Leadership can be exhausting when it feels like no one notices the effort you put into guiding and developing others. In a results-driven world, investing in people is often dismissed as secondary to hitting targets and chasing profits. But real leadership isn’t about immediate recognition—it’s about long-term impact. The quiet influence you have today shapes the culture, confidence, and success of those around you tomorrow. While it’s frustrating to have your passion for mentorship brushed aside, the true reward comes when the people you’ve empowered step up, succeed, and carry forward the lessons you’ve instilled in them.
Summary:
Russell Harvey, founder of The Resilience Coach, is a leadership expert focused on people development and resilience. Having faced six redundancies and workplace bullying, he helps leaders navigate challenges and improve performance. Today, he discusses leadership, resilience, and personal growth, highlighting the financial value of people development. He defines resilience as “springing forward with learning,” emphasizing continuous improvement through reflection and intentional change.
Quotes:
● "Business is about numbers and cold hard cash. Cash is king, and a business fails if it doesn't have that."
● "Growing, developing, and nurturing your resilience is a decision and a choice. When you understand the value and benefit of how your life will improve as a consequence, you've got to do it in a way you find interesting and engaging. It doesn't have to be a slog."
● "You need to hold conversations grounded in reality, addressing what isn't working, what we're not enjoying, and the behaviors around the size and scale of a challenge or problem. No ostrich behavior, no burying our heads in the sand, but acknowledging it in a way that doesn't absolutely scare or depress us."
Takeaways:
● Ask yourself weekly: What behaviors served me well, and which didn't? Make specific notes and plan adjustments.
● Practice giving honest, compassionate feedback that acknowledges challenges while highlighting team strengths - without sugar-coating or attacking.
● Build a personal "support group" of peers who can provide genuine, constructive support during professional challenges, not just complaint sessions.
● Measure your work's impact beyond traditional metrics - track how your efforts create real, tangible improvements in people's experiences and performance.
● Develop a personal definition of resilience that goes beyond "toughing it out" - focus on learning, growing, and moving forward intentionally.
Timeline:
[00:21] Why Leadership Is Nothing Without Values
[03:28] The Harsh Truth About Recognition in Leadership
[06:57] How People Development Generated £4.2 Million—Here’s the Proof
[12:51] Fired Six Times? How Russell Built Resilience
[18:18] Dealing With Tough Leaders: The Feedback No One Wants to Give
[23:31] Resilience Isn’t Just Coping—It’s About Moving Forward
[28:47] Optimism vs. Toxic Positivity: What Leaders Need to Know
[30:15] Final Thoughts: How to Stay Strong as a Leader
Conclusion:
Resilience isn’t just about pushing through difficulties—it’s about learning from them and making thoughtful choices that lead to real growth. It requires adapting to change, recognizing what’s within our control, and responding with clarity rather than just reaction. Strength comes from reflection, not just endurance, and from maintaining a realistic but hopeful outlook. Challenges will always come, but those who approach them with a clear mind and steady purpose are the ones who move forward.
Links/Resources:
Website:
https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresiliencecoach/
Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk
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