On Becoming the Change Podcast

On being courageous and living authentically - with Vanessa May

In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I speak with Vanessa May, a coach who helps women find courage and authenticity in their lives. We explore what it means to embrace your true self, navigate big life changes, and build a life aligned with your values. We explore: * What it means to live as the truest and most authentic version of yourself and finding the bravery to step into your purpose and the life you were built for * The challenges and opportunities of being a highly sensitive person or empath * How big life changes, like divorce or break-ups, can create opportunities for growth and transformation * Understanding how early experiences, like being an under or over ‘achiever’ at school, shape us and how to reframe limiting beliefs * Breaking free from people-pleasing, fixing others, and learning how to set empowering boundaries * Recognising your triggers and creating healthier, more authentic relationships with yourself and others * Overcoming shame and our shadow parts and how by embracing and accepting all parts of ourselves, we allow this for others too * How we mask our true selves to try and fit in and what happens when we try to be someone for other people, rather than being ourselves * Regulating our nervous system and being able to live at edge of our comfort zone to grow Vanessa shares her empowering insights and experience that may encourage you to live a more courageous and authentic life. This is a very open conversation where we both share parts our personal challenges and the work we’ve done to overcome them. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and a big thank you to Vanessa for joining the podcast. About Vanessa May Vanessa is passionate about helping women break through barriers that keep them playing small. For years, she has worked with corporate leaders and ambitious women who have the potential to rise but feel held back by invisible limitations. Many women feel pressured to act differently just to be heard or stay quiet to avoid being seen as "too assertive." They want to lead without sacrificing their true selves or their values. Vanessa’s organisation, Courage Unfolding, was created to help women connect with their authentic selves, build confidence, and lead in a way that feels true to them. Whether they’re rebuilding after challenges or ready to take their careers to the next level, she is here to guide them to step fully into their leadership and strength. Find out more here https://courageunfolding.com/about-vanessa-may/ [https://courageunfolding.com/about-vanessa-may/] This is the last episode of the first series of the podcast. Thank you SO MUCH for listening, I would love to hear your takeaways from this episode or any episode you listened to, if you want to share one thing that has really stayed with you - do comment or drop me an email at hello@heatherlynch.co.uk. If you have enjoyed the podcast and think others might find value in it, then please do share it. I am working on an exciting project to bring together all the themes and topics from this podcast into an offering which will be launching in the next month or so, if you want to hear about it then follow me on substack [https://heatherlynch.substack.com/] or Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlynchcoaching/]. This podcast series was post-produced by Colette Jonas, freelance audio editor/sound designer/composer, who has been wonderful to work with. If you are looking for support with your podcast you can contact Colette by email colettejonas@yahoo.co.uk [colettejonas@yahoo.co.uk]. Updates from me: * Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you to live as your truest self, to transform the big transitions in your life to wonderful opportunities and have the courage to step into your power, you can https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/meeting-with-heather-lynchbook a free discovery call with me [https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/meeting-with-heather-lynch]. * People, Planet, Pint in East Surrey - an informal meet up for people who care about people and the planet. The next one is on Tuesday 4th February from 6:30pm in Market Stores, Reigate. If you’re local, I hope to see you there - Sign up here [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-surrey-small99s-people-planet-pinttm-sustainability-meetup-tickets-1069085115359] * Conscious Changemakers Walks are back - the next one is on Sunday 2nd March - I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who want slow down, reconnect with themselves and nature and connect with like-minded people. I posted some reflections from the last walk on Linkedin here [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heatherlynchcoaching_systemschange-personalgrowth-sustainability-activity-7266844490491940864-mTum?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop]. You can sign up to the one on the 2nd March here [https://buytickets.at/consciouschangemakers/1545867]. * Mindfulness for Changemakers – join us on Monday 17th February in Liverpool Street. Hosted monthly, this is an evening for changemakers to come together to slow down, cultivate inner peace, and connect with others in our movement. Set in a cosy Bedouin tent, we’ll explore mindfulness practices inspired by Plum Village, followed by a shared meal. Spaces are limited and you can book here [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/nayar/1541611]. * Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would like to speak to people who want to do more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me [https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/exploratory-call-on-becoming-the-change]. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time. Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com [https://heatherlynch.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Living a fulfilled life by overcoming limiting beliefs and unconscious patterns - with Alma Griffith

Three years ago, I started working with Alma Griffith, a psychotherapist and coach, and it completely changed my life. Outwardly I was ‘successful’, I had a good job and a nice life but within me something felt off — I wasn’t feeling fulfilled or content with my life. Through our work together, I explored the beliefs, life stories, and unconscious thought patterns that were keeping me stuck and how to change these so I could create a life that would align more with my values and be more fulfilling. In this episode, Alma and I dive into personal transformation, the stories we tell ourselves, and how we can break free from limiting beliefs to become who we were meant to be. We explore: How outward success can mask inner struggles—and why so many of us feel like we’re not "enough." How to stop people-pleasing and seeking external validation so you can live a life that feels true to you. The power of beliefs—how the narratives we hold about ourselves shape our lives, and how we can rewrite them. What happens when you step out of your comfort zone and how big life changes can trigger unexpected emotions. Why we resist change and how uncertainty can be a gateway to discovering our authentic selves. The unconscious impact of childhood conditioning—how early experiences shape our self-worth and patterns in adulthood. How we unconsciously reinforce limiting beliefs and what it takes to bring them to the surface and shift them. The importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in understanding why we react the way we do. We also discuss how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our relationships, careers, and sense of purpose. Alma shares powerful ways to break free from old patterns, step into self-acceptance, improve our relationships and create a life aligned with who you truly are. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough or you feel stuck, unsatisfied with your life or unsure of your next step, I hope this conversation will offer you some insight, clarity and encouragement. I am so grateful for Alma’s support on my journey and for joining the podcast. About Alma For over 30 years, Alma Griffith has been guiding people through personal transformation, drawing from her own deep journey of change. She knows firsthand how limiting beliefs can shape our lives—having once struggled with the feeling of not being "good enough" herself. That experience led her to explore Neuro-linguistic programming, life coaching, psychotherapy and the power of shifting mindsets, ultimately changing her own story. Alma’s mission is simple: to help others discover their own ability to change. Through honest conversations and reflections, she explores what it means to break free from old beliefs, step into personal power, and create a life that feels truly aligned. You can find more about Alma from Mind Serenity on https://www.mindserenity.co.uk/about/ [https://www.mindserenity.co.uk/about/] or contact Alma here [https://www.mindserenity.co.uk/index-multipage-layout1/contact-us/]. The last episode of this series of the podcast will be coming out next Thursday. Updates from me: Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you to overcome your limiting beliefs and unconscious thought patterns to live a truly fulfilling life where you feel like you are living in line with your values and in your authenticity, you can book a free discovery call with me here [https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/meeting-with-heather-lynch] People, Planet, Pint in East Surrey - an informal meet up for people who care about people and the planet. The next one is on Tuesday 4th February from 6:30pm in Market Stores, Reigate. If you’re local, I hope to see you there - Sign up here [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-surrey-small99s-people-planet-pinttm-sustainability-meetup-tickets-1069085115359] Conscious Changemakers Walks are back - the next one is on Sunday 2nd March - I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who want slow down, reconnect with themselves and nature and connect with like-minded people. I posted some reflections from the last walk on Linkedin here [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heatherlynchcoaching_systemschange-personalgrowth-sustainability-activity-7266844490491940864-mTum?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop]. You can sign up to the one on the 2nd March here [https://buytickets.at/consciouschangemakers/1545867]. Embedding Sustainability networking event with Food and Drink Federation - I will be speaking at the next FDF sustainability networking event about the soft skills needed for sustainability professionals to embed sustainability into their organisation and the importance of coaching skills, wellbeing and resilience. This is based on the research we carried out last year. Find out about the event https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/events-and-meetings/events/events/2025/sustainability-networking-breakfast-embedding-and-driving-sustainability-initiatives/here [https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/events-and-meetings/events/events/2025/sustainability-networking-breakfast-embedding-and-driving-sustainability-initiatives/]. Find out more about the research here [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ln8BRlEMZOCUTKW-EJkHg4G1KFN3daVh]. Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would like to speak to people who want to do more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me [https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/exploratory-call-on-becoming-the-change]. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time. Have you had the flu? You can read my first Linkedin post of the year here [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heatherlynchcoaching_if-youve-got-the-flu-thats-going-around-activity-7287795435656675328-6oBI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop]. It’s about my experience of starting the year with flu, I share about the mindful attitudes that helped me stay sane and how helpful the practice of being consciously aware of your thoughts can be because we are not our thoughts, we are the observer of our thoughts and we cannot control the waves but we can learn to surf. If you are ill at the moment, I hope this post might help in some way and I hope you feel better soon x You can subscribe to my substack to hear more [https://heatherlynch.substack.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com [https://heatherlynch.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

What it’s really like to be a sustainability professional - reflections on our research - with Katherine Ellsworth-Krebs

In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I speak to Katherine Ellsworth-Krebs, a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Strathclyde focusing on sustainable design and a coach for sustainability professionals. For the past year, Katherine and I have collaborated on a research project to explore the realities of working in a sustainability role within an organisation. We surveyed 92, and interviewed 28, sustainability professionals to find out what the main challenges were and what skills and support they needed. In this conversation, we share insights from our research, stories we heard from sustainability professionals, our personal experiences with eco-anxiety and the journey’s that led us to become coaches dedicated to supporting changemakers. Here’s what we discuss: The stories we heard about sustainability professionals experience of imposter syndrome and eco-anxiety. The unique struggles of the sustainability field, including loneliness, the newness of the industry, and the absence of clear career paths and guidance. The cognitive dissonance that can happen when working in sustainability, the impact of greenwashing, and managing the tension between economic growth and environmental boundaries. How burnout manifests and the profound lessons learned when you’re forced to slow down. The transformative role of coaching in building confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges. Why coaching and emotional intelligence are crucial skills for sustainability professionals and how they support personal and professional growth. The question: Who holds the space for sustainability professionals to process what they’re going through? We get personal in this episode and share more about our own experiences of burnout, climate grief and anxiety and what led us into coaching. And we explore the importance of emotional intelligence, building supportive networks, and recognising the value of self-care and boundary setting. If you are a sustainability professional navigating the challenges of this work, know that you are not alone. We hope this conversation brings you some comfort, inspiration, and practical insights to help keep you stay motivated and deepen your impact. Katherine Ellsworth-Krebs Katherine is a Coach for Sustainability Professionals and Chancellor’s Fellow in Sustainable Design. She has worked alongside an Environment Team; co-founded Transition University of St Andrews; and spent over a decade researching low-carbon lifestyles and theories of change. She’s certified by the Ethical Coaching Collective and has over 300 hours experience coaching 1:1 and in groups. Find more of her resources for sustainability professionals, including her podcast Joyful Climate Writing and the link to sign up for her weekly newsletter, at ellsworthkrebs.com [https://www.ellsworthkrebs.com/]. Here is the link to Katherine’s group coaching programme for sustainability professionals https://www.ellsworthkrebs.com/th [https://www.ellsworthkrebs.com/thrive-for-sustainability-professionals-1] Read more about our research we discuss: Our presentation and resources here [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ln8BRlEMZOCUTKW-EJkHg4G1KFN3daVh] News articles published in edie [https://www.edie.net/eco-anxiety-burnout-and-loneliness-why-sustainability-work-takes-a-personal-toll/] and IEMA (about the challenges [https://www.greencareershub.com/insights/blogs-and-articles/challenges-for-sustainability-professionals/] and the skills [https://www.greencareershub.com/insights/blogs-and-articles/important-skills-for-sustainability-professionals/]) and our research mentioned in IEMA’s Transform Magazine [https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaWVtYS5uZXQvZW5nYWdlL3RyYW5zZm9ybS9mZWF0dXJlcy9icmVha2luZy1wb2ludC1mb3ItY3Nvcy8=]) Sign up to our mailing list here [https://supportingsustainabilityprofessionals.kit.com/9781603dc8] where we share more personal stories, insights from our research and offers to support the resilience and wellbeing of sustainability professionals. Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com [https://heatherlynch.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A mindful approach to coaching for systemic change – with Molly Stevenson

In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I chat to Molly Stevenson, a coach and facilitator who works closely with the Inner Green Deal. We dive into why inner work is the deepest leverage point for creating meaningful shifts in our systems and how coaching can support people on that journey. Molly shares her journey from international development to working in mental health and the climate awakening that shifted her focus to supporting personal and systemic transformation. We explore: * What gives us purpose and how aligning with our values can guide meaningful action. * How coaching supports changemakers by helping them overcome challenges, discover their path, and make an impact. * The importance of mindfulness for managing stress, navigating complexity, and finding joy. * The power of quieting the inner critic to deepen empathy and increase energy and creativity. * Nature connection as a way to develop our resilience and deepen relationships. * Group work and harnessing collective intelligence to tackle complex problems using innovative approaches. This conversation dives deep into the intersection between personal growth and systemic change, exploring how coaching can support people in their inner work as a means of driving broader transformation. I really enjoyed this conversation - a big thank you to Molly for joining the podcast. About Molly Stevenson With two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector leading projects and building cohesive teams, Molly now works as a trained coach and facilitator focused on transformation and lasting change. Her practice integrates therapeutic and coaching modalities—including Transformative Coaching, Team Coaching, Climate Change Coaching, Group Analysis, and Gestalt Therapy—with an emphasis on nature-based connection. As a coach and facilitator for the Inner Green Deal, she is dedicated to helping people engage in meaningful transformation that contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone. To find out more about Molly and the initiatives she talked about follow these links: * https://www.mollystevensoncoaching.com [https://www.mollystevensoncoaching.com] * Inner Green Deal - Mindfulness-Based Sustainable Transformation [https://innergreendeal.com/m-b-s-t/] * Momentum Facilitation [https://momentumfacilitation.org/] * Reframe and Reconnect [https://www.mollystevensoncoaching.com/_files/ugd/acaedf_2e8a9ffd6d66421385fe928c1d225a28.pdf] -------- Want to join me in creating a thriving future? Sign up to the mailing list [https://heather-lynch.kit.com/ab8891274a] to hear more from me. I will be sharing actionable insights, practical tools and techniques, offers of courses, workshops, in person events about all the topics I’ve talked about in the podcast, so if you would like to hear more from me about all the topics I cover in this episode and others then sign up. I am in the process of creating an offer for people to start next year to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would love to speak to people who are curious about doing more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me [https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/exploratory-call-on-becoming-the-change]. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time. Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! You can find me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch and Substack - On Becoming the Change. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com [https://heatherlynch.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How do we become the change? My vision for a thriving future - Solo episode

In this episode, I share my vision for a better world—a vision that is focused on each of us as individuals and how we show up. I believe the way we can create a thriving future begins with us as individuals, and the way we think, what we believe, how we see the world, what we value and how we interact with ourselves, others and nature. Working on ourselves is, not only, the only thing we are really in control of, it’s also the deepest leverage point for change and create a ripple effect to move us into a new paradigm and way of being as humanity where we live in a way that serves all life. This episode comes in three parts: * The first looks at how what we believe, value and how we view the world creates the outcomes we see and why the deepest leverage point for transforming the world is in how we think.The challenges we face globally—climate change, inequality, war, mental health crisis, biodiversity loss—are the consequences of systems that have been created by people and the way they act. How people act is driven by societal and cultural norms and their values, beliefs and worldviews - this is our inner world. This ‘inner world’ has created the systems we live in and therefore the outcomes and consequences we are seeing in the world. By bringing our awareness to the mindsets causing these global issues, and choosing to act differently - we can address the root causes and work at the deepest leverage point for real, meaningful change. * Next I explore why we need to start with ourselves and why change happens from the inside out and how we can do thatHaving spent a lot of time working in social and environmental jobs, I’ve come to the realisation that the real change starts from within. The only thing we can control in our life is ourselves, and how we interact with ourselves, others and what’s happening in the wider world. By working on how we relate to ourselves, others and circumstances, and becoming more aware, aligned, and authentic, we can contribute in a deeply meaningful way to change. I explore a number of different ways in which we can do the work on ourselves to become the change we want to see - from understanding what’s important to us, having self-compassion, being authentic, being mindful, having a spiritual outlook, unlearning collective beliefs, learning emotional resilience, coaching and systems thinking and seeing ourselves as interconnected with all. * Lastly, I share my vision for a world where we and nature thrive, that is all centred around what we can each do as an individual and how that could create meaningful systemic change I share what I think this would look like in practice - how people would be interacting with themselves, with others and with the natural world. I explore how we could be if we showed up in our authenticity, rooted in love, presence and connection. I imagine a world where people interact in non-judgemental, empathic and loving way, where people contribute to systems that regenerate themselves, and share how we could all be part of creating this upward spiral of energy to create a beautiful future beyond what we could even imagine. Throughout this episode, I share how to go on this journey in a manageable way, meeting yourself where you are and taking small, meaningful steps towards the change you want to make. We are all on our own unique journey and we all have something different and unique to offer the world, it’s about finding out whats yours to do and finding inner peace whilst you do that! I share that I’m on this journey too and I’m showing up in a messy, imperfect and authentic way because I think that’s what’s really needed in the world. If we can show up as our true selves, if we can work on our relationships to ourselves, others and nature, we can create a thriving future. Want to join me in creating a thriving future? >>Sign up to the mailing list [https://heather-lynch.kit.com/ab8891274a] to hear more from me. I will be sharing actionable insights, practical tools and techniques, offers of courses, workshops, in person events about all the topics I’ve talked about in the podcast, so if you would like to hear more from me about all the topics I cover in this episode and others then sign up. * I am keen to speak to people who are curious about going on this journey or who have already started. If you are working to make the world a better place and would be willing to speak to me to help me better understand your experience and type of support you would find helpful, please email me or set up time for a exploratory call [https://calendly.com/hello-heatherlynch/exploratory-call-on-becoming-the-change]. As a thank you, I will offer a 45 minute free coaching session. * If you want to collaborate, co-create or want to explore ways we could share this message with your community or if you want to share feedback to build on this vision, I would love to hear from you. My email is hello@heatherlynch.co.uk. As always, thank you for listening and reading, I so appreciate it x Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com [https://heatherlynch.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]