Reinvention Diaries Podcast – Year in Review

Episode Summary: Michelle and Nicola reflect on the past year, sharing personal and professional highlights, lessons learned, and goals for the coming year. The conversation is candid, humorous, and packed with relatable moments about growth, boundaries, and celebrating wins.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The ups and downs of the holiday season and festive events
• Personal and business goal setting (and the reality of sticking to them)
• The evolution from "personal stylist" to "style coach and color analyst"
• The importance of boundaries in business and life
• Achievements: client milestones, workshops, networking, and launching the podcast
• The power of celebrating small wins and creating a "win wall"
• Family milestones, including becoming grandparents and celebrating anniversaries
• Delegating tasks and hiring help to focus on strengths
• Honest talk about feeling unfocused, messy, and the quest for better organization
• Looking ahead: goals for 2026, including more speaking, workshops, and personal adventures

Notable Highlights:

• Michelle and Nicola share their favorite festive moments and the challenges of getting into the holiday spirit.
• Both hosts reflect on their business growth, including client numbers, workshops, and the launch of the podcast.
• Michelle discusses her decision to rebrand as a "style coach and color analyst" to better reflect her work.
• Nicola shares her achievements in photography, including headshot sessions, brand shoots, and events.
• The hosts talk about the importance of boundaries, saying no to weekend work, and delegating tasks.
• They encourage listeners to celebrate their wins, big and small, and consider creating a "win wall" for 2026.
• Family updates include becoming grandparents and celebrating a 25th wedding anniversary.
• The episode wraps up with a lighthearted discussion about gadgets, organization, and plans for the new year.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Review your own year—celebrate your wins and set realistic goals for the next.
• Consider rebranding or evolving your professional identity if it no longer fits.
• Set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
• Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks that aren’t in your zone of genius.
• Create a "win wall" to track and celebrate achievements throughout the year.

Contact us either by email studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk or via instagram @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.com

Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com

Next Episode: Stay tuned for the upcoming Christmas special and the launch of Season 2 in the new year!

Episode Summary: In this festive episode, Michelle and Nicola dive into the pressures and expectations of the holiday season. They share personal stories about parenting wins, setting boundaries, and the importance of saying "no"—especially around Christmas. The conversation covers everything from Black Friday shopping temptations to the emotional weight of family traditions, and why it's okay to opt out of certain holiday activities.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Parenting milestones and celebrating small wins.
• The importance of carving out personal time and setting household boundaries.
• Budgeting for Christmas and resisting social/media pressure to overspend.
• Saying "no" to Christmas traditions that don't serve you (light trails, Christmas jumpers, forced fun, etc.).
• The emotional side of Christmas: family expectations, grief, and why some people opt out.
• Tips for managing gift-giving, including the "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" formula.
• The value of honest conversations with friends and family about holiday spending and expectations.
• Random acts of kindness and gratitude for the little things (like wellies!).
• Listener call to action: Share your own stories about Christmas boundaries and spending.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Your lack of planning is not my emergency."
• "It's okay to say no. Not everybody likes Christmas."
• "If we can't afford it, we don't get it."
• "I don't want people to give me crap and I don't want to give other people crap."

Listener Call to Action: Share your stories about Christmas boundaries, spending, or things you're saying "no" to this year! Email studio@thereinventiondiary.co.uk or DM @TheReinventionDiariesPodcast on Instagram.

Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. We don’t always moan—promise!

Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com

Shownotes: Turning Criticism into Growth – Reinvention Diaries

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola Guest: Amie-Leigh Lee, CEO & Founder of Shh! PR

Episode Highlights:

• Catch-up: Michelle and Nicola share updates on recent travels, networking, and self-care (including spa days and Christmas dinners).
• The importance of reviews and feedback in business, and how both hosts handle receiving (or not receiving) reviews.
• Introduction of guest Amie-Leigh Lee, who specializes in PR for female entrepreneurs.
• Discussion on the emotional impact of criticism and negative reviews, especially for women in business.
• Amie-Leigh’s advice on handling criticism:
  • Don’t react immediately—pause and reflect before responding.
  • Gather facts before replying to negative feedback.
  • Respond publicly with empathy and a willingness to resolve the issue, then move the conversation offline if possible.
  • Use apologies genuinely; avoid defensive responses.
  • Learn from criticism—use it as an opportunity to improve services or products.
• Gender differences in responding to criticism: women often internalize feedback more deeply than men.
• Examples of brands turning criticism into positive PR (e.g., KFC’s chicken shortage campaign, Aldi’s marketing).
• The value of a “win wall” to remind yourself of positive feedback and achievements.
• The importance of supportive networks and cheerleaders, especially for women entrepreneurs.
• Reflections on women’s networking groups and the supportive, collaborative environment they foster.
• Final advice: Embrace criticism as a tool for growth, not a reason to shrink back.

Connect with Amie-Leigh Lee:

• LinkedIn: Amie-Leigh Lee Minshull
• Company: Shh! PR (www.shhpr.co.uk)
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Contact the Podcast:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com
• Nicola - nicolaaucklandphototgraphy.co.uk

Listener Questions:

• Amie-Leigh’s favorite color: Yellow
• Recent act of kindness: Reaching out to someone in need at a concert

Next Episode: Tune in next Wednesday for more stories and strategies on reinvention and growth!

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola

Summary: In this episode, Michelle and Nicola dive into the theme of "feeling the fear and doing it anyway." They share personal stories about overcoming self-doubt, stepping outside comfort zones, and the importance of embracing fear as a sign of growth. The conversation is filled with humor, relatable anecdotes, and practical advice for women navigating reinvention and rediscovery.

Key Topics Covered:

• Weekend catch-up: downtime, disaster movies, and family quirks
• The importance of wearing the right bra and how it affects confidence
• Social outings, shopping adventures, and the realities of high heels
• The main topic: "Feel the fear and do it anyway"
  • Why fear is a sign of growth, not failure
  • How fear of judgment, failure, and even success can hold us back
  • The role of comfort zones and habitual behavior
  • Personal experiences with clients facing their own fears (e.g., being photographed, trying new styles)
  • The power of trusting the process and embracing change
  • Dealing with naysayers and building resilience
  • The universe sending signs and opportunities for reinvention
• Random acts of kindness and the joy of giving back
• Creating a workspace that inspires productivity
• Encouragement to listeners: embrace fear, take action, and share your own stories

Call to Action:

• Share your own "feel the fear and do it anyway" stories by emailing studio@thereinventiondiary.co.uk
• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Like, subscribe, and leave a five-star rating to support the show

Closing: Michelle and Nicola wrap up with a message of empowerment: if you’re feeling scared, it’s a sign you’re growing. Don’t squash the fear—embrace it, move towards it, and let it fuel your reinvention journey.

Social links: Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com. @mrsstylewright, Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk, @nicolaaucklandphotography

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Reinvention Diaries, hosts Michelle and Nicola welcome Tana MacPherson-Smith—coach, therapist, trainer, motivational speaker, and author of the Monkey Wisdom books. Tana shares her powerful story of accidental reinvention, from her career as a teacher to her journey through trauma, mental health challenges, and ultimately, transformation into a passionate advocate for children’s mental health and prevention.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Tana’s background as a teacher and her transition to mental health advocacy.
• The pivotal moment that changed her life: a mental health crisis and recovery.
• The concept of “Monkey Wisdom” and how childhood experiences shape our beliefs and emotional resilience.
• The importance of prevention in mental health, starting from conception.
• Intergenerational trauma and the impact of early life experiences.
• Tana’s personal battles with anxiety, ADHD, and overcoming limiting beliefs.
• Advice for those facing unplanned life changes and how to find new purpose.
• The power of human connection, kindness, and meaningful conversations with strangers.
• Tana’s ongoing mission to educate parents, teachers, and children about emotional health.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Every single thing that we do around kids, whoever you are, is recorded and has a response on them.”
• “If I can do something with all of that and change lives for other people, then that’s what I’ve got to do.”
• “It’s about finding something in your heart that really interests you—that’s a really good starting point.”

Guest Info:

• Website: taramcpherson.com
• LinkedIn: Tana MacPherson-Smith
• Facebook: Clear Minds

Hosts:

• Michelle Wright (LinkedIn: Michelle Wright)
• www.mrsstylewright.com
• Nicola Auckland (LinkedIn: Nicola Auckland)
• www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Contact & Socials:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.uk
• Instagram: @reinventiondiariespodcast

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Reach out to Tana or the hosts via the links above if you’d like to connect or share your own story of reinvention.

Reinvention Diaries: Chats on Change and Digital Diet

Episode Summary: In this episode, Michelle and Nicola catch up after a holiday, sharing stories about travel mishaps, early Christmas parties, and the joys of random acts of kindness. The main discussion centers on the concept of a "digital diet"—how our consumption of digital content and social media impacts our mindset, confidence, and well-being.

Key Topics:

• The importance of taking breaks from screens and social media.
• How a "digital diet" can create more mental clarity and reduce negative self-comparison.
• The fine line between inspiration and imposter syndrome on social platforms.
• Strategies for curating your digital environment: muting, unfollowing, and taking intentional breaks.
• The impact of curated online personas and the dangers of comparing your journey to others' highlight reels.
• Personal stories about family, kindness, and the little things that brighten our days.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Audit your digital diet: Unfollow or mute accounts that drain your energy or confidence.
• Seek out content and people who inspire and motivate you.
• Remember that social media often shows only the best moments—don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
• Practice random acts of kindness, both online and offline.
• Reach out and share your own stories of reinvention and kindness with the hosts!

Connect with Us:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk
• mrsstylewright.com

Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a five-star review!

Welcome to the Reinvention Diary! In this episode, Michelle and Nicola dive into the realities of reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence as women. They share personal stories, discuss the challenges of balancing work and life, and reflect on the importance of self-care and community.

Topics Discussed:

• Catching up: Weekend getaways, birthday celebrations, and the changing dynamics of social drinking.
• The art of dressing for events: When to go all out and when to blend in.
• Christmas is coming: Debates over chocolates, early holiday music, and family traditions.
• Home life: The great slippers vs. shoes debate for dinner parties, and the acceptability of pajamas in public.
• Meal planning: From spreadsheets to smart speakers, and using AI for weekly shopping lists.
• Working in vs. on your business: The struggle to balance client work, marketing, and personal development.
• Courses and upskilling: Excel, blogging, and automating business processes.
• Health and self-care: Smear tests, breast checks, and the importance of regular screenings.
• Random acts of kindness and “what’s rocked your world” this week: Camera holsters, rebounders, and more.

Listener Questions:

• Is it acceptable to go out in public in your pajamas?
• Do you sit down at a set time each week to do your shopping list and meal plan?

Calls to Action:

• Share your thoughts on Instagram: How acceptable is it to go out in pajamas?
• Send in your questions for future episodes—anything about business, life, or what rocks your world!
• Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Follow on Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Thank you for listening! Join the conversation and be part of our community of women rising together.

If you'd like to know more about us check out our websites:

www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

www.mrsstylewright.com

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola Guest: Yvette Martin, Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist for Breast

Episode Summary

In this episode, Michelle and Nicola are joined by Yvette Martin, a breast cancer specialist nurse with over 20 years of experience in the NHS. Yvette shares her journey into nursing, her dual role in healthcare and business, and provides practical advice for women navigating breast health, diagnosis, and recovery.

Key Topics Discussed

• The importance of regular breast checks and what to look for beyond lumps (skin changes, nipple discharge, changes in shape, etc.).
• The emotional impact of diagnosis and the support role of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).
• What to expect after a breast cancer diagnosis: treatment pathways, support systems, and the role of the CNS as a key worker.
• Survival rates and positive outcomes: Over 50% increase in survival in the last 50 years; 9 out of 10 women live 5+ years post-diagnosis.
• The prevalence of breast cancer (1 in 7 women) and the importance of screening, especially for those with family history.
• Support for friends and family: how to communicate, offer help, and understand the patient’s needs.
• Post-treatment mental health: programs and resources for ongoing support, including the Moving Forward program and Pilates classes.
• Addressing misconceptions about hereditary risk and male breast cancer.
• Personal stories and random acts of kindness.

Resources & Links

• Breast Cancer Now – Comprehensive information and support for breast cancer and benign breast disease.
• Macmillan Cancer Support – Support for patients and families.
• NHS Breast Cancer Information – Official guidance and resources.
• Elevate Design and Print – Yvette’s print business.

Contact & Social

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn: Elevate Design and Print
• Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com
• Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.com