Your Permission to Pause

Welcome to this special wrap-up episode of Your Permission to Pause with me Jo Cowlin. Today we’re rounding off season two by reflecting on some of the highlights over the past few months, we’ve explored everything from rest and allyship to pain, productivity, and leading through change, all with the goal of helping you lead and live in a way that feels more intentional. We’ve also heard from some brilliant guests, like Lyndsey Oliver on inclusivity and Ben Causer on the impact of pain. A big thank you to all my guests who’ve brought real depth and honesty to these conversations. So whether you’ve been with us all season or just tuning in now, this episode is a chance to pause, take stock, and carry a few helpful takeaways with you into the months ahead. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction  05:02 True inclusivity through allyship  08:55 Making meetings matter  11:18 The link between stress, breath and pain 16:47 Jo's story: strength, setbacks & starting again 19:03 Strength training: key to strong bones 24:35 Listening to your body  27:11 Balancing leadership, family, and values 29:40 Podcast season wrap-up announcement . Meet your host Jo Cowlin Jo Cowlin keeps it real. Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t. Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing. She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits.  Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs. When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym.  Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/ [https://jocowlin.com/] Connect with Jo:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/] Produced by winteraudio.co.uk [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

Have you ever found yourself faced with change at work or in your personal life and found it overwhelming? In this episode of Your Permission to Pause I explore the intricacies of transformation and the stages we go through, whether it's personal change or leading change within an organisation. In this episode, we'll break down the stages of change, explore why resistance often meets our efforts, and arm you with insights and practical tips to navigate change successfully. Join me as we unpack how being aware and intentional with each phase can pave the way to the successful outcomes you're aiming for. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:48 Identify areas of dissatisfaction to drive personal change. 09:34 Clearly communicate a vision for change. 12:05 Create a culture change plan with timelines.. 14:27 Communicate updates and celebrate small wins to maintain motivation during change.  20:00 Use habit trackers, reflection points, or a coach for accountability. 21:29 Engage teams to sustain change, expect setbacks, address with empathy, find solutions, and celebrate progress. 25:26 Allow change awareness to guide your mission for success;. Meet your host Jo Cowlin Jo Cowlin keeps it real. Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t. Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing. She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits.  Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs. When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym.  Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/ [https://jocowlin.com/] Connect with Jo:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/] About Dominique Kent Dominique Kent is the CEO of Bluecrest Wellness. Bluecrest is the leading health intelligence company providing private health assessments to individuals and employers in the UK and Ireland. She is experienced in building and scaling operations in customer-focused health and social care businesses.  A healthcare industry expert, Dominique was previously Chair of the UK Homecare Association for three years, having served a total of nine years on the board. She currently sits on the boards of Trinity Homecare and London & Quadrant Housing Trust as a Non-Executive Director. She also acts as an advisor to Re;mind, a business founded to support people living with trauma, she is an an advisor to Thalamos, a business providing digital mental health crisis pathways. She also works with Unique Senior Care where she advises and supports the team. Find out more: https://www.bluecrest-wellness.co.uk/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

What does it take to become a successful female leader in the modern world? Dominique Kent, Chief Executive Officer of Bluecrest Wellness, shares her fascinating path to becoming a CEO. Recounting her journey from attending a girls grammar school through to the pivotal moment in her career where she joined Sainsbury's as a trainee manager, Dominique discusses the fascinating ups and downs she has experienced. Alongside this she shares a wealth of candid insights and valuable points surrounding the importance of resilience and redefining success.  We explore the transformative journey she led at Bluecrest Wellness and how this coincides with her personal life, balancing a demanding career and motherhood. Whether you're navigating your own career path, seeking leadership wisdom or aiming for personal growth, Dominique's story will offer guidance and inspiration. Join us as we unravel the insights and learnings from Dominique's remarkable journey. Here are the Highlights: 0:00 Introduction 2:45 Pivotal path to success  06:20 Seeking opportunities to evolve  09:00 Defining the importance of values  11:40 Transferring knowledge and expertise 15:01 Unexpected leadership transition 21:10 Focus on ‘next goal success’ to unearth opportunities 26:16 Reimagining Bluecrest's role post-COVID 42:51 Implementing a team vision and mission  47:54 Balancing parenting and careers  56:22 Insights into what makes a great leader  Meet your host Jo Cowlin Jo Cowlin keeps it real. Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t. Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing. She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits.  Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs. When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym.  Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/ [https://jocowlin.com/] Connect with Jo:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/] About Dominique Kent Dominique Kent is the CEO of Bluecrest Wellness. Bluecrest is the leading health intelligence company providing private health assessments to individuals and employers in the UK and Ireland. She is experienced in building and scaling operations in customer-focused health and social care businesses.  A healthcare industry expert, Dominique was previously Chair of the UK Homecare Association for three years, having served a total of nine years on the board. She currently sits on the boards of Trinity Homecare and London & Quadrant Housing Trust as a Non-Executive Director. She also acts as an advisor to Re;mind, a business founded to support people living with trauma, she is an an advisor to Thalamos, a business providing digital mental health crisis pathways. She also works with Unique Senior Care where she advises and supports the team. Find out more: https://www.bluecrest-wellness.co.uk/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

Feel like you're constantly running on empty and struggling to keep up the leadership pace? Join me to explore the fascinating world of body intelligence and learn about how the wisdom of the body can elevate your leadership potential and personal well-being. Inspired by Claire Dale's transformative insights, I unpack how harnessing the power of bodily signals can improve confidence, focus, and communication. From incorporating breathwork for stress relief to engaging in movements that fuel motivation, discover nuanced yet practical tools for maintaining peak mental and physical condition. Whether you're navigating high-pressure environments or seeking deeper self-awareness, embrace this invitation to pause and listen to your body's innate intelligence. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Tuning into your body's power 07:37 Emotional responses and the "winning cocktail" 15:51 Managing stress and preventing burnout 19:19 Observing and balancing your emotional states 24:17 The benefits of breath work 32:21 Prioritising rest and recovery Meet your host Jo Cowlin Jo Cowlin keeps it real. Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t. Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing. She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits.  Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs. When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym.  Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/ [https://jocowlin.com/] Connect with Jo:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/] Produced by winteraudio.co.uk [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

Tired of feeling foggy and depleted at work? In this episode, nutritional therapist Jo Crovini joins me to share practical wisdom on fueling your performance through better nutrition choices. Rather than promoting restrictive diets, Jo advocates for sustainable changes that support energy, focus and resilience. From crafting quick protein-rich breakfasts to navigating corporate buffets and afternoon slumps, she offers realistic strategies for busy professionals. We discuss the deeper connection between nutrition, stress management and work-life balance, particularly for women juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether you're struggling with brain fog, stress eating, or just want to optimise your daily energy, let this conversation help you to eat well in a hectic world. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 03:56 Nutrition's role in achieving your goals 08:39 Processed foods vs. whole foods benefits 14:48 Managing small daily stresses and maintaining well-being 21:58 Finding portable energy snacks 28:33 Jo's corporate well-being workshops 35:45 Stress management and mindful eating Meet your host Jo Cowlin Jo Cowlin keeps it real. Some people might like to call her ‘a motivational people development expert’ but Jo would rather you didn’t. Jo is a no-nonsense, straight-talking northerner She is also a transformational coach, facilitator and game changer. She has a passion for results and is dedicated to helping leaders realise their aspirations without compromising their wellbeing. She dares individuals to be different by eliminating corporate BS, life coaching, and hand-holding, and instead encourages breaking through barriers to gain clarity and step into personal power for a life without limits.  Passionate about learning and growth, she is dedicated to delivering results, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming corporate burnout, overwhelm, and a lack of direction. She turned this all around, and created a way forward that brought the balance that she needed to thrive no matter what life threw at her. Resilience and a proactive approach to mental wellbeing is at the core of all of her work which is predominantly aimed at helping leaders and their teams refocus, regroup and rapidly adjust to change. With a background in pharmaceutical leadership and expertise across various sectors, she offers coaching and leadership programs tailored to individual and organisational needs. When Jo isn’t transforming company cultures, you’ll find her managing her 3 teenage girls’ busy social calendars. She’s a dab hand in the kitchen and true to form, loves to keep her food real. And if she isn’t doing either of those you will find her out in nature walking her dog or lifting a barbell in the gym.  Find out more about Jo here: https://jocowlin.com/ [https://jocowlin.com/] Connect with Jo:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/ [https://www.instagram.com/jocowlin/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-cowlin/] About Jo Crovini: Joanne is a Nutritional Therapist with over 15 years experience working with individuals and organisations to support energy, mental health and resilience. She believes in simple and practical changes that have a big impact on how you feel and is full of tips and ideas for how you can incorporate these changes. Find out more here: www.cardiffnutritionist.co.uk [http://www.cardiffnutritionist.co.uk/] Produced by winteraudio.co.uk [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]