One Thing Better

The art of being easy to manage

In this episode, Claire Irving and Siobhan Meaker flip the usual “managing up” conversation on its head. They explore how great leaders make managing up easier, healthier and more productive - through clarity, curiosity and a little self-awareness along the way. It’s about communication that builds trust, boundaries that model balance, and leadership that feels more like partnership than power play. Claire and Siobhan are the team behind Better Strategic Consultancy - helping charities and purpose-led organisations find clarity, confidence and joy in how they lead and work. If you’re a CEO or senior leader who wants to strengthen the culture and communication around you, Claire’s leadership mentoring could help. Find out more at betterconsult.co.uk [https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/] or drop them a line at info@betterconsult.co.uk [info@betterconsult.co.uk]

The invisible work of holding space in leadership

Some of the most powerful leadership work never makes it onto a job description. It’s the quiet skill of holding space - staying grounded when the room wobbles, creating calm so others can think, and finding meaning when everything feels uncertain. In this episode, Claire Irving and Siobhan Meaker from Better Strategic Consultancy unpack what it really means to hold space as a leader. From Cynthia Erivo on Strictly to boardrooms in flux, they explore how reflection, boundaries and empathy keep leaders (and teams) steady. It’s a gentle listen with a lot of truth and a reminder that leadership isn’t about holding it all, it’s about holding it well. If you’re a CEO or senior leader navigating change, Claire offers one-to-one mentoring to help you lead with humanity and keep something left in the tank. Find out more at betterconsult.co.uk [https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/].

The joy of responsible marketing

Marketing’s evolving faster than you can say “algorithm update” (let alone spell it), but the human bit? That’s timeless. This week, Siobhan Meaker and Claire Irving from Better Strategic Consultancy dig into what responsible marketing really means in the AI era (and why it’s not as serious or soulless as it sounds). From hospice humour to BookBench bingo, they explore how joy, empathy and respect can turn everyday comms into something that genuinely connects. And there’s a One Thing Better challenge at the end to help you shift your own marketing mindset - and it might surprise you. Want to dive deeper? Read Siobhan’s blog (aka Should I retrain in plumbing? ) [https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/post/should-i-retrain-in-plumbing-some-joyful-truths-about-responsible-marketing] for more on joyful, human-centred marketing, or reach out via betterconsult.co.uk [https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/] to chat about how Better can help your organisation find its spark.

Everyone's talking about Impact

‘Impact’ used to be what you tacked onto the end of a report - now it’s becoming the heartbeat of how organisations think and lead. In this episode, Siobhan Meaker and Claire Irving from Better Strategic Consultancy explore what happens when you move from proving to improving. They cover purpose-washing, people-first data, and how real impact brings clarity, connection and energy back into your work. And as it's season two there are two very special One Thing Better challenges which will help you see your own impact in a whole new light. Find out more about ⁠Better Impact⁠ [https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/better-impact] - a people-first approach to understanding, showing and living your impact without drowning in data. One Thing Better - the podcast of small shifts that make a big difference. ⁠www.betterconsult.co.uk⁠ [http://www.betterconsult.co.uk/] Contact the hosts at  - ⁠info@betterconsult.co.uk [info@betterconsult.co.uk]

One Thing Better - Season 2 coming soon!

It's the return of One Thing Better, where Claire Irving and Siobhan Meaker help you work and lead better, with more joy and purpose. Get ready for season 2, coming October 27 2025. Find out more at betterconsult.co.uk