Your Truth Shared

In this powerful episode, Finola Howard is joined by Chris Marr, coach, author of Become An Authoritative Coach, and co-founder of The Authoritative Coach platform. Together, they unravel why people pleasing may be the single biggest barrier holding coaches—and their clients—back from true transformation.

Chris shares his deeply personal journey of moving from fear-based communication to grounded confidence, and how the stoic philosophy and deliberate practice helped him stop playing small. This episode is a goldmine for coaches, creatives, and consultants who are ready to claim their space, challenge their clients, and stop hiding behind the need to be liked.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why people pleasing stifles transformation—and what to do about it.

The professional power of being assertive and direct (without being unkind).

Why many coaches confuse knowledge with skill—and how to bridge that gap.

How journaling, Stoic philosophy, and daily intention-setting can transform your impact.

The difference between being in control vs. having agency—and how the latter unlocks your best work.

How to extract maximum value from every experience (and why most people don’t).

🔥 Standout Quote from Chris Marr:

“If you’re not naming what’s really holding your client back, who will? Your silence could be costing them their breakthrough.”

🎁 Giveaway Alert:
Want to win a copy of Chris's book? Comment on your favourite platform with:

The most valuable insight you took from the episode.

The one action you’re committed to taking as a result.

00:00 – Intro: Why Communication Skills Are a Coach’s Superpower
Chris Marr opens with a powerful statement about why underdeveloped communication skills are the root of most coaching challenges.

02:30 – Meet Chris Marr: Author, Coach & Founder of The Authoritative Coach
Finola introduces Chris and his book Become An Authoritative Coach, which calls coaches to stop people pleasing and start leading.

03:45 – The Cost of Being Liked: How People Pleasing Holds Coaches Back
Chris unpacks why the need to be liked isn't just a personal issue—it directly impacts client outcomes and business success.

06:40 – Ruinous Empathy: Why Caring Too Much Hurts Client Progress
Discover the concept of “ruinous empathy” and how many coaches unintentionally enable stagnation by avoiding difficult conversations.

09:20 – What It Really Means to Be a Professional Coach
Finola and Chris explore what separates amateur coaching from professional, transformative leadership.

12:30 – Grounded Confidence vs. Ego in Coaching
Learn how to build grounded confidence rooted in skill—not ego or imposter syndrome.

16:15 – Skill Acquisition Over Certifications: The Path to Authority
Chris explains why more qualifications aren’t the answer—deliberate practice and coaching reps are.

21:30 – Marketing Avoidance: The Hidden Fear Behind Constant Learning
Why some coaches keep studying as a way to delay visibility and action.

25:10 – The Impact of Working with Marcus Sheridan & “They Ask You Answer”
Chris reflects on his experience coaching with Marcus Sheridan and scaling impact through value-based communication.

30:00 – Stoic Wisdom for Coaches: Control, Agency & Personal Mastery
A deep dive into how Stoic philosophy shaped Chris’s coaching mindset and how it can help others cultivate resilience and presence.

35:45 – Daily Practices for Self-Leadership and Emotional Clarity
From journaling and morning pages to setting clear intentions—Chris shares the tools he uses daily to lead himself and others better.

41:30 – Empowering Clients to Solve Their Own Problems
Learn why real transformation happens when clients take agency—and how coaches can enable this without creating dependence.

44:05 – Final Thoughts + Book Giveaway
Chris and Finola wrap with a challenge: What one change will you make today that leads you toward transformation?

🧠 Connect with Chris Marr:

LinkedIn – Chris Marr

Learn more at The Authoritative Coach

🔗 Connect with Finola Howard: 

https://www.finolahoward.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward

❤️ Enjoyed this episode?
Please rate, review, and share it! It helps amplify voices like Chris’s and supports this podcast's mission. Leave a review at lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared 

Are you building your business on grind or on genius?

In this transformative episode, Finola Howard unpacks the Genius Zone — that powerful intersection between your passion and your innate talent — and reveals how staying aligned with it can fast-track your growth, elevate your impact, and bring more joy into your work.

Through a powerful personal story, practical tools, and her proprietary Joy Release Compass, Finola shows how thriving entrepreneurs choose alignment over exhaustion and genius over grind.

If you've ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of how to scale with soul — this is your compass forward.

🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

What the Genius Zone really is and why it matters for business growth

Why joy is the clearest indicator you're working in your genius

The 4 key elements of the Joy Release Compass: Purpose Clues, Purposeful Outcomes, Pause Points, and Release Points

Why “genius moves” — and how to evolve with it instead of getting stuck

The hidden costs of not working in your genius zone

How to find your genius through tools like Energy Audits, Flow Tests, and Ikigai

Real client stories of transformation by embracing their genius

“The simplest indicator of genius for me has always been joy. It’s also the simplest indicator of where your uniqueness—and ultimately your business success—lies.” – Finola Howard

📥 Download the Joy Release Compass
Tap into your joy, reclaim your time, and grow your business with alignment.
👉 https://www.finolahoward.com/joy-release-compass 

💬 Let’s connect!
Finola wants to hear how this landed with you. Reach out and share your story of genius at [email protected] 

💡 Next Week's Teaser:
Don’t miss our next episode with Chris Marr on how people-pleasing is keeping you small — and what to do instead.

🔗 Connect with Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward

What if AI isn’t just the next tool in your tech stack—but a tidal wave that will reshape everything from how you grow your business to how society functions?

Lollie Mancey—anthropologist, futurist, and innovation provocateur—shares a grounded, essential look at what’s really happening behind the AI boom. Forget the fluff and fear—this conversation unpacks the real risks, the real opportunities, and how entrepreneurs who prepare now can work less, earn more, and thrive in the coming AI revolution.

You’ll learn how to leverage AI as your most loyal team member, what traits future-ready businesses must develop, and why your ability to think differently and build real human connections will become your biggest competitive edge.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

“Your best value as an entrepreneur is not in your inbox—it’s out in the world, building human connection. Let AI do the heavy lifting.” – Dr. Lollie Mancey

🛠️ Try This:

🔗 Connect with Dr. Lollie Mancey:

🔗 Connect with Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward

If you’d like to use the AI tools I have built for growing my business, apply here:
https://www.finolahoward.com/ai-growth-tools

Taking the leap from solopreneur to business owner is a huge shift, and often, the biggest challenge is making that first hire. But what if you didn’t need to hire a person—at least not yet?

AI is changing the game, allowing business owners to delegate tasks, test efficiencies, and free up time without the risks and costs of a traditional hire. In this episode, we explore how AI can act as your first “team member,” helping you grow your business, get back your time, and scale with confidence.

If you've been hesitant to take that next step because hiring feels overwhelming, this episode will give you a new perspective on how AI can be your bridge to sustainable business growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Resources & Next Steps:

If you’re feeling stuck in your business and don’t know how to move forward, this episode is for you. AI might just be the game-changing solution you’ve been looking for!

Get connected with host Finola Howard:
https://www.finolahoward.com/ 
https://www.finolahoward.com/book 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/ 
https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward 
https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward 
https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward 
https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward 

"You can’t control your way to success." – Brian Downes

What makes a great leader? And how can entrepreneurs and business owners build high-performing teams that drive success?

In this episode of Your Truth Shared, we sit down with leadership and performance coach Brian Downes to explore the mindset shifts needed to lead effectively—whether you're an entrepreneur building a team or a corporate leader steering an organization.

Brian shares insights on why trust beats manipulation, why hiring for high performance means going beyond job descriptions, and how leaders can balance empowerment with accountability. If you're scaling your business, hiring your first team member, or leading an established organization, this episode is packed with takeaways to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

If you're ready to build a thriving business with a team that truly performs, this episode is for you!

Connect with Brian:
https://briandownes.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpdownes/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:
https://www.finolahoward.com/
https://www.finolahoward.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward 

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

"Once you start saying you don’t know, it gets easier to say it more and more." – Maria McCann

Can saying "I don’t know" more, actually help your business grow? Maria McCann, an organisational psychologist and digital transformation expert, believes so. In this episode of Your Truth Shared, Maria reveals how embracing uncertainty fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation—whether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or navigating corporate change.

Maria shares her experience of leading teams through high-pressure environments, including the COVID crisis, and how creating space for honesty and learning helped drive success. If you're an entrepreneur or leader looking to build stronger teams and make better decisions, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

If you’re ready to lead with confidence—without needing all the answers—this episode is for you!

Connect with Maria McCann:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-mccann

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube

Have we lost our humanness and become lazy when it comes to Marketing?

“In a world where AI is more than competent, if you are merely competent, you're in trouble. We must rise above the bots. The most human company wins” – Mark Schaefer

In this episode we welcome back Marketing visionary Mark Schaefer. Mark joins us to unveil insights from his latest book, "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World" exploring the coexistence of humanity and technology in marketing.

Mark suggests that most marketing has lost it’s human touch and fails to resonate with it’s target audience. Mark shares his guide on how to put the human back into marketing!

What you will learn about in this episode:

• A recent Marketing campaign that stopped Mark Schaefer in his tracks.
• How Marketers are sleepwalking and losing to AI.
• Why “competent” marketing is no longer enough.
• What Mark learned from meeting some of the world’s most creative marketing minds.
• Mark Schaefer’s simple guide to disruptive marketing.
• Recent research that suggests most marketing is boring to it’s audience.
• The biggest opportunity in modern marketing that AI can’t touch
• Discover many of the learnings from Mark Schaefer’s new "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World"

Connect with Mark:

https://businessesgrow.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/markwschaefer/ 
https://www.youtube.com/user/MWSchaefer

Buy Audacious:
https://businessesgrow.com/audacious/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:

https://www.finolahoward.com/ 
https://www.finolahoward.com/book 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/ 
https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward 
https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward 
https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward 
https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward 

If you've ever struggled with stress and overwhelm, Tracy Byrne advocates for the difference physical wellness will make to your business and life.

“ I want more women to realize that they will feel empowered by taking that first step and that it does not have to be scary. You are going to find somebody who's going to grab your hand when you reach out they're going to bring you in for a hug and say; I'm here for you. What do you need? – Tracy Byrne

Fitness and life coach Tracy Byrne joins us to share her incredible journey from an aspiring doctor to a career in fitness and life coaching. Tracy's story is a testament to the transformative power of self-prioritization and physical well-being in achieving success, both personally and professionally.

Her empowering mantra, "move more, laugh more, live more," serves as a guiding light for anyone looking to find balance in their hectic lives. Together, we explore the vital intersection of physical activity and mental wellness, emphasizing how they contribute to work-life balance and personal growth.

What you will learn about in this episode:

Resources:

Intro to Resistance Training Video - Click Here

This is episode 3 of our three part series that’s all about enshrining your health & wellbeing into your success journey.  This is the “how we move” episode because that directly affects our productivity and Tracy's tagline of Move More, Laugh More, Live More perfectly sums up how we need to view that physical side of ourselves in our success journey.

Other Episodes In This Series

Connect with Tracy:
https://www.thewellbeingedge.ie/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-byrne-545836117/
https://www.instagram.com/thewellbeingedge_dublin/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:
https://www.finolahoward.com/
https://www.finolahoward.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating HERE

If you've ever struggled with your relationship with food or your body, this episode is a must-listen!

This week, our guest is Niamh Orbinski, a nutritionist, yoga teacher, and psychotherapist, who explores the intricate relationship between food, body image, and personal success.

“ It's really important to hear that there is hope for a healthier relationship with food and with your body. When you work on this it can really open up so many more doors for transformation in your life because if you're anchored in your sense of self, then everything in your life can shift.”

– Niamh Orbinski

We challenge the notion that equates body size with health and explore the transformative journey from body hatred to self-acceptance and love. Discover how practices like yoga can foster a compassionate relationship with your body, providing a broader understanding of body image and wellness. This heartfelt conversation explores the emotional struggles faced by those who feel their bodies are "wrong" and seeks to empower listeners to develop a healthier self-perception.

Discover how societal pressures, particularly on women, influence our self-image and the importance of body respect and acceptance.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The impact of diet culture on our relationship with food and body image.
• The difference between discomfort and pain in physical activity.
• The concept of intuitive eating and how to reconnect with your body's natural cues.
• Practical steps to cultivate body respect and acceptance.
• The importance of listening to your inner voice and trusting yourself.

Niamh shares valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of body image in a society that often prioritizes appearance over well-being.  

This is episode 2 of our three part series that’s all about enshrining your health & wellbeing into your success journey.  This is the “how we eat” episode because that’s the fuel that gives us the energy for our success.

Other Episodes In This Series

Connect with Niamh:
https://www.nutritionwithniamh.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-orbinski-91b06884/ 
https://www.instagram.com/nutritionwithniamh/ 

Get connected with host Finola Howard:
https://www.finolahoward.com/ 
https://www.finolahoward.com/book 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/ 
https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward 
https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward 
https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks 
https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward 

Meet Sara Slattery, a coach who’s dedicated to helping you do life and business your way.

This conversation is a call to action, urging us all to regularly re-evaluate our goals and definitions of success as we navigate life's ever-changing landscape. It's a reminder to adapt and set boundaries to protect our well-being.

“It's not safe for you to fight back in the boardroom or in the meeting. It may not be safe for you to leave because you might be punished. But it might be safe for you to agree with what everybody's saying and go along with it and that will keep your job safe and potentially line up a promotion.” – Sara Slattery

And let's not forget the powerful exploration of personal fulfillment, especially for women juggling myriad responsibilities. We dive into the importance of giving ourselves permission to want more and dream bigger, amidst societal expectations. Coaching emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding us to prioritize our authentic desires. We discuss how aligning work tasks with natural rhythms can foster healthier habits and challenge outdated norms. This episode is an invitation to rethink work environments, fostering spaces where authenticity and joy are not just welcome but essential.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

This is episode 1 of our three part series that’s all about enshrining your health & wellbeing into your success journey.  This is the “how we work” episode because there's always more than one way to do our work and we don't often realise that the way can be joyful.

Other Episodes In This Series

Connect with Sara Slattery:
https://saraslattery.ie/

https://www.instagram.com/saraaslattery/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-slattery-a16251201/

Get connected with host Finola Howard:
https://www.finolahoward.com/
https://www.finolahoward.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward

https://www.youtube.com/c/howgreatmarketingworks

https://www.twitter.com/FinolaHoward