The Courageous Leaders Podcast

This episode was truly inspiring; Kate Tancred is one of the most courageous leaders we have had on the podcast. Kate’s journey, experiences, and the choices she has made demonstrate what true courage looks like in leadership. Join us as we explore finding the courage to do what is right for you even when it’s one of the hardest things you will do. I am so grateful for Kate's openness in sharing what it takes to start a business at 24, and then ten years later to have the courage to let it go.  Key discussion points:The dangers of tying your identity and self-worth to your businessHow negative emotions are driven from the fear of what people will think Confronting shame: The pressure of not meeting expectationsThe need to change the pace of workHarnessing COVID's pause and implementing a bold new directionTransitioning from solo founder to having a bossLetting go of control: the challenge and liberation of now having space for new thingsDriving diversity of talent in the film Industry Stay courageous and learn what is right for you and what you need and want.Let us know your thoughts! Please leave us a comment to keep the conversation going.00:00 "Courageous Leaders podcast with CEO Kate Tancred"04:42 Started with record players, now in media.07:31 Exciting industry meetings, no financial commitments, pivot.11:12 Anticipated video wave, held onto faith.15:36 Balancing work and family changed my perspective.18:49 Reflecting on life, making necessary changes.21:05 Transitioning from doubt to professional opportunities yielded.23:51 Optimism turns to shame when expectations are unmet.28:29 Struggle with control is my biggest lesson.32:37 Found issue, started company to make change.36:23 Tech industry evolved from lean startups, supports employees.37:28 Expresses gratitude, invites subscription, promises future content.👍 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

It can be hard work to navigate tension between team members and with your clients.  There is a lot of wasted energy and time that can be avoided.In this weeks episode I share the 3 key areas to focus on to help reduce tension to be able to focus on delivering great work.   I share practical actions for you to implement so please take a listen and let me know your thoughts.Key highlights:00:00 Understanding values crucial for team and clients.04:23 Assumptions lead to unspoken rules causing misunderstandings.08:23 Seek understanding, access human part, calm down.10:46 Managing workplace tension through leadership and coaching.👍 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

Every time I speak with Tom Jarvis, MD at Wilderness - The Social Media Agency, I leave feeling calm, inspired and bursting with ideas for my business and I know you will feel the same after you listen to his experience.Tom's blend of success and humility shines through as he shares invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial careerI could talk to him for hours.Key discussion points:How a scorecard created structure and insight to measure success and focus on key areas for improvementThe ability to identify a gap in the market and see the vision of what is neededTom’s story of accidentally setting up an agency which he has now recently soldThe significance of focus and self-awareness in driving business growth and achieving success.The benefits of creating a culture of autonomy and ownership Insights into the emotional aspects of selling a business and the lessons learned from such experiencesHow Tom defined his leadership style during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to growth and resilienceThe advantages of having a young and dynamic leadership teamI’d love to know what inspires you in this episode and the action it has encouraged you to take.00:00 Key topics: autonomy, feedback, young board, challenges.05:56 Vulnerability is okay, leadership evolves with growth.08:32 Transitioned from entertainment to digital marketing consulting.12:55 Creating a new industry with strategic decisions.16:45 Balanced approach to business success through metrics.17:56 Balancing growth and client satisfaction through communication.23:18 New industry, rapid growth, young board members.26:04 Belief in everyday creativity inspiring and connecting.27:12 Creativity is executed through diverse perspectives.32:17 Nurturing young talent brings fresh perspective.35:25 Honesty about business challenges fosters empathy.38:27 Shared process and decision-making for company stability.43:00 Learning to focus and stay in the game.45:26 Standing out in a crowded market challenge.47:13 Seek feedback to inspire and develop leadership.👍 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

Have you fully stepped into your leadership identity? In this episode, I delve into the common challenge faced by leaders struggling to empower themselves and embrace their evolving identity.I share key insights from Check Warner and Harjot Singh, who were part of our panel at Courageous Leaders LIVE, and inspired a whole room to back themselves. Key Discussion Points:Understanding the identity walls that can hinder personal growth.Freeing yourself to embody the person you aspire to be.Exploring how high performers continuously shape their evolving identities.Reflecting on the labels we allow to define us.Leveraging evidence to propel yourself forward in your leadership journey.Let's empower your leadership journey together! 🌟 Content Overview00:00 Leaders evolving through organizational transitions and self-identity.05:49 Nurture positive thoughts for self-empowerment and success.06:39 Nurture the positive wolf for personal success.09:49 Prioritizing personal boundaries, speaking truth, and building trust.👍 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 week’s episode, I get to talk to the brilliant Claire Humphris, CEO of Iris Worldwide.Claire was one of the founders of Iris and she openly shares the highs and lows of running an agency over the last 25 years.We explore Claire's initial resistance to becoming CEO and the challenges of putting yourself out there for all to see. Key discussion points:The challenge of stepping up as CEO after being used to being part of a leadership teamThe importance of letting go of the need to be likedThe perspective of sport and business in resilience and enduranceWhy character is so important when hiring and building a teamThe fear of judgment that comes with being in the public eyeThe mental strength needed and how business and sport have helped to develop thisBeing able to rely on yourself and reframe problems Insights on when to take the lead and when to challenge This was our first  episode since moving to video recordings and I’m grateful to Claire for making it such an easy transition. 👍 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 today's episode, we delve into a common pattern observed in leadership roles. Many leaders find themselves overly involved in their team's activities, often due to a natural desire for control and involvement. However, effective leadership requires recognising when to step back and empower your team to reach their full potential. Join us as we explore the pitfalls of reliant leadership and provide actionable steps to foster a more independent and capable team.Key discussion points:Creating reliance between you and your teamUnderstanding how it’s easy and normal to fall into this trapThe consequences of being a reliant leaderHow to identify if this is what you are doingThe empowerment to grow your team’s potential The actions you can take to encourage ownership and initiative from your teamBreaking the pattern of reliant leadership is crucial for both personal growth as a leader and the professional development of your team. We would love to know your thoughts on this subject! Please leave us a comment to keep the conversation going.👍 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

I’m so grateful to Michelle Booth, Head of Growth and Innovation at Lloyds Bank for her bravery in sharing her story of seemingly having it all yet feeling deeply unhappy and suicidal. To discover what was important to her and not conforming to what society says you ‘should do and have’.Michelle's story is a testament to the importance of authenticity and self-discovery in the pursuit of genuine fulfilment.Key discussion points:Emotions are not a weakness; understanding and expressing them appropriately can strengthen leadership and team cohesionConcerns about the potential misuse of emotions to avoid critical feedbackAcknowledging that Psychological safety is an input, not an outputHow stand-up comedy and a clowning course helped to overcome failurethe essential components required to drive innovation and creativity within organisationsThe importance of giving and receiving feedback effectively - it's not the leader's job to manage people's feelings but to maintain a space where emotions and feedback can coexistThe power of humour and resilienceThe illusion of certainty and embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation and growthThis episode serves as a powerful reminder to follow your own path and do what is right for you.Let us know your thoughts! Please leave us a comment to keep the conversation going.👍 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 week’s episode, I talk with the brilliant Karen Boswell. Join us as we delve deep into the vital significance of purpose in both individual and business success. I am so grateful for Karen’s transparency in sharing her career highs and lows and shedding light on topics often hidden behind a facade of success.Key discussion points: Overcoming feeling excluded and having self-doubt following a merger announcement Rebuilding confidence after losing personal purposeBlind recruiting to mitigate biases and promote inclusivityBuilding trust through vulnerability and transparencyWhen to push for change or move on in leadershipFrom profit-centric to purpose-driven business, the necessity to adapt or face declineFlip the traditional meeting agenda to prioritise people's issuesThe challenges of a large company's complexities and hierarchies Strategies on how to build a culture virtuallyDo things for you, rather than seeking external validation This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative effects of leading with purpose, the resilience required to enact change, and the personal fulfilment that comes from aligning with one's true values. Stay courageous and connected to your purpose!👍 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 week’s episode of the podcast, I’m going all in on fear.How do we get to a place where we can manage our fear versus letting fear manage us? In this episode, join me as I discuss this topic and how you can begin to allow yourself to be free from fear as a leader.I also discuss the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the barriers in your life that might be holding you back.Key takeaways include:● The power of shifting focus towards outcomes to drive action despite emotions● Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for accelerated personal growth● Understanding the physical manifestations of fear and using them as cues for action● Leveraging lessons from others' experiences to tackle challenges head-onCheck out the article mentioned in the episode here:https://humanparts.medium.com/finding-my-fighting-words-how-i-learned-to-have-uncomfortable-conversations-9c0bb09c50cFollow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: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

In episode 102 of the podcast, I speak with Polly McMorrow, CEO of McCann London.Join us as we discuss the amount of pressure many leaders put on themselves to succeed and the delicate balance of self-imposed pressure against the backdrop of industry expectations.We also discuss the contagious nature of fearless leadership and why it’s so important for CEOs to have patience, positivity, and transparency.Key takeaways include:● The initial hesitation around the opportunity to become CEO● The impact of adapting to different professional environments● The importance of encouraging a culture where employees can be themselves● The transition to CEO and instilling change while respecting the existing culture● Being promoted for potential● The vitality of knowing oneself to build genuine connections and lead with integrityPolly joined McCann London in 2022 after a successful 14-year tenure as MD of BBH, where she drove significant growth for brands like Audi and VW and won back-to-back IPA Effectiveness Awards. Passionate about client business, she fosters high-performing teams, and mentors, and is active in various industry associations.Follow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: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