Aunty Treacle

Reflections from the Treacle Tin - Season 1

In this special wrap-up episode, Anna and Stuart look back on ten sticky questions, ten brilliant guests, and the community that has powered Season 1 of Aunty Treacle. Together, they revisit why Aunty Treacle began, as an “agony aunt for the safety professional” and anyone feeling stuck at work, and what they’ve learned from the conversations that followed. From imposter feelings and people leadership to overwhelm, paperwork, and resistance to change, this episode pulls out the golden threads that have run through the season. This time there’s no guest in the Treacle Seat, just the hosts sharing honest reflections, favourite moments, and the phrases that might just become tattoos (looking at you, “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated”). Key Topics Covered * Why Aunty Treacle exists The original idea: an agony aunt for safety and work, crowdsourcing wisdom so people don’t feel alone with sticky problems. * The power of community How listener questions and shared advice have fuelled the series – and given Anna and Stuart the energy to keep going through very busy years. * Owning the room (Episode 1 – Zoe Hayes) Introversion as a superpower, preparation, positioning yourself in the room, and building allies in the “back channel.” * Living with your inner critic (Episode 2 – David Filshie) Imposter feelings, naming your inner voice (“Brenda”), and seeing confidence as the outcome of action, not a prerequisite. * Credit without arrogance (Episode 3 – Ruth Denyer) Talking about your work with humility, using “we” not “I,” and why real visibility comes from doing the work with people, not above them. * Setting up for success (Episode 4 – Gareth Evans) “Assume good intent,” connect before you direct, listen first, and shift from doing to thinking and orchestrating. * Is safety still for me? (Episode 5 – Steph Camm) Knowing your worth, realising sometimes it’s the environment not the profession, and treating job moves a bit more like dating. * The Sticky Middle of leadership (Episode 6 – Oli Sanandres) Moving from peer to leader, letting go of being the hero, redefining success through others, and making time to think as part of the job. * Overwhelm & capacity (Episode 8 – Helen Davitt) Normalising overwhelm without accepting it as “forever,” having honest conversations about capacity, and remembering “you can’t fix a secret.” * “I feel like a filing cabinet” (Episode 9 – Helen Rawlinson) Challenging paperwork that doesn’t keep people safe, starting small with micro-experiments, and designing safety around real work, not just systems. * Change, resistance & self-worth (Episode 10 – Crystal Danbury) Conscious vs unconscious change, changing your approach not your purpose, intentional language and metrics, and the big one: “Go where you’re celebrated, not where you’re tolerated.” * Personal growth behind the mic How hosting has stretched both Anna and Stuart, in holding space, listening, and trusting themselves – and why they’re proud simply to have finished a thing. Resources & References * Themes & tools revisited from across the season: * Confidence as action, not personality * “Connect before you direct” & assume good intent * Balcony vs dance floor perspectives on work * Micro-experiments and “start small, prove it works” * Language shifts: from accidents & compliance to harm, care & impact * “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated” * Guests from Season 1: * Zoe Hayes – being heard as an introvert * David Filshie – imposter syndrome & self-belief * Ruth Denyer – visibility with humility * Gareth Evans – stepping into big leadership roles * Steph Camm – purpose and staying (or leaving) safety * Oli Sanandres – the sticky middle of people leadership * Helen Davitt – overwhelm and prioritisation * Helen Rawlinson – paperwork, bureaucracy & real safety * Crystal Danbury – influence, change & knowing your worth We’d Love Your Feedback! Which episode stuck with you most? What have you tried? What’s still feeling sticky? Share your reflections, experiments, or new questions with us at ask@auntytreacle.com or tag us on socials. The Aunty Treacle inbox stays open between seasons. Next Episode Teaser Season 2 - coming soon. More sticky questions, more Spoonfuls, more cans of sanity and solutions , and more voices from a community that’s determined to make work better.

They Won’t Adopt My Idea

In this episode, Anna, Stuart, and guest Crystal Danbury tackle a challenge many professionals will recognise:   “Dear Aunty Treacle, I’m struggling to drive change in an organisation that seems deeply resistant to it. I have ideas to improve safety and even have support from colleagues, but senior operational leaders won’t listen. They’re not open to experimenting, even with low-risk suggestions. I keep hitting a wall and it’s wearing me down. How do I influence change when the resistance is coming from powerful leaders? How do I keep going, or is this a sign I should stop trying?” Crystal brings honesty and hard-won experience from complex, high-stakes environments to explore how to build influence, create momentum and protect your energy when the door won’t budge (yet). Together, they unpack practical ways to connect your ideas to what the business cares about, and when to persist, pivot or pause.  Key Topics Covered:  * Conscious vs. unconscious change - creating want/need and shifting language, not just launching projects * Start with their win - link your proposal to the organisation’s mission, metrics and pain points * Stakeholder conversations that land - ask what success looks like for them and map the change curve * Change your approach, not your purpose - adapt pace and style without losing who you are    * From resistance to curiosity - exploring fear, fatigue, timing and trade-offs beneath a “no” * Micro-experiments - small, low-risk trials (and when to ask forgiveness, not permission)    * Metrics that matter - brief, human-centred reporting (harm and care over pages of data) * Go where you’re celebrated (not tolerated) - know when to move on Resources & References: * How to Be More Pirate – Sam Conniff (principled, practical rebellion) * Change curve models for leaders and teams * Stakeholder interview prompts (purpose, success, constraints, timing) * Language reframes for reporting (harm, care, recoverable vs. life-changing injuries)  We’d Love Your Feedback! Tried a micro-experiment that worked, or hit a wall? Tell us at ask@auntytreacle.com or tag us on socials. Next Episode Teaser: Season 1 Wrap-Up (Hosts’ Special) - the stickiest lessons, favourite Spoonfuls, and what’s coming next.

Is All This Paperwork Actually Keeping People Safe?

In this episode, Anna, Stuart, and guest Helen Rawlinson tackle a question that hits close to home for many safety professionals: “Dear Aunty Treacle, I feel like a filing cabinet. I’m full of paperwork and have no room for the human interactions I believe are critical for keeping people from harm and understanding what’s really happening in my workplace. So quite simply, is all this paperwork actually keeping people safe?” Helen brings honesty and humour to a lively conversation about bureaucracy, systems and red tape, exploring whether endless forms and checklists actually make work safer, or simply make us feel safe. Together, they unpack how to cut through the noise, challenge outdated practices, and focus on what truly matters: meaningful conversations and human connection.  Key Topics Covered: • The “filing cabinet” feeling – bureaucracy overload and burnout • The 80/20 fallacy – most systems go far beyond what’s legally needed • The illusion of accountability – paperwork vs. purpose • How to start challenging and simplifying safely • Shifting from expert to conduit – facilitating rather than controlling • Practical ways to bring curiosity and critical thinking into your work • When to stop doing things that don’t add value • Replacing compliance comfort with real conversations Resources & References: • Paper Safe by Greg Smith – a must-read for safety professionals • Work as Imagined vs. Work as Done – Steve Shorrock • Deloitte research on compliance vs. impact • Normal Work Reviews – learning by doing, not auditing • Hierarchy of Control – remembering PPE sits at the bottom We’d Love Your Feedback! Feeling buried in bureaucracy or fighting the same battle? Tell us your story at ask@auntytreacle.com or tag us on socials. Next Episode Teaser: They Won’t Adopt My Idea - how to influence change when the resistance is coming from the top.

Getting Control Back When Feeling Overwhelmed

Welcome back to Aunty Treacle after the summer break! This episode tackles a universal challenge: feeling constantly overwhelmed by work coming at you at pace, feeling reactive rather than proactive, and struggling to focus on what truly matters and makes an impact. The Listener Question "Dear Aunty Treacle, I feel constantly overwhelmed as there is so much work coming at me at pace. As a result, I feel like I am constantly reacting and I don't feel like I am getting to the stuff that actually matters, makes a difference and makes an impact. Can you please help me get some control back and feel effective in my work?" Key Insights & Strategies Take a Breath and Step Back The Foundation: While feeling overwhelmed is normal, we must question how long we allow this to be "normal." The first step is recognizing when daily churn becomes ever-encroaching. The Balcony vs. Dance Floor Approach (Andrew Barrett's insight): * Remove yourself from the situation to gain perspective * Like a chess grandmaster observing the board rather than just making the next move * Brief pauses for reflection (alone or with colleagues) can reset clarity and priorities * Sometimes doing something isn't the solution—it can reinforce the overwhelm cycle Personal Foundations First Before tackling organizational issues, address your individual resilience: * Maintain energy-giving activities: Don't stop going to the gym, reading, or other activities that help you perform * "An empty vessel serves no one": Prioritize self-care to have the resilience for difficult conversations * Energy management: Protect your energy, especially before busy seasons * Sleep, exercise, nutrition: These become critical during high-demand periods The Art of Saying No Hell Yes or Hell No Framework (Derek Shivers): * Instead of learning to say no, define what makes something a "yes" * When you know your "yes" criteria, saying no becomes easier and less awkward * Powerful reframe: "If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?" Subtraction over Addition: * Focus on what to stop or pause, not just what to start * Test approach: Don't do something for a month—if nobody notices, it's not a priority * Pausing is less confrontational than stopping Prioritization Strategies The Eisenhower Matrix & Beyond: * Map tasks on urgent vs. important axes * Focus on high health and safety impact, low effort activities where possible * Tools mentioned: PARA method, Eisenhower Matrix, Dichotomy of Control Strategic Questioning: * What's the value? Is it actually making work safer or just making us feel better? * What's the intended output and impact? * If it doesn't fit within your organizational strategy, question why you're doing it Don't Chase Every Email: * Some things resolve themselves if left alone * Create space between stimulus and response * Use rules to manage inbox (filter "for info" emails into folders) Managing Perfectionism * "Perfect is the enemy of good": Don't let perfection get in the way of better * "Done is better than perfect": Sometimes action and progress matter more than a perfect finished product * Experiment, fail fast, iterate, learn, evolve * Ask: "Is it good enough?" Then get it out and test it Time and Energy Management Time Blocking Strategies: * Block thinking time in your calendar (others just see "meetings") * Be proactive about organizational cadences (monthly/quarterly reporting) * Block out predictable busy periods in advance * Even if you don't finish everything, you make progress Analyze Your Time Usage: * Study how you actually spend time—it's your rarest resource * Look back at tasks and assess how they help achieve long-term goals * Reflect daily: How did I use my time? How did this compare to my plan? * Fact vs. Story: Video camera facts vs. stories we tell ourselves Team and Organizational Strategies Know Your Team's Strengths: * Map activities to people's strengths and preferences * Don't carry people or make up for deficiencies elsewhere * Be honest about whether you're being given more work because you're effective Communication is Key: * "You can't fix a secret": If nobody knows you're overwhelmed, nothing will change * Have honest conversations with managers about capacity and priorities * Ask for help with reframing priorities * Sample approach: "I need to prioritize X, Y, Z, so I'm suggesting changing timescales for other deliverables" Sprint vs. Marathon Approach: * Sometimes work like a lion—put intense energy where it's really needed * Know when you can take your foot off the gas * Short bursts of focus on specific areas can create momentum Reflection and Celebration * Stop and celebrate wins: Look back over 6 months and acknowledge achievements * Safety professionals are humble—don't be afraid to wave your flag * Communicate successes to stakeholders * Counter the hamster wheel: We often don't pause to see how much we've actually accomplished Community Insights Summary Jason Catterson - Frameworks & Reset Moments: * Use practical tools: PARA method, Eisenhower Matrix, Dichotomy of Control * Don't chase every email—sometimes things resolve themselves * Step away to reset; even a few minutes of breathing space helps Chris Hewitt - Communication & Time Blocking: * Talk to your manager—others can help share the load * Block focused time in your diary * Use inbox rules to manage information flow Peter Jenkins - Getting Extra Support: * Sometimes overwhelm links to deeper factors (ADHD, mental health) * Therapy, coaching, or diagnosis can unlock new management strategies * We're all human and sometimes need more than productivity hacks Andrew Barrett - The Balcony vs Dance Floor: * Gain perspective by stepping away from the immediate situation * Brief pauses for reflection can reset priorities and clarity The Prescription: What to Do When Overwhelmed 1. Take a breath and step back - Get off the hamster wheel and onto the chess board 2. Analyze your relationship with time - Study how you're actually spending your time 3. Challenge the stories you tell yourself - What might you need to change to take control back? 4. Learn to say no - You might have to drop some balls, but prioritize what's truly important 5. Have the conversation - Talk to your manager, peer, coach, or mentor about your situation 6. Take control of the controllables - Your energy, priorities, and responses are within your control Key Takeaway "Taking time to stop and think isn't a luxury—it's mission critical." If you're passionate about what you do and want to get people home safe (or excel in any role), you must be intentional about how you use your time and energy. Next Episode Preview Coming up: "I Feel Like a Filing Cabinet" - exploring whether paperwork is really keeping people safe or just keeping us busy, featuring Helen Rawlinson and her insights on the actual work of safety versus administrative burden. Remember: Feeling overwhelmed gradually and then suddenly is normal, but don't let it become your permanent normal. Be intentional, use these tools to take control, and fundamentally—talk to somebody about what you're experiencing and what you'd like it to be instead.

The Sticky Middle – Part 2

From Peer to Leader: Turning Thinking into Action In this follow-up to Episode 6, Anna, Stuart, and guest Oli Sanandres return to help a listener take their first steps into people leadership. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, start there as it lays the essential mindset groundwork. In Part 2, we move from thinking like a leader to acting like one. The listener asks:   “Dear Aunty Treacle, I’ve recently accepted a promotion at work that will see me move from individual contributor to line manager. This is my first step into people management, and I’m determined for it to be successful. How do I step out of my peer group and into this leadership position without putting noses out of joint, losing friendships, and while still delivering for the organisation and the employees? Wisdom from those who’ve done this before would be appreciated.” Together, the team dive into the tools, habits, and conversations that make this transition work in real life. Key Topics Covered * Starting with connection and recontracting relationships * Setting expectations clearly and early * Giving and receiving feedback with care and clarity * Creating psychologically safe spaces for team input * Balancing kindness with accountability * Using routines and rituals that work for you * Managing up, down and across the system * Leading without being the hero or having all the answers * Holding reflection time to stay grounded and grow * Building a leadership identity that stays true to you   Practical Tools & Tips * Time to Think (TTT) – schedule regular time to pause and plan * T-Up Play – Oli’s team expectations framework * Recontracting – reset team dynamics with intention * Yes, If – a reframing tool to support possibility and safety * Reflection Rituals – stack feedback and learning with something enjoyable * Coaching Mindset – support others to solve problems, don’t rescue them   Reflection Prompts * What’s one thing I can let go of to lead better? * Am I empowering or heroing? * How am I showing up for my team and for myself?   Resources Mentioned * Episode 6 – The Sticky Middle: Part 1 * Episode 4 – Setting Up for Success with Gareth Evans * How to Lead with Purpose by Liam Black * Leadership principles and journaling practices   We’d Love Your Feedback Just stepped into leadership? Got a sticky situation of your own? Email us at ask@auntytreacle.com or tag us on socials.   Next Episode: Time, Energy & the Myth of ‘Enough’ We tackle the leadership tension of limited time, endless demands and making space for what really matters.