LeadWell with Jacqui

In today's workplace, it's not uncommon to have four – even five – generations working side by side. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each brings different values, communication styles and expectations. But while many leaders see this mix as a challenge, the real opportunity lies in how we bridge understanding across generations. In this episode, unpack the psychology and sociology behind gener...

Self-awareness is often talked about as the foundation of emotional intelligence but few leaders truly understand how powerful it is. In this episode, explore why self-awareness is the cornerstone of great leadership and how it impacts everything from confidence to communication. Unpack the different layers of self-awareness: internal (our values and motivations) and external (how we are perceived...

How clear is your communication, really? One of my clients recently shared a moment where her leader turned to her and said, "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're asking me." And this client is a senior leader, highly skilled, and one of her strengths is communication. But even the best communicators can find themselves misunderstood. In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I share a practical thr...

What makes people see you as a leader worth following? It's not just expertise or results it's executive presence. But despite what many believe, executive presence isn't about being polished, perfect or putting on a show. It's about how you communicate, the confidence you project and the impact you leave behind. In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I break down what executive...

Ever been promoted into a leadership role during a crisis with little support, sky-high expectations, and the odds stacked against you? That’s the glass cliff, a phenomenon where women (and minority leaders) are more likely to be handed risky roles when failure feels inevitable. In this fiery episode, I unpack why this happens, what the research shows, and most importantly, how women can protect t...

Your personal brand isn’t just your LinkedIn profile or what you wear to work – it’s every micro habit, every interaction and the way you consistently make people feel. In this conversation with career strategist and Kinda Planned podcast host Alex Cuttiford, we unpack the real meaning of personal brand, how it connects to executive presence, and how to make it both authentic and strategic. We tal...

Let’s be honest, most performance reviews are a tick-the-box exercise. Fill in the form, book the meeting, read it aloud, get a signature… done. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I unpack how to transform your mid-year or end-of-cycle performance conversations into something meaningful, something that actually matters. We’ll talk about how to make it a real conversation (not a m...

We’ve been sold a version of happiness that says “you’ll be happy when…” When you earn more. Achieve more. Look a certain way. Live a certain life. But what if that version is completely wrong? In this episode, I’m joined by Declan Edwards – happiness researcher and founder of BU Happiness College – to unpack what real happiness looks like. We talk about why chasing success won’t make you happy, h...

Are you standing at a career crossroads and feeling ready for change but unsure what that looks like? In this episode, I’m joined by career coach, Bronwyn Wilson, to explore what it means to take back the steering wheel in your career. We talk about how to make intentional decisions that reflect your values, life stage and future goals, and not just your past experience. From getting clear on what...

Are you still telling yourself, "It’s just quicker if I do it myself"? Tired of feeling like the only one who can get it done? In this episode, I’m blending the hard-won lessons from my own leadership journey with practical frameworks you can use today. You’ll discover why letting go is a smart move (even when it feels quicker to do it yourself), how I assess readiness with Skill vs Will, and the...

In this powerful conversation with business psychologist Andrea Levinson, we explore what it really means to lead with authenticity, especially as a woman in today's workplaces. Andrea shares why hustle culture often disconnects us from our true selves, how the pressure to conform impacts leadership presence, and why embracing flexibility doesn't mean abandoning authenticity. We also unpack the "a...

What if the key to becoming a more effective leader is doing less? In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I sit down with Jonno White, a leadership coach, author of Step Up or Step Out, and founder of Clarity Consulting, to unpack the power of delegation in avoiding burnout, building trust, and empowering your team to thrive. We explore Jonno' practical delegation framework (including the Sq...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Sue McNamara, Regional Director of Six Seconds Asia Pacific, to explore the powerful role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in both leadership and personal development. We unpack the core pillars of emotionally intelligent leadership, including: - How EQ shapes trust, collaboration, and success within organisations - Why it is so important that leaders use emotions...

Success isn't a fixed destination. It's a continuous journey of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and embracing what truly matters to you. In this episode, I sit down with Jacqui Toumbas to explore what it means to define success on your own terms. We dive into: - Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt - The power of community, mentorship, and masterminds - Letting go of the myth of har...

Change is inevitable, but why does it feel so hard? In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, we dive into the neuroscience behind resistance to change and why our brains are wired to see it as a threat. I break down the SCARF model, a powerful tool for leaders to navigate change while reducing fear and uncertainty. You'll learn: - Why we instinctively resist change (even when it benefits us) -...

Ever felt like you don't belong in the room, like any moment someone will "find you out"? You're not alone, up to 84% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point, and it's especially common among women in leadership. In this episode, I break down: - Understanding imposter syndrome - The 5 types of imposter syndrome - Strategies to overcome it (and step into your confidence) You deserve yo...

In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I sit down with Eve Mizzi, founder of Ducks in a Row, to explore her journey from home organisation to leading a thriving business. We dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, navigating seasonal business fluctuations, and the power of strategic planning for growth. Eve shares valuable insights on overcoming self-doubt, and building a strong leadership...

Worried you're not strategic enough? Concerned you don' completely understand what strategy is, and isn't? In this conversation with Kayla Malss, we uncover the simplicity of true strategy and how it applies not only to business and professional development, but to every major facet of life. Strategy isn't just about planning, it's about making intentional choices. In this epis...

Stress isn't always the enemy! In fact, it is an essential and powerful driver of growth and peak performance. In this episode, we explore the neuroscience around eustress – the positive kind of stress that sharpens focus, fuels motivation, and enhances productivity. Learn how to identify your optimal stress zone, leverage eustress to the advantage of both you and your team members, and avoid...

In this deeply moving episode, Cassie Miller, Founder of She Believe, shares her journey of navigating a life-altering diagnosis and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. She opens up about trusting herself through uncertainty, transforming fear into courage, and the power of small choices. From the role of family support to finding strength in vulnerability, Cassie's story is a testament...

What kind of leader are you? Understanding your leadership style is the key to unlocking your full potential and inspiring those around you. In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, we dive into the different leadership styles, how they shape your approach, and why self-awareness is a game-changer for your growth. You'll learn practical ways to identify your strengths, adapt to challenges, and lea...

In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I chat with Kayla Malss, marketing expert and co-owner of Allies Management. Kayla shares her journey of rapid career growth, navigating leadership challenges, and building a business. We dive into common challenges that most leaders face such as self-doubt, pricing struggles, and the importance of reflection, curiosity, and support networks. This conversat...

In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I'm joined by Amanda Jones, founder and director of Leadership Shapers, for a dynamic conversation about the powerful intersection of mentorship and leadership. Together, we unpack the essential qualities of effective mentors, including emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the courage it takes to navigate meaningful mentoring relationships. Whether y...

It’s the final episode of our three-part series on neurodiversity in the workplace! In this episode, I’m once again joined by Kate Hardiman, founder and CEO of Unify 360 and a leading expert in workplace inclusion. Together, we explore actionable strategies for leaders to support neurodivergent team members effectively. From understanding energy cycles and Spoon Theory to embracing flexibility and...

Are you ready to ditch the cycle of failed New Year’s resolutions and embrace a planning process that truly works? In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, we focus on intentional planning and goal setting to help you align with your values and create meaningful change. Discover: - Why reflection is the key first step in effective planning - How to use the Circle of Intention to map out your prior...