How Listening Can Transform Your Conversations with Jessica Ball

We like to think we’re good listeners—but are we really? Too often, we drift in and out of conversations, half-hearing what’s being said while planning what to say next. So how do we shift from passive hearing to deep, intentional listening - the kind that transforms relationships, builds trust, and even changes lives?

In this episode, we’re joined again by Jessica Ball, a meetings facilitator who knows that listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about creating connection.

Together we explore:

• Why most of us default to “social listening” (and how it’s holding us back).
• The three levels of listening - to yourself, to others, and to a group.
• How our biases, emotions, and assumptions shape what we hear.
• Why no one is truly boring if you know how to unlock their story.
• How listening can be the antidote to polarisation, judgement, and disconnection.
• Simple techniques to sharpen your listening skills - for richer, more meaningful conversations.

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling unheard - or realised too late that you weren’t really listening - this episode is for you.

Find Jessica Ball at www.creatingmeaning.club or on LinkedIn.

How to Speak Up and Be Heard in Any Group with Dr. Victoria Stakelum

Ever felt silenced in a meeting, outnumbered in a discussion, or too intimidated to challenge the status quo? You’re not alone. Groupthink is a deeply ingrained survival instinct - we’re wired to stick with the herd, even when we disagree. But what if staying silent means the wrong decision gets made?

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Stakelum, a psychologist and NLP Master Coach, helps us understand why speaking up feels so hard—and how to do it anyway.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why groupthink happens - and how it can lead to bad decisions.
• How to recognise when you’re in a groupthink moment.
• The subtle psychological tricks to make your voice heard.
• How to frame your opinion so others actually listen (without triggering resistance).
• Why having just one ally in the room can change everything.
• Practical strategies for bringing confidence, presence, and authority to group discussions.

Whether it’s a team meeting, a social gathering, or a high-stakes decision, knowing how to challenge the group without alienating yourself is a game-changer.

This episode is for you if you want to learn how to hold your ground, influence the conversation and make sure your voice is heard.

Find Dr Victoria Stakelum at thesuccesssmith.com or on LinkedIn.

How to Have Better Group Conversations with Jessica Ball

We’ve all been there—the meeting that starts with good intentions but quickly spirals into chaos. Packed agendas, dominant voices, awkward silences, and a creeping sense that nothing is actually getting done. So how do we fix it?

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Ball, an expert meetings facilitator who has worked with organizations like the UN and Cambridge University to design meetings that are inclusive, effective, and - dare we say it - enjoyable. She shares practical strategies to cut through the noise, manage power dynamics, and create meetings where everyone feels heard, valued, and engaged.

From avoiding meeting overload to handling difficult personalities and using language to defuse tension, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately - whether you’re leading the discussion or just trying to get a word in.

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting wondering, 'what was the point of that?', this episode is for you.

Find Jessica Ball at www.creatingmeaning.club or on LinkedIn.

How to Say No at Work (and Keep Your Job!) with Dr. Victoria Stakelum

Saying no at work can feel impossible - especially when you want to maintain good relationships and a strong professional reputation. But constantly saying yes can lead to burnout, poor performance, and a lack of recognition for your value. So how do you set boundaries without damaging your career?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Victoria Stakelum, also known as The Success Smith, a leading personal and professional transformation expert. She shares practical strategies to help you say no with confidence, protect your time and energy, and maintain professionalism while standing your ground.

Whether you work in a collaborative team or a high-pressure corporate environment, Dr. Stakelum’s insights will help you navigate workplace conversations more effectively. From handling unrealistic requests to negotiating your workload, this episode is full of actionable advice to help you take control of your career—without fear of consequences.

Find Dr Victoria Stakelum at thesuccesssmith.com or on LinkedIn.

Averil Leimon is a psychologist who works with companies to improve leadership and communication. She uses the work of philosopher Theodore Zeldin on conversations to curate dinner conversations, giving guests a menu of topics that pull them out of small talk and 'work speak' and start having meaningful and memorable connections.

We explore with Averil just how life-changing conversations can be.

Summary

In this episode, Mai, Sarah, and guest psychotherapist, Averil Leimon, discuss the challenges of effective communication, particularly in professional settings. Together they explore the barriers that prevent individuals, especially those in leadership positions, from engaging in meaningful conversations. This episode highlights the importance of vulnerability, active listening, and the generational differences in communication styles. Practical tips are provided for improving conversational skills, emphasising the need for self-reflection and the courage to ask deeper questions.

Takeaways

• Conversations are essential for building relationships and understanding others.
• Many leaders struggle with effective communication due to ingrained beliefs and a lack of practice.
• Vulnerability can enhance conversations and foster deeper connections.
• Younger generations expect more emotional engagement in the workplace.
• Listening is a critical skill that is often overlooked in conversations.
• Asking follow-up questions can lead to more meaningful discussions.
• Practicing small interactions can improve overall communication skills.
• Self-reflection is key to understanding one's own communication style.
• Creating a safe space for conversations encourages openness.
• Everyone has a story; it's about finding the right questions to unlock it.

Have we forgotten how to talk to each other? We communicate non-stop by email, texts, voice notes, voicemails, social media, and now AI, but when do we talk? I mean, really talk. We default to digital, the more we type the less we speak. But the more we avoid conversation the more difficult talking face to face becomes. We’ve all been there, that moment when you stumble around for what to say, or explode and say something you didn’t intend and can’t take back. And now that saying the wrong thing can get you sacked, cancelled or worse, it’s safer to say nothing.

So we’ve set out to explore the subject of conversation. We’ll be looking at every type of conversations we find ourselves involved in and we’d love you to join us to learn how to have conversations that end well for everyone.

It might just change your life!

It's a tricky time of year for many people thrown together with family, friends, neighbours and co-workers. Some of them welcome, some of them not. So how do we navigate this time of year when there is so much pressure on us. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, this applies equally to any time of celebration when everyone is expected to join in. Psychologist Linda Blair joins us, a regular contributor on UK TV and radio and a columnist in national newspapers. She brings all her insight to guide us through this tricky season.

Have we forgotten how to talk to each other? We communicate non-stop by email, texts, voice notes, voicemails, social media, and now AI, but when do we talk? I mean, really talk. We default to digital, the more we type the less we speak. But the more we avoid conversation the more difficult talking face to face becomes. We’ve all been there, that moment when you stumble around for what to say, or explode and say something you didn’t intend and can’t take back. And now that saying the wrong thing can get you sacked, cancelled or worse, it’s safer to say nothing.

So we’ve set out to explore the subject of conversation. We’ll be looking at every type of conversations we find ourselves involved in and we’d love you to join us to learn how to have conversations that end well for everyone.

It might just change your life!