Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Management, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork

029 | Say ”No” Gracefully - The art of saying no

Sometimes it's just really difficult to say no, especially to those individuals who are good at persuading us to do things we know we shouldn't say yes to.
In this episode, I discuss ways you can say no when someone confronts you with a questions and I offer some bonus tips. 
In the moment
Pause and Breathe: When caught off guard, it's essential to take a moment to collect your thoughts. A deep breath can help. This brief pause allows you to respond thoughtfully.
Buy Time: You can say something like, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you," or "I'll need to see if I can fit that in. I'll let you know." This approach gives you time to evaluate the request.
Express Gratitude: Start your response with gratitude. For example, "I appreciate you thinking of me for this, but..."
Use "I" Statements: Frame your response in terms of your own limitations or priorities. Say something like, "I have other commitments that prevent me from taking on additional tasks right now."
Set Boundaries: Gently but firmly establish your boundaries. You can say, "I've committed to focusing on my current projects, and I can't take on anything more."
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your response simple and to the point. Long explanations can lead to misunderstandings. For example, "I can't, I'm fully booked with my current projects."
Stay Firm: Don't apologise for excessively or over-explain. Be confident in your response.
Offer Alternatives: If you're unable to help directly, suggest other potential solutions or colleagues who might assist. This shows your willingness to be helpful even when you can't take on the task.
Hold Your Ground: If the requester persists, it's crucial to maintain your position. You can reaffirm your boundaries and explain that you're not in a position to help.
Other Tips
Practice: Practice saying no with a trusted friend or colleague. This can help build confidence for real-life situations.
Learn From Experience: After each situation where you've had to say no, reflect on it. What went well? What could you have done better? Use each experience as a learning opportunity.
Support Network: Seek support from a mentor or colleague experienced in setting boundaries. They can provide guidance and encouragement.
Visual Cues: In a face-to-face conversation, body language can help convey your message. Maintain good eye contact and use a calm, steady tone.
Non-Verbal Responses: Sometimes, a polite shake of the head or a gesture of holding up your hand can signify that you can't take on the task right now.
Learn Phrases: Memorise polite phrases for declining tasks. For example, "I'm sorry, but I can't commit to that at the moment."
Download your free resources here
Next steps:
1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 
2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

028 | 6 Time Management Strategies to implement today and start mastering your minutes - Leadership, Faith, Christianity, women of faith

Struggling to manage your time and still haven't found those strategies that work for you? In this episode, I'll be discussing 6 time management strategies that you can implement today to master your minutes!
1. Delegate
Why should you delegate?
Killing perfection
Tasks you MUST delegate
2. Time Blocking
Project time/Alone time
Time to just think
Seem impossible? Make it happen!
3. Learn to say "no"
The art of saying "no" and not feeling guilty
Stop being a people pleaser
4. No multitasking!
Why multitasking is ineffective
Do you want it half done, then multitask...
5. Stop wasting time
On the small stuff - don't major in the minor things
On ineffective meetings
On having a lack of clarity
6. Emails
Don't let your emails rule you
Turn off your notifications
Block out time for emails
Bonus Tips:
Plan your week
Have set days each week for a specific task
Take a brain break every 2 hours
Set calendar reminders for everything
Links:
Calendly (I actually recommend TidyCal now as you only pay a once off $29 fee!): TidyCal - Book & manage meetings the easy way | AppSumo
Microsoft Planner: https://tasks.office.com/
Set up 'rules' in Outlook: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/set-up-rules-in-outlook-75ab719a-2ce8-49a7-a214-6d62b67cbd41
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
Vote for podcast
Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

027 | The many hats we wear and all the balls we juggle as leaders - Leadership, workplace culture, women of faith, Christianity, Business, Delegation, Personal Growth

As leaders we wear so many hats and we juggle so many balls. Listen as I discuss how you can prioritise which hats to wear and which balls to juggle.
You are not a clown in a circus - you are not here to entertain anyone! However, you are here to lead, coach, mentor and guide your team. 
Links mentioned in the episode:
From Conflict to Collaboration Online Course
Episode #014 | 3 Reasons Why Conflict Occurs in the Workplace
Episode #015 | Can workplace conflict be healthy?
Episode #016 | The characteristics of unhealthy conflict
Episode #017 | Not dealing with conflict? Here’s the implications
How to get rid of Gossip Ebook Edition 1 (Edition 2 extended version coming in 2024!)
Workplace Culture Hub website
Women of Faith in Leadership website
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
Vote for podcast
Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

026 | Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Building Workplace Relationships

**Podcast Announcement**
From this week 30 October 2023, I will only be uploading 2 episodes per week. This is due to prioritising building my business The Workplace Culture Hub. The Lord has provided me with an amazing opportunity to participate in business coaching, to grow my business, but I need to commit some time to this. I also won't give up my time with my family (been there, done that!). I do however need to continue with my mission and my calling and that is the podcast. Thank you for listening! I appreciate YOU!
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**Competition winner announcement**
Listen to the podcast to find out who won the competition.
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Today's episode
Building relationships are important, we spend a lot of time with people at work.
I recently read an article that said ‘Stop referring to people at work as your family, they are not!
My initial thought was, oh no, I told the people on my podcast to do exactly that!
However, I realised when I read the article that the person got hurt at work, was treated unfairly and is feeling hurt over that.
The reality is that yes, they are not your blood family, but you do spend a significant amount of time with them and thinking of them as family, can sometimes just help you navigate those tough workplace relationships and think differently about these people you are working with.
In essence, how can you just work with someone and not create a relationship, even just a professional one? We’re not robots, we have feelings, they have feelings, and we’re all human.
We CAN and should have compassion for one another.
Now let’s look at the INSPIRE framework. You can take notes or simply download the pdf I created for you.
I - Integrity in Actions and Decision-making
N - Nurturing Communication and Collaboration
S - Supporting a Positive and Inclusive Team Culture
P - Promoting Team Development and Growth
I - Inspiring Achievements and Motivation
R - Resolving Conflict and Building Resilience
E - Empowering and Engaging Team Members
FREEBIE
Access the PDF here, share this with your team, and your leadership team and let them know, you are committed. You want to INSPIRE them.
I hope this will help you to build those relationships and also for your team to build relationships with each other.
You women of faith in leadership, you are amazing, I love you and God bless.
Relationship Building Online Course
From Conflict to Collaboration Online Course
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
Vote for podcast
Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

025 | 10 red flags to spot during job interviews

**Ranked Top 5% Globally!**
It's celebration time! The podcast has reached the top 5% globally. Praise God, He is amazing!! The podcast has also ranked top 150 in the following countries under the Management and Business categories:
Australia #75
Canada #63
Czech Republic #52
Hungary #3
India #100
Indonesia #19
South Africa #18
United States #149
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You are sitting in the interview with a candidate and you’re just not sure… is this the right person for the job, or should you keep on looking? In this episode, I'll be discussing 9 (no 10) red flags you should look out for during job interviews.
Arrived late, didn’t call ahead of time to let you know and also didn’t apologise upon arrival… 
Inappropriate clothing - underwear showing or using their body to gain favour with panel members
Badmouthing their current/old workplace/boss - shows disloyalty - what will they say about you when they leave or move on
Unprofessional conduct or comments during the interview - swearing, getting angry, crying, racist, ageist, sexist comments
Unable to answer simple questions about why they really want the job, why they think they would be a good fit for the role
Didn’t do their research - unsure of the job role they applied for, came unprepared
Don’t agree with the values of the company/organisation - for example, integrity, no gossip, etc.
Inconsistency with the stories they tell against their resume
Fix mindset during the interview - seem unwilling to change from the way they have ‘always done things’
You just don’t feel confident about this person being the right person for the job, trust your gut! 
Remember to document as much as possible during an interview, body language, language, and personal info they shared that might affect their ability to do the job.
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
Vote for podcast
Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

024 | Dealing with difficult people at work

What should you do if you constantly have to deal with a difficult person at work?
Would you declare war and be difficult to them as well, or would you just let it go?
In this episode, I am going to give you some tips on how to deal with difficult people.
We’ve all worked with someone who is extremely difficult.
They don’t agree with anyone, they always ark up when people make new suggestions or suggest changes and they’ve gained a reputation for being difficult.
So much so that people saying “Oh I wonder what XX will say about that?”
First of all, as leaders, we have a duty of care towards the people in our team. If someone is being difficult, we should try and understand why.
Similar to your high school bully (or workplace bully), they usually are covering up their own hurt and trying to make up for it by being mean to others.
It doesn’t excuse the behaviour, it just explains it.
So when it comes to dealing with difficult people, here are a couple of tips:
Don’t take it personally, it usually isn’t you or the team, it’s usually something personal that has happened to them
Do not react to their difficult behaviour - stay calm at all times and remain respectful 
Call them into your office and speak with them - lay it on the table. “I have noticed that you have been acting a bit troubled lately. I am worried about you, is there anything I can support you with? If they deny it, then give them some examples. If they say they didn’t mean it or it was taken the wrong way, then point out that their current behaviour and reaction is exactly the same and as someone whose job it is to look from the outside in, you can see that something might potentially bother them. Let them know that you are there for them and to support them and that you would appreciate it if they would be a bit more cooperative towards you and the team.
If the difficult behaviour continues, call them back in again and speak to them about examples of where their performance was affected by their behaviour and how their behaviour is starting to affect the team.
Check-in with them daily, and show them that you care. Invite them for coffee to your office for a chat and hopefully by now, you have started breaking down the barriers so that they will talk to you.
You can also suggest that if they don’t want to talk to you, they speak to someone else like HR or another line manager.
Some people with certain personalities unfortunately are just difficult and it will do you well, to not take it personally. However, you also have to protect your team and if the person’s behaviour is affecting the team, you need to do something about it.
I’m all for accountability in the workplace. Leaders need to keep their people accountable.
I hope this was helpful. Join me again on Friday as we end the week strong.
God bless.
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
Vote for podcast
Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

023 | Praying with Purpose

It’s my birthday today! Please celebrate with me in the Facebook Group. Go to womenoffaithinleadership.com. Otherwise, leave me a review, that would be an amazing gift indeed.
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Have you ever started praying and caught yourself just praying the same thing over and over again, day in and day out? In this episode, I am going to teach you how you can pray with purpose and make your prayer time more purposeful.
For a long time, I struggled to pray. I was caught in the "please do this Lord and please do that Lord "and "thank you for this and thank you for that".
Nothing deep really and nothing with purpose.
So I got bored and I felt like a fraud to be honest and therefore I stopped. I still felt as if I had a relationship with the Lord and I spent most of my time praising and worshipping. But not necessarily praying.
To be honest, I just didn’t know what to say, what to pray for, so instead of saying something… I said nothing.
But I felt as if God was missing me speaking to Him, and I felt pressed to start praying again. I also felt a whole as if something was in fact missing.
I remembered that I was gifted 3 books by Stormie Martin called:
The power of a praying wife
The power of a praying parent and
The Power of a Praying Woman
So I grabbed those and simply started praying 1 prayer from each book each day, 1 prayer for my husband, 1 for my kids and 1 for me.
It really helped me to have guidance and not wonder what to say or what to pray because I had help!
I then started looking for something similar for my business and found an ebook. So I also started praying for my business each day.
Soon, I started feeling really so much closer to God that I wanted more.  I wanted it to be more personal.
So I started a prayer journal. And what is interesting is that when I started writing down my prayers, they were so much different from when I used to pray, saying something and writing something is completely different. We often don’t talk the way we write and we don’t write the way we talk.
I ended up writing pages and pages of prayer just talking to God about everything.
Soon my prayers became more purposeful and I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning to spend time with God.
As soon as my prayers became more purposeful as well, I started noticing changes within me as well. I felt more confident praying and I no longer wondered what I was going to say because it was simply flowing out.
If you’re feeling stuck and would like to make your prayer more purposeful, I would suggestion the following:
Start with a book that gives you the words to say
Pray your bible, there are many verses in the bible that you can pray over yourself, for example, the prayer of Jabez, the Lord’s Prayer, pray for yourself and for others to have the fruits of the spirit, pray for your spiritual gifts, pray the Armour of God over yourself
Get a prayer journal, start writing down your prayers and look back at them often to see how far you’ve come and what prayers have been answered. It will surprise you!
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Links mentioned in the episode:
The power of a praying wife
The power of a praying parent
The Power of a Praying Woman
New Living Translation Study Bible
Praying for your business
Other recommended resources:
Maxwell Leadership Bible
21 Laws of Leadership in the Bible
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day
A Leader's Heart: 365-Day Devotional Journal
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Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
Vote for podcast
Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

022 | Boundaries, Balance, and Self-Care

****Freebie****
I have a free self-care journal and workbook that you can download. Click the link in the description and download your journal and workbook today, completely free of charge. CLICK HERE to download it now. 
In today’s episode, I’ll be chatting with you about Boundaries, Balance and self-care.
Barb Moses said: “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are teaching others that they don’t need to take care of themselves.”
Leaders lead by example and so often, we give more than what we should because that’s our nature as leaders.
So setting boundaries to ensure balance and self-care for YOU occurs, you need to put certain steps/structures in place to help and support you.
As early as 10 years ago, perhaps even 5 years ago, the notion of self-care nearly didn’t even exist. There was not much awareness surrounding mental health and the like and lucky for us, things have changed.
2.5 years into my journey as a leader where I lead anywhere between 40-50 people at any given point in time, I burned out.
2.5 years?! Really?
Yes, really.
I had to go on 'burn-out' leave although I really didn't want to!
Shortly after I returned, I had a new employee who was giving me a bit of a hard time. I was always very open and honest about my journey with burnout because I wanted to help others prevent it. This employee however was much older than me and openly to my face criticised me for burning out and wondered how that was even possible.
I was flabbergasted, to say the least, and felt as if I needed to defend myself. I did to some extent but realised it was a losing battle and really not worth my time.
I felt a bit of resentment towards this employee because clearly, they did not know all the hours, and after hour hours I put in to make sure that everything was running smoothly.
What was meant to be 38 hours a week full-time job, turned into a 70-hour-a-week job… and why? Because I lost all control of boundaries. There was absolutely no balance and zilch, nada, zero self-care!
And who suffered?
My children, my husband, my household, my physical and mental health and the list goes on. It was totally abnormal!
So, yes… I burnt out fairly quickly within 2.5 years so I needed to take a break.
I thought 1 week max, and I’ll be fine again! I spoke to my line manager at the time and she basically said to me that I needed to take a minimum of 3 weeks, and if I needed more after that, she would grant the request instantly!
I was frustrated. 3 weeks! I went to my GP to get the medical certificate for the 3 weeks and had a grumble to her, and she concurred.. 3 weeks is the absolute bare minimum and if I needed more time after 3 weeks, she would give me the note instantly.
I didn’t understand why everyone was making such a fuss.
Clearly I still wasn’t getting it right?!
I did however, to appease my husband, delete all the work apps off my phone and he took my computer away for the 3 weeks. We agreed I would check in with my assistant manager at the time if everything was going okay and if she needed anything.
So, after 3 weeks, I was fine and SO ready to go back. I did really well for the first year or so, committed to no multitasking, not working so many hours and spending time with my family when I was home instead of being on my computer all the time.
But…. You guessed it.. it didn’t take long, and I was back where I started. 70 hours a week, burning the candle on both ends of the stick and just pushing and pushing myself. Getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night.
I always had this ‘rule’. I would not work past midnight… even that rule flew out the door!
I knew this had to stop as things were starting to spiral backwards.
I was starting to make huge mistakes, avoidable mistakes, mistakes that affected my team members, colleagues, clients….
And one day in September 2022, I prioritised my work above my family, once again…. And it all went pear-shaped that day.
That day… I knew… this is it… no more!
I was going to have to quit my job because this can’t continue.
I worked for another 6 months so that we could save up and make all the necessary arrangements. I overworked myself still in those 6 months, but this time so that I could offload all that was in my brain into a handbook for someone else.
After I left, we went on a 3-week holiday and I returned and immediately jumped in and started my business.
I didn’t even give thought to the fact that I might need to actually just take a proper break, (because who rests on a holiday when they have 3 kids right?!)
So I went in full swing and all of a sudden, I could no longer do the hours I was used to (seriously have I learnt nothing!).
I was tired and exhausted, I became sick, time after time after time and I felt so fed up. Spent weeks on end in bed, and bashing myself for not working and growing my business…
I didn’t realise how burnt I was until my body started telling me…. It’s time to stop now!!
AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE BEST OF ALL OF THIS?
Where is my statue? The statue erected in my honour for burning myself out TWICE?
Nowhere…. Why? Because no one cared that I worked that many hours because no one was expecting it of me? No one was cracking a whip and said I had to work that many hours….! It was my own over-the-top-too-committed-work ethic that shot me in the foot!!
So what have I learnt from 5 years of not setting boundaries, not balancing my personal life with my professional life and if I had to do it all over again, what would I do differently?
How do other people do it and what is their advice?
What advice would I give myself 5 years ago if I had to do it all over again? 
Time Management: You must learn to manage the actual time you have available. Write down how many actual hours a day and per week you have and work with those hours. Then learn to work within those boundaries. Allocate time for self-care activities. Schedule regular breaks, get up and stretch your legs, and take a turn around your room 'Pride and Prejudice' style!
Learn to Say No: Learn that you cannot take everything on onboard, servant leaders often give give give, but you still need to learn to say no. It is crucial that you protect your time and your health. 
Delegate Responsibilities: Delegate tasks that 1. you do not need to do, 2. that you don't want to do and that others actually like doing, and 3. things that you are not good at that other people can do much better than you
Establish Technology Boundaries: Take breaks from your devices. Unplug from social media and work apps. Avoid bringing your laptop from work home. Put your phone away when you are with your kids or with your partner. 
Regular Reflection: Leaders can really benefit from periodic reflection about self-care. What are you wasting your time on? What habits need to change? It starts with us. We need to start dedicating enough time to recharge and reflect. 
Something fun: Do something that YOU enjoy! Not your children, or your husband, but YOU enjoy it. Take a walk a the beach, take a hike, journal, read your bible, spend time with the Lord, read a book! But unwind regularly and detach yourself from technology during this time.
It's all about mindset: If you think it is possible, it's possible. If you think it's impossible, then it is impossible. 
“If you think it is possible, it will be possible. If you think it is impossible, the impossible will be possible. Whatever you think; whether possible or impossible will forever be possible to happen.” ― Israelmore Ayivor
Last couple of reminders:
Please leave a review
Join the Facebook group
Vote for my podcast in the Australian podcast awards, votes close 11 November 2023.
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THE ART OF SAYING NO BOOKS. 
The Art of Saying NO: Learn To Stand Up For Yourself, Communicate Effectively, Set Healthy Boundaries, And Be Assertive To Protect Your Happiness
The Art Of Saying NO: How To Stand Your Ground, Reclaim Your Time And Energy, And Refuse To Be Taken For Granted (Without Feeling Guilty!)
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

021 | Spiritual Gifts in the Workplace - Using them for God’s glory

In this episode, we'll be discussing how you can use your spiritual gifts in the workplace. 
Are you currently using your spiritual gifts in the workplace? Or do you not know what your spiritual gifts are? In today’s episode, we’re talking about spiritual gifts and how you can use them in the workplace, for the glory of God.
Complete these quizzes/surveys to find out what your spiritual gifts are:
1. https://spiritualgiftsassessment.org/quiz
2. https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/
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In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Paul lists the following spiritual gifts: 
word of wisdom,
word of knowledge,
faith,
gifts of healing,
working of miracles,
prophecy,
distinguishing spirits,
various kinds of tongues, and
interpretation of tongues.
In recent years, these spiritual gifts have been broken down into 15 different spiritual gifts:
Administration,
being an apostle,
discernment,
evangelism,
exhortation,
faith,
giving,
healing,
helper,
hospitality,
knowledge,
leadership,
mercy/compassion,
prophecy,
serving,
speaking in tongues,
teaching or shepherding,
and wisdom.
In this episode, I'll be discussing how you can use these in the workplace and how it will be relevant for you as well as what a great opportunity you have to use your spiritual gifts in the workplace. 
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Links mentioned in this episode:
Ps Andrew Wommack - 4 Basics of Hearing God's Voice
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DZL10TfiYNPvrh8V4Fhi0
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gS2JBOIftQ
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Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!
 

020 | Balancing Faith and Professionalism

In today's episode:
Sometimes at work, we struggle to know exactly when to keep it strictly professional and when we can bring in our faith and be a testimony towards our colleagues. In this episode, we’ll be discussing balancing faith and professionalism.
If you’re working in an environment where not everyone is Christian, then it can be really challenging.
On the one hand, you are a professional in your job role and you were appointed in your role due to your knowledge, qualifications or any other expertise you bring to the table. On the other hand, you are a Christian who wants to live out your values and your faith. So can Professionalism and Faith be balanced at work?
But at what point do you tell people you are a Christian and when can or should you share your testimony, your values or anything relating to God?
Never force God on anyone, respect that they have different views than you.
You can practice your faith at work by silently praying regularly, before meetings, calls etc. We talked about Faith-Based decision-making in the last episode and that’s also a way to balance your faith with professionalism.
But I’d say something to remember is that you are there to do the job you have been appointed, so do that to the best of your abilities and when an opportunity presents itself for you to share about God, be brave and do it. Be sure you don’t force it on that person, and if that person starts feeling uncomfortable, then simply ask them to let you know if they have any questions and leave it at that.
The other way you balance your faith with your professionalism know your personal values and to stick them. They will help you make ethical decisions.
For example, if integrity is a value you would like to live by, then you have to make decisions or do your work in such a manner that others can see you have integrity.
So to recap:
Pray throughout the day
Live, breathe and display your values
Don’t force God on anyone - this can really put people off
Next steps:
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program
Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.
I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!