Shows
The Reins of LeadershipTheir Fear Is Not Your ForecastWhat happens when the people closest to you don’t cheer you on? When their silence, their doubt, or their discomfort makes you question whether you're ready - or even capable?In this episode, Merinda shares a powerful story from the herd and reflects how it mirrors the human experience of stepping into something unfamiliar while surrounded by well-meaning fear.We explore the subtle ways resistance shows up, the hidden loyalty we carry to those we love, and what it truly means to show up for yourself in moments of uncertainty.2025-07-2917 minThe Reins of LeadershipWhen Your Best Employee is a Ticking ClockIs your star player always saying "yes," taking on more, and smiling through it all? What if that incredible willingness is masking deep stress, putting them on a collision course with burnout... or worse, an unexpected exit? Too many leaders miss the subtle signs until it's too late.In this episode of The Reins of Leadership, we step into the arena to understand the "Eager Pleaser" – that invaluable team member whose desire to do right might be pushing them to their breaking point. Key Takeaways:Look beyond the 'yes' for hidden stress.Understand fear oft...2025-07-2915 minThe Reins of LeadershipLinda Willow Roberts a conversational about Leadership being spiritual workIn today’s episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Linda Willow Roberts – a spiritual teacher, medium, and manifestation mentor with over 35 years of experience. In this conversation we dive into the power of intuitive leadership, clearing internal blocks, and how connecting with your own inner magic can radically transform your personal and professional life.If you’ve ever felt like something unseen is holding you back or you’re ready to lead with more purpose, presence, and clarity — this conversation will speak straight to your soul. She’s also the creator of the I Am a Manifestor...2025-07-2242 minThe Reins of LeadershipWhen You Know, But You Don’t Act: Listening to the WhisperIn this deeply personal and reflective episode, I share a recent experience with my pony King that challenged me to practise what I preach about intuition, embodiment, and leadership.What started as a riding lesson turned into a powerful leadership moment — one where I realised I knew something was off, but hesitated to act. Through King’s quiet cues, I was reminded how easy it is to override our inner knowing — and how vital it is to listen, pause, and trust ourselves, even when it’s uncomfortable.This story isn't just about horses. It’s about:...2025-07-1513 minThe Reins of LeadershipLeading from Within - Align Your Mind, Body, and Spirit for your True SuccessThis episode explores the mind, body, and spirit alignment for more effective leadership. We explore how this interconnected system can shift you from a state of reactive survival to one of clarity, purpose, and authentic leadership .In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Mind: How chronic stress puts your brain in "survival mode" by taking your prefrontal cortex offline, and how regulating your nervous system restores mental clarity .The Body: Why your body is a vital communication network. Understand concepts like the gut-brain axis and polyvagal theory to decode your...2025-07-0824 minThe Reins of LeadershipAmanda Held: Decoding Equine Wisdom for Authentic, Real-World LeadershipIn this conversation, we sit down with Amanda Held, the founder of HOOVES (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services). While she is renowned for her life-changing work with veterans, Amanda's wisdom extends to anyone seeking to become a more authentic and effective leader in their own life.Our Guest: Amanda HeldAmanda Held is a published author and the visionary founder of HOOVES, a non-profit dedicated to the healing of veterans through equine services. She is also the creator of the Equine Wisdom Integration Method™ (EWIM), a powerful facilitation mo...2025-07-0147 minThe Reins of LeadershipThe Myth of Pushing ThroughLet me ask you a question.Have you ever noticed that the harder you push, the more resistance you feel?You’re gripping your leadership tighter... but nothing is moving.You're speaking with more force... but your team seems to be listening less.You’re putting in more hours... but getting back less clarity, less creativity, and definitely less joy.This is the story we've been sold.It's the myth that's been handed down to every ambitious, capable leader. We call it grit. We call it hustle. We c...2025-06-2522 minThe Reins of LeadershipAre You Working Harder Than Your Team?Are you constantly feeling stretched, taking on more than your fair share, or solving problems your team members should be handling? This episode of "The Reins of Leadership" dives deep into a common leadership pitfall: working harder than your team, instead of empowering them to step up. We explore what enabling truly looks like in a leadership context, the role of boundaries in accountability and growth, and the difference between genuine, respect-driven leadership and detrimental people-pleasing. If you're ready to shift the dynamic and cultivate a more capable, independent team, this episode is for you. Pl...2025-06-1718 minThe Reins of LeadershipWhat Your Team Hears (Even When You're Not Talking)What if the key to truly effective leadership isn't about saying more, but about communicating with clarity - often saying less and showing up with a calm, focused presence?In today’s episode of The Reins of Leadership, we explore a powerful, often unspoken, dimension of leadership: the messages your team receives beyond your words. Drawing wisdom from the honest feedback of horses, we uncover how your energy, intention, and non-verbal cues shape your team's experience and performance.This conversation was inspired by a recent workshop, where the principles of effective communication and in...2025-06-1015 minThe Reins of LeadershipKenny Barnwell - Stranded, Injured, and GuidedHave you ever faced a moment so dark and difficult you didn’t know if you’d make it through? What if you discovered that strength, guidance—even miracles—can show up in the most unexpected ways? You’ve been pushing, striving, surviving... but it’s still not working the way you hoped.Have you ever been there—stuck, exhausted, and unsure what’s next?We’ve all been there in one form or another - up against something that feels too big to overcome.On this we...2025-06-0358 minThe Reins of LeadershipIs Your Softness the Problem... Or the Lack of Structure?Have you ever found yourself avoiding being too direct with your team, worried that clarity might come off as harsh?What if your softness - your care, empathy, and gentle nature wasn’t the problem… but the lack of structure around it was?You’ve been trying to lead from the heart, but it’s not working the way you hoped… and your team might be feeling it too.Can you relate?🌸 Have you ever struggled to balance being kind with being clear?🌸 Does the idea of soft leadership sometimes leave you second-guess...2025-05-2713 min
The Reins of LeadershipWhy Giving Your Horse (and Your Team) Space Leads to SuccessEver find yourself over-correcting others work, or do you feel the urge to constantly check in on your team, dictate how tasks are done, or even redo their projects? You've been setting up for success, but your instinct to control the minutiae might actually be hindering the outcome.Does that anxious feeling of needing to make sure everything is perfect, resonate with you? Have you ever been there?We get it… it often comes from a place of good intentions and a desire for the best results. Many of us have fallen into the micromanagement tr...2025-05-2020 minThe Reins of LeadershipThe Lens Shift - Transformational Learning and LeadershipHave you ever felt stuck, applying the same leadership approaches but not getting the results you want? Or maybe you've achieved success on paper, yet feel something is missing? This episode explores Transformational Learning – a process of changing how you see the world, yourself, and your role as a leader. Discover the 'lens shift' – that moment when the familiar looks entirely new because you have changed from within.In This Episode, You'll Discover: Understand the difference between adding knowledge (informative learning) and upgrading your internal 'operating system' (transformational learning), based on the...2025-05-0718 minThe Reins of LeadershipCarly Shorter on Communicating Powerfully & Going Below the SurfaceHave you ever felt the pressure in those critical moments – presenting to your team, sharing a big idea, leading a difficult conversation – and worried your message didn't truly land? Or sensed there was more potential for connection and impact in the room, but weren't sure how to bring it to life? Maybe you've felt like important things are going unsaid within your team or business?We get it. Stepping forward to communicate powerfully is a key leadership skill, but it's not always easy to ensure your words and presence make the difference you intend...2025-04-3040 minThe Reins of LeadershipHow Your Energy Triggers Resistance in others.Ever feel like you're hitting a brick wall with someone on your team? They seem obstructive, resistant to change, maybe even defiant – making leadership feel like a battle. But what if that "difficult" behaviour isn't what it seems on the surface? What if it's not intentional disruption, but a defense mechanism rooted in fear?If you can relate – feeling like you're walking on eggshells or questioning your approach – we get it. Many leaders discover the real issue isn't the person, but the approach.In today’s episode, we explore a powerful leadership lesson inspired by Bundy —...2025-04-2319 minThe Reins of LeadershipWhen Your Leadership Feels Off and What the Horses can RevealEver have that nagging feeling that your leadership just isn't landing? Maybe your team interactions feel strained, your message isn't quite connecting, or you simply feel... off? You know something's misaligned, but you can't put your finger on it. This episode tackles that elusive feeling head-on.That sense of dissonance often stems from a gap between your internal state and your external actions – a lack of true authenticity. It subtly erodes trust and impacts your influence. But what if you had an unbiased mirror reflecting your true presence back to you? Enter the surprising wisdom of horses. As...2025-04-1713 minThe Reins of LeadershipMaryanne Baker: Leadership Lessons from Life on the RoadHave you ever felt like you were stuck inside the yard of your own life -looking out, knowing there’s more, but unsure how to step beyond the open gate?What if the space you need to grow isn’t found in doing more, but in reconnecting with nature, with stillness, with your own inner compass?You’ve been trying to lead, to show up, to hold it all together… but it’s not quite working the way you’d hoped.Can you relate? Have you ever felt the call for...2025-04-1027 minThe Reins of LeadershipThe Horse Who Played Small: Are You Holding Your Leadership Back?Do you ever feel like you're meant for more impact, but something holds you back? Maybe you hesitate to speak up, avoid taking risks, or dim your own light to 'keep the peace'? You're not alone. Many leaders unknowingly limit their potential by "playing small."Can you relate? Does that feeling of 'keeping small' sound familiar?We get it… The pressure to conform, to always appear certain, or to avoid difficult conversations is immense in leadership. It’s common to struggle with finding and trusting your unique voice, especially when faced with differing opinions or expe...2025-04-0520 min
The Reins of LeadershipCommunication Secrets from the Pony Paddock for leadersHave you ever spent ages developing the perfect email or speech, only for the message to completely fall flat or be misunderstood? Do you sometimes feel like despite your best efforts to communicate clearly, there’s a disconnect with your team? You’ve been trying to articulate your vision or give feedback constructively... but it’s just not landing the way you intend, maybe even creating tension instead of clarity.Can you relate? Does that sound frustratingly familiar?We get it… It’s incredibly disheartening when your communication efforts don't yield the results you hope for...2025-04-0320 min