Many new leaders struggle when moving from individual contributor to leadership.

In this episode, Ben breaks down why the transition feels so difficult, especially for thoughtful, high-performing people.

He covers key mindset shifts including letting go of control, redefining success, prioritising relationships over tasks, and stepping into visibility even when it feels uncomfortable.

Ben also shares stories from coaching clients who found leadership hard because they still identified as "doers", not leaders.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1:1.

In this episode, Ben explores whether it's possible to stay authentic while also adapting your leadership style.

Drawing on coaching conversations and personality models like DISC and OCEAN, he explains why adaptability doesn't mean "changing who you are".

Instead, adjusting your behaviour to meet the needs of different situations is both necessary and can still be genuine.

Ben shares real examples from his facilitation and project management work, showing how leaders can honour their natural traits while flexing their approach when required.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Thoughtful Leader Coaching
• Kerri Price - facilitation training.

In this episode, Ben talks about the importance of balance in leadership: knowing when to step in and when to step back.

He discusses common traps, like micromanaging or being overly hands-off, and helps leaders identify their "sweet spot" where they can provide enough guidance without stifling independence.

Ben offers practical reflection questions and strategies to help you stay balanced, effective, and confident as a thoughtful leader.

Resources:

• Work with Ben: Thoughtful Leader Coaching.

In this episode, Ben introduces The Useful Feedback Journal, a digital tool designed to help leaders process, accept, or reject feedback thoughtfully.

Drawing from his own painful experience receiving harsh feedback after a workshop, Ben explains how the journal guides you through four stages – Retreat, Reflect, Extract, and Act – to turn feedback into growth rather than frustration.

He also shares success stories from pilot users and outlines how journaling can help you track patterns and improve your response to feedback over time.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Useful Feedback Journal
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching.

In this episode, Ben explores a common leadership dilemma: how open should you really be with your team?

While transparency builds trust, oversharing can create confusion or discomfort.

Ben offers practical advice for finding the right balance between honesty and professionalism.

He discusses when to share challenges and when to protect your team from unnecessary stress, helping thoughtful leaders navigate openness with self-awareness and confidence.

Resources:

• Brené Brown's website: https://brenebrown.com/
• Work with Ben 1:1 – Coaching for thoughtful leaders.

In this episode, Ben explains how knowing your personal values helps you lead with confidence.

He shares how values act as a foundation, keeping you steady when challenges arise.

Ben reflects on his own experiences and discusses how understanding your values can help you make decisions, handle pressure, and stop second-guessing yourself.

He also introduces his small-group Values Discovery Sessions, designed to help leaders uncover their core values and use them to lead more authentically. Spaces are limited to 8 people, so book your spot now using this link:

>>> Click here to book your place in an upcoming Values Discovery Session.

For the 300th episode, Ben tackles one of the most common challenges thoughtful leaders face: dealing with strong personalities at work.

These colleagues may be direct, dominant, or results-focused - all traits that can feel intimidating or frustrating.

Ben shares five practical tips, from avoiding direct confrontation to preparing well for interactions, so thoughtful leaders can hold their ground without trying to overcompensate or act like someone else.

He reminds us that strong personalities aren't bad, just different, and that with the right strategies, you can work alongside them effectively while staying true to your own leadership style.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Article: Five Tips for Quiet Leaders.
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.

AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, but what does that mean for thoughtful leaders?

In this episode, Ben shares personal examples of using AI for marketing, podcasting, and even gardening - but he also issues a word of caution.

Over-reliance on AI risks "deskilling" teams by removing valuable opportunities for learning and mentoring.

Drawing on examples from law and medicine, he shows how bypassing junior staff development can have long-term consequences.

Leaders can embrace AI, but must balance efficiency with the need to grow capable, confident teams.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Book: The Skill Code by Matt Beane
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.

Adapting your leadership style is essential but if you're not careful, it can feel exhausting.

In this episode, Ben explains how to shift your style to suit different situations - whether it's being more direct in a crisis or more outgoing when networking, while keeping it sustainable.

He draws on personality psychology research, including insights from Brian Little's work on "personal projects," to help leaders recognise when it's worth stretching themselves and when to restore their energy.

The goal: flexible, people-focused leadership that won't compromise your wellbeing.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Brian Little – Blog and information on Personal Projects.
• Brian Little – TED Talk - "who are you really?"
• Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values – online course
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.

In this episode, Ben explores why stability is such a powerful leadership trait. Drawing from his coaching and training experiences, he highlights how inconsistency erodes trust and creates uncertainty in teams.

Ben shares his own routines, such as exercise, mindfulness, morning reading, and small rituals that help him maintain calm, dependable leadership, even under stress.

He emphasises that your team needs to rely on you regardless of circumstances, and building stability through consistent habits is one of the best ways to lead with confidence.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Thoughtful Leader Coaching: Work with Ben 1 on 1.
• The Useful Thinking Journal.