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The Lonely Leader

The Lonely Leader

By: James Rule
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The Lonely Leader helps existing and aspiring leaders become the best version of themselves.


We believe that leadership on the outside begins within.


By sharing decades of leadership experience, insights and best practice we can help you sharpen your skills.


Our unique and authentic style, drawing upon learnings from success and failure, will ensure you are better prepared to optimise your performance and meet the challenges of the modern day leader.


We regularly discuss creating and sustaining high performance, enhancing resilience, empowering our mindset and finding professional and personal fulfilment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Rule
Economics
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Episodes
  • Invisible Drains: 7 Silent Killers of Leadership Energy
    May 12 2025

    Episode 73

    Invisible Drains: 7 Silent Killers of Leadership Energy



    SUMMARY

    In this high-impact episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule pulls back the curtain on the subtle habits and hidden dynamics that sap a leader’s energy. It’s not always the big crises that bring us down, sometimes it’s the quiet, unchallenged routines that drain us most. From decision fatigue and digital distractions to unresolved conflict and people pleasing, James identifies the 7 most common energy leaks and shows you exactly how to plug them. Featuring lessons from leaders Barack Obama, Warren Buffet and J.K. Rowling, this episode is a must listen for any leader looking to protect their energy and lead more intentionally.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    Learn how decision fatigue and digital distractions are impacting your performance

    Understand how boundaries, conflict, and recovery play into your energy levels

    Get inspired by real life leaders who’ve mastered energy protection

    Actionable advice to help you build a more energised and sustainable leadership style


    ABOUT THE HOST

    James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.

    His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.

    As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Episode 70 - Disconnect to reconnect: Why leaders need a digital detox

    Episode 71 - Holiday Illness: A warning sign you cannot ignore

    Episode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance

    Episode 59 - How much are meetings costing your business


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    www.thelonelyleader.co.uk

    The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

    James' LinkedIn

    Instagram

    hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk

    NEWSLETTER

    Sign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

    THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • The Leadership Energy Crisis: How to rebuild before you break
    May 5 2025

    Episode SEVENTY TWO

    The Leadership Energy Crisis: How to Rebuild Before You Break



    SUMMARY SECTION


    In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule explores an often-ignored topic: leadership energy. Leadership demands are relentless, but running on empty is not a badge of honour, it's a threat to clarity, performance, and fulfilment. James shares why managing your energy (not just your time) is the key to sustainable high performance, and how to rebuild your energy tank before you reach the breaking point. Practical strategies, real world examples, and clear takeaways await.



    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    Why leadership energy is your true competitive edge

    Common signs you're heading toward an energy crash

    How to build daily energy rituals that prevent burnout

    Practical steps to rebuild and protect your leadership energy



    ABOUT THE HOST

    James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.

    His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.


    As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.



    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT


    Episode 70 - Disconnect to reconnect: Why leaders need a digital detox


    Episode 71 - Holiday Illness: A warning sign you cannot ignore


    Episode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance



    CONNECT & CONTACT

    Website www.thelonelyleader.co.uk


    The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

    James' LinkedIn

    Instagram

    Email: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk



    NEWSLETTER

    Sign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.



    THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Holiday Illness: A Warning Sign You Can’t Ignore
    Apr 28 2025

    Episode SEVENTY ONE


    Holiday Illness: A Warning Sign You Can’t Ignore


    SUMMARY SECTION


    In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule explores the phenomenon of holiday illness and why so many leaders fall ill when they finally take a break. It’s not bad luck, it’s biology. Discover the hidden impact of stress on your immune system, the science behind the “cortisol crash,” and how holiday illness reveals deeper warning signs of burnout. James shares insights and practical strategies you can use immediately to protect your energy, safeguard your health, and return from breaks stronger than ever.



    KEY TAKEAWAYS


    Why you get sick when you finally stop working

    The role of cortisol and immune suppression

    How holiday illness connects to burnout

    Eight actionable strategies to protect yourself and your performance

    Why sustainable leadership is built on daily recovery, not heroic endurance


    ABOUT THE HOST


    James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.

    His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.

    As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT


    Episode 70 - Disconnect to reconnect: Why leaders need a digital detox


    Episode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance


    Episode 33 - High Performance Pledges


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    Website www.thelonelyleader.co.uk


    The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

    James' LinkedIn

    Instagram

    Email: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk

    THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA


    NEWSLETTER

    Sign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins

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