Lead to Soar

This episode explores into the controversial and widely debated topic of performance reviews within the workplace. Drawing from personal experiences and current studies, the hosts examine the effectiveness and impact of traditional performance review systems. Episode Highlights : The Problem with Performance Reviews: Citing studies by Gallup and SHRM, the episode begins by highlighting the widespr...

In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, co-hosts Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern, along with special guest Erika Jefferson, tackle the pervasive challenges within the recruitment industry. The discussion centres on the inefficiencies and impersonal nature of recruiting practices, advocating for a radical transformation that prioritises human connection, candidate care, and the dismantling of...

As organisations accelerate their use of artificial intelligence, HR sits at the centre of some of the most consequential decisions leaders will make. In this episode, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher are joined by Erika Jefferson to examine what AI actually means for HR, leadership accountability, and organisational risk. This is not a conversation about efficiency gains or automation hype. It’s...

In this insightful episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern tackle the often overlooked yet critical aspect of leadership—succession planning. They explore why leaders tend to shy away from this responsibility and provide a roadmap for effective succession planning that prepares organisations for future challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a leadership position, offering practi...

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern discuss the importance of creating a strategic mentoring program. They challenge the traditional, often questionable effectiveness of mentoring programs and present a strategic approach that promises to elevate these initiatives from good to great. Targeted at leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers, this episode is a masterc...

Gloria Tabi, founder of Everyday Inclusion, joins Mel & Michelle to share her powerful journey from confronting workplace racism and sexism to developing a platform that bridges the gap between diversity policies and their real-world impact. Gloria’s experience highlights the structural barriers that marginalise individuals, emphasi sing the importance of recognis ing and addressing these challeng...

This episode is the third in our series about The Leadership Compass. Mel discusses the concept of Social Intelligence (SQ) with Michelle. SQ is a crucial component of The Leadership Compass. She articulates SQ as essential for leaders to intentionally build their professional brand and leverage strategic networks. This skill complements Business Intelligence (BQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ),...

Leadership Compass: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence in LeadershipIn this episode of the "Lead to Soar" podcast, Mel interviews Michelle regarding the definition of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in leadership, as described in her book, The Leadership Compass . Michelle shares personal stories, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, empathy, adaptability, and a growth mindset in na...

This episode is the first in a series exploring leadership skills detailed in "The Leadership Compass." Stay tuned for more insights on SQ and EQ in upcoming episodes. In this episode, Mel interviews Michelle about  Business Intelligence (BQ) as a critical skill for effective leadership. Unlike innate strengths, BQ, along with Social (SQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ), can be developed through p...

In this episode of Lead to Soar , Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher examine why women are less likely to ask questions or speak up in public settings, including meetings, seminars, panels, and professional forums. Drawing on research highlighted in a BBC article, the conversation moves beyond surface explanations and looks at the structural, cultural, and reputational risks women navigate when they...

In this episode of Lead to Soar , Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern take aim at the performative rituals that dominate International Women’s Day in many organisations and ask a harder question: what does meaningful support for women at work actually look like? This is a frank conversation about how good intentions routinely fall short, and how symbolic gestures such as cupcakes, morning teas, and u...

In this episode of Lead to Soar , Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher examine why so many capable women stall, disengage, or leave organisations, and why the problem is almost never the women themselves. Using the metaphor of a flower that fails to bloom, the conversation shifts attention away from individual confidence, resilience, or ambition and toward the workplace conditions women are expected t...

Sam Trattles, CEO and Lead Negotiation Strategist at Other Side of the Table, helps leaders negotiate better outcomes. In this episode , we're going to explore: The importance of influencing and negotiating for the right outcomes What can leaders do to foster these skills in their team members? How leaders can continually update and enhance their negotiation and influencing skills. What are some p...

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle talks with Diana Taylor AM, a pioneering figure law and Australian rules football. Diana imparts her wisdom and insights on leadership, business savvy, and the pivotal role of women in sports and business. The conversation includes i the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the advantages of leveraging legal expertise in sports and bu...

In this episode of Lead to Soar , Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern are joined by Charlotte Blair , a Gallup-certified strengths coach, to talk about what it really means to play to your strengths at work and why this is a strategic career decision, not a feel-good exercise. Charlotte shares her transition from a senior corporate role into strengths-based coaching and explains why self-awareness is...

In this episode, Michelle Redfern joins Mel to discuss her book, "The Leadership Compass: The ultimate guide for women leaders to reach their full potential." Set to be published on March 26, the book aims to guide women through their careers and leadership journeys. Links and Resources Additional information about "The Leadership Compass" can be found at michelleredfern.com under the 'books' tab....

In this episode of Lead to Soar , Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher are joined by Erika Jefferson , President and Founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE) , for a direct conversation about leadership, power, and systemic barriers facing Black women in STEM. Erika brings both lived experience and executive-level insight to the discussion, drawing on her background as a chemical engi...

Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield is a sociologist who researches racial and gender inequality in professional occupations. She is currently the Mary Tileston Hemenway Professor of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, where she also co-directs the Program for Public Scholarship and am Vice Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity. She has served as President of Sociologists for Women...

Tania Ibarra, CPA, is a founder and board member of the Latino Professionals Association and is co-founder of DEI consultancy, Step Up: Equity Matters. Tania is a dynamic and agile solutionary who strives to help people reach their full potential. She believes in powerful environments where people can contribute their talents, knowledge, and skills freely. A professional with diverse industry expe...

Mary Chung Hayashi is an award-winning author who is among the US' most accomplished champions for diversity and women’s rights. As a national healthcare leader, public affairs consultant, and former California State Assembly member, Mary has dedicated her life to serving America and its most vulnerable citizens. Mary has been the driving force behind meaningful reforms to expand the coverage of h...

In this Career Q&A episode of Lead to Soar , Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher respond to real questions from listeners and Lead to Soar Network members about career progression, visibility, networking, and leadership judgement. Rather than defaulting to generic advice about “confidence” or personal branding, this conversation focuses on how careers actually move inside organisations. Michelle and...

On this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher discuss the significance of our mindsets when it comes to advancing in our careers. Drawing from their personal experiences, they dispel the misconception that leaders are born and instead promote the notion that leadership is a skill that can be learned. The hosts encourage listeners to assess their own beliefs and attitudes, highl...

Mel and Michelle discuss books and podcasts they've read and listened to, and highlight their impact on workplace culture and leadership. Book referenced in this episode: Thrive by Design by Don Rim. Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Hien. Beyond Leaning In by Melanie Ho Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle Leave a comment If this episode was useful, there are three simple wa...

In this episode of Lead to Soar , Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern challenge a long-standing organisational assumption: that diversity, equity, and inclusion should sit within HR. They explore why DEI is so often treated as a functional responsibility rather than a leadership one, and how this structural choice quietly limits impact, accountability, and cultural change. When DEI is positioned as a...

This episode of the Lead to Soar podcast explores the implications of artificial intelligence, Web3, and the metaverse for women in leadership. Nikkie Gibson, CEO of Chief Meta Chicks and Alchemy8 shares her career journey and insights on topics such as the 'bro culture' in AI, the importance of smart contracts in the metaverse, and ethical considerations in using AI. This informative episode prov...