Shows
The Leaders PodcastEp. 29 Tarnia Gonzo: Leadership In The Age Of AIThis week on The Leaders Podcast, I’m interviewing Tarnia Gonzo, a technology change consultant and founder of T+S Consulting. We discuss the integration of AI in business, focusing on how it affects job roles, the balance between automation and human touch, and strategies for leaders to support their teams through technological transitions. Tarnia emphasises the importance of maintaining creativity, clear communication, and the necessity of addressing gender disparities in technological advancements. IntroductionServing Yourself to Serve OthersUnderstanding AI Integration in BusinessAI's Impact on JobsM...2025-07-2356 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 28 Tasneem Bhamji: Advocate For Your Own Personal BrandIn this enlightening episode of The Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald converses with Tas Bhamji, the founder of Office Real Talk, an executive in the banking sector, and a public speaker. The discussion revolves around the significance of personal branding, self-advocacy, and authenticity in leadership and career development. Tas shares her journey from working in a call center to becoming a successful digital executive, offering valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to advance their career while staying true to themselves.Introduction of Tas BhamjiWelcome and Initial DiscussionTas's Routine and...2025-07-1652 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 27: Empathy, Optimism and Hope - The Reasons You're Right For LeadershipThis episode debunks the notion that empathy, optimism, and hope are naivety in leadership. Through reflections on a talk by Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, it demonstrates how these qualities are crucial for impactful leadership. I share personal experiences and insights on the importance of authentic emotions in leadership, advocating for a culture driven by faith in humanity and purposeful action. Interdependence in Life and BusinessInsights from Jacinda Ardern's TalkEmpathy, Optimism, and Hope in LeadershipThe Value of Doubts and FearsEmbracing O...2025-07-0919 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 26 Michael Hubbard: Build Habits That Bring Your Ideas To LifeIn this engaging episode of the Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Michael Hubbard, Director of Questions at 'Make Your Habits,' to delve into the importance of habit building for both personal and professional growth. Michael shares his journey and insights into creating productive habits that can lead to significant positive changes. From discussing his early career as a rugby player and his experiences in various leadership roles, to practical advice on implementing small but impactful changes, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. Michael also touches on the role of technology, es...2025-07-021h 07The Leaders PodcastEp. 25 Emma Berry Cowling: Blend Your Styles, And Your LifeIn this engaging and insightful episode of the Leaders Podcast, Laura MacDonald welcomes Emma Berry Cowling, an executive coach, trainer, facilitator, and entrepreneur owning Excellence Executive. They delve into the essential aspects of leadership, including the significance of self-care, the multifaceted nature of effective leadership, the concept of work-life blend, and the impact of authenticity in leadership roles. Emma shares her personal journey from her unique upbringing and experiences in various fields, including fitness training and corporate change management, to founding her own business dedicated to helping leaders achieve their best selves. This episode is packed with actionable advice...2025-06-0459 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 24: Mastering Emotional IntelligenceThis episode delves into the intricacies of emotional intelligence (EI) and its profound impact on both personal and professional realms. You’ll learn about the importance of self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and social skills, as highlighted in Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Model. The episode offers practical exercises and strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering better relationships, reducing burnout, and improving leadership effectiveness. Introduction to Emotional IntelligenceBenefits of Emotional IntelligenceImplementing Emotional Intelligence in LeadershipImpact on Personal LifeKey Statistics and ResearchUnderstanding Emotional Intelligence Mod...2025-05-2820 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 23 June Hogan: Tough Conversations Need EmpathyIn this episode of the Leaders Podcast, I welcome June Hogan, an outplacement support specialist and career coach, to discuss the critical role leaders play in managing redundancies. We delve into the emotional and practical aspects of outplacement support, the importance of empathy over sympathy, and strategies for leaders to help their teams navigate these challenging transitions. The conversation provides deep insights into the significance of human-centred leadership during tough times and highlights the value of supporting employees until their final moments with the organisation. IntroductionExercise and Self-CareJune Hogan's J...2025-05-2158 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 22 Paddy Roberts: Be The Change Leader Your Team NeedsIn this episode of the Leaders Podcast, I have an insightful conversation with Paddy Roberts, a specialist in cutover management, transition, and deployment management. We discuss various aspects and importance of change leadership, and the nuances of implementing successful transitions within organisations. Paddy shares his personal journey, offers valuable tips for leaders, and provides intriguing stories from his professional career, making this episode both informative and engaging. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of cutover management and the critical role of leadership in facilitating effective change. IntroductionCooking to Ser...2025-05-1454 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 21: How To Say "Yes" Less!In this episode, we delve into the challenging habit of saying yes too often and the importance of learning to say no. I share personal experiences and practical advice on breaking this habit, the psychological factors at play, and how to balance our own needs with the expectations of others. Learn strategies to set boundaries, manage your time better, and develop healthier, more sustainable work relationships.The Most Difficult Habit to BreakThe Culture ChallengePersonal Experiences with Saying NoThe Day-to-Day Reality of Saying Yes...2025-05-0717 min
Simply Authentic Podcast Starting Over in a New State with Laura MacDonaldIn this week’s episode of Simply Authentic, we’re joined by Laura MacDonald, REALTOR® with West + Main in Fort Collins, Colorado. Laura originally launched her real estate career in Missouri back in 2011, building a successful business over nearly a decade. But a visit to Colorado sparked a big decision—one that meant leaving behind everything she’d built to start fresh in a new state.Relocating is no small feat, especially when it means rebuilding your business and reestablishing connections from the ground up. Laura takes us behind the scenes of her journey—sharing what it felt like t...2025-04-1641 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 20: Ditch The Labels - Unboxing Your True PotentialFrom understanding oneself through various self-assessment tools to the impact of labels on personal and professional growth, this introspective episode delves deep into the journey of self-discovery and leadership. It explores how labels can both confine and empower individuals, emphasising the fluidity of personal attributes and the importance of introspection. The episode features insights from notable guests, discussing topics such as resilience, parenting, and the modern challenges of interviews. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, the episode encourages listeners to embrace their evolving identities, shedding restrictive labels, and focusing on growth-oriented mindsets.Understanding Personal...2025-04-0926 minThe Leaders PodcastEp.19: The Humanity In SuccessIn this episode of 'The Leaders Podcast,' Laura MacDonald explores the true meaning of success, which extends beyond material possessions to the impact we make on the world and others. Laura revisits highlights from previous guests Nicole Winer, Chris O'Connell, Zoe Plumley, and Alice Dearing, who share their unique perspectives on success. Through their diverse experiences, we delve into the importance of understanding personal values, remaining authentic, and fostering meaningful relationships and environments, both in personal and professional spheres.Discussing Success in a Fast-Paced WorldMainstream Definition vs. Real Success2025-04-0218 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 18 Alice Dearing: Who I Am Goes Far Beyond The WaterJoin Laura MacDonald as she meets with Alice Dearing, the former Team GB Olympic marathon swimmer and co-founder of the Black Swimming Association. In this insightful episode, Alice shares her inspirational journey from being a world junior open water champion to founding initiatives that aim to change perspectives and inclusivity in swimming. Alice talks about personal motivations, overcoming challenges, the beliefs that helped her find balance, and her vision for the future of swimming globally.Self-Care and BalanceVideo Games and LeisureAchievements and ImpactStruggles and Recovery2025-03-261h 05
A Quest for WholenessLiving with Endometriosis: Laura's Journey to Self-Advocacy and Healing💛 Missing Another Day of Work? Make Your Doctor’s Visits Effective! Download the free checklist here → https://zaap.bio/theendoadvocate/taking-another-day-off-make-your-doctor-visits-effective-💛 Book your free consult → https://tidycal.com/lexirburt/15-minute-meetingKEY TAKEAWAYS: ● Laura’s personal journey with endometriosis and how it shaped her advocacy ● Navigating medical gaslighting and finding the right doctor ● How Laura manages symptoms through holistic and medical approaches ● The emotional toll of chronic illness and ways to build resilience ● Breaking the stigma: Why sharing personal experiences matters Episode Summary: In...2025-03-2125 minThe Leaders PodcastEp. 17 Jacqui Frost: I Thought I Was Being Resilient, I Am Now!In this episode, Laura MacDonald interviews Jacqui Frost, an ACC accredited ICF coach, resilient leaders consultant, and director of Leadership 43. Jacqui shares insights from her journey as a former head teacher, recounting her challenges, experiences, and the profound lessons she's learned about resilience. Laura and Jacqui discuss the significance of self-awareness, the evolution of resilience over time, and practical strategies for leaders to maintain their well-being and effectiveness in demanding roles.Introduction to Jacqui FrostPersonal Resilience PracticesThe Role of Clarity in CommunicationJacqui's Career and Burnout...2025-03-1956 min