Leaders with impact

Being aware of what you and your people do - whether it’s how you behave, communicate, make decisions, take actions - can be the difference in the type of outcome you achieve. In some sectors and organisations it could literally mean the difference between life and death. That’s why the study of human factors is becoming ever more relevant and important to organisations beyond those with a high-safety focus.In today’s episode I’m talking to Susan Charlesworth, an expert in human performance and human factors. Susan’ spent over a decade training astronauts at the European Astronaut Centre and now supports individuals and organisations to tackle complex challenge and change in safety critical industries. We talk about: what human factors arewho can benefit from human factors training and awarenesslearning from failurewhat leaders and organisations can learn from astronaut safety traininghow to encourage innovationensuring safety doesn't become a tick-box exercise identifying where and how human factors is impacting performancethe personal and team dynamics that can impact human behaviours the TV show Dr Death and the impact of no psychological safety in a team or organisationcreating the right conditions from a leadership perspectivethe everyday impacts that can affect performance how age and sex can change human factorshuman factors Vs AIthe insights and measures you can take back into your own organisation.Resources and helpful links If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

This episode is one about courage. The courage to show up as the leader you want to be. The courage to say the things that need to be said. Leaders in high performing teams, leaders with impact, have that courage - even if it is uncomfortable and messy and doesn’t always go to plan.I’m delighted to speak with Sharon Amesu, an expert in building courage in the workplace. We talk about: what workplace courage ishow a background in criminal justice led to a new career directioneveryday courage Vs heroic couragenot avoiding difficult conversations and articulating couragehow organisations can tackle bias and discriminationleadership awareness and reflectionchanging culturesbuilding inclusive and diverse boards, including the importance of the Chairthe inner work leaders need to do to embrace and make change happenthe need to change leadership developmentResources and helpful linksSlow Looking bookLinkedInSharon Amesu website If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

In this episode I’m exploring the challenges organisations can face when leaders can’t align personal and organisational priorities. I share the reasons why the annual planning process can feel like groundhog day. I discuss the problems caused by poor personal planning and what this means for your different stakeholders. And I share the three foundations all leaders need to have in place to deliver their plans with the right impact.Resources and helpful linksIf you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with meAbout leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

The NHS is one of those institutions that practically everyone (in the UK anyway) will have come into contact with in one way or another. We might read the headlines, listen to the political speeches or hear about our friends and families' experience. But what is it like to work and lead in the NHS - particularly in the current climate?In this episode I'm chatting to David Melia, Chief Nursing Officer at Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust. We talk about: bringing your whole self into your role what shaped David and how he is a leader nowwhat a chief nurse doestransitioning from specialist to all-round organisational representative Board behaviours creating psychological safetypreparing future executives for the realities of the rolereally learning about what's happening in your organisationBanarama inspiration "It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it"how it feels to lead amongst constant challenge, change and pressureallyship, equity and inclusionScouse schoollooking after yourself and not taking on the emotion of a roleadvice for aspiring leaders.Resources and helpful links If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

In today’s episode, I got the chance to chat with anxiety coach Ashleigh Frater. Ashleigh is trained in psychology and counselling and helps female leaders to safely process anxiety and stress so that they can perform at their best. We talk about: what anxiety isthe links between anxiety, stress and burnoutnature or nurturesymptoms and signals to look out forthe environmental and societal factors that can impacthow anxiety can impact leaders controlthe knock-on effects for teams and organisations the ‘resilience’ issueself-awarenessbuilding the right support networkwhat leaders can do to help themselves and others who might be experiencing anxietythe power of writingthe role of the organisationlabelling emotions.Resources and helpful links If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

Do you know the why behind what you’re doing as a leader? I don’t mean the organisational why, but your personal why. Your purpose.In this episode of the leaders with impact podcast we explore the importance of having clarity in your purpose, how that helps organisational performance and what you can do to make sure yours has maximum impact.We explore:Why you need clarity in your purposeThe organisational cost of clarityHow to identify your purposeThe benefits of leading with purposeSupporting colleagues to own their purpose Resources and helpful linksLeaders with impact - (E6) How a personal leadership strategy will improve your impactAbout leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

What struck me about today’s guest was how comfortable she is in the type of leader she shows up to be. As she’ll admit, it’s been a work in progress over a varied career in the NHS, but a strong sense of her values and a clear purpose to make a difference has helped to guide her in even the most challenging of times.Today I am talking with Trudie Davies, CEO of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. We discuss:moving from clinical to operational rolesthe importance of asking questionstransitioning to CEOstaying motivated in a 30 year careerdetermining the type of leader you want to show up asgaining organisational agreement and alignment for an ‘upside down’ approach to management (inspired by Timpsons)responding to external factors whilst maintaining a focus on your visionbeing an NHS leader in the face of relentless challenge, including industrial actionwhat happens if you don't lead by your valueshow coaching and mentoring helped to navigate situations and relationships whilst finding who you want to be as a leadershowing up authenticallywhy her dogs are a famous face amongst colleaguesdealing with isolation and managing a relocationadvice for aspiring CEOsResources and helpful links If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

One of the most powerful ways a leader can connect with others is through storytelling. But it can be hard to understand how you apply that to your everyday leadership approach, especially if you’re someone who is number or action orientated.But storytelling is at the heart of great strategy and is how the most impactful leaders take people with them.In today’s episode I’m delighted to be talking with Janet Murray, an expert in storytelling and that all-important connection to business strategy.We talk about:what storytelling in leadership really meansthe problem with powerpoint presentations how to embed storytelling into your communicationsthe role of AI strategic storytellingthought leadership contentdeveloping your own content plancredibilityleadership brands how to get startedResources and helpful links2024 Courageous CEO Strategic Business Planner & Resource KitThe Courageous CEO | Podcast on Spotify‎The Courageous CEO on Apple Podcasts If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

Today we’re talking about networks and why they’re an important part of your personal leadership strategy. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an extrovert, introvert or ambivert. If you pride yourself in knowing a lot of people or you’d rather be able to count your network on one hand. Because there’s actually a lot more to take into consideration about who you surround yourself with as a leader.In this episode we’re exploring why your network needs to shift and change as you evolve and how curating yours can be the difference in the impact you make as a leader. We cover:The difference between networks and networkingWhy your networks are importantThe different types of networks at playHow to recognise who is in your networkCurating and editing your networkReflecting on the role you play in networksResources and helpful linksAbout leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

Today’s guest is one of the best communicating CEOs I’ve seen for some time. He’s accessible whilst clear about his boundaries, he lives his values, his pride for his county shines through, he recognises the role he plays as a champion and challenger for his sector. And he does it with a humility and good humour. I could have chatted to him all day.I'm delighted to welcome Nick Atkin, CEO of Yorkshire Housing, to the podcast. Nick is a disrupter in his industry and regularly cited as a top influencer for the housing sector. We talk about: building culture, breaking down hierarchywhat it's like working in the housing sectorrecruiting and testing for valueswhat he looks for in his senior teambuilding the right infrastructure to work in the best wayhow to get the best out of his team and treating people like adultscommunicating with colleagues and how it's changed since the pandemicworking on quarterly achievable instead of annual targets and how he got the Board aligned with that approach the elements of a good Boardwhy it's important to be visible onlineinfluencing and shaping policydeveloping your voicewhat inspires transformationadvocating for people they support in areas outside of their controlboundary-setting, managing expectations and being presentadvice for aspiring senior leadersResources and helpful links If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

What can leaders learn from a sales expert?I used to think sales was something I didn’t need to pay attention to. My focus as a communications expert was to engage, take people with us, not do the tell and sell, which felt emotionless and directive and rarely won hearts and minds for change to happen.But over the past couple of years I’ve had a rethink on what sales means - thanks to some great mentors and coaches - and I’ve come to realise it’s a hidden gem for leaders to embrace.In this episode I’m delighted to talk to Jessica Lorimer, a bone-fide sales expert and a mentor for me over the past year or so. Jess works with organisations and business owners to take the sleaze out of sales and show that it can be a real business asset. We talk about:what sales actually meansthe transferable practical and emotional intelligence skills requiredthe art of a good conversationbeing a good listener, and how to adapt when having ADHDavoiding small talk, building rapport and networksconsistency, discipline and self-leadershipdealing with rejectionknowing when to be persistent and when to back offwhat it means to be a leader who is neurodivergent and has a long-term conditionResources and helpful links‎Marginal Gains Maximum Profit on Apple PodcastsSelling to Corporate ® Podcast Jessica Lorimer Jess Lorimer is a B2B sales trainer and founder of the Selling to Corporate ® podcast and training consultancy. With over 14 years of sales experience, Jess has worked across multiple industries and locations to build new business and has spent the last 10 years teaching others how to successfully win new business using best practice sales methods. Jessica's Facebook page @jess_lorimer on Instagram @JessicaLorimer on Twitter Jessica's Website If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

What's the impact you want to make as a leader in 2024? How will that influence your personal strategy? How are you going to demonstrate self-leadership? How are others going to know what your plans and priorities are?As we kick start the new year, this 'leaders with impact' episode helps you to reflect on your leadership in 2023 and sets you up for the year ahead.I also share my own reflections and what I've learnt that's led to big changes personally and professionally. Visit the leaders with impact website to read all the prompts so that you can work through at your own pace.Resources and helpful linksGoodreadsAbout leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

Over the past few months, today’s guest has been charting and sharing her learning from her first days, weeks and months in post as a new CEO. After her first 100 days she published a report about all she’s learnt and how it’s shaping her priorities - I highly recommend you reading it if you want a masterclass on how to demonstrate engagement, get buy-in and land well in your new role.In this episode I’m talking with Laura Skaife-Knight, CEO of NHS Orkney. Laura has over 20 years’ of experience working in the NHS and is known for her work to improve patient and staff engagement. It may come as no surprise that Laura’s background is in communications - which is how we actually first met - and if you follow her online you’ll know she sees this as integral to her role as CEO.We talk about:how a sport's discipline shaped her career and approachthe path from journalist to communications director to CEOasking for feedback to understand and improve personal performanceoperating outside your comfort zonechanging leadership styles and stepping authentically into your rolelanding well in a new role and approaching the first 100 days in postnavigating working and living in the same communitygetting the basics right, sticking to the plan and avoiding priority overwhelmbuilding relationships with the Chair and Board to gain alignment creating an inclusive cultureworking and engaging people in a remote and rural settingimproving performance, engagement and moralesuccession planningthe realities of being chief execadvice for aspiring CEOsResources and helpful linksNHS Orkney Chief Executive 100-day reportLaura Skaife-Knight Laura joined NHS Orkney in April 2023, bringing 20 years’ experience in the NHS and 13 years of Board-level experience to the Health Board. She has experience and a reputation for improving patient and staff experience in a range of England’s largest acute teaching hospitals to smaller, yet crucial, Trusts central to the delivery of regional integrated care. Laura joined NHS Orkney from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEH) where she was Deputy CEO between 2019 and 2023. Prior to this she worked for 12 years at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where she was Director of Communications and External Relations, and Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust where she held senior communications and engagement roles. @laura_skaife on Twitter If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or a...

When I think of leaders who have impact, I think about those who show integrity and their actions are aligned with their values, I think about those who communicate, engage, storytell to bring to life thier vision, I think about those who bring everything back to purpose and put the people they are serving at the heart of their decision making.Impactful leadership shouldn’t be mistaken for loud leadership, it’s not about being super confident, turning up with the jazz hands, putting themselves at the centre of the story.In today’s episode I interview Kevin McNamara, an NHS chief executive, who in my opinion typifies all the qualities of an impactful leader. I had to twist his arm to come on the podcast because he didn’t want the story to be about him. But of course that’s absolutely why we need to hear what he has to say.It's another varied discussion, where we cover:creating space to focus on the future when dealing with here and now pressuresnavigating difficult decisionsbecoming an accidental CEO and how his daughter was instrumental in challenging him to take on the rolethe changing nature of relationships with colleagues when internally promotedhow an earlier career in communications helped that transition into a broader strategic roleknowing when it's the right time to move from a role or organisationhow to approach starting a new roleleaving wellinstilling self-belief in the teams and people around youleading through a pandemic and other crisis points in the NHSdealing with the pressures of the rolecreating the right headspace and conditions to show up well in the role and dealing with imposter syndromethe importance of networks and the support they can provideadvice for aspiring CEOsResources and helpful links If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

If you're struggling to make the right impact in your organisation and take people with you, you may think the problem lies with others - the people around you, the context you're operating in. But how often do you look internally at how well you've created the right conditions for others to perform well?In this episode of the 'leaders with impact' podcast I'm exploring how having a personal leadership strategy can be the difference between low and high performance. I explain why relying on an organisational strategy is not enough. I share how you can get clarity on your own strategy and the steps to take to make sure it is aligned with others. Resources and helpful linksFind out about the intensive strategy dayAbout leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

Social media doesn’t always get the best rep and over the years I’ve spoken with many leaders who are hesitant to move online, for fear of getting caught up in the negativity, or thinking that what they’re working on is too important or serious to be condensed into a few hundred characters. But being visible and working on your online connection can be vital to the impact you make as a leader.In this episode I am talking with all-round social media guru Hel Reynolds. Through her organisation Comms Creatives, Hel advises leaders and communications teams on how to overcome their fears about showing up online and building a social media presence that connects. By the end of this discussion we aim to show you how social media can play a part in your own leadership approach, helping you to do it your own way.what exactly is social media.We talk about:the one-minute pitch for why leaders should be using social mediawhy leaders should ignore social media at their perilhow to avoid social media becoming all-consumingbringing your personality onlineknowing where to invest your time and effort onlinewhy LinkedIn is a great place to startnavigating negative comments onlinehow to find your creative sidewhat you can learn from one MP's posts on TikTokhow social media fits as part of your leadership communications planwhat you can learn from leading CEOs using LinkedIN the one bit of social media advice people should pay attention toResources and helpful linksHel's Facebook group Hel's Facebook page @HelReynolds on Twitter Hel's Website Brunswick Connected Leadership report 2022Kekst CNC Global CEO LinkedIn TrackerLee also referenced the Connected Leaders report by Brunswick (link above); in the report they found that 47% of staff will look at a CEO's social media account when considering joining a company. And 74% of employees expect leaders to use social media to communicate. If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. About HelHel Reynolds is an award-winning communications creativity expert, and she runs Comms Creatives with her sister, Lesley. Each year, she trains hundreds of communications professionals from brands like BBC Studios, Manchester Council and Macmillan Cancer Support to unleash their creativity, with engaging online courses that get people fighting their fears and growing their social media and creativity skills. She draws those cartoons you might see popping up all over your Linkedin and Twitter, and...

Sheron Carter is the CEO of Hexagon Housing Association. She's an original change-maker, having spent almost 40 years working in the housing and charity sectors.There's a quiet confidence that comes through our conversation ... confidence in a vision for her organisation, confidence in knowing she doesn't have all the answers and she must listen to others, confidence in recognising that the organisations she leads are not about her but about the people she serves.We cover a lot of ground in this discussion, including: Leadership impact is about making a differenceHow Sheron's own experience of needing housing support inspired her career choicePutting customers needs firstWhat a CEO's role is when it comes to the people they serve Adapting the business post-covidGetting staff buy-in with the bigger picture strategyCEO as custodianGaining alignment with the Board and executive team Testing that the organisational values work Recognising and dealing with biasFacing and overcoming career barriers Knowing when to challenge toxic behaviours and when to walk awayHardest part of leadingHow Sheron switches off (or not) from CEO modeAdvice for aspiring chief executivesResources and helpful linksStephen R Covey 'The 7 habits of highly effective people' If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About SheronSheron is an experienced executive with a strong track record spanning 38 years in social housing and the charity sector. Sheron is the CEO of Hexagon Housing Association. She has previously led three housing associations as a Chief Executive and a charity as its Managing Director. From business/service start-ups, to successfully driving growth/new business programmes and turning organisations around following regulatory intervention, Sheron brings experience of the full gamut of social housing challenges and opportunities. @CarterSheron on Twitter About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

A quick one from me sharing some suggestions on how you can get involved and support the show so more leaders can benefit from what my expert guests have to say (and bit by bit we can get rid of the outdated leadership behaviours still pervading!).Here are three things that will really help:give the show a subscribe or follow - it will help you to make sure you don’t miss new episodes and it will tell the algorithim that this is a show to pay attention to if you’re enjoying listening, leave a recommendation or rate the show on your podcast app of choicelet others know about the podcast - share episodes through your social media, what’sapp, email or however you let people know about things that are of interest!Resources and helpful linksAbout leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.

We’ve all been in situations where we’ve had to have that difficult conversation. Whether it’s giving bad news, tackling poor performance, or just telling someone something that you know they’re unlikely to be happy with.Whether you’re a people pleaser or worried about the knock-on effect of what you say to others, if you don’t get comfortable with tackling the challenging things - if you don’t call out the things that need to be said - it can have a profound impact on you, your integrity, your reputation and the trust that you’re trying to build with your teams.The context, nature and dynamics of the conversations you have will change the more senior you are in an organisation and not everyone is prepared for that.In this episode I’m talking to Louisa Clarke, a difficult conversation specialist and founder of Confidently There, which helps organisations to develop their verbal communications culture. We talk about:What is a difficult conversationThe internal signals you need to pay attention toThe impact of not having THOSE conversationsRestorative practice to encourage open conversationsThe role of the executive team How to tackle people-pleasing and historic baggageHow to nature of difficult conversations might change as you shift from subject expert to organisational leaderHow humanity can help you to navigate challenging situationsNaming the elephant in the roomResponding to difficult conversations or feedbackThe one thing to remember to ace those difficult conversationsResources and helpful linksDifficult Conversations Checklist Louisa Clarke LinkedInDr Becky Kennedy InstagramYou might also be interested in listening to our How to Take the Lead episode on difficult conversations. If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About LouisaLouisa describes herself as a difficult conversation specialist. She works with values-led organisations on their verbal communication culture, specifically upskilling individuals and teams to feel better equipped to lean in and have the difficult conversations in a way that is as ethical as it is effective. In her work Louisa disrupts the notion that we have to choose between being impactful and being kind. Her work challenges the idea that we must choose between prioritising high performance OR wellbeing, choose between being powerful OR having integrity. @confidentlythere on Instagram Louisa's Website About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your...

Paul Matthews has been the Chief Executive of Monmouthshire Council for the past 14 years. His story is not your typical rise to the top, but one that is humbly based around the place he lives, loves and works in. To describe our conversation in one word it would be simplicity. No, the job of CEO isn't easy but it's the simple things you do as leader that goes to the heart of the impact you make. In this episode you'll hear about...What impactful leadership looks and feels likeTesting for values when recruitingWhat's shaped you as a leaderWhy become CEOHow to take people with you into the unknownFinding purpose to create alignmentCEO as chief communicator and storytellerThe power and opportunity of social mediaWhy CEOs need to evolve and change with the timeDealing with the politicsStaying motivated and keeping others motivated with youThe one bit of advice all aspiring CEOs need to hearResources and helpful linksPaul Matthews on LinkedInConnect with Paul Matthews on X (Twitter!)Helen Reynolds LinkedIn If you want to transform your leadership impact book a free consultation call with me About PaulCEO Monmouthshire County Council @PaulMatthews67 on Twitter About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your strategy, implement some self-leadership and connect with those you serve.New episodes are released every fortnight. Get in touchIf you enjoyed the episode please leave a review on Apple podcasts (or your app of choice) and let me know what you thought on LinkedIn or instagram. I’ll be back with the next episode in two weeks so in the meantime remember to sign up to my newsletter to get notified of new episodes, guest appearances and further insights on how to lead with impact.