Shows
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 52: Designing slides that support neurodiversityWhat 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 wh...
2026-02-0235 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 51: Slides as Mirrors to what you HearSlides 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 cu...
2026-01-2204 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 50: Thinking Becomes Stronger When It’s SharedEpisode 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 conv...
2026-01-1643 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 49: Are You Sitting Comfortably? Let Me BeginEpisode 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...
2026-01-0546 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEp48 From Visuals to Voice: A Year of Rethinking Out LoudFrom 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...
2025-12-2909 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 47: Rethinking Journalling.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...
2025-12-2247 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 46: What Happens When You Stop Typing and Start Seeing Your Notes?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...
2025-12-1508 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 45: Permission to Play. Rethinking facilitationIn 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 cu...
2025-12-0841 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 44: Rethinking Journalling. One Day. One DrawingEpisode 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...
2025-12-0110 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 43: Look Again! How Community Helps Us Feel SeenEpisode 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...
2025-11-2539 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 42: ReThinking the Feedback LoopRethinking 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 happ...
2025-11-1714 min
Founders FutureThe Visual Thinking Strategist: Unlocking Clarity and Collaboration with Nicki HambletonIn this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, we meet Nicki Hambleton, a visual thinking strategist and founder of NiH Consultancy. Nicki shares her journey from a graphic designer and art teacher to an entrepreneur dedicated to solving a universal problem: cognitive overload and miscommunication in teams and organizations. She discusses how her unique tools and methods, like sketchnoting and MapChat, make thinking visible, helping leaders and teams think clearly, connect authentically, and collaborate more creatively.Nicki delves into the profound impact of visual thinking on inclusion, especially for neurodiverse individuals, and her mission to...
2025-11-1421 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 41: Design Identity: Stop the scroll with stand out posts with guest Nadia Fernández.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 i...
2025-11-1036 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 40: See the Challenge, Strengthen the TeamSee 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...
2025-11-0310 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 39: Curiosity, simplicity and a swan on a lilo.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 sta...
2025-10-2841 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 38: When the Octopus meets the EagleWhen 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...
2025-10-2007 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 37: Deep Thinking, because good enough isn't good enoughEpisode 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...
2025-10-1343 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 36: Rethinking how we remember people🎙 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 visua...
2025-10-0609 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 35: Rethink the way you explain your workEpisode 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 peo...
2025-09-2910 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 34: What Leaders can Learn from TeachersEpisode 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...
2025-09-2209 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 33: Shining the light on how visuals support executive functionEpisode 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...
2025-09-1632 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 32: Inside–Outside 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...
2025-09-0811 min
Happy Hormones Podcast#168 Bolder Not Older: Reinventing Style, Confidence & Visibility After 50 - With Nicky Hambleton JonesIn this inspiring and honest conversation, I’m joined by the fabulous Nicky Hambleton-Jones. She's a personal stylist, TV presenter, author, and the iconic face behind 10 Years Younger and Drop-A-Decade.We go far beyond fashion to talk about confidence, ageing, and how personal style can become a powerful tool for reinvention, especially after 50. Nicky opens up about the highs and lows of her career, including the moment she was dropped from her hit show and how, in her own words, “clothes saved me.”We also dive into her new book, Bolder Not Older, a bold call-to-arms for wo...
2025-09-0438 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 31: Authenticity in the Age of AIEpisode 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...
2025-09-0112 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 30: Rewind and RecapEpisode 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 mak...
2025-08-1809 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 29: Constellation MappingEpisode 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...
2025-08-1109 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 28: The BridgeEpisode 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...
2025-08-0409 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 27: Peel the OnionEpisode 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 coac...
2025-07-2809 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 26: Rethink Thinking with A1Episode 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 us...
2025-07-2122 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 20: Can't say it? Draw it! How Metaphors Make Emotions VisibleEpisode 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...
2025-07-2107 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 25: The Conversation Catcher.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.Dow...
2025-07-1409 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 24: Visual Frameworks – Making the Invisible VisibleEpisode 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 challe...
2025-07-0706 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 23: The Switch. Becoming visible again.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...
2025-06-3007 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 22: Can a Picture Say 1000 Words?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 o...
2025-06-1609 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE FrameworkEpisode 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 vis...
2025-06-0906 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 19: Resetting the Stressed out Brain🎙 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 drawi...
2025-05-2605 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 18: Hack your Brain with Visual ThinkingEpisode 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-po...
2025-05-1928 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 17: Rethink note-taking in 5 steps.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...
2025-05-1209 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 16: Design your Day - Map your time to match your mindEpisode 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 prio...
2025-05-0507 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 15: Map your mood- See It, Understand It, Shift ItFeeling 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 r...
2025-04-2807 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 14: The 5 Myths about Visual Thinking busted!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...
2025-04-2107 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 13: The Recap - Looking back on the first 12 episodesFeeling 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'r...
2025-04-1407 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 12: Rethinking PresentationsTired 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 b...
2025-04-0710 min
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 EducatorsThe Joy of Learning With Visual Notes In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Nicki Hambleton discuss the significance of visual note-taking, and why it is increasingly more necessary for our learners. They discuss the process of creating visual notes, the importance of fun in learning, and how visual note-taking enhances listening skills. Nicki shares her experiences and insights on how to overcome hesitation in visual note-taking and its potential connection to wellness initiatives in organizations. Big Ideas Visual note-taking can help clarify thoughts about AI. Engaging in fun activities enhances the learning experience. The process of visual note-taking is as important as the outcome. Slowing down c...
2025-03-3126 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 11: Rethinking Note-taking to Ease OverloadEpisode 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!)Th...
2025-03-3111 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent Brilliance!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 ste...
2025-03-2410 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 9: Seeing the Big Picture- Visual Thinking meets Business StrategySeeing 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—turn...
2025-03-1719 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 8: Designing for the Mind- How Spatial Organisation Shapes ThinkingBad 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...
2025-03-1012 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 7: Picture This! How Storyboarding brings ideas to life.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 th...
2025-03-0312 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 6: See the Big Picture with Visual MetaphorsEver 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...
2025-02-2314 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 5: Concept Mapping for Better ThinkingEpisode 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!🔹
2025-02-1611 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 4: Thought Threads: Creating Space for Every VoiceEver 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!...
2025-02-0908 min
The Standing Apart Podcast#6 - How can people in the education sector do things differently?Standing Apart, hosted by Nigel Ridpath, focuses on the theme of differentiation - both personally and in a business sense.
Episode 6 focuses on the education sector. We take a look at what's happening in schools in the most deprived areas, inspired by this article by Elaine Dunkley and producer, Kate McGough. I interview Nicki Hambleton, former Head of Art at UWCSEA in Singapore, about how one of the top schools in the world innovates.
I also reveal who is Superhero of the Week.
Nicki's podcast on Visual Thinking can be found here.
2025-02-0327 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 3: Drawing - The Superpower for Thinking🎙️ 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 visua...
2025-02-0206 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 2: Rethink Brainstorming & Spark ConnectionsCrazy 8 is designed to help you rethink brainstorming and spark connections and it is fast, fun, and full of ideas. Whether you’re working alone or in a team, this quick and creative technique gets ideas flowing and uncovers patterns you might not see otherwise.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?
2025-01-2709 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 1: Welcome to reThink: Why Thinking Visually Can Change Everything—Even on a Podcast!Episode 1: Welcome to reThink: Unpacking Ideas, Innovation, and InsightsIn this first episode of reThink, I introduce you to the heart of the podcast—exploring creative ways to reimagine ideas, improve processes, and gain fresh insights. You’ll learn what the three pillars of reThink—Ideas, Innovation, and Insights—really mean and how they can help you navigate your work, learning, and team dynamics.I’ll also share a bit about my background as a teacher and coach, how I discovered the power of visual thinking, and the story behind MapChat™, my method for helping othe...
2025-01-1909 min
Ignite EdTech PodcastMay 5 2023 - Episode 123 - Nicki HambletonMay 5 2023 - Episode 123The Ignite EdTech Podcast with @mrkempnz1. Introduction2. EdTech Tool of the Week - Stop Motion Studio3. EdTech Tip of the Week - Creation over Consumption4. Interview with Nicki Hambleton5. Subscribe, Rate and ShareIf you have a question that you want answered on the podcast please emailinfo@igniteedtech.com
2023-05-0524 min
Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast Series - Powered by citiesabc.com and businessabc.netNicki Hambleton, Apple Distinguished Educator & Founder of NiH ConsultancyNicki Hambleton is the Founder of NiH Consultancy and an Apple Distinguished Educator with over three decades of experience in teaching globally. She is an expert in integrating Technology and Art authentically in the classroom and using those for visual note taking. Nicki is also a trained Cognitive Coach and consultant in visual arts, thinking and learning strategies. She teaches sketchnotes to students and adults through dedicated workshops and presentations and has authored a collaborative eBook on the process of taking notes digitally with other educators.Nicki Hambleton Interview Topics1. Please start by t...
2023-04-1156 min
Learning2Autonomy, Mastery and PurposeAn interview with Nicki Hambleton. Follow her on twitter @itsallaboutart and watch her talks at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQdNNa0_0WM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdmPkv4xzlM
2022-02-1522 min