Relational leadership is a transformative concept focusing on building trust and connection within teams, especially crucial in our tech-driven work environments. Leaders are encouraged to foster relationships, create open communication, and support team members to navigate the complexities of modern work effectively.

In this episode, join Jean Balfour as she shares the meaning of being a relational leader.

• Explore the essence of relational leadership
• The vital role of trust and communication in leadership
• Balancing task focus and relational engagement
• Real-world examples illustrating the need for relational practices
• The power of informal connections in building strong workplace relationships

Explore more episodes on Relational Leadership: 

• Episode 66: Helen Sanderson on compassionate leadership.
• Episode 44: Mairead McCormack on leading a hospital through COVID.
• Episode 41: Building a Mindset of Servant Leadership with Dr Maria Pressentin.

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Kickstart the year with our Leadership Reset Challenge and take your leadership skills to the next level: https://baileybalfour.com/leadership-reset-coaching-challenge-2025/

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In this inspiring episode, Jean Balfour welcomes Sas Petherick, an internationally renowned coach and expert in healing self-doubt. Sas shares her remarkable journey from a fast-paced corporate career in London to becoming a leading voice in helping people build self-belief. 

With over a decade of coaching experience, a master's degree from Oxford, and groundbreaking research published in the International Journal of Coaching and Mentoring, Sas brings unparalleled expertise to the conversation.

Sas's trauma-informed, evidence-based coaching methodology has supported countless women in transforming their professional and personal lives. She's also the host of the Courage and Spice podcast, a top-rated show on self-doubt, with over half a million downloads.

Jean and Sas talks about:

• The impact of self-doubt in work and life.
• How modern workplaces often perpetuate self-doubt and ways to counteract it.
• The journey from self-doubt to self-belief, including the critical role of self-trust, self-worth, and self-acceptance.
• Practical strategies for understanding and overcoming resistance patterns like procrastination and perfectionism.
• How self-doubt can serve as a doorway to deeper self-awareness and growth.

This is a conversation packed with insights for anyone seeking to understand and navigate self-doubt, find fulfillment in work, and embrace a life rooted in self-belief.

Book Recommendation:

• Combining by Nora Bateson – A thought-provoking mix of poetry, art, and change theory that invites readers to think differently and explore the complexity of our world.

Connect with Sas Petherick:

• Website: https://selfbelief.school/
• Podcast: Courage and Spice (available on all major platforms)
• Social Media: Instagram

About Jean Balfour:
Jean is the host of the Making Sense of Work podcast and founder of Bailey Balfour, specialising in leadership coaching and ICF-accredited coach training.

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In this insightful episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Dr. Saba Hasanie, Managing Director and Senior Partner of OSC Leadership Development.

Dr. Saba introduces Biographical Dimensions of Leadership using BDMM© – Level One, a framework designed to explore unconscious behavioral patterns rooted in the past that may hinder growth and development in coaching. 

With over 20 coaching and psychology certifications, a doctorate in coaching psychology, and her involvement with the prestigious Forbes Coaches Council, Saba brings a wealth of experience in executive coaching, leadership development, and coaching supervision. Originally from Canada and now based in Singapore, Saba shares her professional and personal journey spanning over 14 years in the APAC region.

Key topics covered in this episode include

• Saba’s career pillars: executive coaching, leadership development, coach training, and professional writing.
• The deep connection between our childhood experiences and how they influence our leadership styles and professional behavior.
• The importance of understanding “why I am” rather than just “what I do” as a leader.
• Saba’s unique Biographical Dimensions of Meaning Making (BDMM) model, which explores how past experiences, family dynamics, and personal history shape leadership tendencies.
• Ethical considerations in coaching, especially when exploring childhood influences and how to ensure clients are resourced to handle those conversations.

Coming Soon: Saba’s upcoming book on leadership development and the biographical dimensions of meaning-making. For more information about Dr. Saba Hasanie’s work, coaching, and upcoming book, visit OSC Leadership Development.

Books & Resources Mentioned:

• Bittersweet by Susan Cain
• Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability
  
  
  
  

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In this special episode of Making Sense of Work, released in honor of World Mental Health Day, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and reflective narrative on her journey with emotional wellbeing and resilience.  From the challenges of her early years as a young teacher through subsequent phases of depression and burnout, Jean speaks candidly about the ongoing process of managing her mental and emotional health.

Jean emphasizes the vital connection between personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness. With vulnerability and insight, she highlights the importance of creating safe spaces at work, the role of leaders in supporting their teams, and practical strategies for individuals to cultivate their own emotional resilience and self-compassion.

Jean’s story serves as a reminder that mental health is a continuum and that seeking support is an act of strength, not weakness. It’s a call to normalize talking about struggles in the workplace and to prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside professional success.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Sharing Stories: Jean’s own story illustrates how being open about mental health challenges can reduce stigma and create a culture of support.
2. Self-Compassion and Resilience: Resilience is not just about pushing through; it’s about acknowledging struggles, seeking help, and cultivating self-compassion.
3. Creating Supportive Work Environments: Leaders play a key role in supporting the mental health of their teams by creating safe, open spaces for dialogue.
4. Practical Strategies for Self-Care: Jean shares her go-to tools—therapy, journaling, mindfulness, and the support of trusted colleagues and friends—to maintain her wellbeing.
5. Redefining Resilience: Resilience is about perseverance and adapting through challenging times. It’s less about toughness and more about being open, vulnerable, and kind to oneself.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
• The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

Connect with Jean:
LinkedIn: Jean Balfour

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In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Katie Hasson, the dynamic leader of the Ignite program at Standard Chartered Bank. Katie shares her inspiring journey from a tax accountant to leading a team of over 230 internal coaches across 35 countries. The Ignite program, deeply aligned with diversity and inclusion goals, empowers women, local talent, and people with disabilities to reach leadership positions through coaching.

Katie reveals how her personal experiences led her to discover coaching and ultimately spearhead the Ignite program, which has transformed the careers of many within the organization. She discusses the importance of starting small, the power of internal coaching, and the significant impact the program has had on both coaches and clients. From improving confidence and executive presence to fostering a coaching culture within the bank, Katie's work is a testament to the power of coaching in driving organizational success.

Jean and Katie also delve into the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of self-care, and the transformative impact of relational leadership in today's rapidly changing world. Katie shares practical advice for organizations looking to create their own coaching cultures and emphasizes the importance of daily habits in personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ignite program's evolution from a small pilot to a large-scale initiative impacting thousands of employees.
• The measurable ROI of coaching on confidence, executive presence, and career progression within the bank.
• The role of coaching in fostering inclusivity and supporting underrepresented groups in leadership.
• Katie's personal strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and maintaining personal growth.

Recommended Resources:

• Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (Netflix Documentary)
• Jim Rohn: Lessons on Personal Development and Leadership (Podcasts and Books)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Have a topic you’d like Jean to explore? Check the show notes for how to get in touch!

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Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a transformative power that can revolutionize our lives. In this episode of "Making Sense of Work," I share my personal journey of how curiosity led me to uncover my own thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.  By embracing curiosity, we can shift our perspectives and explore new opportunities, finding more magic and hope in our everyday experiences.

Key Topics: 

1. Harnessing curiosity as a transformative tool for personal growth
2. Overcoming self-doubt and persistent pain through curiosity
3. Understanding the emotional roots of discomfort
4. Shifting the brain from fear to creativity with curiosity
5. Enhancing well-being by forming new neural pathways
6. Improving interactions in leadership, coaching, and teamwork through curiosity
7. Letting go of assumptions to foster innovation and openness
8. Creating positive change and deeper connections in daily life
9. Exploring the role of curiosity in sparking creativity and new opportunities

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Episode Summary: In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour welcomes Ellie Scarf, founder and CEO of Lucent Global and the Impact Coach Collective. Ellie shares her journey from law to executive coaching and her insights on building a successful coaching business. They discuss the transition from corporate roles to coaching, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and practical advice for coaches pursuing ICF accreditation at all stages of their business journey.

Key Topics:

1. Ellie's Professional Journey:
   • Transition from law to human-centered roles in learning, development, and organizational transformation.
   • Founding her executive coaching business and later the Impact Coach Collective.
2. Building a Coaching Business:
   • The significance of professional credibility and leveraging existing networks.
   • Essential mindset shifts for viewing oneself as both a coach and a business owner.
   • The importance of sales and marketing in sustaining a coaching practice.
3. Differentiating Executive and Life Coaching:
   • Contextual differences between executive and life coaching.
   • Selling coaching services to organizations versus individuals.
4. Lessons Learned and Practical Advice:
   • The necessity of consistent, disciplined effort in business.
   • Overcoming negative perceptions of sales and marketing.
   • The value of clarity in coaching identity and the services offered.
5. Ellie's Impact Coach Collective Program:
   • Monthly masterclasses, coaching Q&A sessions, and deal clinics.
   • A supportive community for new and established coaches to share insights and strategies.

Connect with Ellie Here:
https://www.elliescarf.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliescarf/

Books and Resources Mentioned:
The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
100 Million Dollar Leads by Alex Hormozi

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Have you ever wondered how your life could change if you spent just a little time dreaming about your perfect day? On this episode of Making Sense of Work, I invite you to join me on a transformative journey where I'll share my experiences of visualizing my ideal day and how it provided clarity and direction in my career.

You'll discover why it's crucial to dream without limits and how guided visualisation can turn your ideal day into reality. 

Together, we'll engage in a detailed exercise to imagine every parts of your perfect day—from your morning routine to how you navigate work tasks, interactions, and even challenges. 

I'll also share tips for finding a balanced approach that brings you closer to your ideal work-life harmony. Tune in and get ready to start crafting the life you've always aspired to live.

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Join us for an inspiring chat with Betsy Kimmel, our incredible PCC-level alumni and coach! Betsy takes us on her exciting journey, from tackling coaching projects in high-pressure environments to starting her own yoga practice. 

Her work is all about inclusivity, making sure everyone from leaders to drivers benefits from her coaching. Betsy also emphasises the importance of setting personal boundaries to avoid burnout and shares heartwarming stories of leaders who have successfully reclaimed their personal time. Don't miss out on this uplifting conversation!

Meet Betsy Kimmel 
Betsy has over 25 years of experience in coaching, consulting, and creating well-being solutions for individuals and organizations in the humanitarian sector. As the President of Betsy Kimmel Consulting, she partners with clients to enhance their personal and professional growth, performance, and resilience. 

She offers humanitarian leadership coaching and social impact career coaching. Betsy is also the founder and Chief Yoga Officer of an international wellness firm and holds certifications in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mental Health First Aid.

Follow Betsy on her Social Media 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsykimmelcoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsykimmelconsulting/
Book an appointment: https://calendly.com/betsykimmel/complimentary-consultation-with-betsy

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In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of office dynamics and explore the Drama Triangle, a powerful psychological model developed by Dr. Stephen Karpman. Join Jean Balfour as she uncovers the roles of the Villain, Victim, and Hero that often play out in workplace interactions, leading to unproductive and toxic environments.

Jean Balfour shares practical strategies for recognising and disrupting these patterns. Learn how to transform your office culture by promoting healthier communication, fostering accountability, and building a supportive work environment.

Tune in to discover how you can break free from the cycle of drama and create a more positive and collaborative workplace.

Resources: 

Blog on Understanding the Drama Triangle at Work
Check out Conscious Leadership and their work on Drama Triangle 

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