11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola Humber
Explicit content warning
11/17/24 • 35 min
Episode 11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola Humber
In this special episode to celebrate the first anniversary of Good Girl Deprogramming, Michelle sits down with her publisher, Nicola Humber.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing a book or simply want to live more authentically, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you break free from societal expectations and unleash your full potential.
Nicola Humber is the author of three transformational books, Heal Your Inner Good Girl , UNBOUND and Unbound Writing and creator of the #unbound365 journal. She's also the founder of The Unbound Press, a soul-led publishing imprint for unbound women.
After playing the archetypal good girl up until her mid-thirties, Nicola left her 'proper' job in finance to retrain as a coach and hypnotherapist and this leap of faith led her to what she does now: activating recovering good girls to embrace their so-called imperfections and shake off the tyranny of 'shoulds', so they can be their fullest, freest, most magnificent selves.
Nicola helps women to write the book their Unbound Self is calling them to write, whilst growing a community of soul-family readers and clients.
She's also the host of The Unbound Writer's Club podcast.
What we talk about:
- 2:30 – Nicola’s Journey - from corporate life to founding The Unbound Press
- Nicola reflects on her path from the structured corporate world to creating The Unbound Press, a space where women’s unique voices and stories are celebrated.
- 4:51 – The Myth of the Linear Writing Process
- Both Michelle and Nicola debunk the myth that writing a book is a linear process, explaining how life’s ebbs and flows shape creative journeys.
- 6:07 – Embracing Cyclical Creativity
- They discuss how embracing natural cycles—seasonal, lunar, and menstrual—can help women let go of rigid productivity expectations.
- 8:12 – Fear of Criticism
- Nicola opens up about the internal battle many writers face, from questioning their worth to fearing judgment from readers.
- 10:32 – Turning Criticism into Content
- Michelle and Nicola share personal experiences of dealing with negative reviews and turning them into opportunities for reflection and growth.
- 13:36 – Pleasing Everyone vs. Authenticity
- They explore the dangers of seeking universal approval, explaining how authenticity resonates more deeply with the right audience.
- 16:42 – Reconnecting with Your Body and Cycles
- Nicola highlights the importance of listening to your body and cycles, breaking free from the linear productivity models that dominate workplaces.
- 20:21 – The Impact of “Good Girl” Conditioning at Work
- Michelle previews her upcoming book, examining why high-achieving girls often struggle when they enter the workforce.
- 24:22 – Women Supporting Women
- The conversation shifts to the transformative power of community, as they emphasise the importance of women lifting each other up.
- 27:31 – Writing Your Own Story
- Nicola encourages aspiring authors to embrace their unique perspectives, even in a world saturated with similar stories.
- 30:36 – Valuing Your Own Experiences
- They discuss how personal stories bring writing to life, helping readers connect with deeper truths.
- 33:22 – Listener Challenge: Embrace your “too muchness”
Follow Nicola on social media:
Website - https://nicolahumber.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolaahumber/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolahumber
Buy Good Girl Deprogramming
Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)
Episode 11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola Humber
In this special episode to celebrate the first anniversary of Good Girl Deprogramming, Michelle sits down with her publisher, Nicola Humber.
Whether you’re dreaming of writing a book or simply want to live more authentically, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you break free from societal expectations and unleash your full potential.
Nicola Humber is the author of three transformational books, Heal Your Inner Good Girl , UNBOUND and Unbound Writing and creator of the #unbound365 journal. She's also the founder of The Unbound Press, a soul-led publishing imprint for unbound women.
After playing the archetypal good girl up until her mid-thirties, Nicola left her 'proper' job in finance to retrain as a coach and hypnotherapist and this leap of faith led her to what she does now: activating recovering good girls to embrace their so-called imperfections and shake off the tyranny of 'shoulds', so they can be their fullest, freest, most magnificent selves.
Nicola helps women to write the book their Unbound Self is calling them to write, whilst growing a community of soul-family readers and clients.
She's also the host of The Unbound Writer's Club podcast.
What we talk about:
- 2:30 – Nicola’s Journey - from corporate life to founding The Unbound Press
- Nicola reflects on her path from the structured corporate world to creating The Unbound Press, a space where women’s unique voices and stories are celebrated.
- 4:51 – The Myth of the Linear Writing Process
- Both Michelle and Nicola debunk the myth that writing a book is a linear process, explaining how life’s ebbs and flows shape creative journeys.
- 6:07 – Embracing Cyclical Creativity
- They discuss how embracing natural cycles—seasonal, lunar, and menstrual—can help women let go of rigid productivity expectations.
- 8:12 – Fear of Criticism
- Nicola opens up about the internal battle many writers face, from questioning their worth to fearing judgment from readers.
- 10:32 – Turning Criticism into Content
- Michelle and Nicola share personal experiences of dealing with negative reviews and turning them into opportunities for reflection and growth.
- 13:36 – Pleasing Everyone vs. Authenticity
- They explore the dangers of seeking universal approval, explaining how authenticity resonates more deeply with the right audience.
- 16:42 – Reconnecting with Your Body and Cycles
- Nicola highlights the importance of listening to your body and cycles, breaking free from the linear productivity models that dominate workplaces.
- 20:21 – The Impact of “Good Girl” Conditioning at Work
- Michelle previews her upcoming book, examining why high-achieving girls often struggle when they enter the workforce.
- 24:22 – Women Supporting Women
- The conversation shifts to the transformative power of community, as they emphasise the importance of women lifting each other up.
- 27:31 – Writing Your Own Story
- Nicola encourages aspiring authors to embrace their unique perspectives, even in a world saturated with similar stories.
- 30:36 – Valuing Your Own Experiences
- They discuss how personal stories bring writing to life, helping readers connect with deeper truths.
- 33:22 – Listener Challenge: Embrace your “too muchness”
Follow Nicola on social media:
Website - https://nicolahumber.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolaahumber/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolahumber
Buy Good Girl Deprogramming
Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)
Previous Episode
10 - What Would Donna and Cheryl Do? with Dr Donna Elliot & Cheryl Reid
Episode 10 - What Would Donna and Cheryl Do? with Dr Donna Elliot & Cheryl Reid
Dr. Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid are the Co-Founders of Now Is Your Time, creators of the Mind Coding® framework, and authors of the #1 bestseller Become The Real You. As TEDx Women speakers and former senior leaders with over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, they bring a wealth of expertise in empowering women to break free from limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and fear. Their mission is to help women harness their inner power to live radically authentic lives.
Drawing on 40 years of combined experience in building high-performing teams, alongside their own transformative personal journeys, Donna and Cheryl deliver life-changing coaching programmes. They have worked with global organisations such as the BBC, Adobe, Sage, and American Express as Mindset and Imposter Syndrome Experts. Their insights have been featured in leading publications including Health & Wellbeing and Glamour.
In their interactive masterclasses, they share proven mindset techniques and practical strategies designed to dismantle imposter syndrome and foster unstoppable self-belief. Discover more about their work, book, and TEDx talk at www.nowisyourtimeto.com.
What we talk about:
- 2:11 - Good Girl Conditioning Discussion - Donna and Cheryl share personal stories about overcoming societal expectations, people-pleasing, and imposter syndrome.
- 10:00 - Breaking Out of Corporate Conditioning - The duo discusses their shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship and their journey toward finding authentic work styles.
- 18:01 - Personal Growth & Manifestation - Donna and Cheryl explore how personal growth and mindset shifts, especially during the pandemic, helped them redefine success.
- 28:01 - Community and Future Plans - They share plans for their coaching programs, aimed at empowering others to embrace transformation and authenticity.
- 31:49 - Key Takeaways & Reflections - Donna and Cheryl challenge listeners to reflect on living authentically and pursuing what they truly want.
Follow Donna and Cheryl on social media:
Website - https://www.nowisyourtimeto.com/
Linkedin - https://www.instagram.com/iamdonnaelliott/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-reid-now-is-your-time-to-com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nowisyourtimeto/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/donna.elliott.NIYT
Follow Michelle on social media:
Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin
Buy Good Girl Deprogramming
Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)
Take the Good Girl Quiz
Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!
Next Episode
12 - From Rebel Woman to Raising Rebels with Jo Phillips
Episode 12 - From Rebel Woman to Raising Rebels with Jo Phillips
In this episode, host Michelle Minnikin welcomes Jo Phillips to the Good Girl Deprogramming podcast. Together, they delve into the journey from societal expectations to authentic self-expression, highlighting the challenges women face in corporate environments and how they can reclaim their power. Jo shares her experiences of breaking free from “Good Girl Conditioning,” championing leverage and confidence, and coaching other women to find their voices and build meaningful careers.
Jo’s early career was in the recruitment and staffing industry with market leaders such as Staffline, Kelly, and Adecco, where she headed Adecco’s sales academy. She later transitioned to a national role in learning and development, researching, designing, and delivering training through mediums like classroom, online, and face-to-face sessions.
With over 23,000 hours of training delivered, Jo specialises in onboarding, legislation, sales cycles, recruitment, management, and leadership. She has trained trainers to become confident, authentic facilitators and designed curricula to support women’s career advancement.
Jo is a coach and mentor to senior leaders, acting as a confidential sounding board and critical friend. Her passion for empowering women is evident in her work, particularly through programmes like inHerSpark, which focuses on accelerating women’s careers. This initiative enhances retention by providing specialist development at critical career points, enabling women to excel within their organisations.
Recognised for her inclusive, knowledgeable, and open approach, Jo coaches women to achieve their potential. In the past year alone, her clients saw an average salary increase of 39%, with the highest increase reaching £70,000.
Jo is a gold-level facilitator for Google’s #IamRemarkable initiative and collaborates with award-winning software, Fintech, and FTSE 100 companies. Based in the UK, she is a devoted mother to a preteen son, an avid reader, and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Jo frequently speaks at events and podcasts, continuously researching the challenges women face in their careers.
What we talk about:
- 1:16 – Michelle welcomes Jo Phillips, sharing how their connection was fatefully suggested by multiple people.
- 1:54 – Jo discusses taking the Good Girl Quiz and proudly identifying as a “Rebel Woman.”
- 4:37 – Jo reflects on her early corporate career, shaped by societal expectations that limited her confidence.
- 8:23 – A missed promotion becomes Jo’s wake-up call, revealing the importance of self-promotion.
- 10:43 – Jo discovers a 40% pay gap in her role and boldly negotiates for fair compensation.
- 15:55 – Jo highlights how workplace U-turns, like ending hybrid work, disproportionately affect women.
- 17:56 – Jo shares her current focus: coaching women to reclaim confidence and articulate their value.
- 23:54 – Michelle and Jo discuss the critical role of self-promotion and leveraging networks for success.
- 28:35 – Jo challenges listeners to envision their ideal life and reverse engineer the steps to achieve it.
Follow Jo on social media:
Website - https://thewomanbehindthewomen.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-p-thewomanbehindthewomen/
Follow Michelle on social media:
Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin
Buy Good Girl Deprogramming
Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)
If you like this episode you’ll love
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