Imagine if you could follow your ambition without drowning in it – how much more fulfilling life would be? That’s what Pause Purpose Play is all about – finding balance over burnout by setting you free from needing to be perfect, so that you can take action and get started with what matters to you, instead of getting stuck in procrastination and holding yourself back with self-limiting beliefs your inner critic tells you. In this podcast, Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and founder of The Thomas Connection, shares bite-sized learning around psychology of performance, habits, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parenthood and couples relationships. The podcast will mix solo episodes with guest interviews; diving deep into their professional zone of genius and learning about how they have found pause, purpose and play in their life and in their work. My new book, The Lasting Connection, is available now from all good bookshops.
Episodes
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
In this episode, I reflect on delivering neurodivergence training to managers and unpack a powerful workplace question: when someone isn’t meeting expectations, is it capability — or context?
Through a compassion-focused lens, we explore:
- The difference between equality and equity
- Why clarity around feedback and expectations matters deeply
- How rejection sensitivity can distort workplace communication
- Why ADHD is an explanation, not an excuse
- The shame–overwork–burnout cycle many high achievers fall into
- How psychological safety improves performance for everyone
Whether you're a leader supporting staff or someone quietly masking and overworking to hide your struggles, this episode invites a shift: from blame to curiosity, from fear to compassion.
Want to build a more neuroinclusive workplace?
I deliver talks and training across the UK on neurodivergence, psychological safety and compassionate leadership.
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Let’s help your people thrive — not just survive.
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