209: Navigating the Realities of Effective Leadership

In the first episode of our new podcast series, A Day in the Life Of, host Maxine Bell sits down with Anita Sauvage, an executive and post-cancer coach. This series will bring you warm, authentic conversations with real coaches about their real lives, diving deep into the realities of coaching that are often hidden behind social media's glossy facade. We will explore the real-life challenges, rewards, and insights of working as a coach. This series is perfect for anyone on their own coaching journey or curious about the world of professional coaching. Stay tuned for new episodes throughout the year!   In this first inspiring conversation, Anita opens up about her journey into coaching, which began 17 years ago after a life-changing cancer diagnosis. She shares her gratitude for Maggie’s, a charitable organization that supported her and now benefits from her expertise as a volunteer post-cancer coach.   As the Chair of the Association for Coaching (AC) France and an active member of the AC Europe Hub, Anita also sheds light on the unique cultural challenges of being a coach in France. She speaks passionately about the sense of belonging and openness she finds within the AC community.   Anita discusses the freedom and fulfilment she experiences as a coach, highlighting her three main challenges: supporting mental health and wellness, embracing cultural awareness, and remembering that each post-cancer client brings a unique story. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and how introducing pauses in a coaching session can create powerful moments of growth.   Key takeaways:   ·       Why post-cancer coaching is essential for long-term wellness and support. ·       The power of “pausing” in both coaching sessions and your daily life for self-care and effectiveness. ·       The benefits of joining the Association for Coaching, a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to learning and support.   Be inspired by Anita’s journey, her dedication to her clients, and her top coaching tips that every coach can benefit from. Whether you're a new coach or an experienced professional, this episode offers insights and encouragement to enrich your practice.   “Post-cancer coaching is about giving people time and space to recover emotionally and physically, to build their self-confidence and discover their needs.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-Anita-Sauvage-cancer-culture-coachingtips

Blaire Palmer, former BBC journalist turned leadership coach and author of ‘Punks and Suits’, joins executive coach and host, Simone Sweeney, to explore how coaches can best support the dynamic evolution of leadership in today’s world. Blaire shares her journey from journalism to leadership coaching 25 years ago and the transformative insights she gained along the way. The discussion dives deep into the future of leadership, focusing on the importance of self-awareness, human-centred strategies, and adapting to rapidly evolving organizational challenges.   Blair reveals key takeaways from her book, emphasizing the need for leaders to resolve organizational tensions, foster creativity, and uphold a clear mission. The conversation explores how modern leadership demands personal development, relationship-building and a willingness to be uncomfortable challenging long-held beliefs, as well as examining why out-dated education and business practices aren’t working anymore. They also discuss the role of AI and technology in enabling human qualities to be fully engaged at work. Blair urges coaches to hold leaders accountable and take responsibility for pushing them to uphold higher standards in business.   Tune in to this insightful, provocative episode to learn how leaders can adapt, connect, and inspire in the face of modern challenges!   You will learn   ·       Techniques and tips for coaches to support more accountable, self-aware leaders ·       Why exclusively 1 to 1 coaching is not enough to create a great leader ·       Blair’s vision for the future of leadership and a more human workplace   “If we could make work feel just much more human and acknowledge that when you wake up in the morning, you wake up in a different frame of mind each day, we would value their humanity so much more.”    For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_qualities-challenges-systemic

Yusuf Bayez, visionary leader and leader coach, joins executive coach Simone Sweeney to explore the core principles and qualities of effective leadership. Drawing from years of experience, they discuss the importance of human-centric leadership, emphasising self-awareness and effective communication as vital skills for successful leaders. Yusuf also highlights the need for genuine empathy, manners and respect in leadership.   Having worked across the globe, they dive into the importance and impact of different workplace cultures, the role of personal values and the importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Discover how recognising individual contributions and encouraging personal growth can drive team engagement and high performance.    Yusuf also shares his thoughts on the limitations of AI technology in leadership, the need for human connection and how to stay human when things get tough. He shares how coaching has assisted his growth as a leader and supported the development of emotional regulation and intelligence within teams. This is a thought-provoking conversation with insights from a leader who successfully walks his talk, inspiring us all to become human-centric leaders.   You will learn:   ·       What workplace culture is and why it matters ·       How to connect with and build a bond with your team ·       The importance of feedback and how to filter feedback to ensure it is from people who have a genuine interest in you as an individual   “Because you have a title, it doesn't make you a leader. I don't think it is an entitlement or a title at all.”     For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_leadercoach-connection-culture-communication  

Daniel Goleman, renowned psychologist, author and “father of emotional intelligence,” joins host, executive coach Simone Sweeney, to explore why emotional intelligence (EI) is essential for leadership in today’s world. They dive into the four main components of EI, its evolution and how it shapes effective leaders within organizations. Together, they challenge the outdated notion that emotions have no place in business and highlight that, even with AI’s growing influence, human qualities and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable.   Daniel shares practical tools for building self-awareness, boosting resilience and creating daily stress-management routines. He talks about the importance of leaders forging real, heart-to-heart connections with their teams and unpacks what makes a truly inspiring leader. They also explore how introverted leaders can harness EI to build trust and motivate others, and the ways EI influences workplace culture. This episode offers rich insights, practical advice, and actionable tools that every leader and coach can use right away. You will learn: ·       Why feedback and coaching are essential in developing emotional intelligence ·       Strategies and tools for coaches and leaders that support leadership development ·       How emotional intelligence impacts employee retention and workplace culture “The most effective climate among people who are reporting to a leader is created by a leader who's inspiring, who can articulate a mission, a shared purpose that resonates from the heart to the heart."   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_emotional-intelligence

Peter Greedy, coach and leadership consultant, joins host Simone Sweeney to delve into the complexities of leadership and what happens when it becomes toxic. Peter shares his insights about toxic leadership from his own experience in the workplace, and the fifteen years spent in a religious cult, that now drives his passion for good leadership. They discuss the impact of toxic leadership on individuals, teams and organizations and how to differentiate between effective leadership behaviours and toxic behaviours. They also examine the critical role of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the willingness to open dialogue when issues arise. Peter highlights the need for leaders to be self-aware, open to feedback, and intentional in their actions to foster healthier, more productive workplaces. This episode underscores the importance of not ignoring toxic leadership and to finding resolutions for the benefit of everyone. You will learn:   ·       The importance of psychological safety and what happens when it is not available. ·       The significance of personal values and behaviours in defining leadership ·       The role of coaching in addressing toxic behaviours and fostering resilience   “There is a consequence to bad behaviour, whatever you want to call it—toxicity and psychological safety and the lack of it at work can become truly traumatic.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_toxicity-behaviours-values

Bernadette Thomas, a coach specializing in wellbeing in the workplace, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, to discuss the importance of leaders modelling self-care and empathy, cultivating emotional intelligence, and managing stress to create supportive environments. Bernadette explains the challenges of isolation for leaders and highlights the significance of social connections and community in enhancing well-being. The conversation also addresses the challenges of menopause in the workplace and the need for awareness and support. Practical advice includes setting achievable well-being goals and the need for open communication and creating safe spaces for discussing well-being and issues that may arise.   You will learn:   ·       Strategies for leaders to model self-care and foster a culture of well-being ·       The impact of stress on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics ·       Why prioritizing well-being for leaders and their teams is vital for an effective and supportive work environment   “Being empathetic, being a compassionate leader, being your authentic self, and role modelling what you do to look after yourself are crucial behaviours for a leader.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_wellbeing-rolemodelling-healthy-habits

Pooja Sachdev, a coach and occupational psychologist, joins host Simone Sweeney to discuss the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in leadership. Pooja provides, in Simone’s words, ‘one of the best definitions of diversity, inclusion and equity I have ever heard.’ They discuss the challenges organizations face in achieving true DEI and the phenomenon of ‘diversity fatigue’ and explore challenges like managing multi-generational teams and addressing poor leadership behaviour. They also discuss allyship and give practical strategies for leaders to enhance their inclusive practices. An informative, reflective episode that underscores the importance of a human-centric leader being an inclusive leader and the important role coaching plays in supporting this. You will learn: ·       The distinction between diversity, equity, and inclusion as separate but interconnected concepts. ·       The role of empathy in effective leadership and its impact on team dynamics ·       The value of diverse thinking and perspectives in driving innovation and problem solving    'When I say cultural intelligence, I don't mean cultural expertise. It's about cultural humility and being aware that the way I see the world and my cultural conditioning may not be the same as somebody else's.'   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:    https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_dei-empathy-culture

Rachael Hanley-Browne, CEO of Team Lab, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, for a very grounded exploration of the realities of leadership, and how you become a better leader: what is the 'secret recipe?’ Especially for those who may be considered atypical leaders, for example, who are not charismatic extroverts, are outside of large corporates in SMEs or who are individual contributors. Rachael focuses on leadership for founders and entrepreneurs as well as deep subject matter experts. They discuss the role of coaching and mentoring in leadership development and include many practical tips for coaches and leaders themselves.   You will learn:   ·       What it takes to be a leader ·       Why awareness of self, context and environment is key to good leadership ·       The challenges and rewards leadership involves    “It takes courage to put yourself out there; it takes courage to let people see you and experience all of your strengths and weaknesses; courage to make unpopular decisions… courage to hold your ground and to have that self-belief when others disagree with you.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_challenges-awareness-behaviour

Julie Flower, leadership and team development practitioner, joins host Simone Sweeney for an insightful discussion on how coaches can help leaders develop the skills they need to work with the ambiguity and change of the modern world. Julie has a long background of working with the public sector, government and third sector, and so understands the pressures leaders have faced in these sectors in recent years, describing it as a ‘perfect storm’. She shares the types of change she has been coaching leaders and teams with, what it means to lead today, its wider context and how coaches can help.   You will learn:   ·       The coaching skills needed for working in emotionally charged environments and support leaders to unlock and develop soft skills ·       The role of coaches in supporting collaboration and influencing ·       The use and impact of creativity, such as improv and embodiment techniques, in coaching leaders and teams   “I think leadership is about creating the conditions for everyone to work effectively towards a common goal. Thinking about how we can mobilise people towards a common goal and create the conditions where they can succeed and excel.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_change-collaboration-creativity  

Liz Rider, organizational psychologist and thought leader in the area of human-centric leadership, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, in the first episode of a wonderful new podcast series. Together they unpack what leadership and human-centric leadership is and why shifting to this type of leadership is so important and impactful for organizations and people.   Liz brings her passion, energy and experience, with real-life examples of how qualities such as empathy, listening, trust and self-awareness can transform the workplace. She encourages leaders to learn how to really connect with their people and why she believes that leaders as coaches is the way to a better future for us all. An honest and vibrant conversation for all coaches, leaders and organizations.   You will learn:   ·       The vital soft skills required for human-centric leadership ·       The role of coaches in transforming managers into leaders ·       What part AI plays in creating more human-focused leaders   “We are starting to get more role models that are human-centric, and I think that the more we get in different organizations, the more we will believe in human-centric leadership and the more human-centric leaders we will get.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_transformation-managers-leaders