Raising a Child on the Spectrum

Why Corporate Workers Lose Their Creativity (And How to Get It Back)

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Few of us realise how much of ourselves we leave behind in the pursuit of stability. Careers grow, responsibilities increase, and somewhere along the way, creativity - once natural and instinctive - quietly fades into the background. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore what happens when we disconnect from our creative selves, why so many people abandon artistic passions as they enter the workforce, and what it really means to reconnect with that lost part of who we are.  This is a deeply reflective and human conversation about identity, self-expression, and the tension between security and authenticity. Because creativity is not just about art - it is about connection to self. And when that connection is lost, it can impact confidence, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and even our sense of purpose. In this episode, we discuss why creativity is often seen as impractical or indulgent in a performance-driven world, and how many people feel they have to hide this part of themselves in professional environments. We explore the psychological effects of rediscovering creativity later in life, the fear of judgment, and the internal conflict between stability and fulfilment. At the same time, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: creativity is not a talent reserved for a few - it is a fundamental part of being human. And reconnecting with it can bring joy, healing, perspective, and a deeper sense of meaning. Joining me, Ella, are:  🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Clinical psychologist and former professor (Stanford & Harvard graduate)  🔹 Kristina Pakhomova – Actress, producer, and executive presence coach  🔹 Svetlana Fedotova – Former finance professional turned registered art psychotherapist Together, we explore the emotional, psychological, and practical sides of creativity - from corporate burnout and identity loss to healing, expression, and rediscovery. Who Is This Video For? If you feel disconnected from your passions, stuck in routine, or curious about reconnecting with your creative side, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and practical perspective. It’s for professionals, creatives, and anyone navigating identity, purpose, or self-expression in a fast-paced, performance-driven world. In This Episode, We Discuss: • why so many people abandon creativity when they enter the workforce  • the link between creativity, identity, and emotional wellbeing  • how corporate culture can suppress self-expression  • the psychological impact of rediscovering creativity later in life  • why creativity is often misunderstood as “non-productive”  • the role of creativity in processing emotions and reconnecting with self  • how fear of judgment stops people from exploring creative outlets  • simple ways to bring creativity back into everyday life  • why creativity benefits mental health, confidence, and resilience  • the difference between performance-driven success and authentic fulfilment Key Takeaways: • Creativity is not a talent - it is a natural part of being human  • Disconnecting from creativity can impact identity, joy, and wellbeing  • Reconnecting with creativity can feel uncomfortable, but also deeply rewarding  • The process matters more than the outcome — expression over perfection  • Small, consistent creative acts can significantly improve mental health  • Fear of judgment often prevents people from exploring their true interests  • Creativity can enhance problem-solving, communication, and self-awareness  • You do not need permission to reconnect with what makes you feel alive Conclusion: Losing touch with your creative self doesn’t happen overnight - and reconnecting with it doesn’t require a dramatic life change. Sometimes it starts with something small: curiosity, play, or simply giving yourself permission to explore again. Because creativity isn’t about producing something perfect - it’s about feeling human, connected, and alive. If this episode reminds you of a part of yourself you’ve been missing, it’s already doing its job. Keywords: creativity, reconnecting with creativity, creative burnout, corporate burnout, self expression, identity and purpose, art therapy, mental health, emotional wellbeing, creative hobbies, executive presence, personal growth, confidence, authenticity, workplace culture Hashtags: #Creativity #MentalHealth #SelfExpression #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #ArtTherapy #CareerIdentity #Wellbeing #CreativeLife #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

The Psychology of Selling: Trust, Confidence & Human Behaviour in Business

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Selling is not just about persuasion, targets, or closing deals. It is deeply connected to psychology, emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, and understanding human behaviour. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the psychology behind influence, negotiation, confidence, rejection, and why some people consistently succeed in high-pressure business environments while others struggle to build trust and connection. The conversation explores the emotional realities behind sales performance, the pressure of rejection, how desperation can quietly damage trust, and why authenticity and emotional intelligence matter more than ever in modern business. As consumer behaviour evolves, people are no longer simply buying products or services. They are responding to confidence, connection, trust, reputation, and how understood they feel during interactions. Joining me are Ella Sherman, Dr Jonathan Marshall, Gary Brookes, and Nuwanthie Samarakone. Who Is This Episode For? If you work in sales, leadership, recruitment, business development, consulting, customer relationships, or communication-focused roles, this conversation offers insight into the emotional and psychological realities behind influence and trust-building. We explore how rejection impacts confidence, why resilience matters in competitive environments, and how emotional intelligence increasingly shapes professional success. Topics include sales psychology, negotiation, communication, consumer behaviour, storytelling, trust, authenticity, online reputation, confidence, relationship-building, and why human connection still matters enormously in modern business. Whether you work in corporate sales, leadership, recruitment, entrepreneurship, or simply want to better understand how people make decisions, this episode offers practical and psychological insight into human behaviour and influence. 💬 Quotes: • “People buy from people they trust.”  • “Resilience matters more than perfection in sales.”  • “Desperation is often easier to detect than people realise.”  • “Human connection still matters enormously in business.” 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Trust and emotional connection strongly influence buying behaviour.  • Rejection and performance pressure can significantly affect confidence and resilience.  • Emotional intelligence and communication are becoming increasingly valuable business skills.  • Authenticity builds stronger long-term relationships than aggressive selling tactics.  • Storytelling and emotional connection often influence decisions more than hard data alone.  • Social media and online reputation now heavily shape consumer trust and perception.  • Adaptability, curiosity, and relationship-building remain critical in modern business environments.  • Strong communication skills continue to separate high performers from average performers. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction  1:03 The Psychology Behind Sales  2:46 Trust & Consumer Behaviour  5:32 The Emotional Pressure of Sales Targets  8:14 Rejection, Confidence & Resilience  11:26 Why Desperation Damages Negotiations  14:43 Communication & Relationship-Building  18:37 Storytelling, Emotion & Decision-Making  21:04 Social Media & Consumer Trust  24:52 Human Connection in Modern Business  27:56 Final Reflections Conclusion: Sales is rarely just about products, pricing, or persuasion. More often, it comes down to trust, emotional intelligence, communication, resilience, and understanding human behaviour. This episode explores the psychological realities behind influence, rejection, confidence, negotiation, and relationship-building in modern business. While technology and consumer behaviour continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: people still want to feel understood, respected, and emotionally connected before making decisions. For many professionals, success is no longer about having the loudest pitch. It is about authenticity, adaptability, trust, and the ability to build genuine human relationships in increasingly competitive environments. If this conversation helps even one person communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, or better understand the psychology behind influence and trust, then it has achieved exactly what it set out to do.  🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and join our Ella Podcasts community for more honest conversations about business, psychology, leadership, communication, and modern working life.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Raising a Child on the Spectrum

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Raising a child with autism or additional needs can be one of the most emotionally demanding, isolating, and misunderstood journeys a parent can face. In this deeply honest episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of parenting children on the autism spectrum and with special needs - the fear, exhaustion, uncertainty, grief, love, and resilience that often exist behind closed doors. Many parents silently carry the weight of constant caregiving, navigating therapies, schools, social judgment, financial pressure, and fears about what will happen to their child when they are no longer around. The journey can impact every part of life - relationships, mental health, careers, family dynamics, and identity - yet so many families still feel unseen and unsupported. In this episode, we discuss openly the emotional realities of raising neurodiverse children, the loneliness many parents experience, and the ongoing anxiety around independence, bullying, public acceptance, and the future. We also explore the impact on siblings, marriages, and the emotional toll of always needing to be “strong” while navigating an unpredictable path. At the same time, this conversation is also filled with humanity, compassion, humour, perspective, and hope. Because while the journey may be difficult, many parents also describe becoming more patient, grateful, empathetic, and emotionally resilient through their children. Joining me - Ella Sherman - are Dr Jonathan Marshall, Hsiao Ching Lee Bond, Joyce Wee Yat Shin. Who Is This Video For? If you are parenting a child with autism, ADHD, developmental differences, or additional needs - or supporting someone who is - this conversation offers emotional reassurance, honesty, and understanding. We explore the psychological impact of raising neurodiverse children, the stress of navigating therapies and education systems, and the fear many parents carry about the future. Topics include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), communication challenges, sibling relationships, caregiver burnout, public judgment, school integration, independence, adulthood, and what happens when parents can no longer provide care. We also discuss how special needs parenting can affect marriages, mental health, identity, and family dynamics, while highlighting the unexpected lessons of gratitude, compassion, and resilience that many families discover along the way. Whether you are a parent, sibling, teacher, caregiver, or simply someone wanting to better understand autism and neurodiversity, this episode provides compassionate insight into a journey many families face quietly every day. 💬 Quotes: • “The biggest challenge is the unknown - constantly wondering what the future will look like.”  • “We grieve the future we imagined, then learn to build new milestones instead.”  • “Strength sometimes means just showing up day after day.”  • “Special needs parenting changes your perspective on what truly matters in life.” 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Autism exists on a spectrum, and every child’s needs and abilities are different.  • Parenting neurodiverse children can bring enormous emotional, financial, and psychological pressure.  • Many parents experience grief, anxiety, burnout, and fear about their child’s future.  • Siblings of children with additional needs often carry emotional responsibility from a young age.  • Public awareness and education around autism are improving, but stigma and misunderstanding still exist.  • Families often struggle with a lack of support, specialist resources, and tailored education systems.  • Despite the challenges, many parents describe becoming more compassionate, patient, and resilient.  • Small milestones, independence, and moments of connection can become deeply meaningful victories. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Autism & Special Needs Parenting  1:02 What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?  1:58 Communication Challenges & Nonverbal Autism  4:07 Living With Uncertainty & Lack of Answers  6:31 Parenting Burnout & Emotional Strain  9:06 Mild vs Severe Autism & Different Experiences  12:02 Fear About Independence & The Future  14:01 Public Judgment & Social Stigma  16:44 Siblings, Fairness & Family Dynamics  19:22 Growing Up Too Fast as a Sibling  22:58 Sexuality, Puberty & Special Needs Challenges  24:07 Lack of Government Support & Specialist Schools  26:01 How Parenting a Neurodiverse Child Changes You  29:19 Final Reflections & Support for Parents Conclusion: Parenting a child with autism or additional needs can feel overwhelming, lonely, and emotionally relentless at times - but this episode is also a reminder that there is extraordinary strength, love, and humanity inside these families. For many parents, the journey is not about finding perfection or easy answers. It’s about adapting, learning, grieving, celebrating small victories, and continuing to show up with love even when the future feels uncertain. If this conversation helps even one parent feel less alone, more understood, or more hopeful, then it has done exactly what it set out to do. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and join our Ella Podcasts community for more honest conversations about mental health, relationships, parenting, neurodiversity, and modern life. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

AI, Anxiety and the Future of Work: How Automation Is Reshaping Careers

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Some jobs are already disappearing. Others are rapidly evolving. And for millions of people, the real fear is no longer whether AI is coming, but whether humans will still have a meaningful place in the future workforce. Hosted by Ella Sherman, Host and Founder of Ella Podcasts, and Dr. Jonathan Marshall, Co-Host and Clinical Psychologist, this episode explores how AI, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping industries, careers, education, and society itself. From law and finance to healthcare, customer service, and the creative industries, AI is already changing how businesses operate, eliminating some roles while creating entirely new opportunities. In this episode: • Ella Sherman - Host and Founder of Ella Podcasts • Dr. Jonathan Marshall - Co-Host, Clinical Psychologist • Duncan Reed - C-suite leader in technology transformation with experience at Microsoft, AWS, and Workday • Jeff Paine - Managing Director of PS Engage Global Government Relations 💬 Quotes: • “The future may not belong to the people who know the most, but to those who adapt the fastest.” • “If the job is transactional, those roles are likely to be impacted first.” • “Curiosity and lifelong learning are becoming essential survival skills.” Key takeaways: • AI is likely to eliminate repetitive and transactional jobs first • Human skills like judgment, empathy, and adaptability remain critical • AI may reshape education, hiring, and career development • Lifelong learning and curiosity are becoming essential survival skills • AI’s impact depends on how humans choose to use it ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to AI and the Future of Work 1:49 AI Efficiency and Small Businesses 3:25 AI, Education & Graduate Readiness 5:38 Which Jobs Are Most at Risk? 12:19 Which Careers Will Survive? 14:13 Can AI Replace Therapists & Doctors? 18:45 What Should Students Study Now? 22:55 Fear of Mass Unemployment & Society’s Future AI is already reshaping work, education, creativity, and society. The real challenge is adapting without losing the human connection that gives life meaning. 🎧 The latest episode of Ella Podcasts is now live. Watch on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Buzzsprout. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ The Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms: 👉 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/ella-podcasts/id1862679668 [https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/ella-podcasts/id1862679668] 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GTmqCXOGz2XFhD68gU5fi?si=04cfd833babf4d5d [https://open.spotify.com/show/4GTmqCXOGz2XFhD68gU5fi?si=04cfd833babf4d5d] 👉 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/75909126-0b85-4c58-804b-ae07fc45d8f9/ella-podcasts [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/75909126-0b85-4c58-804b-ae07fc45d8f9/ella-podcasts] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089] LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16549037/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16549037/] 🎬 Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXUPFV76DnI ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDKgV6Lg7WE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmS5Uk9GSAc Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

AI and the Future of Work: Will Jobs Be Replaced or Transformed?

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] AI is moving faster than most people expected, and with it comes a growing sense of uncertainty about jobs, careers, and the future of work. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of artificial intelligence and whether it will replace jobs or fundamentally change them. While some see AI as a powerful tool for efficiency and growth, others are increasingly concerned about automation, layoffs, and long-term job security. This conversation breaks down what AI actually is and why it is often misunderstood. Rather than true intelligence, AI is built on pattern recognition at scale, which makes it powerful, but also limited. We also explore the psychological impact, from displacement anxiety to the way people are beginning to form relationships with AI systems. In this episode I’m joined by: • Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist and former professor  • Duncan Reed, C-suite leader in technology transformation with experience at Microsoft, AWS, and Workday  • Jeff Paine - Managing Director of PS Engage Global Government Relations Quotes: • “AI is not intelligent in the way we understand it, it recognises patterns.”  • “Nobody is very sure what their job will look like in a few years.”  • “It’s more likely jobs will change than completely disappear.” Takeaways: • AI is built on data and pattern recognition, not true intelligence  • Job displacement is happening, but full replacement is unlikely in the short term  • Many companies are still experimenting and not fully adopting AI at scale  • Human judgement and context remain essential  • AI is more likely to reshape roles than eliminate them entirely  • Rapid change is driving uncertainty and anxiety Timestamps: 0:00:07 Introduction to AI and job concerns  0:01:03 What AI actually is  0:03:01 Psychological impact and displacement anxiety  0:04:17 Why companies are slow to adopt AI  0:07:23 Why many AI projects fail beyond pilot stage  0:10:52 Real-world use of AI in business  0:16:38 Timeline of job automation and layoffs  0:20:13 Will AI replace jobs or reshape them  0:21:42 Impact on professions and human roles  0:23:21 Risks and misuse of AI  0:27:03 Automation, robotics, and future jobs  0:31:06 Government response and future support Conclusion: AI is not just a technology shift, it is a human one. While there is disruption, there is also opportunity. The challenge is not simply whether jobs will disappear, but how we adapt to what comes next. 🎧 The latest episode of Ella Podcasts is now live. Watch on YouTube, or Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or Buzzsprout. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations:  https://www.youtube.com/@EllaPodcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@EllaPodcasts] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sherman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sherman/] #AI #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #Careers #Technology #Automation Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]