In this episode of On Becoming the Change, I speak with Vanessa May, a coach who helps women find courage and authenticity in their lives. We explore what it means to embrace your true self, navigate big life changes, and build a life aligned with your values. We explore:

* What it means to live as the truest and most authentic version of yourself and finding the bravery to step into your purpose and the life you were built for

* The challenges and opportunities of being a highly sensitive person or empath

* How big life changes, like divorce or break-ups, can create opportunities for growth and transformation

* Understanding how early experiences, like being an under or over ‘achiever’ at school, shape us and how to reframe limiting beliefs

* Breaking free from people-pleasing, fixing others, and learning how to set empowering boundaries

* Recognising your triggers and creating healthier, more authentic relationships with yourself and others

* Overcoming shame and our shadow parts and how by embracing and accepting all parts of ourselves, we allow this for others too

* How we mask our true selves to try and fit in and what happens when we try to be someone for other people, rather than being ourselves

* Regulating our nervous system and being able to live at edge of our comfort zone to grow

Vanessa shares her empowering insights and experience that may encourage you to live a more courageous and authentic life. This is a very open conversation where we both share parts our personal challenges and the work we’ve done to overcome them. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and a big thank you to Vanessa for joining the podcast.

About Vanessa May

Vanessa is passionate about helping women break through barriers that keep them playing small. For years, she has worked with corporate leaders and ambitious women who have the potential to rise but feel held back by invisible limitations.

Many women feel pressured to act differently just to be heard or stay quiet to avoid being seen as “too assertive.” They want to lead without sacrificing their true selves or their values.

Vanessa’s organisation, Courage Unfolding, was created to help women connect with their authentic selves, build confidence, and lead in a way that feels true to them. Whether they’re rebuilding after challenges or ready to take their careers to the next level, she is here to guide them to step fully into their leadership and strength.

Find out more here https://courageunfolding.com/about-vanessa-may/

This is the last episode of the first series of the podcast. Thank you SO MUCH for listening, I would love to hear your takeaways from this episode or any episode you listened to, if you want to share one thing that has really stayed with you – do comment or drop me an email at hello@heatherlynch.co.uk.

If you have enjoyed the podcast and think others might find value in it, then please do share it.

I am working on an exciting project to bring together all the themes and topics from this podcast into an offering which will be launching in the next month or so, if you want to hear about it then follow me on substack or Linkedin.

This podcast series was post-produced by Colette Jonas, freelance audio editor/sound designer/composer, who has been wonderful to work with. If you are looking for support with your podcast you can contact Colette by email colettejonas@yahoo.co.uk.

Updates from me:

* Coaching – If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you to live as your truest self, to transform the big transitions in your life to wonderful opportunities and have the courage to step into your power, you canbook a free discovery call with me.

* People, Planet, Pint in East Surrey – an informal meet up for people who care about people and the planet. The next one is on Tuesday 4th February from 6:30pm in Market Stores, Reigate. If you’re local, I hope to see you there – Sign up here

* Conscious Changemakers Walks are back – the next one is on Sunday 2nd March – I host monthly relaxed and mindful walks in Reigate, Surrey for people who want slow down, reconnect with themselves and nature and connect with like-minded people. I posted some reflections from the last walk on Linkedin here. You can sign up to the one on the 2nd March here.

* Mindfulness for Changemakers – join us on Monday 17th February in Liverpool Street. Hosted monthly, this is an evening for changemakers to come together to slow down, cultivate inner peace, and connect with others in our movement. Set in a cosy Bedouin tent, we’ll explore mindfulness practices inspired by Plum Village, followed by a shared meal. Spaces are limited and you can book here.

* Can you help me? I am in the process of creating an offer for people to support them on their journey of becoming the change they want to see. I would like to speak to people who want to do more inner work to create systemic change, so if that’s you and you’d be up for a chat to share your journey and thoughts and are happy for me ask you a few questions, please schedule in a call with me. As a thank you, I will offer a free 45 min coaching call for your time.

Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com