Rachael Rowland

It’s ok to feel like this at the moment. It’s not age, the industry demands you are across the newest and most effective way to connect with people effectively. Marketing, comms, creative and media is in a bit of an identity crisis. And when that happens, you put on different things to see what works. INSERT - AI is the future, influencers should capture 8% of total ad spend, sponsorship isn’t right (Toyota stopping Olympics post Paris), use EX as your next campaign, and advantage+ everything. Australia’s ad spend is recovering slower compared to the US and Europe. It’s a good thing. This is the time to question everything we are doing. Ask these sorts of questions. “Will this actually work” “Could this money be better spent in the business” “If I don’t spend this money, what will happen”

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Hands up—who hasn't lost a couple of hours on Temu, filled a basket, and not had 'check-out anxiety' when it came to completing the transaction as it was so cheap - I know I have! Well, then, we have all contributed to Temu’s owner, PDD Holdings, soaring profits and revenue for the first quarter ending March 31 - when profits rocket 275% year on year! But what I also found very interesting was a Forbes article by Cyrus F. that we are buying so much from SHEIN & Temu that the Air Cargo industry can't keep up - these two giant eCommerce sites ship the equivalent of 88 Boeing 777 freights of cargo worldwide a day! (This equates to 9,000 tons every day!) This doesn’t sit so well with me … Marjorie Leonidas Nirali Patel Minnie Ryder #retail #ecommerce

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May Musing… Metaphors are … um … the seasoning in the soup of our language, adding depth and flavour to our conversations. And love them or loathe them, they’re here to stay. But what’s their true value? Organisations teem with linguistic tools. Acronyms, jargon and metaphors. They unlock insights, offer shared experiences and bridge communal understanding. At their best, metaphors bring swift clarity, unite people and transcend cultures. Linguistic patterns give strong clues about an organisation’s culture. Intentional or not, we use metaphors all the time. They’re symbolic, their visual resonance embedding concepts deep within our memory and stirring our emotions. Yet, like a catchy radio jingle played too often, overused metaphors grate. They can be exclusionary, perpetuate poor behaviour and deepen social divides. Worse still, they may unknowingly exacerbate cultural insensitivity. Consider the phrase “being sold down the river” – its historical context lost on many. And, let’s face it, some metaphors simply lack vitality. Phrases like “thinking outside the box” or “synergy” can sound more filler than philosophical. Confession time: in my coaching or consulting work, I’m partial to a metaphor. Wrapping complex concepts in vivid imagery can be helpful for clients. Listening intently to the use metaphors within an organisation can bring with it insight. Shining a light on this insight offers clients new perspectives, opens understanding, accesses new emotions and simplifies complexity. So, next time you’re feeling stuck – or at a creative crossroads, if you will – play with the power of metaphor. We all have our pet hate metaphors. But alongside that overripe low-hanging fruit, what are the metaphors that you find yourself using? Why do they resonate? And, of course, share those that set your teeth on edge. It’s cathartic. #BesideConsultancy #ByYourSide #CultureConsultant #HRStrategyConsultant #PeopleStrategyConsultant #HRMentoring #LeadershipConsultant #LeadershipCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #UnlockYourPotential #BesideCoaching

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Do you take a break BEFORE you need it 🚨 Yesterday we had our Global Town Hall. This is more than a business update and sharing of our H2 focus. It is celebrating successes and reminding all of us that there is POWER in the pause (the brilliant Sophie Devonshire⚡️impactful reminder). This is a great time to spend time thinking about our year, individually and collectively. 3 key take aways.... 🌱 We have just 170 days left in 2024, when we reflect what do we notice? 🌱 When we celebrate our achievements what do we want to accelerate? 🌱 What do we aim to be different Dec 24 v 23, and do we have our how? The mid-year point is an important time to take stock, recalibrate and most importantly RELAX AND RE-ENERGISE. Take a break if you can and ideally before it is needed (#notetoself)

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💬 Are You the Hero, the Healer, or the Victim? This morning, I listened to Vanessa Van Edwards on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast. She explains how we often live by one of these three self-narratives (32-minute mark): 1️⃣ Hero – “I’ve worked hard, faced challenges, and overcome them with effort and resilience.” Heroes see their life and career as a story of triumph. 2️⃣ Healer – Focused on helping others, often in service-oriented careers. Healers put others’ needs before their own but can struggle with boundaries and self-care. 3️⃣ Victim – “I’ve faced challenges, but I couldn’t overcome them. The world is against me.” Victims often feel unlucky, stuck, and powerless. Vanessa suggests asking yourself: Do you feel lucky? Heroes and healers typically do; victims often don’t. In my coaching work, I help clients identify and rewrite these narratives to better serve their goals. The process involves: ✅ Awareness – What story are you living? ✅ Evidence – Is it fact or belief? ✅ Rewriting – Shift it to align with who you aspire to be. Which self-narrative resonates with you? Let’s work together to ensure your story empowers your growth. #togetherwevegotthis Steven Bartlett The Diary Of A CEO Vanessa Van Edwards

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No more crabs allowed. I was reading a beautiful book at the weekend written by Florence Given which already has explored many concepts that feed into society, societal pressures, attitudes that have been and are creating restrictions on impact and growth particularly in women and the impact that has on society. As someone who works with leadership teams, understanding the challenges that society faces, collectively and individually and why and what to do about it fascinates me. One concept Florence mentioned is the crabs in a bucket syndrome. When crabs are out at sea in their natural environment, they collaborate, they support and help each other. Whereas when they are put into a bucket, in a state of fear/ anxiety they’ll reach up and pull each other down. If they worked together then they would be able to escape, but they don’t. It’s a ‘if I’m not getting out, neither are you’ attitude‘. We see this in society, when people do things out of the norm, break the patterns and conditioning we are all programmed with, it challenges our own beliefs and subconsciously people can approach this to bring people back in line as it challenges them/ holds a mirror up to them. When we live in a world driven by fear, fear of missing out, fear of not being good enough, fear of not achieving what others are of course it goes on, and most people have experienced anxiety in some form great or small. That is the society we live in. You can seriously change the world by noticing this mentality and mindfully looking at others’ success as inspiration, not a threat. Celebrate their wins and use them as fuel for your own journey. Embrace a growth mindset where there's room for everyone to rise. Let go of the old habits of comparison, criticism, and negativity. Your growth is yours to own—and there’s plenty of space for everyone to succeed. I am a huge fan of collaboration. And have a strong network of other like minded individuals, that I have built over the years and we empower each other, lift each other up, celebrate successes and hold space to listen to challenges. Not everyone is so fortunate to have this. But you can create it! Anyone can create this in their lives. In empowering ourselves our colleagues, our friends and our acquaintances we build a better society, a better business, a better world. To uncover how you best make impact, and let go of anything that is holding you back from being your truest, most collaborative, non crab like version of yourself, feel free to hit me up for some inspiration and techniques to use. Tagging some of my lifelong collaborators who I know would always lift me out of a figurative bucket (and have done!) CJ Bedford Carrie Adams Nicola Sinclair White Carly McGrogan Carrie Alderson Kate Bagnall Sarah Cooper Franco DeMori James ➡️Financial Services Recruitment⬅️ Barden Victoria Hicks✨️Group CEO at Melo

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Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind: 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ This year showed me that intentional change isn't just about making moves - it's about making meaning. I'm grateful to clients, colleagues, my coaches and mentors, and subscribers. Your trust and feedback has been powerful and humbling. From leading transformation at UK Dementia Research Institute to launching "What Kind of Future," every small step reinforced that sustainable change happens when we live and lead with purpose and heart. Key transformations this year: • Joined UKDRI as Chief People & Culture Officer, bringing intention to how we support groundbreaking dementia research • Launched "What Kind of Future" podcast, creating space for deeper conversations about leadership and transformation • Led CIPD Wessex Branch to increased engagement and community impact • Began Five Element Acupuncture studies, deepening understanding of balance in leadership • Served as UN Women UK Delegate at CSW68, championing inclusive leadership globally 🌟I was honoured to be nominated as Voice of a New Era of Leaders and winning the e2e Award of Excellence for my coaching. 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ For me, it will be about deepening our impact at UKDRI while expanding conversations about intentional leadership through the I.F. Club community and podcast. And completing my five element studies. The future of leadership in our ever change world requires both institutional courage and personal transformation. **Thanks** To everyone choosing to build their future with intention - whether through research, community building, or personal growth - thank you for showing that meaningful change happens through knowing ourselves and our collective purpose. #IntentionalFuture #WhatKindOfFuture #Leadership Thanks CoAuthor; great memories! @coauthor Get your 2024 LinkedIn Rewind! Go to coauthor [dot] studio in your browser

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There is one thing I believe we don't speak enough of when trying to untangle organisational behavioural knots in the workplace: #fear. As much as humans in general love to think of ourselves as rational beings, it's fascinating to me how most of the decisions that are made at work – big and small – end up carrying a substantive emotional component. And sadly, quite often, that emotion is fear. Rebecca Zucker & Ruth Gotian, Ed.D., M.S. have contributed to this great Harvard Business Review article which sheds some light on how common fears hold people back at work. Notably, these fears may be of: ‣ Failure; ‣ Letting others down; ‣ Looking bad; ‣ Losing others’ respect. What may not be surprising to those paying close attention, though, is that oftentimes these are rooted in more primal fears, such as that of being marginalised, rejected, or unable to support oneself. The authors recognise that some times these fears are not rational, but are visceral at their core – pushing us all to make decisions that may not be the best ones neither for our organisations nor ourselves. Here are some strategies the authors offer to unpack and challenge these fears and limiting beliefs so that we can dismantle our self-imposed barriers to achieve greater success: 1️⃣ Identify your hidden fears: reflect on areas where you feel stuck and the anxieties that hold you back from moving forward; 2️⃣ Reflect on the origin of these fears: understand where these fears come from. Check whether they stem from past experiences that are no longer relevant to your current situation; 3️⃣ Challenge your limiting beliefs: question the worst-case scenarios your fears create and examine their validity in your current context; 4️⃣ Conduct safe experiments: take small, calculated risks that test the limitations your fears impose and gather data to debunk them. For example, try setting small boundaries at work, or facilitate a brainstorming session that lets others shine. These tests help debunk fears and build confidence; 5️⃣ Reframe your beliefs: as you gather evidence from these experiments, start to shift your mindset. Realise that your fears may no longer reflect reality and that you can adopt new, more productive behaviours. While it may sound like the advice above is more applicable to either more junior or less experienced staff – who we may project an image of more fearful in the workplace –, I personally believe this would be even more potentially transformational for senior leaders – who may, ultimately, feel they have more to lose if they fumble (and then project they have even more reasons to mask their fears). I believe that this could – quite literally – revolutionise workplaces. What do you think? Link in the comments. Image: Troy Aossey/Getty Images

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🎤 Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at Haleon about something we all think we understand but rarely master—the art of feedback. And yes, it truly is an art. You can be a master at giving feedback and yet struggle when receiving it or you can absorb feedback like a sponge but fail to deliver it in a way that resonates. But here’s the thing: Feedback is NOT gossip. It’s NOT a review. And it’s definitely NOT a criticism. It’s about growth, not judgment. Yet most people avoid giving or receiving it because the environment doesn’t feel psychologically safe. Why? Because feedback requires vulnerability, and vulnerability is uncomfortable. So, the question isn’t just how do we give better feedback. The question is, how do we create the kind of workplace #culture where people feel safe enough to share it. If I know anything about feedback by now, is that it’s only as powerful as the trust behind it. Without trust, it’s just noise. So how are you actively creating spaces where feedback isn’t just tolerated but actively welcomed as a #personaldevelopment and personal growth tool? That’s the food for thought of the day. 🌸thank you Nóra Szedmák & Dimitris Ampazis for bringing me over and giving me space to raise these important questions 🙏🏻

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Yesterday, on my journey into London, I found inspiration in unexpected places. I've been actively engaging with the people around me, absorbing information, and seeking answers. My mind is buzzing with thoughts and observations. So much so, inspiration from anything else hasn't been forthcoming. During my commute, I noticed someone engrossed in the 'Life in the UK' book. It made me ponder how well citizens truly grasp the content of any guide beyond what is taught in schools. There is a chapter on Values and Responsibilities, emphasising crucial aspects like behaving responsibly, treating others fairly, providing for yourself and your family, helping others, and exercising the right to vote. As I watched the chaotic rush of commuters around me, the irony wasn't lost on me. People hurried past, spilling drinks and jostling each other, seemingly disconnected from the values outlined in the book. This got me thinking: What truly defines a good citizen to build a future where everyone thrives? #IntentionalFuture #Values #ReflectingonSociety

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Excellent summation from Les Binet here on maximising effectiveness, efficiency, ROI and enhancing margins by doing some simple things with media spend distribution but also the core of the effectiveness is creativity. I find creative is often observed as an overhead of advertising rather than an investment but the research doesn't lie - amazing creative is as big an ROI multiplier than other factors combined, so the payback of these combinations in the short, medium and long term is absolutely worth it.

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Here’s the deal: every now and then, someone will come in with that classic “But research says” or “People say…” line. And sure, data is amazing—it’s shiny, it’s impressive, I love a good open rate, views, hits as much as the next results driven comms person —but let’s not forget to give it a second look and ask: What does this actually mean for us? So here’s the real test: is this info meaningful? Does it serve a real purpose? Can it actually make a difference for our people? Because, at the end of the day, we’re here for our employees. Trends will roll in and out like yesterday’s fashion, but what really lasts is keeping our ears open and our feet grounded. Staying relevant isn’t about jumping on every new bandwagon; it’s about being truly effective. #keepingthemainthingthemainthing #confessionsofacorporatecommsgirl

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Attn women in peri/menopause - this article has some extremely useful advice. The article starts off discussing the discrimination experienced by women at work. They asked 300 U.S-based full-time workers to share their first impressions of a hypothetical coworker who was described as “a menopausal woman,” “a middle-aged woman,” or “a middle-aged man.” And in the next study, they had nearly 200 college students read a workplace scenario involving a middle-aged woman described as having menopausal hot flash symptoms, a middle-aged woman without symptoms, or a middle-aged man. In both experiments, the participants reported that the menopausal women seemed less confident and less emotionally stable (two traits we’ve shown to be associated with leadership) than the non-menopausal women — despite the scenarios being otherwise identical. The good news is, the several studies identified an effective strategy to overcome this bias. They asked more than 240 full-time workers to imagine that they were attending a meeting in which a female, middle-aged colleague was observed having a hot flash: She was visibly uncomfortable, flushing, fanning herself, and wiping sweat from her face. In one scenario, when a coworker asked how she was doing, she said, “I’m ok, just warm,” while in the other scenario, she replied, “I’m ok, it’s just that menopausal time of life.” When the woman openly disclosed that her symptoms were caused by menopause, she was seen as more confident, stable, and leader-like than when she claimed to be “just warm.” Just wow - think about that - acknowledging that the symptoms made all of the difference. The act of disclosing your own menopausal status can convey confidence and stability, essentially cancelling out the negative biases that people would otherwise hold. Also importantly, if someone else acknowledged the symptoms, this did not benefit the woman - she was also not seen as a leader. It had to be self-acknowledgement. The research shows that especially for women who are actively striving to become leaders, acknowledging hot flashes when they happen and simply stating — without embarrassment or shame — that they are due to menopause is an effective way to demonstrate self-confidence and leadership potential. So, next time you are having a hot flash or brain fog - don't be scared to call it out. It could really help. And share this with other women at your workplace - let's normalize the discussion. https://lnkd.in/g-sU3yiu

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'But the most important thing is a strong brand!'- As a marketer, you've probably heard that a millllllionnnnnn times. You likely also studied (and were seriously jealous of) the latest Nike commercial, Pret a Manger's classic membership move, Simon Sinek's 'Start with Why', Monday.com's community building, or Apple's clean brand. But do you have their budget? Resources? Years of brand building? I'm guessing not. SO WHAT DO YOU DO? Where's the playbook, guide, or whatever, for marketing teams in small to mid-level companies with little to no brand awareness? What do we do when we're not Nike? Billy Cina and I recently discussed why brand awareness conversations frustrate me, and what strategies actually work for companies that aren't global giants. What's your take? How do you approach branding and marketing with limited resources?

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#SundayReflections As #internationalcoachingweek comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting not just on an isolated week but how my last nine and a half years as a coach has been the opportunity to do the best work of my life. As an #ExecutiveCoach the difference and absolute privilege, is that I only ever get to work with impressive organisations and impactful leaders and for that I’ll always be grateful. I also get to coach in some really cool places and this week in the UK in Devon and Cornwall has been no exception. Some great walk and talks and use of space and perspective. Here thanks to Tate St Ives, in the Barbara Hepworth Museum there was a superb example, the monumental Four Square walkthrough sculpture. Despite the title none of the pieces are square, there’s so many different perspectives as you can see and you can interpret it in so many different ways. Like so many coaching sessions it’s about exploring different contexts, understanding why they matter, asking questions, examining the assumptions involved, reframing the different perspectives and being a creative partner in crafting a solution that will make a difference for the coachee and more often than not for their business. I know it’s no surprise that for me, it’s so much about the relationships with my clients and coachees and about the impact I can make. And even more so when I’m on a #walkandtalk coaching session like this one or when I’m coaching with views like this week. So for those of you that I’ve worked with, the incredible people who’ve been part of my journey to International Coaching Federation Master Credentialed Coach (MCC) & Coach Supervisor, just taking a moment to say thank you. Thank you to my clients and to their talented, bold and ambitious leaders for partnering with me, so that together we can celebrate, we’ve made a difference. A monumental one. And thanks to being in Devon & Cornwall I’ve managed to fit in a bit of a break and a beautiful wedding yesterday too. More on that soon…. Coaching matters. Coaching means more. #coaching #executivecoaching #leadership #boardeffectiveness #ICFMCC #MCC #coachingmeansmore #coachingwithaview #coachingwalkandtalk #betterthinking #betterresults

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Did you know that statistically, 22 million people celebrate their birthday every day? Growing up in a family where birthdays weren't a big deal, I never quite understood the significance of these celebrations (and others if im honest)... until I had my own children. Today, as I celebrate my son's 11th birthday, I'm reminded of the impact these moments have on our lives and happiness. Put the laptops down and take the day off if you can. Celebrating my kids' birthday has become more than just creating fun and excitement. It's about their growth and happiness. Its proven that celebrations help build a sense of identity, self-worth, social skills, relationships, creativity and imagination. They teach us to be thankful and appreciate those around us, and create lasting memories which will last a lifetime. In our home, I put up the same tatty banners up every year and a surprise sparkly curtain for the kids to run through on their special day. Taking it back to business its clear that we sometimes fail to celebrate the everyday things. Celebrating milestones and achievements within teams and organizations is important. Just as birthday celebrations provide a powerful platform for a child's holistic development, recognising and celebrating professional achievements helps fosters a culture of growth, innovation, and collaboration. I am going to start to embrace the power of celebration more, not just for children, but the people and teams i work with. Although may pass on the sparkly curtain unless you really want one. ✨️ #personal #professional #celebration #culture #senseofteam #innovation #growth

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To those who say brand and brand spend is dead… I give you the Kellogg’s ‘see you in the morning’ ad. Brand ID out loud and proud. Snapping, crackling and popping. Amusing, yet easily identifiable. Money being spent on brand building by one of the biggest brands in the world. I love it. ___________________________________ Hi 👋 I'm Michelle, award-winning CMO and Marketing Advisor, let’s talk if you need some serious marketing muscle to grow your business! Marketing, Brand, Leadership, Strategy, Coaching and Board Advisory are all my thing, if you want to hear more make sure you follow me and double click the 🔔 on my profile! #PinkUmbrella #SeeYouInTheMorning Link in the comments

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Living and Thriving with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome For many years I was misdiagnosed with Fybromyalgia which never really made too much sense to me. In 2017 I was finally and correctly diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) . The journey can often feel like navigating a winding road filled with challenges. This connective tissue disorder can significantly impact daily life, but many individuals with EDS find ways to not only manage their condition but to thrive in their personal and professional lives. What is EDS? EDS encompasses a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues which provide support to the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. Each type of EDS can present unique symptoms, but some common symptoms include: - Hyper-mobility - Skin Elasticity - Chronic Pain - Chronic Fatigue - Easy Bruising - Gastrointestinal Issues - Cardiovascular and other problems ( lungs, kidneys,etc) - Anxiety - Sleep issues Every person's experience with EDS is different. Acknowledging and embracing your unique journey is the first step toward empowerment. It's essential to educate yourself about the condition and understand that while it may impose limitations, it doesn't define who you are. Your strengths, passions, and dreams remain intact. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make a significant difference. Whether it's friends, family, or online support groups, sharing your experiences and connecting with others who understand your struggles can provide comfort and encouragement. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it—it's a sign of strength, not weakness. For those living with EDS, finding an employer that accommodates your needs can be crucial. Look for workplaces that prioritise flexibility, allowing you to adjust your hours or work remotely when necessary. Communicate openly with your employer about your condition and explore potential accommodations that can help you perform at your best. Prioritising self-care is vital for managing EDS. This can include physical therapy, gentle exercises, mindfulness practices, and maintaining a balanced diet. Listen to your body and recognise when you need rest. Finding joy in what you love can be incredibly therapeutic. Whether it's art, writing, volunteering, or any other passion, immersing yourself in activities that bring you happiness can help shift your focus away from limitations. Celebrating small achievements in these areas can boost your confidence and motivation. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may come with its hurdles, but it also offers opportunities for growth, resilience, and connection. By embracing your journey, building a support network, prioritising self-care, and advocating for yourself, you can create a fulfilling life despite the challenges. Remember, you are not defined by your condition; you are defined by your spirit, determination, and ability to rise above. Keep shining bright! #disabilityawareness

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I decided to wear my new BetterUp sweatshirt today. I've had it a year but hadn't worn it before because it's rather big. A size L rather than a S. It's cosy though, and I get to be 'on brand' when I'm career coaching for BetterUp. And I didn't stop there. I wore it to Pilates too. It didn't stay on long. I soon got too hot from all the leg exercises we were doing! What do you have or use that's 'on brand' with your work? #careercoach #careercoaching #executivecoach #executivecoaching

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