The AC Podcast

Blaire Palmer, former BBC journalist turned leadership coach and author of ‘Punks and Suits’, joins executive coach and host, Simone Sweeney, to explore how coaches can best support the dynamic evolution of leadership in today’s world. Blaire shares her journey from journalism to leadership coaching 25 years ago and the transformative insights she gained along the way. The discussion dives deep into the future of leadership, focusing on the importance of self-awareness, human-centred strategies, and adapting to rapidly evolving organizational challenges.   Blair reveals key takeaways from her book, emphasizing the need for leaders to resolve organizational tensions, foster creativity, and uphold a clear mission. The conversation explores how modern leadership demands personal development, relationship-building and a willingness to be uncomfortable challenging long-held beliefs, as well as examining why out-dated education and business practices aren’t working anymore. They also discuss the role of AI and technology in enabling human qualities to be fully engaged at work. Blair urges coaches to hold leaders accountable and take responsibility for pushing them to uphold higher standards in business.   Tune in to this insightful, provocative episode to learn how leaders can adapt, connect, and inspire in the face of modern challenges!   You will learn   ·       Techniques and tips for coaches to support more accountable, self-aware leaders ·       Why exclusively 1 to 1 coaching is not enough to create a great leader ·       Blair’s vision for the future of leadership and a more human workplace   “If we could make work feel just much more human and acknowledge that when you wake up in the morning, you wake up in a different frame of mind each day, we would value their humanity so much more.”    For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_qualities-challenges-systemic

Yusuf Bayez, visionary leader and leader coach, joins executive coach Simone Sweeney to explore the core principles and qualities of effective leadership. Drawing from years of experience, they discuss the importance of human-centric leadership, emphasising self-awareness and effective communication as vital skills for successful leaders. Yusuf also highlights the need for genuine empathy, manners and respect in leadership.   Having worked across the globe, they dive into the importance and impact of different workplace cultures, the role of personal values and the importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Discover how recognising individual contributions and encouraging personal growth can drive team engagement and high performance.    Yusuf also shares his thoughts on the limitations of AI technology in leadership, the need for human connection and how to stay human when things get tough. He shares how coaching has assisted his growth as a leader and supported the development of emotional regulation and intelligence within teams. This is a thought-provoking conversation with insights from a leader who successfully walks his talk, inspiring us all to become human-centric leaders.   You will learn:   ·       What workplace culture is and why it matters ·       How to connect with and build a bond with your team ·       The importance of feedback and how to filter feedback to ensure it is from people who have a genuine interest in you as an individual   “Because you have a title, it doesn't make you a leader. I don't think it is an entitlement or a title at all.”     For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_leadercoach-connection-culture-communication  

Daniel Goleman, renowned psychologist and author known as the “father of emotional intelligence,” discusses why EI is crucial for today's leaders with host Simone Sweeney. They examine the four key components of emotional intelligence and how these traits can inspire and motivate teams, contrasting them with outdated perfectionist styles. Goleman shares tools for self-awareness, resilience, and stress management. They also explore how introverted leaders can effectively forge genuine connections, proving that human qualities remain indispensable, even in a tech-centric world.

Peter Greedy, coach and leadership consultant, joins host Simone Sweeney to delve into the complexities of leadership and what happens when it becomes toxic. Peter shares his insights about toxic leadership from his own experience in the workplace, and the fifteen years spent in a religious cult, that now drives his passion for good leadership. They discuss the impact of toxic leadership on individuals, teams and organizations and how to differentiate between effective leadership behaviours and toxic behaviours. They also examine the critical role of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the willingness to open dialogue when issues arise. Peter highlights the need for leaders to be self-aware, open to feedback, and intentional in their actions to foster healthier, more productive workplaces. This episode underscores the importance of not ignoring toxic leadership and to finding resolutions for the benefit of everyone. You will learn:   ·       The importance of psychological safety and what happens when it is not available. ·       The significance of personal values and behaviours in defining leadership ·       The role of coaching in addressing toxic behaviours and fostering resilience   “There is a consequence to bad behaviour, whatever you want to call it—toxicity and psychological safety and the lack of it at work can become truly traumatic.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_toxicity-behaviours-values

Bernadette Thomas, a coach specializing in wellbeing in the workplace, joins our host, Simone Sweeney, to discuss the importance of leaders modelling self-care and empathy, cultivating emotional intelligence, and managing stress to create supportive environments. Bernadette explains the challenges of isolation for leaders and highlights the significance of social connections and community in enhancing well-being. The conversation also addresses the challenges of menopause in the workplace and the need for awareness and support. Practical advice includes setting achievable well-being goals and the need for open communication and creating safe spaces for discussing well-being and issues that may arise.   You will learn:   ·       Strategies for leaders to model self-care and foster a culture of well-being ·       The impact of stress on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics ·       Why prioritizing well-being for leaders and their teams is vital for an effective and supportive work environment   “Being empathetic, being a compassionate leader, being your authentic self, and role modelling what you do to look after yourself are crucial behaviours for a leader.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_wellbeing-rolemodelling-healthy-habits

Pooja Sachdev, a coach and occupational psychologist, joins host Simone Sweeney to discuss the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in leadership. Pooja provides, in Simone’s words, ‘one of the best definitions of diversity, inclusion and equity I have ever heard.’ They discuss the challenges organizations face in achieving true DEI and the phenomenon of ‘diversity fatigue’ and explore challenges like managing multi-generational teams and addressing poor leadership behaviour. They also discuss allyship and give practical strategies for leaders to enhance their inclusive practices. An informative, reflective episode that underscores the importance of a human-centric leader being an inclusive leader and the important role coaching plays in supporting this. You will learn: ·       The distinction between diversity, equity, and inclusion as separate but interconnected concepts. ·       The role of empathy in effective leadership and its impact on team dynamics ·       The value of diverse thinking and perspectives in driving innovation and problem solving    'When I say cultural intelligence, I don't mean cultural expertise. It's about cultural humility and being aware that the way I see the world and my cultural conditioning may not be the same as somebody else's.'   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:    https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_future-leadership-human_dei-empathy-culture

Rachael Hanley-Browne, CEO of Team Lab and an advocate for well-being coaching, shares her insights on effective leadership. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and context in shaping strong leaders, especially in small businesses. The discussion unpacks the delicate balance between courage and vulnerability in leadership roles, highlighting that effective styles can vary across industries. Rachael also offers practical coaching tips and explores the continuous journey of learning necessary for adapting leadership in today's dynamic environment.

Julie Flower, a seasoned leadership and team development practitioner with a rich background in the public sector, provides valuable insights on modern leadership challenges. She discusses the importance of adaptability and emotional intelligence in navigating change. Julie highlights the balance between collaboration and influence within teams. Creative techniques like improvisation are showcased as tools to foster soft skills and inspire collaboration. Ultimately, she emphasizes creating supportive environments for effective leadership.

Liz Rider, an organizational psychologist and thought leader in human-centric leadership, joins Simone Sweeney for an enlightening discussion. They dive into the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and trust in transforming managers into impactful leaders. Liz emphasizes how coaching can enhance team engagement and highlights the role of AI in fostering human connections. The conversation underscores the necessity of psychological safety, feedback, and genuine relationships in creating a thriving workplace culture.

Lesley Roberts, coach and author of the highly rated ‘Coaching Outdoors: the essential guide to partnering with nature in your coaching conversations’, joins our host Rob Lawrence in this final episode of our Coaching Outdoors series.  Lesley shares the moment in beautiful Glencoe, Scotland, that was a catalyst for her profound connection with nature and the career she has now. She discusses the benefits of coaching in natural settings and gives examples of the transformations that happen for clients. Discover how nature can resource coaches, improving mental and physical health and wellbeing, and Lesley’s vision for the future where nature is central to coaching and organizational practices. A warm and inspiring conversation that invites you to discover the magic of the natural world for yourself. You will learn:   ·       Practical tips for integrating nature into your coaching practice ·       Addressing perceived limitations and fostering client comfort in outdoor settings ·       The spiritual connection to nature and its role in coaching  “I do believe in the power of nature, I believe in magic and miracles that happen in nature, and I think nature proves to us time and time again that there is magic and that there are miracles.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-outdoors_transformation-perspective-practice