This week, Allen is joined by former award winning radio producer and DJ, Simon Green. Simon charts his love of radio and how it was the "be-all-and-end-all" for him, until it wasn't! We hope you enjoy this emotional trip through Simon's personal & professional career.
Former banker, turned Storyteller, Andrew Coppin joins Allen in the latest episode of the Motivation Interview Series. Andy charts his move from South Africa to London and how he decided that banking was no longer for him and he want to follow his passion...no matter how difficult it is!
In this weeks episode, Allen is joined by highly acclaimed author Nicola Cassidy. Nicola walks us through her early life, into adulthood where she deviated away from writing but always knew she'd get that book written!
Allen is joined by singer SJ McArdle who takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of being a musician and how he has found the importance of sticking to your principles is so important. The lads also explore Stephen's career in youth work and how he manages both. Enjoy!
In episode two of our series, Allen meets with Lisa Heeney, owner of Aroma Buff, about how she went from working in marketing to setting up her own businesses that use reflexology and sustainability as their essence!
Allen kicks off Series 3 of the Motivation Interview podcasts with former Meath Strength & Conditioning coach, Martin Doyle. Martin charts his career from leaving school early, gaining his qualifications late in life and the trials and tribulations associated with his career!
I always learn so much from speaking with FooDee, she makes so much sense. We can all make simple changes to our family’s diet, that doesn’t break the bank or their tastebuds! Listen out for my rant in the middle and we hope you enjoy our latest Interview. #cacoaching #family #nutrition
I'm delighted to have been joined by the master himself, Ronan McQuillan from The Enemies. Ronan tells us about how music was just always a part of his life and how a setback in music brought him in a brand new direction. Enjoy!
This was such a fun and interesting podcast to do! Allen & Gerry tackle some very common Christmas parenting issues. Enjoy!!
Today, Allen chats with Youthreach resource worker David Carry. David charts his journey working in multimedia, right through his career to supporting young people who have fallen out of the traditional education system and the importance of time with friends and family.
In the latest episode of Series 2, Allen get's to meet with Fiona Walsh who is a prosthetics and make artist for film and television, having worked on some of the most successful productions of the last 10 years including The Hobbit series, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars. Fiona delves into her journey and the ups and downs of working in the movie industry.
As Season 2 continues, Allen finally gets to interview Sandra Garry & Gary Griffin, two people who's dedication to volunteering and supporting youth development, is an inspiration.
In this episode, Allen & Gerry discuss a range of parenting topics including a 14 year old refusing to go to school and how to support your child auditioning for a TV talent show.
Welcome back to Series 2 of the Motivation Interview Podcast. In this episode, Allen talks to actor Darby Stanchfield about her life growing up in a small town to becoming successful in her career.
Welcome back to Series 2 of the Motivation Interview Podcast. To kick us off, Allen chats with filmmaker, web developer and owner of Infinitum Limited, Jason Leung about his journey away from civil engineering in Vancouver, traveling the world and ending up owning a company in Budapest.
In this episode Allen and Gerry cover a range of Parenting questions such as teens hanging around and getting into trouble, volunteering, building self esteem, being left home alone, teens distancing themselves and dealing with adult children.
In our latest episode, Allen had the pleasure of talking with Louise McPhillips about her desire to build a cob house and how the concessions she has had to make along the way haven't dented her resolve to succeed. Louise also talks about where her determination came from and how she fostered it.
In this week's Motivation Interview Series Podcast episode, Allen speaks with sports entrepreneur Elaine Keogh about her life, being a young mother, building numerous businesses and overcoming personal setbacks through focusing on her personal health and fitness. #MondayMotivation
In our latest episode, Allen meets former CEO / Animation and Film Director at Coalter Digital, David Coalter. David talks about his upbringing, getting into a major corporation moving away to set up on his own and ultimately learning about work/life balance which let him to return to his former employers.
In our latest episode, Allen meets President of LNR Property in Miami Beach, Adam Behlman. Adam discusses the impact of losing his father at a young age, how a chance meeting got his mojo back and how a major health diagnosis made him re-evaluate his priorities.
Allen of www.helpme2parent.ie answers your questions on a number of topics. In this podcast, Allen discusses whether or not you can be your child's best friend as well as their parent, how to deal with kids playing parents off against each other, introducing alcohol to teenagers, parents social media use, having "perfect children" and overweight kids! Oh and a cheeky mention for the 2017 Parenting Expo in September in Dublin. We hope you enjoy it.
Grandparents Looking After Grandkids.
It takes a village to rear a child is an old saying and today it is as valid as it ever was. More and more grandparents are taking on the role of child carers. With the high cost of mortgages and child care, it is often necessary for both parents to work, to cover living expenses. Or both parents may choose to focus on career.
From the child's perspective grandparents caring for them is a wonderful experience. All children need love, acceptance and validation in order to develop a strong sense of self and independence and being surrounded by people who love them unconditionally fosters these qualities in them.
However, issues can develop unless boundaries are made clear from the very beginning.
Grandparents need to remember that this is not their child and it is up to the parents to set out how they want their child cared for. Issues around discipline, food, sleep etc. should be clearly understood prior to the childcare starting. Parents also need to understand that their parent has successfully raised them, so they are not without parenting skills.
Children need structure and consistency in their lives, so it is important that all the people caring for them are working from the same perspective.
Differing opinions need to be discussed and negotiated. It is not appropriate for the Parents to lay down rules which the other finds difficult or impossible to implement. It is also unacceptable for the Grandparents to agree to the structures and then to disregard them and do their own thing. What happens here is that the child receives mixed messages which just confuses them and leaves them feeling unsafe and with divided loyalties.
How then can these differences be dealt with respectfully?
1: both parties need to admit that there may be a potential problem.
2: an appropriate time needs to be set aside to discuss the issues. Not when people are tired following a long day, much better to meet when both parties are free.
3: start with “I” messages, e.g. I am worried, I feel restricted, I am not sure what is expected etc.
4: then say what you would really like to do about the issue.
5: together think up ideas which are possible solutions to the issue and list them.
6: choose one idea, the one most likely to succeed.
7: plan the details.
8: carry it out
If 8 fails or is difficult to implement, go back to 6 again and choose a second option.
Allow each party space to speak without interruption, giving them your full attention.
If parents and grandparents put their love for the child first, they will find it easier to come to an agreement in the service of the child. In this way appropriate boundaries for the child will be put in place. The parents will feel secure that their child will be well cared for and the bond between the child and the grandparents will grow from the daily interaction.
In our latest episode, Allen meets marketing pioneer, Jon Buscall. Jon has travelled such a fascinating path through dealing with mental health issues, being a published writer, lecturing and now running his successful business. Jon's openness and honesty in this interview are truly engaging and inspiring and highlight the need for us all to find our own balance as we strive for contentment.
In this interview Allen meets technology specialist, Lisa Fannin to discuss how she has built her career and attempts to balance work/home life as a successful product developer and being a mum and wife. Lisa talks about working from her core values and trusting her instincts and how, as she has grown, this has changed and got her to a point where the balance is getting that bit easier.
Lots of people assume that video coaching won’t be as effective as one to one coaching. Over the past few years our video coaching clients have increased. We have worked with clients from United Kingdom, USA, Canada and Australia and that’s just in the last six months!!! Here are a number of reasons why it is becoming more popular:
Here’s what our video clients have to say about it.
Personal coaching can be about becoming the best version of yourself, and about living a life of gusto, purpose, and impact. My coaching experience with Allen has not only helped me work towards those things, but it has enabled me to discover what makes me tick, what stands in my way, and which priorities and goals are truly important to me. Allen has the gift of being able to find “hidden” tools that allow clients to realize their goals. My sessions with Allen are always productive and insightful. If you had asked me a year ago if having Skype coaching sessions would be as rewarding or helpful as they have been, I might have been skeptical. Thankfully, Allen is adept at helping me focus on what is really important, and what next steps I need to take. He has fantastic, creative ideas that I’ve found eye-opening, simple and practical. As someone who generally feels reasonably competent, it’s amazing how Allen can help me cut through the diversions to discover what, in retrospect, is the obvious path. That is a unique and skillful gift that he readily shares with others. Whether it’s a challenge that I wasn’t able to work through or a new endeavor that will affect my growth, I can look forward to having Allen’s insights and guidance to help me along that path. What started for me as a focus on “getting good parenting advice” has become much broader and more beneficial. I highly recommend Allen as a positive, knowledgeable and effective coach.
-K. Hanson
I first contacted Allen to help me with navigating a new career in a field that can be frustrating and demoralizing. I felt like he had the unique qualifications I needed to help me succeed and flourish in this business. With his help, I have gained an immeasurable amount of confidence and he has given me a lot of tools that I can use when I get stuck with whatever situation may arise. He has been an unending source of support and encouragement and he challenges me to look at situations from angles that I may not have seen. He has helped me in both my professional and personal life. He is a great listener and he provides a thoughtful and insightful approach to every issue. I highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in becoming an improved version of themselves!
-A. Rainey
I came to Allen for help with time management. I was hoping for some straight forward tips and some powerful motivation. I was not ready to face the fact that I was putting up my own hurdles and I was definitely not comfortable exploring why. But, Allen was just so genuine and caring that I couldn’t help but let my guard down with him. Once I did that his warmth and insight made it possible for me to gradually drop my guard altogether, a prospect that would have seemed terrifying only months earlier but has turned out to be more rewarding than I could have imagined. I’m still working on it but, Allen has given me the tools and encouragement to make changes I thought were impossible, not only in how I manage my time but in how I approach life. I am forever grateful.
-D. Ramsay