Lauren and Lee are joined by Alison Blackler from 2Minds to discuss the intricacies of the human mind, leadership, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity in the workplace. Alison shares her personal journey from lacking confidence to becoming a TEDx speaker, emphasising the power of self-awareness and continuous learning. Alison also discusses the very real challenges of social media, generational divides in business, and the significance of open communication and inclusivity in leadership.

In this episode, Lauren and Lee discuss the concepts of branding and marketing strategies, emphasising the importance of aligning internal culture with external brand perception. They discuss the 'inside out and outside in' strategy, the necessity of understanding customer journeys, and the emotional connections that brands must foster to succeed. The dialogue also touches on the concept of 'onliness' in business, which involves owning every aspect of a brand's identity and values.

Navigating HR with Rebecca McShane

In this episode of the Unpacked podcast, hosts Lauren and Lee welcome Rebecca McShane, a modern HR founder and the driving force behind Sure HR.

Rebecca shares her journey from drama student to HR consultant, highlighting her passion for supporting small businesses.

Rebecca discusses the challenges of recruitment, the importance of value alignment, and the evolving role of HR in today's business landscape.

Key Topics:

Rebecca's transition from recruitment to HR.

The impact of HR on organisational success.

Challenges and biases in recruitment.

The role of HR in small vs. large businesses.

The importance of proactive HR support.

Podcast details:

Episode: Number 7

Guest: Rebecca McShane - Founder of Sure HR

Hosts: Lauren and Lee

Hashtags: #HR #SmallBusiness #Recruitment #Podcast

As you may have guessed, this show is all about Lauren from early childhood to university dropout to feeling better about herself to multiple business owner.

There's also a maths quiz thrown in.

Be warned, Lauren yabbers on, and on, and on....To be fair, it's really interesting and well worth a listen, even the bits where she tries to be funny.

Enjoy ❤️

Key Topics: (AI)

The journey from university to entrepreneurship: Overcoming personal and professional challenges. The power of diverse perspectives in business, personal growth and self-discovery

Hashtags: #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #LifeJourney

Join Lauren and Lee as they get into the complex relationship between social media and mental health. They share personal stories and insights, exploring the pressures faced by teenagers today and the role of schools and parents in addressing these challenges.

Takeaways:

Lauren shares her personal experiences with social media and its impact on her mental health during her school years.

Lee discusses the challenges faced by his daughter in a similar environment and the role of schools in managing these issues.

The conversation touches on the broader societal implications of social media and potential solutions.

In this conversation, Lee and Lauren explore the dynamics between introverted and extroverted personalities, particularly in the context of business and social interactions.

They discuss the importance of self-awareness in leadership roles and how it can influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships.

The conversation also delves into the impact of social media on self-perception and body image, highlighting the pressures that arise from marketing and societal expectations.

Finally, they touch on personal experiences with parenting and the challenges of raising children in a digital age.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Introversion and Extroversion

02:39 Understanding Personal Traits and Social Dynamics

05:26 The Impact of Self-Awareness on Social Interactions

08:32 Leadership Styles: Introverts vs. Extroverts

11:29 The Role of Personality in Business Success

14:23 Authenticity in Business and Personal Life

17:14 Social Media's Influence on Self-Perception

20:13 The Pressure of Social Expectations

23:14 Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in a Digital Age

28:41 The Illusion of Social Media

30:04 The Addiction of Social Media

31:52 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception

34:10 The Role of Parents in Social Media Awareness

36:07 The Pressure of Beauty Standards

38:54 The Influence of Marketing on Body Image

39:50 Intentions Behind Cosmetic Procedures

41:45 Navigating Questions About Cosmetic Work

45:28 Parenting Perspectives on Children and Social Media

Takeaways

Introverts and extroverts can exhibit traits of both personalities throughout their lives.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership and personal growth.

Social media can create unrealistic expectations and pressures on individuals.

Authenticity is valued more than a curated persona in both personal and professional settings.

The marketing industry significantly influences body image and self-esteem, especially among women.

It's important to differentiate between genuine self-improvement and changes driven by external pressures.

Taking breaks from social media can improve mental health and self-perception.

Parenting styles can vary greatly, and experiences with children can shape one's views on introversion and extroversion.

Understanding the dynamics of introversion and extroversion can enhance workplace relationships.

The conversation around body image and marketing is ongoing and complex, affecting all genders.

Keywords

introversion, extroversion, self-awareness, leadership, social media, body image, marketing, parenting, mental health, confidence

Sean’s story is one of grit, resilience, and heart. Once homeless himself, he knows first-hand the reality of life on the margins — the uncertainty, the stigma, the daily fight just to get through.

But what makes Sean remarkable is how he turned that lived experience into fuel for change. For the past 16+ years, he’s held senior roles across Liverpool and the UK, working tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness, influence policy, and drive support and training services that don’t just tick boxes — but truly change lives.

Through his warm and empathetic tone, Sean doesn’t just share statistics or headlines. He gives us a glimpse into the human side of homelessness — the stories, the challenges, and the resilience you don’t often hear about.

This conversation isn’t just about homelessness. It’s about hope, dignity, and what it really takes to rebuild a life. And Sean brings that message with a passion and authenticity that’s hard to ignore.

Sean, welcome — we’re so glad to have you with us. ❤️❤️

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In this episode, we dig into the difference between good bosses and bad bosses — and the dramatic ripple effect they have on a business. From staff morale and productivity to recruitment and retention, we unpack how poor leadership can damage a workplace, and how great leadership can transform it.