Shows
Once In CollegeJazz And A JoyntOur latest episode is a love story of sorts. A true story from the late 1970s of a young man who walks into a local college bar at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and meets someone that will change his life forever. Only, it's probably not what you think. Find out how the world can sound so much larger if you have an open mind, and ear, to hear it.Lee knew he wanted to be a professional writer at the age of 12. His career would take him to ad agencies i...
2025-02-1314 min
A Touch Of ClassClass Chats - Lee Crombleholme - Golf PsychologistSend us a textIn our latest class chat, Tom brings us his mental coach and all round good guy Lee Crombleholme, Lee has coached all levels of Golfers and boasts over 18 Dp world and Pga Tour victories. Can he help Will get back to low single figures and can he help Barry get past the mental block of playing well with a Tournament scorecard in his pocket? Tune in to find out and look Lee up on all social media platforms on @winninggolfmind...Follow us on instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @atocpod
2024-09-2659 min
How to Take the LeadWhat do we need to unlearn to lead well?Have you heard about unlearning? It sounds like the opposite of what we are all about here at How To Take The Lead - learning, growth and development. But understanding what we need to unlearn as leaders is key to that growth and development. In this episode we cover:what we mean by the concept of unlearningwhy unlearning a crucial part of our leadership journeyshow you know what you need to unlearn in order to improveSeeking feedback and engaging others in your unlearningAs it's the last episode of this series you can also...
2024-02-0841 minHow to Take the LeadTaking risksWhat is your risk appetite as a leader?It's well evidenced that high-performing teams are those who are willing to take collective risk. But it's not easy to get to that place, especially if it's outside of your comfort zone.In this episode, we chat all things risk and why your approach to it matters. We discuss:how we define risks and how our approaches varyrisk awareness versus risk-takinghow your DISC profile - or preferences - can affect how you view and take risks the requirement of psychological safety in building risk appetitewhat good...
2024-02-0144 minHow to Take the LeadDisruptive leadershipIs being a disruptor about making trouble? We don't think so and it's one of the things we explore in this conversation about disruptive leadership. In this episode of How To Take The Lead we consider how disruptive leadership can support your teams/ organisations.We discuss:what being a disruptive leader really means?the challenges disruption can causehow to take other people on a journey of change as part of disruptiontesting out disruption in small, more manageable ways changing or shifting your mindset in relation to dispruptionbeing comfortable with your role or the role of others...
2024-01-2535 minHow to Take the LeadAre you a thought leader?Should you be a thought leader? WHAT exactly does it mean to be a thought leader? In this week's How to Take the Lead, we discuss our thoughts on this topic, arguing the case for more leaders to talk out about things they're expert in.We explore:whether anyone can become a thought leader or if it's hierarchical what you need to bring to be a thought leader - and our equation that makes a thought leaderhow thought leadership can help you as a leaderorganisational benefits of thought leadership and how to work with your organisationwhat...
2024-01-1843 minHow to Take the LeadSelf-leadershipWhat is self-leadership?Why is it important?How do you practice it?These are all questions we discuss in this episode of How To Take The Lead.Self-leadership is about how you show up as a leader and this can mean many things. It might be the boundaries you set and communicate. Perhaps it is how you are using your time and what this demonstrates to those around you. And it could be you need to prioritise your wellbeing.Creating the conditions for your success - whatever you have...
2024-01-1139 min
Leaders with impact(E10) The sales expert Jessica LorimerWhat can leaders learn from a sales expert?I used to think sales was something I didn’t need to pay attention to. My focus as a communications expert was to engage, take people with us, not do the tell and sell, which felt emotionless and directive and rarely won hearts and minds for change to happen.But over the past couple of years I’ve had a rethink on what sales means - thanks to some great mentors and coaches - and I’ve come to realise it’s a hidden gem for leaders to embra...
2024-01-0850 minHow to Take the LeadTackling toxicityWe've talked a lot about culture and how it impacts performance, morale and organisational reputational. If you've been a long-term listener you will have heard our own experiences of working in organisations with poor culture and toxic behaviours. But in this episode we want to tackle it head on and explore what can be done about overcoming toxicity in organisations.We discuss:how we define toxic leadershipwhat tips the balance between an organisation being dysfunctional versus toxicwhat organisational indicators might be telling you about the state of toxicitysigns that toxic behaviours are at play in your...
2024-01-0456 minLeaders with impact(E9) Are you getting serious about your leadership in 2024?What's the impact you want to make as a leader in 2024? How will that influence your personal strategy? How are you going to demonstrate self-leadership? How are others going to know what your plans and priorities are?As we kick start the new year, this 'leaders with impact' episode helps you to reflect on your leadership in 2023 and sets you up for the year ahead.I also share my own reflections and what I've learnt that's led to big changes personally and professionally. Visit the leaders with impact website to read all the...
2024-01-0121 minHow to Take the LeadIdentifying future leadersAre you spotting future leadership talent?And if so, are you clear what to do next?In this episode we discuss how you can identify future leaders in your organisation and what you can do to support them.We cover:how you can identify future leaderswhat happens when you spot leadership potentialhow to ensure your leadership aspirations for someone are aligned with their ownrecruitment processes and how they can help or hinder your leadership recruitmentensuring you are looking for leadership potential that brings diversity.Resources and helpful...
2023-12-2138 minLeaders with impact(E8) Laura Skaife-Knight: the first 100 daysOver the past few months, today’s guest has been charting and sharing her learning from her first days, weeks and months in post as a new CEO. After her first 100 days she published a report about all she’s learnt and how it’s shaping her priorities - I highly recommend you reading it if you want a masterclass on how to demonstrate engagement, get buy-in and land well in your new role.In this episode I’m talking with Laura Skaife-Knight, CEO of NHS Orkney. Laura has over 20 years’ of experience working in the NHS and is kno...
2023-12-1842 minHow to Take the LeadLeadership strategyDo you have a personal leadership strategy? Often we can focus on organisational strategies and lose our own purpose and intent along the way.In this episode Carrie-Ann and Lee explore what it means to have a personal leadership strategy, why you need one and how you go about getting one. We discuss how:your personal strategy differs from an organisational onewe've approached and developed our own strategies during our careersyour strategy can help you in your career development and job searchit can help you to build diverse teamsto align your strategy with the...
2023-12-1435 minHow to Take the LeadIs leadership for you?In this episode of How To Take The Lead, we ask the question 'is leadership for you?'. We are into our fourth series of the podcast now and we realised we hadn't ever really addressed this question. We share our own experiences and the reasons why we have chosen to step into leadership positions.Our conversation is broad and wide ranging covering the following:the difference between leadership and managementwhat defines you as a leader - is it about positional power and hierarchy or something else?clarity on your purpose and the impact...
2023-12-0737 minLeaders with impact(E7) Kevin McNamara: service above selfWhen I think of leaders who have impact, I think about those who show integrity and their actions are aligned with their values, I think about those who communicate, engage, storytell to bring to life thier vision, I think about those who bring everything back to purpose and put the people they are serving at the heart of their decision making.Impactful leadership shouldn’t be mistaken for loud leadership, it’s not about being super confident, turning up with the jazz hands, putting themselves at the centre of the story.In today’s episode I inte...
2023-12-0451 minHow to Take the LeadThe state of leadership - 2023 editionWe are back with series 4. And as we're getting to the end of the year we thought it would be the perfect time to check-in on the state of leadership.We last did this in 2022, so we wanted to see what had changed, what stayed the same and what we think it all means for next year.In this episode we discuss:what we both got up to over the summer, including some side-hustle / sister / cousin podcasts that may have been launched!how to show up in your organisation when things are troubled globally...
2023-11-3049 minLeaders with impact(E6) How a personal leadership strategy will improve your impactIf you're struggling to make the right impact in your organisation and take people with you, you may think the problem lies with others - the people around you, the context you're operating in. But how often do you look internally at how well you've created the right conditions for others to perform well?In this episode of the 'leaders with impact' podcast I'm exploring how having a personal leadership strategy can be the difference between low and high performance. I explain why relying on an organisational strategy is not enough. I share how you can get...
2023-11-2021 minLeaders with impact(E5) The social media expert Hel ReynoldsSocial media doesn’t always get the best rep and over the years I’ve spoken with many leaders who are hesitant to move online, for fear of getting caught up in the negativity, or thinking that what they’re working on is too important or serious to be condensed into a few hundred characters. But being visible and working on your online connection can be vital to the impact you make as a leader.In this episode I am talking with all-round social media guru Hel Reynolds. Through her organisation Comms Creatives, Hel advises leaders and commun...
2023-11-0640 minLeaders with impact(E4) Sheron Carter: A fire in the bellySheron Carter is the CEO of Hexagon Housing Association. She's an original change-maker, having spent almost 40 years working in the housing and charity sectors.There's a quiet confidence that comes through our conversation ... confidence in a vision for her organisation, confidence in knowing she doesn't have all the answers and she must listen to others, confidence in recognising that the organisations she leads are not about her but about the people she serves.We cover a lot of ground in this discussion, including: Leadership impact is about making a differenceHow Sheron's own experience of...
2023-10-2343 minLeaders with impactBonus - how you can get involvedA quick one from me sharing some suggestions on how you can get involved and support the show so more leaders can benefit from what my expert guests have to say (and bit by bit we can get rid of the outdated leadership behaviours still pervading!).Here are three things that will really help:give the show a subscribe or follow - it will help you to make sure you don’t miss new episodes and it will tell the algorithim that this is a show to pay attention to if you’re enjoying listening, leave a re...
2023-10-1901 minLeaders with impact(E1) The 3 things impacting your impactWhy do you need another podcast about leadership?In this first episode I: share the story behind the leaders with impact podcast start to explore why the impact you make as a leader matters explore the only 3 reasons your leadership isn't making the mark you would like!About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but...
2023-10-1606 minLeaders with impact(E2) Paul Matthews: Be a little bit differentPaul Matthews has been the Chief Executive of Monmouthshire Council for the past 14 years. His story is not your typical rise to the top, but one that is humbly based around the place he lives, loves and works in. To describe our conversation in one word it would be simplicity. No, the job of CEO isn't easy but it's the simple things you do as leader that goes to the heart of the impact you make. In this episode you'll hear about...What impactful leadership looks and feels likeTesting for values when recruitingWhat's shaped...
2023-10-1656 minLeaders with impact(E3) The difficult conversation expert Louisa ClarkeWe’ve all been in situations where we’ve had to have that difficult conversation. Whether it’s giving bad news, tackling poor performance, or just telling someone something that you know they’re unlikely to be happy with.Whether you’re a people pleaser or worried about the knock-on effect of what you say to others, if you don’t get comfortable with tackling the challenging things - if you don’t call out the things that need to be said - it can have a profound impact on you, your integrity, your reputation and the trust that you...
2023-10-1649 minLeaders with impactLeaders with impact ... The trailerWelcome to the leaders with impact podcast. Listen for a flavour of what's in store for you this series.About leaders with impactWant to know the secret of great leaders? In Leaders with impact we'll be exploring what makes an impactful leader; sharing stories of success and strategies that set them apart.If you are ambitious for your organisation but are struggling to identify what you can do differently as a leader to deliver the right improvements, then hit subscribe to learn how you can get clear on your...
2023-09-2802 min
The Joy Filled Podcast | Christian Motherhood & EncouragementThe Life-Changing Benefits of Journaling (And Why It’s Never Too Late to Start!) with Jennifer Dukes LeeMy friend, you are in for such a treat with today’s guest on the pod! Her name is Jennifer Dukes Lee. She’s a speaker, author, former reporter, mother, and Jesus follower and she recently released a super fun, quirky, and creative guided journal titled Stuff I’d Only Tell God.
When I tell you I’ve never seen a journal like this one - I mean it. Jennifer does an incredible job of creating space for you to reflect on our deepest feelings, fears, hopes, and dreams while also giving you permission to release y...
2023-07-0651 minHow to Take the LeadYou didn't think that would be it did you?You know we can’t resist a cheeky bonus episode. As we end the series we take the opportunity to reflect on which episodes really resonated with us and with listeners. And we use this episode as an opportunity to cover things that cropped up between our conversations that we didn’t get the chance to discuss.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:04:22 – finding your fire again – the “so what?”07:24 – getting comfortable with being uncomfortable12:40 – honesty and vulnerability19:18 – shifting perceptions of power 31:00 - making your voice count33:21 – perception – it’s all personalAs it’s a bonus we’ve not s...
2023-06-1543 minHow to Take the LeadStaying curiousIt’s the last episode of this series and we are all about staying curious. We discuss how we define curiosity in leadership and whether it is a core leadership skill. We are not just talking about being curious about others, but being curious about your own approach to leadership and how a culture of curiosity can impact your teams and organisation.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:03:08 – the art of asking questions07:24 – benefits of being curious13:56 – can you learn to be a curious leader?22:24 – losing your curiosity 28:21 - How to… demonstrate curiosityAs always, we...
2023-05-0433 minHow to Take the LeadLeadership - is it all about power?Can you believe it’s the penultimate episode in this series already?In this episode we tackle the topic of power in leadership and how power dynamics show up. We talk about some of the misconceptions in relation to power, challenge some of the stereotypes of how power can play out for leaders and how we can better understand how we can use our power for good as leaders. We share our own thoughts and experiences about how the concept of power has impacted our own leadership journeys.03:08 – different types of power09:21 – behaviours and signals from others...
2023-04-2747 minHow to Take the LeadOwning your s**t!Leaders or not, we are all human, so mistakes are inevitable right? Whether it is making a bad decision, moving in the wrong direction strategically or not listening to stakeholder feedback, it’s the way we deal with our mistakes that can make all the difference.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:06:01 – the BBC v. Gary Lineker08:36 – warning signs you’re getting it wrong14:50 – blaming and scapegoating22:27 – sorry seems to be the hardest word 28:10 – trust is at the heart of it31:35 - How to… own your sh*tAs always, we share our top takeaways...
2023-04-2039 minHow to Take the LeadA matter of communicationWhile we might have 40 years of professional communications experience between us, we are super clear that leaders have to take the lead in communicating and engaging for their organisations, not leave it to their corporate communications team. Organisational performance and communications go hand in had for us and we explore this further in this episode.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:04:07 – whose responsibility is it to communicate?06:59 – communications and organisational performance15:03 – understanding communication preferences24:47 – where’s your evidence? 28:53 – consistency is key40:30 - How to…communicate and engageAs always, we share our top takeaways t...
2023-04-1344 minHow to Take the LeadAvoiding overwhelmWe’ve already discussed the leadership landscape and how challenging it is for leaders at present. In this episode we talk about how, as a leader, you can avoid overwhelm, recognising when you might be heading towards burnout and how to support your wellbeing. We also share our own personal experiences of dealing with overwhelm.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:03:38 – the stats – setting the scene11:11 – recognition of signs and privilege16:59 – the impact of who you work with23:37 – boundary setting 31:30 – where are you getting your support?41:00 - How to…avoid overwhelmAs always, we share o...
2023-04-0644 minHow to Take the LeadMaking your voice countAs leaders we have a platform and opportunity to use our voice and our influence, whether we like it or not. In this episode we explore how and when you might choose to use your voice.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:5:37 – representing what matters8:23 – what does it mean to have a voice?13:53 – individual v. organisational views28:14 – testing alignment36:56 – persistent and consistent39:01 How to…make your voice countAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you make your voice count. This week it’s about understanding what matters most to you and your p...
2023-03-3041 minHow to Take the LeadDifficult conversationsHaving difficult conversations is part and parcel of being a leader, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In this episode we talk about how to have a difficult conversation with individuals, teams and in public. We share our advice and tips for how you can prepare for a challenging conversations and what you might want to consider from the point of view of the person/ people you are talking with.In this episode we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:5:10 – conflict and tension10:10 – difficult team conversations17:29 – communicating challenges outside of your organisation24:10 – preparation is key25:56...
2023-03-2335 minHow to Take the LeadConfidenceConfidence is something that comes up in so many of our conversations with leaders and aspiring leaders. In this episode we explore what confidence means in relation to leadership – both in terms of your own leadership and how you create confidence for others.In this episode we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:05:18 – confidence is subjective10:30 – loud doesn’t equal confident13:28 – don’t assume confidence means you don’t need support15:15 – who is creating the confidence gap?21:12 – developing your confidence28:36 – practical things to support you29:09 – How to – lead with confidenceAs always, we share our top takeaways...
2023-03-1640 minHow to Take the LeadHow can organisations better support leaders?Organisations have a huge role to play in developing leaders but not all organisations do this well. In this episode we discuss what support leaders need, how organisations identify future leaders and what leadership development programmes need to consider:05:22 – talk about leadership early10:28 – organisational mindset shift14:30 – floundering out of the funnel17:31 – closing the development gap23:54 – creating a coaching culture29:09 – How to... influence leadership developmentAs always, we share our top takeaways including the benefits of a coaching approach to leadership development, personalising development for individuals and challenging your own expectations of new leaders.If you enjoyed t...
2023-03-0934 minHow to Take the LeadLeading when things are toughWe are back with our third series, and in this first episode we are talking about how you can lead when things are tough. We are all tired, we have moved from one crisis to another with no time to catch a breath, we have lots going on in life AND we still need to lead.In this episode we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:04:08 – knowing where to start 05:10 – working out what you can control and act on11:15 – we don’t have to be the saviour17:09 – leadership mindset22:55 – don't demote development28:48 – How to ... do things differen...
2023-03-0233 minThe Joy Filled Podcast | Christian Motherhood & EncouragementChoosing Faith Over Fear No Matter What with Heidi Lee Anderson“What if I don’t have what it takes?”
“What do I do when God feels silent?”
“What if God’s promises don’t line up with my reality?”
“What about when the worst-case happens?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, you’re in good company. Today on the podcast, author and speaker Heidi Lee Anderson is sharing with us how we can choose FAITH over FEAR - no matter what.
Heidi is a writer, speaker, and stay-at-home mom. While crafting Instagram devotionals @heidi...
2023-02-2344 min
Energy Sector Heroes ~ Careers in Oil & Gas, Sustainability & Renewable EnergyLee Griffith - from Public Affairs Assistant to Communications Strategist | Energy Sector Heroes PodcastWelcome to this captivating episode of our podcast, where our talented host Michelle Fraser engages in an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Lee Griffith, the CEO of Sunday Skies. Join us as we embark on a journey into Lee's inspiring career trajectory, unearthing the transformative moments that propelled her towards her current path.Intriguingly, Lee's professional journey began with a corporate career spanning two decades. However, fuelled by a desire for personal growth and a yearning for greater fulfilment, Lee made the audacious decision to embark on a remarkable reinvention. Tune in as she shares the pivotal...
2023-01-3129 minHow to Take the LeadThe big end of year bonus!Well, we’ve got two series of the podcast under our belts now and we couldn’t finish 2022 without a bonus episode. It’s a bit of a review of the year, what we have learned about leadership, what we’ve loved and loathed and also a look ahead to our leadership hopes for 2023.04:23 – is it important for leaders to make time to reflect and reset?10:53 – how do I take steps to have the impact I desire as a leader?18:43 – overwhelm and being kind to yourself26:02 – has 2022 been a good year for leaders?30:46 – leadership wishes for 202332:08 – what should leaders firmly leave...
2022-12-2940 minHow to Take the LeadQuiet quitting - a gen z phenomena?In this episode we explore quiet quitting, what it is, how it is impacting people and whether or not it's a gen Z phenomenon. The conversation flows toward boundary setting more than once as we discuss the reasons people are disengaging in the workplace. And we talk about the different demographics who are choosing to quiet quit.04:36 – what is quiet quitting?09:03 – sticking to your boundaries11:58 – only 1 in 3 managers are engaged in the workplace15:32 – is quiet quitting only a Gen Z thing?23:19 – feeling in control of your career25:57 – the How To...As always we share our top takeaw...
2022-12-2229 minHow to Take the LeadCulture eats strategy?We share our thoughts in this episode about whether culture trumps strategy and how we as leaders can consider this in our work. Strategy is, of course, important, but the culture you create impacts on so many factors, including how effective you are as a leader. As always we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:05:06 – culture isn’t it’s own workstream07:54 – culture supporting a changing strategy11:15 – decision making hierarchy15:00 – redefining the culture in your organisation20:30 – aligning behaviours and experiences25.40 – what if you can’t influence the macro culture? 32:30 – the How to...We share our top takeaway...
2022-12-1535 minHow to Take the LeadShould I stay or should I go?In this episode we share our thinking for leaders who may well be questioning if they should stay or if they should leave their organisation.At various points in your career you may find yourself in the situation where you feel like it might be time for you to move on or there might well be signals that you should be considering your next steps as a leader. We talk about the things you should consider, owning the narrative and ensuring you have the right support.As always we share our own views, thoughts and...
2022-12-0840 minHow to Take the LeadPsychological safety in leadershipThis episode is an in-depth exploration of psychological safety, what it means for you as a leader, for your teams and your organisation. We share our own experiences, thoughts and advice and really do get personal to help you understand the importance of psychological safety.In this episode we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:02:50 – what do we mean by psychological safety11:42 – imposter syndrome and safety17:30 – the nuances of trust and psychological safety19:54 – fear, innovation and risk28:17 – psychological safety for your stakeholders35:15 – reputation management and a safe culture 40:55 – how to...As always we share our top takea...
2022-12-0144 minHow to Take the LeadAre we really listening?In this episode we explore what it really means to listen as a leader. Listening isn’t just about what you hear through your ears but what you see and experience. Working out who to listen to and how is one thing but you also need to decide what to do with what you are hearing.04:27 – cutting through the noise07:39 – what have you put in place to listen well?09:14 – don’t just listen to those who shout loudest15:52 – what gets in the way of truly listening?21:21 – reading the room23:43 – you can’t promise to fix everything 30:55 – our top takeawaysAs alw...
2022-11-2434 minHow to Take the LeadCharisma and personality: how much do you need to lead?In this episode we question what charisma really is and if you need it to be a good leader. We discuss how much personality impacts how effective you are as a leader. And we ask whether charisma is only associated with male leaders.08:48 – building rapport and charisma09:22 – is charisma inspirational?11:52 – charisma as a label14:05 – being likeable doesn’t always get the job done16:04 – charisma – is it a man thing?24:57 – personality transplant30:30 – the how to...As always we share our top takeaways and in this episode we share our thoughts on owning your personality and being authentic. We also talk about f...
2022-11-1732 minHow to Take the LeadWomen in leadershipIn this episode we share recent research as well as our own thoughts and experiences on women in leadership. We ask if women are still facing the same challenges as leaders and what needs to happen to support more women in leadership positions:02:19 – setting the context, Lean In and McKinsey report04:47 – is it because I’m a woman?11:17 – have the challenges for women changed?13:42 – the positive impact of women leaders in organisations21:58 – causes of imposter syndrome24:06 – challenging stereotypes28:40 – How to...As always we share our top takeaways and in this episode we discuss ways to advocate and support women...
2022-11-1035 minHow to Take the LeadWhen are you a leader?We explore when you are a leader from a few angles, including your perception versus the perception of others, if you ever switch off as a leader and how your home life might be influenced by your leadership role and vice versa:02:15 – is there a difference between management and leadership?05:33 – the role of organisations in leadership development09:39 – perceptions of when you are a leader17:04 – exploring feedback about your leadership19:24 – is leadership 24/7?28:40 – How to...As always we share our top takeaways and in this episode we strongly recommend revisiting your purpose and why you want to be a leader, focu...
2022-11-0331 minHow to Take the LeadTransitionsManaging change is something we all need to do as a leader but what happens when the changes are personal? In this episode we explore how we can deal with transitions as a leader. We share our own experiences of dealing with change as leaders as well as offer advice and tips for those points in your career when change happens:03:14 – dealing with your step up into leadership08:40 – working out how you want to land as a new leader10:25 – moving from a peer to a leader18:54 – perceptions versus reality and managing work friendships23:53 – what to consider when a cha...
2022-10-2735 min