#136 The Art of Letting Go

In this episode of "Garry Talks," Garry interviews Denise O’Brien, Solo Businesswoman of the Year and founder of O’Brien Learning Solutions. Denise shares her journey through early motherhood, personal loss, and redundancy, highlighting how resilience and support networks enabled her to rebuild her life and career. The discussion explores embracing change, personal growth, and the importance of self-care, spiritual wellness, and authentic leadership. Denise also offers insights on organisational change, community involvement, and finding fulfilment by aligning with one’s values. Her story inspires listeners to trust their inner wisdom and lead with compassion. For more information please visit: https://obrienlearningsolutions.ie/     - Support this podcast by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com - Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Please follow GKMedia.ie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast.     Seeking Fulfilment and Introduction (00:00:00) Denise shares her belief in universal desire for contentment; Garry introduces Denise and her story of resilience.   Podcast and Host Introduction (00:00:55) Garry thanks listeners, discusses podcast achievements, and encourages support for the show.   Podcast Network ID (00:02:05) Brief mention of the Geek Media Studios Creators Network.   Embracing Change: Early Adulthood (00:02:24) Denise discusses her early 20s, facing trauma, loss, and the concept of change.   Coping with Loss and Grief (00:03:30) Denise recounts losing her boyfriend to suicide, her mother's illness, and her struggles with grief.   Finding Support and Starting a Career (00:06:30) Denise describes seeking help, finding community, and starting her career at GE in 1997.   Single Motherhood and Personal Growth (00:08:15) Denise talks about raising her daughter as a single mom while caring for her terminally ill mother.   Tools for Resilience and Healing (00:09:11) Denise outlines therapy, support groups, mentorship, and spiritual development as tools for personal growth.   Influential Books and Spiritual Journey (00:10:12) Denise shares key books, spiritual practices, and the importance of psychological safety during change.   The Search for Fulfilment and Contentment (00:11:39) Discussion on why spiritual belief and psychological comfort are important for personal fulfilment.   Inner Wisdom and Decision-Making (00:12:28) Denise explains the concept of inner wisdom, multiple brain theory, and trusting oneself.   Logic, Heart, and Gut in Life and Business (00:14:35) Exploration of why society values logic, generational shifts, and the importance of leading with the heart.   Women in Business and Self-Trust (00:16:44) Denise discusses her business journey, networking, and the importance of trusting one’s own wisdom.   Family Background and Growing Up in Shannon (00:17:22) Denise shares memories of her mother, family history, and the unique community of Shannon.   Mother’s Illness and Family Impact (00:19:57) Denise details her mother’s cancer diagnosis, their bond, and the impact on the family.   Career Development and Corporate Change (00:22:22) Denise describes her corporate career, moving into training, and adapting to organisational changes.   Redundancy and Starting a Business (00:24:07) Denise explains her redundancy, desire for freedom, and the leap into self-employment in 2016.   Work as a Coping Mechanism (00:26:58) Reflection on using work to cope with trauma and the importance of support systems.   Recovery and 12-Step Support (00:28:26) Denise shares her experience with addiction, joining a 12-step fellowship, and finding self-respect.   Faith, Forgiveness, and Hope (00:32:05) Denise discusses learning about a loving God, forgiveness, and the transformative power of hope.   Business Beginnings and Self-Employment Challenges (00:34:28) Denise recounts starting her business, the ups and downs of self-employment, and learning to trust the process.   Business Model and Organisational Change (00:36:53) Denise explains her business focus: supporting organisations through change using her 3S model.   Challenges in Scaling Businesses (00:38:44) Discussion on issues faced by growing businesses, especially letting go and developing leadership.   Building High-Performing Organisations (00:41:35) Denise describes her approach to clarifying roles, building trust, and fostering high-performing teams.   Open Communication and Organisational Culture (00:44:20) The importance of transparency, feedback, and overcoming toxic cultures in organisations.   Scaling and Reinventing the Business (00:47:02) Denise reflects on transitioning from subcontracting to building her own brand and team.   Self-Worth, Respect, and Personal Care (00:48:44) Discussion on valuing oneself, overcoming feelings of worthlessness, and the link to spiritual wellness.   Purpose, Community, and Giving Back (00:52:26) Denise talks about community work, finding purpose, and the importance of giving.