The Courageous Leaders Podcast

How do you build real allyship and create cultural change that actually sticks?This episode is one every leader should spend time with. Not because it’s “nice to know,” but because the future of your culture depends on it.Lee Chambers, Founder & CEO of Male Allies UK, brings the kind of clarity and challenge most workplaces avoid. We talk about what it really takes to:Redefine outdated masculine stereotypesBuild workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and able to thriveLead in a way that strengthens culture rather than protects egoIt’s a conversation that will stretch your thinking, spark uncomfortable-but-important questions, and give you practical ways to lead with more intention and courage.We also dig into Lee’s research on young people, AI companionship, and how boys today are making sense of identity, relationships, and society. Some of it is hopeful. Some of it is confronting. All of it matters, especially if you’re a parent or you lead the next generation.We cover:00:00 – Introduction 01:02 - What courage looks like for leaders today 02:31 – Why quiet courage matters as much as big gestures 03:49 – The tough decision to break with convention 06:06 – How stepping into new spaces changes your perspective 08:08 – The power of career “squiggles” and non-conformity 10:05 – Shedding old identities and building new ones as a leader 12:14 – What do boys really think about society? Surprising research findings 16:07 – Why boys care deeply but struggle to know how to help 20:08 – The decline of physical spaces for social connection 21:24 – Boys, girls and the challenges of communicating across gender 23:33 – Judgment vs. curiosity - what’s holding us back? 27:20 – Navigating polarisation and building empathy at work 34:08 – Can younger and older generations find common ground? 43:50 – The rise of AI companions and what it means for young people 52:23 – Everyday bravery and the value of small changes over time 54:43 – How to focus on influence and control in uncertain timesDon’t miss this thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone working in leadership or looking to create real change at work.👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Former professional footballers Mollie and Rosie Kmita and now founders of The Powerhouse Project join me for one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve had on the podcast.This episode is packed with real leadership stories you rarely hear: the setbacks, the identity shifts, the emotional toll, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when things don’t go your way.Mollie and Rosie openly share:What it took to succeed in a male dominated worldHow to lead through failure after two businesses didn’t work outHow they learnt to slow down without losing ambitionHow they have evolved their identity from footballers to business ownersThe impact people-pleasing had on their leadership decisionsHow they have had to learn to lean into conflictMollie and Rosie show what success after repeated failure actually looks like - the mindset resets, and the quiet self-belief you need to keep going.​​These are everyday leadership stories delivered with humour, honesty and heart, the kind that remind you anything is possible when you focus, put the work in, and back yourself.We Cover: 00:00 – Introduction01:12 – Growing up in boys’ football and learning to belong05:04 – Why young women in sport need better pathways09:31 – Finding confidence in environments not built for you14:42 – How childhood trauma shapes your drive20:50 – Coping with loss while still showing up26:19 – When resilience turns into survival mode33:08 – The guilt behind always saying yes38:12 – “We haven’t sat still for 16 years”46:54 – Rebuilding identity beyond football52:33 – Learning to slow down without losing ambition58:48 – What leaders can do to create real change01:00:31 – A message for leaders and organisations that want to make real changeDon’t miss out on this powerful episode. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

What would you risk to do the right thing?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Zelda Perkins, Co-Founder of Can’t Buy My Silence and the first woman to break an NDA with Harvey Weinstein.Zelda’s story isn’t just about one man. It’s about the system that silences victims and protects abuse. She speaks openly about how she fought back, how breaking her NDA changed UK law, and what leaders and businesses must do now to stop misconduct being hidden behind confidentiality.We Cover: 00:00 – Introduction01:26 – Why Zelda broke her NDA after years of silence03:37 – What really happens when you speak up against power05:18 – The moment the system, not the perpetrator, broke her trust09:23 – How signing an NDA changed her life overnight12:54 – Taking her story to Parliament and pushing for legal reform17:09 – What it really took to start Can’t Buy My Silence24:43 – When she realised she was self-bullying 28:57 – Why speaking up must be seen as normal, not “brave”33:11 – Creating safer, more transparent workplaces40:57 – How the new UK legislation will protect victims and change culture56:26 – Zelda’s advice to anyone ready to start their own fight for changeDon’t miss out on this powerful episode. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Carly Avener, CEO of Leo Burnett UK, about why vulnerability is essential to leadership and how sharing your story builds real trust.Carly opens up about imposter syndrome, insomnia, and the pressure of returning to work as a parent. She also shares the practical steps she’s taken to reframe anxiety, create supportive environments for working parents, and build a culture of openness that allows both people and creativity to thrive.We Cover:00:00 – Introduction01:26 – Becoming CEO and choosing to lead with vulnerability03:34 – Sharing her background and story to inspire others04:59 – The impact of opening up about imposter syndrome08:23 – How comparison held her back in her career10:59 – Finding support and using coaching to rebuild confidence13:20 – Why reframing imposter syndrome can fuel growth15:25 – The dangers of constant comparison and how to stop it17:15 – Practical tools to help build confidence at work19:29 – How to give feedback without damaging confidence21:45 – Focusing on what you can control in uncertain times26:31 – Living with anxiety and insomnia as a leader32:35 – Building Parent Land to support working parents38:36 – Gender equality and why it benefits everyone39:48 – What her future self would remind her today40:47 – Why knowing yourself is the key to leading others👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Join creative powerhouses Dave Buonaguidi, co-founder of notable agencies, and Trevor Robinson, founder of Quiet Storm, as they dissect the pitfalls of modern creative leadership. They tackle corruption in the industry, the detrimental effects of open-plan offices, and why HR often protects bad behavior instead of promoting a positive culture. Trevor also shares his experiences with sexism and bullying, while the trio explores the impact of technology addiction on attention and collaboration. A candid look at what needs to change!

The ROI of Inclusion – Why Diverse Voices Drive Better BusinessIn this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Ali Hanan, Founder and Executive Director of Creative Equals, an award-winning organisation helping brands like PepsiCo, Mars, and McDonald’s put inclusion at the heart of marketing.We dig into why inclusive advertising isn’t just a social good but also one of the smartest business investments you can make. Ali shares how bias still shapes the work we see on screen, the data behind why diversity drives growth, and the small, intentional steps leaders can take every day to create lasting change.We Cover: 00:00 – Introduction01:30 – What it takes to start and scale a business as a creative05:21 – Why operations are the hidden engine of growth07:51 – Collecting data to prove the need for change11:40 – Winning funding to launch programmes13:57 – Supporting disabled creatives and removing barriers to entry15:26 – Why female creative directors are still underrepresented17:44 – Bias in redundancy processes and hybrid working19:27 – How brands influence diversity across supply chains20:10 – The way adverts still stereotype women and men in 202524:02 – Racism, homophobia, and harmful portrayals in advertising25:37 – Why inclusive marketing outperforms AI hype31:20 – Keeping a team motivated through tough times32:49 – Where leaders need more courage in tackling bias37:38 – The freedom of caring less about judgment as you get older40:08 – How expanding your network can shift your perspectiveDon’t miss out on this powerful episode. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://thecourageousleaderspodcast.buzzsprout.com/🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://www.thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

What makes a one-to-one meeting truly powerful?In this solo episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share how to turn 121 from dull status updates into your most strategic leadership tool.This episode is packed with research, practical tips, and actionable questions, and will help you build trust, drive performance, and create a genuine human connection with your team.We Cover: 00:59 – Why 121 team meetings are your most strategic leadership tool01:45 – Three ways to instantly improve the quality of your meetings02:19 – Why walking meetings boost openness and insight02:44 – How often should you really be doing 121?03:20 – Five tips to make your 121 transformative03:49 – Creating psychological safety and why it matters04:22 – Asking better questions that open up real conversation04:59 – Making feedback a two-way street05:28 – Why you shouldn’t leave the meeting with their actions05:56 – One challenge to implement straight awayDon’t miss out on this powerful episode. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

A health expert's answer to “I just don’t have time to exercise.” Walk.That’s it. No gym. No gear. No excuses.In this week’s Fast & Curious, Cameron Harris, Managing Director at Truth Fitness, keeps it simple and honest in the hot seat.Find out:⚡ Why ‘just breathe’ is his ultimate daily tip⚡ Where he’d take Bob Marley (and Henry VIII!) for a workout⚡ What he really thinks about beer and burnout⚡ And the marriage advice that could save your weekendIt’s fast, funny, and packed with little truths you didn’t see coming.📺 Cameron’s full Fast & Curious episode is now live on YouTube. Don’t forget to check out their full Courageous Leaders interview while you’re there.👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Cameron Harris, Managing Director of Truth Fitness, about why so many senior leaders and entrepreneurs let their health slide, and what it's costing them.From burnout and hospital beds to redefining success beyond the boardroom, Cameron shares the powerful shift that helped him rebuild his business and his body. This episode is a wake-up call for leaders prioritising output over their own wellbeing.We cover:01:00 – The tipping point: when health becomes non-negotiable03:46 – Why flexibility matters more than motivation04:35 – Are entrepreneurs just bad at self-care?05:51 – The ripple effect of healthy leadership06:33 – Why work stress is silently stealing your future08:49 – The hidden costs of waiting too long to act10:17 – Autopilot vs. conscious habits12:20 – What “health and wealth” really means19:32 – Small daily shifts that change everything22:27 – Morning routines that reset your energy23:31 – Your habits affect more than just you24:24 – The motivation no parent wants to hear26:50 – Why death has been a driver for Cameron28:20 – “Don’t wait for the punch in the face”29:51 – What we lose when fitness becomes about aesthetics32:23 – The real meaning of performance34:14 – Headbutting the horizon: the patience problem35:51 – The pressure of artificial life timelines37:39 – What you can change tomorrow morning38:55 – Where to find Cameron and Truth Fitness👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Ever made a risky decision at work…that ended in record-breaking results?Pete Markey did..And it set the tone for Boots’ campaigns for the next four years.In this week’s Fast & Curious, the Boots’ Former CMO shares quick-fire insights, 80s nostalgia, and a surprising talent for product jingles.Find out:⚡ What he loves (and hates) about marketing⚡ The celeb life he wants ⚡ The risky ad move that paid off big⚡ His wild 80s music party trickIt’s fast, fun, and full of unexpected gems from one of the UK’s most respected marketing leaders.📺 Pete’s full Fast & Curious episode is now live on YouTube. Don’t forget to check out his full Courageous Leaders interview while you’re there. → Join our newsletter for leadership insights: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54