The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

In this episode, Ben talks about the importance of balance in leadership: knowing when to step in and when to step back. He discusses common traps, like micromanaging or being overly hands-off, and helps leaders identify their "sweet spot" where they can provide enough guidance without stifling independence. Ben offers practical reflection questions and strategies to help you stay balanced, effective, and confident as a thoughtful leader. Resources: Work with Ben: Thoughtful Leader Coaching

In this episode, Ben introduces The Useful Feedback Journal, a digital tool designed to help leaders process, accept, or reject feedback thoughtfully. Drawing from his own painful experience receiving harsh feedback after a workshop, Ben explains how the journal guides you through four stages – Retreat, Reflect, Extract, and Act – to turn feedback into growth rather than frustration. He also shares success stories from pilot users and outlines how journaling can help you track patterns and improve your response to feedback over time. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Useful Feedback JournalThoughtful Leader Coaching

In this episode, Ben explores a common leadership dilemma: how open should you really be with your team? While transparency builds trust, oversharing can create confusion or discomfort. Ben offers practical advice for finding the right balance between honesty and professionalism. He discusses when to share challenges and when to protect your team from unnecessary stress, helping thoughtful leaders navigate openness with self-awareness and confidence. Resources: https://brenebrown.com/Coaching for thoughtful leaders.

In this episode, Ben explains how knowing your personal values helps you lead with confidence. He shares how values act as a foundation, keeping you steady when challenges arise. Ben reflects on his own experiences and discusses how understanding your values can help you make decisions, handle pressure, and stop second-guessing yourself. He also introduces his small-group Values Discovery Sessions, designed to help leaders uncover their core values and use them to lead more authentically. Spaces are limited to 8 people, so book your spot now using this link: >>> Click here to book your place in an upcoming Values Discovery Session.

For the 300th episode, Ben tackles one of the most common challenges thoughtful leaders face: dealing with strong personalities at work. These colleagues may be direct, dominant, or results-focused - all traits that can feel intimidating or frustrating. Ben shares five practical tips, from avoiding direct confrontation to preparing well for interactions, so thoughtful leaders can hold their ground without trying to overcompensate or act like someone else. He reminds us that strong personalities aren’t bad, just different, and that with the right strategies, you can work alongside them effectively while staying true to your own leadership style. Resources mentioned in this episode: Article: Five Tips for Quiet LeadersThoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.

AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, but what does that mean for thoughtful leaders? In this episode, Ben shares personal examples of using AI for marketing, podcasting, and even gardening - but he also issues a word of caution. Over-reliance on AI risks “deskilling” teams by removing valuable opportunities for learning and mentoring. Drawing on examples from law and medicine, he shows how bypassing junior staff development can have long-term consequences. Leaders can embrace AI, but must balance efficiency with the need to grow capable, confident teams. Resources mentioned in this episode: Book: The Skill Code by Matt BeaneThoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.

Adapting your leadership style is essential but if you’re not careful, it can feel exhausting. In this episode, Ben explains how to shift your style to suit different situations - whether it’s being more direct in a crisis or more outgoing when networking, while keeping it sustainable. He draws on personality psychology research, including insights from Brian Little’s work on “personal projects,” to help leaders recognise when it’s worth stretching themselves and when to restore their energy. The goal: flexible, people-focused leadership that won’t compromise your wellbeing. Resources mentioned in this episode: Brian Little – Blog and information on Personal ProjectsBrian Little – TED Talk - "who are you really?" Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values – online courseThoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.

In this episode, Ben explores why stability is such a powerful leadership trait. Drawing from his coaching and training experiences, he highlights how inconsistency erodes trust and creates uncertainty in teams. Ben shares his own routines, such as exercise, mindfulness, morning reading, and small rituals that help him maintain calm, dependable leadership, even under stress. He emphasises that your team needs to rely on you regardless of circumstances, and building stability through consistent habits is one of the best ways to lead with confidence. Resources mentioned in this episode: Thoughtful Leader Coaching: Work with Ben 1 on 1.The Useful Thinking Journal

In this episode, we look at a common challenge for thoughtful leaders – taking too much responsibility for other people’s problems. Reflection and self-awareness are powerful strengths. But when reflection turns into overthinking and self-criticism, leaders can start to “own” problems that aren’t really theirs to solve. I explore why thoughtful leaders are prone to this, how it increases stress and disempowers both you and your team, and what you can do to set healthy boundaries. You’ll also hear why accountability must stay with the person who owns the issue, not with you as the leader. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Useful Thinking JournalEpisode 259 – Why Leaders Should Have a Reflective Practice Article: When Team Members Won’t Take AccountabilityLeadership Coaching with Ben

What happens when poor behaviour or performance goes unchecked at work? In this episode, I cover the risks of working in a consequence-free environment, where team members face no real impact for their actions. I share why “trying everything” often fails without accountability, and why feedback, formal warnings, or performance improvement plans can all be necessary tools. Consequences aren’t about punishment – they’re about giving people a reason to change, and creating fairness for the whole team. Resources mentioned in this episode: Team Accountability Builder Course Article: 6 Steps to Deal With Behaviour Issues in Your TeamLeadership Coaching with Ben

A client once asked me a great question: “If my values are already part of who I am, why do I need to understand them better?” In this episode, I unpack the answer. Your values are always shaping your leadership, but when you understand them clearly, you can see what situations will help you thrive, and which will leave you drained or frustrated. With this awareness, you can prepare for challenges, choose the right environments, and stay true to what matters most. Resources mentioned in this episode: Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values (Online Course)Leadership Coaching with Ben

Leadership credibility isn’t built overnight, and there are no tricks that you can use to be respected in meetings or other forums at work. In this episode, I talk about the real groundwork which often happens before you need people to listen to you. That’s all about building trust and credibility with your key stakeholders. I share how to identify who your most important stakeholders are, how to map their influence and interest, and how to grow strong relationships over time. This groundwork makes it easier to be heard and respected, no matter your leadership style. Resources mentioned in this episode: Stakeholder Management Tips for the Everyday Leader (Article)Episode: Why Leaders Must Set Boundaries at WorkLeadership Coaching with Ben

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too nice” to lead, this episode is for you. Being a people-pleaser doesn’t disqualify you from being an effective leader. It just means you need to develop a few key skills to protect your energy and set clear expectations. In this episode, I talk about: Leadership isn’t about being harsh or cold, it’s about leading with care and clarity. Resources: Work with meThe Useful Thinking Journal

Mindfulness can feel like a buzzword, but it’s also a powerful tool for thoughtful leadership. In this episode, I explore how mindfulness helps leaders become more self-aware, less reactive, and better equipped to respond under pressure. I also share my story of mindfulness, including how and why I started using it and the benefits that came when I did. You’ll learn: You don’t need to meditate for hours to see the benefits, just a small shift in awareness can make a big difference. Resources: Work with meWaking Up AppHeadspaceSearch "guided meditation"The Useful Thinking Journal

Trust is the foundation of a strong team, but how do you actually build it? In this episode, I share simple, practical actions you can take as a leader to start strengthening trust, especially if you're leading a team that’s been through some change or challenge. I also introduce a handy "trust equation" to help you think about ways to build trust. You’ll hear: Trust doesn't grow overnight, but with the right approach, it can build steadily. Resources: Work with mePRINT® Assessment The Trust Equation – Trusted Advisor

What really makes a team high-performing? In this episode, I take a look at recent research, including findings from McKinsey and Google’s Project Aristotle - to unpack what separates great teams from average ones. You'll learn: You don’t need everything to be perfect to lead a strong team. You just need to focus on the right things. Resources: Work with meArticle link.https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness The 5 Stages of Team Development

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about helping your team find them. In this episode, I talk about why shifting towards a coaching approach - asking more and telling less - can improve your leadership. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. You’ll discover: If you want your team to think for themselves, be more proactive, and feel invested, give this episode a try. Resources: Leadership Coaching PageHow Letting Go Will Help You Take ControlSimple Tips to Help You Coach Your People

Many thoughtful leaders are introverted, and that’s not a weakness. It’s a strength. In this episode, I share my top five pieces of advice for introverted leaders. You don’t need to act like an extrovert to lead effectively. You just need to play to your strengths and manage your energy well. You’ll hear: If you’ve ever felt like you need to be louder, more extroverted, or “different” to succeed in leadership, this episode will help you lead in a way that feels right for you. Resources: Book a Coaching ConversationWhy Leaders Must Set Boundaries at Work

Ever reacted emotionally and regretted it? You’re not the only one! In this episode, I talk about the powerful concept of “the gap” – the space between your emotions and the response you choose to take. It’s a concept that helps you lead more calmly and effectively, even under pressure. You’ll learn: If you’ve ever lost your cool or wish you handled a situation differently, this episode will give you tools to lead with more control and confidence. Resources: Leadership Coaching PageSimple Tips to Help You Coach Your PeopleThe Useful Thinking JournalMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.Waking Up WebsiteMeditation resource - website

Kind leadership isn’t about being nice all the time. It’s about leading with respect and care, without falling into the trap of people-pleasing. In this episode, I unpack some of the common misconceptions about kind leadership. Thoughtful leaders often gravitate towards kindness, but it can backfire if we confuse kindness with always saying yes or avoiding difficult conversations. You’ll hear: doesn’t nice If you’re someone who cares about your team but sometimes struggles with setting expectations or saying no, this one’s for you. Resources: Leadership Coaching PageHow Letting Go Will Help You Take Control