The Leaders Podcast

Join Laura MacDonald as she meets with Alice Dearing, the former Team GB Olympic marathon swimmer and co-founder of the Black Swimming Association. In this insightful episode, Alice shares her inspirational journey from being a world junior open water champion to founding initiatives that aim to change perspectives and inclusivity in swimming. Alice talks about personal motivations, overcoming cha...

In this episode, Laura MacDonald interviews Jacqui Frost, an ACC accredited ICF coach, resilient leaders consultant, and director of Leadership 43. Jacqui shares insights from her journey as a former head teacher, recounting her challenges, experiences, and the profound lessons she's learned about resilience. Laura and Jacqui discuss the significance of self-awareness, the evolution of resili...

In this episode, we delve into the significance of strategically growing your personal and professional network. Laura shares personal experiences and insights on the impact a robust network can have on one's leadership journey, career development, and personal growth. The episode explores the challenges and rewards of building meaningful connections and offers practical advice for those look...

In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, I engage in a profound conversation with Charlotte Phillips-Lynn, keynote speaker, consultant, and founder of Questioning Normal. We discuss the importance of inclusivity in the workplace, personal stories of overcoming challenges, and actionable steps for creating more inclusive environments. Charlotte also shares insights into their dual roles in finance a...

In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, Laura MacDonald sits down with Zoe Thompson, founder of Phoenix Coaching Limited. Zoe shares her journey from being an inquiry officer in the police to establishing her own coaching business aimed at empowering public sector professionals. They discuss the challenges of self-employment, the importance of balancing work and personal life, and the unique strug...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the concept of trust, especially in the context of remote and hybrid working environments shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion touches on how trust between managers and employees has been challenged and changed over the years, examining various facets of trust in the workplace including delegation, performance management, and leadership a...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald engages in a deep and enlightening conversation with Amanda O'Rourke, an InnerCalm coach for high achievers in business and leadership. They discuss the essence of inner calm, how it can be cultivated through practices such as meditation and mindfulness, and its crucial role in effective leadership. Amanda shares her personal journe...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, Laura engages in a profound conversation with Elizabeth Okeyele-Olatunji, the Creative Learning Manager and recipient of the Golden Scissors Award for Emerging Leaders. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey fueled by her passion for knitting, yarns, and empowering young people. She elaborates on the ethos of leadership through volunteering, emphasizing the...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura McDonald dives into the most critical aspect of leadership: time management. Laura shares invaluable insights and actionable strategies for making the most of our most finite resource—time. Learn how to prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, set clear boundaries for never-ending tasks like emails, and foster effective communication with you...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, I host Amit Singh Kalley, a coach for Working Parents, storyteller, speaker, and founder of For Working Parents. Amit shares his journey from being a deputy head teacher to becoming an advocate for parental support in the workplace. They discuss the importance of flexibility for working parents, the impact of COVID-19 on work culture, and Amit’s personal exp...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, Laura MacDonald sits down with Zoe Plumley, a passionate disability advocate, trainer and coach, keynote speaker, and the owner of LNL Coaching and Virtual Assistant Services. Together, they delve into Zoe’s inspiring journey from nursing to becoming a beacon of support for people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of mindset and confidence.  The...

In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, we delve into the complexities of change management and the importance of understanding that change is a process that doesn't happen overnight. I share my personal experiences and insights on embracing change, the difference between change and transition, and how to effectively lead others through these phases. Learn about the Bridges Transition Model,...

In this motivational episode of 'The Leader's Podcast,' I engage in a rich conversation with Kathryn Hall, a multi-award-winning career transformation coach and owner of The Career Owl.  We discuss Kathryn's diverse career path from retail management to HR, and ultimately, to becoming a business owner who has empowered over 600 clients.  Listen as Kathryn shares valuable insigh...

In this episode of the Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Chris O'Connell, a non-executive director, mentor to recruitment leaders, speaker, and host of the Purpose Led Leadership Podcast.  Chris shares his remarkable journey, including the highs and lows of his career and personal life. He speaks candidly about his early struggles, professional success, personal challenges, and how he has rebuil...

In Episode 4 of the Leaders Podcast, I delve into the crucial difference between managing and leading with an emphasis on people. I explore how essential it is for leaders to tailor their listening approaches to truly understand and support their team members.  I’ll be introducing the four types of listening—task-oriented, analytical, relational, and critical—and discussing their appropriate appli...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, I chat with Joanna Rawbone, a TEDx speaker, trainer, coach, and owner of Flourishing Introverts. We explore the complexities and misconceptions surrounding introversion, especially in leadership roles.  Joanna shares her journey of embracing her introverted nature after years of pretending to be more extroverted. The discussion dives into the value introvert...

Join me, Laura MacDonald, a seasoned Leadership Coach and Mentor, in the inaugural episode of the Leaders Podcast as I delve into the essence of servant leadership. Discover the profound impact of putting others first and the essential balance of self-care. I share my personal journey, industry insights, and practical tips to help leaders like you redefine and elevate your leadership style. Tune i...

In this empowering episode of the Leaders Podcast, I invite the brilliant Nicole Louise Winer, a business strategist, coach, and mentor, to delve into the essentials of self-leadership.  Nicole shares nuanced insights from her unique journey and professional experience, discussing the importance of self-awareness, mindset, and boundary-setting for successful leadership.  Learn how to navigate the...

Welcome to The Leaders Podcast, where we empower people-centred leaders to create a lasting impact on themselves and those around them.  In each episode, host Laura MacDonald dives deep into the four essential pillars of leadership: mindset, influence, change, and growth.  Laura shares her personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned on pivotal leadership topics that resonate with aspiring...