Dog Walk Thoughts - with Clare E Kenny

EPISODE 15: Why your inclusion strategy might be missing the point

How do we move beyond pigeonholes and policies to create truly inclusive workplaces?
In this episode, I reflect on why a one-size-fits-all approach to inclusion often misses the mark - and how we can do better.
From neurodiversity to quiet thinkers in meetings, I explore the risks of echo chambers, the power of diverse perspectives, and the practical changes leaders can make to create environments where everyone can thrive. Whether you're building a team, leading change, or rethinking workplace culture, this one's for you.

EPISODE 14: Who is looking after you, while you look after everyone else?

In this episode, I’m talking about the emotional load so many HR, people and wellbeing professionals are carrying right now - and what it’s doing to us.
If you’re constantly supporting others through change, uncertainty and big emotions, this one’s for you. I’m sharing some thoughts on boundaries, triggers, and why we all need time to process what we’re holding.
Because looking after others shouldn't mean forgetting about yourself.

EPISODE 13: Let's talk about guilt

Let’s Talk About Guilt
In this episode, I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind a lot lately - guilt. The constant, creeping kind that shows up even when I am getting things done. Whether I’m working on my business, spending time with my daughter, or just doing something I enjoy, there always seems to be a part of me asking, “But what about everything else?”
Since my ADHD diagnosis, I’ve become more aware of the way guilt intertwines with overwhelm, productivity, and even joy. I talk about the difference between guilt and shame (with a nod to Brené Brown), why we don’t need to earn our rest, and how I’m learning to challenge that inner voice that says I should always be doing more.
This one’s honest, unfiltered, and a little windy - but if you ever find yourself stuck in that loop of “I should be doing something else,” I think you’ll relate.
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 12: People don't leave companies, they leave managers

This one’s all about managers. The brilliant ones who help you grow, and the ones who slowly make you dread Mondays. I share stories of both, and unpack the massive impact people managers have on culture, wellbeing, and performance. From feedback styles to affinity bias, micromanagement to missed potential, we look at what really makes a great manager - and what happens when leadership blocks the flow of everything good.
Champagne towers, Coke Zero, and a whole lot of truth.
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 11: Community, connection, and the joy of comfortable silence

In this episode, I reflect on what connection really means - especially as someone who’s introverted and sober. From the discomfort of small talk to the beauty of honest, quiet moments, I explore how we can build nourishing community in ways that actually work for us. I also look at how small acts of local connection might be more powerful than we realise, especially in a world that often feels overwhelming. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group, an ERG, or simply sharing your story first - connection doesn’t have to be loud to matter.
 
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 10 - Navigating change, handling uncertainty

In this episode, I’m chatting about all things change - the good, the bad and the messy middle. From organisational restructures to flying lessons (yes, really), I’m sharing thoughts on how we cope with uncertainty and what helps us stay steady when life gets wobbly. It’s part rant, part reflection, with a few wild rabbits and resilience tips thrown in.
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 9: Why resilience isn't always the answer

In this episode, I’m digging into the often-misunderstood concept of resilience. Are we genuinely bouncing back from challenges, or are we simply numbing ourselves to survive unsustainable demands? I explore how both individuals and organisations sometimes misuse resilience as a cover for deeper issues - and why it might be time to step out of the "briar patch" altogether.
Expect personal stories, a few reflections on work culture, and some practical thoughts on setting boundaries.
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 8; Burnout isn't just a personal problem - it's a workplace issue

Is burnout just another word for stress? Not quite.
In my latest podcast episode, I break down what burnout really is, how it differs from stress and anxiety, and why it’s more than just "being overwhelmed for too long."
I explore:🔹 How our nervous system reacts to constant stress🔹 The hidden warning signs of burnout (including memory issues and cynicism)🔹 Why workplaces often miss the real causes of burnout – and how they can prevent it
Plus, a brief detour involving my dog, a minor injury, and a reminder that animals are much better at "rest and digest" than we are!
If you’re feeling drained, disconnected, or like you’re running on fumes, this episode is for you.
I also talk about the McKinsey Health Institute study on Burnout at work that you can read here - https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 7: From paper to practice: Bringing your people strategy to life

It’s one thing to have a vision for your culture, leadership, and people strategy - but how do you take it from words on a page to something that truly shapes the day-to-day reality of your business?
In this episode, I explore what it takes to bridge that gap. From aligning leadership behaviours with company values to embedding your people strategy in everyday decisions, I share practical ways to turn strategy into action. Because the best workplace cultures aren’t just well-written - they’re well-lived.
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!

EPISODE 6: Why is it easier to accept my addiction than my anxiety?

I feel much more at peace with my addiction than I am with my anxiety.  I give the addict in me compassion, patience and grace, where the anxious person in me is treated with derision, impatience and frustration.  In this episode I talk a bit about how that shows up day to day, why that might be and what I am doing to try and shift the balance. 
Dog Walk Thoughts. Join me, Clare E Kenny, as I take a stroll with my four dogs and dive into everything workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing. From navigating leadership, culture and wellbeing at work and sharing my journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis, to exploring practical tools and tips to elevate your own wellbeing – I’ll bring you along for the walk and the real talk. Let’s chat, learn, and grow together, all while enjoying some fresh air and furry company!