Rock Solid

Health And Wellness Director

Wellity

Proud to be working with Wellity in their global mission to deliver mental health and wellbeing training solutions for some of the world’s most respected organisations including the UK Home Office, the G7 Summit, Police Force, Nokia, Fujitsu and many more.

Associate Consultant

Rock Solid Body Transformations

Run and work at Rock Solid providing an exclusive and executive personal training service, with nutrition advise and plans along with our 12 week body transformation program.

Director

Conscious Control 

Conscious Control is a seperate business where we run a practice and deliver workshops based around the CONTROL system.

Qualifying back in 2016 as a CONTROL Practitioner we work directly with our cliens sub concious mind, which is the most powerful part of the mind to change the way you think feel and behave.

Conscious Control

We flew over to the USA to be the first to deliver ou CONTROL workshops to 22 Americans over 4 workshops. This is the first of it's kind over in the states and we're proud to be able to deliver these.

The Whole trip was vlogged and you can access these via our YouTube Channel.

www.youtube.com/rocksolid4lifetv

Workshop Presenters

BodyPower Expo

We was invited to be part of the Educators section of the BodyPower expo and speak on stage at the event helping other PT's and coaches to work on their clients mindset and not just their bodies.

Link to vlog for more info

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mebJpyp1V-c&index=23&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=488s

Public Speaker

HMP Prison Service

We delivered workshops to both prisoners and staff of HMP Isis as part of Mental Health Awareness Day.

We gave coping strategies and gave more information about how prisoners and staff can work together to create a better place mentally for the prisoners to live. 

We vlogged the series and what we taught the prisoners and staff

Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssQaJGNSk90&index=15&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=1s


Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riP6G9zRLkM&index=3&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=14s

Part 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c7qGCivc3o&index=25&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=23s

Part 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib-ZJGpWuSg&index=51&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=1s

Part 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EBshB_5BBs&index=58&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=1s

Workshops and Public Speaker

Having been diagnosed with Kidney Disease after taking Lithium for my Bi-Polar I was asked to be part of a medical study to see how kidneys deteriorate over time.

This study took 3 years and in that time I dedicated myself to this wonderful cause.

This Vlog is of my journey


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjgNGNXFxiA&t=0s&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&index=30

Candidate

Mental Health in the Workplace

We attended this event as we was asked to speak at the event arranged by Sadie Hopson for mental health in the workplace.

I was asked to talk about my time within the Police and also about my recent breakdown which was in July of 2017.

We vlogged the journey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNrA9bmxWIk&index=59&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=3s

ROCK SOLID BODY TRANSFORMATIONS LTD

Having created and authored a children's book, The Amazing Adventures Of The Good Food Gangwe teamed up with Shepway Sports Trust and delivered classes to 5040 children within in our local area in Kent. The classes were all about educating children about how food affects their bodies and where their food comes from. 

The theme of the class was taken from the childrens book which we now sell seperately

For the Vlog see here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJSMcxO4lVY&index=43&list=PL3Aw13IYleYhonQfBb8ff9NZSlIWPpzZ7&t=271s

School Educators

I help overachievers smash burnout and regain control of their lives 💪 Founder @ Rock Solid Health & Energised Leadership

🔥 Burnout Survivor, Health & Well-being advocate 

Ever been there? Feeling like life is burning you out, leaving you exhausted and drained? You're not alone. Many of our clients have been there too.

I specialise in helping individuals reset their health, reclaim their vitality, and embrace a fulfilling, vibrant life through our proven A.C.E Method

Most of our clients come to us when they're:

👉🏻 Deep in the throes of burnout or on the path to recovery.

They're seeking to regain control, discover effective energy management strategies, and rekindle that sense of 'normalcy.'

Our approach tackles:

👉🏻 The three stages of burnout, affecting your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
👉🏻 Our 6 pillars of health and well-being.
👉🏻 In line with our A.C.E method

It will empower you to:

🙌🏻 Master your energy, catalyzing a transformative journey to better health.
🙌🏻 Experience positive ripples in your relationships, personal life, business, and career.

Curious if it works? Browse the testimonials on my profile.

🔔 Drop me a message, and let's explore effective strategies tailored just for you.

🤩 About Me:
I'm a former Police and Counter-Terrorism Intel Officer who, after a medical retirement, ventured into the health and wellness industry with 'Rock Solid Health' in 2013.

My own battles with mental health, including a diagnosis of Bipolar and OCD in 2009, have become my greatest assets. They enable me to give back to society.

I collaborate with my husband, Barry Ash, a former Prison Officer and Physical Training Instructor in the Prison Service.

In 2017, I faced severe burnout within my own business, shaping our unwavering focus on this critical issue.

Our methods and principles at Rock Solid stem from 30+ years of nurturing our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, grounded in a practical, no-nonsense approach.

Our Achievements:
🤩 Featured on the TV Show 'It’s Your Fault I Am Fat.'
🤩 Proud Associate Consultants to Wellity Global.
🤩 Worked within Prisons, aiding staff and inmates.
🤩 Contributed to the CONTROL System in the USA.
🤩 Spoke at the UK's largest sports expo, BodyPower.
🤩 Authors of a children’s book.
🤩 Educated 5040 children in one year on food.
🤩 Published articles in magazines.

Our greatest accolades are the transformations our clients achieve and the incredible lives they lead daily—happy, healthy, meaningful, and fulfilled.

Beyond work, I'm a Crossfit enthusiast, adore Maine Coon cats, and dabble in part-time superhero antics as Wonder Woman (Check out Oursuperherolife on Instagram and TikTok). 💪😸✨"

Laura Ash

Today we complete our 8-week community programme supported by Kent Police

Over 100 women and girls have now been through these sessions with us.

And while the programme may be wrapping up, our work is not.

Because when you look at what’s happening in communities across the UK, it becomes clear that awareness, confidence, and education are still urgently needed.

Here are just a few of the recently reported incidents from the past few weeks:

→ London — A Bridgerton actress shared that she had been targeted on the street for the second time this year.

 → Birmingham — A woman tragically lost her life following an unprovoked attack in the city centre; a suspect has been charged.

→ Bolton — A man received a significant prison sentence after a violent offence against a vulnerable woman.

→ Suffolk — A woman was approached while out for an early-morning run

These things happened to real-life people who, like you and me, have lives 

They are Mothers, Daughters, Friends, Nieces, Granddaughters, Wives, Girlfriends and Colleagues 

None of this is shared to create fear or alarm

And it certainly isn’t to sensationalise.

It’s to acknowledge reality

Because it’s far too easy for these stories to fade into the background.

What we don’t talk about, we can’t change.

What we avoid, we can’t improve.

What we ignore, we can’t prevent.

Over the past 8 weeks we’ve seen something powerful:
→ Women and girls building confidence.
→ Understanding boundaries.
→ Learning about awareness.
→ Knowing their options.
→ Finding their voice.

And that’s why this work matters.

We’re not here to create fear.

We’re here to create preparedness, confidence, and community support, the things that actually make people feel safer in their everyday lives.

And yes, I hear you sa,y "This should not be needed in this day in age"

Well, we ARE in this position, and we can either keep quiet or we can educate, empower and engage Women and Girls in these conversations 

And while this programme with Kent Police is ending, our commitment to this mission absolutely isn’t.

If you run a school, workplace, organisation, community group or youth programme and want to bring this kind of education to your people my inbox is open.

Safety isn’t a headline.

 It’s a community effort. And it continues long after the news cycle moves on.

Laura 

P.S. I just want to say how incredibly proud I am of the team that has come together to make these 8 weeks possible.

The collaboration, care, and commitment behind the scenes have been exceptional and it’s a reminder that real change happens when good people come together with a shared purpose.

Burnout & Resilience Speakers & Experts Empowering Purpose-Driven Leaders Reconnect Energy & Passion | Authors of The Energy Reset | Hosts of Stress Less, Live More | Superhero Power Couple IRL Inspiring Change

A report released today revealed that men in England & Wales are significantly underreporting domestic violence incidents

With only 1 in 6 incidents resulting in charges.

And while this is a complex, sensitive issue…

The headline points to a deeper truth we see every day:

Men are conditioned not to struggle.

From a young age, many are taught to:

→ Be the strong one
→ Be the provider
→ Stay stoic
→ Never show “weakness”

So anything that carries even a hint of shame, vulnerability, or emotional difficulty gets buried.

And here’s why this matters far beyond today’s news:

This is the same reason business owners and leaders won’t admit they’re burned out.

They’ll joke about being tired.

They’ll say things like:

→ “Ha, what’s a weekend?”
→ “I could do with more energy.”
→ “Busy is good, right?”

But to actually say:
→ “I’m not coping.”
→ “I’m overwhelmed.”
→ “I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.”

…feels like a threat to their identity.

Not because they’re weak, no Sir!
 
But because they were never given permission to be human.

This is the unspoken issue inside UK (and Global) businesses right now:

→  Leaders are carrying invisible pressure.
→  Burnout is rising.
→  Support is available… but silence feels safer than being seen.

So if you’re reading this and you’ve been pushing through, laughing it off, minimising it:

→ You’re not alone.
→ You’re not failing.
→ You’re not “meant” to do this on your own.

→ → → → Struggle doesn’t make you weak.

 The silence and struggling in the dark does.

Real leadership isn’t pushing through the pain.

It’s having the clarity to confront it.

What are your thoughts on this? 

Loz

P.S There are some fantastic support services out there, so you don't have to struggle with this alone

Samaritans — 24/7 emotional support: 116 123 (free from any phone) 
Shout — 24/7 free, confidential text support: text SHOUT to 85258
Men’s Advice Line — for male victims of domestic abuse: 0808 801 0327 
ManKind Initiative — charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse (offers advice, helpline, referral to services)

My dad used to say: Only idiots get bored.

He was wrong...soz Dad! 

I grew up believing boredom meant you weren’t doing enough.

And if you’re a high performer, you were probably taught the same:

→ Stay busy
→ Always be on it
→ Keep producing
→ Never slow down

But here’s what Harvard Professor Arthur C. Brooks just revealed:

→ → → →  You NEED boredom.

Without it, you lose meaning, clarity, and eventually… yourself.

Most high achievers are in fear of stillness.

Why?

Because silence forces you to hear the truth you’ve been outrunning.

That’s why so many leaders feel:
→ disconnected
→ successful but lost
→ constantly “on edge”
→ overwhelmed but empty

It's not the workload.

It’s the noise.

The constant doing.

The refusal to sit in the quiet.

Brooks calls boredom 

"The gateway to meaning the moment your brain finally switches into the mode that handles identity, purpose, and self-awareness"

And most people avoid it at all costs.

But here’s the irony:

→ → → →  The faster you go, the further you drift from yourself.

The silence you avoid is the space you actually need.

So ask yourself:

When was the last time you let yourself be bored?

Not scrolling.

Not consuming.

Just you.

What do you think? Does being bored = lazy? or do you think it's a good thing?

Loz

P.S This is us at Salt Lake City Airport on an 8hr layover sleeping on the floor. Is there anything MORE boring than a long layover in an airport? 
----
Helping high performers stop burning out and start living again.

When a client asked me to “shout at him”… I said no.

He was raised in a military family.

Structure. Orders. Discipline

But only when someone else enforced it.

So when we started working together, he asked me:

“Can you shout at me? Push me? Tell me what to do so I’ll actually follow through?”

And I refused.

Not because he wasn’t capable.

But because he was.

If your discipline only works when someone else is watching

It’s not discipline → it’s dependency.

This man is highly successful.

A leader. A decision-maker. A powerhouse in his industry.

But his default wiring was:

→ Wait for orders
→ Wait for pressure
→ Wait for permission

→ THEN take action

This is what you call someone who is 

→ Externally driven.
→ Externally motivated.
→ Externally disciplined.

And at the same time…

He craved freedom 

Yet everything about his behaviour kept him in a system where someone else decided the tempo.

So instead of shouting at him, we helped him do something far more powerful:

→ Build internal discipline.
→ Internal authority.
→ Internal clarity.

Because the most dangerous trap for high performers isn’t lack of motivation…

It’s outsourcing their power.

Here’s what actually changed him:

→  Building habits that were initiated by him, not imposed on him
→ Reclaiming decision-making from a place of identity, not instruction
→  Learning that freedom comes from self-leadership, not external force

And the breakthrough?
→  He wanted to trust himself.
→  He wanted to be the authority in his own life.
→  He realised he didn’t want someone shouting at him.

This shift from external discipline to internal leadership changed everything.

Loz

“We spend every moment together so being apart was the hardest part for me.”

Most people know what happened to us recently, with Baz being admitted for emergency surgery 

(Which we just found out was life-threatening due to the severity of the infection)

But what we haven’t really spoken about is what it taught us.

Not about health.

Not about hospitals.

But about leadership… resilience… and the moments that strip everything back to what really matters.

When life hits you with something you didn’t plan for, you can't rely on strategies or frameworks.

You fall back on your truths, your mindset, your ability to stay present, and the people who hold you up.

In the latest episode of our Stress Less, Live More podcast, Baz and I share our real-time debrief on the things that grounded us when everything suddenly stopped.

Here are 3 insights leaders often don’t learn until life forces them to slow down:

1. Presence is Power
When the future feels uncertain, the only thing you can lead is the next breath, the next five minutes, the next step.

2. Surrender is not Weakness
There are moments you can’t control.
Your strength comes from how you respond not how tightly you grip.

3. Gratitude creates clarity
Even in stressful moments, there are small anchors that keep you grounded.
Often they’re the things we’re too busy to notice.

If you’re navigating a heavy season, or you’re the “strong one” everyone relies on, I think this conversation will speak to you.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Stress Less, Live More:

"When the Strong One Needs Help – Our Real-Time Debrief"

What’s one thing that helps you stay grounded when life gets unpredictable?

Loz (and Baz)

P.S Huge shout out to our video and podcast guru's Ben and Rachael who filmed this epic video on our VIP Content Day! (I think they have an offer on ATM check it out)

Someone left a nasty comment on one of our YouTube videos last week.

I blocked it, moved on…But for a split second?

It made me question myself.

Not because of what they said 

But because judgement hits the part of you that still wants to be understood.

And that’s what makes leadership so tough at times.

You can be strong, mission-driven, values-led…

and still feel that sting of:

→ “What if they’re right?”
→ “What if I’m annoying someone?”
→ “What if I’m getting this wrong?”

And then slowly… quietly…the doubt creeps in.

You see doubt is what makes you 
→ Post less.
→ Share less.
→ Lead less.
→ Show up less.

And before you notice it…

You are playing small again.

But here’s the truth I came back to and maybe you need it today too:

→→→ People will always have opinions.

And opinions don’t make you wrong.

Ricky Gervais said something along the lines of:

“Just because someone is offended doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong.”

And he’s right.

Most criticism is about projection.

Most negative comments are not rooted in truth.

They’re rooted in someone else’s pain.

And a quick glance of something they have seen online

Through THEIR lens of reality 

And that is your moment.

Your cue and your gentle reminder to:

✨ Come back to your message.
✨ Come back to your mission.
✨ Come back to who you are when you are not filtering yourself through other people’s opinions.

Because the world doesn’t need more leaders who shrink.

It needs leaders who stay lit EVEN when someone tries to dim them.

So if you’ve ever pulled back because of judgement or fear of being “too much”…

You are not alone.

You are needed

→→ Keep showing up.
→→→ Keep speaking up.
→→→→ Keep leading.

Someone out there is waiting for the exact thing you scared yourself out of posting.

What’s one thing you’ve held back from sharing because you feared judgement?

Loz 

--

Helping leaders get clarity so they can shine their light in the world!

Most people don’t set goals… they inherit them.

And that’s the real problem.

I saw this firsthand in our Clarity Beyond Your Business workshop this week.

The moment I asked everyone to think about 2026, they did what most high performers do:

They went straight to business goals.

Revenue. Growth. Output.

Because that’s what we’ve been conditioned to do.

But here’s the truth most people never question:

They’re not your goals.

They’re the goals you think you’re supposed to set.

The ones that look good on paper.

The ones that match your industry.

The ones you’d be praised for hitting…

…but not necessarily the ones that would make your life you feel any better.

And that’s why traditional goal-setting fails.

It never asks the real question:

“Who do you need to be next year?”

So instead of setting goals, we had everyone choose words to embody for 2026.

So that your INTENTION comes from the energy and power of these words

THAT is when the penny dropped for them

We had some amazing and powerful words created like:

Courage.
Stability.
Daring.
Expansion.
Boundless.
Release.
Trust.
Fun.

Not metrics.

Not milestones.

But energy.

Because when your intention is aligned, your decisions change.

Your boundaries change.

Your focus sharpens.

Your leadership strengthens.

Your business follows.

Clarity creates alignment.

Alignment creates momentum.

Momentum creates results.

Most people jump straight to results and skip the only part that actually moves their life forward.

So, as you think about 2026…

Don’t start with your business.

Start with you.

Loz

Why leaders are exhausted in Q4 (and it's not workload)

Leaders aren’t burning out from workload.

They’re burning out from confusion.

Because when clarity stops,

The pressure hits 

Every.
Single.
Time.

I saw it three times last week.

→ Smart leaders.
→ Strong teams.
→ High standards.

But completely overwhelmed…

Not because they’re incapable

But because they’re unclear on what actually matters right now.

And the questions running through their heads sound like this:

→ “Do I push a sales sprint or protect my team?”
→ “What deserves my focus growth or stability?”
→ “Should I plan 2026 now or finish 2025 strong?”
→ "What is so and so on socials doing now, maybe I'll copy that!"

Here’s what happens when clarity goes missing:

→ Your energy scatters
→ Your goals lose shape
→ Every task feels urgent
→ Decision fatigue skyrockets
→ And you start questioning yourself instead of the strategy

The issue is a lack of direction

And clarity helps with that

How do you get clarity?

Your not going to like it....but here we go!

Just think back, though 

Before you experienced any clarity, followed by the idea of the powerful new strategy you built

Came surrender.

That moment where you stop forcing

And the moment you stopped pushing so hard

And you got honest about what actually matters.

If you just surrendered today 

And found that complete clarity

What’s ONE thing you would do today?

Loz 

PS: This ↑ is exactly what we build inside the Energised Leadership Pathway Program to empower them to level up, create more impact and live a life aligned again

Everyone’s talking about tomorrow’s Budget.

And I get it uncertainty makes a lot of people tighten up.

But here’s the truth, no one’s saying:

You can’t define your business

by what happens on one day.

Or in one month.

Or even in one quarter.

My beautiful and wise friend Sally once reminded me of something I’ll never forget:

You can’t judge success by a snapshot.

You have to zoom out and see the whole picture.

Because when things feel uncertain,

It's easy to panic.

To spiral.

To make rushed decisions from fear, not clarity.

But here’s what I want you to remember 

Especially right now:

You always have control over:
 • How you show up
 • The standards you keep
 • The energy you lead with
 • The clarity you return to
 • The long-term game you’re building

And you can’t measure long-term success

With short-term emotion.

The leaders who thrive in uncertain seasons

 Are the ones who zoom out before they react.

They make decisions from clarity, not chaos.

Direction, not noise.

Budgets change.

Markets shift.

Cycles come and go.

But aligned leadership?

That’s your constant.

So before tomorrow arrives, ask yourself:

What vision am I holding, and what would I decide today if I weren’t afraid?

Loz 💜💚

P.S This is me and Sally laughing as we always do when we are together

Burnout is tearing families apart.

A recent study found that 73% of founders spend less time with their friends and family after starting their business.

And if you’re a high performer… you’ll understand exactly why.

Because the pressure to always be on
 → always be visible
 → always be selling
 → always be “available”…

…it starts to erode the very relationships you built this business for.

You’re in the room with your family,

But not really in the room.

Your mind is on the next client.

Your phone is in your hand.

Your to-do list is still running your life.

And over time, this disconnection chips away at your identity, your energy,
and your relationships.

But here’s the truth high performers forget:
🔥 Success doesn’t have to cost you everything.
🔥 Your business doesn’t need to be built on sacrifice.
🔥 You can be successful and present.

That’s exactly what we help our clients do inside Energised Leadership Pathway:

Reconnect with their purpose, their people, and their life without slowing down their ambition.

If you feel like business is pulling you away from the people you love…

You are not alone.

And you don’t have to keep doing it this way.

Want support?

I am just a DM away

Loz

Starting earlier won’t make you more successful.

Starting aligned will.

The highest performers I mentor?

They’re waking up later, not earlier.

Through my own burnout journey, I learned this

My pressure wasn’t coming from my business.

It was coming from my own expectations.

Based on others’ definition of “success.”

Not mine.

Once I got clear on that this is how it changed mine

AND changes my clients mornings:

 • You stop rushing
 • You stop comparing
 • Your thinking gets sharper
 • You work from YOUR OWN rhythm, not guilt
 • You protect your energy before you spend it

You don’t improve performance by forcing productivity.

You improve by aligning who you are

with how you work best.

I'd love to know what influences YOUR mornings?

YOU or OTHERS?

Loz 

P.S Ok I admit I am forced to sit a little longer, this is Salem my cat who loves to sit on my lap in the morning while I journal

20 minutes into Simon Cowell’s new Netflix show I had to pause it.

Because often, business looks better than it feels.

We’re so used to seeing the finished version of success:

→ The sold-out shows
→ The “high converting” launches
→  The polished keynotes
→ The six-figure courses
→ The smiles on stage

And then… reality sneaks in.

In the show, Simon talks openly about a marketing campaign that didn’t land.

Sure, traffic came into the website, and the numbers looked "okay" on the surface

BUT the converstion were not where near good enough. 

They appeared like they were genuinely worried it might fail.

And this is Simon Cowell people! 

What happened next is the part most people never see.
↑ They didn’t quit.
↑  They didn’t blame the audience.
↑ They didn’t spiral into “maybe this isn’t meant for us.”

↑ They went back to work.
↑ They changed the copy.
↑  They refined the message.
↑  They listened more closely to the audience.
↑  They adjusted together.

And NONE of this was glamorous, or instagramable, but it was what was needed 

And here’s why this hit me so hard…

I’ve been having the same conversation with business owners a lot lately.

It usually sounds like this:

“I don’t get it…everyone else looks like they’re flying, and I’m exhausted.”

→ They’re doing the work.
→ They’re showing up.
→ They’re investing everything they have into their business.

But behind the scenes?

They feel behind, disconnected and asking themselves

Is this even working for me anymore?

Because all they ever see is the smoke and mirrors of business ownership:
→ Big launches
→ Confident stages
→ Perfectly packaged success
→ Smiles, wins, momentum

And very little of:

↓ The campaigns that didn’t land
↓ The copy that had to be rewritten
↓ They moments of “is this even working?”

Here’s the reality check most business owners need:

If you’re feeling exhausted and lost, it’s rarely because you’re incapable.

It’s because you’ve been measuring your behind-the-scenes against someone else’s highlight reel.

Yeah, read that one again ↑

That comparison pulls you away from your mission.

And when you lose connection to why you started, everything feels heavier.

Most of the clients we work with don’t need more strategy.

They need less noise… and more reconnection.

Because clarity doesn’t come from looking outward.

It comes from remembering who you are, who you serve, and what actually matters.

Have you seen the show yet? If so I'd love to hear your thoughts on that episode

Loz

PS. By no means am I a marketing guru. I will leave that to the experts

This isn’t advice, just an observation from the show and from working with business owners who come to us exhausted and lost in both their life and their business. They have just forgotten their mission by listening to too many external voices.

Men’s emotional health is front-page this week in the UK 

And it should be front-of-business, too.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this

Loz

View newsletter: Take 5 and ReCharge ☕️

And Why It Matters for Your Business This week, the UK government announced a national summit on the challenges facing men and boys with a major focus

Open article: Why Men’s Emotional Health Is Suddenly Front-Page News by Laura Ash • 3 min read

Why Men’s Emotional Health Is Suddenly Front-Page News

Christmas Day (and Boxing Day) is one of the only times of the year where it feels socially acceptable to stop.

No emails.
No launches.
No “quick check-ins.”

For business owners, that can feel like a rare moment of permission:

→ permission not to be online
→ permission not to respond
→ permission not to perform

→ → → But permission only works if you actually take it.

So here’s our invitation:

→ Put the phone down for Christmas Day.
→  Be properly present.

Because let’s be honest, everyone’s feeds will look the same:

→ Presents.
→ Christmas jumpers.
→ Smiles for the camera.

What actually lasts are the moments you don’t post.

→ The conversations.
→ The laughter.
→ The memories you’re fully there for.

Work will still be there.

This moment won’t.

What boundary are you giving yourself permission to hold this Christmas?

Loz 

PS 🎧 We go deeper into this conversation in the latest episode of the Stress Less, Live More podcast:
 
“The Perfectly Imperfect Christmas: Why Messy Is Magical.”

Just search Stress Less, Live More wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks to Ben and Rachael for helping us to produce this podcast and of course to my wonderful co-host Barry (Baz), wearing his Xmas Jumper that I forgot to pack

Jennifer Spurr Coaching & Consultancy

I work with women in leadership & ambitious professionals to redefine success on their terms, thrive in their careers & make an impact in their roles.

When you can unlock your full potential and feel fulfilled at work, extraordinary things can happen.

But there is so much thrown at you:
- Your demanding role at work
- The relentless expectation to deliver and be ‘always on’
- The pressure you put yourself under

It’s easy for this to lead to self-doubt & overwhelm, as well as feeling undervalued & uninspired in your professional life


I support my clients to navigate these pressures & thrive:

➡️ Accelerate your Career: whether that’s landing a promotion, navigating career crossroads, or re-imagining current role
➡️ Lead yourself & others with courage, confidence & compassion
➡️ Leverage your strengths & unique leadership style to create the impact & results you want
➡️ Leave behind imposter syndrome & feel confident in yourself & your abilities 
➡️ Developing the capabilities to flourish: resilience, communication & influencing, energy management, boundaries, work-life balance etc


I’ve supported leaders from organisations such as Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue, Unilever, Storck, KFC, KPMG, Upfield & Workday, as well as multiple small businesses.

WHY ME:
I spent 20 years building a successful marketing career, leading high-performing teams for brands including Cadbury, Philadelphia & Heinz. I now combine this commercial leadership experience with my coaching expertise to support individuals & organisations. I understand first-hand the realities & pressures you are under, & tailor my coaching & workshops to maximise impact & results. 

My background & experience give me a unique perspective. I take a holistic, evidence-based approach to coaching, focusing on the whole person and offering support, challenge & a compassionate space. It's this approach that enables real, sustainable progress.

Founder: Jennifer Spurr Coaching & Consultancy

The Whole Marketer

Coach & Associate Consultant

Wild Thingz

Fractional Chief Marketing Officer

Mindset Maintenance CIC

Non Executive Board Member

Mondelēz International

Responsible for white space strategy development in light of changing government legislation, media consumption & consumer trends.  Delivered long-term strategic brand vision, equity strategy and marketing plan for full Cadbury portfolio.  

In addition, coaching & mentoring across the Marketing community at all level

Marketing Manager Cadbury - Future of Advertising

Business lead for Cheese & Grocery portfolio, reporting to Category Director Northern Europe.
Leading team of 7 (3 direct reports), with accountability for full P&L delivery, strategic planning and TTL marketing communications.
Brands include Philadelphia and Dairylea

Head Of Marketing - Cheese & Grocery UK&I

Led team of 4 (3 direct reports).
Accountable for P&L delivery and strategic marketing for Cadbury Singles portfolio (brands include Wispa, Flake, Twirl, Crunchie).
Led delivery of London 2012 'golden ticket' campaign.

Senior Brand Manager Cadbury Flake & Wispa

The Kraft Heinz Company

Commercial and Marketing responsibility for Heinz Soup portfolio.
Brands include Heinz Classic, Big Soup, Weight Watchers from Heinz.
Development of strategic plans, led development of the Soup 'It Has To Be Heinz' integrated comms campaign

Senior Brand Manager Soup

Sara Lee Household & Body Care Research

Brand Manager - Radox & Brylcreem

Career & Leadership Coaching: | Impact & results without sacrificing well-being 🌿 | Fulfilment & Confidence on your terms - in your career & beyond📈 | ex-20 years corporate people-leader | ICF ACC accredited coach

I work with women in leadership & ambitious professionals to redefine success on their terms, thrive in their careers & make an impact in their roles.

When you can unlock your full potential and feel fulfilled at work, extraordinary things can happen.

But there is so much thrown at you:
- Your demanding role at work
- The relentless expectation to deliver and be ‘always on’
- The pressure you put yourself under

It’s easy for this to lead to self-doubt & overwhelm, as well as feeling undervalued & uninspired in your professional life


I support my clients to navigate these pressures & thrive:

➡️ Accelerate your Career: whether that’s landing a promotion, navigating career crossroads, or re-imagining current role
➡️ Lead yourself & others with courage, confidence & compassion
➡️ Leverage your strengths & unique leadership style to create the impact & results you want
➡️ Leave behind imposter syndrome & feel confident in yourself & your abilities 
➡️ Developing the capabilities to flourish: resilience, communication & influencing, energy management, boundaries, work-life balance etc


I’ve supported leaders from organisations such as Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue, Unilever, Storck, KFC, KPMG, Upfield & Workday, as well as multiple small businesses.

As a trainer & facilitator, I run a 12-month Women In Leadership programme for a global FMCG organisation.


WHY ME:
I spent 20 years building a successful marketing career, leading high-performing teams for brands including Cadbury, Philadelphia & Heinz. I now combine this commercial leadership experience with my coaching expertise to support individuals & organisations.  I understand first-hand the realities & pressures you are under, & tailor my coaching & workshops to maximise impact & results. 

My background & experience give me a unique perspective. I take a holistic, evidence-based approach to coaching, focusing on the whole person and offering support, challenge & a compassionate space.  It's this approach that enables real, sustainable progress.


“Working with Jen 1:1 has delivered a truly transformative & inspirational experience focussing on a range of areas such as building confidence, resilience, growth mindset & work life blend. Jen is incredibly perceptive and insightful and helps me set clear actionable goals. This has led to a happier, more productive & positive impact on me both professionally & personally"


HOW TO WORK WITH ME:
- 1:1 Coaching
- Workshops

GET IN TOUCH: 
➡️Email: jen@jenniferspurr.co.uk
➡️Book free discovery call: https://calendly.com/jenniferspurr/discovery-call

Jennifer Spurr

I feel like I’ve run a marathon this week
 
 
I haven’t.
Obvs
If I had, you’d definitely have known about it before now 😉
 
 
More like an emotional marathon
 
My girls are going through loads of change
New school, new classes, new people
And the uncertainty, anxiety and just well, big feelings that go with it
 
 
Which are on top of the mental load & logistical gymnastics that’s required for working parents. At the end of the year when everyone’s exhausted 🤦‍♀️ 
 
It is A LOT to manage
And this is before my “real” job even starts each morning
 
 
Sending a virtual hug to all the parents who are navigating this too & holding those big emotions
Before work, and probably even before coffee
You’ve got this.
 
And managers & leaders – kindness always
Chances are your working parents have put in a shift & a half before they’re even at their desk
 
 
Happy Thursday team!

Bespoke coaching for ambitious Marketers & commercial execs to accelerate their careers & dial-up their impact & results, on their terms 🎯Coach & Associate Consultant at The Whole Marketer 🌱Fractional CMO, Ex-Mondelez

Actual things I've been told that I ignored
(and you probably should too) 👇
 
 
- You've got a great job, why would you want to risk it? 
- No one really loves their job
- You're lucky to be where you are, why rock the boat?
 
 
If I’d listened to that advice…
 
I’d still be ticking the boxes
Playing it safe
Still chasing other people’s definitions of success
Still feeling like something was missing.
 
 
I'd never have put my brave pants on & backed myself
I'd never have made the moves I have
I'd never have felt as fulfilled & energised by my work as I do now
 
 
If you've been getting similar "helpful" advice, remember:
 
🎯 You can be proud of everything you've built in your career so far AND be ready for more
 
🎯 You can achieve all the things you set out to AND want to redefine success on your terms
 
🎯 You can be grateful AND still want something different now

3 ways I’ve been brave recently...
 
 
If you’ve been here a while, you know I’m a huge fan of the importance of being brave. Because waiting to *feel* confident is not a thing
 
 
So here’s 3 ways I’ve been brave in November...
 
🎯 Made a big business decision
Running a business is wild at the best of time but in this market it is… well, really tough. I’ve been sitting with this decision for a while & this month I finally made it (more on this shortly)


🌱 Sat in the weeds with my littlest who is having a tough time at school
My natural response is to go all crazy mama bear & “fix it” 
Turns out you can’t really do that 🤦‍♀️
So instead we’re sat in that hugely uncomfortable place of navigating through it together (for those of us who grew up in the 90s when emotions weren’t really allowed, this is HARD)
 
 
🌊 Kept sea dipping despite the big drop in temperature
Thanks Kat Thorne for what you’ve created here, there's no way I'd be getting in this cold sea without the incredible Women who PLNGE community! 
 
 
And thanks Elissa Davies for the inspo with this post 
If you don’t already follow her, go check her out
She is the OG queen of being brave (which is probably a prerequisite for being a special-missions pilot & breathwork coach)
 
 
❓ Tell me how you have been brave recently…
 Ps brave looks & feels different to all of us
 What brave is for me, might be totally different for you

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The Battle

Laura Ash

Jennifer Spurr

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Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Laura Ash's LinkedIn Performance

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