The Human Leader

Trust is not a soft skill. It is the foundation of performance, resilience, and wellbeing — and when it breaks, the cost is far greater than most organisations realise. In this deeply human episode of The Human Leader Podcast , we explore what really happens when trust disappears from the workplace — not just to productivity, but to the nervous system, decision-making, team dynamics, and ultimatel...

What is a human leader in an AI, mechanised world and does it matter? Find out in this episode of The Human Leader Podcast.

What does fairness really mean in a world built on inequality? In this deeply reflective episode, your host Colleen Davis takes us on a personal and historical journey—unpacking the complex truths behind meritocracy , privilege , and belonging in South Africa and beyond. From apartheid laws to the global backlash against DEI, Colleen explores how systems of exclusion were built—and why inclusion a...

"Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." – John Maxwell Influence is at the heart of leadership, but how do you use it effectively? In this episode of The Human Leader Podcast , we explore what true influence is, how it differs from manipulation and coercion. Why confident leadership is essential for a thriving team. We dive into: The neuroscience behind influence and how it shapes d...

Feeling burned out by the pressures of leadership? You’re not alone. This podcast is your guide to tackling burnout head-on, offering practical strategies and real-life insights to help leaders recharge, set boundaries, and rediscover their passion for leading. We dive into the science of stress, share relatable stories, and provide actionable tips to help you thrive—even in high-pressure environm...

Having an attitude of gratitude affects the human brain and makes us healthier... I tell you more about it in this podcast designed to give you the tips, skills and knowledge to lead.

Trust is a key to building a highly productive team but is often taken for granted, resulting in talent quietly moving away. What is Trust and why is it important and how do you rebuild it in a time of COVID-19. Join Colleen Davis from Vuselela Davis as she unpacks this essential element of leadership for the Human Leader.

As a leader you face many challenges, including your own exhaustion. What should you look at what should you look out for and how do you start planning for your recovery? In this new season we focus on the support for leaders to be more human, allowing their teams to be more human, bringing about strong, robust teams that can thrive in the 21st Century

An interview with Sean Waters, from the Stress Less Clinic. Sean shares his wisdom and thoughts on stress and the pandemic, he calls it a ‘panic-demic’. He gives us some pointers to survive stress, to keep it simple, practical and to focus on your attitude. He looks at our negative bias and he talks about his passion for healthcare professionals who are suffering burnout and PTSD. He shares tips f...

Episode 15, author and blogger Andrea Harkins shares the wisdom and positivity she has learnt from her journey becoming The Martial Arts Woman. Her mission is to make the world a better place through martial arts and positivity. She is the author of two inspirational books. The Martial Arts Woman includes stories of human triumph and Martial Art Inspirations For Everyone includes positive anecdote...

Colleen speaks to Celeste Blackman, co-founder of the Green Zone. In a world of DIY, we need to have DIT; Do It Together. Everyone, doing something small, in their own sphere of influence can change the world. Listen to Celeste and Colleen as they discuss how collaboration and trust can create productivity. Your first relationship is with yourself. In this time of Pandemic we have a choice of fall...

A message of hope for leaders in an uncertain time.

Ryan Falkenberg, co-founder and CEO of CLEVVA, an intelligent automation platform, challenges us to make a difference in the world regardless of what others think or say. There are always people who will want to keep the status quo or will believe that any change will lead to disaster, but we are all able to choose to be the light in the world and make a difference. As leaders’ what new competence...

Why do good leaders become corrupt, compassion immune and tone deaf to their followers? In this episode Colleen looks at the concepts of the Hubris Syndrome and the Power Paradox to explain how this change happens. Colleen also looks at how leaders can avoid falling into this trap. What did you think of this episode? What has been your experience in toxic. Corrupt leaders? Leave a voice note or em...

I use the book of Jean Lipman-Bluman to describe what the toxic leader looks like, why we follow them and how we create them in a time of crises. This podcast ends with some strategies on how to avoid mindlessly following a toxic leader. If you have ever had the bewildering experience of seeing an obviously corrupt leader being protected and defended by loyal supporters and still stays in power re...

In this episode Lorin Gold from The Schutz Company introduces us to the Human Element, a step by step methodology “contributing to the development of more self-aware, open organizations and individuals with greater self-esteem” resulting in “limitless heights of productivity and personal fulfillment within our organizations, our relationships, and ourselves.” (In the words of Will Schutz, Ph. D)....

We look again at the Barry Wehmiller story and how Bob Chapman used caring and actively listening to and seeing the value of each employee to turn it around. We find out what Brené Brown describes as a Daring Leader. After listening by to this podcast, how has this changed the way you see leadership? What will you start to do differently? Share your story with us. Send us an email to: colleen@vuse...

In this episode we reflect on the many changes that a decade can bring, how do you embrace the unknown and be ready for the opportunities that come your way.

Colleen discovers the importance, as a human leader, to take a break and renew your mind during December, for the coming year.

When you start something new, like a podcast or becoming a leader, you will make mistakes and that is part of the process of learning. If you wait until you are perfect you will never begin. Embrace the opportunity of learning wisdom and gaining knowledge from those early mistakes. You are enough. This episode is a new, short nugget of wisdom shared for you, the busy leader as you live the many di...

Natasha Winkler-Titus speaks to us about the power of influencing and leading, how leaders should be authentic and use their platform to empower others, shares her experience as an accidental leader and how specialists need to be encouraged to be authentic leaders versus managers, the difficulty caused by being placed in a managerial versus leadership role. She offers some inspirational insights f...

In this episode we explore why humans are built for community and how kindness becomes a strength for the human leader. Community tool kit mentioned in this podcast can be found at : https//cab.ku.edu/en

Dr Kim Hires, author, podcast host, speaker, consultant, coach and CEO of the Nightingale firm chats to us about her own story of leadership burnout and how this shaped her present passion of working closely with leaders to remove their heavy armour, helping them to unlock their leadership potential.

Human beings are complex. When you are able to understand yourself as a human leader, you can build on your strengths and then effectively lead others. In this podcast, Colleen introduces the concept of the human leader and why it is important. Bob Chapman was able to turn Barry-Wehmiller machine production company from a company that produces only machinery into a company that builds great people...