Ever sensed there’s something unspoken at work? Something everyone feels but no one names? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams sit down with guest Steve Hearsum to talk about exactly that: the tricky, uncomfortable stuff that quietly shapes how teams function but rarely makes it into the meeting room.

Steve’s a consultant, coach, and author of No Silver Bullet, a book that challenges the quick-fix culture many organisations rely on. Together, they talk about the kinds of issues that get ignored, why we avoid them, and what happens when we finally put them on the table. They talk honestly about what gets in the way of speaking up, and what can help people feel safer doing it, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:56 Undiscussable topics

07:07 Why we staysSilent: Fear, shame, and the risk of speaking up

12:02 How to support but not fix situations

14:09 Why psychological safety isn’t optional

18:21 Belonging, exclusion, and dissent in organisations

20:06 The two key questions every team must answer

23:40 Final reflections: The power and risk of honest conversations

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

About Steve Hearsum

Steve Hearsum has worked for over 20 years as an organisational consultant, coach and more recently supervisor. He has a keen interest in the human side of change, which in recent years has grown into a fascination with how shame and anxiety drive behaviour in organisations, particularly at senior leadership levels. He supports and challenges clients to find their ‘edge and stretch’ when what they are after is more than simply ‘better sameness’, and has been described as ‘the right kind of fly in the ointment’.

His work focuses on building change capability in three main ways. helping leaders develop their practice in terms of how they show up and the impact they have; working with internal...

Have you ever caught yourself questioning whether you really deserve your achievements, or wondered if everyone else is just more capable than you? In this episode of Headflex, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams explore the many layers of imposter syndrome. Unpacking what it really is (and what it isn’t), how it shows up differently for each of us, and how even high achievers can be plagued by self-doubt. Through candid conversation and years of coaching experience, Rebecca and Diane explore the myths, triggers, and sometimes surprising ways imposter syndrome drives our behaviour.

Tune in to hear insights on why imposter feelings can be so hard to shake, how our upbringing and work cultures play a part, and what practical steps you can start taking today to dial down that critical inner voice.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:12 Comfortable in discomfort: unpacking the negativity

09:49 Exploring personal imposter syndrome

12:57 Turning down the volume on inner criticism

16:12 Reframing Feedback: From “Negative” to “Developmental”

17:45 How Focusing on Strengths Builds Capacity and Confidence

21:32 Notice. Reflect. Shift: Building Awareness Around Inner Dialogue

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio.

Ever catch yourself answering “just one more email” long after you should’ve logged off? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane are talking about something that hits close to home for a lot of us, overworking. Why do we do it, even when we know it’s not sustainable? And how did burning the candle at both ends become such a badge of honour?

They share the habits, beliefs, and pressures that keep us stuck in hustle mode. From chasing deadlines to tying our worth to how busy we are, this conversation gets into how overworking quietly becomes the norm and what it’s actually costing us.

Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to make it through the week without burning out, this episode will give you space to pause, reflect, and think about what working “enough” really looks like.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:14 Blurred boundaries and self-expectations

07:36 Re-evaluating success and well-being

12:00 The mindful commute: how to end your day with intention

14:14 Culture check: do your habits help or hurt your team?

17:16 After-hours work and its impact on leadership.

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio.

What do you really know about ADHD in the workplace? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane are joined by Sally Cater, a coach focused on raising awareness around ADHD in business. Together, they explore what ADHD actually looks like beyond the usual assumptions, and why it matters for how we work, lead, and communicate.

They discuss common misunderstandings, the everyday challenges people with ADHD face, and the strengths that often go unnoticed. You’ll also hear practical ways to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace.

Whether you’re a manager, a teammate or just interested in doing things better, this episode will give you plenty to think about. And of course, don’t miss the self-coaching questions at the end to help you reflect on your own approach.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:09 ADHD: No One-Size-Fits-All

12:50 Emotional Impact of ADHD

13:27 Navigating Emotional Challenges

17:51 Speaking About ADHD With Compassion

20:58 ADHD and Creativity Misconceptions

25:21 Wrapping Up and Where to Learn More

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio.

About Sally Cater:

Sally has been an accredited coach for 10 years and is a champion for inclusivity and understanding in the neurodiverse community.

After uncovering her own late diagnosis of ADHD and and realising that the derogatory labels she had given herself over the years were a result of a lack of understanding of what her neurodivergent brain was struggling to do as she forced herself to fit into a neurotypical world, she has since redefined her narrative, shedding past misconceptions and now helps other coaches expand their confidence and knowledge of ADHD.

She runs two brilliant programmes which help coaches seamlessly integrate ADHD-informed strategies into their coaching...

What really drives the choices you make every day, at work, in relationships, and in tough situations? In this episode of Headflex, Rebecca and Diane are tackling the big question: how do your values shape your life? Values aren’t just catchy phrases on a vision board—they influence how we make decisions, handle conflict, and navigate challenges. As experienced coaches, Rebecca and Diane share real stories and practical insights on what happens when your personal values align (or clash) with your professional life. From leadership struggles to everyday decision-making, this conversation is all about understanding what truly matters to you and how to live it out in an authentic way. Whether you're trying to be a better leader or just figuring out what motivates you, this episode is packed with relatable moments and thought-provoking questions.

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Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:12 The importance of core values

09:15 Balancing work, family, and achievement

11:49 The regret of staying silent

17:13 Using curiosity to understand others

20:05 Building a team culture through core values

23:14 Discovering and defining your values

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio.

Prepare to smile your way through the day as we take a look at the wonderful role of laughter! Today, we're bringing humour to the forefront and discussing its essential role in our working lives. Tune in as we explore whether laughter truly has a place at work, how it can benefit individuals, teams, and organisations, and how to best navigate the tricky balance between professionalism and fun. Discover the science behind why laughter makes us feel good, and gain insights on making your workplace a more joyful, connected environment. With practical tips and thought-provoking self-coaching questions, join us as we laugh, connect, and flex our understanding of humour in leadership.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:15 The importance of appropriate laughter

08:05 How to use humour in stressful working environments

10:54 Humor can create communication shortcuts

14:18 Laughter and leadership

19:13 Building trust and connection through laughing together

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio.

We're entering the fascinating world of curiosity with our special guest, Andrew Blair. Andrew, a transdisciplinary change leadership practitioner, is talking to us about cultivating curiosity in the workplace. With over 20 years of experience in people development and HR, Andrew introduces the concept of using curiosity as a strategic tool to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation. Listen in as he recounts pivotal moments and shares practical methods that you can use to incorporate question-asking cultures within your teams. Discover how slowing down to ask the right questions can lead to better outcomes and enhanced psychological safety in the workplace. Join us on this enlightening journey into the power of curiosity!

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction.

06:58 Finding the best questions to ask

08:33 Providing answers under stress

10:58 Building a questioning-culture

14:12 Brainstorming dynamics and best practices

19:16 Cultivating curiosity and psychological safety

21:36 Becoming curious by learning from others

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

About Andrew Blair:

Andrew has spent the last 20 years in the people development area of HR and held positions with a leading global airline, European business training organisation as well as a global international standards institution. Originally, he grew up on a farm in Australia where he studied beef Cattle Management and has spent the last 22 years living in Germany honing his intercultural skills. Andrew is a specialist for Change Leadership and believes that change can be most

effectively driven with a team approach. A combination of systemic team and change management coaching is Andrew’s unique offer allowing clients to generate knowledge collaboratively, identify opportunities, manage resistance, successfully and sustainably implement change initiatives. Andrew’s people oriented, stakeholder centric approach includes a transdisciplinary, systemic mindset, practicing empathy and...

We're diving deep into the messy world of workplace emotions in this third episode of the Headlex podcast. We are exploring how we can harness and regulate them to enhance both our performance and relationships. Join us as we tackle the critical subject of emotional regulation at work. From understanding what's happening in our brains to practical tips for self-awareness and coping strategies, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you handle those intense moments with more grace and composure. In this episode we discuss emotional regulation from a neurotypical perspective. Recognising that not everyone’s experiences will be the same. As always, we'll end with self-coaching questions to help you reflect on your own experiences and find your own path to better emotional regulation.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction.

04:40 Notice physical reactions to activate the parasympathetic nervous system for calming.

06:42 Use gentle techniques to preemptively manage emotions.

10:12 Balance emotions to enhance creativity and collaboration.

14:58 Harness emotions, communicate calmly to contribute effectively.

18:20 Considerate reactions improve team experience and productivity.

About Rebecca & Diane:

Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams, leadership coaches with over 20 years experience, are on a mission to de-bunk some of the myths and barriers surrounding coaching, making it accessible to all, with a touch of humour and a human approach.

Diane brings energy and enjoyment to her coaching. She offers you time and space to deepen your thinking, reflect on how you are working and bring impactful behavioural change. Diane also works with teams to help them develop and reach their collective potential.

Rebecca coaches teams, leaders and emerging leaders across many different sectors. She brings empathy with a healthy dose of challenge to help leaders navigate their style and impact. She also helps teams to thrive through building trust and deep collaboration.

Headflex will flex the subjects that commonly appear in their coaching sessions and challenge each other and their guests to answer thought provoking questions, unlock answers and shift perspectives.

Connect with us at Headflex:

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Connect with Rebecca Walker: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawalker13/

Connect with Diane Williams: www.linkedin.com/in/dianewilliams1

Produced by Winter Audio.