

Coaching Real Leaders
Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins
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.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of its hosts, guests, and callers, and not those of Harvard Business Review.
Episodes
Mentioned books

45 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 43min
How Should I Plan for My Next Role When I’m Happy with the One I’m In?
Finding joy in a current role doesn't mean neglecting future opportunities. A leader grapples with how to plan her career while loving where she is. Key discussions revolve around defining values, maximizing impact in diverse teams, and addressing fears of making the wrong career moves. Emphasizing psychological safety, the conversation explores reframing risks and focusing on growth. With practical steps for career conversations and support requests, the session equips listeners to navigate their professional paths confidently.

92 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 53min
How Do I Address Feedback on Increasing My Visibility?
A leadership transition sparks a conversation about the crucial role of visibility at work. The discussion highlights the difference between perception and performance, urging listeners to uncover what leaders truly value. Strategies for expanding one's network, along with the balance of personal reputation and strategic impact, are explored. Concrete steps for increasing workplace visibility emerge, emphasizing the importance of sponsorships and clear communication. Key takeaways provide a roadmap for defining and enhancing visibility in any organization.

Sep 15, 2025 • 2min
Coming Soon: Season 10 of Coaching Real Leaders
Are you experiencing a roadblock in your leadership path? On this season of Coaching Real Leaders, executive coach Muriel Wilkins works through issues like imposter syndrome, whether you really want to be CEO, and how to receive – and take action on – tough feedback. She guides leaders through what’s holding them back, their options for moving forward, and truly defining what they want in their careers.
Listen to the latest season of Coaching Real Leaders starting September 22.

34 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 42min
How Do I Adapt My Leadership as My Company Grows?
Flynn, a successful entrepreneur, seeks to refine her leadership style as her company grows. Guided by coach Muriel Wilkins, they explore strategies for empowering teams and transitioning from micromanagement to built trust. The conversation delves into the importance of aligning individual and corporate goals, fostering a culture of accountability, and setting clear expectations. Flynn learns to adapt her approach by embracing self-reflection and prioritizing clarity, ensuring her leadership evolves with her expanding business.

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.

80 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.

107 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.

149 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

64 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.