Ep 218: Self-compassion with Dr. Fiona Jane Meechan

In this episode, Richard is joined by an expert in self-compassion for a discussion about this all-important skillset.

Richard and Fiona Jane Meechan discuss why self-compassion can be tough to develop, even when we can be compassionate to others. They look at some of the simple ways we can bring self-compassion to life in our everyday routines, exploring it through the lens of the six pillars of wellbeing. This includes social connection, sleep, movement and self-talk.

They bust some myths and misunderstandings about self-compassion and explain the contributions it makes to wellbeing and performance at work.

Please get in touch with any questions about the topic – either via email (podcast at worklifepsych dot com) or on WorkLifeSpark.

As always, thanks for listening!

About our guest

Fiona helps ethical leaders to improve wellbeing and performance in their businesses. Fiona has a passion for compassion, and knows that the compassion process starts with looking after you! Fiona has always been drawn to making life better for people.  Her first love was criminology and she worked in public services for 16 years, focusing on improving community health, wellbeing and safety.

Then through having to deal with badly behaved bosses in work, Fiona realised that what we ultimately need to improve is compassionate and competent leadership at all levels, because when we do that, there is a real ripple effect, and life becomes better for everyone.

So for the past 12 years she has taught leadership at Alliance Manchester Business School, and worked on a national level to improve wellbeing and leadership in policing. Fiona also runs her own leadership and team development practice and supports people across the public and private sectors. She knows that compassionate leadership starts with self-compassion, and that’s why we’re chatting today.

Resources for this episode

  • Date July 9, 2026
  • Tags Compassion, Wellbeing