday only They have access to the tutors, both Instagram and WhatsApp numbers. So they can contact their tutors at any time. They are working on projects during the week, it's all practical 28:30 The plans for the future - for GirlCode Expand the number of tutors. Expand the countries we can cover. Our adverts are only targeting Nigerians. Perhaps even the UK! I'd like to add more courses - and both online and physical Get more support from people, get sponsorships. The Adopt a scholar program - paying for a girl to learn design, to code, to become a product manager, data science. GirlCode Academy website: https://girlcode.academy 32:00 Some of the ways the girls inspire me Graduates have been giving back as trainers A girl from the third batch now lives in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria and trains girls to code in a community in Nigeria People who didn't want to code have gone on to become tech writers. Lagos and the tech scene 2012: Conga was the first ecommerce site that I realised was built by Nigerians, and was owned by a Nigerian I think. I saw it, was blown away. Fintech in Nigeria is booming. It is everywhere. PayStack, which was acquired by Stripe. There are a lot of Startups, getting great investors, providing great solutions. There are a lot of Microlending operations in Africa In Nigeria, people don't really have access to credit. If I want to buy a new computer, I can't get a loan. The bank would ask for collateral (land) that I don't have. All these Fintechs are trying to provide loans to people like me - who need to graduate and get access to quick cash. Some people don't have access to banking solutions. People don't know what a credit card is, what a debit card is, what an ATM is. Buy now, pay later solutions are really important here. Peer to peer lending is also so important for people - the unbanked. In Jamaica, you'd have a Pardoner - who would help the community contribute to someone in need. Now it's digitised and it's even better There is a huge volume of young people in Africa, so the margins don't need to be high. International Women's Day was last week. What can people do to help encourage gender equality in tech? A lot of advertising is happening with companies asking directly for women to join - and women therefore want to learn to get there. Hercoonomy Shuttlers 43:30 Don't think because they are women, this is all they can do. Try a woman, let her let you know she can't do it, rather than expecting it. Advice for young women wanting to get into tech Just do it. Start. If you don't start, you cannot know what will happen. Reach out to people and ask questions if you don't know. Sell yourself. Always show up and be consistent 45:30 Advice to hiring managers at tech companies about hiring women. Always provide feedback. If they are not proceeding, tell them. Just listen to women. Don't box them because of their gender. Ask them all the questions you would ask a man. 48:00 The sharing section I look up to a lot of women The female founder of an app called Shuttlers (in Nigeria) - it solves the transportation problem in Nigeria, especially Lagos. Movie director - Kemi Adetiba . She's good, she calm and she gives good advice. Producer - Ava Duvernay in the U.S. And of course my mum. I've learned a lot from her. She taught me patience. I wish to be half the woman she is. Nollywood - Nigeria has the third largest movie industry in the world. A Netflix partnership has occurred, there are a lot on Netflix Movie - King of boys Movie - Confusion na wa TV series - A suitable boy Movie - Seventy Six Book - How to crack the Product Management Interview Book - Ship it. I loved reading it. I still go back to it. They interviewed a couple of silicon valley product managers and how they work. GirlCode movement is inspiring me! If I could, I would love there to just be peace. To just live together as one. What is going in Ukraine is so bad. The one thing I would like people to take away from this episode? For those who can give back. Who are privileged, who have the ability to lift others, please start. For those that are lost, let them speak out and reach out to people. The worst they can say is no. Keep pushing. Keep doing what you can do. The website: https://girlcode.academy/ Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeola-haruna-24490434/ Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

1
Stacy Holland on conscious leadership 1:22:12

לפני 3 years1:22:12

1:22:12

Soul led coach Stacy Holland explains what makes a conscious leader, how to spot them in your team and why they are so important to the building of a successful business. We discuss Stacy's 20+ year career in high-profile corporate roles and how she knew when it was time to make a switch to coaching full time. Stacy shares how she moved the family to Dubai for a job at one point, and how ripping a whole floor out of a building is sometimes necessary to create the right culture at work. This is an honest, straight-talking account of rising to the top of the corporate world, of living with purpose, and most importantly left us with the feeling that starting something new is not starting again - it is just the next step in your journey. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Stacy Holland is a soul led leadership coach, a life coach and a mentor. She is the founder of Stacy Holland Coaching and lives in the UK with her family. Website LinkedIn Instagram Show mentions: The path to coaching. Leadership as being coaching in many ways The concept of a shadow leader. Be aware of the shadow you cast. Working with BT and digital transformation Culture being incredibly important during lockdown Setting up guilds where people support each other. How to handle feeling like you don't have enough time. Book: Marie Kondo - Joy at work Removing the clutter, in order to see clearly. The excitement and challenge of accepting a role overseas Taking the plunge and the risk of moving the family to Dubai. Going to a country where English wasn't the first language. Dubai's mall culture Ripping out an entire floor of the building to create a massive co-working space. How to develop female leaders. The value of choosing to be in a transformation role - to bring change. The need to have team members that represent all the cultures of your customer base The main barriers for entry for women come down to confidence. Study: The Confidence Gap There is often a wobble for women when they've had children What is a conscious leader? How to identify your purpose The role of conscious leaders in any business Burnout being a clear sign of needing to change Book: The big leap by Gay Hendrix Podcast: Dare to Lead Moving from corporate to entrepreneur The value of developing a coaching culture The big take away from this episode? Whatever you feel, listen to that. There is a message there. Just listen and trust what is being shown to you. The value of working with mentors and coaches Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

Problem Busters

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Aryaana Khan and Hakim Evans on COP26 and the climate emergency 1:20:43

לפני 3 years1:20:43

1:20:43

A sobering and inspiring episode where Aryaana Khan and Hakim Evans from NGO ACE (Action for the Climate Emergency) share a rare insight into the workings of the much-discussed COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. They describe what was missing, what was inspiring and what they'd like to see come out of the next: COP27 in Egypt. We discuss the effects of climate change on both Aryaana's homeland of Bangladesh, and Hakim's of Jamaica, then hear how New York City is now very much also affected by the climate emergency. What motivates young people to stop what they are doing, to get involved in fighting for climate justice, and to learn to engage young and old in this most urgent of debates? And what type of world would both Aryaana and Hakim like us to create together? Expect to be shocked, angered, inspired and to come away empowered with the knowledge that you too can in your daily actions make a difference. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guests: Aryaana Khan is a Youth Climate Organiser and ACE Fellow, born and raised in Bangladesh and recent delegate to COP26 in Glasgow Scotland. She is joined by returning guest Hakim Evans, a Senior Fellow with ACE and Founding Board Member of Climate Emergency Advocates. Both inspiring guests are based in Queens, New York City. Show mentions: Growing up in Bangaladesh and moving to NYC in 2010. ACE Alliance for the climate education has rebranded to Action for the climate emergency . Why the new name? It speaks to the scale we need to address the issue - it is a climate emergency. Global Kids - the first NGO Aryaana worked with ACE had local fellowships all across the U.S. - including NYC. Learning how to teach and engage people in the climate debate. Words like the climate emergency have been so necessary to shift the discussion to the urgency of the situation. Aryaana's story: Growing up in Dhaka (capital city of Bangladesh). I started life with mango trees outside my window and I saw the growth of the city. It was beautiful yet jarring. Experiences of climate change in NYC Much of Long island is already under water. Hurricanes, insane storms. Parallels between growing up in NYC with Bangladesh and Jamaica Educating people and empowering them How to decide who to talk to about the climate emergency Helping people find their story COP26 Glasgow and what it was. What was Glasgow like as an event? Being on the ground at COP26 and reflections on it COP26 Glasgow: the horse and pony show NYC and The climate and community act Things young people are doing to bring change and the role of covid What can people at home do? - focus on the biggest issue. What is a food desert? ACE Creator Collective - getting the message out there over Tik Tok. ACE Launching action teams. The big message: don't stress out The kind of world Aryaana and Hakim would like to create Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor Image credit: ACE acespace.org…

Problem Busters

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Happy Good News: Flying Car, Nuclear Fusion & LEDs 36:39

לפני 3 years36:39

36:39

The Problem Busters rave about flying cars (it's a thing), nuclear fusion and a simple way to prevent almost half of the catch of commercial fishing operations from getting caught by mistake. Also electric cars, solar power, paint that generates electricity (thanks Dulux!) About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. Show mentions: Flying Car https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/a-flying-car-just-got-certified-as-airworthy-to-fly/ China Achieve Nuclear Fusion https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/chinas-artificial-sun-broke-record-for-longest-sustained-nuclear-fusion/ Europe Achieves Nuclear Fusion https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60312633 Simple LEDs saving sharks and turtles https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/simple-green-led-lights-save-sharks-and-turtles-from-accidental-fishing-nets/ Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor Photo by Mehdi MeSSrro on Unsplash…

Problem Busters

1
Happy Good News: Christmas Special 2021 58:11

לפני 4 years58:11

58:11

News but only the good bits, and this time it's a Christmas bumper edition, to warm hearts at the end of the year. Plenty of good news to be shared, hope you enjoy! About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. Show mentions: The right to repair movement .Claiming the right to repair - Positive News Phone boxes put to use Thinking outside the box: unusual uses for the UK’s old phone boxes The UKs largest rewilding project ‘Natural Health Service’: Derby approves UK’s largest urban rewilding project HIV jabs approved New HIV jabs taken two months apart hailed as huge step forward How Norway's pop stars pushed the government to electric cars How a pop star helped inspire Norway's electric car revolution How Amsterdam stopped junk mail Amsterdam's Instant Fix for Getting Rid of Junk Mail Biofuel trial in shipping tankers BP and Maersk Tankers team up to trial marine biofuel in decarbonisation push Dyson award 2021 entries Project gallery | James Dyson Award kiva.org - Microcredit fantastic. Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor Photo by Kilian Seiler on Unsplash…

Problem Busters

1
It's OK to ask for help with Andrew Murphy 46:05

לפני 4 years46:05

46:05

Andrew Murphy from the Federation of Small Businesses UK (FSB) talks running a business post-lockdown. We talk trends in business and lifestyle, explore the experience of founding and growing a business. Most importantly, we discuss how it is OK to ask for help, how covid actually fostered networking and how we are better off sticking together. The Federation of Small Business UK (FSB) is an undiscovered gem in the wild world of running your own business. Whether you are a freelancer or whether you employ a team - we feel there is so much support available in an FSB membership and hope to see more take advantage of it, so they can focus on their day jobs. About the show: Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide. About our guest: Andrew Murphy is a Small Business Champion at the Federation of Small Businesses UK. A career at PwC led him to start his own removals business in London, which ultimately led to a lot of lessons in starting and growing a business. He is passionate about the importance of small businesses to our economy and community as a whole. Show mentions: Starting off in PcW in Consultancy Started his own business, a removals business - ran it for 15 years, then sold it and moved to the FSB It was the Uber for removals - perhaps a bit before its time. 04:30 The challenges in building a business, and in hiring and managing staff. Remote staff management is one of the most difficult parts of the growth of the business. Finding good people is one of the hardest part of growing a business in my experience. Then looking after them and welfare is right up there with hard work. I had a friend in HR, but eventually realised we needed help with that. The Federation of Small Business (FSB) knocked on the door, and I was getting a lot of contacts at the time, but this guy made a good point and the offer was really strong A not for profit who helps small businesses. He talked about HR support, documentation and legal support, and it made a lot of sense to me as a business owner. 07:30 Small business owners want to be spending more time on running the business, not doing all the other paperwork. FSB has been running 45 years, has over 165,000 small business members. There is at times a disconnect between central government and small business. Example: The creation of the Furlough scheme, via the powerful lobbying voice of FSB, and a chap called Mike Cherry. It has supported a lot of businesses during the pandemic. The FSB legal hub was super helpful to me, had a series of documents in a library, we had access to an HR representative at no charge, and at one point, we had to visit the Employment Tribunal and they supported us through the process. We were not at fault, but it was great to have someone there to hold our hand through it all. 14:00 What would I do differently next time? I'd get help from people like the FSB earlier. You've got to know when to ask for help. What steps could people listening take to reach out and get assistance? Have a look at the website and all the services provided. Tax investigation protection is a part of the membership (an important one in coming years) Small businesses are the backbone of this economy. 70%+ of employers and an important part. We're not talking a lot of money for this membership, and every bit of revenue goes back into supporting Small Business - £147 per year (based on the number of people in the business). We have a lot of sole traders who are members. Sole traders also have legal obligations, tax returns. We cover right up to larger businesses of 50 employees or more. It can be quite isolating as a business owner. The buck does stop at you as owner. 22:00 What are the top areas small businesses worry about? Staff Management, Finance, Getting new customers on board, tax investigation protection. For every pound HMRC invests in tax investigation, they recoup £15 pounds. We are seeing a lot of positivity coming out of Covid now. It's been a roller coaster over the last 18 months but we are seeing a lot more positivity and businesses getting out there. How being remote has bought networking into a new age. We used to run monthly groups, a bit of a social thing and a lunch. Now it has all moved online, there is a huge opportunity to now network with your potential customers anywhere in the country and anywhere in the world. People are now happy to do these type of online meetings, and you still have the opportunity to meet in person also. Episode: Zoltan Vass - Building remote teams 31:00 The sharing section Who do you most look up to in the world? I spend my life talking to business owners, from people who are about to set up to people who have been running for a while. So I'll go business owners. It takes real courage to run your own gig. I have nothing but admiration for people who get out there and make it work. Book - Jordan B Peterson - 12 rules for life. There is some great stuff in there. He has a great understanding of the way we work as humans, or as a society. Book - Jordan B Peterson - Maps and meanings. What movements have you most excited? Cop26 summit is going on right now. I studied Environmental Science at University and it was a big deal for me. Agenda 21 back then was important Greta Thunberg famously summed this up - there's been a lot of talk and it's now time for action. There is a groundswell of people looking to take this into their own hands, and looking at how they can get involved in sustainability. 27:00 What tech is improving your life right now? I implemented Calendly.com into my work. It has taken away a huge part of when people can talk to each other. Send a link, sync with diary and it works for everyone. What is one thing you'd like to change in the world? I don't have a specific thing because the solutions to where we are are really really complicated. There is a lot of complication in all of this, which is why we haven't been able to solve it. There can be no question about the impact we are having on the environment. I'm pleased that this stuff is now on the agenda, and the fact that people are taking personal responsibility rather than waiting for something to happen. One thing people could take away from this episode? To recognise that you don't have to do everything yourself (like the FSB!) that help support you as a business owner. 40:30 Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help, so that you can focus on the doing of the business, the growing of your business. The last 18 months for a lot of people have obviously been really difficult. Especially for men, we are kinda a bit guarded around asking for help. As part of the FSB, we have first aid and nurses. It's reaching out to the right people when you need it. Talking about mental health has become normal Getting in touch? Happy to use Calendly, or to email andrew.murphy@fsb.org.uk. FSB events - click here for events (going on almost every day), they are open access and you don't need to be a member to access those resources. Logo and concept by Christy O'Connor…

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Problem Busters « » On art and ecology with Eva Bubla

On art and ecology with Eva Bubla

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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On art and ecology with Eva Bubla