The Brave Next Step

Overthinking can feel like leaving your thoughts in the oven until they’re burnt to a crisp or stuck in a washing machine that never stops spinning. 

In this episode, I share two memorable metaphors to help you spot when your mind’s running in circles, plus a simple process to break the cycle. 

Using my THINK acronym, I show how to test your thoughts, create space, and turn mental energy into productive action. 

If you’ve ever wished you could stop overanalysing and start moving forward, this one’s for you.

Here are the highlights:

The Thought Oven Metaphor (1:12)

The Thought Washing Machine Metaphor (2:11)

The Process of Managing Overthinking (3:41)

Applying the THINK Acronym (4:21)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I’m diving into how our own thinking can trip us up - especially when it comes to leadership. 

If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking a situation or stuck in a loop of unhelpful thoughts, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I know just how much those patterns can hold us back.

I break down four common “thinking traps” that I see a lot in leadership coaching: black-and-white thinking, labelling ourselves with negative words, and what I call “smog” words.These patterns aren’t just frustrating - they can seriously get in the way of how we lead, connect, and make decisions.

We can’t necessarily stop these thoughts from popping up, but we can learn how to manage them.

So take a listen to learn how to spot these patterns in your own thinking.

Here are the highlights:

Personal Experience with Overthinking (0:47)

Common Thinking Patterns in Leadership (2:36)

Labelling and Should Statements (6:04)

Managing Thinking Traps and Patterns (8:29)

Techniques to Disrupt Thinking Patterns (10:28)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I’m exploring what effective listening really means - and why it’s so much more than just hearing someone’s words. 

I walk through the three key types of awareness in listening: focusing on ourselves (which we all default to), tuning into the other person, and sensing the environment around us.

I share some of my own struggles and learnings from coach training, where I realised just how often I was still focused on my own thoughts, rather than fully listening to the other person. 

The shift didn’t happen overnight - it took conscious effort to turn off my internal commentary and get curious about what others were really saying (and not saying).

So, what kind of listening are you practicing most right now? This episode is your nudge to check in and maybe even stretch into new listening territory.

Here are the highlights:

Focusing on the Other Person (1:31)

Benefits of Conscious Listening (4:25)

Tuning into the Environment (5:54)

Practical Exercises for Effective Listening (10:53)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the power of triads - why three doesn’t have to be a crowd, but a source of energy, creativity, and balance. 

A trip with two close friends reminded me how transformative a group of three can be, and I’ve seen this play out in my business since hiring Ben. Together, with Mind Values Leadership as our “third pillar,” we’ve built something bigger than either of us alone.

Triads can be tricky, though. Without awareness and communication, power imbalances and conflict can creep in - I’ve seen it happen in teams and matrix organisations. But when managed intentionally, the dynamic creates space for new perspectives and deeper collaboration.

If you’re working within a triad, ask yourself: are you nurturing that connection or letting assumptions get in the way? For me, three isn’t a crowd - it’s where the magic often begins.

Here are the highlights:

Personal Reflection on the Proverb (1:50)

Triadic Relationships in Leadership (4:17)

Historical and Developmental Context of Triadic Relationships (7:12)

Benefits and Challenges of Triadic Relationships (10:51)

Practical Tips for Managing Triadic Relationships (14:43)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I sat down with Lisa Ventura, whose journey through the cybersecurity industry is nothing short of incredible. 

Lisa shared how a career pivot from entertainment led her into tech, and how she’s now a leading voice in cyber awareness and advocacy - especially for women and neurodivergent professionals.

We talked about her powerful story of resilience, rebuilding her life after personal loss, bullying, and abuse. Lisa spoke openly about being autistic and how her diagnosis helped her better understand herself and harness her strengths in an industry that often overlooks people like her.

We also got into the realities of narcissism, imposter syndrome, and how Lisa’s turned her lived experiences into books, advocacy work, and upcoming training to support others.

If you're someone who’s ever felt like an outsider, or you're navigating leadership while holding parts of yourself back, this conversation will remind you that your differences are your power.

Here are the highlights:

Lisa's Journey into Cybersecurity (4:11)

Challenges in the Cybersecurity Industry (8:21)

Lisa's Personal Journey and Resilience (11:21)

Advice for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (22:14)

Lisa's Passion for Advocacy and Support (28:10)

Connect with Lisa:

Linkedln

https://lisaventura.co.uk/

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Ever found yourself feeling a certain way but not quite sure if it’s actually yours to carry? 

In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when we absorb other people’s emotions, how to spot when it’s happening, and what to do about it. 

It’s something I’ve wrestled with in my own leadership journey, so I’m bringing you a real example and some simple tools to help you figure out - “is this feeling mine?” 

Let’s unpack it together.

Highlights:

(01:08) Do feelings belong in leadership?

(04:40) The power of vulnerability at work

(08:02) Feelings are data, not drama

(11:56) Not every emotion you feel is yours

(16:40) The feelings wheel is your secret weapon

(20:05) Process or absorb? You get to choose

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I talk about projection - the invisible ways we pass our emotions onto others without saying a word. It’s something we all do, especially under pressure, and as leaders, it can shape our teams more than we realise.

I share real-life examples of how projection shows up in business and how I’ve caught myself doing it too. I also explore how to notice when someone is projecting onto you, and how to hold your boundaries without taking it on.

This one’s all about building self-awareness and recognising what’s yours - and what’s not. See you next week for part two, where we’ll go deeper.

Here are the highlights:

Understanding Body Language (0:48)

Introduction to Projection (4:12)

Impact of Projection in Leadership (7:03)

Recognising and Managing Projections (12:27)

Personal Examples of Projection (14:03)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I’m joined by my brilliant friend and former HR colleague turned Sunday Times Bestselling author, Jennie Godfrey.

Jennie shares how her journey into publishing started with a dog walk and a spark of an idea that wouldn’t let go. We talk about the fear and doubt that shows up - especially that nagging “Who am I to do this?” voice. -and how she pushed through with grit, humour, and a lot of trust.

We also explore how Jennie’s experience in recovery has shaped her approach to writing, resilience, and living a values-led life. It’s an inspiring reminder that bravery doesn’t mean having no fear - it means doing it anyway.

This episode is a must-listen if you're wondering what your next step could look like, or if you're craving the courage to finally take it.

Here are the highlights:

Jenny Godfrey's Leadership Journey (1:04)

Transition from Corporate Life to Writing (4:11)

Challenges and Influences in Becoming an Author (6:53)

Holding Your Nerve and Overcoming Doubts (9:16)

The Role of Addiction and Recovery in Writing (24:05)

Advice for Younger Selves and Future Plans (28:27)

Links for Jennie:

https://www.instagram.com/jennie.godfrey/?hl=en

https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/296111/jennie-godfrey

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

This week’s episode is a little different - and a little spontaneous. After three intense days launching the podcast, I found myself running on empty. So instead of pushing through, I’m pausing to talk about something we rarely give enough space to: recovery.

We so often move from one big event to the next in business without a break, without reflection, without replenishment. But just like athletes build in recovery after a competition, leaders need it too - especially when the tank is running low and burnout is knocking.

I share what my own recovery looks like in real-time this week, including how I listen to my body, rework my calendar, manage my energy, and lean on journaling, nature, music, and stillness to return to centre. 

If you’ve been powering through and know your energy needs a reset, this one’s for you. Let’s normalise building rest into our rhythm - and leading from a place of wholeness, not depletion.

Here are the highlights:

DDI Report on Global Leadership Forecast 2025 (1:30)

Impact of Stress and Burnout on Leaders (2:38)

Personal Experiences and Strategies for Recovery (3:54)

Understanding Personal Energy and Recovery Techniques (9:52)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this solo episode, I explore the powerful parallels between sport and business - and the big lesson we often miss: the importance of “what if” planning. 

Drawing from personal stories, including insights from my son's athletic journey and an Olympic gold medalist, I reflect on how athletes train for uncertainty and how we can bring that mindset into our everyday business challenges.

I walk through how to anticipate problems, develop contingency plans, and rehearse for real-world scenarios - especially the small, high-stakes moments that rarely get planned for. You’ll hear how something as simple as asking for a pause in a difficult meeting can be a strategic, intentional move.

If you’re a leader or change maker looking for ways to build resilience, reduce stress, and perform with more clarity - this episode is your reminder that preparation isn’t just for athletes. It’s for all of us.

Here are the highlights:

Sport and Business: Similarities and Differences (1:02)

Unique Challenges in Business and Sport (2:28)

Applying "What If Planning" in Business (4:26)

Practical Steps for "What If Planning" (7:49)

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio