The Leading Yourself Podcast

Are you holding on to too much control as a leader? Could the habits that helped you succeed now be holding your team back?

Letting go can be difficult, especially when you care deeply about standards, fear mistakes or feel responsible for every decision. But what if greater trust, rather than tighter control, is the key to becoming a more effective leader?

In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Professor Kene Igweonu speaks with Kamiqua Lake, award-winning entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Coldr, and founder of the UK Black Comms Network, about the leadership habits we need to unlearn as our responsibilities grow.

Kamiqua reflects on moving from founder to CEO, overcoming perfectionism, learning to delegate and giving her team room to make mistakes. She also explores the value of candid feedback, thoughtful communication and recognising potential in others, even when supporting their growth may eventually take them elsewhere.

If you struggle to delegate, feel compelled to oversee everything or want to empower your team without compromising standards, this conversation offers practical insights into moving from control to trust.

Sometimes becoming a better leader starts with deciding what to stop doing.

KEYWORDS

Self-leadership, unlearning, control, trust, delegation, empowerment, perfectionism, founder to CEO, entrepreneurship, psychological safety, mentorship, feedback, inclusive leadership, team development.

KEY TOPICS & TAKEAWAYS

• Redefining your role: As responsibilities grow, leaders must reconsider where their time and attention add the most value.
• Letting go of perfectionism: Clear expectations and trust can unlock better ideas than constant oversight.
• Permission to fail: Support learning from mistakes while maintaining accountability and high standards.
• Seeking honest feedback: Invite challenge from your team and seek mentors who offer different perspectives.
• Communicating with care: A leader’s spontaneous idea or message can create unintended pressure. Consider how your words land.
• Developing others: Spot strengths people may not yet recognise in themselves, and back their growth with practical support.
• Challenging old assumptions: Question unpaid work and established practices that undermine inclusion.
• Unlearning selectively: Keep what still works; change the habits that limit you and your team.

CHAPTERS

00:27 Introduction to Season Two of The Leading Yourself Podcast

01:48 Introduction: From Control to Trust

05:03 Why Leaders Must Redefine Their Role as They Grow

07:17 Unlearning the Rules: Challenging How Things Have Always Been Done

12:30 The Fear of Failure: Why Leaders Struggle to Let Go

17:59 Why Leaders Struggle to Get Honest Feedback

23:26 Is Your Perfectionism Holding Your Team Back?

31:23 How to Unlock Your Team's Potential Without Controlling Everything

Episode Summary

In this episode, Professor Osama Khan, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales, reflects on one of the hardest transitions in senior leadership: moving from being the expert who has the answers to the leader who creates the conditions for others to contribute their expertise.

Drawing on his own transition into the Vice-Chancellor role, Osama explores what it means to unlearn the instinct to solve every problem, know every detail and be the first voice in the room. He discusses the importance of active listening, welcoming dissenting views and creating psychological safety, while still recognising that leadership ultimately requires decisions to be made.

The conversation also explores the continuing importance of mentorship and feedback at the most senior levels of leadership, and why vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness. Osama reflects on the value of admitting mistakes, changing your mind when someone else has the stronger argument, and building a talented team rather than trying to become the “fountain of knowledge”.

At its heart, this is a conversation about the shift from expertise to leadership, and the habits leaders may need to let go of as their responsibilities grow.

Keywords

Leadership, Unlearning, Executive Leadership, Higher Education, Expertise, Active Listening, Psychological Safety, Vulnerability, Decision-Making, Mentorship, Team Leadership

Key Topics

• The difficult transition from expert to organisational leader
• Unlearning the need to have all the answers or remain in control
• Knowing when to speak and when to create space for other voices
• Active listening without allowing decision-making to become paralysed by consensus
• Creating psychological safety and welcoming dissenting views
• The role of mentorship and feedback in senior leadership
• Recognising and managing personal leadership tendencies, including optimism bias
• Building and trusting a strong team
• Using vulnerability, mistakes and changed decisions to create a healthier leadership culture

Key Takeaways

• What makes you successful as an expert may not make you effective as a senior leader. Leadership increasingly requires drawing on the expertise of others rather than demonstrating your own.
• Unlearning requires deliberate restraint. Leaders may need to resist the instinct to offer the solution, know every detail or set the direction too early.
• The leader’s voice carries disproportionate weight. Speaking too soon can unintentionally create groupthink and discourage better ideas from emerging.
• Listening does not mean seeking endless consensus. Effective leaders actively listen to different and dissenting views, then make decisions when decisions need to be made.
• Psychological safety begins with the leader. Admitting mistakes, changing your mind and acknowledging when someone else has the stronger argument gives others permission to learn and grow.
• Mentorship remains essential at the top. Senior leaders need trusted people with whom they can think openly, seek challenge and be vulnerable without feeling they must perform their role.

Chapters

02:06 Introduction to Leadership and Unlearning

06:08 The Challenge of Unlearning as a Leader

10:27 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership

17:45 Creating Psychological Safety in Leadership

26:32 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

Summary

In this episode, Rachael Falloon reflects on one of the most challenging aspects of leadership: unlearning the habits, assumptions and instincts that once brought success but can ultimately limit growth.

Drawing on her experience as a senior executive leader and school principal, Rachael shares how letting go of the need to be the fixer, learning to trust others, and leading with greater curiosity transformed her approach to leadership. She explores how self-reflection, compassion and the willingness to unlearn can help leaders move beyond simply managing people to creating the conditions in which others can thrive.

This conversation offers practical insights for anyone leading in complex, high-responsibility environments and serves as a reminder that becoming a better leader is often less about acquiring new skills and more about having the courage to let go of old ones.

Keywords

Leadership, Unlearning, Growth, Trust, Curiosity, Education Leadership, Self-Development, Leadership Habits

Takeaways

• The importance of unlearning habits for leadership growth
• The role of curiosity in leadership development
• How being a doer can hinder leadership effectiveness
• The transition from micromanaging to empowering others
• Strategies for reflecting back instead of fixing
• The role of vulnerability and trust in leadership development
• Creating safe environments for team members to unlearn and experiment
• The impact of curiosity on leadership and unlearning processes
• Practical questions to foster reflection and growth in teams
• How unlearning enhances listening, compassion, and decision-making

Chapters

00:38 Introduction to Leadership as a Reflective Discipline

01:49 The Essence of Leadership Growth

02:55 Unlearning as a Leadership Necessity

06:52 The Shift from Fixer to Empowerer

10:07 The Impact of Feedback on Leadership

13:12 Creating a Safe Environment for Growth

16:14 Encouraging Experimentation in Leadership

20:12 The Role of Curiosity in Unlearning

26:31 The Courage to Unlearn and Let Go

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-falloon-74774413/

Primary Goal

Reflection on leadership journey and podcast season

Summary

Professor Kene Igweonu reflects on his first season of the Leading Yourself podcast, sharing insights from conversations with seven leaders across sectors. He explores themes of values, identity, balance, authenticity, and the importance of continuous learning in leadership.

Key Topics

• Leadership as impact grounded in values
• Self-awareness and personal growth
• The importance of authenticity and integrity
• Balancing responsibilities and self-care
• Leadership as a continuous learning process

Takeaways

• Leadership begins and continues with values.
• Authenticity under pressure is crucial.
• Leadership is about practice, not position.
• Unlearning is essential for growth.
• Leadership is a journey of becoming more fully yourself.

Chapters

02:02 Season One Reflection: A Journey of Leadership

05:56 Key Insights from Conversations with Leaders

22:51 Looking Ahead: Season Two and the Courage to Let Go

Summary

In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Professor Kene Igweonu interviews Professor Rathna Ramanathan, exploring the themes of self-leadership, values-based decision making, and the balance between present and future responsibilities in leadership roles. Rathna shares insights from her extensive experience in higher education and the creative sector, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, integrity, and grounding practices for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face and the necessity of nurturing one's identity beyond their professional roles.

Takeaways

• Self-leadership is about representation in leadership roles.
• Practice-led leadership integrates doing and thinking.
• Leadership is about being a custodian, not an owner.
• Curiosity should not be sacrificed for career pace.
• Values guide difficult decisions in leadership.
• Balancing present needs with future goals is crucial.
• Nurturing personal identity outside of work is essential.
• Creating daily space for reflection is important for leaders.
• Effective leadership requires openness to feedback.
• Building trust within teams fosters a supportive environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Self-Leadership

03:19 Understanding the Role of Provost and Global Engagement

05:07 Defining Self-Leadership in Higher Education

09:30 Values-Based Leadership and Difficult Decisions

14:16 Balancing Present Needs with Future Vision

16:37 The Identity of a Leader vs. Personal Identity

19:21 Integrating Research and Leadership Roles

23:05 Grounding Practices for Leaders

29:55 Curiosity and Integrity in Leadership

33:22 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

In this episode, Kene Igweonu engages with Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon, a Senior Vice President in a global healthcare company, to explore the concept of self-leadership. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Dr. Gordon shares her journey from servant leadership to becoming a strategic visionary, emphasizing the need for integrity and crucial conversations in navigating difficult decisions. The conversation also touches on the balance between leadership identity and personal values, and how to integrate love and compassion into the workplace. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that impactful leadership begins with knowing oneself and nurturing core values.

Takeaways

• Self-leadership is essential before leading others.
• Integrity is crucial in leadership decisions.
• Crucial conversations can strengthen relationships.
• Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership.
• Emotional intelligence is vital under pressure.
• Nurturing core values leads to impactful leadership.
• Actions speak louder than words in demonstrating values.
• A servant leader prioritizes the team's visibility.
• Leadership identity should not overshadow personal values.
• Compassion and empathy are key in the workplace.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership

06:39 Navigating Difficult Leadership Decisions

11:38 The Balance of Identity and Leadership

17:31 Integrating Values in Leadership

23:48 Nurturing Core Values for Impactful Leadership

26.09 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Leaders are often faced with moments where instincts must prevail over theory. In this episode Kene Igweonu and Ewan Hamilton, Chief Product and Commercial Officer at Experian, explore the nuanced ways top leaders cultivate resilience, authenticity, and strategic diversity in their teams. From navigating pressure with calmness to leveraging differing viewpoints, our discussion emphasises that leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about team management.

Takeaways

• How leaders internalize leadership principles through deliberate practice and reflection
• How instinct and reflection shape decision-making under pressure
• Building resilience by managing stress and absorbing workplace pressure
• The value of fostering dissenting voices and diverse perspectives in teams
• The importance of routines, routines, and routines in maintaining grounding
• Authenticity and boundary-setting between personal and professional identities
• Learning from mistakes and embracing continuous self-improvement
• The critical role of team culture in openness and challenge
• Embracing mistakes and feedback as part of leadership growth
• The significance of a trusted "home team" for better decision-making

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership

04:17 Understanding Self-Leadership Under Pressure

07:41 Values and Leadership Decisions

10:29 Leadership Instinct and Practice

12:46 Leadership Theory and Practice Continuum

17:27 Balancing Leadership and Personal Identity

20:04 Grounding Practices for Leaders

22:09 Embracing Imperfection in Leadership

27:39 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Kene Igweonu engages in a deep conversation with Andre Dick, Senior Vice President at Seattle Children's Hospital. They explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading oneself before leading others. The discussion covers personal values, the challenges of leadership, the significance of building trust, and the impact of difficult decisions. Andre shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of defining personal standards and values. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining identity beyond titles and nurturing values in leadership.

Takeaways

• Leadership is often about how we lead ourselves.
• Defining personal standards is crucial for effective leadership.
• You must be the primary author of your life.
• Influence is earned, not given by title.
• Bringing values into leadership is essential for authenticity.
• Difficult decisions often require explaining the 'why' to others.
• Trust is built on mutual respect and active listening.
• Navigating change requires transparency and adaptability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership

02:59 The Role of Values in Leadership

05:02 Defining Success and Personal Growth

06:45 Navigating Leadership Challenges

09:13 Building Trust and Influence

10:43 Making Difficult Decisions

12:22 The Importance of Authenticity

14:42 Grounding Practices for Leaders

16:24 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship

18:50 Embracing Change and Resilience

18:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership

18:50 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Dr. Atul Shinagare, Director of Integrated Cancer Imaging at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and personal growth as a senior executive leader. Dr. Atul Shinagare and Professor Kene Igweonu discuss the importance of aligning personal values with leadership decisions, the personal costs associated with leadership roles, and the significance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Atul shares insights on the journey of self-improvement, the influence of purpose and gratitude, and the lessons learned from observing other leaders. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership is a continuous process of growth and reflection.

Takeaways

• Self-leadership is about creating a better version of oneself.
• Leadership involves making tough decisions guided by values.
• Striking a balance between patient care and staff well-being is crucial.
• Leadership is not about making everyone happy, but about influencing the majority positively.
• Personal costs of leadership include the burden of tough decisions and the need for self-care.
• Finding purpose in work helps navigate challenges and maintain motivation.
• Gratitude plays a significant role in a leader's well-being.
• Leadership roles should resonate with personal values, not just ambition.
• Learning from others can involve recognizing both positive and negative examples.
• Balance in leadership is a dynamic pursuit, not a static state.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Self-Leadership in Leadership Roles
• 02:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Leadership
• 06:05 The Importance of Values in Leadership Decisions
• 11:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
• 14:49 Cultivating Purpose and Gratitude in Leadership
• 17:57 Final Thoughts on Integrity and Leadership
• 19:32 Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

Anna Coatsworth, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at Array Marketing, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and maintaining a balanced identity as a leader. She talks about the complexities of leadership roles, the necessity of aligning actions with values, and the significance of maintaining a balanced identity. Anna highlights the need for vulnerability, the impact of difficult decisions, and the role of professional guidance in personal growth. The discussion culminates in the importance of communicating values through actions and the ongoing journey of self-reflection in leadership.

Takeaways

• Self-leadership is crucial for effective leadership.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection.
• Difficult decisions often reflect deeper values.
• Balancing work and personal life enhances leadership effectiveness.
• Professional guidance can provide valuable insights for leaders.
• Communicating values through actions is essential for influence.
• Leadership identity should not solely define personal identity.
• Creating a supportive team environment is vital for growth.
• Reflecting on personal values aids in decision-making.
• Leadership is a continuous journey of self-discovery.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership
• 03:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics
• 09:21 Navigating Self-Leadership Under Pressure
• 13:20 Values vs. Convenience in Leadership Decisions
• 19:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role
• 24:22 Grounding Practices for Effective Leadership
• 27:21 The Role of Professional Guidance in Leadership
• 31:01 Communicating Values Through Actions