This is a true full circle moment. In this episode of The Leading Role Liz Finneron is joined by her own former coach and mentor Clare Barnet the woman who originally trained Liz to become a professional coach. Years later Clare returned to Liz to rebuild her own energy focus and purpose through Liz’s high performance coaching programme and came away with far more than she expected.

Together they talk honestly about what it is really like to lead at a senior level the pressure leaders carry in silence and why even the most experienced coaches and consultants still need support. Clare shares why she leaned into Liz’s programme after losing her mojo and what she gained from it including powerful productivity breakthroughs clarity renewed confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. One of the standout moments is Clare’s realisation that she was trying to run seven major projects at once and how learning to prioritise realistically transformed her focus and effectiveness.

This episode also explores psychological safety in leadership the importance of professional coaching standards through EMCC and ICF and why human connection will always matter more than artificial intelligence in coaching. Clare speaks openly about humility in leadership her discomfort with self promotion and her belief that true credibility should come from results not noise.

A recurring message throughout this conversation is simple but powerful you cannot pour from an empty jug. This episode is a reminder that putting yourself first as a leader is not selfish it is essential.

If you are a leader coach or business owner feeling under pressure stretched too thin or close to burnout this episode will reassure you that seeking support is not weakness it is leadership.

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