In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, we dive deep into the unique journey of solopreneurship and the powerful lessons it offers about leadership. Drawing from five years of personal experience, I explore how leading a business of one transforms traditional ideas of leadership, accountability, and influence.

Discover the challenges and rewards of self-leadership, building a supportive network, and shaping your own company culture. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find practical insights on resilience, decision fatigue, and the importance of staying true to your vision.

Tune in to learn why solopreneurs are some of the strongest leaders out there - and what every leader can learn from their journey.

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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 powerful return to The Leaders Podcast after a summer break, we dive deep into the “invisible work” of leadership - the behind-the-scenes decisions, emotional labour, and subtle actions that hold teams together and drive success. Drawing from personal stories, client experiences, and expert insights, this episode explores the challenges leaders face, from managing burnout and building trust to balancing authenticity and credibility.

Discover actionable strategies for becoming more intentional about your leadership, maintaining your well-being, and fostering stronger connections with your team. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers inspiration, practical tips, and a celebration of the vital work that often goes unseen but makes all the difference.

If you need my support to be more intentional with your visible work…

Join my Learn To Lead open cohort starting January 2026 (10% discount for anyone self-funded, plus bonus 2 x 30-minute 1-2-1s worth £247 FREE when you sign up before 31st October)

DM me on LinkedIn for your 10% discount and payment plans

Or sign up now Learn To Lead (Open Cohort) | Laura MacDonald

Need something a little more low-key? Join my monthly drop-in mentoring group (Pay per session, or book the multi-session package)

Individuals | 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

In this very special milestone episode, I’m diving deep into what truly makes a high-performance team, using the inspiring journey of England’s Lionesses as a real-world example. Discover why effectiveness, not just efficiency, is the hallmark of great teams, and how cohesion, collaboration, and autonomy drive success.

We explore the power of distributed leadership, the importance of nurturing every team member’s unique strengths, and the role of joy, creativity, and well-being in building a winning culture. Drawing lessons from sports and business, you’ll learn practical strategies for empowering your team, fostering open communication, and adapting to change.

Whether you’re a leader, a team player, or simply passionate about growth, this episode is packed with insights to help you build and sustain your own high-performing team, on and off the field.

• What defines a high-performance team - and why every team looks different

• The difference between efficiency and effectiveness in team success

• Lessons from the England Lionesses’ historic Euros win

• The power of distributed leadership and shared responsibility

• How to nurture individual strengths and new talent within a team

• The importance of joy, creativity, and well-being for sustained performance

• Building trust, autonomy, and open communication

• Adapting to change and leveraging diverse skills

• Practical strategies for empowering every team member

• Leadership lessons from sports that apply to any organisation

Want to join a monthly group where leadership feels lighter? Join my Drop-In Mentoring group where your challenges are heard, your ideas are sharpened, and your growth is supported by a leadership coach with 19 years of experience AND a room full of fellow leaders from across industries. Join today Drop-In Mentoring | 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

This week on The Leaders Podcast, I’m interviewing Tarnia Gonzo, a technology change consultant and founder of T+S Consulting. We discuss the integration of AI in business, focusing on how it affects job roles, the balance between automation and human touch, and strategies for leaders to support their teams through technological transitions. Tarnia emphasises the importance of maintaining creativity, clear communication, and the necessity of addressing gender disparities in technological advancements.

Introduction

Serving Yourself to Serve Others

Understanding AI Integration in Business

AI's Impact on Jobs

Motivating Teams Through Technological Change

Balancing AI with Human Element

Ensuring Equity in AI Integration

Looking to integrate AI into your business and think Tarnia could help you? Check out her website www.ts-consulting.co.uk or connect with her on LinkedIn (6) Tarnia Gonzo | LinkedIn

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 enlightening episode of The Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald converses with Tas Bhamji, the founder of Office Real Talk, an executive in the banking sector, and a public speaker. The discussion revolves around the significance of personal branding, self-advocacy, and authenticity in leadership and career development. Tas shares her journey from working in a call center to becoming a successful digital executive, offering valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to advance their career while staying true to themselves.

Introduction of Tas Bhamji

Welcome and Initial Discussion

Tas's Routine and Mindset

Recognition and Team Engagement

Tas's Career Journey

Challenges and Decisions

About Office Real Talk

Explanation of Personal Brand

Leadership and Personal Branding

Self-Advocacy in Career

Want to connect with Tas? Find her on Instagram Tas | Corporate Exec & Career Strategist (@officerealtalk) • Instagram photos and videos or LinkedIn (4) Tasneem Bhamji | LinkedIn

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

This episode debunks the notion that empathy, optimism, and hope are naivety in leadership. Through reflections on a talk by Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, it demonstrates how these qualities are crucial for impactful leadership. I share personal experiences and insights on the importance of authentic emotions in leadership, advocating for a culture driven by faith in humanity and purposeful action.

Interdependence in Life and Business

Insights from Jacinda Ardern's Talk

Empathy, Optimism, and Hope in Leadership

The Value of Doubts and Fears

Embracing Optimism and Hope

Faith in Humanity and Cultural Strengths

Empathy Leading to Clear Outcomes

Drive Purposeful Change Quickly

Leadership Through Empathy and Optimism

Ready to bring your empathy, optimism and hope forward as the reason you’re right for leadership? Book a free Right Fit call with me now Right Fit Call - No Charge | 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

In this engaging episode of the Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Michael Hubbard, Director of Questions at 'Make Your Habits,' to delve into the importance of habit building for both personal and professional growth. Michael shares his journey and insights into creating productive habits that can lead to significant positive changes. From discussing his early career as a rugby player and his experiences in various leadership roles, to practical advice on implementing small but impactful changes, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights.

Michael also touches on the role of technology, especially AI, in today's fast-paced world and how it can be leveraged to enhance productivity. Whether you're looking to improve your daily routines or seeking inspiration to bring your ideas to life, this episode is a must-listen.

Introduction

Michael's Early Career and Lessons Learned

Understanding Productive Habits

The Role of Technology in Habit Building

Misconceptions About Habits and Change

Implementing Small Changes for Big Impact

Strategic Approach to Habit Building

Michael's Mission to Bring Ideas to Life

Connecting with Michael Hubbard

Want to get in touch with Michael? Connect on LinkedIn Michael Hubbard | LinkedIn or visit www.makeyourhabits.com

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 engaging and insightful episode of the Leaders Podcast, Laura MacDonald welcomes Emma Berry Cowling, an executive coach, trainer, facilitator, and entrepreneur owning Excellence Executive. They delve into the essential aspects of leadership, including the significance of self-care, the multifaceted nature of effective leadership, the concept of work-life blend, and the impact of authenticity in leadership roles. Emma shares her personal journey from her unique upbringing and experiences in various fields, including fitness training and corporate change management, to founding her own business dedicated to helping leaders achieve their best selves. This episode is packed with actionable advice, thought-provoking discussions, and practical tools for anyone looking to blend their personal and professional lives harmoniously while leading effectively.

The Significance of Self-Care

The Role of Emotional Intelligence In Relationships

Why No One Style Of Leading Is The Best

Discovering Work-Life Blend

Leadership Styles and Authenticity

Blending Personal and Professional Life

The Honest Conversation All Leaders Need To Have

The Role of Leadership Impact

Focus On Happiness

Want to connect with Emma? Find her on LinkedIn (3) Emma Berry Cowling | LinkedIn or visit her website www.excellenceexecutive.co.uk

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