
The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour
For leaders who want to thrive - not just survive.Leadership can be lonely, overwhelming, and emotionally draining. But it doesn’t have to be. Join Master Certified Coach Jean Balfour as she brings honesty, depth, and warmth to conversations about what it really takes to lead with resilience, clarity, and purpose.In The Fulfilled Leader, Jean explores the inner world of leadership—the doubts, the burnout, the self-sabotage - and the transformative practices that help leaders feel more grounded, empowered, and fulfilled.You’ll hear practical insights from neuroscience, psychology, coaching, and real leadership experience. Whether it’s solo reflections or conversations with inspiring guests, this podcast is your space to pause, reflect, and grow. Listen every week and watch the way you lead, and live your life, transform forever.New episodes every week. Subscribe now and join a global community of leaders who are redefining success from the inside out.
Latest episodes

Oct 13, 2023 • 16min
Ep. #73 Marking Life's Important Milestones
Frequently, significant events like birthdays can indeed lead us to contemplate what we haven't achieved, our past mistakes, and our regrets. And they occasionally pull us into negative thoughts.Today's episode of "Making Sense of Work," is a special one. I discuss how we can leverage significant life milestones as chances for celebration and gratitude, while also acknowledging both the positive and challenging moments that contribute to our legacy. 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Oct 11, 2023 • 21min
Ep. #72 Becoming Powerful Influencers at Work
How good are you at influencing others? In this episode of Making Sense of Work, we'll explore the fundamental principles of influence and why it's essential in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional success. We'll discuss a three step strategy and seven ways you can influence effectively. To read the full blog, head over to https://baileybalfour.com/how-to-influence-people-at-work/ 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Oct 4, 2023 • 18min
Ep. #71 Taking Responsibility of our Working Experience
For many years, I've held the belief that we shape our own work situations and experiences. And by that, I mean the story we tell ourselves or the actions we take. True empowerment comes from assuming personal responsibility, examining our role, and understanding how we contribute to the way we perceive and navigate what's happening around us. In this episode, join me as I share ways we can take responsibility of our working experiences instead of assigning blame to external factors. 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Sep 28, 2023 • 22min
Ep. #70 Navigating Difficult Conversations
Navigating difficult conversations can be hard, but when done right, can be powerful and life changing. In this episode of Making sense of Work, master certified coach Jean Balfour shares with us how to tackle those difficult conversations with a coaching mindset. Learn techniques to offer constructive feedback in an empathetic and thoughtful manner.Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedInConnect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jean.balfour 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Sep 21, 2023 • 21min
Ep. #69 Five Steps to Get Your Next Promotion
Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching countless individuals on their journey to success, and I've witnessed some incredible transformations. Whether you're eyeing that next big promotion or simply want to level up your career game, here are 5 tips you should consider applying in your role today. Podcast recommendationsEp. #8 Nine Ways to be Politically Savvy at Work Ep. #40 The Gift of Feedback - Even if it Hurts! Ep. #54 Building a Growth Mindset Ep. #63 Making a Bold Career Move with Vanessa TeoConnect with Jean Balfour on LinkedInConnect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jean.balfour 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Sep 14, 2023 • 20min
Ep. #68 11 Ways to be Happy and Successful at Work
After 30 years of consulting to organisations, developing leaders and coaching - there are a few core beliefs Jean has come to believe about what makes for a happy and successful working life.In this episode she introduces her top 11 ways to think about work to create a fulfilling work life. You can contact Jean via LinkedIn to share the beliefs you hold about how to be happy and successful at work.Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/ 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Sep 7, 2023 • 16min
Ep. #67 The Authenticity Dilemma
There is so much talk about how we should be authentic at work at the moment. But what if we don’t want to be? And what if being authentic is not the right thing to do?Jean Balfour shares in this podcast how it is important to ‘bring ourselves to work’ - however, sometimes it may be better for us to not share all, to be less vulnerable and to manage our authenticity to match our context. Listen in to learn more about this and how to be contextually authentic. 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Aug 17, 2023 • 45min
Ep. #66 Compassionate Leadership for Team's Success with Helen Sanderson
What contributes to workplace happiness? How does compassionate leadership enhance team communication and clarity? How can team members proactively give feedback and uphold accountability for our growth and commitments?Tune in to our episode of "Making Sense of Work" featuring Helen Sanderson, a renowned consultant and coach in well-being and self-management as she discusses various approaches leaders can engage to cultivate both high performance and compassionate teams. Meet Helen SandersonHelen is a sought after consultant and coach. She is an AltMBA alumni and coached on the programme in 2016 and 2017 with Seth Godin. Helen is also a Certified Brene Brown Dare to Lead™ Facilitator. Helen explores self-management in health and car through her practice 'Helen Sanderson Associates' and 'Wellbeing Teams' in the UK. 'Wellbeing Teams' were small, neighbourhood, self-managed teams inspired by Buurtzorg and were the first self-managed teams in social care to be recognised by the Care Quality Commission in the UK and were rated Outstanding in their first inspection in 2019. They were a provider for four years and now support others to learn the practices that they were using in 'Wellbeing Teams.' Connect with Helen on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedInConnect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Aug 10, 2023 • 41min
Ep. #65 The Impact of Leaders Who Coach with Amit Ghosh
Each of us is on our path to achieving whatever we want to achieve, Inherently, we yearn for someone who holds unwavering belief in our capabilities.And employees can easily sense if their leader is invested in them. People want to be in a place where their leader believes that they can change, that they can evolve, and that they can grow. Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Impact of Leaders Who Coach" featuring the insights of executive coach Amit Ghosh. Discover the essence of being a coaching-oriented leader and the impact this has on the performance and culture of an organisation. Meet Amit Ghosh Amit is an executive coach and advisor. He works with senior corporate leaders, and founders / CxOs in tech industry. He has 20+ yrs of experience spanning P&L management, strategy, business operations, and business development. Most recently, he was Chief Information & Services Officer for R3, a blockchain software unicorn, and a Board Director at two early-stage technology companies. He is passionate about talent development and believes everyone can transform when they decide to.Book recommendation: The School of Life: An Emotional EducationConnect with Amit on LinkedIn Connect with Jean Balfour on LinkedInConnect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Aug 3, 2023 • 20min
Ep. #64 The Highs & Lows of Perfectionism
Ever found yourself being unkind to yourself because of perfectionism? The endless self-criticism and worry and overthinking, tied to perfectionism only waste our precious time and energy. And may stop us from brining our best at work. In this episode, Jean Balfour will be revealing some effective strategies we can embrace to conquer this destructive perfectionistic mindset.Book recommendation: The Gifts Of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You AreConnect with Jean Balfour on LinkedInConnect with Jean Balfour on Instagram @jeanbalfour 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/ For more information on the podcast, show notes and journaling prompts visit my substack blog: https://jeanbalfour.substack.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/