Leadership Within

Praise is free, it has a lasting impact, and encourages more of the behaviours we want to see … so why don’t we do more of it?In this episode we explore this topic and offer practical suggestions as to how you as a leader could connect to praise as a vital tool in your resource kit.

Links

* The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Mentorship can be a real game-changer, but many of us find it hard to ask for. In this episode, TK and Vanessa reflect on their own journeys with mentors, both formal and informal. 😊

We talk about what makes a mentoring relationship work, why it can feel vulnerable to ask for help, and how finding the right mentor is about more than just liking someone. Sometimes, it is about finding someone who has walked the path before and can share real lessons.

We also get honest about the mistakes we made when seeking or offering mentorship, and what we would do differently now. 🌟

If you have ever wondered how to find a mentor, how to be one, or why it matters so much for leadership growth, this conversation is for you. 😊

In this episode, TK and Vanessa explore what happens when the room goes quiet. We share a recent group session that took an unexpected turn. There were long stretches of silence, and we had to decide whether to press for answers or let the moment breathe. We discovered that pausing can create deeper thought and even stronger connections. 😊

We look at different kinds of silence and why leaders sometimes find it awkward. We also talk about practical ways to handle those hushed moments. Should we invite people to share, or wait until they’re ready? Do we push for dialogue, or trust that the quiet is doing its job? 🤔

Join us as we explore how silence can spark fresh insights, encourage real reflection, and give everyone a voice, even when no one is speaking. 😊

Resources/Links

* Nancy Kline

* Co-Active Leadership

In this one we explore what happens when emotions run high at work.

Should leaders stay calm and detached, or can they share genuine feelings?

We talk about the reality of messy situations. Big emotions can show up without warning. We share simple ways to handle them and stay grounded. We look at how to process your own feelings, how to hold space for others, and how to keep trust alive in tense moments.

We are TK and Vanessa, and we believe that being human at work matters. Listen in to hear our honest stories, a few insights, and some easy tips for handling strong emotions. We hope this chat helps you and your team grow together. 😊

Resources/Links

* Drama Triangle

* Transactional Analysis

* After Earth - “Take a Knee”

In this podcast we explore what vulnerability based trust is, why it’s important and practical things we might do to build it.

We share examples of where vulnerability is challenging both personally and in teams and consider some simple things we can do with ourselves and each other to support growth.

We dig into the everyday struggle of forming new habits and sticking to them. We share personal stories about how easy it is to slip back into old ways, plus a few insights on why that might happen. Discipline sounds dull, yet it can open doors, as long as we are kind to ourselves when things get tough. Building a strong support group also matters, because the people around us can give us a push when motivation fades.

We chat about small changes, tiny wins, and finding the right balance between getting results and looking after our own wellbeing. We reflect on how leaders can grow this mindset in their teams by staying honest and showing encouragement. There is no special fix. Instead, it is all about keeping up good habits, tweaking what does not work, and sharing the load with those who believe in our goals. We hope you enjoy this relaxed, human conversation.

Links

* Atomic Habits: How to Get 1% Better Every Day - James Clear

* Leaked Audio: Here’s What JPMorgan CEO Dimon Said About Hiring and Remote Work

The way we unconsciously place ourselves in leadership dynamics impacts culture, decision-making and psychological safety.

This podcast discusses how being aware of power dynamics In the workplace can increase psychological safety and inclusion.

We talk about how leaders that stay centred and don’t take a one up or one down perspective create cultures where people flourish.

We conclude that leadership isn’t about controlling power - it's about holding space for others to step into theirs.

In this episode, we talk about setting goals and celebrating small wins. We share our January struggles and chat about how big dreams can sometimes feel overwhelming. TK and Vanessa open up about the ups and downs of leadership and everyday life. We dive deep into the challenges of starting fresh and the importance of appreciating every little success along the way. Our chat is honest, friendly and full of practical insights. We hope you feel inspired to look back, learn and be proud of every step you take 😊.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we make a decision but we experience doubt.

In this episode we explore how leaders can check-in with themselves, consider the bias in their self-appraisal and use data and reflective practice to support their intuition, decision-making and build confidence.

We talk about asking the hard questions: what assumptions am I making and what evidence do I have alongside my intuitive hits.

In this episode, we talk about the pressure leaders feel to have all the answers. We think this expectation isn’t just unrealistic, it can actually hold teams back. Instead, we explore how leaders can focus on guiding their teams and creating space for them to step up. We share stories from our own experiences and the lessons we’ve learned about leading through uncertainty. It’s not about knowing everything; it’s about fostering trust, encouraging growth, and building a culture of collaboration. Join us for a real conversation on what it means to lead effectively without the weight of always being right.