Ben Brearley

Helping thoughtful, reflective (and often quieter) leaders show up, speak up and step up, without pretending to be someone they're not.

I’m Ben Brearley: a leadership coach and trainer, podcast host, and creator of Thoughtful Leader.

I specialise in working with quieter, people-focused leaders who care about their teams, making an impact and doing a good job - but often doubt themselves or feel overwhelmed by the demands of leadership.

Early in my own leadership career I struggled with many of the challenges of being a quieter leader: Overthinking, self-doubt, avoiding conflict, and wondering if I really belonged in a leadership role.

What I learned over time (and now help other leaders do) is how to put that baggage aside and lead in your way without pretending to be someone you're not.

I started my career in IT as a software developer, and then held leadership roles (including team leadership, middle-management, project and program management and consulting) for 16 years before I moved into leadership coaching, training and facilitation, and I've been publishing leadership articles and podcasts since 2014.

My passion is helping people understand themselves better and gain self-acceptance so they can lead effectively and with confidence. I am also quite pragmatic, and try to help people avoid falling into a victim mindset, overthinking, worrying or constantly ruminating on potential problems. I call this area of my work "useful thinking" and have created several reflection tools to help people do this.

When I’m a guest on a podcast, I'm quite casual and easy-going and try to bring down-to-earth, practical insights that help listeners feel supported, and capable. I also deliver leadership training, so I know a bunch of tools and theories that might be helpful too.

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