In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Dr Richard Chambers to explore how leaders can thrive—not just survive—in today’s hyper-connected, high-expectation workplace.We begin with Richard’s origin story: how his early struggles with focus and anxiety led him in 1999 to discover mindfulness, eventually building a career supporting senior executives in performance, wellbeing and leadership.From there we pull apart two critical themes:Imposter Syndrome & Self-Worth in LeadershipMany high-performers land in leadership roles with minimal preparation—and the result is a constant cycle of trying to prove rather than lead. Richard and I discuss how mindfulness and self-compassion offer practical tools to step out of the “only-if-I-prove-my-worth” loop. We also talk about how organisations can foster psychological safety so that leaders and teams can speak honestly, delegate effectively, and avoid burnout.Digital Detox, Silence & Sustainable PerformanceIn a culture obsessed with busyness and connectivity, one of the most radical moves for a leader is to disconnect. Richard walks us through his “silent commute” experiment, how limiting passive tech and prioritising deep-work time rewires the brain for clarity and impact, and why the idea of mindfulness isn’t just about “quieting the mind” but about freeing it to make better decisions under pressure.Throughout the conversation you’ll pick up evidence-based tools (not just theory), including:How to build deep-focus blocks (and protect them) within leadership schedulesSigns that your leadership model is spinning into survival mode rather than strategic modeThe structural (systemic) as well as personal levers for better workplace wellbeingIf you’re a leader, high-potential, or executive wondering how to lead without losing yourself … this episode’s for you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Visit Richard’s website where you’ll find free meditations, online courses and leadership-resources... https://www.drrichardchambers.com• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn...https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrichardchambers • Watch his TEDx talk “Mindfulness: defeating distraction and amplifying awareness” for a strong intro to his thinking...https://youtu.be/9QjI8nMiwJw?si=7Mqi_bLYbvtW4MSo🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and hit the bell so you won’t miss future conversations on leadership, wellbeing and performance.As always, Real InSight would not be possible if not for the support of @CorsairSolutions and @MyLumens 📥 Let us know in the comments: When was the last time you scheduled “silence” in your day?
Chapters
0:16 Origin Story of a Mindfulness Expert
1:24 The Rise of Mindfulness in Leadership
3:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
7:17 The Importance of Practical Skills
8:39 Insights from a TED Talk Experience
17:09 Embracing Self-Compassion
29:19 Navigating Workplace Well-being
34:00 The Balance of Responsibility
43:18 The Power of Silence
47:39 The Impact of Digital Detox
53:12 Final Reflections and Advice
