Lead with Less

In this episode, I talk about how certain leadership behaviours can unexpectedly affect your team and your productivity. These 5 unintended consequences are the 5 that I see most commonly in my group program ( VIP Leaders ) and my 1:1 clients. These actions and consequences are encountered by so many leaders, regardless of their experience level. Here’s what you’ll learn: How quick responses might...

In this episode, I explore the essential leadership skill of setting and managing expectations. Inspired by a discussion in our VIP Leaders programme, this topic is important for new and seasoned leaders to master for effective team and personal management. Here’s what you’ll learn: The importance of setting clear and achievable expectations. How setting and managing expectations can improve your...

In this episode, I talk to Colin D Ellis, a renowned culture change expert, about creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Colin D Ellis is a global culture consultant sought after by organisations around the world to help them build vibrant, high-performance places to work. To date, he has worked with almost 100 different cultures in almost 20 countries with clients ranging from Red...

In this episode, I explain how to have effective 1:1 catch-ups with your team members. It's such an important part of people leadership, yet often overlooked. It is fundamental to creating strong connections and driving growth within your team. In this episode you will learn: What makes 1:1’s so vital for your leadership and your team’s development. How to set the right tone for these catch ups so...

In this episode, I talk about the challenge of imposter thoughts and feelings among leaders – an experience where accomplished individuals doubt their achievements and live in fear of being exposed as frauds. This topic has been coming up a lot in my leadership programmes, online discussions, and even during client coaching sessions. Leaders, especially high achievers and perfectionists, often fac...

This week is all about the essential topic of boundary setting in leadership. Boundaries are more than just personal limits; they are the foundation of healthy, productive relationships, both in and out of the workplace. So, I'll explore what boundaries are, why they are challenging to establish, and the critical role they play in leadership. From emotional and material boundaries to time and ment...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Danni Ermilova Williams, a dynamic leader, coach, and consultant with a remarkable 17-year career in leadership, human resources, and organisational transformation. Danni shares her journey from a Director at PwC to founding her own consultancy, where she empowers individuals and organisations to navigate change with clarity and resilience. Throughout the co...

This week, I get into the art of navigating difficult conversations – those moments that are often avoided because they make us uncomfortable, trigger our egos, or seem unpredictable. Whether it’s talking to your boss about something you’re struggling with, giving or receiving feedback, or setting boundaries in personal relationships, these conversations are unavoidable and necessary.  You'll...

Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks and achieving goals – it's about deeply understanding and connecting with your people. That’s why this week I explore the foundational elements that can transform your leadership approach. I dive into three critical aspects that every leader must embrace to lead effectively: mindset, emotional baggage, and generosity. By the end of the episode, you'll wal...

In this episode, I talk about the power of asking the right questions as a leader. I’ll explore five key questions that can transform your leadership approach, helping you better understand and support your team. By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable insights to foster trust, respect, and emotional intelligence within your team, setting the stage for a more connected and productive wo...

​​In this episode, I sit down with Clare Emma Wild, a certified coach specialising in Quiet Leaders. Clare shares her journey from leading senior teams and experiencing burnout to becoming a coach dedicated to empowering introverted, sensitive, and empathic individuals. Clare discusses the essence of Quiet Leadership – how it differs from traditional leadership styles and why it’s valuable. She hi...

This week I talk about the often-debated topic of leadership styles: being people-focused versus being effective (results-oriented). Can a leader truly prioritise their team's well-being and development while also driving high performance and achieving goals? I explore the assumptions and stereotypes surrounding these two approaches and make a compelling case for why effective leadership requires...

This week I talk about the essential qualities that make a leader truly inspiring and effective. Leadership isn't just about holding a position of power; it's about embodying the values, emotional intelligence, and courage needed to guide and empower others. I discuss how being true to your values, having high emotional intelligence, and tackling hard things head-on are critical parts of being a l...

If you’ve been listening to the Lead With Less podcast for a while, you’ll know that I talk about ‘mindset’ a lot – but this week I dive into its critical importance specifically for people leaders, and explore five essential mindset shifts every leader must practice. Understanding and developing your mindset is not just beneficial, it's essential for effective leadership. I’ll discuss why mindset...

In this week’s episode I have a really great conversation with Emma Bennett, a high-impact leader known for her impressive business results and the thriving work environments she creates. Emma shares her unique approach to leadership – leading without expertise. We talk about what this concept means to her, how she’s built a successful career around it, and the strategies she’s developed along the...

In this week’s episode, I talk about the key differences between management and leadership. I also cover the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from management to leadership roles, provide practical advice for managers looking to develop leadership skills, and discuss the competencies needed to excel as both effective leaders and efficient managers.   If you are preparing for...

This week I share 5 common leadership challenges and how to overcome them. I talk about the real-life challenges all leaders face, no matter their experience level, and explore how curiosity and a growth mindset are essential to navigating the journey from individual contributor to inspiring leader.  You’ll hear about understanding different communication styles and the art of giving and rece...

In this episode, I reflect on a full year of podcasting, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. I talk about doubt, vulnerability, ego, self-worth, success, perfectionism, creativity and feedback, and explore how taking on the challenge of the podcast connects back to leadership.  The insights I share in today’s episode can help you navigate your own creative or professional projects...

This week I am sitting down with someone who I have wanted to speak with since deciding to launch the podcast – Mary Haddock-Staniland, a globally recognised Diversity & Inclusion Executive, keynote speaker, and thought leader. Mary shares her compelling journey as a trans woman who has overcome numerous challenges to become a leading advocate for equity and inclusion. She offers profound insi...

This week I share five essential steps to take before making your next career move, with an emphasis on being intentional in your decision-making and understanding your strengths and gaps. Becoming an effective leader involves assessing your readiness, developing your value pitch, outlining an action plan, and networking to build your personal brand. Networking and personal branding are key to unl...

Can you believe we are already halfway through the year?! Now is the perfect time to reflect and reset for the remainder of 2024. This week, I discuss how examining emotions, mindset shifts, and successes can provide valuable information to guide your thoughts and focus moving forward. I will cover strategies for staying on track, including mindset reminders, reframing negative thoughts, and lever...

In this week’s episode, I share insights on how professionals like you can stand out from everyone else and remain valuable, especially given the rise of AI. I cover the importance of developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-management skills that AI cannot easily replicate and introduce a value pitch framework to help you recognise and leverage your unique genius strengths, perspec...

This week, I am joined by Richard Westney, a seasoned HR professional with over twenty years of experience. We discuss the importance of mentorship in career development, when and how professionals should seek out mentors, how you can take ownership of your career path, and more. Richard shares insights from his extensive career journey, which includes working with a diverse range of industries an...

With the inundation of external influences from social media, news, and everyday conversations, it's easy to let our minds wander aimlessly. By intentionally directing our thoughts and focusing on what we want to experience, we can regain control and create resilience. This week I discuss why setting up our mindset is critical and explore three simple keys to feeling more successful...

While saying “no” is frequently emphasised in discussions about boundaries, in this week’s episode I talk about the often overlooked art of saying “yes”, and explore a more nuanced approach to both. Drawing insights from works like ‘The Coaching Habit’ by Michael Stanier and ‘Essentialism’ by Greg McKeown, I share a strategy that fosters alignment with personal values and goals. Mastering the art...