Shows
The Legendary Leaders PodcastClare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards - The Power of Job SharingIs leadership about going it alone, or could sharing the load lead to even greater success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the dynamic duo Clare Freshwater-Turner and Annabelle Richards to explore how job sharing could be the key to enhanced leadership and personal fulfilment. Clare and Annabelle, senior managers in sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group, have mastered the art of job sharing, proving that two heads can indeed be better than one. Join us to learn about the unique partnership they’ve built over nine years, sharing insights into how combining different strengths an...2025-04-151h 09
The Legendary Leaders PodcastRachel McGill - Exploring Resilient LeadershipAre you merely enduring tough times, or are you truly thriving through them? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, army veteran and leadership expert Rachel McGill joins Cathleen to explore the nuanced art of resilience. Rachel unveils the clear difference between merely bouncing back and proactively moving forward. She shares her journey, from breaking a world record to creating Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework designed to help leaders like you build genuine resilience. Discover why true resilience is not about muscling through challenges but about adapting, making better decisions under pressure, and balancing control with adaptability. Tune in for...2025-04-011h 22
The Legendary Leaders PodcastKeisha Hickson - Living Fully and Moving Beyond FearWhat if you stopped waiting for the right time and started living fully right now? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the inspiring Keisha Hickson, a transformative thought leader and resilience advocate. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer multiple myeloma at a young age. Keisha's story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving and leaving a legacy on her own terms. She explores her experiences of overcoming fears and embracing authenticity daily, all while battling a rare incurable disease. Keisha also shares her insights on ‘daring to change’ and how to make bold changes and decisions. Tune...2025-03-181h 04
The Legendary Leaders PodcastDr. Rana Al-Falaki - Leadership Beyond PerfectionismAre you living to work, or working to live? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Dr. Rana Al-Falaki joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to share her incredible journey from being a successful but stressed professional to finding true joy and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming trauma, breaking through unhealthy patterns, and discovering genuine self-love - all while building a thriving career helping others find balance and fulfilment. Dr. Al-Falaki explains the critical difference between "being" versus "doing". She reveals how understanding your unique stress response can transform your resilience, and offers you strategies for creating sustainable success without burnout...2025-02-181h 25
The Legendary Leaders PodcastThomas Voigt - Leadership Lessons in Customer Engagement and GrowthAre you ready to transform your approach to customer success and discover how aligning your leadership with customer needs can drive sustainable growth? In this captivating conversation on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Thomas Voigt, founder of TV Consulting and the Customer Success Academy. Thomas shares his remarkable journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an episode filled with inspirational insights and practical strategies for driving success and growth. Episode Timeline: 07:50 Struggled with solopreneurship, returned to employment at GWI for five years. 13:50 Learning from discomfort enhances leadership an...2025-02-111h 21
The Legendary Leaders PodcastKelly Mackin - Enhancing Well-being in the WorkplaceHow important is workplace well-being to you? Kelly Mackin, co-founder of the Motives Met platform and author of "Work Life Well Lived," joins Cathleen to talk about human-centred work environments. Kelly shares her understanding of unconscious commitments and the critical need to align our work motives with personal well-being. Drawing from her own challenges in toxic work environments and inspired by her mother's experiences as a pioneering female executive, Kelly emphasises that well-being is a right, not a privilege. Join us as we uncover the "No BS Solution" to workplace well-being, discuss the importance of psychological safety and emotional...2024-12-241h 19
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“WHEN CLASSIC FILM’S SUPPORTING ACTORS STEAL THE SHOW” (066)EPISODE 66 - “WHEN CLASSIC FILM’S SUPPORTING ACTORS STEAL THE SHOW” - 12/16/2024There is nothing quite like watching a film when suddenly a supporting character comes in and walks away with the film. (Think THELMA RITTER, S.Z. SAKALL, or GALE SONDERGAARD in almost every one of their films!) This week we are focusing on some of our favorite supporting charters who come in and snatch that scene right about from under the big stars. From JOANNA BARNES’ Gloria Upson declaring, “It was just ghastly!” in “Auntie Mame” to the impassioned monologue about love that BEAH RICHARD...2024-12-1649 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastAndy Brown - How to Recognise and Combat Emotional Overdraft in LeadershipImagine reclaiming 20% of your time every week—time you never knew you could have but desperately need. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host Cathleen and her guest, the insightful Andy Brown, explore the transformative power of effective delegation and the hidden costs of emotional overdraft. Andy, a seasoned business advisor and author of the bestseller Emotional Overdraft, shares his journey from corporate stress to meaningful change and the impactful lessons he learned along the way. Join us for a compelling conversation on recognising and addressing the invisible costs of leadership, and empowering yourself to delegate for a he...2024-12-031h 16
The Legendary Leaders PodcastPeter Kingma - Why Financial Leadership and Building Trust with your Team is VitalWhy cash really is king. Cathleen O'Sullivan brings you a powerful conversation with expert author and partner at Ernst and Young, Peter Kingma. Sharing his expertise on cash flow management, the importance of trust and communication within teams, and how metrics and debt management play critical roles in business resilience. Together they explore the transformative impact of the pandemic on work dynamics and the flexible models it has ushered in. Peter shares insights from his book "Cash is King," highlighting essential strategies for managing cash flow, empowering teams, and making sound financial decisions. Tune in to hear practical tips...2024-08-1359 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastNick Shaw - From Grief to GrowthToday, we are sharing a deeply moving and insightful conversation with Cathleen and her guest Nick Shaw. In this episode, you're going to explore the power of meditation, the importance of mindfulness, and the delicate balance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. Nick shares his personal journey of finding purpose and healing after the devastating loss of his son, William. Through his story, you're invited to reflect on the small actions and meaningful conversations that can shape your path towards becoming a more intentional and present leader. Nick shares his struggles and triumphs, his commitment t...2024-05-211h 06
The Legendary Leaders PodcastCathleen O’Sullivan - Empathetic Leadership: Effective Communication & Conflict ResolutionIn today's episode, Cathleen discusses the critical role of direct communication and empathy in leadership. Drawing from her own experiences and interactions, she emphasises the need for open and honest communication that avoids causing harm. Empathy, she argues, is essential for understanding others' emotions and perspectives, leading to increased engagement and innovation in the workplace. She shares techniques for effective communication, conflict management, and fostering trust in the workplace. Listen to the episode to learn more about practical strategies for balancing directness and empathy in your communication. Listen here to learn more. Episode T...2023-12-2439 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastCathleen O’Sullivan - Building Confidence in Your Communication StyleSome may perceive confidence as being the loudest communicator in the room. In today’s episode, Cathleen continues the topic of direct communication, with a focus on building confidence in your communication style. In Episode 132 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Cathleen talks about the nature of confidence, being self-aware, how to live in alignment, how you can become & remain a confident communicator, and how to stay calm and centred during challenging conversations. Ready to learn more? Episode Timeline: [03:35] What is confidence? [05:42] Self-awareness. [06:31] What are your top 3 stren...2023-10-3126 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastCathleen O’Sullivan (Merkel) - Overcoming Your Fears and ObstaclesWhen building a workplace culture, it is important to focus on limiting ambiguity, encouraging openness, and building trust. In today’s episode, Cathleen continues the topic of direct communication, with a focus on overcoming our fears and obstacles by using direct and open communication. In this Episode 125 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Cathleen talks about the most common fears and obstacles that women face, expressing radical candour, and challenging negative feedback. She also shares what challenges people face when they avoid directness and openness, what to watch out for when we are being direct and ope...2023-08-2923 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastHelen Philpot - How to Become a Bold, Yet Vulnerable, LeaderIn corporate settings, sometimes not conforming can be a good thing. Here, to talk about making bold decisions and the importance of human communication, is Helen Philpot. In this Episode 124 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Helen talks about how she manages to remain flexible and successful, the benefits of taking risks, and why a diverse CV may help further your career. She also shares about being conscious of our interactions with others, building equitable teams and workplaces, and knowing when it is time to go. Ready to learn more? Ep...2023-08-221h 10
The Legendary Leaders PodcastClaudia T Miller - Finding Dream Jobs and SalariesIf you’re looking at job applications, you’re unsatisfied. Here, to talk about how to find the dream job and salary, is Claudia Miller. Claudia is a Career Coach, Workforce Development and DEI Champion, helping clients find fulfilling jobs within 90 days, with an income increase of up to 56%. In this Episode 114 of the LLP, Claudia talks about how to approach job applications, the value of job descriptions, and opening the tech industry to women. She also shares about negotiating salaries as women, treating interviewing like dating, and what to do when you’re feel...2023-04-111h 10
The Legendary Leaders PodcastRaman Sehgal - Self-Leadership Skills to Develop as an Entrepreneur How much time are you wasting scrolling down social media that you would be using to be productive elsewhere in your business? If you want to be productive in your business and achieve your goals, you must develop healthy habits that include less social media, and more time off, to come up with creative ideas. In this episode of the Legendary Leaders Podcast, we have Raman Sehgal, an entrepreneur, and Ramarketing’s Global President. Raman is an International best-selling Author, Keynote speaker, Blogger, Guest lecturer, and Forbes Agency Council Member. He is also Co-Founder of Lea...2022-10-041h 22
The Legendary Leaders PodcastNira Lall - How to Heal Yourself and Align with Your Wholeness Are you truly aligned with who you are and what you want to do? Achieving your wholeness means healing, connecting with your body, advocating for yourself, and showing up as your true self. In this episode of the Legendary Leaders Podcast, we have Nira Lall, an embodiment coach, and healer for women. She teaches spirit-led women how to radiate wholeness, lead from their healthy feminine energy, and embody high-frequency expansion in all areas of their life. Nira went through a period of healing and honouring herself a few years ago to rediscover her...2022-03-2950 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastDr. Ginny Whitelaw - How to Transform into A Zen LeaderDo you want to be an effective leader who leads with purpose and resilience? How about becoming a Zen leader? A Zen leader utilizes their whole mind and body to overcome challenges and unhealthy stress; and they are mindful to lead from a place of energy, resonance, and purpose. In this episode of the Legendary Leaders Podcast, we have Dr. Ginny Whitelaw, a Zen Master, founder of the Institute for Zen Leadership, and author of Resonate. For more than 25 years, she has combined rich scientific backgrounds, senior leadership experience, and mind-body practices in developing whole leaders. She...2021-12-2146 min
The Legendary Leaders PodcastErin Jewell - How Mindful Practices Will Shift the Way You Show Up as A Leader Do you have an appetite for your wellbeing, both personally and professionally? As a high-achieving leader, it is important you learn to practice support and mindfulness to stay connected to your wellbeing and be more productive. Are you ready to start showing up as your best self both mentally and emotionally? In this episode of the Legendary Leaders Podcast, we have Erin Jewell, a Thrive Global Top 10 Coach of 2021, an executive mindset and performance growth coach, international speaker, and a professor of leadership at Villanova University. She has over 20 years of le...2021-10-0550 min
Beyond the CrucibleCathleen Merkel -- She Chased Success But Longed for Significance, and Found It When She Met the "Real Cathy" -- #23Growing up in Communist East Germany, Cathleen Merkel was taught her value came from doing what others expected of her, working hard, and not upsetting the established order of things. Then the Berlin Wall fell, and she grew from a girl into a woman with dreams and passions of living a free and successful life. There was just one problem: the goals she pursued professionally and personally dead-ended a couple of times and didn't really fulfill her even when they were going well. So she took a deep look at herself, asked close friends to help her see where she'd...2020-06-0955 minBeyond the CrucibleCathleen Merkel -- She Chased Success But Longed for Significance, and Found It When She Met the "Real Cathy" -- #23Growing up in Communist East Germany, Cathleen Merkel was taught her value came from doing what others expected of her, working hard, and not upsetting the established order of things. Then the Berlin Wall fell, and she grew from a girl into a woman with dreams and passions of living a free and successful life. There was just one problem: the goals she pursued professionally and personally dead-ended a couple of times and didn't really fulfill her even when they were going well. So she took a deep look at herself, asked close friends to help her see where she'd...2020-06-0955 min
Always Better than Yesterday with Ryan Hartley | A Podcast for Heart Centred LeadersEp 75 Interview Sessions with Cathleen MerkelThis week I am joined by Leadership & Mindset Coach and host of the Legendary Leaders Podcast, Cathleen Merkel. Cathleen has over 15 years experience in corporate leadership roles, operating across multiple countries and cultures. She now supports high achieving, but worn-out women create a more content and balanced life without sacrificing their hard-earned success.
In this episode you will hear:
02:40 First lesson in leadership - "I was such a cow"
03:15 helping the apprentices
04:30 opening up
04:55 International leadership where my way or the highway doesn't work!
06:00 you can't say N...2020-05-0637 min
Passport Joy Travel Talk88: Cathleen Merkel Interview (Legendary Leaders)Cathleen Merkel aims to inspire her audience to take charge and create a fulfilling career and personal life without sacrificing their hard-earned success. I was recently interviewed on her podcast and it was a fun and energizing conversation so I wanted to share it with my audience. Main Topics Covered: Interview with Cathleen Merkel Links Mentioned in the Episode: Cathleen Merkel Legendary Leaders Podcast A full list of other interviews I have had. Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a...2020-04-1743 min
Wealth Tactic RebelsHow to Build Wealth by Doing What You Love: A WTR Discussion With Cathleen MerkelIn today’s world, we’re always looking for things that will bring us an abundance of wealth. Often times though, some of us go into a field of work that we don’t really enjoy doing. Today, WTR welcomes Cathleen Merkel, who helps her clients find their purpose and live the life they really love. In this episode, join us as we discuss why it’s important to fix your mindset and respect your values in order to attract wealth and satisfaction with what it is you do for a living.Ingenious tactics to accumulate wealth, for peop...2020-01-1133 min
Roman Prokopchuk's Digital Savage ExperienceEp #117 Interview With Cathleen Merkel Leadership & Mindset Coach - Roman Prokopchuk's Digital Savage Experience PodcastI got to interview Cathleen Merkel.
Cathleen Merkel is a passionate leadership & mindset coach, trainer, speaker and podcaster to be who turned her passion into her day-to-day work. Her purpose is to help people reconnect with their real self's - the person they truly are - so that they will feel more at ease and confident in everything they do and consequently more at ease in their interactions with others.
We got to speak about:
What Cathleen's journey has been like up to now.
What motivates here.
Weaknesses she's...2019-10-0721 min