In this enlightening episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald welcomes Anita Arscott Brookes - Licensed Menopause Champion, Insights Discovery practitioner, and founder of Arscott Brookes Consultancy. Together, they dive deep into the often-misunderstood topic of menopause, exploring its impact on women in the workplace and beyond

Anita shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences inspired her to empower others through education and open conversation. The discussion covers the importance of supportive leadership, the need for workplace policies, and practical strategies for both individuals and organisations to better support those experiencing menopause

Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply curious about how to foster more inclusive and understanding workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights, actionable advice, and a reminder that every person’s experience is unique. Tune in to learn how knowledge, empathy, and open dialogue can make a real difference

Guest links:

• Website: arscottbrookes.co.uk
• LinkedIn: Anita Arscott Brookes | LinkedIn

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Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald welcomes Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, founder of Firebird, TEDx speaker, and author of "How to Be Autistic", for an honest conversation about neurodiversity at work and in life. Rachel shares her journey with late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and why authentic inclusion matters.

Laura and Rachel discuss how organisations can create truly inclusive cultures, the benefits of embracing neurodiversity, and practical ways leaders can support their teams. Rachel also talks about her advocacy, AuDHD Day, and the joy found in neurodivergent experiences.

Whether you’re a leader or simply interested in inclusion, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Learn more about Rachel’s work at askfirebird.com.

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, we dive deep into the unique journey of solopreneurship and the powerful lessons it offers about leadership. Drawing from five years of personal experience, I explore how leading a business of one transforms traditional ideas of leadership, accountability, and influence.

Discover the challenges and rewards of self-leadership, building a supportive network, and shaping your own company culture. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find practical insights on resilience, decision fatigue, and the importance of staying true to your vision.

Tune in to learn why solopreneurs are some of the strongest leaders out there - and what every leader can learn from their journey.

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this powerful return to The Leaders Podcast after a summer break, we dive deep into the “invisible work” of leadership - the behind-the-scenes decisions, emotional labour, and subtle actions that hold teams together and drive success. Drawing from personal stories, client experiences, and expert insights, this episode explores the challenges leaders face, from managing burnout and building trust to balancing authenticity and credibility.

Discover actionable strategies for becoming more intentional about your leadership, maintaining your well-being, and fostering stronger connections with your team. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers inspiration, practical tips, and a celebration of the vital work that often goes unseen but makes all the difference.

If you need my support to be more intentional with your visible work…

Join my Learn To Lead open cohort starting January 2026 (10% discount for anyone self-funded, plus bonus 2 x 30-minute 1-2-1s worth £247 FREE when you sign up before 31st October)

DM me on LinkedIn for your 10% discount and payment plans

Or sign up now Learn To Lead (Open Cohort) | Laura MacDonald

Need something a little more low-key? Join my monthly drop-in mentoring group (Pay per session, or book the multi-session package)

Individuals | Laura MacDonald

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this very special milestone episode, I’m diving deep into what truly makes a high-performance team, using the inspiring journey of England’s Lionesses as a real-world example. Discover why effectiveness, not just efficiency, is the hallmark of great teams, and how cohesion, collaboration, and autonomy drive success.

We explore the power of distributed leadership, the importance of nurturing every team member’s unique strengths, and the role of joy, creativity, and well-being in building a winning culture. Drawing lessons from sports and business, you’ll learn practical strategies for empowering your team, fostering open communication, and adapting to change.

Whether you’re a leader, a team player, or simply passionate about growth, this episode is packed with insights to help you build and sustain your own high-performing team, on and off the field.

• What defines a high-performance team - and why every team looks different

• The difference between efficiency and effectiveness in team success

• Lessons from the England Lionesses’ historic Euros win

• The power of distributed leadership and shared responsibility

• How to nurture individual strengths and new talent within a team

• The importance of joy, creativity, and well-being for sustained performance

• Building trust, autonomy, and open communication

• Adapting to change and leveraging diverse skills

• Practical strategies for empowering every team member

• Leadership lessons from sports that apply to any organisation

Want to join a monthly group where leadership feels lighter? Join my Drop-In Mentoring group where your challenges are heard, your ideas are sharpened, and your growth is supported by a leadership coach with 19 years of experience AND a room full of fellow leaders from across industries. Join today Drop-In Mentoring | Laura MacDonald

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

This week on The Leaders Podcast, I’m interviewing Tarnia Gonzo, a technology change consultant and founder of T+S Consulting. We discuss the integration of AI in business, focusing on how it affects job roles, the balance between automation and human touch, and strategies for leaders to support their teams through technological transitions. Tarnia emphasises the importance of maintaining creativity, clear communication, and the necessity of addressing gender disparities in technological advancements.

Introduction

Serving Yourself to Serve Others

Understanding AI Integration in Business

AI's Impact on Jobs

Motivating Teams Through Technological Change

Balancing AI with Human Element

Ensuring Equity in AI Integration

Looking to integrate AI into your business and think Tarnia could help you? Check out her website www.ts-consulting.co.uk or connect with her on LinkedIn (6) Tarnia Gonzo | LinkedIn

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this enlightening episode of The Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald converses with Tas Bhamji, the founder of Office Real Talk, an executive in the banking sector, and a public speaker. The discussion revolves around the significance of personal branding, self-advocacy, and authenticity in leadership and career development. Tas shares her journey from working in a call center to becoming a successful digital executive, offering valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to advance their career while staying true to themselves.

Introduction of Tas Bhamji

Welcome and Initial Discussion

Tas's Routine and Mindset

Recognition and Team Engagement

Tas's Career Journey

Challenges and Decisions

About Office Real Talk

Explanation of Personal Brand

Leadership and Personal Branding

Self-Advocacy in Career

Want to connect with Tas? Find her on Instagram Tas | Corporate Exec & Career Strategist (@officerealtalk) • Instagram photos and videos or LinkedIn (4) Tasneem Bhamji | LinkedIn

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

This episode debunks the notion that empathy, optimism, and hope are naivety in leadership. Through reflections on a talk by Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, it demonstrates how these qualities are crucial for impactful leadership. I share personal experiences and insights on the importance of authentic emotions in leadership, advocating for a culture driven by faith in humanity and purposeful action.

Interdependence in Life and Business

Insights from Jacinda Ardern's Talk

Empathy, Optimism, and Hope in Leadership

The Value of Doubts and Fears

Embracing Optimism and Hope

Faith in Humanity and Cultural Strengths

Empathy Leading to Clear Outcomes

Drive Purposeful Change Quickly

Leadership Through Empathy and Optimism

Ready to bring your empathy, optimism and hope forward as the reason you’re right for leadership? Book a free Right Fit call with me now Right Fit Call - No Charge | Laura MacDonald

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn