I am so excited for you to hear this very special conversation with (in my opinion) the OG Confidence Coach. I was so blown away by Jo's book Flying for Beginners that I started using some of the techniques within it on my own coaching clients who battle very loud inner critics and low self-esteem, as it's so bloody powerful!

Jo is the UK's leading Confidence Coach and expert in human behaviour, Author and Podcaster. She is the perfect mix of wise, warm and relatable.

In this episode Jo shares her confidence story from low self-esteem after a difficult childhood to finding true confidence and authentic happiness after being jolted out of her people pleasing ways in 2011. In one week Jo was diagnosed with cancer and lost a good friend to suicide, shortly after she left her marriage. This collection of events led her on a self-discovery journey and to setting up her successful Coaching Business, writing her book and finding true love with her now husband.

I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I enjoyed recording it.

Contact:

- Website: www.jo-emerson.com

- Instagram: @jo_emerson_

- Book, Flying for beginners. Available on Amazon.

Join us for a special episode where for the first time...drum roll....we have male guests!

Meet Matt Knibb, Dad of two, Head of PE at a school for those with additional needs and Mental Health first aid trainer and Brad Smith, Dad of one, solution based hypnotherapist, the hosts of Mental Health Takeaway podcast. A podcast that discuss men's mental health in a light hearted manner.

After being invited on to their podcast and having such insightful conversations, I thought it would be great to have an authentic conversation delving into confidence, mental health and let's be real...their life stories!

Key moments of the episode:

- Matt and Brad discuss what led to them launching this podcast and focusing on men's mental health. Discussing the vital things that we can learn from these conversations and how women can support the men in their life who are struggling with their mental health.

- Both men share their childhood confidence journeys into adulthood and reflect on key moments of struggle and lessons.

- Both share their life confidence pivotal moments and how those moments shaped their growth.

- We all realised that one of our life pivotal confidence moments were our divorces and walking away from marriages that didn't work, we discussed how hitting rock can set you up on a new more authentic path.

- We discussed pillars of self-esteem and how life sometimes impacts all of your pillars at once, losing a job, a relationship ending etc and when this happens it can be extremely ungrounding and stressful.

- Both Matt and Brad share some really valuable advice for those on a confidence journey with some golden nuggets of wisdom.

Contact Matt and Brad:

Instagram: @mental_health_takeways

In this episode, we sit down with Hayley Brown, a passionate sign language interpreter, to explore her unique career journey and the life experiences that have shaped her along the way. Hayley opens up about challenges like single parenting, overcoming relationship struggles, and the influence of personal tragedies on her passion for communication.

Below are some key highlights from our conversation:

1. Single Parenting & Vulnerability

Hayley shares the raw realities of being a solo parent and how it impacts a woman's ability to embrace vulnerability. She explains how single mothers often lack the space to express their feelings freely, needing remain strong for their children.

2. The Impact of Losing Her Mum to Alcoholism

Hayley’s mother passed away when Hayley was 25 after battling alcoholism and loneliness. This tragic loss instilled fears around loneliness and influenced Hayley’s beliefs around being alone.

3. Dyslexia and the Drive for Communication Accessibility

Growing up with dyslexia and witnessing her mother’s struggle to communicate openly about her battles inspired Hayley to champion communication accessibility for all. Her work as a sign language interpreter is deeply rooted in her belief that everyone deserves to be heard and understood.

4. Overcoming Confidence Blocks in Relationships

In her personal life, Hayley has faced confidence blocks due to a lack of healthy relationship dynamics being modelled during her childhood. These experiences led to trauma-bonded relationships, but through self-growth, Hayley has shifted toward healthier relationship patterns.

5. Facing Criticism and Finding Her Voice Online

For years, Hayley struggled with criticism, particularly accusations of being “attention-seeking.” This blocked her at times, from pursuing a presence on social media and starting her own podcast. In this episode, she shares how she overcame these internal obstacles and found the confidence to put herself out there.

6. Walking 24 Hours for Charity

Hayley pushed herself to her limits by walking for 24 hours to raise funds for a deaf charity, documenting the entire experience. During this vulnerable time, a fellow interpreter accused her of “stealing the deaf limelight,” leading to discussions around projection, envy, and the negativity often found in online spaces.

7. Why Negative Comments Stick More than Positive Ones

A powerful moment in the episode was our conversation on how negative feedback often leaves a more lasting impression than positive feedback.

8. Pivotal Life Confidence Moments

Finally, Hayley reflects on the key moments in her life that helped shape her confidence and resilience, including how these experiences contributed to her career as a sign language interpreter.

Tune in to hear Hayley’s moving story, her insights on relationships, communication, and self-growth, and how she’s turned her personal challenges into professional strength.

Contact Hayley Brown:

Instagram: @hayleybrown_andco

Podcast instagram: inadequatemothers