The Courageous Leaders Podcast

"Decision by committee" is killing productivity and stifling innovation. In this episode, I explore the common pitfalls of this approach and offer practical strategies to help leadership teams make faster, more effective decisions. We'll dive into the fears and misconceptions that fuel this approach and discover how to create a culture of clarity, alignment, and action.We Cover: 00:29 - Why Decision by Committee Happens01:06 - The Role of Fear01:35 - The Myth of Consensus01:56 - Achieving Alignment, Not Just Agreement02:59 - Overcoming Analysis Paralysis03:37 - Escaping the "Just In Case" Mentality04:09 - The Importance of Clear Roles04:34 - Dealing with the Fear of Hurting Feelings05:07 - The Problem with Too Many Cooks05:47 - Auditing Your Leadership ProcessDon’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, we're joined by the legendary Sir John Hegarty, Iconic Founder and Creative of Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) and The Garage Entertainment, and a pioneering figure in the world of advertising. He shares his journey and philosophy on creativity, leadership, and staying current in the ever-changing advertising industry. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration from one of the greatest creative minds.We Cover: 01:15 - Taking Risks & Founding BBH03:52 - The Importance of Valuing Creativity05:34 - Focusing on the Present Moment06:32 - How Ideas Change the World11:29 - Imagination vs. Data13:38 - The Power of Play16:39 - What It Feels Like to Have a Great Idea20:17 - Building a Creative Culture21:46 - Overcoming Fear as a Leader24:43 - How to Encourage Creativity in Others28:03 - The Importance of Human Connection30:56 - Why Collaboration Can Be Risky33:57 - The Role of Ego in Leadership35:39 - Starting a Business with Just a Suitcase40:07 - Sir John Hegarty's Advice to His Younger SelfDon’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

Sam Budd, CEO of the Buddy Media Group, recognised as one of TechGround's top 20 entrepreneurs in 2024. Join us as Sam delves into the impact of childhood trauma on his leadership style.  He shares how he turned his personal adversities into superpowers, discussing his personal experiences with ADHD and dyslexia. We Cover: 02:43 - Why people with addiction need to be supported not avoided06:32 - How the community helped to stop Sam from going to prison07:00 - The tragic loss of Sam’s brother and the impact of this09:55 - Recognising how your triggers creep up and corrupt your values12:41 - Courageously sharing how trauma shapes identity15:49 - Don’t compare your trauma to others18:28 - The power of looking at things through different perspectives21:39 - Why we need to know ourselves to be able to engage others.24:51 - Mental health support is challenging yet rewarding.30:14 - Struggling with trauma, overtraining, seeking healthier focus.32:19 - The challenge of balancing relentless ambition and taking care of ourselves38:42 - How ADHD and dyslexia can enhance communication and foresight.41:27 - Embrace strengths and collaborate for a successful life.54:02 - Leadership requires clarity, direction, growth, and delivery.56:39 - Significant personal transformation; focusing on well-being.Don’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, we chat with Amy Kean, CEO of Good Shout and bestselling author. Amy brings her bold energy and honesty as she shares her journey of overcoming toxic environments, finding confidence, and staying true to who you are.From her glittering silver boots to her inspiring insights on public speaking, confidence, and individuality—this is a conversation full of energy, fun, and wisdom.We Cover:04:36 – How a toxic workplace experience led to a life transformation07:43 – Why we need to hear diverse voices on stage08:57- Too many women are saying no to opportunities to speak12:42– Managing the shame and nerves when doing public speaking15:57 – Pushing the limits you have on yourself20:56 – How to run a high-energy business as an introvert23:20 – How companies are bandaging mental health issues instead of truly addressing them with genuine care27:03 –Getting backlash and being treated differently for putting yourself out there31:08 – How empathy can help you move past toxicity34:18 – Breaking through limits and aiming higher, no matter where you come from36:48 – Facing rejection and learning to move forward40:55 – Why you should embrace what makes you unique42:30 – Owning your personal style and self-expression45:24 – Reflecting on the impact of your voice and actionsDon’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 Rob Doubal and Laurence (Lolly) Thomson, Global CCOs at M&C Saatchi.With 17 years of collaboration, they share lessons on leadership, creativity, and adaptability, from their McCann days to leading at M&C Saatchi.We dive into embracing risk, building strong team dynamics, and unlocking the value of creative leadership. If you're a leader or creative looking to grow, this episode is full of valuable insights.We Cover: 05:55 - How setbacks can lead to exciting opportunities11:14 - The importance of adaptable leadership and adjusting styles for different jobs13:14 - Fostering environments where ideas thrive and innovation leads the way16:13 - How creativity separates successful from unsuccessful businesses18:15 - How to put Creativity at the Heart of the Agency21:02 - Balancing Vulnerability and Creativity24:16 - The key questions to ask in an interview27:01 - How their strengths help solve problems faster and work efficiently33:33 - Why successful teams need diverse perspectives and shared goals35:25 - The learning from working with multiple CEO's 36:32 - Understanding the value of different leadership styles.39:49 - How effective leadership balances motivation, organisation, and pressure.45:30 - Recognising that big change takes time, while managing the urge to dive in immediately50:52 - Keep Learning and Keep breaking 55:48 - Explaining Risk: A simple yet powerful ‘puddle’ metaphor for LeadershipDon’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 Dr. Steven Stein, a Clinical Psychologist, Best-selling Author, and Founder of MHS. With decades of experience advising the military, corporations, and even TV shows, Dr. Stein shares invaluable insights on leadership and emotional intelligence.We explore the courage it takes for entrepreneurs to step back and trust their teams.Dr. Stein shares how emotional intelligence drives leadership success, from improving team dynamics to boosting engagement and profitability.We Cover: 00:52 - Why its important to step back and let other people take control04:07 - The impact of putting the right person in the right role07:21 - The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace12:02 - Why do Gen Z need more support and guidance in the workforce15:51 - How having a sense of purpose can influence staff pride and job satisfaction17:25 - How hardiness can help you grow stronger through difficult feedback19:13 - The 3 C’s of hardiness: Challenge, commitment, and control23:41 - How leadership is about being more of a coach27:25 - Taking small risks to drive innovation29:23 - How simulations can prepare individuals for real-world challenges35:57 - Pulse surveys: Building trust in remote teams38:34 - Letting go of control and embracing unconditional love in leadershipDon’t miss out on this powerful episode. Below are the links to Dr. Steven Stein's books:📖 https://stevenstein.com/hardiness/ - Hardiness 📖 https://stevenstein.com/studenteqedge/ - The Student EQ Edge📖https://stevenstein.com/emotionalintelligencefordummies/ - Emotional Intelligence For Dummies📖https://stevenstein.com/theeqleader/- The EQ Leader📖https://stevenstein.com/theeqedge/ - The EQ Edge          📖https://stevenstein.com/thestudenteqedge/ - The Student EQ Edge    👍 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 share three powerful, yet simple strategies to help you achieve success in 2025.With practical advice and personal insights, this episode will help you approach the year ahead with clarity, focus, and courage.We Cover: 00:00- Introduction00:26 – How setting this one thing will help drive your focus in the right direction01:47– A simple way to help you set your intention for the year to help inform your decisions04:19 – A compelling strategy on how to keep yourself accountableDon’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

As we wrap up 2024, this special episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast celebrates the powerful insights shared by our incredible guests this year. As the founder of The Change Creators, I’ve put together this compilation to share my personal reflections on what it truly means to lead with courage.From building trust to fostering alignment and cohesion, these inspiring insights will leave you with actionable takeaways as we head into the holiday season. Tune in to celebrate courageous leadership and start 2025 with fresh motivation and purpose.We Cover: 00:00- Introduction00:47- Managing relationships with team members who you don’t get on with05:03- Why we need to back ourselves09:12- Taking bold steps to steer your career with confidence11:10- From feeling stuck to finding freedom15:19- How to remove fear from the equation19:47- Leading through challenges and helping others navigate tough times21:03- Embracing leadership as a continuous journey of growth and authenticity23:43- How can leaders help others overcome fear and take action28:51- The value of letting go to empower your teamDon’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

Karen Martin, CEO of BBH London and Agency Leader of the Year 2021, delves into the changing perceptions of hard work across generations, the vital role of feedback in leadership, and how much more efficient we could be if we embraced directness in communication. She opens up about her personal journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and emphasises the importance of clarity and straightforwardness in leadership. Tune in for valuable insights on balancing empathy with decisive action and cultivating a more supportive and transparent industry culture.We Cover: 01:23- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Trusting Yourself and Pushing Forward08:41- Why caring about your work, colleagues, and clients matters11:58- The pressure of balancing high standards with empathy in leadership13:37- Balancing boundaries and the importance of a shared mindset at work18:42- Why leaders must be direct and consistent with their words19:24- Mastering the art of clear communication in tough situations22:44- Why honest feedback and self- awareness are essential in leadership27:03- Gaining confidence through decision making32:28- Finding the courage to speak up in meetings and be heard34:53- Generosity in leadership: A modern approach to collaborationDon’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

AJ Coyne, VP of Marketing at Monzo, shares his journey of aligning personal values with career goals and balancing work with family life.He talks about his move from Klarna to Monzo due to a values misalignment and gives honest insights into managing a demanding role while raising young children.We Cover: 04:02 – Making values-based decisions which meant leaving Klarna07:25 – How senior leaders can unintentionally create anxiety10:39 – Building trust and creating safe spaces for communication15:10 – Why showing genuine care matters in conversations16:38 – Balancing leadership roles and the value of feedback20:16 – The challenges of a high pressure job and young family24:16 – Why great leaders operate at all levels and lead with vulnerability27:41 – How to use “happy, busy” checks to understand and support team members30:54 –Assuming Trust from the start and being upfront34:43 – Why making time for deep thinking matters36:13 – Understanding personal values in order to lead effectivelyDon’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