Avsnitt
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In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I speak with Vanessa May, a coach who helps women find courage and authenticity in their lives. We explore what it means to embrace your true self, navigate big life changes, and build a life aligned with your values. We explore:
* What it means to live as the truest and most authentic version of yourself and finding the bravery to step into your purpose and the life you were built for
* The challenges and opportunities of being a highly sensitive person or empath
* How big life changes, like divorce or break-ups, can create opportunities for growth and transformation
* Understanding how early experiences, like being an under or over ‘achiever’ at school, shape us and how to reframe limiting beliefs
* Breaking free from people-pleasing, fixing others, and learning how to set empowering boundaries
* Recognising your triggers and creating healthier, more authentic relationships with yourself and others
* Overcoming shame and our shadow parts and how by embracing and accepting all parts of ourselves, we allow this for others too
* How we mask our true selves to try and fit in and what happens when we try to be someone for other people, rather than being ourselves
* Regulating our nervous system and being able to live at edge of our comfort zone to grow
Vanessa shares her empowering insights and experience that may encourage you to live a more courageous and authentic life. This is a very open conversation where we both share parts our personal challenges and the work we’ve done to overcome them. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and a big thank you to Vanessa for joining the podcast.
About Vanessa May
Vanessa is passionate about helping women break through barriers that keep them playing small. For years, she has worked with corporate leaders and ambitious women who have the potential to rise but feel held back by invisible limitations.
Many women feel pressured to act differently just to be heard or stay quiet to avoid being seen as "too assertive." They want to lead without sacrificing their true selves or their values.
Vanessa’s organisation, Courage Unfolding, was created to help women connect with their authentic selves, build confidence, and lead in a way that feels true to them. Whether they’re rebuilding after challenges or ready to take their careers to the next level, she is here to guide them to step fully into their leadership and strength.
Find out more here https://courageunfolding.com/about-vanessa-may/
This is the last episode of the first series of the podcast. Thank you SO MUCH for listening, I would love to hear your takeaways from this episode or any episode you listened to, if you want to share one thing that has really stayed with you - do comment or drop me an email at [email protected].
If you have enjoyed the podcast and think others might find value in it, then please do share it.
I am working on an exciting project to bring together all the themes and topics from this podcast into an offering which will be launching in the next month or so, if you want to hear about it then follow me on substack or Linkedin.
This podcast series was post-produced by Colette Jonas, freelance audio editor/sound designer/composer, who has been wonderful to work with. If you are looking for support with your podcast you can contact Colette by email [email protected].
Updates from me:
* Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you to live as your truest self, to transform the big transitions in your life to wonderful opportunities and have the courage to step into your power, you can book a free discovery call with me.
* People, Planet, Pint in East Surrey - an informal meet up for people who care about people and the planet. The next one is on Tuesday 4th February from 6:30pm in Market Stores, Reigate. If you’re local, I hope to see you there - Sign up here
* Conscious Changemakers Walks are back - the next one is on Sunday 2nd March - I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who want slow down, reconnect with themselves and nature and connect with like-minded people. I posted some reflections from the last walk on Linkedin here. You can sign up to the one on the 2nd March here.
* Mindfulness for Changemakers – join us on Monday 17th February in Liverpool Street. Hosted monthly, this is an evening for changemakers to come together to slow down, cultivate inner peace, and connect with others in our movement. Set in a cosy Bedouin tent, we’ll explore mindfulness practices inspired by Plum Village, followed by a shared meal. Spaces are limited and you can book here.
* Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would like to speak to people who want to do more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time.
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
Three years ago, I started working with Alma Griffith, a psychotherapist and coach, and it completely changed my life. Outwardly I was ‘successful’, I had a good job and a nice life but within me something felt off — I wasn’t feeling fulfilled or content with my life. Through our work together, I explored the beliefs, life stories, and unconscious thought patterns that were keeping me stuck and how to change these so I could create a life that would align more with my values and be more fulfilling. In this episode, Alma and I dive into personal transformation, the stories we tell ourselves, and how we can break free from limiting beliefs to become who we were meant to be.
We explore:
How outward success can mask inner struggles—and why so many of us feel like we’re not "enough."
How to stop people-pleasing and seeking external validation so you can live a life that feels true to you.
The power of beliefs—how the narratives we hold about ourselves shape our lives, and how we can rewrite them.
What happens when you step out of your comfort zone and how big life changes can trigger unexpected emotions.
Why we resist change and how uncertainty can be a gateway to discovering our authentic selves.
The unconscious impact of childhood conditioning—how early experiences shape our self-worth and patterns in adulthood.
How we unconsciously reinforce limiting beliefs and what it takes to bring them to the surface and shift them.
The importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in understanding why we react the way we do.
We also discuss how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our relationships, careers, and sense of purpose. Alma shares powerful ways to break free from old patterns, step into self-acceptance, improve our relationships and create a life aligned with who you truly are. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough or you feel stuck, unsatisfied with your life or unsure of your next step, I hope this conversation will offer you some insight, clarity and encouragement. I am so grateful for Alma’s support on my journey and for joining the podcast.
About Alma
For over 30 years, Alma Griffith has been guiding people through personal transformation, drawing from her own deep journey of change. She knows firsthand how limiting beliefs can shape our lives—having once struggled with the feeling of not being "good enough" herself. That experience led her to explore Neuro-linguistic programming, life coaching, psychotherapy and the power of shifting mindsets, ultimately changing her own story.
Alma’s mission is simple: to help others discover their own ability to change. Through honest conversations and reflections, she explores what it means to break free from old beliefs, step into personal power, and create a life that feels truly aligned.
You can find more about Alma from Mind Serenity on https://www.mindserenity.co.uk/about/ or contact Alma here.
The last episode of this series of the podcast will be coming out next Thursday.
Updates from me:
Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you to overcome your limiting beliefs and unconscious thought patterns to live a truly fulfilling life where you feel like you are living in line with your values and in your authenticity, you can book a free discovery call with me here
People, Planet, Pint in East Surrey - an informal meet up for people who care about people and the planet. The next one is on Tuesday 4th February from 6:30pm in Market Stores, Reigate. If you’re local, I hope to see you there - Sign up here
Conscious Changemakers Walks are back - the next one is on Sunday 2nd March - I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who want slow down, reconnect with themselves and nature and connect with like-minded people. I posted some reflections from the last walk on Linkedin here. You can sign up to the one on the 2nd March here.
Embedding Sustainability networking event with Food and Drink Federation - I will be speaking at the next FDF sustainability networking event about the soft skills needed for sustainability professionals to embed sustainability into their organisation and the importance of coaching skills, wellbeing and resilience. This is based on the research we carried out last year. Find out about the event here. Find out more about the research here.
Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would like to speak to people who want to do more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time.
Have you had the flu? You can read my first Linkedin post of the year here. It’s about my experience of starting the year with flu, I share about the mindful attitudes that helped me stay sane and how helpful the practice of being consciously aware of your thoughts can be because we are not our thoughts, we are the observer of our thoughts and we cannot control the waves but we can learn to surf. If you are ill at the moment, I hope this post might help in some way and I hope you feel better soon x
You can subscribe to my substack to hear more
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I speak to Katherine Ellsworth-Krebs, a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Strathclyde focusing on sustainable design and a coach for sustainability professionals. For the past year, Katherine and I have collaborated on a research project to explore the realities of working in a sustainability role within an organisation. We surveyed 92, and interviewed 28, sustainability professionals to find out what the main challenges were and what skills and support they needed. In this conversation, we share insights from our research, stories we heard from sustainability professionals, our personal experiences with eco-anxiety and the journey’s that led us to become coaches dedicated to supporting changemakers. Here’s what we discuss:
The stories we heard about sustainability professionals experience of imposter syndrome and eco-anxiety.
The unique struggles of the sustainability field, including loneliness, the newness of the industry, and the absence of clear career paths and guidance.
The cognitive dissonance that can happen when working in sustainability, the impact of greenwashing, and managing the tension between economic growth and environmental boundaries.
How burnout manifests and the profound lessons learned when you’re forced to slow down.
The transformative role of coaching in building confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges.
Why coaching and emotional intelligence are crucial skills for sustainability professionals and how they support personal and professional growth.
The question: Who holds the space for sustainability professionals to process what they’re going through?
We get personal in this episode and share more about our own experiences of burnout, climate grief and anxiety and what led us into coaching. And we explore the importance of emotional intelligence, building supportive networks, and recognising the value of self-care and boundary setting.
If you are a sustainability professional navigating the challenges of this work, know that you are not alone. We hope this conversation brings you some comfort, inspiration, and practical insights to help keep you stay motivated and deepen your impact.
Katherine Ellsworth-Krebs
Katherine is a Coach for Sustainability Professionals and Chancellor’s Fellow in Sustainable Design. She has worked alongside an Environment Team; co-founded Transition University of St Andrews; and spent over a decade researching low-carbon lifestyles and theories of change. She’s certified by the Ethical Coaching Collective and has over 300 hours experience coaching 1:1 and in groups.
Find more of her resources for sustainability professionals, including her podcast Joyful Climate Writing and the link to sign up for her weekly newsletter, at ellsworthkrebs.com. Here is the link to Katherine’s group coaching programme for sustainability professionals https://www.ellsworthkrebs.com/th
Read more about our research we discuss:
Our presentation and resources here
News articles published in edie and IEMA (about the challenges and the skills) and our research mentioned in IEMA’s Transform Magazine)
Sign up to our mailing list here where we share more personal stories, insights from our research and offers to support the resilience and wellbeing of sustainability professionals.
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I chat to Molly Stevenson, a coach and facilitator who works closely with the Inner Green Deal. We dive into why inner work is the deepest leverage point for creating meaningful shifts in our systems and how coaching can support people on that journey. Molly shares her journey from international development to working in mental health and the climate awakening that shifted her focus to supporting personal and systemic transformation.
We explore:
* What gives us purpose and how aligning with our values can guide meaningful action.
* How coaching supports changemakers by helping them overcome challenges, discover their path, and make an impact.
* The importance of mindfulness for managing stress, navigating complexity, and finding joy.
* The power of quieting the inner critic to deepen empathy and increase energy and creativity.
* Nature connection as a way to develop our resilience and deepen relationships.
* Group work and harnessing collective intelligence to tackle complex problems using innovative approaches.
This conversation dives deep into the intersection between personal growth and systemic change, exploring how coaching can support people in their inner work as a means of driving broader transformation. I really enjoyed this conversation - a big thank you to Molly for joining the podcast.
About Molly Stevenson
With two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector leading projects and building cohesive teams, Molly now works as a trained coach and facilitator focused on transformation and lasting change. Her practice integrates therapeutic and coaching modalities—including Transformative Coaching, Team Coaching, Climate Change Coaching, Group Analysis, and Gestalt Therapy—with an emphasis on nature-based connection. As a coach and facilitator for the Inner Green Deal, she is dedicated to helping people engage in meaningful transformation that contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone. To find out more about Molly and the initiatives she talked about follow these links:
* https://www.mollystevensoncoaching.com
* Inner Green Deal - Mindfulness-Based Sustainable Transformation
* Momentum Facilitation
* Reframe and Reconnect
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Want to join me in creating a thriving future?
Sign up to the mailing list to hear more from me. I will be sharing actionable insights, practical tools and techniques, offers of courses, workshops, in person events about all the topics I’ve talked about in the podcast, so if you would like to hear more from me about all the topics I cover in this episode and others then sign up. I am in the process of creating an offer for people to start next year to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would love to speak to people who are curious about doing more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time.
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! You can find me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch and Substack - On Becoming the Change. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode, I share my vision for a better world—a vision that is focused on each of us as individuals and how we show up. I believe the way we can create a thriving future begins with us as individuals, and the way we think, what we believe, how we see the world, what we value and how we interact with ourselves, others and nature. Working on ourselves is, not only, the only thing we are really in control of, it’s also the deepest leverage point for change and create a ripple effect to move us into a new paradigm and way of being as humanity where we live in a way that serves all life. This episode comes in three parts:
* The first looks at how what we believe, value and how we view the world creates the outcomes we see and why the deepest leverage point for transforming the world is in how we think.The challenges we face globally—climate change, inequality, war, mental health crisis, biodiversity loss—are the consequences of systems that have been created by people and the way they act. How people act is driven by societal and cultural norms and their values, beliefs and worldviews - this is our inner world. This ‘inner world’ has created the systems we live in and therefore the outcomes and consequences we are seeing in the world. By bringing our awareness to the mindsets causing these global issues, and choosing to act differently - we can address the root causes and work at the deepest leverage point for real, meaningful change.
* Next I explore why we need to start with ourselves and why change happens from the inside out and how we can do thatHaving spent a lot of time working in social and environmental jobs, I’ve come to the realisation that the real change starts from within. The only thing we can control in our life is ourselves, and how we interact with ourselves, others and what’s happening in the wider world. By working on how we relate to ourselves, others and circumstances, and becoming more aware, aligned, and authentic, we can contribute in a deeply meaningful way to change. I explore a number of different ways in which we can do the work on ourselves to become the change we want to see - from understanding what’s important to us, having self-compassion, being authentic, being mindful, having a spiritual outlook, unlearning collective beliefs, learning emotional resilience, coaching and systems thinking and seeing ourselves as interconnected with all.
* Lastly, I share my vision for a world where we and nature thrive, that is all centred around what we can each do as an individual and how that could create meaningful systemic change I share what I think this would look like in practice - how people would be interacting with themselves, with others and with the natural world. I explore how we could be if we showed up in our authenticity, rooted in love, presence and connection. I imagine a world where people interact in non-judgemental, empathic and loving way, where people contribute to systems that regenerate themselves, and share how we could all be part of creating this upward spiral of energy to create a beautiful future beyond what we could even imagine.
Throughout this episode, I share how to go on this journey in a manageable way, meeting yourself where you are and taking small, meaningful steps towards the change you want to make. We are all on our own unique journey and we all have something different and unique to offer the world, it’s about finding out whats yours to do and finding inner peace whilst you do that! I share that I’m on this journey too and I’m showing up in a messy, imperfect and authentic way because I think that’s what’s really needed in the world. If we can show up as our true selves, if we can work on our relationships to ourselves, others and nature, we can create a thriving future.
Want to join me in creating a thriving future?
>>Sign up to the mailing list to hear more from me.
I will be sharing actionable insights, practical tools and techniques, offers of courses, workshops, in person events about all the topics I’ve talked about in the podcast, so if you would like to hear more from me about all the topics I cover in this episode and others then sign up.
* I am keen to speak to people who are curious about going on this journey or who have already started. If you are working to make the world a better place and would be willing to speak to me to help me better understand your experience and type of support you would find helpful, please email me or set up time for a exploratory call. As a thank you, I will offer a 45 minute free coaching session.
* If you want to collaborate, co-create or want to explore ways we could share this message with your community or if you want to share feedback to build on this vision, I would love to hear from you. My email is [email protected].
As always, thank you for listening and reading, I so appreciate it x
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode, I speak with Paul Pivcevic, a regenerative coach, and we dive into what is means to be regenerative ourselves. We explore the intersections of personal growth and regenerative thinking. Paul shares what it means to live and work in harmony with nature, to see ourselves as part of a greater whole, and to explore our true nature and the unique gifts we have to contribute to the world. We talk about how to embrace the tensions that come with working in sustainability. From learning how to accept, forgive and be curious to understanding the interconnectedness of systems. We unpack what it takes to shift mindsets and step into a role of service to life itself.
We also explore how coaching, active listening, and curiosity can transform both individual and organisational systems, providing ways to navigate complexity with empathy and intention. This conversation is an invitation to rethink our approach to creating a better future, how to embrace uncertainty, and align our lives and actions with our values and the true essence of who we are. Here are a few topics we cover:
* 🌱 What does it truly mean to be regenerative, and how can it reshape how we live and work?
* 🌀 The power of tension: how it fuels creativity, balances urgency, and invites deeper questions.
* 🧠 Balancing left-brain planning with right-brain intuition to navigate complexity, explore possibility and build relationships.
* 🔍 How regenerative frameworks open dialogue rather than impose answers, fostering collaboration and innovation.
* 🌍 How to go beyond sustainability and "doing less harm": rethinking our role as part of nature, not separate from it.
* 🧘 Finding peace through trust: meeting the world as it is and aligning our lives in service of greater contribution.
* 🌿 Discovering our unique gifts and purpose to contribute meaningfully to the systems we’re part of.
I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and our exploration of regeneration, consciousness, and the evolving role we all play in the health of our planet and ourselves.
Here is Paul’s response to one practical piece of advice that you could do this week, which I missed asking him on the podcast:
“In your mind, run a movie of how your work, at its best, is adding value to a world that's calling for harmony between our needs and its flourishing.
Or, ask three people who you value in your community about 3 qualities they, and you, value about where you live. Then think how each of you could take one of "those qualities to its next level.”
Paul Pivcevic is an experienced consultant, coach and systemic constellator with more than 20 years of work in organisational development and change across Europe and the US. Clients have included utilities, industrial engineering, biotech, banking, charities, and retail. His interest in complex systems drew him to Regenesis in the US with whom he trained in regenerative practice in 2018. He now draws on the long legacy of regenerative philosophy and its practical application, combining this with his understanding of organisational dynamics and change leadership, to work with clients to draw on their deep potential to create value offerings that contribute to both social and ecological renewal.
Paul lives with his wife in an empty nest in the city of Bath in the west of England. He’s particularly interested in how a regenerative approach can be a resource to designing a new kind of economy that re-frames wealth, justice and well-being.
You can follow Paul on Linkedin and find more about how to work with Paul and Regenerative Partners here
A few updates from me:
* Conscious Evolution Collage - this workshop helps you to explore the roots of the metacrisis and how we can create a more desirable and sustainable future. There are a couple of spaces left for the next one I am hosting on Tuesday 26th November - 6-9pm online - Sign up here
* Conscious Changemakers walk - I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who care about people and the planet and want to reconnect with nature and connect with like-minded people. The next one is this Sunday 24th November - 10am in Reigate - Sign up here
* People, Planet, Pint East Surrey - an informal meet up for people who care about people and the planet. The next one is on 3rd December - 6:30pm in Market Stores, Reigate - Sign up here
* Mindfulness for Changemakers - an evening of mindfulness for changemakers. An opportunity to cultivate peace within ourselves, connect deeply with others, and reflect on the past year and the one to come. Led in the Plum Village Tradition of Zen Buddhism. We’ll have a potluck food social after to get to know each other. It’s on Monday 9th December - 6-9:30pm - Covent Garden - Sign up here
* Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you in understanding what your unique contribution is to create a more regenerative future and explore how you can move towards living in harmony with yourself, others and nature, I would love to chat, you can book a free discovery call with me below.
* Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to start next year to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would love to speak to people who are curious about doing more inner work to create systemic change, whether you’ve been doing work on yourself for a while or are just at the start, if you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts, please schedule in a call with me. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time.
We are mid-way through the first series of the podcast so we’re taking a little break and will share the next episode on the 5th December.
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode, I speak with Benjamin Casteillo, from New World Together. We dive into the interconnected crises facing humanity, from water shortages in Bali, where Benjamin lives, to the global challenges of climate change, economic instability, and collective mental health. We explore how these crises, often treated as separate issues, stem from deeper systemic patterns, outdated belief systems, limiting fears, and unresolved human traumas. In other words, the behaviors that contribute to the world's problems aren’t part of unchangeable human nature but arise from unconscious, psychological patterns rooted in survival instincts and ancestral belief systems—fear and trauma we’ve inherited. To address the external challenges we face, we must first confront and resolve the internal ones.
We explore how emotions, often dismissed or suppressed, can serve as a powerful tool for transformation. By facing the challenges of our times with curiosity, courage, and self-awareness, we have an opportunity to heal individually and collectively. By learning to welcome our emotions, we can accept the reality we are faced with and create the change and the future we want to see. We explore:
* How interconnected crises stem from systemic human behavior and unconscious patterns, which forms the metacrisis.
* How emotions are a gateway to awareness and action, and processing them allows us to remain present in the face of difficult realities.
* The deeply held beliefs, like endless growth and accumulation, which fuel destructive systems and require urgent re-evaluation.
* How humanity’s collective and intergenerational trauma perpetuates harmful cycles, and healing is key to moving forward.
* How the meta-crisis offers a meta-opportunity for our evolution and transformation.
* How conscious change begins with small actions like curiosity, forgiveness, empathy, and redefining success around the idea of “enough.”
At this moment in history we are being called to evolve individually and collectively, and this episode is an invitation to heal ourselves, inspire systemic change, and create a more conscious future for humanity.
Benjamin Casteillo was born in France in 1979 and often questioned the world around him and sought to understand the deeper meaning in life. After studying engineering and international business, his career took him across the globe, from Canada to Asia, where he climbed the corporate ladder for over a decade. Despite outward success, he felt increasingly disconnected, troubled by the corporate world's focus on profit over purpose and its disregard for social and environmental issues. A deeper feeling that he was feeding a system that is destroying the surface of the planet and driving humanity toward disaster called him to seek for answers and meaning.
In 2017, a transformative meditative retreat in Bali led to a profound shift in consciousness. Leaving behind his corporate career, he dedicated himself to exploring deeper truths about humanity and our collective future. Since 2018, he has focused his energy and insights on serving a greater purpose: contributing to a more conscious, sustainable, and meaningful existence on Earth.
* Connect with Benjamin on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-casteillo/?originalSubdomain=id
* Find out more about New World Together - https://newworldtogether.org/
* To join a Conscious Evolution Collage or the Regenerative Leadership course starting in January - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/new-world-together-45668254593
A big THANK YOU to Benjamin for joining and sharing his insight and wisdom for this episode.
A few updates from me:
* Conscious Evolution Collage - I am excited to be offering the workshop Benjamin created which is an interactive, engaging game that helps you to explore the metacrisis and how we can create a more desirable and sustainable future. You can sign up to the next one below or subscribe to my substack to hear about future ones.
* Tuesday 26th November - 6-9pm online - Sign up here
* Conscious Changemakers walk - I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who care about people and the planet and want to reconnect with nature and connect with like-minded people.
* Sunday 24th November - 10am in Reigate - Sign up here
* Mindfulness for Changemakers - an evening of mindfulness for changemakers. Set in a cosy space in Covent Garden, it is an opportunity to cultivate peace within ourselves, connect deeply with others, and reflect on the past year and the one to come. Led in the Plum Village Tradition of Zen Buddhism. We’ll have a potluck food social after to get to know each other.
* Monday 9th December - 6-9:30pm - Covent Garden - Sign up here
* Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you in navigating the global crises we face with more ease, acceptance and to find your inherent motivation and resourcefulness to live and work in a way that feels aligned and authentic to you, I would love to chat, you can book a free discovery call with me below.
* Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to start next year to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would love to speak to people who are curious about doing more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time.
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! You can find me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch and Substack - On Becoming the Change. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
“A problem well-stated is a problem half solved”.
In this episode, we’ll explore the problems the world is facing - from looking at how our economic system is having consequences on all natural systems and exceeding the earth’s biocapacity and planetary boundaries - to exploring the current and predicted state of social, environmental and technological issues like climate change, water scarcity, AI, mental health, biodiversity loss and economic inequality. We then look at what might be underneath all of these challenges and the mental models, beliefs and ways of thinking that might be contributing to the issues we are seeing in the world. I explore the interconnectedness of these issues and how old beliefs and fears, as well as our separation and disconnection from our self, others and the natural world may be driving humanity towards it’s own destruction.
In the first half of the episode, I talk about the role of emotional intelligence and share the approaches that have helped me to find more peace and acceptance with absorbing this type of information about the state of the world. From approaching the world’s problems with acceptance, to holding the stories of the future lightly, to connecting with and welcoming emotions and bringing ourselves back into the present moment. I share an invitation in the episode before I share stats and figures for you to check in with yourself and how resourced you feel to listen to that part and honour what feels right for you.
I’ll also dive into the emotional landscape of these challenges, sharing what feelings this type of information brings up for me and share ways in which you can manage feelings that arise for you and and offer you some space to process your feelings.
Stay tuned for the next episode with Benjamin Casteillo where we will further unpack the metacrisis and emotional intelligence in more detail and in the next solo episode, I will be sharing more about my vision for the future and how I want to support others to contribute to solving these issues.
All sources can be found in my Substack - On Becoming the Change
The climate emotions wheel and the blog I mention can also be found there.
If you found this episode useful, please share it with others. Let me know what you think by contacting me on Substack or on Linkedin - Heather Lynch.
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In this episode, I chat with Marta Abramska, who is an executive coach and led the Animas Transformative Coach training I took earlier this year. We deep dive into the Drama Triangle which explores the different roles we may take up when we are in a dysfunctional interaction - whether that’s with ourselves, with other people or with the wider system.
We explore the different roles like Rescuer, Victim, and Persecutor, and share examples of how these roles play out, why it can be hard to step away from them, and what’s possible when we do. We explore a particular example in depth of the experience of someone trying to live sustainably and how we can move between these different roles from the rescuer - trying to save the world, the victim - feeling resentful or like ‘what’s the point?’ and the persecutor - blaming or being angry at other people and their actions. We talk about what impact it has to be in these roles and we discuss ways to bring self-compassionate awareness when these dynamics are playing out in order to shift from reactive roles toward more empowering roles. So that we can learn to take a pause and step into the Coach, the Creator and the Challenger roles that enable more healthy and dynamic relationships.
I hope you enjoy this conversation and it offers you some insight into the roles you can play and how to create space for more empowering and helpful interactions with yourself, with others and with the wider systems and circumstances of your life.
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Marta transitioned from a 15-year corporate career in financial services and the insurance sector to become a full-time coach in 2018. Previously, she held people leadership roles in risk management and at a Big Four consultancy, where she discovered her passion for helping others grow and thrive. Today, Marta brings her coaching skills, insights, and lived experiences to clients across various industries and career stages.
A qualified coach, coach supervisor, and mentor with an ICF PCC credential, Marta is committed to high standards of practice. She believes meaningful work-life transformation is accessible to everyone, often without a drastic career overhaul. As part of the faculty at Animas and the International Centre for Coaching Supervision, Marta is dedicated to supporting others in her profession. Her greatest fulfillment comes from seeing clients gain clarity and confidence to build a life they love and become the best leaders they can be.
Having navigated major life transitions herself—multiple relocations, balancing side ventures, and parenthood—Marta brings a practical, empathetic, and deeply connected approach to coaching. Find her on her website: www.martaabramska.com.
Read Marta’s articles on topics like the inner critic, the drama triangle, and imposter phenomenon: www.martaabramska.com/articles
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You can find me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch and Substack - On Becoming the Change. I offer coaching, group programmes, nature walks and other workshops, do connect with me. I would love to hear what you thought of this episode, let me know what resonated and feel free to share with anyone you think might be interested.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I chat with Emily Buchanan, a coach and the Programmes Director at the Climate Change Coaches. We explore what it means to be well in the face of the climate crisis and unpack the real emotional experiences many people are facing like eco-anxiety.
Together, we discuss:
* 🌱 The true nature of feelings like overwhelm, powerlessness, and emotional exhaustion in the context of the climate crisis.
* 🧠 Understanding what's happening psychologically and physically when we experience eco-anxiety, and the impact of not processing our emotions.
* 💭 The cognitive dissonance that comes up when our actions—or those around us—don’t align with our values.
* 🌿 How to build emotional literacy and regulate our nervous system to manage difficult feelings.
* 🧘♀️ Expanding our window of tolerance to increase our capacity for resilience while allowing space for rest and repair.
* ✨ Everyday mindfulness practices that can help you stay present, and how to find moments of delight and joy amidst the challenges.
* 🔍 Practical steps you can take to align your actions with your values and build a sense of well-being in your daily life.
I hope this episode helps you make sense of your inner world as you navigate what's happening in the world, offering you some insights and tools to understand you're not alone and what you are experiencing is totally normal, and there are ways in which you can move to a more resourced, joyful and resilient way of being.
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Emily Buchanan is a certified health coach who believes that how we nourish our bodies and minds directly impacts how we feel each day, the quality of our relationships, and how we show up in the world. She is also the Programmes Director and lead designer/facilitator of the Climate Change Coaching Mastery programme at Climate Change Coaches, a B-corporation, which is harnessing the power of coaching to support organisations and communities to take action on climate.
With a background in social justice, international development, documentary filmmaking, food writing, and nutritional health, she understands the deep connections between our food systems, well-being, and the climate crisis. Her coaching blends this holistic perspective with training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, trauma therapy, somatic embodiment, mindfulness, and climate change coaching. Emily helps her clients develop emotional awareness, build resilience, and find balance by tapping into the wisdom of their bodies and the natural world.
Find out more about Emily on her website - https://emily-buchanan.com/about-emily#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20coaching%20clients,to%20take%20action%20on%20climate.
Find out more about Climate Change Coaches: https://climatechangecoaches.com/
* Green Transition Coach course for sustainability professionals - https://climatechangecoaches.com/join-a-course/green-transition-coach/
* Climate Change Coaching Mastery course - https://climatechangecoaches.com/join-a-course/climate-change-coaching-mastery/
Thank you for listening and reading. If any of what we talked about in the podcast resonated with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please do share it with anyone else you think might be interested. Follow me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch or on Substack - On Becoming the Change.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this solo episode, I share my personal journey about working in the world of international development and sustainability, and the challenges I faced along the way. I explore how my drive to "save the world" and a deep-seated belief that "I wasn’t good enough" shaped my experience and the impact that heavy, existential emotions tied to climate awareness and the struggle of not living in alignment with my values, had on me. I share the real pivotal “AHA” moments that transformed my perspective and set me on a new path to find my own inner freedom that has led me on this path to support other changemakers who might be feeling disheartened, disillusioned and tired to find more joy, fulfillment, and create deeper systemic impact.
Having spent a decade working in the impact space and living through the struggles that many others are going through. I know how it feels to swing between the highs of feeling like you’re making a difference and the lows of feeling disillusioned, burnt out, and overwhelmed by the state of the world. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned if what they’re doing is enough, who feels the weight of the world's challenges, and who seeks to find inner peace and contentment, to live a life that feels aligned - where you are doing what you love and it aligns with whats important to you and what change you want to see in the world. You’re not alone in this, there’s many of us going through these experiences and I hope my story can offer some encouragement, insight and hope as you navigate your own journey.
To sign post you to other episodes where I explore more of the themes I touch on in this episode:
On aligning with your values and the challenges of working in sustainability - see the episode with Amelia Cookson
On the systems thinking course and the iceberg model - the episode with Sean Andrew
On how transformational being present and having a more mindful approach to life is - the episode with Catherine Nasskau
On understanding and managing climate emotions - upcoming episode with Emily Buchanan
On understanding what’s behind the saviour/rescue complex - upcoming episode with Marta Abramska
On understanding the root causes of the global crises and how to have a meaningful impact - upcoming episode with Benjamin Casteillo
On what it means to be regenerative and find happiness whilst contributing to systemic challenges - upcoming episode with Paul Pivcevic
In my substack @OnBecomingtheChange I share the resources that have helped me on my journey.
Thank you for listening and reading. If any of what we talked about in the podcast resonated with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please do share it with anyone else you think might be interested.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode, I speak with Catherine Nasskau from Mindful Surrey. We explore how mindfulness can transform the way we relate to life’s challenges, both big and small. By cultivating a kind and curious attitude toward the present moment, we learn to untangle from our thoughts, embrace difficult emotions, and let go of the need for control. Whether it’s navigating day-to-day stress or confronting fears about the future, mindfulness offers a way to be at ease with discomfort.
We also dive into self-compassion as a core element of this practice. How can we truly show kindness to others if we aren’t kind to ourselves first? We discuss the importance of celebrating small wins, noticing when our minds wander, and how practicing gratitude—not just positive thinking—can make us more resilient and joyful.
We talk about how mindfulness isn't just about meditation; it’s a way of living. By learning to "surf" the ups and downs of life, we can choose how we respond to difficulties and ultimately cultivate more peace within ourselves. Whether you're worrying about the state of the world or trying to manage personal challenges, this episode offers practical ways to navigate life with more mindfulness and ease.
Catherine Nasskau is an experienced mindfulness teacher who’s worked with adults and children for many years. She trained with The Mindful Academy, MBSR Spain, and MiSP. She lives in Brockham, Surrey. In addition to running classes for individuals, Mindful Surrey also offer mindfulness training in the workplace and profit from corporate work goes to their CSR Fund. This is used to offer free support to individuals throughout the UK who are on low incomes.
Mindful Surrey - https://www.mindfulsurrey.co.uk/
Thich Nhat Hanh’s poem - https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/573801-you-must-be-completely-awake-in-the-present-to-enjoy
Here are a few resources on mindfulness from me:
* Calm app - I’ve been using this for 3 years and the daily trips have a lot of wisdom in them
* Plum Village app - there is a bell of mindfulness you can set to go off at regular intervals as well as a mix of meditations
* Insight timer - I’ve been recommended this one many times, it has a range of different mediations
* Mindfulness courses - there are lots about and Catherine from Mindful Surrey runs online ones.
* Joining a local or online meditation group - it’s powerful to meditate together with others and feel part of a community. I join the Plum Village Sanghas, you can find online, they have groups in most places.
* Zen and the art of saving the planet - Plum Village have an upcoming course for those who have a deep sense of care for the Earth, and want to find ways to bring mindfulness to your climate response. It starts on the 20th October. Here’s a 50% discount code: 1a27930dfe36.
Thank you for listening and reading. If any of what we talked about resonated with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please do share it with anyone else you think might be interested. Subscribe if you want to hear future episodes and find me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch or Substack - On Becoming the Change
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
In this episode, I speak with Sean Andrew, the Learning and Practice Partner Lead at the School of System Change. We dive deep into systems thinking - a way of seeing and being in the world that embraces complexity, interconnection, and the entangled nature of life. We explore how systems thinking is a dynamic and adaptive practice informed by both the internal and external world. We explore the interconnectedness of issues, the importance of understanding multiple perspectives, and the risks of searching for "silver bullet" solutions to systemic challenges.
We talk about how systems change requires us to think in terms of practices, processes and relationships rather than linear problem-solving for a specific outcome. It’s about shifting patterns, not just fixing problems—recognising that individual actions and ways of being contribute to larger-scale outcomes. We talk about the need to balance hope with the reality we face, and how our approach and behaviours are key leverage points for real change. We explore how to keep showing up for the work, even when things look bleak, and the critical role of community in sustaining us.
We also talk about how personal reflection, grace and self-compassion play an essential role in systems change. It’s about going beyond outcomes and developing the inner capacity to engage with the complexities of the times we are faced with.
Whether you’re working in an organisation looking to have a more systemic impact, or you’re someone seeking to contribute in a meaningful way to systemic challenges, this conversation offers powerful insights into living and working in a more systemic, interconnected way.
A BIG thank you to Sean for sharing his wisdom on the podcast, for his guidance on the School of Systems Basecamp course and his support as I’ve transitioned onto this new path.
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Sean Andrew is the Learning and Practice Partner Lead at the School of System Change. Sean is brought into his work through the potential of dialogue to unearth ways of being together that support connection, learning, and action. His practice focuses on designing, hosting, and facilitating transformative conflict, action inquiry, nature-based culture regeneration, and collaborative governance processes that are in service of people working on their most complex insidious questions.
His experiences range from working with community-based groups, to being a collaborative intermediary across and between spheres of government to develop learning and action networks, and accompanying people and organizations in civil society and business to cultivate new ways of thinking, acting, relating that embrace and embody complex living systems.
Resources mentioned can be found -https://schoolofsystemchange.org/systems-change/resources
You can find courses from the School of Systems Change here
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Thanks for listening to On Becoming The Change! Find more on Substack or follow me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlynchcoaching/. Subscribe to receive new episodes and support my work.
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In this first guest episode of On Becoming the Change, I chat with Amelia Cookson. Amelia and I worked together for 2 years as the Sustainability team at the B Corp, Oddbox. In this conversation, we reflect on our time working in sustainability. We talk about our experiences with eco-anxiety and developing emotional resilience, the evolution of their approach to sustainability, and how understanding our values has shaped our career choices.
Here are some of the topics we cover:
- Navigating emotions and eco-anxiety
- Realities of working in sustainability
- Balancing individual action and systemic change
- Navigating knowledge about degrowth and working in business
- Aligning personal values with career goals
- Advice for making a meaningful impact
Thank you to Amelia for joining the podcast and sharing insights, learnings and reflections that I am sure will help others going through similar experiences.
I hope you enjoy this conversation. I would love to hear what resonated with you. If you know anyone who might enjoy this conversation then please do share it.
Amelia Cookson is currently campaigning for sustainable and just food systems, working as a Campaigner at Feedback, focusing on Industrial Aquaculture (fish farming). Previous experience includes working in sustainability teams within a range of food businesses, dealing with net zero strategies, sustainability data, comms and all things B Corp. However, with the growing belief that systems change best occurs best in the 'fringes', rather than a corporate setting, made the transition to campaigning. Outside of work you may catch her running around London or volunteering at her local Friends of the Earth group. Here are some links we talk about:
- Sign the petition to ‘Wagamama: Stop supporting a food crisis in West Africa. Take farmed salmon off the table’. here
- Accompanying paper on how the Norwegian salmon industry extracts nutrition and undermines livelihoods in West Africa
- Sign up for the '2040' Free Film Showing with Wandsworth Friends of the Earth - 29th September
- Find your local climate group
Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe to hear future episodes and support my work. You can find me on Substack - On Becoming the Change and Linkedin - Heather Lynch.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com -
I’m excited to share the first episode of On Becoming the Change, a new podcast that explores how personal transformation can lead to systemic change.
After over a decade working in jobs trying to ‘fix the world’s problems’ in international development and sustainability, I found myself disillusioned and overwhelmed by the scale of the global challenges we face.
This podcast is for those who are striving to make the world a better place but may be feeling burnt out or uncertain about how to make a real impact.
After working through a lot of my own personal blockers, eco-anxiety and disillusionment about whether I was really making an impact, I started this podcast to explore how personal growth and systemic change are deeply interconnected. We'll dive into the inner work needed to address global issues with more ease, purpose, and authenticity.
On this podcast, I’ll speak with people who have influenced my journey of becoming, from colleagues, coaches and course leaders. Together, we’ll dive into topics like - how to be well in the context of climate change, the power of systems and regenerative thinking, the importance of mindfulness and consciousness, and the role of self-awareness and coaching in creating a regenerative future.
I will be releasing episodes every week. I’m looking forward to sharing them with you and would love to hear what resonated, so please drop me a message with any reflections. If you think others may be interested, then please do share it with them.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com
