The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour

In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour explores one of the most common challenges leaders face, negative thinking, rumination, and self-doubt. Whether it shows up as imposter syndrome, constant worry, or replaying conversations in your head, these thought patterns can drain your energy and undermine your confidence.Jean explains why our brains are wired to focus on the negative, how this evolutionary mechanism once kept us safe, and why it so often works against us in the modern workplace. She shares insights from neuroscience, personal stories from her own journey with anxiety and rumination, and practical strategies you can use to shift your relationship with negative thinking.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy small triggers at work can send us spiraling into self-doubt.The three evolutionary drivers behind our brain’s negativity bias.How constant rumination impacts our energy, confidence, and leadership.The role of the amygdala in amplifying worry and fear.Why awareness is the first step to change—and how to practice it.Practical tools for “unhooking” from negative thoughts, including writing them down, reframing them, and even playful strategies like singing them out loud.How to hold onto the positive and let go of what doesn’t serve you.Resources and ReferencesThe Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)Rick Hanson’s work on the “Velcro for negatives, Teflon for positives” brain metaphorPractices for mindfulness, distraction, and self-compassionTakeaway Negative thinking never fully disappears—it’s part of being human. But you can change your relationship with it. By learning to observe, unhook, and reframe your thoughts, you free up energy and confidence to lead with greater calm and fulfillment. 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/

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/

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/

Feeling stuck in your career? Discover how small, incremental changes can lead to significant breakthroughs. The host shares a personal journey with a jigsaw puzzle, illustrating how meaningful progress often comes in tiny steps. By embracing 'one-degree turns,' you can navigate frustration and transform your life and leadership. Whether it's relationships or career growth, focus on daily, sustainable actions. Remember, you don’t need a grand vision—just take it one piece at a time.