Episode 79

Leadership Essentials: Why Active Listening is the skill that changes everything

SUMMARY

In this episode, James Rule explores why active listening is one of the most under appreciated but critical skills for modern leadership. Drawing from personal experience, professional coaching insight, and examples from sport and business, James highlights how leaders can transform team culture, improve performance, and deepen trust by simply becoming better listeners.

You’ll hear:

• Why active listening is different from passive hearing
• How poor listening destroys trust and performance
• Lessons from Phil Jackson former coach of NBA team Chicago Bulls
• 8 actionable takeaways to build better listening habits

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Listening is a leadership action, not a passive state.

Ask questions to understand, not to reply.

Silence is powerful don’t rush to fill the space.

Avoid multitasking when someone is speaking.

Don’t assume you know what’s coming next.

Let people finish even when it's uncomfortable.

Practice patience real listening takes time.

Make it a habit, listening is a muscle, not a switch.

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 38 - Mastering the art of communication

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

Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence

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.

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

Episode 78

You´re not alone: The most common issues facing leaders today

SUMMARY SECTION

In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule highlights the three most common challenges he sees in the boardroom, in coaching sessions, and across every leadership level from CEOs to emerging leaders.

James explores the three core pillars where even the most capable leaders often struggle:

• Communication that lands
• Productivity and presence in a distraction filled world
• Physical and mental energy that doesn’t burn out

Whether you're leading a team of five or five hundred, this episode is your reminder: you’re not alone.

James also shares a behind the scenes look at the coaching, mentoring and advisory support available for leaders who want to do the inner work and unlock lasting change by working with The Lonely Leader.

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 23 - Lessons learned from burnout

Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence

Episode 47 - Mastering productivity: Key strategies to make every day count

Episode 38 - Mastering the art of communication

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.

Episode 77

Leadership Essentials: Tenacity - Holding the line when it gets tough

Summary

In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule explores tenacity, the quiet, relentless force that defines the world's most effective leaders. Drawing on powerful examples from Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, this episode shows how to lead with grit, how to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you, and highlights why tenacity is a non-negotiable in today's fast paced leadership landscape.

Whether you're leading through adversity or chasing a long term vision, this episode is a blueprint for staying the course and inspiring others to do the same.

Key Takeaways:

Why tenacity is more than stubbornness and how to lead with resilience.

How Churchill and Lincoln role modelled unshakable resolve.

What to do when your plan gets "punched in the face".

How to build a culture of grit and perseverance in your team.

8 actionable ways to strengthen your tenacity as a leader.

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 63 - The Man in the Arena

Episode 62 - The intersection of purpose and performance

Episode 17 - Five Key Steps to Lead Through Adversity

CONNECT & CONTACT

www.thelonelyleader.co.uk

The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

James' LinkedIn

Instagram

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.

Episode 76

The strength in vulnerability: A Leadership Essential

SUMMARY SECTION

In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule discusses one of the most misunderstood leadership qualities: vulnerability. Far from being a weakness, vulnerability is a gateway to building trust, fostering connection, and strengthening team culture. Through powerful examples from the worlds of sport, business, and public service, James explores how leaders can embrace vulnerability without losing authority and why doing so is critical for leading in today’s world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Why vulnerability builds trust and connection

How to share authentically without oversharing

What high performers like Simone Biles, Ford CEO Alan Mulally, and Michelle Obama teach us about courageous transparency

How to balance strength with self awareness

7 practical ways to lead with vulnerability every day

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 10 - Leadership Essentials: Authenticity

Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence

Episode 56 - Leadership Essentials: Positivity

CONNECT & CONTACT

www.thelonelyleader.co.uk

The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

James' LinkedIn

Instagram

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.

Episode 75

Leadership in the Digital Age: Staying Human in a High Tech World

SUMMARY

Today we’re exploring something that touches every one of us whether we’re leading a start up, a global brand, or simply navigating change in our professional lives. The digital world is accelerating, AI, automation, remote work, Zoom calls, dashboards, and data streams. These tools promise greater efficiency, better access, and faster decision making. But they can also create disconnect, burnout, and fractured team cultures if we’re not intentional. So today, I want to explore how we can leverage technology without losing what makes us effective leaders: connection, trust, empathy, and presence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Remote leadership requires intentional culture building. Trust, transparency, and regular connection are key.

Great leaders adapt to new tech, but stay anchored in human values. Use AI, data, and automation to serve, not to replace.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to lead in a digital world. You need to be open and adaptable.

Use data to guide decisions but don’t lose emotional intelligence. The best leaders combine hard data with human insight.

Tech should enhance wellbeing, not destroy it. Set boundaries, lead by example, and advocate digital recovery time.

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 74 - Leading through organisational change

Episode 38 - Mastering the art of communication

Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence

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.

Episode SEVENTY FOUR

Leading through organisational change

SUMMARY SECTION

In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule tackles one of the most defining tests of leadership: navigating organisational change. Whether you’re leading a restructure, guiding your team through uncertainty, or championing a strategic pivot, this episode offers practical wisdom and key takeaways to help you lead with clarity, calm, and confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why resistance to change is human and how great leaders manage it
• The emotional responsibility leaders carry during transitions
• 12 actionable strategies to communicate, stabilise, and energise your team
• Why visibility, clarity and vulnerability are your most powerful tools in change
• “In times of change people don’t follow plans they follow people”

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 57 - Lessons from my Leadership Journey (part one)

Episode 58 - Lessons from my Leadership Journey (part two)

Episode 73 - Invisible Drains: 7 Silent Killers of Leadership Energy

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.

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.

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.