The Brave Next Step

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...

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 u...

“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 mind...

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...

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 c...

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 clea...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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-...

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 realis...

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 o...

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 afte...

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 -...

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...

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...

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 athlet...

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...

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 (hel...

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 re...

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...

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 co...

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 bal...

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,...