We explore how senior leaders can better understand their leadership impact, communication style and executive presence, particularly when operating at the top table.

Paul Kinkaid brings lessons from 20 years as a British Army officer and his work in leadership consultancy to explore his concept of “forensic leadership”, understanding the positive and negative traces leaders leave through everyday interactions, behaviours and communication.. We talk about high pressure leadership, imposter syndrome, confidence, training, simulation, communication and the importance of being conscious, deliberate and intentional.

The conversation highlights why leadership impact is not just about intention. It is about how people experience us. From red traces created by poor communication or unconscious behaviours, to green traces that build trust, confidence and commitment, this episode offers senior leaders a useful language for self reflection, feedback and team development.

We also discuss why simple, accessible communication matters, how leaders can prepare themselves before important meetings, and how emotionally intelligent leaders can use feedback to become better enablers of others.

Key points discussed

• Why high pressure leadership in the military has useful parallels for senior leaders in organisations
• The balance between imposter syndrome, confidence and finding a “good enough” way forward
• How training, simulation and rehearsal improve leadership under pressure
• How leadership behaviours leave lasting traces on teams and culture
• The difference between intention and impact in senior leadership
• How leaders create positive or negative “traces” through behaviour and communication
• Why clear communication and executive presence matter in senior leadership
• How “red trace” feedback can open up more constructive leadership conversations

Key takeaway

Senior leaders are always leaving traces, whether they realise it or not. The opportunity is to become more aware of those traces, use feedback well and choose how to show up with greater intention.

If this episode has prompted you to reflect on your own leadership impact, executive coaching can help create the awareness, perspective and behavioural shifts that strengthen how you lead.

Guest bio

Paul Kinkaid is a former British Army Officer, leadership consultant, speaker and author of Forensic Leadership. After serving for 20 years across 44 countries and five continents, Paul now works with leaders and organisations around the world to improve leadership impact, team performance and executive presence. His work explores the “traces” leaders leave behind, helping people become more conscious, deliberate and intentional in how they lead.

You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn here, where you can connect and find out more about his work.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast.

If you enjoyed the show, please give is 5 stars! It will help others find the show.Check out our previous episodes and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss our future shows.

If you have any questions or want to discuss anything, we’d love to hear from you:

www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (for Gemma)

www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (for Fi)