Braver Leaders. Own your story. Share it. Watch trust grow.

In this episode of the Braver Leader’s podcast, host Sam Harvey is joined by seasoned C-Suite operator and HR leader Michelle Thompson for an honest conversation about why quick wins don’t equal lasting change.

Drawing on her “Netflix theory” of change (an analogy you’ll definitely want to hear!) and nearly two decades of experience leading people and building businesses, Michelle shares what actually helps change stick.

You’ll walk away with:

💥 A clear understanding of why workshops and offsites don’t shift behaviour on their own

💥 Insight into how breakthrough moments land differently for different people

💥 Practical ways to build trust and authenticity into your change efforts

💥 A fresh perspective on why long-term investment creates real impact

If you’ve ever been frustrated by the slow pace of change in your team or organisation, this conversation will help you reframe it… and see how “slow” can actually set the stage for meaningful, lasting results!

Own your story. Share it. Watch trust grow.

www.braverleaders.com

In this episode of the Braver Leader’s podcast, host Sam Harvey its down with leadership coach, author, and educator Karen Foy to explore why coaching is no longer just a “nice-to-have” skill for leaders – it’s essential!

Karen shares her journey from academia to coaching, along with the lessons she’s learned about what truly helps people grow. Together, we dig into how a coaching mindset can completely change the way leaders connect with their teams, build trust, and spark growth.

Whether you’re leading through change, handling tricky conversations, or simply wanting to get the best out of your people, this episode will show you how coaching can make you a braver, more effective leader.

You’ll discover:

💥 Why listening, curiosity, and presence are game-changing leadership skills

💥 How coaching makes tough conversations easier (and more human)

💥 Simple, practical ways to weave coaching into everyday interactions

💥 The ripple effect coaching has on culture, trust, and performance

If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond “managing” and start really leading, this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration to get started.

Own your story. Share it. Watch trust grow.

www.braverleaders.com 

In this episode of the Braver Leader’s podcast, host Sam Harvey is joined by the amazing Dr Veronique Richard to explore the transformative power of play in leadership.

After all, play isn’t just for kids. It can be a valuable tool for connection and growth… when utilised right.

Tune in to discover how embracing curiously, experimentation, and even a little silliness will boost creativity, drive innovation, and encourage your team to think differently. You’ll learn:

💥 Why every team needs time and space to play

💥 How playful leadership is essential for problem solving and psychological safety

💥 Simple ways to bring play into meetings, brainstorming, and daily workflows

Whether you’re leading a team, managing change, or trying to spark new ideas, this episode will challenge you to lead with more lightness, courage, and creativity.

Own your story. Share it. Watch trust grow.

www.braverleaders.com

🎙️ Are You Actually Burnt Out—Or Just Disengaged?

Burnout is everywhere, but do we even know what it really is anymore? In this episode, Katie Maycock and Sam Harvey dive deep into the evolving nature of burnout, why middle and upper management are feeling it the most, and whether employees are actually experiencing burnout—or just completely disengaged from their work.

🔥 How stress is misdiagnosed (and why it matters)

🔥 The real impact of stress on your body, from gut health to decision-making

🔥 The silent warning signs that leaders miss

🔥 How systemic burnout is shaping the modern workforce

This one’s raw, real, and unfiltered—because tackling burnout requires more than just a mindfulness app and a day off.

How to know if you're burned out, and what to do about it.

In this episode of the Braver Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Louise Marra — leadership coach, facilitator, and expert in trauma-informed leadership. Louise shares how trauma shapes workplace dynamics and how leaders can create safer, more connected environments. From recognizing signs of trauma to avoiding common pitfalls when implementing supportive practices, Louise offers practical insights and powerful stories that reveal the impact of leading with emotional intelligence and care. We also explore how leaders can care for their own well-being while holding space for their teams.
If you're ready to lead with more humanity, this conversation will inspire and equip you.

🎙️ Episode #20 — Martin Caine: Owning Your Story: The Corporate Coming Out

In this powerful episode, Sam Harvey sits down with Martin Caine for an honest conversation about the complexities of coming out in the corporate world. Martin reflects on his own journey to authenticity—how hiding parts of himself impacted his leadership, and how embracing vulnerability ultimately unlocked deeper trust and connection at work. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of "corporate coming out," the fear of judgment, and the courage it takes to show up as your whole self.

Whether you're navigating your own identity or leading others through theirs, this episode is a timely reminder that leadership starts with truth—and the most impactful change often begins with a personal story.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

1. Coming out is a journey, not a single moment.

2. Authenticity builds connection and trust.

3. Vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness.

4. Start small when sharing your story—safety and support matter.

5. Your story might already be known—owning it is where the power lies.

6. Creating space for openness at work helps everyone thrive.

7. Personal courage inspires collective change.

This episode is for you if you're ready to own your story—or want to lead in a way that makes it safer for others to own theirs.

www.braverleaderscom

In this energetic episode, Lynne McGarvey (Head of HR at Warehouse Gym UAE) joins Sam Harvey to share her journey from hospitality to HR and her fresh take on learning & development that actually works.

🔹 Why self-directed learning is the future

🔹 How to design engaging & relevant L&D programs

🔹 Measuring success beyond attendance—real impact & behavior change

🔹 Leadership as a trait, not just a title

🔹 Navigating five generations in the workplace with cultural & emotional intelligence

Lynne drops a powerful truth: "You can’t change others—you can only adapt." Tune in for practical strategies to build a learning culture that drives real growth.

Paradoxical Leadership : How to Lead Amid Competing Demands

Leadership is full of contradictions. Should you push for action or hold space? Make bold decisions or embrace uncertainty? Focus on short-term wins or long-term vision? The answer isn’t either-or—it’s both.

In this episode, Dr. John Cairney joins Sam Harvey to explore the paradoxical nature of leadership, the power of holding tension, and why the best leaders resist the urge to "fix" everything immediately.

🔹 Why great leaders thrive in the grey area

🔹 How "both-and" thinking leads to smarter decisions

🔹 The difference between management, influence & leadership

🔹 Why stepping back often leads to greater impact

Paradoxical leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about navigating uncertainty with confidence. If you’re leading in complex environments (which, let’s be honest, is everywhere in 2025), this one’s a must-listen.

🎧 Listen or Watch Now!

www.braverleaders.com

#BraverLeaders #Leadership #ParadoxicalLeadership #LeadBraver

In this episode of the Braver Leaders podcast, host Sam Harvey speaks with Peak Performance coach Sally Duxfield about the crucial relationship between sleep, stress, and effective leadership.

Listeners will gain insights into how sleep quality affects mental health and decision-making, as well as the physiological impacts of stress on leadership performance.

Sally shares her expertise on the importance of deep sleep cycles for brain function and discusses how unmanaged stress can lead to impaired cognitive abilities, such as reduced hearing and narrowed vision. The conversation also touches on practical strategies for leaders to manage their stress responses and prioritize self-care, ultimately enhancing their leadership effectiveness.

Tune in to discover how understanding these dynamics can transform your approach to leadership and team management!

To learn more head to braverleaders.com

In this episode of the "Braver Leaders" podcast, I chat with Rawinia Judson, an authentic leadership coach and Maori healer. We discuss the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership, emphasizing that effective leaders must understand their biases and personal values. Rawinia shares her personal journey, highlighting the impact of her mother's sudden death at 19 and how it led her to seek unhealthy coping mechanisms. She stresses the need for leaders to be curious, empathetic, and to hold space for others. We also touch on the significance of establishing agreements in coaching relationships and the long-term benefits of our collaborative "Leader as Coach" course. Have a listen!