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 Projects.
• Brian Little – TED Talk - "who are you really?"
• Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values – online course
• Thoughtful 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 Journal – a helpful tool for reflection without slipping into unhelpful self-blame.
• Episode 259 – Why Leaders Should Have a Reflective Practice
• Article: When Team Members Won’t Take Accountability
• Leadership Coaching with Ben.