Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Steve Jones –Head of Education & Application Support (EMEA) at d&b audiotechnik

In the opening episode of Series 3 of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Steve Jones for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, confidence, self-awareness and the power of coaching.

Steve shares the experiences that shaped his resilient outlook on life, from a challenging childhood to building a successful international career in the fast-paced live events industry. He reflects on stepping into leadership without a traditional management pathway, navigating team conflict during the pandemic, and the self-doubt that can come with increased responsibility.

Together, Julie and Steve explore how coaching helped Steve better understand himself, recognise his strengths, and grow into a more confident and authentic leader.

Julie and Steve discuss:

• How difficult life experiences can shape resilience and mindset

• Moving from technical expert to people leader

• Why many managers feel unprepared for leadership roles

• Understanding interpersonal differences through personality profiles

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and building executive presence

• The value of self-awareness in leadership

• Why coaching creates the time and space to think clearly

• Leading teams with greater honesty, confidence and trust

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn't require perfection or having all the answers. Often, it begins with understanding yourself.

If you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School, a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact.

To find out more, visit Henley Business School.

Resources Mentioned

• Myers-Briggs and Insights Discovery personality frameworks

• Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson

• Purposive Drift by Richard Oliver (career and leadership development concept)

Connect with Julie

Website: lightingfires.co.ukEmail: [email protected]LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.

Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley