reThink: How you think, work and thrive

What if your slides weren’t there to impress but to support you?In this episode of Rethink, Nicki Hambleton talks with Nici Foote about designing slides as visual cues rather than content.Drawing on a real presentation created for BETT, they explore how intentional design can support memory, pace, and confidence, reducing cognitive load for the speaker and creating a greater sense of belonging.A reflective conversation about restraint, care, and designing presentations that support thinking, not performance.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Slides as Mirrors to what you Hear Design choices that make ideas stickWe often think slides are there to hold content. But what if their real role is to support memory and meaning instead?In this short solo episode, Nicki Hambleton reflects on a recent experience helping a neurodivergent speaker prepare slides for a high-pressure presentation. The challenge wasn’t the thinking or the script, it was distilling what mattered and knowing how to represent it visually.This episode explores:Why slides work best as visual cues, not bullet pointsHow simple design choices can reduce cognitive loadThe role of imagery and restraint in supporting memoryWhy slides that mirror what we hear help ideas stick for both the speaker and the audienceIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by slide design, or wondered why some presentations linger while others fade, this episode offers a calmer, more human way to think about visual support.Because sometimes, clarity isn’t about adding more, it’s about designing with intention.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 50: Thinking Becomes Stronger When It’s Sharedwith special guest Tricia FriedmanEpisode 50 of Rethink: The Podcast offers a moment to pause and reflect, not on numbers or milestones, but on how the podcast, and the thinking behind it, has evolved over the past year.In this reflective conversation, Nicki Hambleton is joined by Tricia Friedman to explore a simple but powerful idea:Thinking becomes stronger when it’s shared.Together, they discuss the shift from solo episodes to shared conversations, and how inviting another mind into the space has deepened ideas, strengthened confidence, and changed the nature of the podcast itself.The episode explores:The difference between thinking alone and thinking togetherWhy conversation can act as a powerful thinking toolHow curiosity, challenge, and perspective strengthen ideasMoving away from performance towards reflection and connectionWhat has changed through choosing to share the thinking spaceEpisode 50 is not a celebration in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a thoughtful reflection on growth, learning, and the quiet impact of thinking alongside others.This episode will resonate with anyone who has noticed that their clearest ideas often emerge through conversation.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 49: Are You Sitting Comfortably? Let Me Begin.Story, Rehearsal and Authentic Communication with James HealyIn this episode of reThink, Nicki Hambleton is joined by communication specialist James Healy for a thoughtful conversation about story, presence, and what it really means to rehearse.James shares his journey from classical drama training to working with leaders, law firms and organisations around the world, helping them communicate with confidence, clarity and impact.Along the way, the episode explores a common challenge many people face: feeling well-prepared, yet still nervous, flat or disconnected when it comes time to speak.Together, they unpack why preparation alone often fails and why rehearsal, storytelling and embodied presence make such a difference.James introduces his SOAR storytelling framework, showing how:situation sets contextobstacles create engagementaction builds momentumand results make ideas memorableThe episode also talks about:why stories engage us more than dataauthenticity and vulnerability in the age of AIhow quieter voices can still command attentionand how imperfection often builds stronger connection than polishThis episode is an invitation to slow down, speak ideas out loud, and rethink how stories, including your own, are told.🎧 Whether you’re leading, presenting, teaching or simply trying to be heard, this conversation offers a more human way to communicate.The ShiftJames Healy LinkedInThe Squiggly career: Helen TupperForbes: From Classroom to CareerOlivier MythodramaWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

From Visuals to Voice: A Year of Rethinking Out LoudAs the year comes to a close, this episode of Rethink: The Podcast is a moment to pause and reflect.Rather than introducing a new visual tool or hosting a guest conversation, Nicki steps back to join the dots between the ideas, conversations and moments that have shaped the podcast over the past year.From revisiting her 2014 Learning2 talk on the power of visuals, to noticing recurring themes across conversations with educators, leaders, creatives and facilitators, Nicki reflects on how visualising thinking has helped people make sense of complexity, reduce cognitive overload and communicate ideas more clearly.This episode explores the shift from thinking visually to thinking out loud and how hosting the podcast has become a quiet practice in finding confidence, clarity and voice.Nicki also reflects on her earlier podcast, The Confessions of an Introvert, and shares why she feels drawn to revisiting those quieter, story-led conversations.If you’re someone who thinks deeply, sketches ideas, or feels overwhelmed when thoughts stay stuck in your head, this end-of-year reflection offers a gentle reminder: making thinking visible doesn’t require perfection, just space, curiosity and the courage to say the next honest thing out loud.Learning2 Asia 2014: The Power of Visuals by Nicki HambletonWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Rethinking Journalling: Calm, Creativity, and the Power of Visual ReflectionIn this episode of reThink, Nicki Hambleton is joined by educator, coach, and podcast host Kim Cofino for a reflective conversation about journalling, not as a writing habit, but as a visual, calming practice.Kim shares how journalling supported her through a demanding year, helping her slow down, process experiences and remember everyday moments more clearly. Rather than focusing on written entries, the conversation explores how simple visuals, doodles, colour, and small observations can make journalling feel more accessible and sustainable.The episode explores:How journalling can support calm and emotional processingWhy visual cues help memory and recallLetting go of perfection and consistencyJournalling as a personal, flexible practice rather than a performanceThis episode offers a gentler way into journalling, particularly for those who have struggled to maintain traditional written journals.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcofino/https://www.instagram.com/superkimbocreates/?hl=enhttps://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/all_about/We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

What Happens When You Stop Typing and Start Seeing Your Notes?An Introduction to SketchnotingMost of us type far more notes than we ever return to.We capture everything, but remember very little.So what actually changes when we stop writing pages of text and start seeing our notes instead?In this episode, I share how sketchnoting transformed the way I process information over ten years ago, because dense text overwhelmed me, bored me, and stayed hidden on my computer. I needed a way to stay engaged while capturing ideas, and a way to actually use them later.I explore:Why sketchnoting isn’t about drawing wellHow visual notes help you see, choose and act on ideasHow to get startedWhy choosing what matters reduces overwhelmHow sketchnotes become notes you actually revisit Try capturing one idea visually and see what happens when you come back to it.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

In this episode, Nicki is joined by creative facilitator and multipotentialite Angel Takooree for an insightful conversation about what truly makes a workshop engaging, human, and meaningful.Angel shares how her squiggly career, spanning food innovation, interior design, service design, LEGO® Serious Play®, and visual thinking, has shaped her approach to facilitation. She talks about designing workshops through the senses, rethinking space, using visuals to reduce overwhelm, and creating environments where people feel safe, relaxed, and ready to contribute.Together, Nicki and Angel explore:How thoughtful space design transforms group dynamicsWhy sensory cues (music, scent, layout) help people feel at easeHow visual thinking invites people into conversations differentlyWhy metaphors and LEGO bricks help adults stop overthinkingWhat multipotentialites bring to creative and collaborative workWhen people feel comfortable, curious, and cared for, they begin to relax into experimentation and that’s when real creativity emerges.This episode is full of joyful stories, practical insights, and gentle encouragement for anyone wanting to rethink how they design meetings, workshops, or learning experiences.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 44: Rethinking Journalling. One Day. One Drawing.In this reflective episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton explores why traditional journalling is so hard to sustain and how a simple daily drawing ritual can turn reflection into something calming, consistent, and deeply grounding.Nicki shares her own struggle with keeping a diary, yet drawing, especially ten minutes a day, became a meditative practice she could return to again and again.So what happens when you combine the two?Through personal stories, family memories, cognitive science, and a practical four-step method, Nicki shows how visual journalling can help anyone create a small, meaningful daily ritual.Listeners are invited to try their own “one day, one drawing” moment and share their methods, tools, and pages.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 43: Look Again! How Community Helps Us Feel SeenIn this reThink episode, Nicki is joined by educator, facilitator and community-builder Maxine Buttigieg, founder of Mira: Where Teachers Connect. Together, they explore what it means to look again; to slow down, notice what’s often overlooked and understand why feeling seen is essential to well-being.Maxine shares the story behind Mira, the inspiration drawn from Spanish children joyfully shouting “Mira!” (“Look!”), and her commitment to creating spaces where teachers can genuinely belong. The conversation moves through the emotional landscape of teaching, the power of community and the importance of having a safe place to reflect, connect, and breathe.Throughout the episode, Nicki and Maxine discuss:why being seen matters just as much as seeing othershow teacher communities can support well-being and reduce burnoutthe “octopus brain” and the reality of multi-passionate peoplethe role of visual metaphors in helping us think, reflect and understand ourselveshow simple noticing moments can transform the way we engage with the worldThis reflective episode is ideal for educators, leaders, facilitators and anyone seeking a renewed sense of clarity, belonging and connection. A warm reminder that sometimes, the world doesn’t need to change, we just need to look more closely.Maxine Buttigieg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-buttigieg/Mira: https://www.instagram.com/mira__education/https://www.linkedin.com/company/mira-where-teachers-connect/posts/?feedView=allMetafox Coaching Cards: https://metafox.eu/collections/coaching-picture-cardsWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Rethinking the Feedback Loop: How to read the room you can’t seeWhat happens when you present online, but your audience is all together in a room you can’t see?In this episode, Nicki shares the story of presenting a visual-thinking workshop to a group of art teachers in Singapore. The content focused on a challenge dear to her heart, the teachers were engaged, but one thing was missing: the feedback loop.We explore:Why online-to-room teaching feels so differentThe psychology of micro-feedback and invisible cuesWhat happens when you lose the ability to “read the room”Practical visual-thinking strategies to rebuild connection remotelyWhat to do differently to keep the loop aliveHow roles, sketch-stops, warm-up games, and visual debriefs revive engagementWhether you’re a teacher, trainer, facilitator, or leader, this episode will help you rethink how to create connection, especially when you can’t see the people you’re presenting to.Because sometimes, the most important signals are the ones we can’t see, until we learn how to look for them.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 41: Stop the Scroll with Stand Out Designs (with Nadia Fernández)How do you make people stop scrolling and pay attention? In this episode, Nicki Hambleton talks with designer Nadia Fernández, whose cinematic, story-driven carousels have become instantly recognisable on LinkedIn. They explore what it means to design with identity, not just style, and how breaking the rules can help your content stand out for all the right reasons.🎯 You’ll hear Nadia talk about how she:Create visuals that grab attention without gimmicksBuilt a consistent, recognisable brand identityfollows the design rules and when to break the gridBalances creativity with clarity to make her message memorableNadia shares her process, mindset, and why being human in your visuals matters more than ever in an AI-crowded world.✨ Because design isn’t about decoration, it’s about connection.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiiafernandez/https://www.laisladesigns.com/We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

See the Challenge, Strengthen the TeamEvery team has its wobbly blocks, those small things that quietly hold everything together until they’re overlooked, pushed aside, or forgotten.In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton explores what really makes teams wobble and how simple visual strategies can bring them back into balance.Drawing from conversations with leaders, educators, and facilitators, Nicki unpacks common challenges around communication, collaboration and clarity. Through the metaphor of a Jenga tower, she shows how losing sight of what’s important can weaken trust, focus, and confidence and how visual thinking can help rebuild them.By working visibly, mapping ideas, using storyboards and creating shared spaces for thinking, teams can communicate more clearly, listen more actively and build stronger alignment. When ideas are seen as well as heard, inclusion grows, confidence returns and collaboration feels effortless again.Because when we can see the challenge, we can strengthen the team.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

The swan, the lift and the blue phone: finding calm, clarity and connection. What if your greatest strength wasn’t doing more, but simply being there?In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Nicki Hambleton talks with leadership and wellbeing coach and veteran Dave Hill, whose message is simple yet profound: helping people realise they are designed to thrive in any situation.From his time in the military to his work supporting veterans and leaders, Dave shares deeply human stories about simplicity, curiosity, and connection. The episode explores what it means to stay calm amid chaos, how presence transforms the way we think and listen, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to stop.Key themes: • The superpower of being present • Why simplicity survives complexity • How curiosity and compassion create clarity • The role of visual metaphors in understanding ourselves🎧 The swan, the lift, and the blue phone reminds us that clarity is found in stillness, awareness and genuine human connection.References:Dave Hill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhill05/Simplicity in Mind: https://www.simplicityinmind.co.uk/Simple Reflections: https://simplereflectionspodcast.buzzsprout.com/2132149Ingrid Lill: https://www.ingridlill.dk/We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

When the Octopus Meets the Eagle – Where Creativity Meets ClarityTwo very different creatures: one that thrives in the depths, the other high above it all.The octopus explores through curiosity and creativity; the eagle soars with vision and focus.But what happens when they meet at the surface?In this short story from Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton explores how creativity and clarity need each other to thrive. You’ll hear how the octopus represents our brilliant, idea-filled minds and the eagle, our focus and direction. When the two come together, we find balance between imagination and intention.Nicki also reflects on how diverse thinkers, dyslexic minds, deep-thinking introverts, quiet innovators, and creative problem-solvers, bring unique perspectives to the surface when given space to be seen, heard and valued.This is an episode about connection, balance and the power of seeing differently.Because when creativity meets clarity, ideas rise, connect and come alive.🎧 Tune in to discover how to think like an octopus, see like an eagle, and find your own moment of understanding.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 37: Deep Thinking, because good enough isn't good enough.The enemy of creativity is "good enough".In this engaging conversation, Nicki Hambleton and guest Felix Riley explore the themes of creativity, education and the importance of visual thinking. They discuss how brainstorming can unlock innovative ideas and the systemic issues within the education system that stifle creativity. Felix shares his journey from comedy writing to public speaking, emphasising the need for different perspectives in fostering creativity. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity and kindness in both personal and professional realms, concluding with Felix's upcoming projects and the value of collaboration.https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-riley-brilliant-thinking/https://felixriley.com/https://www.brilliant-thinking.com/We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

🎙 Episode Title: Rethinking How We Remember PeopleHave you ever met someone and instantly forgotten their name, even though you remember what they were wearing? Or struggled to recall details about someone you actually care about? In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton explores how visual thinking can become your secret superpower for remembering people, not just their names, but who they are.Inspired by a simple idea from her teaching days when she created Top Trumps-style cards to get to know her students, Nicki reimagines how visuals can help us connect more deeply and recall people more vividly. She unpacks a little of the science behind memory and imagery, shares her creative process and explains how sketching, symbols, and story cues can transform the way we see others.Whether you’re trying to remember your team, learning new faces, or want to make meaningful connections, this episode will help you really connect and see people beyond their name.💡 Key Themes: How visuals make people and moments more memorable. Turning observation into genuine human connection. Remembering people through story, symbol and sketch.✨ Because seeing people differently helps us remember them better.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 35: Rethink the way you explain your workExplaining what you do isn’t always easy, especially when, like Nicki, your work reaches into many areas at once. In this episode of Rethink: the Podcast, Nicki shares the story of how the “octopus” metaphor first came to life when she was teaching in Singapore, wishing she could help every student at the same time.From workshops and team coaching to study mentoring, art tuition, teacher support, portfolio guidance, courses, and sketchnoting, each tentacle of Nicki’s octopus represents a way she helps people think more clearly and work more confidently. All of it connects back to visual thinking, the core of her practice.Listeners will hear how each “tentacle” solves a different problem, why the octopus metaphor is so powerful, and how to find your own way of explaining your work, whether that’s through metaphor or a clear one-liner.🎧 Tune in to discover how to organise your octopus, and rethink the way you describe what you do.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 34: What Leaders can Learn from TeachersIn this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton explores what leaders can learn from teachers. Drawing on her own experiences in the classroom, including a tough period working with disengaged students, Nicki reflects on the parallels between classrooms and boardrooms and why disengagement looks different, but feels the same, in both.Nicki highlights five powerful teaching strategies that can transform the way meetings, workshops and presentations are run: starting with a hook, building in active participation, scaffolding big tasks into manageable steps, creating feedback loops and using visual anchors to engage teams in collective thinking.Backed by cognitive science and illustrated with real-world examples from her facilitation work, Nicki demonstrates how visible, creative approaches can shift teams from passive listening to active contribution. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or simply someone tired of “death by meeting,” this episode offers practical tools to bring clarity, curiosity and collaboration into every conversation.Relevant Resources to this episode:Brown, P. C., Roediger, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning — on retrieval, feedback, and why active learning works.John Hattie (2009). Visible Learning — research evidence on what truly impacts engagement and outcomes.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 33: Shining the light on how visuals support executive functionIn this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton speaks with executive function coach Suzanne Kamal, who specialises in helping children and families build routines, strategies, and systems that support learning and everyday life.Together, they explore how visual thinking can be a game changer for learners who are neurodivergent or studying in English as an additional language (EAL). From simple sketchnotes to calendars, reminders and visual strategies for organisation, Suzanne and Nicki unpack why visuals reduce overload, build confidence, and make learning more inclusive.This episode also highlights recent research into cognitive load and dual coding, showing why the brain benefits from combining words and visuals. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how small changes can make a big difference, whether in the classroom or at home.Resources:Suzanne Kumal, Executive Function Coach on LinkedInClarity Education Coaching WebsiteClarity Education Coaching Facebook GroupAtomic Habits by James Clear"Values are not Goals" research paper, by Chase, Hayes, Ward, & Ramona (2013)“The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking” by Pam A. Mueller & Daniel M. Oppenheimer (2014)We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

 Episode 32: Inside–OutsideIn this episode of Rethink: the Podcast, Nicki Hambleton explores the Inside–Outside strategy: a simple yet powerful visual tool to help us see beyond the surface.We all project something on the outside through our actions, body language, and behaviours, but inside we carry thoughts, feelings, and hidden strengths that others don’t always see. This episode guides you through drawing your own outline figure, to capture external pressures and internal experiences and to reflect on how what’s inside impacts what flows out to others.Nicki shares her own personal story and how that experience led her to develop this activity in her workshops. She shows how the strategy can be applied in different contexts, from classrooms to team meetings to personal wellbeing check-ins.You’ll walk away with a practical tool for empathy, communication, and collaboration and a way to rethink how you see yourself and those around you.✨ Key takeaways:How to use the Inside–Outside figure to map behaviours, emotions, and pressuresWhy this strategy helps reveal hidden strengths and unseen strugglesPractical applications for education, leadership, teams, and wellbeingA guided activity you can try as you listenBecause sometimes the most important things aren’t what we see on the outside, it’s what’s happening within.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 31: Authenticity in the Age of AIIn this unscripted and personal episode, Nicki Hambleton pauses the regular format to reflect on what it means to stay authentic in an increasingly AI-shaped world.Recorded straight from her lounge with no script, no polish, Nicki explores the quiet tension between using AI to support her creative work and the risk of losing her own voice in the process.From a conversation that challenged her to define her "authentic Nicki voice" to her concerns about her hand-drawn visuals being mistaken for computer-generated art, this episode unpacks the growing complexity of authorship, identity, and originality in the age of automation.Nicki also weaves in:Stories about AI-generated music, illustrations, and advertisingReflections on the pressure to be perfect, even in podcastingA powerful visual metaphor: the fingerprint as a symbol of creative identityThis is not an episode against AI, it's an invitation to rethink how we use it, how we show up, and how we hold on to what makes our work uniquely ours.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 30: Rewind & Recap – 7 Months of Visual ThinkingIn this episode of Rethink: the podcast, host Nicki Hambleton reflects on the first 30 episodes and seven months of recording since launching in January 2025. The episode highlights the major themes that have emerged, the problems they help to solve, and the insights that visual thinking continues to unlock.Nicki revisits four central strands that run throughout the podcast:Learning & Memory – exploring concept mapping and design principles to make knowledge easier to recall.Visual Frameworks – using metaphors, images, and structures to make complex ideas clearer.Big Picture Thinking & Creativity – connecting ideas, revealing patterns, and making the invisible visible.Inclusion, Confidence & Authenticity – creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued.She also reflects on the contributions of her guests: Nici Foote, who shared lived experiences of ADHD and dyslexia; Paul Vincent, whose collaboration with Nicki reframed communicating concepts through his series 25 Questions for 2025; and Brendon O’Brien, who demonstrated how visual landscapes can bring clarity to business challenges.This recap episode also surfaces Nicki’s own “aha moments,” including how many strategies designed for students also translate directly to the workplace, and how visual thinking provides a consistent golden thread across learning, collaboration, and leadership.Looking ahead, the podcast will continue with an upcoming episode on authenticity and further conversations with guests, as Nicki expands on the question: what other problems can visual thinking help solve?We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 29: Constellation Mapping – Connecting Ideas into Shared DirectionWhen ideas are flying in all directions, it can feel like looking at a night sky full of stars, beautiful but scattered. In this episode, I introduce Constellation Mapping, a visual strategy for gathering, clustering and connecting ideas so your team, class, or group can see patterns, choose a guiding “North Star,” and move forward together.You’ll hear how to use this approach, discover the origins of the KJ Method by Jiro Kawakita, and learn a simple 5-step process you can apply right away, whether you’re in a boardroom, classroom, or creative space.🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:What the KJ Method is and how it worksHow to connect ideas into constellationsThe 5 steps of Constellation MappingWhy this method is inclusive, visual, and effectiveWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 28: The Bridge – Turning Insight into ActionYou’ve done the deep thinking. You’ve uncovered what’s really going on. But now what?In this episode, I introduce the Bridge Framework: a visual strategy to help you move from insight to action. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or standing at the edge of something new, this simple tool will help you break things down, find your footing and take your next small step.I’ll walk you through: – Identifying where you are now – Defining your desired state – Mapping out realistic steps forward – And choosing the supports that will help you stay steadyYou’ll also hear a story of how I used this with a friend navigating a big life change and how a simple sketch turned into a guiding tool he still uses today.Plus: there’s a free visual you can download and use for your own conversations.Because sometimes insight is just the beginning.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 27: Peeling Back the Layers. Visual Frameworks for Deeper ThinkingIn this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, we’re digging beneath the surface. Nicki Hambleton explores the power of the onion metaphor to unpack complexity and reveal what’s really going on.Using visual thinking strategies, we peel back the outer layers of what’s being said, how it’s being said and dive into the beliefs, emotions and assumptions hidden underneath. You'll learn how to work through each layer to reach deeper clarity, greater empathy and more meaningful solutions.🔍 Whether you're coaching, leading, learning, or facilitating, this episode will help you visualise conversations differently with tools to guide others through solving problems or complex thinking.You’ll hear:Why metaphors like the onion work so well in thinking and communicationA step-by-step visual framework to guide deeper insightHow to apply this in strategy sessions, team coaching, learning and reflectionPlus, there’s a free template to help guide your own layer-peeling journey to check it out on LinkedIn or on the website: https://nihconsultancy.com/resourcesWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 26: Rethink Thinking with AI with guest Nici Foote, founder of Unbarrier MeIn this episode of Rethink the Podcast, I’m joined by Nici Foote, founder of Unbarrier Me, an educator and creative problem-solver who helps schools, multi-academy trusts, and teachers build inclusive, future-ready learning environments using tools that are practical, neurodivergent-friendly, and genuinely engaging.We explore how both of us are weaving AI into our creative processes, not to replace thinking, but to enhance it. From uploading style references and prompts into ChatGPT, to using AI-generated images as a springboard for design and tracing in Procreate, this episode unpacks how AI can unlock new directions and take the pressure off the blank page.Together we chat about:How Nici blends AI with visual storytelling to support schools and educatorsOur shared workflow of idea generation → AI input → Procreate illustrationWhy working with AI is more spark than shortcutThe value of visual clarity for neurodivergent learners and thinkersHow educators and creatives alike can start experimenting with AI tools in thoughtful, human-centred waysWhether you’re curious about creativity, AI, or inclusive education, this episode invites you to rethink how technology might open up new ways to think, work, and create.References: Procreate, ChatGPT and Otter.aiWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 20: Can't say it? Draw it! How Metaphors Make Emotions VisibleWhat do you do when words just aren’t enough? When feelings are swirling and thoughts feel tangled? In this second episode of our Visual Thinking for Wellbeing mini series, I explore how visual metaphors can help you make sense of complex emotions, stress and  confusion.We’ll unpack why drawing what you feel can offer clarity, comfort and even humour in challenging moments. With real-life examples, a guided reflection and creative prompts this episode will help you turn overwhelm into something visual, memorable and manageable.Whether you're leading a team, supporting students, or navigating your own messy mind, this episode invites you to rethink how drawing might just be your best thinking tool.🧠 Visual thinking isn’t just for creatives—it’s for clarity, connection, and emotional wellbeing.🎧 Listen now and grab your pen: Can’t see it? Draw it.Book ref: K Blanchard The One Minute Manager Meets the MonkeyWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Ep 25: Framing the Conversation. How a Folded Paper Game Can Guide Deeper Thinking What do you do when a conversation feels like too much to hold? In this episode, I share the moment that led to creating MapChat, a visual way to map conversations as they unfold. Then I introduce the Conversation Catcher, a simple, playful tool for opening up reflective conversations when mapping isn’t practical. Whether you're coaching, checking in, or just trying to get unstuck, this tool can help bring clarity, one question at a time.Download the free Conversation Catcher template so you can try it yourself.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 24: Visual Frameworks – Making the Invisible VisibleDo you ever feel like your brain’s full but nothing’s clear?In this episode of RETHINK, we dive into visual frameworks: simple, shape-based tools that help you organise messy thinking, untangle ideas and make better decisions. Whether you're planning a project, navigating a tricky conversation, or just feeling overwhelmed, frameworks offer scaffolding for your thoughts.I walk you through 5 clear steps to build your own visual framework (no drawing skills required) and explain how to match the shape to the kind of challenge you're facing.🔍 Learn how to:Name the real challengeChoose a visual structure that fitsAdd prompts to guide your thinkingFill it in with the chaos, questions and insightsStep back and actually see the big picturePractical, visual and calming, this episode gives you tools to stop spiralling and start seeing clearly.🎧 Tune in and try it for yourself. Because sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to draw it.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 23: The Switch. Becoming visible again.What happens when you step back into a space you love and suddenly feel seen again?In this reflective episode, Nicki shares what attending the Jigsaw24 Education Summit unlocked for her: a quiet but powerful moment of clarity, confidence, and reconnection. From feeling on the fringes of education to realising the power of her work anew, she explores how one simple conversation flipped the switch and helped her become visible again.Whether you’re a creative, educator, or someone whose work doesn’t fit into a neat box, this episode is your reminder that visibility doesn’t require shouting it just takes one moment of resonance.🎙 You’ll hear:The subtle power of being seen and understoodWhy clarity often matters more than credentialsA light switch metaphor that might just change how you show upA listener prompt to help you step into your own visibility💡 Flick the switch. You deserve to be seen.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 22: Can a Picture Say 1000 Words?Visual thinking isn’t just about drawing, it’s about showing meaning. And sometimes, one powerful image can communicate what paragraphs of text struggle to explain.In this episode, Nicki explores how using visual thinking and the Power Image strategy can:✅ Replace text-heavy presentations, reports and student portfolios ✅ Reduce cognitive load for your audience ✅ Support neurodivergent and EAL learners ✅ Bring greater clarity to leadership communication, team conversations and classroom learningWhether you're an educator, team leader or creative thinker, you'll take away simple, practical steps to rethink how you share information and discover how one image can truly say 1000 words.🎙 Listen now and rethink how you use visuals in your next portfolio, meeting or presentation.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE Framework to Clear OverwhelmOverwhelmed? Stuck in a mental fog? In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki shares the SEE Framework – a powerful visual tool to help you go from frazzled to focused.Whether your brain feels like it has 73 tabs open or you're facing a big decision that feels impossible to start, this episode helps you make sense of the chaos.You’ll learn how to:Dump out the overwhelm (visually!)Use visual triage to make sense of what’s going onApply a Visual Thermometer to identify pressure pointsSketch out a simple path forwardFrom students and creatives to team leaders and teachers, this framework works for anyone trying to see their way through a tough moment.Grab a pen and some paper and let’s rethink overwhelm together.Book ref: Eat that Frog (Brian Tracy)We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

🎙 Part 1 of 5 in the Visual Thinking for Wellbeing SeriesEpisode 19: Resetting the Stressed out BrainWhen the pressure piles up and your brain feels like it’s short-circuiting, how do you find clarity? In this episode, the first in a five-part series on visual thinking for wellbeing, we explore what happens in the brain when stress takes over and how simple drawing strategies can help you reset.We’ll look at:What neuroscience tells us about overwhelmWhy visuals offer a shortcut to calm and clarityThree simple sketches you can do (no drawing skills needed!)Whether you’re a student feeling stuck, or someone who just needs a mental breather, this episode offers a pen-and-paper lifeline when your brain’s had enough.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 18: Hacking Your Brain with Visuals, with Brendon O’BrienWhat if you could turbocharge your thinking just by drawing it out?In this episode of rethink: the podcast, I’m joined by visual facilitator Brendon O’Brien of Cue Vision to explore how visual thinking isn’t just a creative tool, it’s a cognitive superpower.Brendon talks us through the science behind how visuals help us remember more, communicate clearly and even rewire our brains. From dual coding to cognitive load, external memory fields to third-point communication, Brendon explains it all through his wonderfully visual lens.🧠 Why visuals “hack” your brain and boost memory 🎯 How drawing helps you process, understand and act 💬 What happens when teams see the problem instead of just talking about it ✏️ Simple ways to get started. You don't need to be an artist!🔗 Connect with Brendon: https://www.cue-vision.com/  LinkedIn: Brendon O’BrienWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

In this episode, I’m taking you right back to where it all began, 2012, a new iPad, and a conversation over lunch that changed how I think, listen, and learn.That was the moment I discovered the power of visual note-taking. Not just as a fun way to doodle in the margins, but as a strategy that genuinely helped me remember, reflect and make sense of what I was hearing.I’ll walk you through my 5 Step Method: a simple, visual approach you can literally hold in your hand, while exploring Dual Coding Theory.Whether you're taking notes in a meeting, in class, or while listening to a podcast this technique is designed to help you process and retain ideas more clearly.In this episode: ✋ The Five-Step Method for visual note-taking 🧠 A simple explanation of Dual Coding Theory 📚 Why words and images together boost memory 🎁 A free visual download to help you try it for yourselfFor more strategies and conversations, follow me on https://www.instagram.com/nihconsultancy/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-hambleton-436bb086/Tune in to rethink how you take notes—because sometimes clarity is just one sketch away.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 16 Design Your Day: Map Your Time to Match Your MindDo you ever get to the end of the day and think… what did I actually do?Busy, yes. But productive? Not quite.In this episode of rethink: the podcast, we explore a simple but powerful visual strategy to help you take back control of your day, without the overwhelm.I’m sharing how visual planning (instead of endless to-do lists) can help you design your day to match your energy, reduce stress and prioritise what really matters.This episode is especially helpful for: – Anyone feeling pulled in different directions – Neurodivergent thinkers who find traditional planners don’t work for them – Leaders, educators, creatives and entrepreneurs looking for more clarity and flow🛠️ You’ll learn how to:Break your day into manageable blocksMap your natural energy patterns Prioritise with visual task markers Build in breathing space (and stop feeling guilty about it)This isn’t about squeezing more in, it’s about rethinking how your day feels to live through.🎧 Listen now and give it a go! Because rethinking your day starts with seeing it differently.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Feeling overwhelmed but can't pinpoint why?In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton introduces Mood Mapping — a simple visual strategy to track emotional patterns, manage stress and boost self-awareness. Learn how to plot your energy and mood visually, spot hidden trends and adjust your work and life with more clarity, kindness, and control.Perfect for leaders, professionals, creatives and lifelong learners ready to rethink how they navigate their energy, mood, and mindset each day.And you can download a free template to start mapping your mood! We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

The 5 Visual Thinking Myths Busted: Why You're Already More Visual Than You ThinkDescription: Think you're not a 'visual thinker'? Think again. In this episode, we bust five common myths about visual thinking — from the belief that it's only for artists, to the idea that it slows you down. You'll discover why visual thinking is a power tool for clearer ideas, faster learning, and better collaboration — and why you’re already more visual than you realise.This episode includes quick interactive actions you can try today to rethink how you work, learn, and solve problems.Resources and Further Reading:Dual Coding Theory – Overview from Learning Scientists: https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2017/5/18-1Cognitive Load Theory – A Brief Introduction: https://www.cognitiontoday.com/cognitive-load-theory-applications-in-learning-and-teaching/The McKinsey 7S Framework Explained: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/enduring-ideas-the-7-s-frameworkIntroduction to Issue Trees and Structured Thinking: https://www.strategyu.co/issue-tree-framework-structured-problem-solving/The Value of Visual Thinking in the 21st Century (XPLANE): https://www.xplane.com/the-value-of-visual-thinking-in-the-21st-century/We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Feeling overwhelmed by ideas? Or just joining the podcast now and wondering where to begin? This special recap episode is your chance to pause, zoom out, and connect the dots from Episodes 1 to 12.In Rethink The Recap, I walk you through the stepping stones we’ve travelled so far, how we’ve moved from chaos to clarity using visual thinking tools, creative strategies and inclusive ideas that spark action.Each cluster of episodes builds on the last, from brain dumps and thought threads, to concept maps, storyboarding and strategies for neurodivergent brilliance. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to the show, this episode will help you see the bigger picture (and spot the episodes you'll want to revisit next).🎈 What we cover:Why Rethink exists (and who it’s for)5 visual thinking themes woven through the podcastHow drawing, structure and metaphor can help you think and communicate more clearlyWhat’s coming next: neurodivergent voices, visual storytelling for memory care, and collaboration tools for teams✨ So if you need a rethink - here’s your gentle nudge to start today.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Tired of bullet-point overload and slide decks that send your audience to sleep?In this episode, we flip the focus from listener to leader and rethink how we design and deliver presentations. Whether you’re leading a meeting, teaching a class, or pitching an idea, your slides shouldn’t be your script. They should be your support act.We’ll explore:Why reading from slides leads to disengagementHow to reduce cognitive overload, especially for neurodivergent mindsThe science behind what makes visuals more effectiveA practical 5-step framework to design presentations that land with every brain in the roomExpert insights from Duarte, Reynolds, and more💡 Clear slides = clear minds. 🎯 One idea per slide. 🎨 Visual metaphors that stick. 🧠 Design for every brain in the room.🔗 Show Notes & References:Broca & Wernicke Effect: Why talking over your slides disrupts processingDual Coding Theory – Allan Paivio: Pairing visuals and language for better recallPicture Superiority Effect: Why we remember images better than wordsCognitive Load Theory – John Sweller: Reducing overload to increase learningSlide:ology by Nancy DuartePresentation Zen by Garr ReynoldsWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 11Do you leave meetings feeling frazzled? Find yourself scribbling furiously only to end up with unreadable notes and a foggy memory?You’re not alone.In this episode, I share how sketchnoting became a game-changer for my neurodivergent brain. Not just a creative outlet, sketchnotes helped me learn to listen differently—focusing on meaning, calming the overwhelm, and capturing ideas I’d actually use.We’ll explore:Why all-talking meetings cause cognitive overloadWhat sketchnoting really is (hint: it’s not about being an artist!)The science of dual coding and memoryHow visual thinking can support better listening and focusA step-by-step guide to start sketchnoting today🎧 Listen now and see why listening, sketching, and simplifying might just be your new secret strategy.........................................................................................................................................📚 Resources:Here are the research references and links mentioned in this episode, along with some additional reading if you’d like to explore further:✍️ Sketchnoting Inspiration🧠 The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde rohdesign.com/handbook✏️ Dave Caleb's Sketchnote: View the sketchnote on Flickr🔬 Key Research & Theory📖 Dual Coding Theory (Paivio, 1986) Combining visuals and words improves recall. Dual Coding blog post by The Learning Scientists📖 Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988) Why our brains struggle with too much information at once. Explainer video by John Spencer🧠 Drawing and Memory – The Wammes Study Drawing leads to deeper processing and stronger recall compared to writing, as it engages visual, motor, and semantic encoding. Edutopia articleWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent BrillianceWhat if the very thing you once saw as a struggle was actually your strength?In this episode, I share a personal story about discovering I likely have dyslexic thinking and how that realisation helped me reframe not only my challenges but also my greatest gifts. From struggling to retain information through spoken word to thriving with colour-coded mind maps and visual metaphors, I explore how visual thinking can transform the way neurodivergent minds learn, lead, and create.You’ll also get a step-by-step guide to using concept mapping to chunk information and reduce cognitive overload—an essential strategy for visual learners and thinkers.🧠 Big-picture thinking 💡 Creative problem-solving 📊 Turning complexity into clarityThese aren’t just learning tools. They’re superpowers.See the accompanying post and visual on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-hambleton-436bb086/  Visit my website for more visual thinking strategies: https://nihconsultancy.com/We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Seeing the Big Picture: Visual Thinking Meets Business StrategyHow do you make big ideas stick?In this episode I talk to Paul Vincent, Global Leader in Service Design, Randstad Enterprise. Paul set himself a challenge: to create 25 Questions for 2025, a series of thought-provoking prompts designed to help leaders, businesses, and individuals rethink the future.But how do you make complex ideas engaging? That’s where our collaboration began. Instead of using stock images, we started crafting custom visuals that tell a story—turning abstract concepts into something instantly recognisable and memorable.In this episode, we explore: ✔ The power of questions over statements in sparking conversation ✔ How visual thinking unlocks deeper understanding ✔ The process behind creating compelling visuals that bring ideas to lifeIf you’ve ever struggled to explain an idea, pitch a concept, or engage an audience, this one’s for you.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Bad design is CRAP. No, really—there’s an actual design principle called CRAP: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. If you’re not using these, your spatial organisation might be working against you.In this episode of rethink: The Podcast, we explore how spatial organisation transforms the way we think, communicate, and design—whether in presentations, learning materials, or even how we arrange our workspaces.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why the CRAP principles (from The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams) are a secret weapon for clarity. ✅ How Gestalt Theory explains why our brains love well-organised spaces. ✅ Simple tweaks that make layouts, slides, and study notes instantly more effective. ✅ Why white space is powerful and how you can use it to avoid information overload.Because when design is bad, it’s CRAP—but when it’s good, it’s transformationalWe all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Ever struggled to structure your thoughts or explain an idea clearly? What if you could break it down visually—step by step—just like a storyboard?In this episode of rethink: The Podcast, we explore how storyboarding can transform the way you think, communicate, and bring ideas to life.📌 What you’ll discover:🔹 Why storyboarding works for different types of thinkers—from creatives to leaders.🔹 How breaking an idea into 3 or 5 panels makes it clearer and more actionable.🔹 The science behind storytelling & visuals—and why our brains love them.🔹 How I used storyboarding to create The Confessions of an Introvert comic.🔹 A hands-on guide to sketching your own storyboard—no artistic skills required!Whether you’re mapping out a project, explaining a concept, or shaping a vision, storyboarding helps you clarify your message and make it stick.🎧 Tune in now and rethink how you communicate—one frame at a time!We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Ever struggled to explain a complex idea? What if you could capture it in a single, powerful image?In this episode of rethink: the Podcast, we explore how visual metaphors can transform the way we think, communicate, and problem-solve.📌 What you’ll discover:🔹 How metaphors help make abstract ideas concrete.🔹 The power of turning concepts into visual journeys.🔹 Real-world examples, including my work with Paul Vincent on the 25 Questions for 2025 project.🔹 How graphic facilitators like Brendon O’Brien and Ralph Mann bring ideas to life.🔹 A step-by-step guide to mapping your own big-picture thinking.Whether you’re a leader, educator, or creative, this episode will show you how to use metaphors as maps to navigate ideas and find clarity.🎧 Tune in now and start seeing the big picture with visual metaphors!We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Episode 5: Concept Mapping for Better ThinkingFeeling overwhelmed by scattered ideas and messy notes? Ever struggled to pull everything together and make sense of your thoughts? You’re not alone!In this episode of rethink: the podcast, I explore how concept mapping can transform your thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills by mirroring the way your brain naturally organises information.🔹 Why mapping works – backed by neuroscience & Gestalt theory🔹 Different types of concept maps – it’s not just mind maps!🔹 How to use mapping effectively – from learning and planning to creative thinking🔹 Who benefits most – students, professionals, teams, and neurodivergent thinkersIf you’ve ever felt stuck trying to structure your thoughts, this episode will help you rethink how you organise and connect ideas.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

Ever been in a meeting where only the loudest voices dominate? Thought Threads is a spatial, silent brainstorming technique designed to ensure every idea gets seen and valued—especially for introverts, reflective thinkers, and neurodiverse team members. In this episode, we explore how visual, anonymous ideation can turn scattered thoughts into structured collaboration. Learn how to cluster, connect, and amplify ideas using this inclusive visual thinking approach.Tune in and discover how to weave your team’s ideas into a powerful collective web of insights!We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?

🎙️ Episode 3: Drawing – The Superpower for ThinkingThink you can’t draw? Think again! 🎨Most of us stop drawing around age 7 to 9, the last time we truly enjoyed it. But what if drawing isn’t about art—it’s about thinking? In this episode of rethink, I explore how sketching can boost memory, enhance problem-solving, and clarify ideas.📌 Science-backed insights:✅ The Drawing Effect – How sketching helps you remember twice as much✅ Dual Coding Theory – Why combining visuals + words makes ideas stick✅ Doodling for Focus – How simple scribbles keep your brain engagedPlus, I’ll share practical ways to use drawing in daily life—even if you think you "can’t draw"! And keep an eye out for my upcoming video on how to draw simple, easy images Nicki-style.🖍 Listen now & start thinking visually!We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?