The Sensitive Professionals Podcast

What happens when you feel drawn to make a difference – whether in grand, world-changing ways, or in everyday choices and work that matters to you? And how do you hold that desire without it consuming you?In this episode, I sit down with Laura Hartley – leadership coach, climate activist, and founder of the Scintilla Centre – to talk about change-making, sensitivity, and the space between how the world is and how it could be. We explore what it means to act from a place of emotional honesty, why joy and pleasure are essential parts of sustainable activism, and how sensitive people can find their unique edge in the work of remaking the world.Laura’s work brings together systems thinking and inner work to help change-makers find their voice, connect with their values, and navigate complexity with courage.What we talk about in this episode:Why sensitivity and the desire to make a difference are so often linkedThe cultural conditioning around "toughness" and why it needs rethinkingFinding a sustainable approach to activism that doesn’t lead to burnoutThe power of resourcing, community, and joy in long-term change-makingHow sensitive people can work with vulnerability instead of against itMore about Laura:You can learn more about Laura’s work at the Scintilla Centre and follow her updates on LinkedIn:·     Website: https://scintillacentre.com·     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hartley-

What happens when your empathy goes beyond compassion and you start absorbing everything around you?In this episode, I’m joined by transformational coach Emma Whittard for a conversation about what it’s like to be a deep empath. We talk about the energetic load that comes from sensing more than most, and the very real need for emotional boundaries and energetic care when you’re built this way.Emma shares her own path from corporate leader to coach, how she discovered her empathic nature, and the tools that help her stay grounded, energised, and open in her work with clients.What we talk about in this episode:What it actually means to be an empath and how it differs from high empathyThe energetic toll of emotional absorptionHow to protect and cleanse your emotional energyWhy discomfort isn’t a problem and what our “negative” emotions are really here forHow sensitivity becomes a superpower (with the right support)More about Emma:You can explore more of Emma’s work here:•           Website: https://www.emmawhittard.com•           LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawhittard

What if creative practice could support the kind of care that doesn’t just sustain us but connects us?This week I’m joined by Erin Fairchild – founder of Collective Action Consulting and Journal as an Altar – for a chat about what it means to make space for feeling, connection and care through creative practice.We explore how journaling and art-making can support our nervous systems, untangle us from perfectionism, and open up pathways to community and collective action – especially for sensitive people who feel things deeply.Erin brings more than 25 years of experience working in trauma-informed care, violence prevention and systems change. Her work blends practical expertise with deep creativity, helping people meet the world (and themselves) with care.What we talk about in this episode:Why journaling doesn’t need to be productive to be powerfulThe common blocks (perfectionism, pressure, performance) and how to soften themJunk journaling as an accessible, collective creative practiceCreative practice as nervous system regulationHow care – for self, others and the world – can all show up on the pageMore about Erin:You can explore more of Erin’s work and writing here:Website: https://www.journalasaltar.comInstagram: @journal.as.altarSubstack: This Page is a Portal

What happens when your gift for noticing and helping quietly turns into a job no one asked you to do – and you can’t seem to stop?In this episode, I’m joined by Andrea Reeves – founder of Type C Creative and writer behind the Substack Rebellious Systems – for a candid conversation about what it means to be the emotional caretaker at work.We explore the cost of over-functioning, the tangled relationship between sensitivity and boundaries, and the quiet rebellion of saying “this isn’t sustainable – for me”.Andrea brings her background in journalism, operations, and systems design together with her lived experience as a neurodivergent, sensitive professional. She helps creative entrepreneurs find more human, compassionate ways of working – starting with how they relate to themselves.What we talk about in this episode:The emotional cost of being the “go-to” person at workHow caretaking shows up for sensitive professionals and why it’s hard to step out ofThe body’s quiet cues: resentment, tension, and the jaw that won’t unclenchWhy setting boundaries often starts with nervous system regulationTools and rituals that help – from emotional regulation menus to the legendary “Don’t Cry at Work” playlist More about Andrea:You can explore more of Andrea’s work and writing here:Website: https://www.typec-creative.comSubstack: https://typeccreative.substack.comAndrea’s Emotional Regulation Toolkit

Visibility can feel like a double-edged sword when you're sensitive. You want to be seen, not spotlighted. You want connection, not exposure.But what if visibility wasn’t about putting on a show… and more about showing up with your whole self, gently and intentionally?In this episode, I sit down with LinkedIn consultant Jen Corcoran to talk about the emotional reality of being seen, especially for those of us who feel deeply, think carefully, and tend to hang back. This isn’t a strategy chat about algorithms. It’s an honest look at how we find our own way into visibility – one that honours our nature rather than overriding it.Jen is a multi-award-winning LinkedIn Consultant and Trainer, known for helping empathic women find their voice and show up online in a way that feels aligned, not icky.What we talk about in this episode: What visibility really means (and why it doesn’t have to feel loud or performative)Practical ways to show up online that feel good for your nervous systemWhy values are a powerful anchor for connection and clarityThe emotional energy of LinkedIn (and how to work with it gently)How sensitive people can use their depth as a networking superpower More about Jen:Explore Jen’s work and generous free resources:Website: https://mysuperconnector.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-corcoran-mysuperconnectorFree 63-point LinkedIn Profile Checklist – especially for female coaches, consultants and creatives (use code: LINKEDINPROFILE)

What if your most accurate compass isn’t logic but a quiet inner knowing you keep dismissing?In this episode, I sit down with spiritual mentor Jennifer Main to explore the subtle, often-overlooked ways sensitive people receive information. We talk about energy, intuition, boundaries (not protection), and how creating space in your life makes room for deeper truth to land.Jennifer works with intuitive change-makers navigating life’s turning points. Her work blends ancient wisdom with modern healing – helping people remember who they are, and why they’re here.What we talk about in this episode:The difference between protection and healthy boundariesWhy sensitive people often block their own intuitionRecognising your natural intuitive style (and trusting it)How to work with fear instead of avoiding itCreating space in your life to hear what’s trueMore about Jennifer:You can learn more about Jennifer’s work via her website and socials:·     Website: https://www.withjennifer.com·     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withjennifer44·     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withjennifer44·     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/withjennifer44·     Book: The Space Between – a guide to setting boundaries rooted in love and clarity