In today's episode, I’m thrilled to present my conversation with psychotherapist, author and speaker Anna Mathur. I’ve had the pleasure to know Anna since I wrote a poem for her book The Uncomfortable Truth and she asked me to read it at her book signing event, so I’m overjoyed to welcome her to the podcast to discuss her journey, her learnings, and that wonderful book ‘The Uncomfortable Truth.’

Over the course of this episode, we cover everything from her uni days, to her journey into psychotherapy, her refreshingly fluid approach to career planning, as well as exploring how we can apply the notion that what really matters is living in alignment with the things that set our hearts on fire. I’m SO on board!

I was truly honoured that Anna reflected with incredible honesty about her experience of motherhood, and amongst other things, how making a difference to others became a source of positivity at a time when she was otherwise struggling, giving her a sense of identity and purpose that was all too elusive at the time.

In discussing ‘The Uncomfortable Truth,’ I particularly enjoy her take on failure, and the premise that it is so vital a process for all of us, making it so important that we learn to embrace it; we explore why failure feels so personal, and how much the fear of failure is actually about what other people think, yet we also discuss techniques and mindsets to help channel and overcome it.

If you’re looking for something to inspire you this week, I urge you to pop this episode on, and immersed yourself in Anna’s wisdom. You’ll be so greatful that you did!

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Anna:

Website: https://www.annamathur.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/annamathur

Anna’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Anna-Mathur/author/B00KMCNT8G?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1746955902&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Sponsors:

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

https://www.emmamartinmindfulness.com

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call:
jo@howdoesshedoit.life

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In today's episode, I chat with the inspirational Julie Smith, a highly sought-after executive coach, the founder of Talent Sprout, and author of the award-winning book "Coach Yourself Confident."

Julie shares her fascinating journey from a corporate career in HR, to becoming an expert in the field of self-confidence. She opens up about her own personal confidence journey with all of its ups and downs, as well as sharing that confidence isn't a constant state but rather contextual to specific situations - a realization that can help us all be kinder to ourselves.

We delve into Julie's powerful concept of a "self-doubt tax" - the hidden costs we pay when a lack of confidence leads to missed opportunities or exhaustion from overcompensating with impossibly high standards. She reveals how setting reasonable goals and expectations for ourselves can be transformative, and identifies the "confidence saboteurs" that can erode our self-belief when we least expect it.

I was particularly struck by Julie's approach to understanding our ‘inner critic’ as a sort of well-intentioned but overly cautious protection mechanism; She shares practical strategies, to help create distance between ourselves and those self-doubting thoughts.

So whether you're navigating a career transition, facing new challenges, or simply want to quiet that nagging voice of self-doubt, Julie's practical wisdom and compassionate approach provide a roadmap to authentic confidence that works in real-world situations.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Julie:

www.talentsprout.co.uk
Email: julie@talentsprout.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-talent-sprout/

Julie’s book ‘Coach Yourself Confident’ via Waterstones:

https://www.waterstones.com/book/coach-yourself-confident/julie-smith/9781788605175

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call:
jo@howdoesshedoit.life

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In today's episode, I sit down with author Kathleen Whyman, who shares her inspiring journey from aspiring journalist to published novelist. Kathleen's story of persistence and self-belief is one that will resonate with anyone pursuing creative dreams alongside life's other demands.

We cover everything from how she started out, to how she writes, and manages to balance her career with the rest of life’s commitments. Kathleen opens up about writing her first book during pregnancy - a manuscript she initially felt wasn't good enough for publication but that taught her the invaluable lesson that she could indeed finish writing a book. She reveals the fascinating story behind her inspiration and the seven-year journey from enrolling on a writing course to finally seeing it in print.

What stands out in our conversation is Kathleen's unwavering determination. Despite setbacks, she maintained an absolute belief that her book deserved to be published, a mindset that ultimately led to her subsequent success, and multiple book releases

Parents will especially appreciate Kathleen's candid reflections on the balancing act of running a household while pursuing a career as a businesswoman and author - and the guilt that often accompanies these multiple roles. She shares her creative process, including how she crafts her books and revisits drafts to sharpen the humour, and I was touched to learn that one of my own podcast episodes helped inspire Kathleen to push beyond her comfort zone! We also discuss the power of networking, particularly how connecting with other women has opened doors and helped her reach her target audience.

So whether you're an aspiring creative, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone working toward a long-held dream, Kathleen's practical wisdom and honest reflections offer both inspiration and insight alike, alongside her constant trademark humour! Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kathleen:

Instagram, Facebook & Threads: @Kathleenwhymanauthor

Website: www.Kathleenwhyman.com

Books, available via Amazon https://amzn.to/4kumFls (please remember to leave a review!), or all good book shops:
Has Anyone Seen My Husband? (Shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print prize)

Would You Ask My Husband That?

Wife Support System

Book four out August 2025

Are you a witty woman writer?! Entries are open for the Comedy Women in Print prize 13th April – 23rd May. Visit www.comedywomeninprint.co.uk for more details.

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

Seed Accounting: https://seedaccounting.solutions

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call:
jo@howdoesshedoit.life

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/