In this inspiring episode, Elspeth Jones, founder of Wild Counsel, shares her transformational journey—from a successful career as a commercial barrister to becoming an environmental lawyer—culminating in the creation of Wild Counsel.

Elspeth talks candidly about the emotional challenges and pressures of working on the climate and nature crisis, offering thoughtful insights into self-care and the pivotal role leaders play in cultivating a supportive and empowering environment for those around them.

The conversation also explores Elspeth’s personal growth as a leader, navigating self-doubt, and embracing the idea that leadership does not require perfection. She reflects on the value of authenticity, building trust, and fostering genuine connections as the foundation for effective and impactful leadership.

Finally, Elspeth offers a fresh perspective on managing energy—not just time—when balancing work, family, and hobbies, to create a more fulfilling life.

Elspeth can be reached at wildcounsel@gmail.com

If the themes in this discussion resonated with you and you’d like some help to make some changes, book some time in my diary here to discuss.

Sam Ridsdale, Head of Account Operations at Hitachi Energy, joins me for the first episode of 2025. In this conversation, Sam explains how she accidentally came to work in the energy sector and what drives her to do the work she does.

Sam and I explore how we have an ability to make a difference and a responsibility to do so, how what we tell ourselves can limit us if we let it, as well as uncover the strategies Sam uses to stay sane.

Sam talks openly about the challenges she faces in trying to ensure she doesn't work too much, which, she explains, is tricky because she enjoys what she does so much. However, she recognises that the need to recharge her batteries doing other activities is also important.

It's an in-depth discussion which I have no doubt will strike a chord with you on several levels and is well worth a listen.

Sam can be reached at linkedin.com/in/sam-ridsdale

If the themes in this discussion resonated with you and you’d like some help to make some changes, book some time in my diary here to discuss.

Join Hayley and I in exploring her journey from a career in Fintech to purposeful climate work as Co-Founder @ openstead. We dive into how she navigates the emotional landscape of working in sustainability including how she believes embracing hope while acknowledging the overwhelming reality of the climate crisis is key.

Hayley shares powerful insights on building resilience, finding community, and redefining your personal impact beyond traditionally what ‘success’ means in the world. She offers advice worth reflecting on. I hope you enjoy the episode!

The podcast references two further resources which are detailed below:

Climate Connection Terra.do: Climate Education, Green Skills, and Climate Careers

Hayley can be reached at lhy.hayleyl@gmail.com

If you’re feeling stuck and have lost the energy and passion that you used to have in bucket loads, why not start my assessing the foundations in my quiz? It’ll help you see where you are off track so you can take immediate action to start to work towards becoming, confident, purposeful and proud once again. Follow this link: https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com