We’re often taught that leadership is about control, authority, and having all the answers. But what if real leadership starts somewhere quieter, with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to change how you show up?

In this episode, Bev is joined by Nicky, whose career began with more than two decades in the Metropolitan Police, before moving into coaching and leadership development. Drawing on frontline experience, Nicky shares what she learned about pressure, responsibility, and the limits of trying to change other people - and why the only real power we have is how we choose to respond.

They explore what happens when high-performing environments ignore emotional wellbeing, how burnout creeps in unnoticed, and why being “strong” doesn’t mean shutting everything down.

Nicky talks candidly about learning to listen differently, creating psychological safety, and leading in a way that allows people to feel heard, valued, and trusted, even when things are busy or difficult.

If you’re leading people, managing pressure, or questioning how you show up at work and at home, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a calmer way forward.