The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour

Dr. Katie Best, a leadership coach and author, discusses her journey from consulting to writing her book, *The 10 Toughest Leadership Problems*, inspired by challenges faced during the pandemic. She introduces the SOLVE framework for problem-solving. Key topics include how to manage personal effectiveness amid overwhelming roles, the importance of trust over data in influence, and reframing difficult performance conversations as opportunities for growth. Katie emphasizes the need for basic human decency in organizational culture and finding fulfillment through authenticity.

Discover the art of influence in the workplace, a core leadership skill that thrives on empathy and connection. Learn a three-step framework to clarify your goals, understand others, and choose effective actions. Explore seven practical strategies for influencing—ranging from logic to relationship-building—and when to apply each. The discussion emphasizes moving away from a command-and-control mindset to a collaborative approach, ultimately fostering trust and improving outcomes while respecting diverse perspectives.

Dive into the struggles of negative thinking and self-doubt that many leaders face. Discover how our brains are hardwired for negativity and how this evolutionary trait can hinder modern work life. Learn practical strategies like writing down thoughts and playful techniques to unhook from harmful beliefs. Explore personal journeys of overcoming anxiety and embrace acceptance of life's ups and downs. Gain insights on managing triggers like perfectionism and comparison, helping you reclaim your confidence at work.

Explore how your school memories continue to shape your leadership today. Discover the lasting effects of belonging or exclusion in classrooms and how a teacher's words echo into adulthood. Delve into the hidden stories from your educational past that can either hold you back or propel you forward. Learn how to reframe old narratives to better serve your leadership role. With journaling prompts and reflective practices, gain insight into the patterns and strengths that still influence you.

Leaders everywhere are feeling overwhelmed, spurred by AI and heavy workloads. The discussion highlights less obvious culprits like perfectionism and emotional overload. Jean shares her personal journey and practical tools to shift from stress to enjoyment. Strategies such as time-blocking, acknowledging small joys, and fostering open team conversations are explored. Discover how creativity can alleviate anxiety and the importance of tracking progress to manage overwhelm effectively.

Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo, seasoned HR leaders and co-hosts of the Career Transitions podcast, share their rich experiences navigating career shifts. They discuss practical habits that foster leadership success during changes, emphasizing the power of active listening and cultural empathy. The conversation dives into overcoming imposter syndrome and the significance of creativity in professional life. Strategies for self-promotion, building trust, and embracing authenticity are explored, all while highlighting the human aspect of career transitions.

Explore the intriguing concept of your 'future self' and how it affects your decisions today. Discover why envisioning your future in the first person can drive action and empathy for your aspirations. Learn how pursuing your passions with discipline is key to becoming the leader you're meant to be. Visualization techniques and small daily actions can bridge the gap between who you are now and who you want to become. Plus, tips on observing inspiring leaders and even writing a retirement letter to connect with your future identity!

Dive into a fresh perspective on ambition that transcends traditional career goals. Explore how personal fulfillment and meaningful contributions redefine success. Hear inspiring stories of transformation—from teaching to impactful leadership roles. Discover the importance of aligning ambition with your values and the seasons of life. Learn practical tips on navigating ambition's challenges with honesty and self-compassion. This conversation invites you to reclaim and reshape your own definition of ambition.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Jonathan Marshall, a psychologist and executive coach with over 30 years of experience, unpacks the profound connection between early childhood experiences and leadership styles. He explores the influence of fear on ambition and the often-overlooked role of likability in effective leadership. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of emotional warmth and self-awareness in fostering healthier team dynamics. His rich background, including work at Harvard and a pioneering role in email innovation, adds depth to this insightful conversation.

How many times today have you been triggered? A sharp email, an offhand comment, a meeting that left you spiralling. Sometimes it’s a small internal shift, sometimes it leads to a reaction we regret.In this episode, I explore what it really means to be triggered at work - why it happens, how it affects us, and most importantly, what we can do about it. I share personal stories, emotional regulation models, and a toolkit of strategies to help you return to calm, grounded leadership in the heat of the moment.Whether you’re navigating team dynamics, difficult feedback, or simply the daily tension of leadership, this episode offers compassion, perspective, and practical ways to strengthen your emotional resilience.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it really means to be triggered at work  - and how to spot itCommon workplace triggers (some might surprise you)How your nervous system and ego states influence your reactionsThe role of values, unconscious memory, and emotional patternsPractical, in-the-moment strategies to pause and resetReflective practices to learn from difficult moments without shameWhy self-compassion is the most powerful tool of allTakeaway: Being triggered is part of being human  -  and part of being a leader. With the right tools, awareness, and kindness to yourself, you can turn these moments into powerful growth opportunities. Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/jean-balfour/30min Learn more about my work: https://jeanbalfour.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/