Content warning: This episode discusses suicide andmental health challenges. If you’re affected, please reach out to a mental health professional or confidential helplines. UK: Samaritans 116 123; US: 988. If you’re in another region, please contact your local crisis line.

Have you ever come across someone who makes a profoundimpact on you, the very first time you meet them? This is Martin Williams, a recently retired partner and employment tribunal advocate from Mayo Wynne Baxter. He was also a member of Ampa, the UK’s leading legal and professional services group and one of the largest professional services B-Corporations in the world.

In this deeply moving episode, we talk about the realitiesof mental health, leadership, and the power of vulnerability. Martin bravely shares his personal journey, including the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned about being open, seeking help, and supporting others. Thisconversation is raw, honest, and full of insights for anyone seeking understanding, support, or inspiration on their mental health journey.

Summary:

💡 Explore mental health challenges faced in high-achieving careers.

💡 Find out why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💡 Get inspired by Martin’s journey from silence to openness and the impact it had on his life.

Here’s to your health and wellbeing.

Estelle Read

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast

0:40 – Introduction: About Estelle Read

1:04 – Why this episode matters: Martin’s background and theimportance of talking about mental health

2:13 – The impact of not talking and Martin’s leadershipphilosophy

2:36 – The reality of suicidal thoughts as a leader

2:57 – Support resources and the importance of reaching out

3:14 – Introducing Martin Williams

3:33 – How Estelle and Martin connected; the power of aheartfelt LinkedIn post

3:53 – Martin’s origin story: family, childhood, and earlychallenges

6:45 – From music to law: Martin’s career journey

14:40 – The role of arts, advocacy, and confidence-building

19:55 – Coping with isolation, bullying, and buildingresilience

24:41 – The power of vulnerability: Martin’s viral LinkedInpost

27:00 – The healing impact of sharing and community support

33:45 – Journaling, self-reflection, and processing emotions

41:39 – Mentoring, overcoming labels, and advice to theyounger self

49:47 – Letting go of perfection and embracing openness

58:39 – The importance of non-judgmental listening andsupport

1:09:39 – What’s next for Martin: mentoring, poetry, andlegacy

1:11:52 – Final thoughts: authenticity, learning, andlooking after yourself

1:13:22 – Outro: Subscribe, share, and connect with Estelle

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit.

For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit ⁠www.EstelleRead.com⁠

Connect with Martin Williams:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-williams-900a5a13/

Get support from the Samaritans:

Call them anytime: 116 123

https://www.samaritans.org/

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

I catch up with coach, Gemma Hogan to discuss what it means to be resilient and how to bounce back and thrive in challenging times. We have a candid conversation about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating career pivots, and finding your flow - both professionally and personally.Gemma shares the momentous moments that shaped her, and the practical tools she uses to help others break through their own barriers.

• Discover how Gemma transformed early feelings of not fitting in into a thriving career—and how you can do the same.

• Learn practical strategies for managing energy, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout as you pursue your goals.
• Hear real-life stories about overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing creativity, and building a life you love.

Here’s to your shining!

Estelle Read

Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

01:04 – Meet Gemma Hogan: Origin Story and Early Challenges

04:30 – Navigating Expectations, Imposter Syndrome, and Self-Doubt

08:00 – Turning Points: Motherhood, Career Growth, and Coaching

13:00 – The Power of Boundaries and Managing Energy

18:00 – Strengths Profiling and Positive Psychology

23:00 – NLP, Breakthroughs, and Overcoming Phobias

28:00 – Levelling Up: What’s Next for Gemma

32:00 – Creativity, Art, and Finding Your Flow

37:00 – Final Thoughts: Brilliance, Resilience, and Advice for Listeners

41:00 – How to Connect

Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

Connect with Estelle Read:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit.

For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit ⁠www.EstelleRead.com⁠

Find Out More About Gemma Hogan visit: www.talenta.me.uk

Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.