

The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour
Jean Balfour - I Coach Senior Leaders to Build Emotional Resilience & Find Fulfillment
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Sep 7, 2023 • 16min
Ep. #67 The Authenticity Dilemma
The discussion highlights the challenges of being authentic at work, emphasizing the importance of safety in self-expression. It introduces the concept of 'covering,' where people mask aspects of their identity to fit in. The podcast dives into the authenticity paradox, balancing transparency with professionalism. Additionally, it explores 'contextual authenticity,' suggesting that our true expressions should adapt to different situations, encouraging listeners to reflect on their values in professional interactions.

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/ 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/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/

Aug 3, 2023 • 20min
Ep. #64 The Highs & Lows of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, leading to self-criticism and wasted energy. The discussion delves into its mental health impacts and how it can strain relationships. Listeners are encouraged to practice self-compassion and embrace the idea of 'good enough.' Practical strategies are shared to help break free from perfectionistic tendencies, which can ultimately enhance both personal and professional satisfaction.

Jul 27, 2023 • 40min
Ep. #63 Making a Bold Career Move with Vanessa Teo
Do you dream of pursuing a completely different career path but fear of taking the leap? Join us this week on "Making Sense of Work" as we sit down with Vanessa Teo, Director of Strategy Planning (Commercial) at AbbVie. Vanessa's journey is a tale of bold career moves, as she transitioned from HR to the commercial side of the industry. Discover how Vanessa's unique perspective on "stretch seasons" played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with valuable lessons for anyone considering a daring career change.Meet Vanessa TeoVanessa is a strategic business focused HR leader. She’s passionate about helping organizations make human capital a competitive advantage through developing people to their highest potential. Vanessa has over 20 years of experience spanning the HR and Commercial functions. At AbbVie, Vanessa currently leads Strategy Planning for the Medical Aesthetics function.Since joining AbbVie in 2019, she has held various roles in HR including Director, Talent Management (Intercontinental), Director, Talent Management and Development (JAPAC) and Talent Acquisition (Japan), and HR Director for Singapore (JAPAC HQ and site operations). Vanessa holds an Executive Masters in Change (Organizational Psychology) from INSEAD, and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington. Book recommendation: The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business Working Identity - Herminia IbarraConnect with Vanessa 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/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/