Recommended Episodes

• Ep40: The Power of Vulnerability and Values in Leadership with Jason Cotta
•  Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience — How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd
•  Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie Semmes

In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada sits down with author, educator, and leadership expert Steven D’Souza to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity. Drawing on decades of work in leadership development and reflective practice, Steven shares how acknowledging the light and shadow within ourselves can transform how we lead, connect, and grow.

Together, Helen and Steven discuss how vulnerability strengthens leadership, why embracing uncertainty is vital for human-centred growth, and how leaders can cultivate cultures that value self-awareness over perfection. It’s a rich, reflective conversation that reminds us, leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to look inward and lead with compassion and courage.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• The light and shadow sides of leadership
• Human-centred growth through reflection and awareness
• Leading with authenticity and vulnerability
• How embracing humanity builds trust in teams
• Reframing success through self-awareness and connection

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/