This week, I’m celebrating the launch of my new book Words to Inspire. As it says on the back over – ‘this book serves as a calming reminder of the resilience, wisdom and courage that we possess when we slow down.’ Words to Inspire comprises over 60 short chapters on themes that have become part of modern day living. From feeling stuck to coping with change, dealing with challenging people and learning how to be less tough on ourselves. As well as sharing some extracts from Words to Inspire, I also speak about what goes into the process of creating a book. Check out Words to Inspire on my website www.jamessweetman.com

Personal branding is how we market ourselves to others. It’s not about being someone other than who you are, it’s a mechanism by which you can leverage your authentic self. Personal branding is relevant when attending an interview, delivering a presentation, and is also important from a career development perspective, and of course if you run your own business. This week I look at factors that impact our brand, how it ties in with the customer service theory of ‘moments of truth’ and I also share reflection questions that will help you take ownership of your personal brand.

If we are honest, most of us would like to feel more self-confident in at least some situations. It might be at an interview, delivering a presentation, attending a big meeting, or just trying something new. Over the years I’ve gathered many confidence boosting strategies and this week I’m sharing 10 of these tried and tested tips and distinctions.

When we’ve been through challenging times, it’s natural that our confidence levels will take a hit. So this week’s episode is all about rebuilding our self-confidence by harnessing techniques that engage our mind, body and spirit. 

This week I’m revisiting the broad topic of leadership focussing in particular on the qualities and mindset a modern leader must possess to be effective in their role. As I often say, today’s leaders have to be equal parts accountant, visionary, counsellor and coach, so how do we balance these seemingly diverse roles? I look at how to navigate the path between the rational mind and empathetic heart, the hard realities of the balance sheet and people engagement. In these days of authentic leadership and where we wish to bring our whole or best selves to work, I also look at how effective leadership also means coaching others around what aspects of their best self is best left at home.

Most people say they have a book in them, or that they’d love to write a book. With my sixth book Word to Inspire out soon, this week I’m sharing my experiences on what it takes to write a book.

One of the biggest hurdles all writers and creatives face is dealing with resistance, those limiting beliefs usually wrapped around our perceived lack of worthiness. Wearing my coaching hat, I also explore ways of managing this.

If your ambition is to write a book, or even to get more proficient at writing articles or blogs, this episode, with tips on ways to access your creativity and how to get out of your own way, as well as plenty of practical writing tips is especially for you.

“Nothing to fear but fear itself.” Those famous words spoken by President Roosevelt are the inspiration for this week’s episode. Watching the news it’s easy to believe that we have more to fear today than ever before. In our own lives, many of our decisions and behaviours are motivated by fear – the fear of not being good enough, or the fear of letting others down. This week, I’ll take you through some of the less obvious ways fear influences our thoughts and actions. We’ll also look at how our minds and bodies react when we feel under threat and of course I share practical tips and strategies we can apply when fears comes knocking on the doors of our minds and knots our stomach.

This week I’m joined by Susan Maxwell. Susan is a great example of someone who is managing a portfolio career, combining her interests in different areas from the travel industry, to well-being and even writing. In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, like many people and businesses, she had to instigate change and just over a year ago she launched her latest business venture, The Ruby Sue Collection. We had a great chat discussing risk-taking, entrepreneurship, her business and sources of inspiration.

The tables are turned this week as I’m sharing an interview recently broadcast on Phoenix FM. I sat down with host Michael Daly on his weekly radio programme ‘Making a Difference.’ He asked me about the people who have influenced me, my career journey and the source of my motivations. It was a deeply personal and meaningful conversation as I speak too about my late Dad, whose anniversary it happens to be this week. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.