In this special anniversary episode of The Leaders Podcast, we celebrate a year of insights, strategies, and growth with 39 episodes and 24 inspiring guests. Laura dives deep into the art of reclaiming your time, energy, and influence as a leader - moving from a reactive, overloaded calendar to a brave, intentional one that reflects your true values.

Discover practical frameworks for energy management, stakeholder mapping, and effective feedback, plus get access to a brand new, free Strategic Middle Leaders Toolkit packed with templates and resources to help you lead with impact. And as a thank you for supporting The Leader’s Podcast for the last year, inside is an
exclusive bonus just for you…

Tune in to learn how to shift from busy to brave, set the right example for your
team, and make the impact you know you’re capable of. Don’t miss this milestone
episode and your chance to level up your leadership!

Get your FREE Strategic Middle Leaders Toolkit here Resources | Laura MacDonald

Book your 30-minute Influence Lab and claim your exclusive discount Influence Lab | Laura MacDonald

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

Bad Managers Aren’t Born — They’re Built

In this episode, Laura unpacks the uncomfortable truth: bad management is often a product of organisational systems, not personal flaws. From promoting technical experts without leadership training to rewarding control and short-term wins over collaboration and emotional intelligence, many companies unknowingly create dysfunctional leaders.

You’ll discover:

• The common archetypes of bad managers — and how they’re shaped by culture
• Why control and compliance are rewarded over empathy and trust
• The hidden costs of poor leadership: burnout, disengagement, and lost innovation
• How structured coaching and models like Lewin’s Ice Cube Change Model can transform leadership behaviours

If you’re an HR leader or L&D professional ready to shift from reactive management to proactive leadership development, this episode offers both insight and action.

📞 Book a discovery call to explore how Laura’s Leadership Coaching Programme can help your organisation build emotionally intelligent, high-impact leaders who deliver measurable results.

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, Laura welcomes Rebecca Sangster-Kelly, principal consultant, coach, and owner of Studium Consulting, for a candid and insightful conversation on stakeholder relationships and communication. Rebecca shares her journey from international student to communications expert, offering practical wisdom on navigating office politics, building trust, and influencing others with authenticity and consistency.

Together, Laura and Rebecca explore the nuances of effective communication, the
importance of understanding stakeholder motivations, and why true leadership is
rooted in service and genuine care. Rebecca provides actionable advice for
leaders on setting boundaries, fostering alignment within teams, and creating
environments where people feel heard and valued.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode is packed with real-world examples, memorable anecdotes, and direct strategies to help you
strengthen your stakeholder relationships and communicate with greater impact.
Tune in for a masterclass in honest leadership, delivered with Rebecca’s
trademark enthusiasm and clarity.

Want to connect with Rebecca?

(1) Rebecca Sangster-Kelly | LinkedIn

Home - Studium Consultancy

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn