This week I noticed something fascinating, I had several client conversations that all circled the same frustration: “My people just aren’t doing what I need them to do.” And I get it, that feeling can turn into pure exhaustion, and then resignation.

So today I’m talking about the part we usually skip, the connection between what you do and how others respond. If you want new behaviours in your team, you have to be the stimulus, consistently.

We’ll look at why empowerment fails when you’re still deep diving, how habit change really works in organisations, and a simple way to build feedback cultures without accidentally training people to stay quiet.

Highlights:

(02:05) - The question that changes everything: what am I doing that’s creating this outcome?

(03:25) - “I want you empowered”, while quietly micromanaging anyway

(05:12) - You trained them to rely on you, now you have to retrain the system

(07:35) - January blues check, how consistent have you actually been with your change?

(09:20) - Want honest feedback? Don’t wing it, design safety (start, stop, continue works)

(10:45) - The fastest way to kill feedback: get defensive, then wonder why it disappears

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

I’m back with a more personal episode, sharing the self-reflection I’ve been doing over the last few months and the question that’s been steering it all: what do I need in place to do my best work?

After an intense stretch of travel and back-to-back client weeks, I realised I was running on fumes, and that’s not the energy I want to bring into the room.

I talk about why reflection builds resilience and emotional intelligence, plus the practical shifts that have helped me re-energise: protecting thinking time, planning so I feel in control, and using thought partners to sharpen the quality of my decisions.

I’ll leave you with a question to take into your own week.

Highlights:

(01:42) - Why self-reflection is a leadership tool, not a fluffy extra

(03:28) - The treadmill moment, when I realised “this pace isn’t sustainable”

(05:46) - Extrovert energy, and why I now need more quiet windows than I used to

(06:58) - The restorative week experiment, what changed when my diary finally had space

(08:34) - Planning as stress relief, how structure helps me feel calmer and sharper

(09:55) - Quality thinking needs conditions, and why a thought partner boosts my best work

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

As we step into a new year, I wanted to pause and challenge the way we think about New Year’s resolutions. I share why I am not a huge fan of big, dramatic goals set in January, and why so many of them quietly fall away by the end of the month.

This episode is about reframing resolutions as habits, and giving yourself permission to start, stop, adjust and recommit without judgement.

I also reflect on the goals that have actually worked for me, and the common thread between them. Small steps, realistic expectations and accountability made all the difference.

If you are feeling pressure to overhaul your life right now, this conversation will help you take a calmer, more sustainable approach to growth this year.

Highlights:

(01:10) Why a New Year’s resolution is just a goal in disguise

(02:58) The problem with all or nothing thinking in January

(04:47) Why habits take longer than 21 days to stick

(06:12) How small, flexible goals create lasting change

(07:45) The power of accountability when building new habits

(09:10) A realistic approach to health, strength and consistency

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio