What actually is leadership — and why does it feel so misunderstood?
In this episode of Lipstick, Laughs & Leadership, Emma and Jodes strip leadership back to what really matters, beyond job titles, hierarchies and outdated corporate ideals.
We unpack the difference between being a manager and being a leader, and why so many people don’t leave jobs — they leave managers. Drawing on real experiences, we share examples of leaders we’ve encountered over the years: the inspiring, the ineffective, and everything in between, and reflect on the behaviours that had the biggest impact (good and bad).
We explore what great leadership looks like now, the traits that genuinely build trust and followership, and why leadership today is far less about control and authority and far more about connection, clarity and credibility. This is an honest conversation about human‑centred leadership, the responsibility that comes with influence, and how leadership shows up in everyday moments — not just in boardrooms.
No buzzwords. No corporate performance. Just a real, thoughtful conversation about leadership as it’s actually lived.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
📺 Or watch on YouTube
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📲 Come and say hi on Instagram:
Jodie Salt – @jodes_salt
Emma Shepherd – @emmashepherd23
🌐 Our websites:
Jodie Salt – https://www.jodiesalt.com
Inspired Learning – https://www.inspiredlearningltd.co.uk
Welcome to Lipstick, Laughter & Leadership — a leadership podcast for women who want to lead well, live fully and stop pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.
Lipstick, Laughs & Leadership is the podcast where real women talk real leadership without the corporate BS. Hosted by Emma and Jodie, two experienced executive coaches and leadership development consultants who’ve lived the highs, the mess, and everything in between, this is an honest, down‑to‑earth conversation from the sofa. Expect laughter, straight‑talk, and meaningful discussions about confidence, influence, wellbeing, burnout, ambition, and leading in a world that wasn’t always built for women like us. No jargon, no fluff, just relatable stories, practical insights, and leadership lessons that actually stick.
Subscribe for honest conversations about leadership, wellbeing, confidence and creating success that doesn’t cost you your health.
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