The Human Side of Leadership: What Makes a Great Leader? with Oliver Rendell

What actually makes someone a great leader? Is it their job title, technical expertise or position in an organisation or is leadership really about who you are and how you influence the people around you?

In this episode of Catapult Your Career, Michael is joined by his friend and fellow coach Oliver for a conversation about leadership, career development and why your career doesn't need to follow a perfectly straight path.

Oliver brings a wealth of experience from a 20 year career in the pharmaceutical industry alongside an impressive collection of other roles. He is Chair of CLAPA (the Cleft Lip and Palate Association), mentors with children's charity Kids Inspire, is an ICF ACC coach and co-leads the Essex UK ICF group with Michael. He is also a Fellow, Trustee and Deputy Chair of the Institute of Leadership.

Together, Michael and Oliver explore the lessons they've learned from getting leadership right and sometimes getting it wrong.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why your career can be more like a jigsaw than a traditional ladder.
• How true leadership is about influence rather than authority or job title.
• How experiences outside of work can help develop valuable leadership skills.
• Why empathy and being human are essential qualities of great leadership.
• How psychological safety creates teams where people feel comfortable speaking up and asking for help.
• Why great leaders don’t need all the answers and instead know how to ask great questions.
• Why you don’t need your entire career figured out to keep moving in the right direction.

🔗 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Michael's Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

🔗 CONNECT WITH OLIVER

Oliver's Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-rendell/

Tea Talks with Jess and Michael - Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Welcome to this episode of Tea Talks where Michael and Jess sit down to talk all things imposter syndrome.

In this episode of Michael and Jess explore the reality of imposter syndrome, particularly for professionals stepping into leadership roles. They discuss why imposter syndrome affects people at every stage of their career, the five common types of imposter syndrome, and practical coaching strategies to help you build confidence and overcome limiting beliefs.

In this episode you'll discover:

🌱 What imposter syndrome really is and why it affects even highly successful people.

🧠 Why self-awareness is the first step towards overcoming self-doubt.

💡The 5 types of imposter syndrome

💬 How coaching can help challenge limiting beliefs and reshape your internal dialogue.

🎯 Why confidence is built through action and repetition, not by waiting until you feel ready.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Michael's Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Jess' Linkedin- Jessica Glassock | LinkedIn

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

From Expert to Leader: The Coaching Mindset That Transforms Leadership

In this solo episode, Michael reflects on a recent keynote presentation delivered to educational leaders at a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) conference, where he explored one of the biggest challenges organisations face: helping experts become confident, impactful leaders.

In this episode, we'll explore:

🎯 Why being an expert doesn't automatically make someone an effective leader

🎯 How adopting a coaching mindset empowers your team instead of creating dependency

🎯 The difference between coaching, mentoring and giving advice

🎯 Why self awareness is the foundation of great leadership

🎯 How our IPA Model (Identity, Path, Action) helps leaders develop confidence and clarity

🎯 The importance of taking action instead of waiting for the 'perfect' moment

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Free Values Workbook - https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/resources

Tea Talks with Jess and Michael - Volunteering Week

Welcome to the first Tea Talks episode of Catapult Your Career a new podcast format where Michael and Jess sit down for an honest conversation about a chosen topic.

In recognition of National Volunteering Week, Michael and Jess share their personal volunteering journeys, discuss the organisations that have shaped their lives, and explore how volunteering can support community impact and career development.

From supporting refugees with Care4Calais to contributing to healthcare, education, and community projects, this episode highlights the power of giving back while developing valuable personal and professional skills.

Key Takeaways:

🌍 Volunteering Makes a Real Difference

• Small acts of service can create lasting change.
• Giving back helps strengthen communities.

❤️ Human Connection Changes Lives

• Volunteering creates meaningful relationships.
• It helps us better understand different lived experiences.

🚀 Volunteering Builds Career Skills

• Gain hands-on experience in new areas.
• Develop leadership, communication, and problem solving skills.

🤝 Community Matters

• Volunteering creates a sense of belonging.
• It brings people together through shared purpose.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Michael's Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Jess' Linkedin- Jessica Glassock | LinkedIn

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

🔗 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CHARITIES

Care4Calais

Ladles of Love

Alzheimer's Society

Coaching, Healing & Authentic Living with Gillian McMichael

In this episode, we’re joined by Gillian McMichael, master coach, teacher, healer and founder of Full Circle Global. In this powerful conversation we discuss transformational coaching, authenticity, healing, and what it truly means to 'come home' to yourself.

Key points we discuss:

✨The difference between transactional vs transformational coaching

✨ Why authentic leadership starts with self awareness

✨Why the future of coaching is becoming more human-centered and soul led

✨How to begin the journey of becoming your authentic self

✨ Learning to trust yourself and stop living for external validation

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Tik Tok- (4)MG (@michaelglassockcoaching) | TikTok

🔗 CONNECT WITH GILLIAN

Coaching Website- https://fullcircleglobal.com/

Healing Website- https://www.gillianmcmichael.com/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/gillian_mcmichael/

In this episode, we’re joined by Robert Woolfson, a cash flow specialist who helps businesses bridge the gap between financial data and real world growth. With a background spanning IT, recruitment, and business ownership, Robert works closely with SMEs to improve profitability, efficiency, and long term sustainability without relying solely on increasing sales.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• High turnover doesn’t guarantee financial success, businesses can generate millions in revenue while still operating at a loss.
• Cash flow reflects how well every part of your business is functioning, from pricing to operations.
• Improving internal systems and processes can significantly increase profit without needing more customers.
• Many businesses struggle not from lack of effort, but from poor systems, unclear roles, and lack of operational flow.
• Expanding too quickly without understanding financials can amplify losses instead of profits.
• Passion + skill + market demand = opportunity. Test ideas before scaling to validate if people will pay.
• Ethical sales is about listening, understanding, and solving real problems, not just pushing a product.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Tik Tok- (4)MG (@michaelglassockcoaching) | TikTok

🔗 CONNECT WITH ROBERT

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwoolfson/

Leadership Beyond the Numbers with Peter Yilmaz

In this episode of Catapult Your Career Michael sits down with Peter Yilmaz, a CFO in the pharmaceutical industry and executive coach, to explore what leadership really looks like at the highest levels.

Peter shares how his leadership journey evolved from being purely results driven to embracing a people first, coaching led approach. Together, they unpack what separates good managers from great leaders, and how to thrive in today’s fast changing world.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is not just about results it’s about how those results are achieved
• Early career success often comes from execution, but senior leadership requires navigating ambiguity
• The shift from technical expert to leader comes from connecting people to a shared vision
• Coaching transforms leadership by increasing self awareness and emotional intelligence
• The loudest voice in the room is not always the most valuable contributor
• Leadership requires adapting to individuals one style does not fit all

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Tik Tok- (4)MG (@michaelglassockcoaching) | TikTok

🔗 CONNECT WITH PETER

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-y-8515421/

🔗 OTHER LINKS

Find out more about the Johari Window (Self-Awareness Framework) here - https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/johari-window

Book recommendation from Tony Robbins -

The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy - What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny by William Strauss and Neil Howe (https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/fourth-turning-book-william-strauss-9780767900461?sku=NGR9780767900461)

Leadership, Career Growth & Finding Purpose in Public Service with James Wilson

In this episode, Michael sits down with James Wilson, Lead Director for the Mid and South Essex Community Collaborative. With over 25 years of experience across local government and the NHS, James shares his journey into public service, his leadership philosophy, and how collaboration can transform healthcare outcomes.

Together, they explore career development, leadership growth, and the importance of aligning your work with your values.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a perfect career plan, as exploring different roles can help you discover what truly motivates you.
• Career growth is rarely linear, so focus on where you add value rather than chasing titles.
• Self-awareness is essential for leadership, as understanding your values and behaviours helps you lead authentically.
• Kindness and compassion are critical leadership strengths, especially in high-pressure environments.
• Great leaders choose curiosity over frustration when working with different personalities and perspectives.
• Effective leadership requires balancing the drive for results with the ability to bring people along with you.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Tik Tok- (4)MG (@michaelglassockcoaching) | TikTok

🔗 CONNECT WITH JAMES

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-87109321/

Transitioning from the Military: Identity, Timing & Finding Your Why with David Chant

In this episode of Catapult Your Career, Michael sits down with David Chant to unpack a 25 year military career and the realities of transitioning into civilian life. From joining the Army at 16 to serving as a Regimental Sergeant Major, David shares honest reflections on leadership, identity, education, financial freedom, and what it truly takes to navigate change successfully.

💡Key Takeaways:

• Start your transition early
• Your identity is bigger than your rank
• Find your “why” and your “why not”
• Understand your financial needs clearly
• Seek positive momentum over quick promotion

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Tik Tok- (4)MG (@michaelglassockcoaching) | TikTok

🔗 CONNECT WITH DAVID

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chant/

🔗 OTHER LINKS

Forces Transition Group (FTG) Website- FTG Job Fairs | No CV? No Problem!

John Stephenson (FTG) Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stephenson-forces-transition-b85b0787/

Beyond the Classroom: Navigating Career Change After Teaching

In this powerful and honest episode of Catapult Your Career, Michael sits down with someone very special his wife, co-founder, and former teacher, Jess.

Together, they unpack her seven year journey in education, the emotional decision to leave teaching, and how wellbeing became the foundation for her career transition.

Jess shares the raw realities of teaching, the identity shift that comes with leaving a profession you once loved, and how she found clarity through yoga, reflection, and courage.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Passion can evolve- Just because you once loved something doesn’t mean it must last forever.
• Burnout often happens in survival mode- When you’re constantly “go, go, go,” reflection becomes impossible.
• Identity loss is real- Leaving teaching felt like losing a part of who she was.
• Write it down- Jess listed her skills, values, wants, and non-negotiables to map possible next steps.
• Wellbeing isn’t optional- Yoga became her anchor a daily practice that helped her regulate stress and think clearly.
• Trust the process- Even when you feel lost, clarity often comes after you take the first brave step.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Website- https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglassock/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/michaelglassockcoaching/

Tik Tok- (4)MG (@michaelglassockcoaching) | TikTok

🔗 CONNECT WITH JESS

Linkedin- Jessica Glassock | LinkedIn

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jmgyoga?igsh=ajNvd3BveHJwd2Uz

Book an online yoga class- https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/7388

🔗 OTHER LINKS

CYC Online Portal (Yoga Classes Included)- https://michael-glassock.mykajabi.com/catapult-your-career-portal-1984363b-8c83-4087-bc08-752141702cb3

Yoga Teacher Training Course- https://www.yintotheyangyoga.co.uk/essexyogateachertraining200hours