The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour

How does our early life shape the leaders we become? What role does fear play in our ambition? And how can we lead with more wholeness and warmth -  especially when work feels hard?In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, I’m joined by psychologist and executive coach Dr. Jonathan Marshall for a deeply thoughtful and expansive conversation about the inner world of leaders.Jonathan supports high performers who look like they're thriving on the outside but feel stretched and burnt out underneath. His work brings together leadership development, psychological depth, and meaningful change - and in this conversation, he shares some of the powerful patterns he sees in the leaders he works with.We talk about:How childhood experiences and attachment styles influence our leadershipThe role of fear in driving performance - and what happens when we heal itWhy likability matters more than we think in leadershipThe importance of self-awareness and working with our narcissismAnd how we can create warmth and emotional inclusion in our teamsJonathan also shares stories from his rich and varied background - including the time he helped change how we think about email “attachments” in the early days of Yahoo Mail, and what it was like moving from clinical psychology into leadership coaching at Harvard Business School.This episode is full of both insight and heart. Jonathan invites us to reflect more deeply on who we are as leaders - and reminds us that the more whole we become, the more powerfully we can lead.Follow Jonathan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1marshall/Jonathan's website: https://www.marshall.com.sg/ 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/

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/

Welcome back to The Fulfilled Leader! In this second refreshed episode, we’re diving deep into a subject that so often surfaces in coaching sessions - organizational politics.For many leaders, politics at work can feel murky, manipulative, or downright toxic. It’s something we often wish would just go away. And yet, it’s a reality in every workplace. In this episode, I offer a fresh perspective: what if we replaced the idea of organizational politics with relational savvy?💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why all organizations are inherently political, and why ignoring this can stall your career.How to engage in politics ethically and effectively, without compromising your values.The difference between Fox-like, Sheep-like, and Wise Owl behavior at work.Why relational savvy is a leadership superpower.My two personal stories of getting it wrong - and what they taught me about political maturity.A 9-part strategy to help you build influence, understand power, and drive impact without playing dirty. 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/

Are you feeling stuck in your work or leadership, wishing for a breakthrough moment that never seems to come?In this reflective and encouraging episode, Jean shares a personal story that begins with a jigsaw puzzle and unfolds into a powerful reminder: meaningful change often doesn’t arrive in sweeping transformations. but in slow, steady, sometimes invisible steps forward.Drawing inspiration from her own creative process and insights from James Clear and Martha Beck, Jean invites you to think differently about your journey. Whether you’re seeking more fulfillment, navigating challenging relationships, or hoping for career growth, she offers a simple yet profound shift: focus on your inputs, not just the outcomes.This episode is an invitation to:Rethink how real change happens - in your leadership, career, and life.Identify the areas where you're frustrated or feeling stuck.Explore how 1% improvements or "one-degree turns" can get you back on track.Embrace the power of small, sustainable actions each day.Key Takeaway: You don’t need a grand plan or a giant leap. Just one piece at a time. That’s how transformation begins.We'd love to know: What small shift will you make today? 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/

After four years and over a hundred episodes, I’m taking a moment to revisit some of the most loved conversations on this podcast. And what better place to start than the very first topic we ever explored  -purpose.This refreshed episode of Finding Your Purpose brings new insights, reflections, and practical strategies to help you reconnect with what truly matters in your work and leadership.I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of purpose, both as a coach and in my own journey through leadership, burnout, and back to alignment. For many of us, work is a central part of our lives, and we long to feel fulfilled and grounded in what we do. And yet, finding our purpose, and staying aligned with it, isn’t always simple.In this episode, I’ll take you through:Why purpose matters for our energy, wellbeing and leadershipMy own story of misalignment, burnout, and rediscoveryHow to know when you’re “in your lane”  and what it feels like when you’re notPractical exercises to help you explore your purpose and reconnect with what energises youWays to find moments of alignment, even if your current role isn’t quite rightWhether you're early in your career, in a moment of transition, or just feeling a little out of sync - this conversation is for you. It’s for the leaders, the coaches, the caregivers, and the quietly curious - all of us trying to find our way back to what matters most.Let’s get back in our lane. 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/

Why do so many smart, capable people hold themselves back from stepping into their potential? In this episode, I’m joined by leadership expert, bestselling author, and global speaker Dr Margie Warrell to explore the essential role of courage in navigating today’s uncertain world.Margie shares her personal journey from rural Australia to global leadership advisor, and how her lifelong relationship with fear and self-doubt led her to develop a framework for courageous living.Whether you’re facing a career crossroads, struggling with self-doubt, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will inspire you to take braver action — even in the midst of fear.Margie is an award-winning author of six books, including her latest: The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action. With a PhD in Human Development and a Master’s in Leadership & Organisational Change, she combines research and lived experience to empower people to step through fear and into their potential.A sought-after speaker, media contributor, and women’s leadership advocate, Margie has lived and worked across four continents and brings deep wisdom, compassion, and clarity to the topic of courage.In this episode we cover The surprising way Margie defines courage (hint: it’s not about being fearless)Why fear is wired into us – and how understanding the brain helps us move through itMargie’s powerful formula for courageHow to take charge of your self-talk and inner narrativesAn overview of the 5 steps to closing the courage gap:Intention – focusing on what you want, not what you fearBelief – rewriting limiting stories about your capabilitiesConnection – regulating your nervous system and leaning on communityAction – embracing discomfort as a path to growthLearning – mining failure for gold, not shameHow to create a culture of courage in the workplace and at homeMargie’s Website: https://margiewarrell.com/Book: The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver ActionFree Courage Gap Assessment: Take it hereLive Brave Podcast with MargieFollow Margie on LinkedIn 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/

In a heartfelt celebration, the host reflects on the journey of podcasting through 100 milestones. Key lessons on leadership stem from leveraging journaling as a transformative tool. Discover how engaging in what energizes you can combat burnout and self-doubt. Insights on managing imposter syndrome highlight the importance of showing up, even without feedback. The transformative power of journaling is explored with practical tips and exercises to unlock clarity and creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journaling journey.

In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and practical exploration of emotional resilience at work. From the subtle emotional triggers we experience in a single day to the more overwhelming waves of stress and anxiety that can derail us, Jean explores how leaders can strengthen their ability to stay grounded amidst pressure.Jean recounts her own journey - including a difficult piece of feedback that changed the trajectory of her leadership - and outlines five powerful, research-backed strategies for managing emotional triggers and building lasting emotional strength. This episode is a supportive guide for leaders navigating complex challenges while wanting to stay calm, compassionate, and focused.You’ll learn:Why emotional resilience matters more than ever for leaders todayThe surprising power of naming emotionsHow values and purpose can anchor us in tough momentsA simple 3-step technique to “unhook” from reactive thoughtsWhy small recovery rituals throughout the day are essentialWhether you're leading through crisis, juggling demands, or quietly wrestling with internal doubts, this episode is your reminder that strength doesn’t mean never feeling - it means knowing how to come back to centre.Resources mentioned:The "mad, sad, glad, bad, scared" emotion check-inBox breathing and grounding techniquesJournaling and diffusion practice 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/

In this powerful opening episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares the personal and professional journey behind the podcast's transformation. After nearly four years of Making Sense of Work, Jean saw a shift - both in herself and in the leaders she coaches. The focus is no longer just on performance or organizational outcomes, but on fulfillment, emotional wellbeing, and resilience at work.Jean openly reflects on closing her successful coach training business to focus more on one-to-one coaching, retreats, and creating content that supports leaders in leading from their inner strength. She introduces her new Fulfilled Leader model: a six-part framework designed to help leaders cultivate deeper purpose and satisfaction in their work lives.💡 What You’ll LearnWhy fulfillment and emotional resilience are becoming central to effective leadershipThe myths we hold about what leaders are “supposed” to feelJean’s six core components of a fulfilled leader:Deep SatisfactionAligned ClarityGrounded ConfidenceCentred CalmRelational ConnectionIntentional GrowthThe personal story behind Jean’s decision to shift her career focusWhat’s next for Jean’s work with leaders - including 1:1 coaching and retreats 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/

Guest: Danny Dagan – Author of The GameEpisode Summary:In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dagan, author of The Game, a gripping thriller that has just hit the shelves to glowing reviews. Danny’s journey to publication was anything but overnight—The Game is his seventh novel, following years of writing, rejection, and relentless persistence.We dive deep into the discipline of writing, the mindset needed to keep going despite setbacks, and the surprising role of delusional self-belief in long-term success. Danny also shares how his corporate and legal background helped him navigate the business of publishing and how his community—both online and on his remote North Sea island—played a pivotal role in launching his book.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Danny transitioned from corporate life to full-time writing✅ The daily habits and discipline that fuel his creative process✅ Why rejection is part of the journey—and how to push through✅ The power of community and network in launching a creative career✅ The ethical dilemma at the heart of The GameAbout The GameThe Game is a high-stakes thriller with a chilling premise: the children of five billionaires are kidnapped by a self-styled Robin Hood group, and only one will survive—the child whose parent pays the highest ransom. The ransom money? Destined for good causes. But is it justified?A page-turner from start to finish, The Game is both a thriller and a thought-provoking exploration of ethics, wealth, and power.Links & Resources:📖 Grab your copy of The Game – https://dagan.co.uk/the-game-by-danny-dagan/ 🎙️ Follow Making Sense of Work for more inspiring conversations💡 Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! 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/