Inspire: A personal journey leads to innovation

Inspire: A personal journey leads to innovation

In this reflective episode of Janet Generally Speaking, Lauren Edmunds shares the personal journey that led her to create a child-led educational model for children with learning and behavioural challenges. Lauren opens up about parenting a child who struggled within the traditional school system, navigating denial and grief, and eventually building a school grounded in empathy, flexibility and holistic support. The conversation explores: Parenting children with diverse learning needs The emotional impact of educational diagnoses Why academic performance should not define identity The role of teachers beyond academics Building resilience through adversity Personal growth, grief and reinvention Books, climbing and finding motivation This episode is an honest and compassionate discussion about education, humanity and seeing the full child beyond marks and labels. Lauren's website for Omatas Learning Centre: https://omatas.co.za/ Link to Lauren's podcast: https://omatas.co.za/category/the-lauren-edmunds-podcast/ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetgericke/]

Talking NPOs: BarkingMad SA working to save lives everyday

In this episode, the first where I will talk to an NPO and find out who they are, how they work and what they are doing for the community and the people, or animals they are working to help, I talk to Tracy McQuarrie, the founder of BarkingMad SA about the start of the NPO and the initiatives it has to raise much needed funds for rescues. We find out about Not Without My Dog and the important research they are doing to create minimum standards for the rescue sector - created by them for them. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetgericke/]

Inspired: Genevieve Allen on Leadership, Learning and Staying Calm When Things Go Wrong

In this episode of Generally Speaking, Janet sits down with Gen Allen for an open, thoughtful conversation about work, learning and leadership. Gen talks about growing up around business, finding her way through marketing and education, and why she never stopped studying while building her career. They discuss women in business, confidence, mentorship and the value of staying calm and clear-headed when things don’t go to plan. From franchising and childcare to navigating corporate life and COVID, this is a grounded, honest conversation full of perspective and lived experience. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetgericke/]

Inspired: Lawyer by day, writer always

It was a great pleasure spending time with Gail Schimmel for this episode. Gail is a lawyer (with 4 degrees) working for the Advertising Regulatory Board and the author of at least 7 books in her name and co-author as Katie Gayle in a murder mystery series. In this episode, we chatted about her childhood writing stories, her journey to becoming a lawyer and an author and finally, we discover what she is listening to in her car! ARB: https://www.arb.org.za/ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetgericke/]

Inspired: Committed to sustainability and activism with Yasmine Miemiec

Janet chats with Yasmine Miemic, owner and founder of 5Inc and EcoSpirit, where they discuss Yasmine’s commitment to activism and sustainability. Yasmine shares with us the influence of her father and uncle. Finally, we hear whether it’s chips or chocolate in the quick-fire questions. For more about Yasmine’s businesses, visit 5Inc https://5inc.co.za/ and EcoSpirit https://ecogifts.co.za/ Janet Generally Speaking Podcast [https://thecommunicationcircle.co.za/podcast] · LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetgericke/]