Making Sense of Work with Jean Balfour

Guest: Danny Dagan – Author of The Game Episode Summary: In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dagan, author of The Game, a gripping thriller that has just hit the shelves to glowing reviews. Danny’s journey to publication was anything but overnight—The Game is his seventh novel, following years of writing, rejection, and relentless persistence. We dive deep into the discipline of writing, the mindset needed to keep going despite setbacks, and the surprising role of delusional self-belief in long-term success. Danny also shares how his corporate and legal background helped him navigate the business of publishing and how his community—both online and on his remote North Sea island—played a pivotal role in launching his book. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Danny transitioned from corporate life to full-time writing ✅ The daily habits and discipline that fuel his creative process ✅ Why rejection is part of the journey—and how to push through ✅ The power of community and network in launching a creative career ✅ The ethical dilemma at the heart of The Game About The Game The Game is a high-stakes thriller with a chilling premise: the children of five billionaires are kidnapped by a self-styled Robin Hood group, and only one will survive—the child whose parent pays the highest ransom. The ransom money? Destined for good causes. But is it justified? A page-turner from start to finish, The Game is both a thriller and a thought-provoking exploration of ethics, wealth, and power. Links & Resources: 📖 Grab your copy of The Game – https://dagan.co.uk/the-game-by-danny-dagan/ [https://dagan.co.uk/the-game-by-danny-dagan/]  🎙️ Follow Making Sense of Work for more inspiring conversations 💡 Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction [https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction] Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates on coaching resources: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/ [https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/] Interested in training as a coach? Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/] Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/] For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/ [https://baileybalfour.com/resources/] If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/ [https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/]

In this inspiring episode of Making Sense of Work, I sit down with the incredible Punita Lal, a distinguished business leader, board director, and executive coach. With a career spanning over 35 years in leadership, strategy, and marketing, Punita has held executive roles at PepsiCo and Coca-Cola and now serves on multiple global corporate boards, including DBS Bank and Carlsberg. Punita shares her zigzag career journey, from her early days in advertising to leading teams in multinational corporations, navigating boardrooms, and eventually embracing coaching. She reflects on the power of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability, offering insights into how we can future-proof our careers in an ever-changing world. We explore: ✨ The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in leadership ✨ How taking career risks can lead to greater fulfillment ✨ The role of creativity in problem-solving and business leadership ✨ Why mentors and sponsors are essential for professional growth ✨ How to navigate career transitions with courage and resilience ✨ The value of diverse interests in shaping an innovative mindset Punita also shares her thoughts on balancing work and life, why we should all be mentoring and sponsoring others, and how a simple habit—reading outside your field—can spark creativity and breakthrough ideas. Resources & Mentions: 📖 Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg – A book that changed Punita’s approach to supporting women in leadership 🎧 GetAbstract – A tool for quick insights on business books 💡 Reverse mentoring – The value of learning from different generations 💬 “We need to upskill, reskill, and sideskill—traditional careers are no longer enough.” – Punita Lal Enjoyed this episode? 💡 Share it with a friend who’s navigating career transitions! ⭐ Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway. Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction [https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction] Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates on coaching resources: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/ [https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/] Interested in training as a coach? Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/] Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/] For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/ [https://baileybalfour.com/resources/] If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/ [https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/]

In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour explores the role of accountability in helping us achieve our goals—both in our personal and professional lives. Initially uncertain about the topic, Jean embarked on a journey of discovery, engaging with her LinkedIn and Instagram communities to understand how others view accountability. The results were surprising: the vast majority found it motivating and helpful. Through personal reflections, expert insights, and practical frameworks, Jean delves into why accountability matters, how it differs from responsibility, and how we can frame it to be a positive force. She also shares tools and techniques, including the Stages of Change model, accountability structures, and the power of small wins to keep us moving forward. Key Topics Covered: * Jean’s personal journey from accountability ambivalence to advocacy * The difference between responsibility and accountability * How external accountability can be supportive rather than patronizing * The role of accountability in coaching and leadership * The Stages of Change model and how it supports accountability * Tools for self-accountability and supporting others * The power of small wins in habit formation and personal growth Resources & References: * The Conscious Leadership Group: Jim Dethmer on accountability vs. responsibility  [https://conscious.is/blogs/holding-people-accountable-is-ineffective-leadership] * Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change Model * Atomic Habits by James Clear – the impact of small, consistent actions Takeaways & Reflection Questions: * How do you currently view accountability in your life? * Are there areas where accountability could support you in achieving your goals? * What structures or accountability partners could help you stay on track? Join the Conversation: Jean would love to hear your thoughts on accountability! Share your insights and experiences by reaching out on LinkedIn or Instagram. And if you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Making Sense of Work on your favorite podcast platform and stay updated with the latest insights on coaching, leadership, and workplace dynamics. Thank you for listening! Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction [https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction] Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates on coaching resources: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/ [https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/] Interested in training as a coach? Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/] Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/] For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/ [https://baileybalfour.com/resources/] If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/ [https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/]

Relational leadership is a transformative concept focusing on building trust and connection within teams, especially crucial in our tech-driven work environments. Leaders are encouraged to foster relationships, create open communication, and support team members to navigate the complexities of modern work effectively. In this episode, join Jean Balfour as she shares the meaning of being a relational leader. • Explore the essence of relational leadership • The vital role of trust and communication in leadership • Balancing task focus and relational engagement • Real-world examples illustrating the need for relational practices • The power of informal connections in building strong workplace relationships Explore more episodes on Relational Leadership:  * Episode 66: Helen Sanderson on compassionate leadership. [https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/ep-66-compassionate-leadership-for-teams-success-with/id1598286690?i=1000624725579] * Episode 44: Mairead McCormack on leading a hospital through COVID. [https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/ep-44-leading-a-hospital-through-covid-with/id1598286690?i=1000603853586] * Episode 41: Building a Mindset of Servant Leadership with Dr Maria Pressentin. [https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/ep-41-building-a-mindset-of-servant-leadership/id1598286690?i=1000600467382] Join Our Leadership Reset Challenge 2025! Kickstart the year with our Leadership Reset Challenge and take your leadership skills to the next level: https://baileybalfour.com/leadership-reset-coaching-challenge-2025/ Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction [https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction] Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates on coaching resources: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/ [https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/] Interested in training as a coach? Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/] Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/] For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/ [https://baileybalfour.com/resources/] If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/ [https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/]

In this inspiring episode, Jean Balfour welcomes Sas Petherick, an internationally renowned coach and expert in healing self-doubt. Sas shares her remarkable journey from a fast-paced corporate career in London to becoming a leading voice in helping people build self-belief.  With over a decade of coaching experience, a master's degree from Oxford, and groundbreaking research published in the International Journal of Coaching and Mentoring, Sas brings unparalleled expertise to the conversation. Sas's trauma-informed, evidence-based coaching methodology has supported countless women in transforming their professional and personal lives. She's also the host of the Courage and Spice [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/courage-and-spice/id1276160793] podcast, a top-rated show on self-doubt, with over half a million downloads. Jean and Sas talks about: * The impact of self-doubt in work and life. * How modern workplaces often perpetuate self-doubt and ways to counteract it. * The journey from self-doubt to self-belief, including the critical role of self-trust, self-worth, and self-acceptance. * Practical strategies for understanding and overcoming resistance patterns like procrastination and perfectionism. * How self-doubt can serve as a doorway to deeper self-awareness and growth. This is a conversation packed with insights for anyone seeking to understand and navigate self-doubt, find fulfillment in work, and embrace a life rooted in self-belief. Book Recommendation: * Combining by Nora Bateson – A thought-provoking mix of poetry, art, and change theory that invites readers to think differently and explore the complexity of our world. Connect with Sas Petherick: * Website: https://selfbelief.school/ [https://selfbelief.school/] * Podcast: Courage and Spice (available on all major platforms) * Social Media: Instagram [https://instagram.com/saspetherick] About Jean Balfour: Jean is the host of the Making Sense of Work podcast and founder of Bailey Balfour [https://www.baileybalfour.com], specialising in leadership coaching and ICF-accredited coach training. Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction [https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction] Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates on coaching resources: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/ [https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/] Interested in training as a coach? Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/] Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/ [https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/] For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/ [https://baileybalfour.com/resources/] If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/ [https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/]