The Secret Resume

From Pro Tennis to Productive Living: ADHD, Focus & Finding Flow with Jamie Toyne

In the 50th episode of The Secret Resume, former pro-tennis hopeful turned entrepreneur Jamie Toyne traces his journey from the intensity of competitive tennis to building a brain-friendly life and business. He explains why he left social media for eight years to protect his focus and mental health, how he now creates  with a small team, and what actually helps him concentrate day-to-day.
We discuss ADHD vs. VAST (Variable Attention Stimulus Trait), practical ways to lower cognitive load, and why enjoying the process beats chasing distant milestones. Along the way: the reality of tennis economics, the pressure that comes with sponsorships, and re-thinking the myth of the “tortured” creative.
You’ll hear about:
Leaving social media and choosing platforms intentionally for wellbeing and output.
ADHD as a lifelong pattern, what VAST looks like in modern office life, and the overlap in solutions.
Practical levers: sleep, nutrition, movement, and gentle use of medication where appropriate.
Pressure, burnout and why he walked away from a sponsorship-backed tennis path.
Creativity without angst; catching ideas and working with flow.
 
You can connect with Jamie here: 
 
🚀Performance Program for ADHD entrepreneurs: https://www.jamietoyne.com/flowjo  📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamietoyne🌐 Website: https://www.jamietoyne.com
 
Jamie's Book Recommendation:
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - https://amzn.to/49eJy9A
 
If you want to take our Entrepreneurial Leader Diagnostic, you can do so here: https://liberare-el2.scoreapp.com
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

From Scarcity to Self-Compassion: Dennis Harhalakis on The Journey to Healthier Money Conversations

Welcome to The Secret Resume! In this episode, Dennis Harhalakis joins host Melody Moore for a powerful and deeply personal exploration of our relationship with money. Dennis, a money coach, opens up about his own journey—growing up with scarcity mindsets inherited from his parents, facing money anxiety after a long corporate career, and how these experiences led him to discover the transformative power of money coaching.
Together, they unpack the hidden stories, emotions, and patterns that shape how we think about, talk about, and handle money—often without even realising it. From the challenges of building a new life after years in finance, to the ripple effects of inherited anxieties across generations, Dennis shares insights on the importance of self-compassion and the need to reframe money from a source of shame and fear, to one of empowerment and energy.
Whether you’re curious about breaking your own money taboos, setting healthy boundaries in business, or just want to feel less alone in your financial struggles, this conversation offers practical wisdom and heartfelt honesty. Tune in for a refreshing look at money, meaning, and the freedom that comes from rewriting your personal narrative.
 
 
You can connect with Dennis here: https://cambridgemoneycoaching.uk/  or  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-harhalakis/
 
The blog post we talked about is here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7386340574334930945/
https://cambridgemoneycoaching.uk/money-cant-meet-all-your-needs/
 
Dennis' Book Recommendations:
Money on your mind by Vicky Reynal - https://amzn.to/47fMuRV
How to know a person by David Brooks - https://amzn.to/49roNY6
 
If you want to take our Entrepreneurial Leader Diagnostic, you can do so here: https://liberare-el2.scoreapp.com
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

Teamwork, Failure, and Finding Success Beyond the Fast Lane with Russell Phillips

In this episode, Melody Moore sits down with Russell Phillips, owner of the music discovery platform Sonar Presents, for an open and candid conversation. Russell’s journey has taken him from primary school teaching and sports coaching to launching businesses and even running a bar tour in Newquay - all with a determined entrepreneurial spirit.
Together, they explore the powerful role of family in shaping Russell’s values, his early lessons in leadership and respect, and the transition from sports coaching into the business world. He shares how both success and failure, notably hitting "rock bottom", have profoundly influenced his perspective on happiness, resilience, and what really matters. Russell offers honest insights into the challenges faced by emerging artists in the music industry, the importance of listening within leadership, and the unexpected clarity that arrived whilst stranded in the Costa Rican rainforest during lockdown.
If you crave genuine stories of ambition, setbacks, and reinvention, or just fancy a peek into the world of music entrepreneurship, this is the episode for you. 
 
You can connect with Russell here: https://www.sonarpresents.com/   or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonar_presents/
 
If you want to take our Entrepreneurial Leader Diagnostic, you can do so here: https://liberare-el2.scoreapp.com
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

From Brazil to the Boardroom: Penny Moyle on Leadership, Balance, and Finding Joy at Work

In this insightful and deeply human episode of The Secret Resume, psychologist, former CEO, and executive coach Penny Moyle reflects on the lessons that shaped her:  from moving alone to Brazil at 18 to leading one of the UK’s most respected psychology consultancies, OPP (now the Myers Briggs Company).
Penny shares honest stories about juggling motherhood with academia (including breastfeeding while typing), navigating mergers and acquisitions, and learning how to build a career on her own terms.
She opens up about what she’s learned through decades of leadership, from managing change and supporting teams through uncertainty, to choosing joy and meaning in later life.
You’ll hear:
What living in Brazil taught Penny about courage, independence and not always being a good girl
The reality of combining career and childcare in academia
What it really means to “walk the talk” during organisational change
How she found purpose and confidence after leaving a CEO role
Why she’s not planning to retire anytime soon, and the value of choosing work and clients that bring joy
This episode is an inspiring reminder that success isn’t just about milestones, it’s about learning to enjoy the journey.
 
You can connect with Penny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-moyle-8596572/
Penny's book recommendation: 
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - https://amzn.to/4q97S2x
 
If you want to take our Entrepreneurial Leader Diagnostic, you can do so here: https://liberare-el2.scoreapp.com
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

Building Strength and Resilience: Emma Regan on Women’s Wellness, Entrepreneurship, and Taking Risks

Welcome to an exciting new episode of The Secret Resume. In today’s conversation, host Melody Moore sits down with Emma Regan, founder of The Nourishment Academy and Surrey Female Entrepreneurs, for a refreshingly open chat about the unconventional career path that’s shaped her into a force for women’s empowerment.
Emma shares the origins of The Nourishment Academy, a health and wellness studio built for women over 30, and the story behind Surrey Female Entrepreneurs which is a vibrant community that champions women in business. She reflects on her early lessons in resilience as a child of divorce, her entrepreneurial inspiration from watching her mother build a business, and how her corporate beginnings at The Guardian helped shape her love for sales and her unapologetic ambition.
We’ll hear about Emma’s transformative travels, building a business that thrives without her daily presence, and her commitment to helping women craft lives and bodies they truly love. She also unpacks the role of mindset in achieving personal and professional goals, the value of risk-taking, and her belief that success goes far beyond what we do for a living.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a health enthusiast, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Emma’s journey is filled with honesty, practical wisdom, and encouragement to live and lead with confidence and heart.
 
You can connect with Emma here: https://www.thenourishmentacademy.com/
or here: https://www.instagram.com/emmaaregann/
 
Emma's book recommendation: 
Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David - https://amzn.to/46Mhd7t
 
If you want to take our Entrepreneurial Leader Diagnostic, you can do so here: https://liberare-el2.scoreapp.com
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

The Wounded Healer: Laurence Barrett on Resilience, Risk and Transforming Leadership

Welcome to another episode of The Secret Resume, hosted by Melody Moore. In today’s conversation, Melody sits down with Laurence Barrett, founder of Heresy Consulting and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of Jungian psychology in leadership and organisational development.
Laurence opens up about his unconventional upbringing, from a childhood shaped by a police officer father with a knack for spotting “gaps in the system,” to formative experiences living in Hong Kong. He discusses how a sense of outsiderness and resilience, rooted in his family’s traveller background and his own early disruptions, propelled him towards questioning systems and ultimately forging his own unique path in both corporate life and coaching.
Together, Melody and Laurence explore the interplay between personal history, purpose, and professional practise - delving into everything from Marxism and the influence of Angela Davis, to the power and mystery of Dordogne cave paintings. Lawrence also shares how his journey led him deep into Jungian psychology, both as a lens for understanding human systems and as a practical toolkit for developing leaders and coaches.
Whether you're curious about the secret motivations behind great coaches, fascinated by the subtle differences between coaching and therapy, or interested in the profound impact of noticing and self-awareness, this episode is rich with insight, personal stories, and thought-provoking reflections on what it means to lead, learn, and help others grow.
 
You can connect with Laurence here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurence-barrett/
 
Buy his books here (A Jungian Approach to Coaching, and his new one, Coaching The Unconscious, which is out in November 2025): https://amzn.to/4mFN1Ru
 
Laurence's book recommendations: 
Memories, Dreams, Reflections by Carl Jung - https://amzn.to/3WgRSxy
The Middle Passage by James Hollis - https://amzn.to/3VE93Jl
The Myth of The Goddess by Anne Baring and Jules Cashford - https://amzn.to/48CTc5h
 
If you want to take our Entrepreneurial Leader Diagnostic, you can do so here: https://liberare-el2.scoreapp.com
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

From Burnout to Balance: Laura Allen’s Journey from HR Coordinator to Confident Consultant

In this episode of The Secret Resume podcast, join our host Melody Moore as she chats with the incredible Laura Allen, an operations and people partner based in London. Laura opens up about her unique career journey, the pivotal moments that have defined her, and the influential figures along the way.
From wrestling with a rigid corporate narrative to embracing a more flexible and empowering fractional model, Laura's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. She discusses overcoming personal challenges, including navigating a toxic relationship, managing undiagnosed autism, and dealing with profound loss, all while outlining how these experiences have shaped her professional path.
Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Laura's unfiltered and heartfelt stories infused with both vulnerability and strength. This intimate and candid conversation will leave you pondering what true freedom looks like and how you can harness life's challenges to sculpt your own fulfilling journey.
 
You can connect with Laura here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraallencoach/
Laura's book recommendations: 
52 Weeks of Wellbeing: A No Nonsense Guide by Ryan Hopkins - https://amzn.to/4dRz8N6
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss - https://amzn.to/4kT9Ykd
The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck - https://amzn.to/440seRl
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer - https://amzn.to/45h7Z4b
Founder vs Investor: The Honest Truth About Venture Capital from Startup to IPO by  Elizabeth Zalman and Gerry Neumann - https://amzn.to/3Zre8XI
 
And if you're on a quest for personal growth or navigating a career transition, check out our Being Free membership. It's all about finding your own path to freedom with a supportive community by your side. Head over to liberareconsulting.co.uk/being-free to join the waitlist.
 
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.
 

From Call Centres to Culture Architect: Steph Thommen’s HR Journey (Episode 43)

What happens when a French academic-turned-call-centre-agent becomes an expert in startup culture and people operations?
In this episode, Melody Moore sits down with Steph Thommen, Fractional Head of People, culture geek, and accidental entrepreneur, to explore the career pivots, personal influences, and deep values that don’t show up on her LinkedIn profile, but shape everything she does.
From her rebellious, wine-sharing aunt to building high-performing teams in tech startups, Steph shares candid insights into the messy magic of leading with humanity. Whether you’re navigating scale-up chaos, rethinking your relationship with work, or just curious about what “good HR” really looks like, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and stick with you.
Topics include:
Culture as a strategic tool (not a vibe)
Startup myths and realities
Identity, belonging, and being the “outsider within”
Why being treated like an adult at 13 shaped her leadership lens
 
 
You can connect with Steph here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/startupsteph/
 
Steph's book recommendation: 
Drive by Dan Pink - https://amzn.to/4dNX5Fc
Find Your Why by Simon Sinek - https://amzn.to/4dJmmQV
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - https://amzn.to/4jyuKnD
 The 10 Laws of Trust by Joel Peterson - https://amzn.to/4dJAXMc
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni - https://amzn.to/4kOBYoE
 
And if you're on a quest for personal growth or navigating a career transition, check out our Being Free membership. It's all about finding your own path to freedom with a supportive community by your side. Head over to liberareconsulting.co.uk/being-free to join the waitlist.
 
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.

Fake it, Make it, Own it: Debbie Hayler on Building Confidence Without Credentials (Episode 42)

Welcome to another episode of the Secret Resume podcast, where we’re all about digging into the juicy stories behind the LinkedIn profiles. Today, Melody welcomes Debbie Hayler to share her captivating journey full of unique twists and turns that didn’t quite make it onto her CV but have definitely shaped who she is today.
Debbie shares what it was like growing up as a victim of school bullying, and how those tough experiences played a part in moulding her career perspective. You’ll hear about the ups and downs of her educational path, her decision to pursue performing arts, and eventually her rewarding career in Learning and Development (L&D).
Get inspired as she talks about imposter syndrome, the impact of an empowering TED Talk by Amy Cuddy, and the profound difference a supportive mentor can make. Plus, Debbie spills on her incredible feeling of validation after winning a prestigious L&D award, and how she’s now ready to inspire others by stepping out of her comfort zone.
So, grab your favourite drink, sit back, and enjoy this discussion between two passionate human beings delving into the magic of personal growth and professional journeys.
 
You can connect with Debbie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiehayler/
 
Debbie's book recommendation: 
Presence by Amy Cuddy - https://amzn.to/3SiGhwa
 
Amy Cuddy's TED Talk that Debbie references: https://youtu.be/Ks-_Mh1QhMc?si=1pMKMLCA5otcmmZp
 
 
And if you're on a quest for personal growth or navigating a career transition, check out our Being Free membership. It's all about finding your own path to freedom with a supportive community by your side. Head over to liberareconsulting.co.uk/being-free to join the waitlist.
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.
 

Being More Human, Less Resource: Karen Hughes on HR with Heart (Episode 41)

This week we dive into the untold stories of Karen Hughes, a fearless leader in HR with a background that spans retail giant M&S to the management consultancy Hay Group. She's here to share her unique insights on what it means to truly embrace change and lead with authenticity in today's work environment.
Join us as we chat about everything from Karen's early work experience in retail (including selling a giant chocolate bunny to Victoria Beckham!) to her view on the future of HR. Learn how her journey shaped her views and strategies in HR and talent development. 
Whether you’re in HR yourself, or simply curious about what it means to be human at work, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your own messy, magical career path. Enjoy the conversation! 
 
You can connect with Karen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-hughes-chartered-fcipd-75035811/
 
Karen's book recommendation: 
Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni - https://amzn.to/3Ztz4gB
 
And if you're on a quest for personal growth or navigating a career transition, check out our Being Free membership. It's all about finding your own path to freedom with a supportive community by your side. Head over to liberareconsulting.co.uk/being-free to join the waitlist.
 
The transcript that shows on your screen is automatically generated, therefore we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate.  You can access a copy of the full transcript here: https://shorturl.at/VWUAZ
 
The Secret Resume podcast is a Liberare Consulting production.  You can contact us at podcast@liberareconsulting.co.uk and can buy Melody's book 'The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams' or a copy of our Inclusive Teams conversation Cards here: https://shorturl.at/XspUX  Use the code podcast10 to get a 10% discount on all of the items on our product page.
 
Or why not join our community to get access to exclusive benefits and be the first to hear updates and news https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/community
 
If you are interested in becoming a guest on our show, please fill in the form here: https://liberare-consulting.ck.page/podcast_guest
 
We are an Amazon affiliate and receive a very small commission if you buy books through our Amazon links.