Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!

In this 19-minute episode, we dive into the fascinating world of human behaviour and unpack why we react the way we do — especially under pressure.

Understanding the psychology behind your responses can transform how you lead, communicate, and make decisions in your career. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, receiving tough feedback, or managing others, learning to respond (rather than react) is a skill every successful leader needs.

🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• The Science of Reaction – How your brain is wired to protect you, and why that can sometimes hold you back.
• The Role of the Amygdala – What’s really happening in your brain when emotions run high.
• Creating Space to Respond – Simple techniques to pause, reflect, and choose how you want to show up.
• The Link Between Emotion and Decision-Making – How unchecked reactions can derail your strategic thinking.
• Leading With Intent – Why self-awareness is the foundation for authentic, confident leadership.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉 Book a free discovery call to explore how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can support your leadership goals.
🦉 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to lead with intention.
🦉 Interested in working with me 1-2-1? Book a slot here: https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉 You can also connect with me over on LinkedIn for more career strategy and leadership insights.

Stick around for more episodes that help you grow into the leader you were meant to be.

Useful Resources
🎧 Further Listening & Reading
•Book: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman – A foundational read on the role of self-awareness and self-regulation in leadership.
•TED Talk: How to Stay Calm When You Know You'll Be Stressed – Daniel Levitin – A practical and engaging explanation of how to plan for emotional triggers.
•Article: The Neuroscience of Leadership – Harvard Business Review – Explores how brain science supports the shift from reactive to reflective leadership.

🛠 Practical Tools & Exercises
•Emotional Triggers Journal: Track what situations spark strong emotional reactions at work and how you responded. Reflect on patterns and identify areas for intentional improvement.
•The 90-Second Rule: Based on Jill Bolte Taylor’s theory – when you feel triggered, pause for 90 seconds to let the emotion pass before choosing how to respond.
•Box Breathing Technique: A simple yet effective breathing method used by Navy SEALs to calm the nervous system and regain control during high-stress moments.

🧠 Coaching Tools You Might Love
•My Unlock Your Career Potential Coaching Programme – Dive deeper into mindset and behavioural change with 1-2-1 support tailored to your leadership journey.

I would love to know what you think of the episode

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!

In this 14-minute episode, we unpack what it really means to adopt the CEO mindset—because stepping into senior leadership starts long before the job title. Whether you're aiming for that next-level promotion or preparing for a bigger leadership leap, developing this way of thinking will set you apart.
🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • What the CEO Mindset Really Means – Going beyond confidence and into strategic, long-term thinking.
• Making Decisions Like a Senior Leader – Why taking ownership and focusing on value is key.
• Shifting from Doer to Leader – How to elevate your thinking and stop being stuck in the weeds.
• Influence and Visibility – How senior leaders build relationships, communicate, and lead through others.
• The Habits That Make a Difference – Practical mindset shifts to start making now to lead at the next level.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉 Book a free discovery call to explore how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can support your leadership goals.
🦉 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to lead with intention.
🦉 Interested in working with me 1-2-1? Book a slot here: https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉 You can also connect with me over on LinkedIn for more career strategy and leadership insights.
Stick around for more episodes that help you grow into the leader you were meant to be.

Useful Resources

📚 Book Recommendations
1.“The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins
oIdeal for new leaders or those preparing for leadership.
2.“Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman
oTeaches how to lead with influence and amplify others’ performance.
3.“Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
oOffers a practical breakdown of gravitas, communication, and appearance.
4.“Playing Big” by Tara Mohr
oParticularly empowering for women stepping into senior leadership thinking before the title arrives.
5.“The CEO Next Door” by Elena Botelho & Kim Powell
oBased on research of over 2,600 leaders; gives practical habits of successful CEOs.

🧠 Articles & Reports
•McKinsey’s “The Mindsets and Practices of Excellent CEOs”
Available on mckinsey.com – Offers a research-backed view of key behaviours.
•HBR: “What Sets Successful CEOs Apart”
oTouches on decision-making speed and adapting boldly—core to your episode.

💻 Online Learning Platforms
•LinkedIn Learning
oCourses: “Developing Executive Presence,” “Strategic Thinking,” “Leading Without Formal Authority”
•Coursera
oRecommendation: “Strategic Leadership and Management” by University of Illinois
•MindTools.com
oQuick reads and templates for stakeholder mapping, decision trees, and communication strategies.

I would love to know what you think of the episode

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!

In this episode (which is about 16 minutes in length), we dive into how to identify and close skill gaps so you can step confidently into your dream leadership role. Securing a leadership position isn’t just about experience—it’s about showing up as the right candidate with the right skills.

🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Assessing Your Current Skills – How to evaluate where you are now and what’s missing.
• Spotting Key Leadership Gaps – Identifying the skills that set great leaders apart.
• Upskilling with Impact – The best ways to develop leadership skills, from formal training to on-the-job learning.
• Demonstrating Leadership Before You Get the Title – Practical ways to showcase leadership potential in your current role.
• Creating an Action Plan for Growth – Steps to position yourself as the ideal candidate for your next leadership move.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉 Book a free discovery call to learn how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can fast-track your leadership growth.
🦉 Explore the DISC assessment to understand your leadership style.
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Useful Resources

Books & Articles
•The 5 Levels of Leadership – John Maxwell
•Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
•The Leadership Challenge – James Kouzes & Barry Posner
•First Break All the Rules – Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
•What Got You Here Won’t Get You There – Marshall Goldsmith
•Harvard Business Review articles on leadership development and skill-building.
Leadership Competency Frameworks
•McKinsey’s Leadership Framework (McKinsey & Company)
•Deloitte’s Leadership Framework (Deloitte)
•Harvard Business Review Leadership Insights (HBR)
Online Learning & Development
•LinkedIn Learning (Courses on leadership, emotional intelligence, communication)
•Coursera (University-backed courses like "Leading People and Teams" by the University of Michigan)
•London Business School & Henley Business School Executive Education
•MIT Sloan Executive Education
Leadership Networks & Communities
•Institute of Directors (IoD) – iod.com
•Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – managers.org.uk
•Vistage UK – Leadership peer groups & mentoring
•LEAD Network UK – Leadership for women in business
•Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) – Executive networking

I would love to know what you think of the episode

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!

In this episode (which is about 14 minutes in length), we explore how to take charge of your leadership journey by developing the skills, mindset, and strategies needed for long-term success. Leadership isn’t just about a title—it’s about the impact you create.

🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
•Defining Your Leadership Vision – Gaining clarity on the kind of leader you want to be.
•Understanding Your Leadership Style with DISC – Using self-awareness to strengthen your leadership effectiveness.
•Identifying Leadership Growth Areas – Pinpointing key skills to develop for career advancement.
•Navigating Leadership Transitions – Strategies to step into new leadership roles with confidence.
•Building Influence and Credibility – Establishing trust and impact beyond just having authority.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉 Book a free discovery call to learn how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can fast-track your leadership growth.
🦉 Explore the DISC assessment to understand your leadership style.
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Useful Resources
Books 📚
1."Leaders Eat Last" – Simon Sinek: Great for understanding trust, leadership culture, and inspiring teams.
2."Dare to Lead" – Brené Brown: Essential for developing courage, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence as a leader.
3."The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" – Stephen R. Covey: A must-read for developing self-leadership, influence, and personal growth.
4."Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" – Daniel H. Pink: Insightful for understanding motivation and how to lead effectively in a modern workplace.

Online Courses & Leadership Development 🎓
1.Harvard ManageMentor – Leadership and management courses from Harvard Business Review.
2.LinkedIn Learning Leadership Courses – Various courses on executive presence, communication, and leadership strategies.
3.Coursera – "Leading People and Teams" (University of Michigan) – Covers leadership fundamentals with real-world applications.

I would love to know what you think of the episode

Welcome to Season 7 of Your Path to Career Success! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest workplace shifts of our time—how AI and automation are transforming industries, redefining leadership, and reshaping career paths.

AI isn’t just a futuristic concept—it’s here, actively influencing decision-making, streamlining operations, and changing the way teams function. For leaders, this presents both challenges and opportunities. How do you balance automation with human intelligence? How do you guide your team through uncertainty and help them see AI as an enabler, not a threat?

We’ll explore real-world examples of how organisations like Microsoft and Unilever are leveraging AI while still prioritising human expertise. Plus, I’ll share six key strategies to help you stay relevant, lead with confidence, and future-proof your career in an AI-driven world.

The future of leadership isn’t about resisting AI—it’s about learning how to work alongside it. So grab a notebook (or just sit back and listen) as we break down what it takes to thrive in this new era.

📢 How are you already using AI in your leadership? Or what’s one way you could start? Message me on LinkedIn or drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Useful Resources
1. Books & Thought Leadership
•📚 Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI – Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson Explores how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
•📚 The Algorithmic Leader: How to Be Smart When Machines Are Smarter Than You – Mike Walsh Helps leaders understand how to adapt and thrive in an AI-powered world.
•📚 AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order – Kai-Fu Lee Provides insight into how AI is shaping global industries and economies.
2. Online Courses & Training
•🎓 Harvard Business School Online – AI for Leaders Designed for non-technical leaders to understand AI strategy and implementation.
•🎓 Coursera – AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng, DeepLearning.AI) A beginner-friendly course that explains AI concepts without needing a tech background.
•🎓 LinkedIn Learning – Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders Practical insights on integrating AI into business operations and leadership.
3. AI Tools & Platforms to Experiment With
•🛠️ ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Learn how AI can assist in brainstorming, decision-making, and automation.
•🛠️ Grammarly & Jasper AI – AI-driven tools for enhancing communication and content creation.
•🛠️ Notion AI & ClickUp AI – AI-powered productivity and project management assistants.
•🛠️ Power BI / Tableau – AI-driven analytics tools that help leaders make data-informed decisions.

I would love to know what you think of the episode

In this episode of Your Path to Career Success, I dive into one of the most common productivity killers—procrastination.

It’s something we all face at some point, but understanding it and finding ways to overcome it is key to unlocking your potential and driving success.

I break down why procrastination happens, dispelling the myth that it’s simply about laziness. More often, it’s driven by fear, perfectionism, and a lack of clarity on how to tackle tasks. By addressing the root causes, you can learn to tackle procrastination head-on and regain control over your time.

You’ll discover actionable strategies to overcome procrastination, including:
• Break It Down – Divide large, overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel less daunting.
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection – Learn to let go of the need for everything to be perfect, and focus on making steady progress instead.
• Time-Blocking & Prioritisation – Use effective time management techniques to ensure you’re working on the most important tasks without distractions.
• Set Clear Goals with Deadlines – Create a sense of urgency and commitment by setting specific, actionable goals with defined timelines.
• Self-Compassion – Practice kindness towards yourself when you face setbacks, and recognise that everyone experiences procrastination from time to time.

If procrastination has been a barrier to your success, this episode will provide you with the tools to break free and take meaningful action towards your career and personal ambitions.

I’d love to hear from you— What’s your biggest struggle with procrastination, and which of these strategies are you going to try first?

Send me a message to [email protected] or leave a comment if you're listening on a platform that allows it.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Exciting news! I have two spaces opening in April for my ‘Unlock Your Career Potential’ 3-month coaching programme. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, get in touch today to secure your spot.

Additional Resources:
If you’re keen to dive deeper into overcoming procrastination, here are some great resources to get you started:
📖 Books:
• Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy – A classic guide to overcoming procrastination and getting things done.
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – A powerful read on battling resistance and procrastination.
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – A comprehensive guide on building habits to eliminate procrastination.

📝 Online Articles & Courses:
• Harvard Business Review: Articles on productivity and procrastination 
• LinkedIn Learning & Coursera: Courses on time management, overcoming procrastination, and increasing productivity

I would love to know what you think of the episode

In this episode of Your Path to Career Success, I explore a leadership style that is often overlooked but incredibly powerful—Quiet Leadership. Leadership isn’t just about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about influence, emotional intelligence, and leading with intention.

I break down the misconceptions around leadership, challenging the idea that only extroverted, outspoken individuals make great leaders. Instead, I highlight how quiet, thoughtful, and strategic leaders can drive meaningful change and build high-performing teams.

You’ll learn practical strategies for embracing quiet leadership, including:
•Leading by Example – Demonstrating trust, integrity, and accountability to inspire your team.
•Active Listening – Mastering the art of listening to understand, rather than just respond, to build strong relationships.
•Strategic Influence – Using well-timed insights and thoughtful communication to make a lasting impact without needing to dominate conversations.

I also share real-world examples of successful quiet leaders and how their leadership style helped them navigate challenges, gain respect, and build strong, engaged teams. Whether you naturally lean towards a quieter leadership approach or want to develop more mindful leadership habits, this episode will provide the insights and tools to help you lead with confidence—without changing who you are.

I’d love to hear from you—what has been your experience with leadership as an introvert? Have you faced challenges or discovered strategies that work for you? Let’s continue the conversation!

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Exciting news! I have two spaces opening in April for my ‘Unlock Your Career Potential’ 3-month coaching programme. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, get in touch today to secure your spot.

Additional Resources:
If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of quiet leadership, here are some recommended resources:
📖 Books:
•Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – Susan Cain
•The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength – Jennifer B. Kahnweiler
•Dare to Lead – Brené Brown (on vulnerability and leading with authenticity)
📝 Online Articles & Courses:
•Harvard Business Review: Insights on introverted leadership and influence
•LinkedIn Learning & Coursera: Courses on emotional intelligence, leadership styles, and influence

I would love to know what you think of the episode

In this episode of Your Path to Career Success, I explore one of the most challenging yet rewarding career moves—pivoting. Whether you’re feeling stuck, seeking new challenges, or looking to align your career with your passions, knowing when and how to pivot is crucial for long-term success and fulfilment.

I break down the key signs that it might be time for a change, such as lack of motivation, limited growth opportunities, or a shift in your personal goals. I also discuss the different types of career pivots, from switching industries to transitioning into a new role within the same field, and what each one entails.

You’ll learn practical strategies on how to plan and execute a successful career pivot, including:
•Identifying Transferable Skills – Leveraging your existing strengths and experiences to smoothly transition into a new role or industry.
•Networking and Building Relationships – Connecting with professionals who can offer guidance, support, and opportunities in your desired field.
•Positioning Yourself for Success – Crafting a compelling personal brand and narrative that clearly communicates your value and vision.

I also share real-world examples of successful career pivots to inspire you and provide actionable insights. Whether you’re looking to reinvent yourself or simply explore new horizons, this episode will help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools and mindset needed to make a strategic career pivot, setting yourself up for growth and fulfilment in your next chapter.

Additional Resources:
If you’re considering a career pivot and want to explore further, here are some valuable resources to guide you through the journey:

📖 Books:
•"Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans – Learn how to apply design thinking to navigate life and career changes.
•"Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One" by Jenny Blake – A practical guide to strategically changing your career direction.
•"What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard N. Bolles – A classic resource for career changers, packed with exercises to help you discover your ideal path.

📝 Online Courses & Articles:
•LinkedIn Learning & Coursera: Courses on career transitions, personal branding, and leveraging transferable skills.
•Harvard Business Review: Insightful articles on career development, pivoting strategies, and industry trends.
•The Muse & Forbes: Practical advice and success stories from professionals who have made successful career pivots.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Sign up for my weekly newsletter via https://www.thecareerowl.co.uk/thecareerowlhoot.html
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

I would love to know what you think of the episode

In this episode of Your Path to Career Success, I dive into a crucial skill that separates good leaders from great ones—Emotional Intelligence (EI). Leadership isn’t just about technical skills or experience; it’s about how well we understand and manage both our own emotions and those of the people around us.

I break down the five key components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—explaining how each one plays a role in effective leadership. I also share practical ways to develop and apply EI in the workplace, whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organisation.

We also explore why EI is such a game-changer for leadership. From building trust and stronger relationships to improving communication and conflict resolution, emotional intelligence helps leaders create more engaged, collaborative, and high-performing teams.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how emotional intelligence can elevate your leadership and drive success in today’s fast-paced, emotionally charged work environment.

Additional Resources:
If you’re interested in learning more about emotional intelligence and leadership, here are some great resources to explore:
📖 Books:
•Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
•Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis & Annie McKee
•Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
📝 Online Courses & Articles:
•Harvard Business Review: Articles on leadership and emotional intelligence
•Coursera & Udemy: Courses on EI for leaders
•Daniel Goleman’s Website: Insights from one of the leading experts on EI

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Sign up for my weekly newsletter via https://www.thecareerowl.co.uk/thecareerowlhoot.html
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

I would love to know what you think of the episode

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success! I'm Kathryn, and today, we're diving into one of the most valuable skills every leader needs—how to manage time and energy to get the most out of your busy day.

As leaders, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of responsibilities, meetings, and tasks. But you don’t have to sacrifice your energy or well-being to be productive. In today’s episode, I’m sharing some of the best productivity hacks that can help you maximise both your time and energy, so you can lead effectively and stay focused on what matters most.

We'll explore:
•Time Management Hacks – Learn simple, yet effective strategies to stay on top of your schedule without feeling overwhelmed.
•Energy Maximisation – How to identify and leverage your peak energy times so you’re working smarter, not harder.
•Productivity Tools – Discover the best tools and techniques to stay organised and keep track of your goals without burnout.

By mastering time and energy management, you'll unlock the power to achieve more, while still having time for what matters most—your team, your goals, and yourself.

Tune in for practical tips and strategies that you can implement right away to optimise your leadership productivity!

Recommended Resources
•Books
1."Atomic Habits" by James Clear
2."Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracy
3."The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
4."Deep Work" by Cal Newport
•Articles
1.Harvard Business Review – "How to Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time"
2.Forbes – "Time Management Tips from Successful Leaders"
•Online Courses
1.LinkedIn Learning – "Time Management for Leaders"
2.Coursera – "Leading with Focus"
3.Udemy – "Productivity Mastery for Busy Professionals"
•Freebie
1.DM me for a copy of my Unleash Your Productivity Potential: The Ultimate Time Management Guide

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Sign up for my weekly newsletter via https://www.thecareerowl.co.uk/thecareerowlhoot.html
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

I would love to know what you think of the episode