Dog Walk Thoughts - with Clare E Kenny

Many of us cope through the week only to crash at the weekend - but that isn’t recovery, it’s survival.
In this episode, I explain why chronic fight-or-flight reduces focus, collaboration and strategic thinking, and why waiting for holidays doesn’t solve the problem.
I talk through how to spot early warning signs, widen your window of tolerance, and build small, realistic moments of nervous system regulation into the working day - including the often overlooked power of white space.

January asks us to perform at full pelt when our biology is still in hibernation mode. 
In this episode, I unpack why so many of us feel anxious, snappy, foggy or overwhelmed at this time of year, and what’s actually happening in the nervous system when we slip into survival mode.
I’ll share a few simple, practical ways to create space, calm the system, and get back to clearer thinking (without beating yourself up for struggling).

In this episode, I talk about masking, why “high functioning” is really just “high masking”, and how much it costs our nervous systems over time.
We explore neuro-inclusion, social energy, recovery and boundaries, and why living outside your authentic limits is a fast track to burnout.

After a morning of unexpected tears and a sense that everything has been a bit much lately, this episode is a straight, honest reflection on what happens when ADHD becomes relentless.
I talk about the past few months feeling heavier than usual, the strange release of crying at Netflix show 'Heartstopper', and the relief of speaking to someone who genuinely understands the constant noise in my head.
It’s all about overwhelm, sobriety without an off-switch, and the ongoing work of accepting how my brain works rather than trying to completely fix it.

In this episode, I dive a bit deeper into what true psychological safety really means at work. It’s not just about people feeling comfortable - it’s about creating an environment where they feel safe to challenge, to disagree, and to say when something isn’t working.
I share a few stories, including a focus group experience that still makes me laugh (and feel a certain level of rage about) years later, along with some brilliant insights from Amy Edmondson on how to spot whether psychological safety really exists in your team.
I also talk through some simple, practical ways to create space for honest feedback, respond to critique without getting defensive, and use that feedback to drive genuine growth.
Because if as a leader the ONLY 'culture' feedback you’re hearing is that people wish others would unload the dishwasher, it’s probably not the dishwasher that’s the problem!

After a little summer break, I’m back with another Dog Walk Thoughts, this time exploring one of my most requested topics, psychological safety.
As I walk the pack (with a pocket full of turkey slices!) I unpack what psychological safety really means beyond the buzzwords, from Amy Edmondson’s original research to why it’s the biggest driver of team performance.
We’ll look at why mistakes matter, how to create space for honest challenge, and simple ways to build trust and openness in your team.
It’s a practical introduction to one of the most powerful foundations of thriving, high-performing workplaces.

Ever struggle to shake off a bad mood?
In this episode, I hit record while walking my dogs - in the middle of one of those flat, fed-up days - to see if I could shift my mood in real time.
I share practical tools I use in workshops (like the circles of control, gratitude reframing, and healthy dopamine boosts), plus some honest reflections on why it’s okay to sit with your feelings before moving forward.
If you’ve been feeling flat, frustrated or just “off,” this one’s for you.

Ever feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough?
In this episode, I dive into the “never enough” mindset that fuels burnout and share the small but powerful shifts I’m using to quiet it down. From naming my inner critic (yes, it has a name!) to questioning old beliefs about worth and productivity, I explore practical ways to find more balance, compassion, and calm in daily life.
If you’ve ever ended the day feeling like you should be doing more, this one’s for you.

It’s been a little while since my last dog walk thoughts recording - partly because it’s been scorching hot so I've been walking my dogs more at night, partly because I’ve been navigating some pretty relentless health challenges.
In this episode, I share a raw and meandering update from the middle of a very sharp wheat field (not my best decision), reflecting on recent pain, a brilliant GP, and the rollercoaster of being off my ADHD meds after a busy few weeks of work and travel.
I talk about the tricky balance between productivity and recovery, the emotional impact of doing too much too fast, and my ongoing struggle with switching off - even when my body is screaming at me to rest. If you’ve ever found yourself in that all-or-nothing cycle of doing, crashing, and doing again…this one’s for you.
Come for the reflections, stay for the sound of dogs chasing rabbits in the background!

In this episode, I’m walking the dogs (obviously!) and talking about something I know a lot about: numbing. From addiction to anxiety to undiagnosed ADHD, I’ve spent most of my life avoiding difficult emotions - and living in a constant state of fight-or-flight.
I share how that’s shown up in my body, the role my childhood played, and what it’s looked like to finally start feeling instead of numbing.
It’s messy, personal, and probably one of the most important things I’ve learned about my own wellbeing.