Episodes

  • From Kurt Geiger to Commercial Director - How did that happen?
    Dec 22 2025

    Meet Laura Cartwright - Commercial Director at Una Health based in Stoke on Trent.


    Laura shares her career journey from being on the shop floor at Kurt Geiger to becoming a Director of a thriving diagnostics and laboratory solutions business.


    It is fascinating how she grabbed every opportunity within her career and by saying yes lead her to promotion.


    We talk about how COVID and how it positively impacted Una.

    How she managed running a very busy business whilst looking after her two young children .


    It is refreshing how honest Laura is in this episode as she shares why she invested in personal development and enrolled onto my High Performance Programme for Leaders.


    Her confidence has grown, in particular her communication style and approach which is part of my programme curriculum.


    Find out about my programme and the key areas we cover to grow your leadership brand, skills and strategies.

    https://lizfinneron.co.uk/


    If you would like to chat about your personal development then book your 30 minute chemisty call here: https://calendly.com/liz-lizfinneron/30min





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    59 mins
  • Commitment, Consistency and taking Chances paid off for Simon
    Dec 5 2025

    A local leader, Simon Cowap - Director of Outbound Sales shares his career path and how he leant into challenges that some leaders wouldn't go any where near.


    I worked with Simon in my days at Vodafone and he is always someone that stands out for me as a great leader.


    He always had time for you and was respected within the business for his knowledge and leadership style.


    We talk about the Art of Influencing, why failure is important in our careers and how sports played a big part in his leadership.


    If you want to accelerate your career then Simon shares great advice for aspiring leaders.


    Follow the link to book your chemistry call with Liz to discuss getting support in your leadership career.

    https://calendly.com/liz-lizfinneron/30min







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    52 mins
  • Busting some myths about leaders and handling pressure
    Dec 5 2025

    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.

    Subscribe for more real life leadership stories transformation and performance insights from The Leading Role.

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    50 mins
  • Juggling Kids, Career and Courage — and Winning
    Oct 15 2025

    What happens when a woman hits 40 with a PhD, two kids, two businesses and a big dream? In this inspiring episode of The Leading Role, Janine Doughty shares how she went from feeling lost to redefining her identity as a leader, co-owner of a thriving dental practice, academic, and half Ironman finisher.

    We talk courage, structure, leadership transformation and why having a plan (and accountability) changes everything.

    Perfect for anyone navigating leadership, career pivots and family life.

    👉 Tune in, be inspired and learn how to build the life and leadership you actually want.
    🎧 Listen now and subscribe to The Leading Role for more real leadership stories.

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    48 mins
  • What 20 years of Silence taught Simon
    Jul 30 2025

    Simon carried leadership anxiety for over 20 years.

    Despite having a successful career and being a highly respected manager, he silently battled self-doubt.
    His mindset? Don’t raise your head above the parapet. Don’t draw attention to yourself.

    That worked until it didn’t.

    When Simon hit a point where his usual approach wasn’t enough, he realised he didn’t want to look back with regret.
    He reached out to me to explore how far he could truly go in his career and what a transformation it’s been.

    Over 90 days in my High Performance Coaching Programme, we worked on:

    • Letting go of outdated habits

    • Understanding communication styles

    • Creating boundaries to switch off

    • Leading with vulnerability, not fear

    Simon openly shares how those 20 years of silence have now been replaced with clarity, confidence and a toolkit that still serves him long after the programme ended.

    If you relate to the silent struggles leaders rarely talk about, you’re not alone.
    📥 You can also grab a free copy of my guide Silent Struggles of Leadership here: https://lizfinneron.co.uk/#1
    📈 And if you’re ready to transform your leadership style, learn more about the 90-Day Programme here: https://lizfinneron.co.uk/90-day-leadership-and-life-coaching-programme/

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    47 mins
  • Why You Shouldn’t Pretend to Be the Leader You Think They Want | Authentic Leadership with Dan Reed
    Jul 24 2025

    Breaking the Stereotypes of Leadership with Dan Reed. Director, Head of Digital at KPMG

    In my second episode of the series, I’m joined by senior leader Dan Reid, Director Head of Digital for KPMG, who speaks openly about the real challenges behind a fast-moving career.

    From rapid promotions and managing a young family, to battling imposter syndrome and the pressure to “act the part,” Dan shares how he found his footing by leading with authenticity and prioritising mental wellness.

    We discuss the power of having a personal development plan and how to have meaningful conversations with your manager about it.

    Dan also offers valuable insights into how to build influence and persuasion as key leadership tools, without compromising who you are.

    A proud advocate for breaking stereotypes in leadership, Dan shares how he’s using LinkedIn as a platform for transparency, connection, and vulnerability .

    Creating an open-door culture with his team and encouraging others to do the same.

    This episode is a reminder that managers are human too and that men in leadership roles often carry silent struggles.

    Dan's honesty, openness, and commitment to redefining what leadership looks like is exactly what makes this conversation so powerful.

    We actually met through LinkedIn, proof that real connection doesn’t always require a boardroom.

    If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and follow the show.

    Your support helps these important conversations reach more people.


    Join my 90 Day Leadership Programme.

    Hello, I’m Liz Finneron

    I’m a High-Performance Life and Leadership Coach with over 20 years of experience helping you unlock your potential and lead with impact.

    Trained in the USA by Brendan Burchard, I bring proven, practical framework of strategies to ambitious leaders here in the UK.

    Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, navigating change, or need more clarity and energy to lead your team, I can help.

    Clients often see results within weeks. This isn’t fluffy coaching. It’s focused, forward-moving, and built around you.

    If you’re ready to grow both professionally and privately, I’m here to help you every step of the way.


    Embarking on a journey to achieving goals as a Leader can be daunting. That’s why having someone to confide in and discuss options and ideas with is invaluable.


    Together we will find a way.

    Whether you are striving to lead your team or seeking guidance on personal matters, or looking to improve your own management skills, we all need a trustworthy individual with whom we can share our private and internal concerns.

    With over two decades of experience in both corporate and public sectors, I have provided Coaching & Leadership support to individuals looking for the next level for their career across all industries.

    I have honed my Coaching skills by studying under esteemed professionals in California since 2017. Receiving training from the world’s number one coach, Brendon Burchard, makes me the best Coach for any High Performing Leader.

    I have helped 100's Managers achieve career progression, promotion and attain their dream role with incredible rewards.

    I understand the business world and culture alongside operating practices. Coupled with 25 years of experience, I offer a unique blend of Coaching for Managers.


    90-Day Life & Leadership Coaching

    Stay sharp, lead with confidence, and thrive at the top with my 90-Day High-Performance Coaching Programme built on proven, practical strategies tailored for ambitious leaders.


    Become a great leader.
    Step into your full potential.

    Great leadership isn’t about working harder, it’s about working smarter. Successful leaders know how to communicate with impact, inspire their teams, and navigate challenges with confidence.

    Many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome, burnout, and uncertainty in high-pressure situations, but these challenges can be overcome through my framework of proven strategies.

    Learn more at lizfinneron.co.uk

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    39 mins