As the year comes to a close, many business owners are quietly carrying disappointment, pride, resilience and unanswered questions, often all at once.

In this honest solo episode of The Joy Work Show, Diane reflects on a year that didn’t go to plan, sharing her own experience of setting big goals, navigating unexpected health challenges, and redefining what success really looks like.

From aiming for 100 podcast episodes and closing the year at 84, to celebrating over 24,000 downloads, Diane explores what it means to adapt without giving up, to honour progress that isn’t always visible, and to close the year with integrity rather than hustle.

This episode is for you if:

• the year didn’t unfold the way you expected
• you’re feeling reflective, tender or quietly proud
• you want to end the year honestly, without forcing a strong finish

A grounding conversation about adaptation, resilience, joy and the courage to end the year differently.

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Takeaways

• You're allowed to end your year differently than planned.
• The gap between expectation and reality is often overlooked.
• Consistency can look different for everyone and still be successful.
• Invisible progress is still progress, even if unrecognized by others.
• Adaptation to circumstances is a sign of leadership, not failure.
• Reflecting on the year helps in setting clearer goals for the future.
• It's important to acknowledge what the year taught you, even if it wasn't what you expected.
• Ambition should be balanced with compassion for oneself.
• Every listener and client matters, no matter the numbers.
• Planning for the new year should come from a place of self-awareness.

In this episode, Diane and Claire Hill explore the themes of joy, resilience, and the entrepreneurial journey. Claire shares her transformative story from social work to becoming a self-belief and business coach, emphasising the importance of overcoming adversity and creating joy in life and business. They discuss the balance between creativity and business acumen, the significance of collaboration over competition, and the power of personal stories in shaping one's path.

Claire's insights on mental health, self-belief, and the impact of mentorship highlight the journey of turning trauma into strength and the importance of believing in possibilities, and harnessing your warrior energy.

Find Claire Here:

www.clairehill.uk/freestuff

www.clairehill.uk/podcast

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www.taylorparkerservicesltd.com

Instagram: ⁠@dianetaylorparker⁠

⁠@thejoyworkclub

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Claire Hill

04:16 Claire's Journey: From Social Work to Coaching

07:39 The Transition to Teaching and Business

12:17 Warrior Energy: Supporting Vulnerable Children

14:00 The Birth of Vivid Wire and Business Growth

17:11 Mental Health and Entrepreneurial Challenges

21:26 Creativity Meets Business Acumen

24:35 The Importance of Joy in Business

26:54 Navigating Personal Pain and Professional Growth

28:40 Collaboration Over Competition

33:19 Finding Joy in Unexpected Places

37:55 The Power of Manifestation

39:14 Transforming Trauma into Strength

42:43 Inspired by Influential Figures

46:53 Identifying Joy Killers

53:57 Embracing Possibility and Choice

55:52 Embracing Authenticity and Resilience

Takeaways

Joy isn't just about rainbows; it comes after challenges.

Resilience is key in the entrepreneurial journey.

Personal stories can inspire and empower others.

Creativity and business can coexist harmoniously.

Collaboration over competition fosters growth.

Mental health is crucial for sustained success.

You have the power to choose your path.

Transforming trauma into strength is possible.

Believing in yourself is the first step to success.

Anything is possible if you work for it.

In this episode of The Joy Work Show, Diane chats with Kim Stokes, founder of Kindness for Success, about why kindness is a leadership superpower.

From a career in corporate HR to becoming a transformational coach for overwhelmed mums, Kim shares how kindness, joy, and culture create real business results.

They explore the pressure of modern motherhood, the burnout epidemic, and how self-care can become your strategy. If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and burnout, this episode is your reset button.

Connect with Kim:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindness.for.success/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-stokes/

Website: https://www.kindnessforsuccess.co.uk/

Signature Program: https://www.kindnessforsuccess.co.uk/coaching#frantic-to-fulfilled

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim Stokes and Her Journey

08:03 The Importance of Workplace Culture

16:42 The Role of Kindness in Business

25:41 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

33:34 Navigating the Complexities of Motherhood

35:17 The Balancing Act of Work and Family

35:45 Understanding Coaching: What to Expect

39:31 Programs for Overwhelmed Moms

40:38 The Importance of Non-Judgmental Support

44:08 The Role of Kindness in Business

48:00 Joyful Connections and Community

53:33 Challenging the Glorification of Burnout

01:00:29 Leaving a Legacy of Self-Kindness

01:02:23 Exploring Joy in Business

01:03:08 The Power of Kindness in Leadership

01:03:55 Kim's Journey: From Corporate to Kindness

01:04:43 The Power of Kindness in Business

01:05:38 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

01:06:23 The Value of Community and Support

01:08:08 The Power of Kindness in Business

01:09:03 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

01:09:49 The Value of Community and Support

Sound Bites

"Kindness is a strength, not a weakness."

"Ambition and motherhood can coexist."

"The legacy of kindness and self-care."

Takeaways

Kindness is a strength, not a weakness.

Self-care is essential for productivity.

Workplace culture impacts employee well-being.

Joy can be found in small, everyday moments.

Ambition and motherhood can coexist.

Coaching provides a supportive space for growth.

Kindness in business leads to better outcomes.

Defining personal values is crucial for fulfilment.

Bravery is needed to pursue joy and kindness.

The journey of self-discovery is ongoing.