The Brave Next Step

In this episode, I’m reflecting on resilience from a deeply personal angle, after a sudden change of plans gave me an unexpected week back. 

I talk about the pressure so many of us feel to fill every spare moment with work, and the quiet but important choice to do something different instead. It became a real test of boundaries, self-trust and what resilience actually asks of us.

I also unpack why I no longer think resilience is about bouncing back. As human beings, we do not return to some original state after pressure or disruption. 

We carry experience, emotion and learning with us. This is really about beco...

In this episode, I’m talking about something that can feel surprisingly uncomfortable, silence. Not the awkward kind we rush to fill, but the kind that creates space for better thinking, deeper reflection and more honest conversations.

I explore why so many of us treat silence like something has gone wrong, when actually it can be one of the most useful tools we have as leaders.

I also share how silence supports coaching, delegation, trust and problem solving, especially when the temptation is to jump in too quickly with answers.

This one is a...

In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Hoblyn for a thoughtful, honest conversation about leadership, mental health, and what happens when life forces us to stop pretending we’re fine.

We talk about burnout, identity, recovery, and why so many workplaces still reach for surface-level fixes when what people actually need is real human connection.

We also get into the power of slowing down, asking better questions, and leading with more courage and less performance.

Steve shares his own story with so much generosity, and this one really stayed with me. It’s the...

Changing your boundaries at work can feel surprisingly uncomfortable, not just for you but for the entire organisation around you.

In this episode, I explore what actually happens when a leader shifts their boundaries and why systems often resist that change.

Using ideas from open systems theory, we look at how organisations instinctively try to restore their previous equilibrium when behaviour changes.

From guilt and escalation to subtle pressure to revert to old habits, I unpack why resistance is part of the process and how holding your nerve can ultimately create healthier teams...

Last week, I explored boundaries from a personal perspective. This time, I’m widening the lens and looking at what boundaries really mean when you’re leading a team or a function.

Because whether we realise it or not, we are always standing at an interface. Between teams. Between expectations. Between pressure and performance.

In this episode, I talk about input gates, output gates, scope creep, and the uncomfortable but necessary negotiations that define great leadership.

If we do not manage the boundary, someone else will, and it is usually the loudest voice in t...

I realised, slightly to my surprise, that we had never recorded a dedicated episode on boundaries.

Considering how often this shows up in my work with leaders and HR professionals, it felt well overdue. So this is part one of a deeper exploration into how boundaries shape the way we lead, grow, and protect what really matters.

In this episode, I share a simple systems theory lens to help you think about rigid boundaries, overly permeable ones, and what a healthy, semi permeable boundary looks like in practice.

If you have ever found...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenny Burns, CEO of Magnetic, for an honest and energising conversation about what it really means to “accidentally” step into the CEO role.

Jenny shares her journey from big corporates to running a design and innovation business, and why she never actually set out to become a CEO.

We talk about the myth of readiness, why avoidance quietly sabotages leaders, and how energy, not authority, often defines great leadership.

This is a conversation about confidence, feedback, AI, identity, and what it takes to lead in heavy, uncert...

This is part two of my exploration into dependency, and this time I’m approaching it through a psychodynamic lens.

I reflect on how our earliest experiences of care and survival shape the way we relate to dependency as adults, and how those patterns quietly show up in leadership, teams, and organisations.

I also share some personal reflections on how dependency can surface under pressure, why some leaders lean into counter dependency, and how stress can pull us back into old relational patterns.

This episode is an invitation to notice where dependency may be...

This episode came straight from real life. As I watched my son move from dependence to independence, it made me pause and reflect on how dependency shows up in leadership and in the workplace.

What we expect from others, what we take on ourselves, and how easily those patterns shift without us really noticing.

I explore dependency through an emotional intelligence lens and look at why interdependence, not total independence or reliance, is where the strongest leadership sits.

This is a reflective, honest episode for leaders who want to understand how their behaviour...

I sat down with Gabe Winn, founder of Blakeney, and honestly, his career path is a full plot twist marathon.

Actor dreams, Accenture, game ranger training in Zimbabwe, then yes, a BBC show that involved being trained like a spy, and somehow it all makes sense once you hear how he thinks about people, purpose, and influence.

We get into the courage it takes to call out what’s wrong (especially when it makes you unpopular), why vulnerability is a leadership strength, and what it really looks like to build a business when the buck st...

This week I noticed something fascinating, I had several client conversations that all circled the same frustration: “My people just aren’t doing what I need them to do.” And I get it, that feeling can turn into pure exhaustion, and then resignation.

So today I’m talking about the part we usually skip, the connection between what you do and how others respond. If you want new behaviours in your team, you have to be the stimulus, consistently.

We’ll look at why empowerment fails when you’re still deep diving, how habit change really works...

I’m back with a more personal episode, sharing the self-reflection I’ve been doing over the last few months and the question that’s been steering it all: what do I need in place to do my best work?

After an intense stretch of travel and back-to-back client weeks, I realised I was running on fumes, and that’s not the energy I want to bring into the room.

I talk about why reflection builds resilience and emotional intelligence, plus the practical shifts that have helped me re-energise: protecting thinking time, planning so I feel in...

As we step into a new year, I wanted to pause and challenge the way we think about New Year’s resolutions. I share why I am not a huge fan of big, dramatic goals set in January, and why so many of them quietly fall away by the end of the month.

This episode is about reframing resolutions as habits, and giving yourself permission to start, stop, adjust and recommit without judgement.

I also reflect on the goals that have actually worked for me, and the common thread between them. Small steps, realistic expectations an...

As we close out 2025, I wanted to slow things down and talk about gratitude, not in a cliched end of year way, but as a real, everyday leadership practice. 

I share research that shaped my own thinking, showing how much more weight negative thoughts and interactions hold compared to positive ones. Understanding this has changed the way I speak to myself and the way I show up for others.

In this episode I walk through my own weekly gratitude habits, the tiny moments that keep me grounded and the impact they have had on my m...

This episode is a little different, because instead of sharing my reflections, I am handing the space over to you.

As we reach the end of the year, it is the perfect moment to pause, look back and make sense of what shaped you as a leader in 2025. Reflection is one of the strongest predictors of leadership growth, yet it is the habit most people skip when the pace picks up.

Across twelve thoughtful questions, I guide you through the moments that tested you, surprised you and changed you. You will explore what worked, what...

I loved recording this one because it is such a classic leadership trap. We rush straight into the topic, full of energy and opinions, but skip the one thing that would actually help us reach a decision. 

This episode came from a real moment on a rugby club committee where an innocent line in a terms of reference opened up a bigger question about what collective decision making truly means.

I talk through the simple shifts that help groups make decisions with far less friction. Whether you prefer consensus, majority rule or delegated accountability, the c...

In this episode, I reflect on something sparked by my son's athlete review and how the four part athlete development model mirrors the gaps we often leave in our own leadership growth. 

We are brilliant at focusing on skills, outcomes and delivery, but far less disciplined when it comes to the mental and emotional fitness that actually keeps us performing well.

I share my own experiences with therapy, coaching, supervision and mentoring, along with the very human moments that nudged me towards each. 

No single method solves everything, but a thoughtful mix creates th...

This episode starts with a moment at Twickenham that completely caught me off guard and ended up teaching me more about leadership than I expected. 

I was there to enjoy the Rugby match, not to learn a lesson, but what happened in those first few minutes made me stop and think about expectations, assumptions and how easy it is to react before you truly understand what is going on. It reminded me how important it is, especially in a new environment, to observe first and act later.

As I reflected on the woman behind me a...

In this episode, I wanted to open up a conversation that has been pressing on my mind for months. 

So many HR leaders are running on empty, holding the emotional weight of organisations while feeling they have nowhere safe to take their own challenges. 

When I read the latest figures showing just how many people professionals are close to burnout and simply getting on with it, I knew we needed to talk about what is really happening and why the current system expects far too much from the people who support everyone else.

I...

In this episode, I sit down with consultant, coach and author Steve Hearsum to talk about the uncomfortable realities of leadership, change and why there really isn’t a “fix it fast” solution for complex problems. 

We dig into his book There’s No Silver Bullet and explore why the need for certainty often stops leaders from doing the deeper, inner work that actually matters.

It’s a conversation about courage, fragility and the importance of dialogue – the kind that helps us face the messiness of real organisational life without pretending we’ve got all the answers. <...

This week, I want to speak directly to the CEOs and managing directors out there - and honestly, to anyone leading a business. 

How often do you check in on your HR leader? Not just on their workload, but on their wellbeing? HR carries an invisible weight that so often goes unseen. They hold space for everyone else through restructures, grievances and endless waves of organisational change, but rarely have a space to process their own emotional load.

HR professionals deserve the same kind of reflective support that therapists and coaches receive - a safe, s...

What kind of leader are you when no one’s watching? 

In this episode, I’m talking about what it really means to lead from within - starting with who you are, what you stand for, and the values that shape your decisions. 

I share the story of how a misalignment between my personal values and my corporate role pushed me to make one of the biggest pivots of my life, and how clarity on my values became the foundation of my leadership.

If you’ve ever felt that quiet tug of dissatisfaction or wonde...

In this episode, I share a few powerful leadership lessons inspired by my recent trip to India. What began as a family adventure turned into an unexpected reflection on culture, adaptation, and legacy. 

From the overwhelming chaos of the streets to the quiet brilliance of the Taj Mahal, I found myself thinking deeply about what it means to lead, to adapt, and to leave something meaningful behind. 

This is a conversation about how quickly we adjust to new environments, the power of preserving craftsmanship, and why true leadership is measured not just by impact in th...

In this episode, I’m talking about one of the trickiest balances in leadership - knowing when to step in and when to step back. 

Inspired by a moment with my son’s sports coach, I reflect on how leaders can help others learn to make decisions without taking over. We explore how coaching through questions, rather than instructions, can create real ownership, accountability, and growth within a team.

I share practical examples and coaching prompts you can use right away to shift from “telling” to “asking,” build trust, and empower your people to take confident act...

In this solo episode, I explore a perspective that might surprise you - that the solution to burnout isn’t always rest. 

Drawing on my own experience of hitting burnout as an HR leader, I share why stepping back isn’t always enough, and how real recovery often requires deeper reflection, change, and courage. 

Using insights from Nick Petrie’s research on the three degrees of burnout, I unpack how to recognise what stage you’re in and what kind of response will actually help you heal.

From setting boundaries to rethinking your purpose an...

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” We’ve all heard it, but is it really true? 

In this episode, I share why that phrase is more myth than fact, and how lifelong learning is not only possible but essential for leaders. 

Drawing on fresh research from the IMF and what it means for an ageing workforce, I explore how our brains and bodies remain more capable than we think, and why mindset and practice matter more than age.

I also dig into how neuroplasticity works, why instant gratification holds us back, and...

Failure is never fun in the moment, but what if it could be the thing that makes you stronger? 

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Mols to talk honestly about the brutal lessons of failure, the pain of losing it all, and the resilience that comes from getting back up. We explore how focus, vulnerability, and simple daily habits can transform setbacks into fuel for growth.

Peter shares the raw story of building a business too young, too fast, and how it led him into depression before he found his way back. 

...

In this reflective episode, I sit down with Ben to explore the role of feelings in leadership and work. We talk about how emotions don’t switch off when you walk through the office door, how they influence our relationships, and why dismissing them can lead to burnout. 

I share my own experiences of trying to suppress emotions early in my career, and how learning to see feelings as data has completely shifted the way I work and lead.

Together we explore the impact of personal transitions, how unspoken emotions can shape organisational culture, and why...

Feedback can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. 

In this episode, I share how leaders can create feedback conversations that feel supportive, specific, and truly helpful. Instead of focusing on what you can’t control, I walk through what you can - from preparation and intention to the environment you set.

I also introduce the SBI model as a simple framework to give feedback that’s clear, thoughtful, and actionable. 

By treating feedback as a conversation rather than a monologue, you’ll build trust, encourage growth, and set the tone for a stro...

Feedback can be one of the hardest parts of leadership, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways we grow. 

In this episode, I share why great leaders don’t just give feedback, they model how to receive it first. 

I walk through what it takes to create a safe space for others to be honest with you, how to listen without getting defensive, and why gratitude and reflection are essential if you want people to keep sharing valuable insights. 

If you want to strengthen your leadership and build trust with your te...

This week, I sat down with the brilliant Dr. Erica Bowen, and wow, did we cover some ground. 

We talked about trauma, why it’s not just a “soft” topic, and how it shapes the way we show up as leaders and colleagues. 

Erica shared powerful insights on creating workplaces that feel safe, the emotional toll carried by HR and people leaders, and why doing the inner work is non-negotiable if you want to lead well. 

It’s honest, practical, and full of those “oh, that makes sense now” moments. If you care about leading w...

Power. It’s a word that stirs up all kinds of thoughts, and in this episode, I share my reflections on what it really means in leadership and in life. 

From my grandmother’s fearless influence to lessons from Jacinda Ardern, I explore the four types of power - personal, instrumental, projected, and official - and how they show up in the roles I play as a coach, facilitator, and parent. 

I talk about the delicate balance between power and authority, what happens when we underuse or overuse our influence, and why becoming comfortable with our ow...

Overthinking can feel like leaving your thoughts in the oven until they’re burnt to a crisp or stuck in a washing machine that never stops spinning. 

In this episode, I share two memorable metaphors to help you spot when your mind’s running in circles, plus a simple process to break the cycle. 

Using my THINK acronym, I show how to test your thoughts, create space, and turn mental energy into productive action. 

If you’ve ever wished you could stop overanalysing and start moving forward, this one’s for you.

Here are...

In this episode, I’m diving into how our own thinking can trip us up - especially when it comes to leadership. 

If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking a situation or stuck in a loop of unhelpful thoughts, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I know just how much those patterns can hold us back.

I break down four common “thinking traps” that I see a lot in leadership coaching: black-and-white thinking, labelling ourselves with negative words, and what I call “smog” words.These patterns aren’t just frustrating - they can seriously...

In this episode, I’m exploring what effective listening really means - and why it’s so much more than just hearing someone’s words. 

I walk through the three key types of awareness in listening: focusing on ourselves (which we all default to), tuning into the other person, and sensing the environment around us.

I share some of my own struggles and learnings from coach training, where I realised just how often I was still focused on my own thoughts, rather than fully listening to the other person. 

The shift didn’t happen ove...

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...