How do you know if you are leading to make the most impact on those around you? In today's episode you'll discover how to: Harness the power of silence to foster deeper conversations and uncover hidden insights from your team.Align your actions with your words to build trust and integrity within your organization.Shift your focus from authority to influence by truly serving and developing your team, creating a more engaged and motivated workplace. Press play now to discover simple, actionable...

How can you create a team that takes more ownership and responsibility of their work so you can focus on bigger picture tasks? This is just one of the lessons Kofi Duku shares from his ten years' experience as a leader in West Africa. In today's interview, you'll discover: Why leaders who lead only from the front may be leaving their team behindWhy emotional regulation is important as a leaderHear firsthand how Kofi Duku transformed his leadership style to create a more engaged,...

How strongly do you believe in your team's performance? You may say yes, but it is your actions which answer this question. If you give advice or tell others what to do, it is likely in part due to not trusting your team's own solutions or performance. In this episode learn how to know if you are undermining your team's confidence, and discover: Why withholding advice can actually boost your team's confidence and problem-solving abilities.What it may mean if your team frequently asks for...

How does telling your team what to do impact their overall performance? Many humanitarian and international development leaders think telling their team what to do is essential, but relying too heavily on this approach can lead to an over-dependent, less empowered team. This episode explores how leaders unintentionally undermine team performance by over-managing and explains how to unlock your team's potential by shifting away from advice-giving. In this 9 minute episode you'll discover: How...

How can you gain more time AND respect at work? In this episode you'll discover: One common thing leaders do which negatively impacts self-seteem over time How to earn respect from your colleagues (and yourself) What will likely happen if you say no to someone who asks to meet with you Tune in to this seven minute episode to learn how to reclaim your time while also gaining respect from yourself and others.   WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ Want to know how to lead better?  It...

Are you tired of feeling like your time isn’t your own? You are not alone.  Between being assigned last minute proposals, attending tons of meetings and various HQ initiatives you may feel you don't own your time.  But there are some ways you can gain more control over it, and that's what you'll learn in today's episode! By tuning in, you’ll discover: What's making you feel you have no control over your time  Why it's important to treat your own schedule with the same respect you give...

Have you ever felt guilty for saying no to extra work, even when your plate is already full? Many leaders struggle with setting boundaries, often feeling the pressure to say yes to every request. This episode tackles the common dilemma of wanting to be a team player while avoiding burnout, offering insights that resonate with anyone aiming to maintain their well-being while contributing effectively. By tuning in, you'll discover how to confidently set boundaries, the importance of saying no...

Ever felt overwhelmed by your workload simply because you couldn’t say no? Sometimes humanitarian and development leaders struggle with the urge to be team players, often leading to taking on more work than we can handle.  This may lead to burnout and decreased productivity. This episode dives into a critical mindset shift: recognizing that saying no can actually enhance your effectiveness, well-being, and relationships at work. In this episode you'll learn: How to reclaim your time and...

Sometimes the simplest things can be the key to making the most of our time. The problem is we often become so busy as humanitarian and international development leaders we can forget these simple things.  And that leads us to just surviving and doing what we can to get things done. This episode delves into a crucial lesson from Steve Jobs: the importance of deciding what not to do, which can help you focus on what truly drives your goals forward. By listening to this 7 minute episode, you...

Are you exhausted from constantly being "busy" yet feeling like you’re making little impact? In this episode, we dive into what I call "high performance syndrome" —a state where the drive for productivity leads to stress and burnout rather than meaningful results. If you’ve ever found yourself working late into the night or drowning in endless emails, this discussion will resonate with you deeply. Through listening to this 10 minute episode you'll learn:  How to know if your high...

What’s keeps you from feeling truly motivated in your humanitarian and/or international development work? In today's episode, we tackle a common struggle: the disconnect that can arise when day-to-day tasks overshadow your purpose. Many humanitarian and international development leaders find themselves overwhelmed, losing sight of the impact you originally set out to make. This episode speaks directly to that feeling, offering insights on how to reignite your motivation by refocusing on...

Are you struggling to find time to develop your team while juggling countless responsibilities? Many leaders feel overwhelmed and believe they simply don’t have the time to invest in team development. Yet, the absence of regular development can lead to stagnation—both for your team and yourself. This episode addresses this common struggle, offering practical strategies to integrate team development into your daily routine without adding to your workload. In this episode you'll discover: ...

How does your team feel about you as a leader? As a leader, the emotional connection you cultivate with your team can significantly impact their well-being and productivity. In today’s episode, we dive into the critical relationship between leadership and team dynamics, especially in light of Mental Health Day. Discover a unique way to be more mindful about the relationship you have with your team, including how to improve it. Through this 11 minute episode you will learn: A four-step...

What if a simple change in how you recognize your team can transform their mental health and motivation? In today's fast-paced humanitarian and development sectors, leaders often overlook the profound impact of genuine recognition on their team’s mental wellbeing. As pressures mount, many struggle with feelings of undervaluation and burnout. This episode addresses a crucial yet often neglected strategy: authentic acknowledgment, which can significantly enhance your team's morale and...

We spend a lot of time forming job descriptions and action plans. But what about time on how you want to be remembered as a unique leader? Today's 9 minute quick quote episode is inspired by this quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter: “A vision is not just a picture of what could be, it’s an appeal to our better selves, to become something more.” This episode dives into the crucial role of having a personal leadership vision, how to start forming one and how to use it. You will discover how to: ...

In today’s fast-paced humanitarian and development landscape, the traditional approach to performance planning often falls short, leading to uninspired teams and stagnant results. This episode dives into how you can transform performance plans into powerful tools for motivation and change, addressing a common challenge many leaders face—how to drive engagement while preventing burnout. By tuning in, you'll discover how to: Create leadership impact goals that align your actions with your...

In this episode, we delve into a common pitfall that many humanitarian and development leaders face: when asking, "How can I support you?" While this question seems caring, it can inadvertently create dependency among team members, undermining their growth and confidence. Understanding how and when to ask this question can transform your leadership approach and enhance your team's performance. By tuning into this 11 minute quick quote episode, you’ll discover how to: Shift your...

  Struggling to make your performance and development plans truly effective? If you’re finding that traditional planning questions aren’t setting your team up for success, this episode is tailored just for you. We’ll dive into how to tackle common pitfalls in performance and development planning, ensuring your goals are not only achievable but transformative. By tuning in, you'll discover how to identify and overcome potential obstacles before they derail your plans, pinpoint the...

Are you unknowingly preventing your team's growth by focusing on mistakes instead of lessons? In today's episode, we delve into the powerful shift from blame to learning and how it can transform both personal and team development. If you or your team are stuck in a cycle of blame after errors or failures, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on using mistakes as opportunities for growth. In this 9 minute episode you'll discover how to: Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities to...

How can you transform dreaded feedback conversations into valuable, growth-driven dialogues? In today's episode, we tackle a common challenge: making feedback sessions something we look forward to rather than avoid. If you're finding feedback stressful for both you and your team, this episode offers actionable insights to change that dynamic. We explore why feedback often feels uncomfortable, and how you can turn it into an opportunity for growth and learning. You’ll learn how to: ...

  Ever wondered if you are talking too much - to the point that it is hurting your team's development? In today’s episode, we dive deep into the fine line between helpful and unhelpful communication. As a leader, you might find yourself questioning whether you’re truly adding value or simply adding noise. This episode will help you tackle a common issue many leaders face: over-talking and its impact on team dynamics. Learn how to strike the right balance in your communication to...

Ever wonder why some conversations leave you feeling drained while others seem to strengthen your relationships? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of effective listening and its critical role in building trust and enhancing communication. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, mastering the techniques of listening can transform your interactions and deepen your connections. In this 17 minute episode you'll learn: What it means to be a great listener when it comes...

  When is "busyness" okay and how can we create more of being good busy rather than bad busy? In this episode, we explore how your perception of busyness can either fuel your inspiration or contribute to stress and burnout. We delve into the concept of “busy-ness” as a mindset and discuss how to shift your focus from unproductive tasks to those that bring real impact. In this 9 minute episode you'll learn: How to transform feelings of overwhelm into motivation by prioritizing...

  Are you too busy to be a caring leader? In today's fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks is a common issue, especially for those in leadership roles. This episode tackles how our busyness directly affects our ability to lead with compassion and effectiveness. You’ll discover practical strategies to reclaim your time and enhance your leadership approach. In this 19 minute episode you'll learn: Identify what’s truly consuming your time and streamline your...