The Human Leader

Trust is not a soft skill. It is the foundation of performance, resilience, and wellbeing — and when it breaks, the cost is far greater than most organisations realise.In this deeply human episode of The Human Leader Podcast, we explore what really happens when trust disappears from the workplace — not just to productivity, but to the nervous system, decision-making, team dynamics, and ultimately burnout.Through powerful real-world leadership stories and grounded insights from neuroscience and organisational psychology, this episode reveals why fear-based environments shut down innovation, silence capable people, and quietly erode results — and what courageous leaders can do instead.Designed especially for professional women in leadership, this conversation speaks to the invisible pressures of high responsibility, the toll of psychological unsafety, and the profound difference a high-trust culture can make.If you are leading people in complex, high-stakes environments — this episode will help you recognise the warning signs, understand the biology of trust, and begin rebuilding environments where people can perform, contribute, and thrive.If this episode resonates with what you are seeing in your organisation — tension in meetings, low engagement, burnout, silence where there should be contribution — it may not be a performance issue. It may be a trust issue.I work with executive teams, senior leaders, and professional environments to rebuild trust, psychological safety, and resilient leadership cultures in practical, measurable ways.To explore workshops, leadership programmes, or tailored organisational interventions, connect with me on LinkedIn or visit my website : www.vuseleladavis.com .Because when trust is restored, everything else becomes easier — communication, accountability, innovation, and performance.

What is a human leader in an AI, mechanised world and does it matter? Find out in this episode of The Human Leader Podcast.

"Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." – John MaxwellInfluence is at the heart of leadership, but how do you use it effectively? In this episode of The Human Leader Podcast, we explore what true influence is, how it differs from manipulation and coercion. Why confident leadership is essential for a thriving team.We dive into:The neuroscience behind influence and how it shapes decision-making.The power of confidence in leadership and why your voice needs to be heard.Practical strategies to own your influence and lead with authenticity.If you're ready to step into your power, speak up, and stand out, this episode is for you!To find out more about the podcast: podcast@vuseleladavis.comTo find out more about coaching with Colleen: coaching@vuseleladavis.comwww.vuseleladavis.comInstagram: vuselela_d

Feeling burned out by the pressures of leadership? You’re not alone. This podcast is your guide to tackling burnout head-on, offering practical strategies and real-life insights to help leaders recharge, set boundaries, and rediscover their passion for leading. We dive into the science of stress, share relatable stories, and provide actionable tips to help you thrive—even in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re looking to prevent burnout or recover from it, this podcast is here to help you lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience. Because great leadership starts with a healthy leader.

Having an attitude of gratitude affects the human brain and makes us healthier... I tell you more about it in this podcast designed to give you the tips, skills and knowledge to lead.

Trust is a key to building a highly productive team but is often taken for granted, resulting in talent quietly moving away. What is Trust and why is it important and how do you rebuild it in a time of COVID-19. Join Colleen Davis from Vuselela Davis as she unpacks this essential element of leadership for the Human Leader.

As a leader you face many challenges, including your own exhaustion. What should you look at what should you look out for and how do you start planning for your recovery? In this new season we focus on the support for leaders to be more human, allowing their teams to be more human, bringing about strong, robust teams that can thrive in the 21st Century

An interview with Sean Waters, from the Stress Less Clinic. Sean shares his wisdom and thoughts on stress and the pandemic, he calls it a ‘panic-demic’. He gives us some pointers to survive stress, to keep it simple, practical and to focus on your attitude. He looks at our negative bias and he talks about his passion for healthcare professionals who are suffering burnout and PTSD. He shares tips for leaders to help their teams by going back to basics. Enjoy this podcast, it is filled with wisdom and great tips for the human leader. You can get hold of Sean by emailing him: Sean@stresslessclinic.co.za or his website: www.stresslessclinic.co.za If you enjoyed this podcast, let us know. Send me a voice note or send me an email: podcast@vuseleladavis.com

Episode 15, author and blogger Andrea Harkins shares the wisdom and positivity she has learnt from her journey becoming The Martial Arts Woman. Her mission is to make the world a better place through martial arts and positivity. She is the author of two inspirational books. The Martial Arts Woman includes stories of human triumph and Martial Art Inspirations For Everyone includes positive anecdotes to help everyone overcome daily obstacles and stay positive. Her blog, The Martial Arts Woman, is martial art and positivity based for all audiences. The Martial Arts Woman book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213 Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X The Martial Arts Woman blog: www.themartialartswoman.com

Colleen speaks to Celeste Blackman, co-founder of the Green Zone. In a world of DIY, we need to have DIT; Do It Together. Everyone, doing something small, in their own sphere of influence can change the world. Listen to Celeste and Colleen as they discuss how collaboration and trust can create productivity. Your first relationship is with yourself. In this time of Pandemic we have a choice of falling into fear, blame and competitive battles or coming together in radical collaboration to find solutions to our problems. What are the 7 C’s? Find out by listening further! Do you want to find out more? Contact Celeste Blackman: celeste@greenzoneculture.com. The artists website that Celeste refers to: https://stines.webnode.se/jag/ Did you enjoy this podcast? Please subscribe and send it forward to someone you know who needs to hear the message today. Leave a comment or send Colleen a comment to: colleen@vuseleladavis.com

A message of hope for leaders in an uncertain time.

Ryan Falkenberg, co-founder and CEO of CLEVVA, an intelligent automation platform, challenges us to make a difference in the world regardless of what others think or say. There are always people who will want to keep the status quo or will believe that any change will lead to disaster, but we are all able to choose to be the light in the world and make a difference. As leaders’ what new competences do you need for the future world of work. We should not be afraid of automation but embrace it as a tool for a new future of work we have as yet not seen. This is a refreshing outlook and one which brings hope for humanity. You can get hold of Ryan Falkenberg at: ryan@clevva.com. Reach out to him. Let us start meaningful conversations that shift the lens that we see the world through, into reimagining a future state for human kind. We would love to hear what you think about this episode. Reach out to Colleen at : colleen@vuseleladavis.com

Why do good leaders become corrupt, compassion immune and tone deaf to their followers? In this episode Colleen looks at the concepts of the Hubris Syndrome and the Power Paradox to explain how this change happens. Colleen also looks at how leaders can avoid falling into this trap. What did you think of this episode? What has been your experience in toxic. Corrupt leaders? Leave a voice note or email Colleen: colleen@vuseleladavis.com

I use the book of Jean Lipman-Bluman to describe what the toxic leader looks like, why we follow them and how we create them in a time of crises. This podcast ends with some strategies on how to avoid mindlessly following a toxic leader. If you have ever had the bewildering experience of seeing an obviously corrupt leader being protected and defended by loyal supporters and still stays in power regardless of the evidence against them, then this is the podcast for you. The Toxic Leader sells simple solutions and big visions to people who are hungry for hope. It is when good leaders step back and become silent that the world is at the mercy of Toxic Leaders and their selfish ambition. You can find the book online at https://www.amazon.com/Allure-Toxic-Leaders-Destructive-Politicians/dp/0195312007

In this episode Lorin Gold from The Schutz Company introduces us to the Human Element, a step by step methodology “contributing to the development of more self-aware, open organizations and individuals with greater self-esteem” resulting in “limitless heights of productivity and personal fulfillment within our organizations, our relationships, and ourselves.” (In the words of Will Schutz, Ph.D). Lorin provides examples and brings some great thoughts to our attention like, “for the human leader, the journey is the destination” and “loneliness in the workplace is at an all time high”. The Schutz company specializes in solutions that produce cultural transformation in progressive organizations. You can reach Lorin via email: lorin@theschutzcompany.com. Go visit their website: www.theschutzcompany.com What did you think about today’s episode? email Colleen Davis: colleen@vuseleladavis.com

We look again at the Barry Wehmiller story and how Bob Chapman used caring and actively listening to and seeing the value of each employee to turn it around. We find out what Brené Brown describes as a Daring Leader. After listening by to this podcast, how has this changed the way you see leadership? What will you start to do differently? Share your story with us. Send us an email to: colleen@vuseleladavis.com Resources used for this podcast: www.barrywehrmiller.com www.trulyhumanleader.com. https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2015/10/06/bob-chapman-why-you-should-treat-your-employees-as-family/ www.brenebrown.com. https:SimonSinek.com. More recent article on Bob Chapman: https://consciouscompanymedia.com/workplace-culture/developing-talent/how-this-2-8-billion-company-wins-by-caring-for-workers/

In this episode we reflect on the many changes that a decade can bring, how do you embrace the unknown and be ready for the opportunities that come your way.

Colleen discovers the importance, as a human leader, to take a break and renew your mind during December, for the coming year.

When you start something new, like a podcast or becoming a leader, you will make mistakes and that is part of the process of learning. If you wait until you are perfect you will never begin. Embrace the opportunity of learning wisdom and gaining knowledge from those early mistakes. You are enough. This episode is a new, short nugget of wisdom shared for you, the busy leader as you live the many dimensions of your busy lives. May it benefit you as you embrace your human leader identity every day.

Natasha Winkler-Titus speaks to us about the power of influencing and leading, how leaders should be authentic and use their platform to empower others, shares her experience as an accidental leader and how specialists need to be encouraged to be authentic leaders versus managers, the difficulty caused by being placed in a managerial versus leadership role. She offers some inspirational insights for human beings who find themselves in leadership positions. Natasha is an Organizational Psychologist who facilitates sustainable change, she helps organizations and individuals unlock their true identity and become the best version of their authentic self. Awarded IOP practitioner of the year in SA 2019. Natasha recently obtained a PhD in IO Psychology, she serves her profession as President-elect in the society for work Psychologist in South Africa. Acts as mentor, supervising internship and Masters research supervisor to emerging psychologists. Natasha spends the rest of her time with her husband serving her local community, fundraising for a school feeding scheme, running the occasional half marathon ( blue number Two oceans marathoner) and spend as much as possible time outdoors and traveling. You can get hold of Natasha through her LinkedIn profile: ‘Natasha Winkler-Titus’ or email: nwinkler@mweb.co.za