In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Dr. Steven Stein, a Clinical Psychologist, Best-selling Author, and Founder of MHS. With decades of experience advising the military, corporations, and even TV shows, Dr. Stein shares invaluable insights on leadership and emotional intelligence.

We explore the courage it takes for entrepreneurs to step back and trust their teams.

Dr. Stein shares how emotional intelligence drives leadership success, from improving team dynamics to boosting engagement and profitability.

We Cover:
00:52 - Why its important to step back and let other people take control

04:07 - The impact of putting the right person in the right role

07:21 - The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace

12:02 - Why do Gen Z need more support and guidance in the workforce

15:51 - How having a sense of purpose can influence staff pride and job satisfaction

17:25 - How hardiness can help you grow stronger through difficult feedback

19:13 - The 3 C’s of hardiness: Challenge, commitment, and control

23:41 - How leadership is about being more of a coach

27:25 - Taking small risks to drive innovation

29:23 - How simulations can prepare individuals for real-world challenges

35:57 - Pulse surveys: Building trust in remote teams

38:34 - Letting go of control and embracing unconditional love in leadership

Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

Below are the links to Dr. Steven Stein's books:
📖 https://stevenstein.com/hardiness/ - Hardiness

📖 https://stevenstein.com/studenteqedge/ - The Student EQ Edge

📖https://stevenstein.com/emotionalintelligencefordummies/ - Emotional Intelligence For Dummies

📖https://stevenstein.com/theeqleader/- The EQ Leader

📖https://stevenstein.com/theeqedge/ - The EQ Edge

📖https://stevenstein.com/thestudenteqedge/ - The Student EQ Edge

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🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share three powerful, yet simple strategies to help you achieve success in 2025.

With practical advice and personal insights, this episode will help you approach the year ahead with clarity, focus, and courage.

We Cover:

00:00- Introduction

00:26 – How setting this one thing will help drive your focus in the right direction

01:47– A simple way to help you set your intention for the year to help inform your decisions

04:19 – A compelling strategy on how to keep yourself accountable

Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

As we wrap up 2024, this special episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast celebrates the powerful insights shared by our incredible guests this year.

As the founder of The Change Creators, I’ve put together this compilation to share my personal reflections on what it truly means to lead with courage.

From building trust to fostering alignment and cohesion, these inspiring insights will leave you with actionable takeaways as we head into the holiday season.

Tune in to celebrate courageous leadership and start 2025 with fresh motivation and purpose.

We Cover:
00:00- Introduction

00:47- Managing relationships with team members who you don’t get on with

05:03- Why we need to back ourselves

09:12- Taking bold steps to steer your career with confidence

11:10- From feeling stuck to finding freedom

15:19- How to remove fear from the equation

19:47- Leading through challenges and helping others navigate tough times

21:03- Embracing leadership as a continuous journey of growth and authenticity

23:43- How can leaders help others overcome fear and take action

28:51- The value of letting go to empower your team

Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

Karen Martin, CEO of BBH London and Agency Leader of the Year 2021, delves into the changing perceptions of hard work across generations, the vital role of feedback in leadership, and how much more efficient we could be if we embraced directness in communication.

She opens up about her personal journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and emphasises the importance of clarity and straightforwardness in leadership.

Tune in for valuable insights on balancing empathy with decisive action and cultivating a more supportive and transparent industry culture.

We Cover:

01:23- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Trusting Yourself and Pushing Forward

08:41- Why caring about your work, colleagues, and clients matters

11:58- The pressure of balancing high standards with empathy in leadership

13:37- Balancing boundaries and the importance of a shared mindset at work

18:42- Why leaders must be direct and consistent with their words

19:24- Mastering the art of clear communication in tough situations

22:44- Why honest feedback and self- awareness are essential in leadership

27:03- Gaining confidence through decision making

32:28- Finding the courage to speak up in meetings and be heard

34:53- Generosity in leadership: A modern approach to collaboration

Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

AJ Coyne, VP of Marketing at Monzo, shares his journey of aligning personal values with career goals and balancing work with family life.

He talks about his move from Klarna to Monzo due to a values misalignment and gives honest insights into managing a demanding role while raising young children.

We Cover:

04:02 – Making values-based decisions which meant leaving Klarna

07:25 – How senior leaders can unintentionally create anxiety

10:39 – Building trust and creating safe spaces for communication

15:10 – Why showing genuine care matters in conversations

16:38 – Balancing leadership roles and the value of feedback

20:16 – The challenges of a high pressure job and young family

24:16 – Why great leaders operate at all levels and lead with vulnerability

27:41 – How to use “happy, busy” checks to understand and support team members

30:54 –Assuming Trust from the start and being upfront

34:43 – Why making time for deep thinking matters

36:13 – Understanding personal values in order to lead effectively


Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

In this solo episode, I share seven practical tips inspired by a recent client transformation day. These are small, actionable changes that can help you strengthen your leadership approach and prevent common challenges. From taking personal responsibility to changing how you respond in difficult situations, these tips are designed to make a big difference in your leadership journey - starting today.

We Cover:
00:56 - Tip one: The power of personal responsibility

02.08 - Tip two: How a simple step can change your outcome

03:19 - Tip three: 3 simple questions to inform your decisions and actions

06:00 - Tip four: How to get out of your comfort zone

06:50 - Tip five: How to catch when you are mindreading

09:11 - Tip six: What your calendar tells you

11:10 - Tip seven: How to connect with different people

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

In this episode, Shira Jeczmien, Founder & CEO of SCREENSHOT Media, shares her journey of starting the company at just 27. With “naive optimism” and family support, Shira turned a university project into a thriving media business. We talk about staying adaptable, meeting Gen Z’s expectations in the workplace, and creating a collaborative, inclusive culture.

We Cover:
04:50 – Smart growth through monetising digital content

07:18 – How to connect with the right people when you want to grow a business

12:00 – How being authentic helps you overcome challenges

15:30 – The role trust plays in building a team

17:06 – How to bring collaboration into your culture for growth

19:29 – How to motivate and get the best from a Gen Z team

20:59 – Adapting to hybrid work with a focus on retention

23:41 – Expanding to 45 employees and hiring 11 new roles

27:32 – The unique challenges of being a young, female founder

35:51 – First-time challenges feel overwhelming but become easier with experience

40:32 – Building a network of peers and advisors who share your values

Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

How The Change Creators Can Help
Looking to back yourself more, bring Courageous Leadership into your team, or explore transformational strategies? The Change Creators offers support to help you take action and drive meaningful change in your leadership and workplace culture.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist in your leadership journey and help your team thrive!

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/

Miranda Hipwell, CEO adamandeveDDB shares her leadership insights on building trust through consistency, empowering teams to elevate performance and her perseverance through setbacks, leading to career growth.

We Cover:

05:02 – Building trust through consistent actions over time

07:22 – Creating inclusive spaces where every voice matters

10:36 – Flexibility and fresh perspectives help creatives thrive

15:00 – A zigzag career path can still lead to success

16:43 – Growth comes from persevering through setbacks

21:41 – Active listening is key in meetings

23:32 – Returning from time off and feeling overwhelmed by all the new information

26:54 – Leadership roles feel more accessible and relatable

34:38 – Strengthening the team by recognising talent within

37:08 – Inspiring positive work through optimism

39:37 – Putting clients’ needs first improves business

42:30 – Resilience means being real and facing issues head-on

Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Register for our exclusive Leaders Connect Roundtables:
https://thechangecreators.com/leaders-connect/


👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ


🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:
Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:
Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/