The Lighting Fires Podcast

Host: Julie Williams, MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Lucy Guest- Social Media Strategist and Brand Communication Specialist.   Episode Overview In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie sits down with Social Media Strategist and Brand Communication Specialist, Lucy Guest to explore the transformational coaching journey they experienced together. Their conversation dives into what it really means to lead with confidence and authenticity, make brave decisions even when they may be unpopular, and navigate complex power dynamics within organisations. Along the way, they take some wonderfully unexpected detours, from sharks and caterpillars to medieval languages, Shakespeare, and Dungeons & Dragons, using metaphor and creativity to illuminate the realities of modern leadership. Lucy shares the practical exercises and coaching techniques that helped her shift perspective, build self-belief, and step into an authentic leadership style that aligns with her values. This is a colourful, honest, and insightful conversation about growth, identity, and becoming the leader you were meant to be.   What You'll Learn in This Episode How to build confidence as a leader when stepping into your first significant management role Why striving to be liked can limit your leadership potential Tools for navigating power dynamics and organisational politics without losing your values How creative coaching techniques can unlock new perspectives and clarity Ways to balance supporting your team while allowing them the space to learn through mistakes Why understanding individual communication styles helps create healthier team dynamics The value of reframing failure as part of leadership growth Julie's Top Coaching Takeaways Respond, don't react Creating space to pause helps you choose a considered response instead of an emotional reaction. Detach from the need to be liked Leadership isn't a popularity contest. Stay connected to your purpose and the outcome you want to create, even if not everyone approves. Zoom out to gain perspective Techniques such as constellations help you step outside your own viewpoint and understand what different stakeholders need. Celebrate authenticity Confidence grows when you stop shrinking yourself to fit expectations and instead lead in a way that feels genuinely true to you. Learn from mistakes- they're essential Leaders aren't defined by avoiding mistakes, but by how they reflect, learn and adapt because of them.   Resources Mentioned Swimming with Sharks allegory / essay - a metaphor for navigating organisational politics and power dynamics Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - understanding personality and communication preferences Constellations coaching method - perspective-shifting systemic mapping technique (inspired by the work of John Whittington) Henley Business School - Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating and review- it helps more people find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.

Host: Julie Williams, MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Ian Guppy - Creative Director, Feelgood Creative, a branding and website design agency   Episode Overview In the opening episode of Series 2 of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie reconnects with long-time friend, client, and creative collaborator Ian Guppy. As the Creative Director of Feelgood Creative, Ian has led the agency through exciting growth and transformation. At a pivotal point in that journey, he turned to Julie for coaching support to clarify his vision and set a new strategic direction. Together, they explore how coaching helped Ian shift from "future box" thinking to taking meaningful action in the present. Ian opens up about the challenges of leading a creative business, building a team, and recognising the true value of his own expertise. They also dive into the powerful impact of self-awareness tools like Belbin Team Roles and Myers-Briggs, which helped Ian better understand not only his own working style, but also how to bring out the best in others. This episode is full of practical insights for founders, creatives, and solo entrepreneurs- especially around mindset, team dynamics, and evolving your business model to align with your strengths.   What You'll Learn in This Episode Why having a clear business vision is essential, and how to start shaping one How coaching helped Ian stop procrastinating and take action in the now The benefits of using tools like Belbin and MBTI to understand yourself and your team Why charging for creative work is hard, and how Ian learned to confidently price his value How shifting his business model enabled more collaborative, energising work Julie's Top Coaching Takeaways Set a Vision Define where you're going- clarity gives you momentum. Use Your Body to Plan Try physical or kinetic exercises: step into your "future self" and explore what you see, hear, and feel. Understand Your Team Tools like MBTI and Belbin are great, but even informal reflection helps. What do your team members enjoy? What are they good at? How do they prefer to communicate? Build a Supportive Network Especially for solo founders: surround yourself with people whose skills complement yours. Think of it as your 'virtual team.'   Resources Mentioned Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)- A framework for understanding communication and leadership preferences Belbin Team Roles- A tool to identify behavioural strengths and team dynamics Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating and review- it helps more people find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.  

Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Hannah – Former police officer, mother, and carer Episode Overview: In this deeply honest episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Hannah about the challenging journey of navigating shifting identity through profound loss and life changes. Hannah shares her experience of moving beyond the roles she once defined herself by; Hannah the copper, Hannah the mum, Hannah the carer, and finding ways to remember who she is when everything else feels unsettled. They explore how creativity became a vital lifeline amid personal turmoil, and how reconnecting with core values empowered Hannah to make courageous choices, including stepping away from a stressful work environment during the toughest period of her life. This episode offers powerful reflections on grief, not only for those we lose, but also for futures we had imagined, and how values can guide us toward new beginnings. Key Topics in This Episode: Navigating identity when your life roles shift dramatically Using creativity as a tool for healing and self-connection Coping with grief from the loss and decline of loved ones Recognising the importance of core values in decision-making Walking away from unhealthy work situations with clarity and courage Finding meaning and freedom amidst uncertainty Julie's Top Coaching Tips from this Episode: Reappraising your values to inform your decisions for each new chapter of your life.  Exploring each role you've done to date, working out what you've enjoyed, and looking at transferable skills to help you tease out what's your next career move. The mantra of no idea is a stupid idea can really liberate your creative thinking. What you can do to look forward even when times are hard. Identifying something that has meaning or purpose for you and perhaps makes a difference to others.   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Williams: Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5 star rating and review to help others find these real stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley

Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires Guests: Joe & Charlie Jones – Co-Founders of Refreshing, a financial recruitment consultancy based in London Episode Overview: In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, Supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams speaks with Joe and Charlie Jones, brothers and co-founders of the financial recruitment company Refreshing, about how coaching helped them transform their business, rebuild clarity, and rediscover their purpose. They share insights about shifting their leadership model, rebranding their business, and massively reducing overheads without losing momentum. With humour, honesty, and real-life examples, they reflect on the power of creating space for strategic thinking and making bold decisions which align with who they really are. Key Topics in This Episode: How coaching helped clarify business identity and direction The decision to rebrand as Refreshing and what it represents Moving from team management to a leaner, more focused business model The impact of reducing overheads and embracing efficiency Why being yourself is your best competitive advantage in business Creating time for reflection and strategic decision-making The value of honest, creative partnerships — especially between siblings Coaching Insights & Quotes: "Before coaching, we were just doing fine—but it was more confusing. Coaching gave us the clarity and confidence to restructure, rebrand, and move forward with purpose." "If it gets quiet, that's when we go incredibly active. Coaching reminds us to always keep moving."   Julie's Top Coaching Tips from this Episode: Make space to work on the business, not just in it – Don't wait for the perfect moment. Book regular time to reflect and plan. Rethink growth – Hiring a team isn't the only way to scale. Reducing overheads and increasing clarity can be even more powerful. Use your strengths – Build your business around what energises you and find partners (or systems) for the rest. Stay active, even when it's quiet – Build habits around visibility, networking, and momentum. Resources & Tools Mentioned: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – Helped Joe and Charlie understand their different leadership strengths Visual planning tools (e.g. boards, monitors, lists) to prioritise tasks and increase productivity Internal project boards, reflection questions, and space for visualisation Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Williams: Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating and review — it helps more people find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley

Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Annie Willmot – Deputy CEO of Reading Students' Union   Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie Williams speaks with Annie Willmot about her personal and professional journey from conflict-avoidant team member to confident, values-led leader. As Deputy CEO of Reading Students' Union, Annie opens up about the challenges of people-pleasing, avoiding difficult conversations, and learning to embrace her own leadership style. Expect a very honest conversation, as honest conversations are very much part of Annie's approach to everything. Through executive coaching, Annie discovered how to approach conflict with clarity, communicate with confidence, and lead with compassion. She shares how coaching, combined with tools like Myers-Briggs, helped her understand her strengths, navigate uncertainty, and build trust in her voice as a leader.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: How executive coaching can support confident, authentic leadership Why conflict can be a catalyst for growth The value of personality profiling tools like MBTI How self-reflection builds emotional intelligence and leadership confidence Why embracing your own style is a strength, not a weakness   Annie's Personal Reflection Questions: What impact am I currently having? What's missing? What do the next three months look like? Annie's Coaching Metaphor: "Before coaching, it felt like a grey sky with the sun peeking through. Through coaching, the clouds moved away—revealing the sun that had been there all along."   Julie's Top Coaching Tips: Use coaching tools beyond the session — they're designed for long-term growth Build time for regular reflection (even if it doesn't come naturally) Embrace your leadership style — it's okay to lead differently Don't fear conflict — handled well, it can unlock progress Resources Mentioned: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – supports deeper insight into communication and leadership preferences Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Williams: www.lightingfires.co.uk julie@lightingfires.co.uk Julie Williams MSc on LinkedIn   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five star rating and review to help others discover these powerful coaching stories. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley  

In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, about what it really takes to lead with authenticity in today's world. Lorraine opens up about her journey through imposter syndrome, burnout, and leading complex organisational change. She shares the emotional toll of a restructure that didn't go to plan, and how coaching helped her separate her self-worth from her job title, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with her core values. Together, Lorraine and Julie explore the power of executive coaching in helping leaders navigate self-doubt, manage team dynamics, and make space for more reflective, compassionate leadership.   Key Topics in This Episode: How to manage imposter syndrome as a senior leader The emotional impact of tying identity to your job role Navigating leadership during change, challenge and uncertainty Burnout, boundaries, and post-pandemic leadership lessons Using coaching to reconnect with purpose, values, and confidence Building resilience through reflection and honest conversations Julie's Coaching Tips: Notice your thoughts – Write down moments of self-doubt and compare them to real, tangible achievements. Talk it out – You're not alone. Trusted conversations can shift your mindset. Reconnect with your values – Reflect on what truly matters to you now, not just what used to drive you. Use tools for clarity – See Brené Brown's values exercise below. Recommended Resources: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Brené Brown's Values Exercise Inspiring quote on imposter syndrome by Maya Angelou Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie: Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating to help more people find these honest and inspiring leadership conversations. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley  

In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Mark Schmull, Managing Director of Arrow Planning, about his coaching journey through the Ignite Your Business programme and how it transformed his approach to leadership, team-building, and business growth. Mark shares how executive coaching helped him build greater self-awareness, tackle imposter syndrome, and grow a team culture based on trust, communication, and purpose. He opens up about the realities of running a business, the power of mentorship, and learning to lead with calm, confidence, and intention. Whether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or business owner, this conversation offers honest insight into what it really takes to lead a growing company.   Topics We Cover: Developing leadership confidence through executive coaching Building a purpose-driven business from the ground up How to handle imposter syndrome as a business leader Leading with calm and clarity under pressure Creating a supportive and adaptive team culture The role of mentorship and building a strong support network   Julie's Coaching Tips: Getting the right mentors – Who challenges and inspires you? Map your personal boardroom – Who and what fuels your growth? (People, books, podcasts, routines...)   Book Recommendation: Who Is in Your Personal Boardroom? by Amanda Scott – A practical tool to help you identify the key people who can support your leadership journey.   Useful Links: Julie Williams, Executive Coach: www.lightingfires.co.uk Mark Schmull & Arrow Planning: https://www.arrowplanning.co.uk Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Email Julie: julie@lightingfires.co.uk Interested in a free taster 'Ignite your Business' session with Julie? Check out the next available session here:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/lighting-fires-julie-williams-14355302598   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5* rating or share it with a colleague. Your support helps more leaders discover these inspiring coaching stories. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley

In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams sits down with Pete Wharton, Managing Director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants, and winner of Professional Forester of the Year. Pete shares his coaching journey and how it helped him rediscover his purpose, lead with clarity, and reconnect with his values as a business leader. From climbing trees in Ipswich to building one of the UK's leading environmental consultancies, Pete opens up about navigating leadership challenges, imposter syndrome, and the importance of bringing more of yourself into your work. This episode is a powerful reflection on how executive coaching can unlock personal growth, authentic leadership, and a renewed sense of direction.    Topics We Cover: Rediscovering your purpose through executive coaching Leading a values-driven business Overcoming leadership doubt and imposter syndrome Making space for reflection and celebrating success Speaking out as a leader: miscarriage awareness and vulnerability Building a business that feels meaningful—and fun   Julie's Coaching Tips: Reconnect with what first inspired your career or business Create a "career timeline" to identify moments of meaning and purpose Leadership isn't about suppressing yourself—it's about showing up fully   Useful Links: Start with Why by Simon Sinek – a brilliant guide to identifying your purpose Julie Williams, Executive Coach: www.lightingfires.co.uk Pete Wharton: https://wnic.co.uk/ Email Julie: julie@lightingfires.co.uk Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Interested in a free taster 'Ignite your Business' session with Julie? Check out the next available session here:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/lighting-fires-julie-williams-14355302598   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and share it with someone on their own coaching journey. Your support helps others discover these powerful conversations about leadership, purpose, and growth.   Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley