The Brave Next Step

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the power of triads - why three doesn’t have to be a crowd, but a source of energy, creativity, and balance. 

A trip with two close friends reminded me how transformative a group of three can be, and I’ve seen this play out in my business since hiring Ben. Together, with Mind Values Leadership as our “third pillar,” we’ve built something bigger than either of us alone.

Triads can be tricky, though. Without awareness and communication, power imbalances and conflict can creep in - I’ve seen it happ...

In this episode, I sat down with Lisa Ventura, whose journey through the cybersecurity industry is nothing short of incredible. 

Lisa shared how a career pivot from entertainment led her into tech, and how she’s now a leading voice in cyber awareness and advocacy - especially for women and neurodivergent professionals.

We talked about her powerful story of resilience, rebuilding her life after personal loss, bullying, and abuse. Lisa spoke openly about being autistic and how her diagnosis helped her better understand herself and harness her strengths in an industry that often overlooks people lik...

Ever found yourself feeling a certain way but not quite sure if it’s actually yours to carry? 

In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when we absorb other people’s emotions, how to spot when it’s happening, and what to do about it. 

It’s something I’ve wrestled with in my own leadership journey, so I’m bringing you a real example and some simple tools to help you figure out - “is this feeling mine?” 

Let’s unpack it together.

Highlights:

(01:08) Do feelings b...

In this episode, I talk about projection - the invisible ways we pass our emotions onto others without saying a word. It’s something we all do, especially under pressure, and as leaders, it can shape our teams more than we realise.

I share real-life examples of how projection shows up in business and how I’ve caught myself doing it too. I also explore how to notice when someone is projecting onto you, and how to hold your boundaries without taking it on.

This one’s all about building self-awareness and recognising what’s yours...

In this episode, I’m joined by my brilliant friend and former HR colleague turned Sunday Times Bestselling author, Jennie Godfrey.

Jennie shares how her journey into publishing started with a dog walk and a spark of an idea that wouldn’t let go. We talk about the fear and doubt that shows up - especially that nagging “Who am I to do this?” voice. -and how she pushed through with grit, humour, and a lot of trust.

We also explore how Jennie’s experience in recovery has shaped her approach to writing, resilience, and living a v...

This week’s episode is a little different - and a little spontaneous. After three intense days launching the podcast, I found myself running on empty. So instead of pushing through, I’m pausing to talk about something we rarely give enough space to: recovery.

We so often move from one big event to the next in business without a break, without reflection, without replenishment. But just like athletes build in recovery after a competition, leaders need it too - especially when the tank is running low and burnout is knocking.

I share what my own...

In this solo episode, I explore the powerful parallels between sport and business - and the big lesson we often miss: the importance of “what if” planning. 

Drawing from personal stories, including insights from my son's athletic journey and an Olympic gold medalist, I reflect on how athletes train for uncertainty and how we can bring that mindset into our everyday business challenges.

I walk through how to anticipate problems, develop contingency plans, and rehearse for real-world scenarios - especially the small, high-stakes moments that rarely get planned for. You’ll hear how something as simple...

In today’s episode, we’re digging into the roles we play - at work, at home, and in our heads. 

I’m joined by my new colleague Ben Gibbs, and we reflect on what happens when someone new joins your business, how identity gets wrapped up in leadership, and the subtle dance of navigating control, disruption, and trust.

We talk about relinquishing, rescuing, and that inner committee of roles (hello CEO, finance director, hiring manager…) that shows up when big decisions need to be made. 

It’s a reflective one, and a great listen...

In today’s fast-paced world, quality thinking has become a rare luxury. In this episode, I explore why leaders must protect time to think - not just react. 

I dive into how meeting overload, diary mismanagement, and constant busyness can derail good decision-making, and shares practical ways to reclaim space for high-quality thought.

Emma also challenges the culture of endless meetings and reactive leadership, encouraging us to step back, reflect, and lead with intention. 

Whether you lead a team or your own business, this episode will inspire you to carve out space for what...

In this episode, I explore a powerful question: what’s really getting in the way of you taking action? We often assume it’s about ability or ambition, but more often, it’s our own thinking that holds us back. 

Whether it’s the fear of failure, fear of other people’s opinions, or simply overthinking instead of acting, I break down the subtle yet persistent mindset blocks that keep us stuck.

I also share some personal insights, including how losing a long-term role forced me to reconnect with my core values and redefine who I was outsi...

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most common questions I hear in coaching: “How do I get people to do what I want?” Spoiler alert - you can’t make anyone do anything, but you can influence them. 

I share practical ways to build influence by focusing on what you can control, how you communicate, and the strength of the relationship you build with others.

We’ll explore ideas like contracting ways of working, the power of asking the right questions when delegating, and whether you’re fixing or managing a situation. <...

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most essential (and often overlooked) leadership skills: having truly effective conversations. 

We explore where our focus goes during high-stakes chats - are we tuned into what we can control, or tangled in assumptions about how others might react? 

I’ll share the difference between listening to respond vs. listening to understand, how to balance push vs. pull communication styles, and why planning matters more than we often admit. 

Whether you're preparing for a difficult conversation or simply want to communicate more intentionally, this episode...

What does it really mean to hold your nerve when everything in you wants to bolt?

In this very first episode, I open up about the uncomfortable, unfiltered reality of stepping into the unknown - from launching my business with no plan, to learning how to stay grounded when everything feels shaky. It's not just about pushing through. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

So, expect a mix of personal stories, relatable leadership lessons, and an unexpected metaphor involving lobsters. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing a bold move or...

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some personal reflections on a skill that sits at the heart of my coaching and leadership work: asking questions. 

After receiving some unexpected feedback - “Here you go again with your edgy questions” - and diving into a VoicePrint diagnostic on communication styles, I’ve been reflecting deeply on how I use inquiry and probing in conversations. 

I explore the fine line between powerful questions and ones that feel intrusive, the risk of overusing our strengths, and where I might be holding back in articulating or advocating. 

Whether...

Real leadership doesn’t come with a manual. It comes from bold decisions, uncomfortable truths, and the courage to lead when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Join Emma Canter - leadership development expert and curious human - as she hosts honest conversations with business leaders, innovators, and experts who are navigating ambiguity and pushing past comfort zones to create meaningful change.

Each episode delivers real stories, practical insights, and expert advice to help you grow personally and professionally, no matter where you lead - from the boardroom to the frontlines of inno...