December 29, 2025 • 26 mins
This end-of-year special looks at what 2025 has really taught us across business, health, public services, and our wider Northern PoWEr Women community.
We reflect on a full year of Northern PoWEr Women activity, from the Awards Roadshow , where Dr Penny stepped confidently into her new alter-ego, DJ Penny PoWEr, to reading 1,800 nominations that showed the scale of impact being created in every sector.
And as we close out the year, we’re already preparing for a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Northern PoWEr Women Awards on 12th March 2026!
This episode leaves you with one clear, practical takeaway: implementation intentions, a simple tool to help you follow through when motivation dips... plus a final send-off with Penny and Simone on the DJ decks.
In this episode:
- What this year’s 1,800 Award nominations revealed
- Behind the judging, the roadshow, and why celebration still matters
- Confidence from trying something new (including DJing!)
- A simple networking approach that saves time and energy
- The 10th anniversary Awards coming in March
- Implementation intentions and how to put them into practice
- How to take 2025’s lessons into 2026 with focus and momentum
Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Hello, hello, and welcome to the We Are Power
Podcast.
If this is your first time here,the We Are Power Podcast is the
podcast for you, your career,and your life.
We release an episode everysingle Monday with listeners in
over 60 countries worldwidewhere you'll hear personal life
stories, top-notch industryadvice, and key leadership
insight from amazing rolemodels.
(00:21):
As We Are Power is the umbrellabrand to Northern Power Women
Awards, which celebrateshundreds of female role models
and advocates every year.
This is where you can hearstories from all of our awards
alumni and stay up to date witheverything MPW Awards and We Are
Power.
unknown (00:39):
Never imitated, never replicated, singularly
wonderful.
Everybody's wonderful.
SPEAKER_00 (00:46):
Well, welcome to the end of season special.
SPEAKER_01 (00:51):
I cannot believe we've got here.
It's nearly the end of 2025.
How has that happened?
SPEAKER_00 (00:56):
Wow.
Well, we are gonna take thisepisode to have a little cheers
and a little toast.
Because why not?
Why not?
And we've got we've got builderstoo as well if we want that.
Of course.
But we're gonna take a littlelook back because quite frankly,
Dr.
Penny Power, trainer, um,neuropsychologist, DJ, award
(01:17):
winning.
I mean, what would be the onesong that would sum up your
year?
SPEAKER_01 (01:23):
Oh, now that is a tough, right?
That is uh, yeah.
That's a really, really toughone.
Gosh, Simone might have to comeback to that one with you.
It's okay.
SPEAKER_00 (01:32):
But that's we'll come back to, we'll close out
because you never know, we mighteven play that.
SPEAKER_01 (01:36):
I was gonna say, let's get that track on because
um because there's a couple ofbig themes we've had this year.
I think it's been a tough yearfor everyone, but it's also for
me been a really likeinspirational year.
I've taken huge inspiration fromthe people that I've met and
just what they're doing and howthey're keeping going in really
tough times.
Um, and a lot of that has beenwith you guys on the Northern
Power Women Road show.
SPEAKER_00 (01:57):
Well, you have been as much part of the team this
year, having a lot of fun,haven't we?
Oh my god, open the NorthernPower Women Awards earlier this
year in London.
What an awards! Threecelebration events, we've leads
it, we've Manchestered it, we'vegot and we've YI.
Why absolutely phenomenal overin Newcastle on that fantastic
terrace?
(02:17):
What an evening that was overthere.
But you have been as much andequally closing out the year as
well, judging.
SPEAKER_01 (02:23):
I mean yes, gosh.
It's not mission easy, is it?
It's not mission easy.
Um, it's as ever the most one ofthe most emotional kind of
couple of weeks of my lifelistening to all of these
stories, listening to thevideos.
But what I really love aboutthat judging is just the
representation across allsectors.
You sit in that room and we'vegot everyone is from everywhere,
and we're really authentic inthe way that we we pick our
(02:45):
winners, really.
And it's tough competition.
It's arm wrestling stuff, isn'tit?
It's arm wrestling stuff, butyou know what?
It's all open to everyone.
Everyone can be a success withthe Northern Power Women, and I
just love that about it.
SPEAKER_00 (02:56):
And it's it's a very robust process, isn't it?
And and you know, there's a lotof reading that goes into it.
89 judges, 1800 nominations.
It has been, you know, and Ithink like you said earlier,
it's been it's been a toughyear.
So to get those 1800 nominationsand to read those stories, every
story's different.
Absolutely.
Every lived experience, everyperson is a role model to
(03:20):
someone.
And so I've I'm a massive, I'mgonna, we're gonna do a lot of
cheers in today, to be honest.
You know, what could go wrong?
What could go wrong with all?
A nice little mimosa there forfor anyone, or or maybe orange
juice, who knows?
Who knows?
That's okay.
It's after five o'clock.
We're fine.
Absolutely, but there's athere's a whole bit in there
that if it wasn't for thatindividual who put their fingers
to that keyboard to recognisethat person, to voice memo, you
(03:42):
know, to vote, you know, audionominate, just to celebrate and
recognise.
And I think this year we'veneeded that.
And I think we've really neededto unearth some of those stories
because the the geopoliticalsituation without getting into
you know, into down that rabbithole, but it's been tough.
I think it's been tough allround.
What has helped you thrive thisyear?
SPEAKER_01 (04:02):
Do you know what?
It's the people that I work withthat really do drive me forward.
Um, I'm really privileged towork in health because actually,
when you work with people thathave had really, really
traumatic experiences in theirlives, it's a real privilege
just to show up for them and bepresent for them and deliver the
best that we absolutely can.
But that's been tough becauseservices are being squeezed
left, right, and centre.
Um, and I think people havereally, really felt it this
(04:24):
year.
I think we all talked about thiseconomic crisis impending last
year, but actually, this hasbeen the year that people have
really felt the pinch.
Um, so I've had to keep goingbecause actually everyone has
had to keep going.
And as you know, Simone, one ofmy big things is that I've got a
lot of um, I guess, inner lightthat I've gained through a lot
of work and life experiences,and I'm I'm happy to share that
(04:46):
light as much as I can.
And that's really what keeps megoing, just kind of trying to
inject a bit of hope andpositivity into people's worlds
at a time when things are quitebleak for a lot of people, but
also we're being bombarded withit, right?
We need some positive messaging.
So this is why I'm reallylooking forward to being at the
awards next year because it's acelebration of everything that
is going really, really well.
(05:07):
Um, everything that's great andgood, and reminds us that
actually the world is stillmoving forward and things are
still happening, and people aredoing incredible things under
difficult circumstances.
SPEAKER_00 (05:16):
It's been a bat of relief, I think, as well,
because sometimes you justthink, oh, are people a bit kind
of downtrodden a little bit anda little bit defeated?
So when you see that and youread that, and every year we
have new judges as well, whichcome into the mix, which is
always um always brilliant tosee in them going, flipping
(05:36):
eczemo, that was really tough.
And I always say, you know what,this is not northern flaky
women, right?
Absolutely.
This is not northern flakywomen, and you will know the
wonderful Paul Callie Grover whoyou judged with last year, if I
remember rightly.
And we were all live in person,and I don't know why I'd never
thought of this, considering wewere in Newcastle only a few
months ago, home of Greg's.
(05:56):
Oh, you know, one of the one ofthe staples of of the UK, right?
And he went, you need to beworking with Greg's more because
then it would definitely not benorthern flaky women.
And I'd never thought of that.
How had I never thought of abrilliant collab?
I mean, literally, we have toRasheen.
If any of you know RasheenCurry, CBA, we're looking to do
(06:17):
an event with them next year,which are really exciting.
But I'd never join the dots.
Never join the dots on NorthernPower Women and Greg's.
Come on, it's gonna happen,right?
SPEAKER_01 (06:25):
That's a collab we all want to see, so let's make
it happen.
Although I think maybe the thepie is that at the awards
ceremony may not be doesn't workwell with lip gloss, does it?
Let's face it.
And yeah, the dresses, you know,we want to be careful.
Exactly.
No, but the after show.
The after show.
Let's talk about the after show.
SPEAKER_00 (06:42):
So what a year, what a year, and it was your fault.
SPEAKER_01 (06:48):
I was gonna say we had a bit of a guest DJ last
year, I believe.
So, um, and we'll have a littlelook at that in a bit, I think.
Because uh but how are yougetting on with your DJing
career, Simone?
SPEAKER_00 (06:57):
You know, it was I mean, one of the big things this
year was doing the DJ lessonsthanks to you.
It was my lovely, lovely friendSonia Bates' um big birthday,
uh, 21 again.
Happy birthday, Sonia.
And it was under yourrecommendation that I booked DJ
lessons that I got theopportunity to go to.
And I had real doubt as towhether I could do it because I
(07:20):
can't hear.
I can't hear the beats.
I can't hear the thing.
You struggle to catch me.
Struggle with it.
So you have to be reallyintentional.
So that was one of the bigskills that I learned this year
was to allow myself a space inthat room to not just press
buttons and do a bit of thatwizzy stuff.
Now you can't see me.
If you're watching on the ifyou're watching, you can see me
(07:41):
do that.
But if you listen on thepodcast, you have no idea what
I've just done with my hands.
SPEAKER_01 (07:43):
But anyway, looking like she's doing the 6-7 there a
little bit, but the other wayaround.
It was a bit of a, yeah, thatkind of works.
So yeah, yeah.
You're making it work, TikToknext month.
SPEAKER_00 (07:53):
100%.
But there's something aboutbeing in that room and being
really mindful about thosetunes.
Wonderful.
And I loved it.
So then on the night, being ableto do guest spot on your after
show party, when and the funny,it was when I looked around and
people were suddenly doing thatdouble take, going, Simone's
(08:16):
DJing, including my mother,going she can't hear this stuff.
SPEAKER_01 (08:21):
So I was extremely impressed.
You know what, Simone, what Ilove about you is actually, you
know, you're at that stage ofyou're still learning and you're
still at the beginner stage, butyou're actually like, if I don't
put myself out there and dothings that are challenging and
difficult, then who am I to bekind of standing up and um being
part of the power organization?
I need to lead from the front.
Um, I just thought it wasincredible.
And I think it is just atestament to your like tenacity
(08:42):
and courage that you're like,I'm doing it.
None of us are gonna remember bytomorrow, but it's all good.
SPEAKER_00 (08:48):
And the funny thing, I went, oh, and of course, if
I'm in, I'm all in, right?
So often went, you know, Icouldn't afford the technics
kit, you know, I couldn't affordthat other brands available, of
course.
Uh unless you do want to sponsorpartner, we'd have you, it's all
good.
Um, I went to Argos.
Um, you know, uh, tried andtested.
And when I was packing my stufffor the awards, because we we
head up to Manchester the nightbefore to get because it's an
(09:09):
early start.
There is nothing better than Ilove than 7am on site, if not
earlier, with my high viz, highviz there watching the Arctic
unload all the stuff becauseit's it's a complete big
experience.
And and so there I've got mybeautiful dress, my beautiful
shoes, makeup, and DJ in thehotel room, having a little
because you suddenly think, oh,I don't be stupid, I don't want
(09:32):
to just fake it.
I love that.
I want to, you know, so yes, soum that, yeah, I would say
that's probably um a questionfor myself.
One of the things I'd be proudof this year was to actually do
that because it would have beeneasy not to do it.
SPEAKER_01 (09:44):
Absolutely, and that's what it's all about,
isn't it?
About kind of thinking, what'ssomething that's just going to
challenge me personally?
And that is different foreveryone.
And it's really interesting atthis time of year.
I think we're always kind ofwrapping up and thinking about
what's been good, what's beendifferent, what would I change.
Um, actually, I've had a greatyear.
Um, lots of really great thingshave happened, lots of really
challenging things havehappened.
But actually, I think overall weshould be proud that we are
(10:07):
here, we're sitting here, we'retalking about it, and we still
have the means and the capacityto be able to reach out and try
and help other people.
So good for you for leading theway with that.
SPEAKER_00 (10:15):
What's been your big learn then this year?
SPEAKER_01 (10:17):
I think one of the big my biggest learnings is to
lean into people um that cansupport me.
You know, I've had a couple oftimes this year when I've just
not been as available.
I've had other things going onin my personal life, which meant
that I've had to really leaninto my teams.
They've all been incredible.
And it just kind of reminds youreally that actually you're not
alone.
And actually, it's okaysometimes to to reach out for
(10:38):
support.
It's always okay to reach outfor support, but you know, women
like us, Simone, we we sometimesare the people that just get on
with it.
Um and I know you've got anincredible team around you as
well that also support you andkeep you going.
Um, but we need to lean intothose networks more and realize,
and I think this is what thepower network is all about,
really, of just knowing thatactually there is a network
there that we can all plug into.
You've got your mentorshipprograms.
(10:59):
You know, Simone, I think you'rethe person that, like, if anyone
wants to meet anyone, you've gotthem somewhere in your, you
know, your little black book oryour spreadsheet, ginormous
spreadsheet it is by now.
And you make those connections.
And I've made loads of thoseconnections this year.
You know, I'm DJing this year atum the KPMG Christmas party,
first time they've ever had aDJ.
And that came from us doing thatincredible event um just what a
(11:23):
few months ago.
Well, actually, quite a fewmonths, about six months ago
now.
Um, so those opportunities,those doors open when we say yes
and we go along to stuff and welean into our network and go,
actually, all the expertise andthe support we need is often
there right in front of us.
We just need to reach out andask for it.
SPEAKER_00 (11:38):
And do you know what?
That's one of the things I loveabout the community more than
anything is that it's the FOMOthat I get along the way and
think, hold on a minute, hold ona minute, where's my invite,
Chris Stark?
KPM Tree Company.
But I love that because Ialways, you know, I always think
we are, it doesn't sound verysexy at times, but it we're a
hub, you know?
It's it's a hub.
It's a hub and it's designed toto rotate and it's designed to
(12:01):
move, it's not designed to bejust this network and nowhere
else.
Absolutely not.
It's a community and it shouldthrive and it should evolve and
it should collab and it shoulddo all of those things.
Um, but I still get FOMO, yeah.
Because but then you go, oh mygosh, that's I feel really
proud.
That's some that's spun off.
I know you are, I know it meansa lot to you.
(12:22):
Because you just never know.
Yeah, we always talk about, youknow, at every event, speak to
three people uh that you've notmet or not spoken to.
What are the three actionsyou're gonna take from today?
And what are the three people orthree things you're gonna tell
tomorrow?
Because you can't just go to anevent or an awards or a uh a
meeting and then just walk away.
(12:43):
It's what follows on from that.
So, yeah, what should we askpeople to do today?
It's the same three by three bythree.
SPEAKER_01 (12:49):
I think so.
I think so.
And I think I think do it evenmore, do it everywhere you can,
because actually, you know, younever know the people you meet
on trains, I mean me and you arethose people that are chatting
to me.
But you know, I've met someincredible people.
But that's what these badges arefor, right?
SPEAKER_00 (13:02):
This basically says we are northern and we talk to
strangers.
SPEAKER_01 (13:05):
We talk to strangers, you're gonna fit,
you're gonna have a good time,you know.
Ultimately, you know, you get alot further when it comes to
speaking to when you speak toother people.
But I know that for a lot ofpeople that's really difficult.
Yeah.
So I think what this this hub,what this network is about, is
joining those dots and findingthose kind of voices, amplifying
them, but just letting otherpeople know where those
connections can exist.
And I'm sure it's not just me,I'm sure actually if we did a
(13:27):
survey of all these differentpeople that have met up at all
the events, that there's allsorts of business connections,
personal connections that havehappened and grown because of
this hub.
SPEAKER_00 (13:37):
And and it was great this year when we did the
session over in Leeds and therewas a young one called uh Suki
who came around, she was on ourfuture list many years ago, and
then she'd come in the day andthen she came back in the night
and she brought her daughterwith her, you know, and it was
it and it's that it's thatgoing, right, what can I do?
How can I get involved?
How can I make thoseconnections?
(13:57):
It's it's that, isn't it?
And we can all be like you, youknow, we we all need help at
times.
SPEAKER_01 (14:02):
Absolutely, you know, and and when times are
tough, that's when we we needthe help even more.
But actually, that's when a lotof us tend to shut down and
retreat into ourselves.
So actually, it's just but it'sit's asking for help in the
right way.
And I know that sometimes wedon't always have the name for
that or the voice for that.
So it's just kind of findingthose kept connections and and
making it make sense.
I also remember at that event inLeeds, I think there was someone
(14:23):
that had just literally startedwork that day, and I just
thought, how incredible this isyour first day at work.
Um she wasn't even due to come,was she?
SPEAKER_00 (14:30):
I saw her outside by the lift, and you know, don't
look, don't load it for longbecause we've got you in, right?
SPEAKER_01 (14:35):
You made eye contact, you're coming in.
But you know, it's just kind ofthose opportunities.
How great if you're coming intoa workplace for the first time
and you're invited to be part ofsomething like that.
And I just remember how likewelcoming her colleagues were,
and I just thought, howwonderful is this?
And hopefully, you know, I'msure that that's the same for
everyone that comes to start intheir organization.
But I just looked at that personand thought, that's someone
that's gonna stay, that'ssomeone that feels valued and
(14:57):
seen.
SPEAKER_00 (14:58):
She was allowed as well, because sometimes it's
about am I allowed to be here?
Am I the right the level ofthat?
No, everyone's well foreveryone.
And what would you say?
So there's someone who's maybenot been in that room or hasn't
been told uh or or been advisedto come to one of these events,
and not just our events, but youknow, lots of other um events
and communities out there, butsomeone who just thinks, I'm a
(15:19):
little bit, I'm eitherintroverted or I'm a bit afraid,
or I'm busy.
The worst four-letter word inthe world, right?
Isn't it?
Absolutely, yeah, absolutely.
Time and busy, they can be ourenemy.
How do we make that happen?
Because it's easy not to, isn'tit?
SPEAKER_01 (15:33):
It's really easy not to.
It's like, you know, especiallywhen the long dark nights come
in, everyone finishes work, thething you want to do is just get
home, get in your pajamas, youknow, watch a couple of soaps,
and that's it.
But actually, are those thingsgoing to help further you?
Are those things going to helptake you forward so that when
you start in January and youcome back to work, that you've
got kind of a load ofappointments booked in or a load
(15:53):
of events or activities orthings you want to do?
So it's really thinkingstrategically.
And I do think that there is arisk sometimes with networking
and events that you can be superbusy and it not being that kind
of quality connection or kind ofanything that's a learning
journey.
And so I think choosingstrategically the events you go
to, but programming them in yourdiary.
Yeah.
If you've got the Northern PowerWomen Awards on the Thursday
(16:16):
night, take the Friday morningoff.
Don't do what I did last yearand uh attempt to get yourself
in because I thought, oh, it'sonly up the road, I'll be
absolutely fine.
I did get in.
Uh this year I'm taking the nextday off.
But it's just being strategicand like everything, um, we
should plan things and beintentional about it.
You mentioned about beingintentional, and actually,
nothing happens by accident.
(16:36):
Um, you know, all the thingsthat we all, the fantastic
things we all do in our lives,we put effort into.
So you just got to decide wherewhere's your energy got to go?
Where do you want it to be?
Where do you see your life nextyear?
And what steps, even if they'resmall steps, can you start
taking now that are gonna helpland you where you want to be?
SPEAKER_00 (16:52):
I think that intentionality is is key.
That's I think that um hasprobably been a bit of a
soundtrack for my year, if youlike, in that.
And one of the things I gotinvolved with, you know, I'm
part of my whole human towersclimbing, you know, and that was
really full on this year.
You know, two days training aweek.
So I'm part of a human towersclimbing team.
(17:15):
It's out in Tarragona in in innorthern uh Catalonia, and it's
and I'm learning Catalan, butyou know, it's it's a year of
learning, but but there's therewas something about being part
of that community and andcommitting to it, absolutely,
and I and and and I am a bit ofa min, I'm all in kind of thing.
And so, you know, having justcome back at the end of this
(17:36):
year, um, a few weeks ago, hadthe final party of the year that
we went to, and it's it'sfeeling really valued to be part
of that community and also thelearns from it, the learn that
Catalan is not my firstlanguage, or or you know, it's
and the struggle to to acquiresomething, it makes you realise
how challenging it is for otherpeople to absolutely but knowing
that I can still be understoodand understand beyond language,
(17:59):
I think has been a real learnfor me this year.
And the the other one for me wasgoing to Ideas Fest in the
middle of a muddy field in Tringin Hertfordshire, but allowing
myself the time, diarising it,putting on there and doing it,
and that was something that Ihad to again be all in on, and
the learn I had from that, thepeople I met at that, and it was
(18:22):
it was almost like it was likethe Glastonbury of uh like
founders.
Wow, you know, it's highlyrecommended, it was wonderful.
What have been your big sort ofhighs for this year?
The things that you want, youknow, I'm so glad, other than
obviously the celebration event,roadshows, and every MPW.
All of that, but what have youwhat have you ring fest ring
fenced for yourself that you'vegone?
(18:43):
You know what?
That was epic.
SPEAKER_01 (18:45):
Well gosh, there's been a lot of exciting stuff
coming up, and actually,probably the biggest thing that
I've got coming up is coming upin just under two weeks' time.
So I've got a TEDx talk.
Um this year I've been umdelighted to be selected to
present as part of TEDxTrafford, um, which has special
meaning for me because itactually was where I started my
career in clinical psychology.
(19:05):
It was my first ever role as anassistant psychologist, age 21.
Obviously, you know, only a merecouple of years ago.
And uh and so, you know,preparing for that has been
incredible because as you know,I do quite a lot of public
speaking.
I don't have any issues usuallyin speaking.
That's one of my probably one ofmy top strengths.
Um but speaking for Ted is likea completely different
(19:26):
experience.
I'm used to uh, you know,talking to academic audiences,
talking to clients, doingteaching sessions, talking to
students, but actually now I'mtalking to the world.
Yeah.
And it's finding a way to shareyour message in a way that
actually is um, like you say,intentional but also accessible.
Yes.
So, you know, it's kind ofhaving to take all this, not
taking, taking all the jargonout of it and getting to the
(19:48):
heart of what we're trying totalk about and really trying to
have an emotional connectionwith the audience, which is not
something you necessarily do inother aspects of public
speaking.
So I have loved it.
SPEAKER_00 (19:57):
And it has to translate cultures.
So by the time this pod comesout, you will have done it,
right?
Yes, of course.
SPEAKER_01 (20:01):
So what great odds, right?
SPEAKER_00 (20:04):
So so well, I don't know whether you you know, but I
was a TEDx licensee for fiveyears.
I did not know that TEDxWhitehall women, I was the
licensee.
So I ran that for five yearsfrom gosh, wherever, wherever we
are now.
My last one was 2000 and are we12, I think.
Wow.
But I had amazing opportunities.
I would not have been part of umthe Human Towers in Tarragona
(20:25):
had I not met Augusti, who wasthe licensee for TEDx Tarragona.
So you never know, you neverknow.
I don't think I would have setmy own business up if I hadn't
gone through TED and organisedthat.
And I know big high fives toMartina Witter, who's the
licensee for TEDx.
She's been incredible.
Phenomenal.
So, what will you have spokenabout?
Because when I used to work withspeakers for TEDx, I used to
(20:47):
say, okay, so it can't be thatbecause you've already talked
about that.
What's the bit you're gonnadrill down into?
So can you give us a sneakadvanced because it'll all be
out, right?
SPEAKER_01 (20:57):
Absolutely.
So I guess one of the things Ireally want to focus on.
So the the theme of TEDxTrafford is about rooted and
rising.
So it's about how our personalroots and our personal
experiences have led us to wherewe are now in terms of our
approach, our careers, ourprofession.
So I'm really gonna talk aboutbeing a third culture kid, which
you recognize as Simone.
SPEAKER_00 (21:16):
And when we spoke the last time about 18 months or
so ago when Penny was last onthe uh the podcast, that's
exactly what we talked about.
And that's the first I'd everheard about it.
No spoilers now, so you'll justhave to go back and check out
the other pod, and also Penny'sTEDx.
SPEAKER_01 (21:28):
Absolutely, absolutely.
But you know, being a thirdculture kid, and I'll let
everyone have a little look atwhat that looks like, it's
something that Simone recognisesas well.
Um, you know, it makes youreally adaptable and really
flexible and really quite ableto move in lots of different
ways, but it also helps you feelvery grounded wherever you are,
I think.
So I'm gonna be talking aboutthat, and I'm gonna be talking
about a little tinypsychological technique that
(21:50):
anyone can use.
I'm giving it away completelyfor free.
There's my 20-year career.
Um and it's so I and the idea isto help people be more
intentional in theirinteractions, particularly with
young people.
Because as you know, Simone, oneof my big passions is about
young people, and I'm still oneof our goals for this year is to
talk to you about the NorthernPower Girls because you know
those are a lot of them around.
(22:11):
There's a lot of them around,and I think that um all these
mums bringing all their andthese dads bringing all their
children to all our events, it'sit's incredible.
SPEAKER_00 (22:18):
And of course, Enola, who is now She is nearly
three, she'll be a good one.
Yeah, started her own business,no, yeah, but but we started
talking about northern powergirls, didn't we?
So it because it's it'scritical, right?
SPEAKER_01 (22:29):
It's critical, and what we were kind of talking
about was the fact that actuallyyou need to see these role
models early on.
Um, we spend a lot of timethinking about it in psychology
because in clinical psychologyit's not really representative
of the the diversity of the truepopulation.
We only get um a certainactually reach other people and
(22:50):
let them know we're out thereand they can study in this.
And it's kind of too late by thetime you get to A level because
you've already selected whatyou're doing with your life.
We want to get in there withyoung people, we want to get in
there in primary school, insecondary school, in high
school.
When the stereotypes are formed,right?
Absolutely.
And and let them know that thereare other pathways, do these
mentoring sessions, get theminvolved, and let them know that
actually there's lots of thingsyou can do that that can change
(23:12):
your life right now.
SPEAKER_00 (23:13):
And that's one of the things I'm always most proud
about this community.
It ever anytime we do any one ofour power-ups, which is like
speed mentoring, or whether wedo them live or online, never
short of people who want to givethat hour.
That give that hour to giveback, pass on the skills, the
knowledge, the mistakes, youknow, all of that down there is
so important that we pass thaton.
So I'm gonna now get you todelve into the power jar.
(23:34):
What is the power jar?
I hear you ask.
What is the power jar, Simo?
The power jar is the jar of fun.
So one of the things if it's aforfeit, I'm out already, just
so you know.
Well, it all depends.
Okay, it depends, you know, withyou know, it's it's all it's all
luck.
So all right.
So the power jar is full ofquestions from our previous
(23:57):
guests.
Oh, I love this.
Yeah.
So you never know what you'regonna get.
Okay.
Life is like a box ofchocolates, right?
SPEAKER_01 (24:02):
This is wonderful.
Okay.
Ooh, I love this.
So you have one wish for 2026.
And what is it?
Gosh.
Yeah, that's we've probably justcovered it, right?
Yeah, that's that's a big one.
But yeah, I would like to see usdoing a little bit more with the
Northern Power Girls.
Um, I just would like to seekind of the world feeling a
little bit more invigorated.
(24:22):
I think it has been a realstruggle.
So my one wish is thateveryone's a lot happier and
feels a lot less under pressureand under stress.
And if there's ways that we caninfluence that positively,
that's I'm all here for that.
SPEAKER_00 (24:32):
So And you know, one of the ways to positively
influence anything is spinningsome tunes, right?
SPEAKER_01 (24:39):
Spin some tunes.
SPEAKER_00 (24:41):
So I think uh we seamlessly take a break and you
never know what might happen.
Yeah.
Watch the space.
SPEAKER_01 (24:48):
Um, one thing though, to finish off with
Simone, that I want to leave youwith as a gift, because I always
try to leave you guys with alittle psychology tip that's
something that everyone can use.
One of the reasons that peoplefail to do the things that they
want to do is because they haveum sort of half-form plans and
they lack what we call inpsychology implementation
intentions.
So, for example, if I'm gonna goto the gym tomorrow,
(25:10):
realistically, I need to get mygym kit out tonight.
I need to pack my bag, I need tocheck that I've got petrol in
the car, I need to check all ofthose things need to be in
place.
And then when I wake up in themorning, I'm good to go.
If I don't do those things, I'malready creating barriers for
myself, which mean I get up inthe morning and go, oh well,
I've got to find my kit, or thecar's not charged, or the car's
not got enough petrol in it, allthese, oh well, I'll go back to
(25:32):
bed.
And it becomes a way of notdoing things or being defeated
in things.
But actually, if you can put inplace those implementation, um
implementation intentions, justlike you did with your DJing, be
intentional about it.
That is how we get things done.
So, anyone that's there that'slooking at their gym timetable
right now and thinking, how am Igonna get there?
Get your diary out, schedule it,think realistically, where is it
(25:54):
gonna fit and how am I gonna getmyself there?
And what do I need to do to makesure I'm prepared to make sure I
go?
SPEAKER_00 (25:59):
And embrace whatever way you do you, right?
Post it not on the mirror, voicememo, put it in your calendar,
chat with your agent on your GPTor whatever it may be.
Absolutely.
You do you right.
There's no one set route to doit.
So well, cheers to your top tipand cheers for a great 2026
ahead.
(26:19):
2026.
Cheers to you, and cheers toyou.
Hello, hello, and welcome to the We Are Power
Podcast.
If this is your first time here,the We Are Power Podcast is the
podcast for you, your career,and your life.
We release an episode everysingle Monday with listeners in
over 60 countries worldwidewhere you'll hear personal life
stories, top-notch industryadvice, and key leadership
insight from amazing rolemodels.
(00:21):
As We Are Power is the umbrellabrand to Northern Power Women
Awards, which celebrateshundreds of female role models
and advocates every year.
This is where you can hearstories from all of our awards
alumni and stay up to date witheverything MPW Awards and We Are
Power.
unknown (00:39):
Never imitated, never replicated, singularly
wonderful.
Everybody's wonderful.
SPEAKER_00 (00:46):
Well, welcome to the end of season special.
SPEAKER_01 (00:51):
I cannot believe we've got here.
It's nearly the end of 2025.
How has that happened?
SPEAKER_00 (00:56):
Wow.
Well, we are gonna take thisepisode to have a little cheers
and a little toast.
Because why not?
Why not?
And we've got we've got builderstoo as well if we want that.
Of course.
But we're gonna take a littlelook back because quite frankly,
Dr.
Penny Power, trainer, um,neuropsychologist, DJ, award
(01:17):
winning.
I mean, what would be the onesong that would sum up your
year?
SPEAKER_01 (01:23):
Oh, now that is a tough, right?
That is uh, yeah.
That's a really, really toughone.
Gosh, Simone might have to comeback to that one with you.
It's okay.
SPEAKER_00 (01:32):
But that's we'll come back to, we'll close out
because you never know, we mighteven play that.
SPEAKER_01 (01:36):
I was gonna say, let's get that track on because
um because there's a couple ofbig themes we've had this year.
I think it's been a tough yearfor everyone, but it's also for
me been a really likeinspirational year.
I've taken huge inspiration fromthe people that I've met and
just what they're doing and howthey're keeping going in really
tough times.
Um, and a lot of that has beenwith you guys on the Northern
Power Women Road show.
SPEAKER_00 (01:57):
Well, you have been as much part of the team this
year, having a lot of fun,haven't we?
Oh my god, open the NorthernPower Women Awards earlier this
year in London.
What an awards! Threecelebration events, we've leads
it, we've Manchestered it, we'vegot and we've YI.
Why absolutely phenomenal overin Newcastle on that fantastic
terrace?
(02:17):
What an evening that was overthere.
But you have been as much andequally closing out the year as
well, judging.
SPEAKER_01 (02:23):
I mean yes, gosh.
It's not mission easy, is it?
It's not mission easy.
Um, it's as ever the most one ofthe most emotional kind of
couple of weeks of my lifelistening to all of these
stories, listening to thevideos.
But what I really love aboutthat judging is just the
representation across allsectors.
You sit in that room and we'vegot everyone is from everywhere,
and we're really authentic inthe way that we we pick our
(02:45):
winners, really.
And it's tough competition.
It's arm wrestling stuff, isn'tit?
It's arm wrestling stuff, butyou know what?
It's all open to everyone.
Everyone can be a success withthe Northern Power Women, and I
just love that about it.
SPEAKER_00 (02:56):
And it's it's a very robust process, isn't it?
And and you know, there's a lotof reading that goes into it.
89 judges, 1800 nominations.
It has been, you know, and Ithink like you said earlier,
it's been it's been a toughyear.
So to get those 1800 nominationsand to read those stories, every
story's different.
Absolutely.
Every lived experience, everyperson is a role model to
(03:20):
someone.
And so I've I'm a massive, I'mgonna, we're gonna do a lot of
cheers in today, to be honest.
You know, what could go wrong?
What could go wrong with all?
A nice little mimosa there forfor anyone, or or maybe orange
juice, who knows?
Who knows?
That's okay.
It's after five o'clock.
We're fine.
Absolutely, but there's athere's a whole bit in there
that if it wasn't for thatindividual who put their fingers
to that keyboard to recognisethat person, to voice memo, you
(03:42):
know, to vote, you know, audionominate, just to celebrate and
recognise.
And I think this year we'veneeded that.
And I think we've really neededto unearth some of those stories
because the the geopoliticalsituation without getting into
you know, into down that rabbithole, but it's been tough.
I think it's been tough allround.
What has helped you thrive thisyear?
SPEAKER_01 (04:02):
Do you know what?
It's the people that I work withthat really do drive me forward.
Um, I'm really privileged towork in health because actually,
when you work with people thathave had really, really
traumatic experiences in theirlives, it's a real privilege
just to show up for them and bepresent for them and deliver the
best that we absolutely can.
But that's been tough becauseservices are being squeezed
left, right, and centre.
Um, and I think people havereally, really felt it this
(04:24):
year.
I think we all talked about thiseconomic crisis impending last
year, but actually, this hasbeen the year that people have
really felt the pinch.
Um, so I've had to keep goingbecause actually everyone has
had to keep going.
And as you know, Simone, one ofmy big things is that I've got a
lot of um, I guess, inner lightthat I've gained through a lot
of work and life experiences,and I'm I'm happy to share that
(04:46):
light as much as I can.
And that's really what keeps megoing, just kind of trying to
inject a bit of hope andpositivity into people's worlds
at a time when things are quitebleak for a lot of people, but
also we're being bombarded withit, right?
We need some positive messaging.
So this is why I'm reallylooking forward to being at the
awards next year because it's acelebration of everything that
is going really, really well.
(05:07):
Um, everything that's great andgood, and reminds us that
actually the world is stillmoving forward and things are
still happening, and people aredoing incredible things under
difficult circumstances.
SPEAKER_00 (05:16):
It's been a bat of relief, I think, as well,
because sometimes you justthink, oh, are people a bit kind
of downtrodden a little bit anda little bit defeated?
So when you see that and youread that, and every year we
have new judges as well, whichcome into the mix, which is
always um always brilliant tosee in them going, flipping
(05:36):
eczemo, that was really tough.
And I always say, you know what,this is not northern flaky
women, right?
Absolutely.
This is not northern flakywomen, and you will know the
wonderful Paul Callie Grover whoyou judged with last year, if I
remember rightly.
And we were all live in person,and I don't know why I'd never
thought of this, considering wewere in Newcastle only a few
months ago, home of Greg's.
(05:56):
Oh, you know, one of the one ofthe staples of of the UK, right?
And he went, you need to beworking with Greg's more because
then it would definitely not benorthern flaky women.
And I'd never thought of that.
How had I never thought of abrilliant collab?
I mean, literally, we have toRasheen.
If any of you know RasheenCurry, CBA, we're looking to do
(06:17):
an event with them next year,which are really exciting.
But I'd never join the dots.
Never join the dots on NorthernPower Women and Greg's.
Come on, it's gonna happen,right?
SPEAKER_01 (06:25):
That's a collab we all want to see, so let's make
it happen.
Although I think maybe the thepie is that at the awards
ceremony may not be doesn't workwell with lip gloss, does it?
Let's face it.
And yeah, the dresses, you know,we want to be careful.
Exactly.
No, but the after show.
The after show.
Let's talk about the after show.
SPEAKER_00 (06:42):
So what a year, what a year, and it was your fault.
SPEAKER_01 (06:48):
I was gonna say we had a bit of a guest DJ last
year, I believe.
So, um, and we'll have a littlelook at that in a bit, I think.
Because uh but how are yougetting on with your DJing
career, Simone?
SPEAKER_00 (06:57):
You know, it was I mean, one of the big things this
year was doing the DJ lessonsthanks to you.
It was my lovely, lovely friendSonia Bates' um big birthday,
uh, 21 again.
Happy birthday, Sonia.
And it was under yourrecommendation that I booked DJ
lessons that I got theopportunity to go to.
And I had real doubt as towhether I could do it because I
(07:20):
can't hear.
I can't hear the beats.
I can't hear the thing.
You struggle to catch me.
Struggle with it.
So you have to be reallyintentional.
So that was one of the bigskills that I learned this year
was to allow myself a space inthat room to not just press
buttons and do a bit of thatwizzy stuff.
Now you can't see me.
If you're watching on the ifyou're watching, you can see me
(07:41):
do that.
But if you listen on thepodcast, you have no idea what
I've just done with my hands.
SPEAKER_01 (07:43):
But anyway, looking like she's doing the 6-7 there a
little bit, but the other wayaround.
It was a bit of a, yeah, thatkind of works.
So yeah, yeah.
You're making it work, TikToknext month.
SPEAKER_00 (07:53):
100%.
But there's something aboutbeing in that room and being
really mindful about thosetunes.
Wonderful.
And I loved it.
So then on the night, being ableto do guest spot on your after
show party, when and the funny,it was when I looked around and
people were suddenly doing thatdouble take, going, Simone's
(08:16):
DJing, including my mother,going she can't hear this stuff.
SPEAKER_01 (08:21):
So I was extremely impressed.
You know what, Simone, what Ilove about you is actually, you
know, you're at that stage ofyou're still learning and you're
still at the beginner stage, butyou're actually like, if I don't
put myself out there and dothings that are challenging and
difficult, then who am I to bekind of standing up and um being
part of the power organization?
I need to lead from the front.
Um, I just thought it wasincredible.
And I think it is just atestament to your like tenacity
(08:42):
and courage that you're like,I'm doing it.
None of us are gonna remember bytomorrow, but it's all good.
SPEAKER_00 (08:48):
And the funny thing, I went, oh, and of course, if
I'm in, I'm all in, right?
So often went, you know, Icouldn't afford the technics
kit, you know, I couldn't affordthat other brands available, of
course.
Uh unless you do want to sponsorpartner, we'd have you, it's all
good.
Um, I went to Argos.
Um, you know, uh, tried andtested.
And when I was packing my stufffor the awards, because we we
head up to Manchester the nightbefore to get because it's an
(09:09):
early start.
There is nothing better than Ilove than 7am on site, if not
earlier, with my high viz, highviz there watching the Arctic
unload all the stuff becauseit's it's a complete big
experience.
And and so there I've got mybeautiful dress, my beautiful
shoes, makeup, and DJ in thehotel room, having a little
because you suddenly think, oh,I don't be stupid, I don't want
(09:32):
to just fake it.
I love that.
I want to, you know, so yes, soum that, yeah, I would say
that's probably um a questionfor myself.
One of the things I'd be proudof this year was to actually do
that because it would have beeneasy not to do it.
SPEAKER_01 (09:44):
Absolutely, and that's what it's all about,
isn't it?
About kind of thinking, what'ssomething that's just going to
challenge me personally?
And that is different foreveryone.
And it's really interesting atthis time of year.
I think we're always kind ofwrapping up and thinking about
what's been good, what's beendifferent, what would I change.
Um, actually, I've had a greatyear.
Um, lots of really great thingshave happened, lots of really
challenging things havehappened.
But actually, I think overall weshould be proud that we are
(10:07):
here, we're sitting here, we'retalking about it, and we still
have the means and the capacityto be able to reach out and try
and help other people.
So good for you for leading theway with that.
SPEAKER_00 (10:15):
What's been your big learn then this year?
SPEAKER_01 (10:17):
I think one of the big my biggest learnings is to
lean into people um that cansupport me.
You know, I've had a couple oftimes this year when I've just
not been as available.
I've had other things going onin my personal life, which meant
that I've had to really leaninto my teams.
They've all been incredible.
And it just kind of reminds youreally that actually you're not
alone.
And actually, it's okaysometimes to to reach out for
(10:38):
support.
It's always okay to reach outfor support, but you know, women
like us, Simone, we we sometimesare the people that just get on
with it.
Um and I know you've got anincredible team around you as
well that also support you andkeep you going.
Um, but we need to lean intothose networks more and realize,
and I think this is what thepower network is all about,
really, of just knowing thatactually there is a network
there that we can all plug into.
You've got your mentorshipprograms.
(10:59):
You know, Simone, I think you'rethe person that, like, if anyone
wants to meet anyone, you've gotthem somewhere in your, you
know, your little black book oryour spreadsheet, ginormous
spreadsheet it is by now.
And you make those connections.
And I've made loads of thoseconnections this year.
You know, I'm DJing this year atum the KPMG Christmas party,
first time they've ever had aDJ.
And that came from us doing thatincredible event um just what a
(11:23):
few months ago.
Well, actually, quite a fewmonths, about six months ago
now.
Um, so those opportunities,those doors open when we say yes
and we go along to stuff and welean into our network and go,
actually, all the expertise andthe support we need is often
there right in front of us.
We just need to reach out andask for it.
SPEAKER_00 (11:38):
And do you know what?
That's one of the things I loveabout the community more than
anything is that it's the FOMOthat I get along the way and
think, hold on a minute, hold ona minute, where's my invite,
Chris Stark?
KPM Tree Company.
But I love that because Ialways, you know, I always think
we are, it doesn't sound verysexy at times, but it we're a
hub, you know?
It's it's a hub.
It's a hub and it's designed toto rotate and it's designed to
(12:01):
move, it's not designed to bejust this network and nowhere
else.
Absolutely not.
It's a community and it shouldthrive and it should evolve and
it should collab and it shoulddo all of those things.
Um, but I still get FOMO, yeah.
Because but then you go, oh mygosh, that's I feel really
proud.
That's some that's spun off.
I know you are, I know it meansa lot to you.
(12:22):
Because you just never know.
Yeah, we always talk about, youknow, at every event, speak to
three people uh that you've notmet or not spoken to.
What are the three actionsyou're gonna take from today?
And what are the three people orthree things you're gonna tell
tomorrow?
Because you can't just go to anevent or an awards or a uh a
meeting and then just walk away.
(12:43):
It's what follows on from that.
So, yeah, what should we askpeople to do today?
It's the same three by three bythree.
SPEAKER_01 (12:49):
I think so.
I think so.
And I think I think do it evenmore, do it everywhere you can,
because actually, you know, younever know the people you meet
on trains, I mean me and you arethose people that are chatting
to me.
But you know, I've met someincredible people.
But that's what these badges arefor, right?
SPEAKER_00 (13:02):
This basically says we are northern and we talk to
strangers.
SPEAKER_01 (13:05):
We talk to strangers, you're gonna fit,
you're gonna have a good time,you know.
Ultimately, you know, you get alot further when it comes to
speaking to when you speak toother people.
But I know that for a lot ofpeople that's really difficult.
Yeah.
So I think what this this hub,what this network is about, is
joining those dots and findingthose kind of voices, amplifying
them, but just letting otherpeople know where those
connections can exist.
And I'm sure it's not just me,I'm sure actually if we did a
(13:27):
survey of all these differentpeople that have met up at all
the events, that there's allsorts of business connections,
personal connections that havehappened and grown because of
this hub.
SPEAKER_00 (13:37):
And and it was great this year when we did the
session over in Leeds and therewas a young one called uh Suki
who came around, she was on ourfuture list many years ago, and
then she'd come in the day andthen she came back in the night
and she brought her daughterwith her, you know, and it was
it and it's that it's thatgoing, right, what can I do?
How can I get involved?
How can I make thoseconnections?
(13:57):
It's it's that, isn't it?
And we can all be like you, youknow, we we all need help at
times.
SPEAKER_01 (14:02):
Absolutely, you know, and and when times are
tough, that's when we we needthe help even more.
But actually, that's when a lotof us tend to shut down and
retreat into ourselves.
So actually, it's just but it'sit's asking for help in the
right way.
And I know that sometimes wedon't always have the name for
that or the voice for that.
So it's just kind of findingthose kept connections and and
making it make sense.
I also remember at that event inLeeds, I think there was someone
(14:23):
that had just literally startedwork that day, and I just
thought, how incredible this isyour first day at work.
Um she wasn't even due to come,was she?
SPEAKER_00 (14:30):
I saw her outside by the lift, and you know, don't
look, don't load it for longbecause we've got you in, right?
SPEAKER_01 (14:35):
You made eye contact, you're coming in.
But you know, it's just kind ofthose opportunities.
How great if you're coming intoa workplace for the first time
and you're invited to be part ofsomething like that.
And I just remember how likewelcoming her colleagues were,
and I just thought, howwonderful is this?
And hopefully, you know, I'msure that that's the same for
everyone that comes to start intheir organization.
But I just looked at that personand thought, that's someone
that's gonna stay, that'ssomeone that feels valued and
(14:57):
seen.
SPEAKER_00 (14:58):
She was allowed as well, because sometimes it's
about am I allowed to be here?
Am I the right the level ofthat?
No, everyone's well foreveryone.
And what would you say?
So there's someone who's maybenot been in that room or hasn't
been told uh or or been advisedto come to one of these events,
and not just our events, but youknow, lots of other um events
and communities out there, butsomeone who just thinks, I'm a
(15:19):
little bit, I'm eitherintroverted or I'm a bit afraid,
or I'm busy.
The worst four-letter word inthe world, right?
Isn't it?
Absolutely, yeah, absolutely.
Time and busy, they can be ourenemy.
How do we make that happen?
Because it's easy not to, isn'tit?
SPEAKER_01 (15:33):
It's really easy not to.
It's like, you know, especiallywhen the long dark nights come
in, everyone finishes work, thething you want to do is just get
home, get in your pajamas, youknow, watch a couple of soaps,
and that's it.
But actually, are those thingsgoing to help further you?
Are those things going to helptake you forward so that when
you start in January and youcome back to work, that you've
got kind of a load ofappointments booked in or a load
(15:53):
of events or activities orthings you want to do?
So it's really thinkingstrategically.
And I do think that there is arisk sometimes with networking
and events that you can be superbusy and it not being that kind
of quality connection or kind ofanything that's a learning
journey.
And so I think choosingstrategically the events you go
to, but programming them in yourdiary.
Yeah.
If you've got the Northern PowerWomen Awards on the Thursday
(16:16):
night, take the Friday morningoff.
Don't do what I did last yearand uh attempt to get yourself
in because I thought, oh, it'sonly up the road, I'll be
absolutely fine.
I did get in.
Uh this year I'm taking the nextday off.
But it's just being strategicand like everything, um, we
should plan things and beintentional about it.
You mentioned about beingintentional, and actually,
nothing happens by accident.
(16:36):
Um, you know, all the thingsthat we all, the fantastic
things we all do in our lives,we put effort into.
So you just got to decide wherewhere's your energy got to go?
Where do you want it to be?
Where do you see your life nextyear?
And what steps, even if they'resmall steps, can you start
taking now that are gonna helpland you where you want to be?
SPEAKER_00 (16:52):
I think that intentionality is is key.
That's I think that um hasprobably been a bit of a
soundtrack for my year, if youlike, in that.
And one of the things I gotinvolved with, you know, I'm
part of my whole human towersclimbing, you know, and that was
really full on this year.
You know, two days training aweek.
So I'm part of a human towersclimbing team.
(17:15):
It's out in Tarragona in in innorthern uh Catalonia, and it's
and I'm learning Catalan, butyou know, it's it's a year of
learning, but but there's therewas something about being part
of that community and andcommitting to it, absolutely,
and I and and and I am a bit ofa min, I'm all in kind of thing.
And so, you know, having justcome back at the end of this
(17:36):
year, um, a few weeks ago, hadthe final party of the year that
we went to, and it's it'sfeeling really valued to be part
of that community and also thelearns from it, the learn that
Catalan is not my firstlanguage, or or you know, it's
and the struggle to to acquiresomething, it makes you realise
how challenging it is for otherpeople to absolutely but knowing
that I can still be understoodand understand beyond language,
(17:59):
I think has been a real learnfor me this year.
And the the other one for me wasgoing to Ideas Fest in the
middle of a muddy field in Tringin Hertfordshire, but allowing
myself the time, diarising it,putting on there and doing it,
and that was something that Ihad to again be all in on, and
the learn I had from that, thepeople I met at that, and it was
(18:22):
it was almost like it was likethe Glastonbury of uh like
founders.
Wow, you know, it's highlyrecommended, it was wonderful.
What have been your big sort ofhighs for this year?
The things that you want, youknow, I'm so glad, other than
obviously the celebration event,roadshows, and every MPW.
All of that, but what have youwhat have you ring fest ring
fenced for yourself that you'vegone?
(18:43):
You know what?
That was epic.
SPEAKER_01 (18:45):
Well gosh, there's been a lot of exciting stuff
coming up, and actually,probably the biggest thing that
I've got coming up is coming upin just under two weeks' time.
So I've got a TEDx talk.
Um this year I've been umdelighted to be selected to
present as part of TEDxTrafford, um, which has special
meaning for me because itactually was where I started my
career in clinical psychology.
(19:05):
It was my first ever role as anassistant psychologist, age 21.
Obviously, you know, only a merecouple of years ago.
And uh and so, you know,preparing for that has been
incredible because as you know,I do quite a lot of public
speaking.
I don't have any issues usuallyin speaking.
That's one of my probably one ofmy top strengths.
Um but speaking for Ted is likea completely different
(19:26):
experience.
I'm used to uh, you know,talking to academic audiences,
talking to clients, doingteaching sessions, talking to
students, but actually now I'mtalking to the world.
Yeah.
And it's finding a way to shareyour message in a way that
actually is um, like you say,intentional but also accessible.
Yes.
So, you know, it's kind ofhaving to take all this, not
taking, taking all the jargonout of it and getting to the
(19:48):
heart of what we're trying totalk about and really trying to
have an emotional connectionwith the audience, which is not
something you necessarily do inother aspects of public
speaking.
So I have loved it.
SPEAKER_00 (19:57):
And it has to translate cultures.
So by the time this pod comesout, you will have done it,
right?
Yes, of course.
SPEAKER_01 (20:01):
So what great odds, right?
SPEAKER_00 (20:04):
So so well, I don't know whether you you know, but I
was a TEDx licensee for fiveyears.
I did not know that TEDxWhitehall women, I was the
licensee.
So I ran that for five yearsfrom gosh, wherever, wherever we
are now.
My last one was 2000 and are we12, I think.
Wow.
But I had amazing opportunities.
I would not have been part of umthe Human Towers in Tarragona
(20:25):
had I not met Augusti, who wasthe licensee for TEDx Tarragona.
So you never know, you neverknow.
I don't think I would have setmy own business up if I hadn't
gone through TED and organisedthat.
And I know big high fives toMartina Witter, who's the
licensee for TEDx.
She's been incredible.
Phenomenal.
So, what will you have spokenabout?
Because when I used to work withspeakers for TEDx, I used to
(20:47):
say, okay, so it can't be thatbecause you've already talked
about that.
What's the bit you're gonnadrill down into?
So can you give us a sneakadvanced because it'll all be
out, right?
SPEAKER_01 (20:57):
Absolutely.
So I guess one of the things Ireally want to focus on.
So the the theme of TEDxTrafford is about rooted and
rising.
So it's about how our personalroots and our personal
experiences have led us to wherewe are now in terms of our
approach, our careers, ourprofession.
So I'm really gonna talk aboutbeing a third culture kid, which
you recognize as Simone.
SPEAKER_00 (21:16):
And when we spoke the last time about 18 months or
so ago when Penny was last onthe uh the podcast, that's
exactly what we talked about.
And that's the first I'd everheard about it.
No spoilers now, so you'll justhave to go back and check out
the other pod, and also Penny'sTEDx.
SPEAKER_01 (21:28):
Absolutely, absolutely.
But you know, being a thirdculture kid, and I'll let
everyone have a little look atwhat that looks like, it's
something that Simone recognisesas well.
Um, you know, it makes youreally adaptable and really
flexible and really quite ableto move in lots of different
ways, but it also helps you feelvery grounded wherever you are,
I think.
So I'm gonna be talking aboutthat, and I'm gonna be talking
about a little tinypsychological technique that
(21:50):
anyone can use.
I'm giving it away completelyfor free.
There's my 20-year career.
Um and it's so I and the idea isto help people be more
intentional in theirinteractions, particularly with
young people.
Because as you know, Simone, oneof my big passions is about
young people, and I'm still oneof our goals for this year is to
talk to you about the NorthernPower Girls because you know
those are a lot of them around.
(22:11):
There's a lot of them around,and I think that um all these
mums bringing all their andthese dads bringing all their
children to all our events, it'sit's incredible.
SPEAKER_00 (22:18):
And of course, Enola, who is now She is nearly
three, she'll be a good one.
Yeah, started her own business,no, yeah, but but we started
talking about northern powergirls, didn't we?
So it because it's it'scritical, right?
SPEAKER_01 (22:29):
It's critical, and what we were kind of talking
about was the fact that actuallyyou need to see these role
models early on.
Um, we spend a lot of timethinking about it in psychology
because in clinical psychologyit's not really representative
of the the diversity of the truepopulation.
We only get um a certainactually reach other people and
(22:50):
let them know we're out thereand they can study in this.
And it's kind of too late by thetime you get to A level because
you've already selected whatyou're doing with your life.
We want to get in there withyoung people, we want to get in
there in primary school, insecondary school, in high
school.
When the stereotypes are formed,right?
Absolutely.
And and let them know that thereare other pathways, do these
mentoring sessions, get theminvolved, and let them know that
actually there's lots of thingsyou can do that that can change
(23:12):
your life right now.
SPEAKER_00 (23:13):
And that's one of the things I'm always most proud
about this community.
It ever anytime we do any one ofour power-ups, which is like
speed mentoring, or whether wedo them live or online, never
short of people who want to givethat hour.
That give that hour to giveback, pass on the skills, the
knowledge, the mistakes, youknow, all of that down there is
so important that we pass thaton.
So I'm gonna now get you todelve into the power jar.
(23:34):
What is the power jar?
I hear you ask.
What is the power jar, Simo?
The power jar is the jar of fun.
So one of the things if it's aforfeit, I'm out already, just
so you know.
Well, it all depends.
Okay, it depends, you know, withyou know, it's it's all it's all
luck.
So all right.
So the power jar is full ofquestions from our previous
(23:57):
guests.
Oh, I love this.
Yeah.
So you never know what you'regonna get.
Okay.
Life is like a box ofchocolates, right?
SPEAKER_01 (24:02):
This is wonderful.
Okay.
Ooh, I love this.
So you have one wish for 2026.
And what is it?
Gosh.
Yeah, that's we've probably justcovered it, right?
Yeah, that's that's a big one.
But yeah, I would like to see usdoing a little bit more with the
Northern Power Girls.
Um, I just would like to seekind of the world feeling a
little bit more invigorated.
(24:22):
I think it has been a realstruggle.
So my one wish is thateveryone's a lot happier and
feels a lot less under pressureand under stress.
And if there's ways that we caninfluence that positively,
that's I'm all here for that.
SPEAKER_00 (24:32):
So And you know, one of the ways to positively
influence anything is spinningsome tunes, right?
SPEAKER_01 (24:39):
Spin some tunes.
SPEAKER_00 (24:41):
So I think uh we seamlessly take a break and you
never know what might happen.
Yeah.
Watch the space.
SPEAKER_01 (24:48):
Um, one thing though, to finish off with
Simone, that I want to leave youwith as a gift, because I always
try to leave you guys with alittle psychology tip that's
something that everyone can use.
One of the reasons that peoplefail to do the things that they
want to do is because they haveum sort of half-form plans and
they lack what we call inpsychology implementation
intentions.
So, for example, if I'm gonna goto the gym tomorrow,
(25:10):
realistically, I need to get mygym kit out tonight.
I need to pack my bag, I need tocheck that I've got petrol in
the car, I need to check all ofthose things need to be in
place.
And then when I wake up in themorning, I'm good to go.
If I don't do those things, I'malready creating barriers for
myself, which mean I get up inthe morning and go, oh well,
I've got to find my kit, or thecar's not charged, or the car's
not got enough petrol in it, allthese, oh well, I'll go back to
(25:32):
bed.
And it becomes a way of notdoing things or being defeated
in things.
But actually, if you can put inplace those implementation, um
implementation intentions, justlike you did with your DJing, be
intentional about it.
That is how we get things done.
So, anyone that's there that'slooking at their gym timetable
right now and thinking, how am Igonna get there?
Get your diary out, schedule it,think realistically, where is it
(25:54):
gonna fit and how am I gonna getmyself there?
And what do I need to do to makesure I'm prepared to make sure I
go?
SPEAKER_00 (25:59):
And embrace whatever way you do you, right?
Post it not on the mirror, voicememo, put it in your calendar,
chat with your agent on your GPTor whatever it may be.
Absolutely.
You do you right.
There's no one set route to doit.
So well, cheers to your top tipand cheers for a great 2026
ahead.
(26:19):
2026.
Cheers to you, and cheers toyou.
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