
Coaching Real Leaders
We all want to get to the next level of our career, but so many of us get stuck. Longtime leadership coach Muriel Wilkins takes you inside real-life leadership coaching sessions with high performers working to overcome professional challenges and grow as leaders. Listen in on real conversations and leave with new insights and practical guidance for your own career.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of its hosts, guests, and callers, and not those of Harvard Business Review.
Latest episodes

23 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 57min
How Do I Co-Lead with a Challenging Partner?
Navigating the intricate dynamics of co-leadership takes center stage, especially when faced with challenging partnerships. The discussion emphasizes conflict resolution, the need for clarity in roles, and balancing authority. Personal accountability is highlighted as key to fostering effective collaboration. Strategies for enhancing communication and trust are shared, alongside insights on how to turn conflicts into growth opportunities. Overall, it’s about embracing responsibility to build better teamwork amidst the complexities of dual leadership.

62 snips
May 19, 2025 • 54min
How Do I Deal with a Competitive Peer?
A leader confronts the challenges of competing against a former mentor who is now her peer. The discussion emphasizes navigating contrasting leadership styles and fostering emotional resilience. Strategies for self-advocacy and enhancing visibility in a competitive environment are shared. The conversation highlights the complexities of workplace dynamics, the need for proactive communication, and the significance of self-acknowledgment in gaining recognition and confidence amidst competition. Ultimately, personal growth and self-leadership take center stage.

99 snips
May 5, 2025 • 51min
How Do I Get Out of Constant Crisis Mode?
Explore the challenges of transitioning from crisis management to long-term strategy in leadership roles. Discover how personal values can align with organizational needs for sustainable success. Learn about team dynamics, the importance of collaboration, and breaking free from reactivity. Delve into setting boundaries and fostering communication to boost productivity. The conversation highlights the pressure to seek help and how self-awareness can overcome imposter syndrome, transforming leaders into proactive change-makers.

134 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 48min
How Do I Define My Personal Brand at Work?
He’s a seasoned business professional who’s worked at a number of companies with the aspiration of becoming a senior executive. But while he knows he adds value, he feels stuck in individual contributor roles. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through understanding what stands in his way, articulating what he wants, and redefining his personal brand at work.
Further reading:
A New Approach to Building Your Personal Brand
How to Build Your Personal Brand at Work
The New Rules of Executive Presence
The Essentials: Executive Presence

43 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
How Do I Get Recognized as a Leader?
The discussion centers on the journey of a leader feeling overlooked in a new role. Key topics include strategies for gaining visibility, the importance of networking, and self-advocacy. Insights on navigating workplace dynamics and fostering belonging within teams highlight the role of personal contributions. The conversation emphasizes building trust and relationships for effective leadership, while also addressing the complexities of asserting oneself without coming off as self-serving. Overall, practical advice is shared for enhancing leadership recognition.

9 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 2min
Coming Soon: Season 9 of Coaching Real Leaders
Dive into the complexities of leadership as Muriel Wilkins tackles the common hurdles faced by executives. Explore how exhaustion and self-doubt can impact performance, and discover the transformative power of coaching. Get ready for insightful conversations that highlight growth and adaptation in the ever-evolving work landscape. This season promises to engage and inspire, providing tools to navigate professional challenges more effectively.

216 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 50min
How Do I Position Myself to Influence Senior Leadership?
A leader navigates the mixed signals from senior management while striving for strategic impact. The importance of aligning personal values with professional goals is explored, along with the emotional challenges of transitioning from solopreneurship to corporate life. Insights on understanding organizational roles and influencing leadership dynamics provide clarity. Emphasis is placed on self-reflection for personal growth, addressing frustrations in advisory roles, and encouraging open communication to foster a supportive environment for change.

110 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 5min
How Do I Lead Change When There Is Stakeholder Resistance?
An experienced leader faces challenges in a new international change management role. Resistance from stakeholders complicates her mission, and discussions highlight the importance of collaboration and cultural understanding. Strategies for overcoming this resistance include fostering clear communication and addressing systemic biases. The journey emphasizes emotional resilience and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Ultimately, it showcases how leaders can navigate tough transformations while maintaining their optimism and adaptability.

73 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 53min
Do I Really Want To Be a C-Suite Leader?
A leader grapples with the tension between ambition and comfort as she considers a C-suite role. The conversation dives into the complexities of success, shaped by personal and societal expectations. Themes of self-reflection and understanding one's true aspirations emerge, highlighting the need to balance purpose with potential. The discussion emphasizes mindful decision-making in career transitions and the importance of aligning personal goals with professional opportunities.

185 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 48min
How Do I Deal with Low Performers on My Team?
A leader grapples with managing low performers amid a rapidly growing team. He navigates the complexities of accountability and communication, especially between senior and junior members. Critical discussions focus on balancing motivation with the need for structure and clear expectations. The importance of giving effective feedback is emphasized, alongside strategies to foster trust and support. Insights into navigating difficult conversations and the emotional aspects of performance management aim to equip leaders for success.