• Ep. 27: Empathy, Optimism and Hope - The Reasons You're Right For Leadership
    Jul 9 2025

    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

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    20 mins
  • Ep. 25 Emma Berry Cowling: Blend Your Styles, And Your Life
    Jun 3 2025

    In this engaging and insightful episode of the Leaders Podcast, Laura MacDonald welcomes Emma Berry Cowling, an executive coach, trainer, facilitator, and entrepreneur owning Excellence Executive. They delve into the essential aspects of leadership, including the significance of self-care, the multifaceted nature of effective leadership, the concept of work-life blend, and the impact of authenticity in leadership roles. Emma shares her personal journey from her unique upbringing and experiences in various fields, including fitness training and corporate change management, to founding her own business dedicated to helping leaders achieve their best selves. This episode is packed with actionable advice, thought-provoking discussions, and practical tools for anyone looking to blend their personal and professional lives harmoniously while leading effectively.

    The Significance of Self-Care

    The Role of Emotional Intelligence In Relationships

    Why No One Style Of Leading Is The Best

    Discovering Work-Life Blend

    Leadership Styles and Authenticity

    Blending Personal and Professional Life

    The Honest Conversation All Leaders Need To Have

    The Role of Leadership Impact

    Focus On Happiness

    Want to connect with Emma? Find her on LinkedIn (3) Emma Berry Cowling | LinkedIn or visit her website www.excellenceexecutive.co.uk

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    1 hr
  • Ep. 24: Mastering Emotional Intelligence
    May 27 2025

    This episode delves into the intricacies of emotional intelligence (EI) and its profound impact on both personal and professional realms. You’ll learn about the importance of self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and social skills, as highlighted in Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Model. The episode offers practical exercises and strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering better relationships, reducing burnout, and improving leadership effectiveness.

    Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

    Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

    Implementing Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

    Impact on Personal Life

    Key Statistics and Research

    Understanding Emotional Intelligence Models

    Strategies to Improve Emotional Intelligence

    Self-Awareness Exercises

    Self-Management Exercises

    Empathy and Social Awareness Exercises

    Combining Components for Effective Relationship Management

    Developing Empathy Through Books and Movies

    Understanding and Addressing Bias

    Emotional Regulation vs. Emotional Suppression

    Practical Strategies for Emotional Response Management

    Owning Your Emotional Intelligence

    If you’re ready for my support in developing your own EI and other leadership capabilities, discover my…

    Drop-In Mentoring Group - Drop-In Mentoring | Laura MacDonald

    1:1 Coaching Services - Elevation Hour | Laura MacDonald, Elevate Coaching Package | Laura MacDonald

    1:1 Mentoring Service - Mentoring Power Hour | Laura MacDonald

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    20 mins
  • Ep. 23 June Hogan: Tough Conversations Need Empathy
    May 20 2025

    In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, I welcome June Hogan, an outplacement support specialist and career coach, to discuss the critical role leaders play in managing redundancies. We delve into the emotional and practical aspects of outplacement support, the importance of empathy over sympathy, and strategies for leaders to help their teams navigate these challenging transitions. The conversation provides deep insights into the significance of human-centred leadership during tough times and highlights the value of supporting employees until their final moments with the organisation.

    Introduction

    Exercise and Self-Care

    June Hogan's Journey

    Dealing with Redundancy

    Empathy vs. Sympathy

    The Redundancy Process

    Support for Leaders

    Why Outplacement Support Matters

    Are you preparing for redundancies and want June’s support for your team? Reach out on LinkedIn (1) June Hogan MCIPD | LinkedIn or visit Wildwoodcoaching.co.uk

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    58 mins
  • Ep. 22 Paddy Roberts: Be The Change Leader Your Team Needs
    May 13 2025

    In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, I have an insightful conversation with Paddy Roberts, a specialist in cutover management, transition, and deployment management.

    We discuss various aspects and importance of change leadership, and the nuances of implementing successful transitions within organisations. Paddy shares his personal journey, offers valuable tips for leaders, and provides intriguing stories from his professional career, making this episode both informative and engaging.

    Listeners will gain a deep understanding of cutover management and the critical role of leadership in facilitating effective change.

    Introduction

    Cooking to Serve Yourself

    Early Career and Shift to Cutover Management

    What is Cutover Management?

    Responses to Change

    Characteristics of Effective Leaders

    Dealing with Resistance to Change

    Inter-Departmental Challenges

    Importance of Dress Rehearsals

    Post-Change Processes

    Discoveries During Rehearsals

    Leadership Lessons from Cutover Management

    Do you need a cutover manager and think Paddy’s your man? Get in touch with him on LinkedIn (3) Paddy Roberts | LinkedIn

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    54 mins
  • Ep. 21: How To Say "Yes" Less!
    May 6 2025

    In this episode, we delve into the challenging habit of saying yes too often and the importance of learning to say no. I share personal experiences and practical advice on breaking this habit, the psychological factors at play, and how to balance our own needs with the expectations of others. Learn strategies to set boundaries, manage your time better, and develop healthier, more sustainable work relationships.


    The Most Difficult Habit to Break

    The Culture Challenge

    Personal Experiences with Saying No

    The Day-to-Day Reality of Saying Yes

    Understanding Confirmation Bias

    Rethinking How to Help

    Realistic Capacity Planning

    The Need for Self-Acceptance

    Direct and Honest Communication

    Consistent Practice and Accountability

    If you want support to say “yes” less, DM me now on LinkedIn to join my Drop-In Mentoring group (2) Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn 2 spaces have already been taken for May!

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    18 mins
  • Ep. 20: Ditch The Labels - Unboxing Your True Potential
    Apr 8 2025

    From understanding oneself through various self-assessment tools to the impact of labels on personal and professional growth, this introspective episode delves deep into the journey of self-discovery and leadership. It explores how labels can both confine and empower individuals, emphasising the fluidity of personal attributes and the importance of introspection. The episode features insights from notable guests, discussing topics such as resilience, parenting, and the modern challenges of interviews. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, the episode encourages listeners to embrace their evolving identities, shedding restrictive labels, and focusing on growth-oriented mindsets.


    Understanding Personal Labels

    Embracing Impulsivity in Habits

    Leadership Styles and Models

    Reevaluating Self-Assessments

    Adjusting Mindsets with Simple Changes

    Addressing Labels in Interviews

    Understanding and Managing Introversion

    Navigating Parenting Challenges

    Technology and Interests in Leadership

    Breaking out of the Box of Labels

    Continuous Growth and Reevaluation

    Conclusion: The Only Label That Matters

    Want my help to understand your labels and work with them to elevate your leadership? Join my drop-in mentoring group now Drop-In Mentoring | Laura MacDonald

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    26 mins