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Published by Kene Igweonu
Leading Yourself is a podcast about values, identity, failure, and practice—exploring values-based leadership as a learnable, reflective practice. The podcast offers honest, thoughtful, and practical conversations about the inner work of leadership. It is for anyone reflecting on what it means to grow in their leadership and lead well with integrity and impact. Each episode features short conversations with senior executive leaders—from higher education, business, and public life—to surface practical insights about leading oneself in complex roles. Inspired by principles from ‘ How Will You Measure Your Life? ’ by Clayton M. Christensen, the series invites a related reflection: how do you measure your leadership when no one is watching? This is leadership formation, not performance. The Leading Yourself Podcast is hosted by Professor Kene Igweonu.
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Episode Summary In this episode, Professor Osama Khan, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales, reflects on one of the hardest transitions in senior leadership: moving from being the expert who has the answers to the leader who creates the conditions for others to contribute their expertise. Drawing on his own transition into the Vice-Chancellor role, Osama explores what it means to unlearn the instinct to solve every problem, know every detail and be the first voice in the room. He discusses the importance of active listening, welcoming dissenting views and creating psychological safety, while still recognising that leadership ultimately requires decisions to be made. The conversation also explores the continuing importance of mentorship and feedback at the most senior levels of leadership, and why vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness. Osama reflects on the value of admitting mistakes, changing your mind when someone else has the stronger argument, and building a talented team rather than trying to become the “fountain of knowledge”. At its heart, this is a conversation about the shift from expertise to leadership, and the habits leaders may need to let go of as their responsibilities grow. Keywords Leadership, Unlearning, Executive Leadership, Higher Education, Expertise, Active Listening, Psychological Safety, Vulnerability, Decision-Making, Mentorship, Team Leadership Key Topics The difficult transition from expert to organisational leader Unlearning the need to have all the answers or remain in control Knowing when to speak and when to create space for other voices Active listening without allowing decision-making to become paralysed by consensus Creating psychological safety and welcoming dissenting views The role of mentorship and feedback in senior leadership Recognising and managing personal leadership tendencies, including optimism bias Building and trusting a strong team Using vulnerability, mistakes and changed decisions to create a healthier leadership culture Key Takeaways What makes you successful as an expert may not make you effective as a senior leader. Leadership increasingly requires drawing on the expertise of others rather than demonstrating your own. Unlearning requires deliberate restraint. Leaders may need to resist the instinct to offer the solution, know every detail or set the direction too early. The leader’s voice carries disproportionate weight. Speaking too soon can unintentionally create groupthink and discourage better ideas from emerging. Listening does not mean seeking endless consensus. Effective leaders actively listen to different and dissenting views, then make decisions when decisions need to be made. Psychological safety begins with the leader. Admitting mistakes, changing your mind and acknowledging when someone else has the stronger argument gives others permission to learn and grow. Mentorship remains essential at the top. Senior leaders need trusted people with whom they can think openly, seek challenge and be vulnerable without feeling they must perform their role. Chapters 02:06 Introduction to Leadership and Unlearning 06:08 The Challenge of Unlearning as a Leader 10:27 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership 17:45 Creating Psychological Safety in Leadership 26:32 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
Summary In this episode, Rachael Falloon reflects on one of the most challenging aspects of leadership: unlearning the habits, assumptions and instincts that once brought success but can ultimately limit growth. Drawing on her experience as a senior executive leader and school principal, Rachael shares how letting go of the need to be the fixer, learning to trust others, and leading with greater curiosity transformed her approach to leadership. She explores how self-reflection, compassion and the willingness to unlearn can help leaders move beyond simply managing people to creating the conditions in which others can thrive. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone leading in complex, high-responsibility environments and serves as a reminder that becoming a better leader is often less about acquiring new skills and more about having the courage to let go of old ones. Keywords Leadership, Unlearning, Growth, Trust, Curiosity, Education Leadership, Self-Development, Leadership Habits Takeaways The importance of unlearning habits for leadership growth The role of curiosity in leadership development How being a doer can hinder leadership effectiveness The transition from micromanaging to empowering others Strategies for reflecting back instead of fixing The role of vulnerability and trust in leadership development Creating safe environments for team members to unlearn and experiment The impact of curiosity on leadership and unlearning processes Practical questions to foster reflection and growth in teams How unlearning enhances listening, compassion, and decision-making Chapters 00:38 Introduction to Leadership as a Reflective Discipline 01:49 The Essence of Leadership Growth 02:55 Unlearning as a Leadership Necessity 06:52 The Shift from Fixer to Empowerer 10:07 The Impact of Feedback on Leadership 13:12 Creating a Safe Environment for Growth 16:14 Encouraging Experimentation in Leadership 20:12 The Role of Curiosity in Unlearning 26:31 The Courage to Unlearn and Let Go Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-falloon-74774413/
Primary Goal Reflection on leadership journey and podcast season Summary Professor Kene Igweonu reflects on his first season of the Leading Yourself podcast, sharing insights from conversations with seven leaders across sectors. He explores themes of values, identity, balance, authenticity, and the importance of continuous learning in leadership. Key Topics Leadership as impact grounded in values Self-awareness and personal growth The importance of authenticity and integrity Balancing responsibilities and self-care Leadership as a continuous learning process Takeaways Leadership begins and continues with values. Authenticity under pressure is crucial. Leadership is about practice, not position. Unlearning is essential for growth. Leadership is a journey of becoming more fully yourself. Chapters 02:02 Season One Reflection: A Journey of Leadership 05:56 Key Insights from Conversations with Leaders 22:51 Looking Ahead: Season Two and the Courage to Let Go
Summary In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Professor Kene Igweonu interviews Professor Rathna Ramanathan, exploring the themes of self-leadership, values-based decision making, and the balance between present and future responsibilities in leadership roles. Rathna shares insights from her extensive experience in higher education and the creative sector, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, integrity, and grounding practices for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face and the necessity of nurturing one's identity beyond their professional roles. Takeaways Self-leadership is about representation in leadership roles. Practice-led leadership integrates doing and thinking. Leadership is about being a custodian, not an owner. Curiosity should not be sacrificed for career pace. Values guide difficult decisions in leadership. Balancing present needs with future goals is crucial. Nurturing personal identity outside of work is essential. Creating daily space for reflection is important for leaders. Effective leadership requires openness to feedback. Building trust within teams fosters a supportive environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Self-Leadership 03:19 Understanding the Role of Provost and Global Engagement 05:07 Defining Self-Leadership in Higher Education 09:30 Values-Based Leadership and Difficult Decisions 14:16 Balancing Present Needs with Future Vision 16:37 The Identity of a Leader vs. Personal Identity 19:21 Integrating Research and Leadership Roles 23:05 Grounding Practices for Leaders 29:55 Curiosity and Integrity in Leadership 33:22 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice
In this episode, Kene Igweonu engages with Dr. Lawanda Rutledge-Gordon, a Senior Vice President in a global healthcare company, to explore the concept of self-leadership. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Dr. Gordon shares her journey from servant leadership to becoming a strategic visionary, emphasizing the need for integrity and crucial conversations in navigating difficult decisions. The conversation also touches on the balance between leadership identity and personal values, and how to integrate love and compassion into the workplace. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that impactful leadership begins with knowing oneself and nurturing core values. Takeaways Self-leadership is essential before leading others. Integrity is crucial in leadership decisions. Crucial conversations can strengthen relationships. Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. Emotional intelligence is vital under pressure. Nurturing core values leads to impactful leadership. Actions speak louder than words in demonstrating values. A servant leader prioritizes the team's visibility. Leadership identity should not overshadow personal values. Compassion and empathy are key in the workplace. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership 06:39 Navigating Difficult Leadership Decisions 11:38 The Balance of Identity and Leadership 17:31 Integrating Values in Leadership 23:48 Nurturing Core Values for Impactful Leadership 26.09 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice
Leaders are often faced with moments where instincts must prevail over theory. In this episode Kene Igweonu and Ewan Hamilton, Chief Product and Commercial Officer at Experian, explore the nuanced ways top leaders cultivate resilience, authenticity, and strategic diversity in their teams. From navigating pressure with calmness to leveraging differing viewpoints, our discussion emphasises that leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about team management. Takeaways How leaders internalize leadership principles through deliberate practice and reflection How instinct and reflection shape decision-making under pressure Building resilience by managing stress and absorbing workplace pressure The value of fostering dissenting voices and diverse perspectives in teams The importance of routines, routines, and routines in maintaining grounding Authenticity and boundary-setting between personal and professional identities Learning from mistakes and embracing continuous self-improvement The critical role of team culture in openness and challenge Embracing mistakes and feedback as part of leadership growth The significance of a trusted "home team" for better decision-making Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership 04:17 Understanding Self-Leadership Under Pressure 07:41 Values and Leadership Decisions 10:29 Leadership Instinct and Practice 12:46 Leadership Theory and Practice Continuum 17:27 Balancing Leadership and Personal Identity 20:04 Grounding Practices for Leaders 22:09 Embracing Imperfection in Leadership 27:39 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice
In this episode of The Leading Yourself Podcast, Kene Igweonu engages in a deep conversation with Andre Dick, Senior Vice President at Seattle Children's Hospital. They explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading oneself before leading others. The discussion covers personal values, the challenges of leadership, the significance of building trust, and the impact of difficult decisions. Andre shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of defining personal standards and values. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining identity beyond titles and nurturing values in leadership. Takeaways Leadership is often about how we lead ourselves. Defining personal standards is crucial for effective leadership. You must be the primary author of your life. Influence is earned, not given by title. Bringing values into leadership is essential for authenticity. Difficult decisions often require explaining the 'why' to others. Trust is built on mutual respect and active listening. Navigating change requires transparency and adaptability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Leadership 02:59 The Role of Values in Leadership 05:02 Defining Success and Personal Growth 06:45 Navigating Leadership Challenges 09:13 Building Trust and Influence 10:43 Making Difficult Decisions 12:22 The Importance of Authenticity 14:42 Grounding Practices for Leaders 16:24 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship 18:50 Embracing Change and Resilience 18:50 Final Thoughts on Leadership 18:50 Outro_ Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice
Dr. Atul Shinagare, Director of Integrated Cancer Imaging at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and personal growth as a senior executive leader. Dr. Atul Shinagare and Professor Kene Igweonu discuss the importance of aligning personal values with leadership decisions, the personal costs associated with leadership roles, and the significance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Atul shares insights on the journey of self-improvement, the influence of purpose and gratitude, and the lessons learned from observing other leaders. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership is a continuous process of growth and reflection. Takeaways Self-leadership is about creating a better version of oneself. Leadership involves making tough decisions guided by values. Striking a balance between patient care and staff well-being is crucial. Leadership is not about making everyone happy, but about influencing the majority positively. Personal costs of leadership include the burden of tough decisions and the need for self-care. Finding purpose in work helps navigate challenges and maintain motivation. Gratitude plays a significant role in a leader's well-being. Leadership roles should resonate with personal values, not just ambition. Learning from others can involve recognizing both positive and negative examples. Balance in leadership is a dynamic pursuit, not a static state. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Self-Leadership in Leadership Roles 02:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Leadership 06:05 The Importance of Values in Leadership Decisions 11:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 14:49 Cultivating Purpose and Gratitude in Leadership 17:57 Final Thoughts on Integrity and Leadership 19:32 Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice
Anna Coatsworth, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at Array Marketing, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and maintaining a balanced identity as a leader. She talks about the complexities of leadership roles, the necessity of aligning actions with values, and the significance of maintaining a balanced identity. Anna highlights the need for vulnerability, the impact of difficult decisions, and the role of professional guidance in personal growth. The discussion culminates in the importance of communicating values through actions and the ongoing journey of self-reflection in leadership. Takeaways Self-leadership is crucial for effective leadership. Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection. Difficult decisions often reflect deeper values. Balancing work and personal life enhances leadership effectiveness. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights for leaders. Communicating values through actions is essential for influence. Leadership identity should not solely define personal identity. Creating a supportive team environment is vital for growth. Reflecting on personal values aids in decision-making. Leadership is a continuous journey of self-discovery. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership 03:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics 09:21 Navigating Self-Leadership Under Pressure 13:20 Values vs. Convenience in Leadership Decisions 19:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role 24:22 Grounding Practices for Effective Leadership 27:21 The Role of Professional Guidance in Leadership 31:01 Communicating Values Through Actions
In this conversation, Professor David Mba and Professor Kene Igweonu explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal values in decision-making and leadership practices. They discuss how self-reflection and criticality play a crucial role in effective leadership, particularly under pressure. David shares insights from his experience as Vice Chancellor, highlighting the significance of aligning personal and organizational values, the challenges of making tough decisions, and the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst leadership responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the need for leaders to engage with their communities and the impact of values-driven leadership on organizational culture and social mobility. Takeaways Self-leadership is a reflective discipline. Values shape our decisions, especially under pressure. Self-critique is essential for effective leadership. Decisions should prioritize student welfare. You can't please everyone, but you can provide rationale. Engagement with the community is vital for leaders. Grounding practices help maintain perspective. Values alignment simplifies decision-making. Leadership is about impact, not just influence. Nurturing values in others creates a positive leadership culture. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership 01:37 Defining Self-Leadership 05:01 Decision-Making Guided by Values 07:40 Navigating Discomfort in Leadership Decisions 10:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role 14:06 Grounding Practices for Leaders 19:59 Nurturing Values in Leadership
Leading Yourself is a leadership podcast exploring values, identity, failure, and practice—approaching leadership as a learnable, reflective discipline rather than performance. In this short solo introduction, host Kene Igweonu shares the motivation behind the series: to support leaders at all stages to grow in ways that are grounded in their true sense of self, values, and integrity—especially under pressure. Inspired by principles from the book; How Will You Measure Your Life? , the podcast invites a deeper question: how do we measure our leadership when no one is watching? Each episode features thoughtful conversations with senior executive leaders from higher education, business, and public life, offering practical insights into the inner work of leadership. First full episode coming soon!
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 14, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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