• How to Flip Leadership Problems Into Growth Opportunities With Steve Pendleton
    May 18 2026
    On this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, EstelleRead sits down with Steve Pendleton, leadership and personal development expert at Network Rail and author of The Flip: Turning Issue into Opportunity. Discover how shifting your mindset from problem-focused to opportunity-driven can transform leadership challenges into paths for growth. Steve shares practical strategies to pause, gain clarity in chaos, and embrace setbacks as momentum for confident, calm, and strategic leadership. If you want actionableinsights to break negative thinking cycles and cultivate resilience in complex environments, this episode is for you. What You Will Learn💡How to identify the true issue beneath your emotional triggers and reframe challenges into clear, actionable opportunities that boost strategic leadership impact.💡Why adopting a growth mindset and taking small, intentional steps can compound into breakthrough results, helping you lead with calm confidence under pressure.💡Practical tools to leverage your subconscious thinking—like “night time meetings”—to solve problems creatively, stay curious, and fuel ongoing personal and professional development. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps:(01:24) Welcome & Guest Introduction — Steve Pendleton(02:52) Steve's Typical Day & Non-Negotiables(04:22) How Steve Captures Ideas on the Go(05:34) Steve's Night time "Meetings" — ProblemSolving in Sleep(08:02) The Inspiration Behind The Flip(10:10) The Five Principles: Spotting the Issue(17:08) Reframing the Issue & Mapping Opportunities(20:09) Acting with Intention & The Power of Reflection(21:33) Growth Mindset & Vulnerability in Leadership(24:12) What Work Thinks About the Book(24:47) How The Flip Is Finding Its Way into L&D(25:20) Career Example: Saying Yes to Opportunity(27:31) The Tradition — A Question from the Last Guest(27:55) Communication Style: Learning to Be"Fluffy"(28:27) Steve's Question for the Next Guest(30:16) Where to Get the Book & The Publishing Journey(39:22) Three Actionable Tips to Live By(39:22) Tip 1 — Ask "What's the Worst That CanHappen?"(36:31) Tip 2 — Small Intentional Steps Compound(37:16) Tip 3 — Be Curious, Ask Questions(39:22) Closing Reflections(39:35) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐ Follow or Buy Steve Pendleton’s Book:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-p-8595a7127/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flip-Turning-Issue-Into-Opportunity-ebook/dp/B0GJX38V71/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 ⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe whereveryou listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    42 mins
  • The Outsider Advantage: How Being Different Made Her a Stronger Leader
    May 11 2026
    Join Estelle Read on the Optimising Leader Brilliance podcast for calm, confident, and strategic leadership insights. In this episode, Selma Delic shares her inspiring journey from marketing manager to operations partner, revealing how embracing diverse perspectives and turning difference into strength can enable brilliant, high-performing leadership.Learn science-backed strategies and mindset shifts that help you break performance ceilings, foster resilience, and cultivate non-negotiable self-care routines essential for sustainable success in complex leadership roles.What You Will Learn💡 How embracing your unique leadership perspective and diversity of thinking can become your greatest strength, unlocking strategic advantages and driving brilliant outcomes.💡 Why cultivating calm and confident self-care rituals, like Selma’s daily "spa moments," is essential for resilience and sustaining high performance in demanding leadership roles.💡 The power of feedback and mindset shifts: how Selmatransformed her communication style through 360-degree feedback to lead with authenticity, confidence, and impact.Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & SpeakerTimestamps(00:00) Introduction(02:24) Welcome Selma Delic (03:32) Selma's Non-Negotiable Daily Routines (06:41) Life as Operations Partner — A Typical Week (12:23) Origin Story — What Makes Selma, Selma (12:48) Moving to England & Learning English (18:26) Walking In on Day One — "What On Earth Have I Done?" (19:31) The Career Pivot Mindset — Being Open to Alternatives (23:01) Selma's Leadership Mindset & Approach (24:32) Culture, Identity & Why Talking About Yourself Feels Hard (29:46) The Only Non-Finance Partner — Diversity of Thinking as a Strength (30:59) Finding Courage to Speak Up When You Feel Different (39:02) How Selma's Communication Style Has Evolved (44:00) 3 Actionable Tips for Leaders (46:15) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Selma Delic:https://www.pkfsmithcooper.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/selmadelicpkfsmithcooper/⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    49 mins
  • The Illusion of Control: Why Leaders Lose People During Change
    May 4 2026
    I sit down with Davina Ripton, a change managementconsultant and leadership coach, to explore why so many organisational change initiatives fail — and what leaders can do differently to make change stick. We unpack the psychology of resistance, the illusion of control, and why designing change like a customer experience is the key to sustainable transformation. If you lead people through change, this conversation will shift how you think about leadership and strategic change management. What You Will Learn:💡 Discover why your perfectly planned change project might be setting your people up to fail — and the one thing that makes all the difference. 💡 Learn Davina's powerful "Design, Deliver, Embed" framework and the Five Cs that help leaders co-create change that actually lands. 💡 Find out why resistance isn't a problem to solve — it's data to decode, and how reframing it can transform your leadership. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:08) Welcome & Introduction to Davina Ripton(02:22) Davina's Typical Day & Non-Negotiable Routines(05:14) Davina's Origin Story – Growing Up With Change(07:25) The Biggest Mistake Leaders Make With Change(10:39) The Missing Piece – Why People Aren't On Board(10:40) Designing the Change Experience – Where to Start(14:04) The Hotel Analogy – Intentional Change Design(19:10) What Kinds of Change Projects Does Davina Work On?(22:10) Aligning Everyone to the Vision(27:28) The Design, Deliver, Embed Framework(29:30) How Do You Know When Change Is Fully Embedded?(33:13) Guest Question – How Does Stress Impact Success?(37:48) Davina's 3 Actionable Tips for Leaders(40:10) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Davina Ripton:@Davina Riptonhttps://www.changeready.co.uk/⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    43 mins
  • The Amygdala Hijack: Why Leaders Lose Control Under Stress
    Apr 27 2026
    Dr. Lisa Riegel — neuroscience expert, leadership strategistand author shares brain science insights and practical strategies for leaders to regain calm, confident control under stress. Discover stress management techniques and how understanding your brain’s wiring can transform leadership,communication, and team performance. Learn how to lead strategically with self-awareness and sustainable impact using Dr. Lisa’s neuroscience-backed 8C Commitment Framework."What You Will Learn:💡 Discover why 80% of what drives your behaviour as a leader is unconscious — and the simple neuroscience-backed strategies to get your "CEO brain" back incharge.💡 Learn how chronic stress is silently undermining your team's engagement and collaboration — and what brain-based leadership actually looks like in practice.💡 Find out how Dr. Lisa's 8C Commitment Framework helps leaders move from aspiration to operational transformation — with tools you can apply immediately, whetheryou lead a team of 5 or 500. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction & Episode Opener (01:11) Welcome & Introducing Dr. Lisa Riegel (02:29) Lisa's Background & What a Typical Day LooksLike (02:57) Lisa's Non-Negotiable Daily Routines & "TwoMinutes of Joy" (05:00) Understanding the Vagus Nerve & Its Role inStress (07:56) Calming the Vagus Nerve — Practical Strategies (09:05) How to Recognise When Stress Is Running YourLeadership (14:10) Lisa's Origin Story — The Journey to Neuroscience& Leadership (17:36) The 8C Commitment Framework — Overview (21:46) Aspirations to Operations — The Book &Cadence in Practice (26:07) Brain-Based Coaching — Tackling Root Fears inLeadership (33:49) Lisa's Life Motto: "Simply Just Say Yes" (35:18) What a Great Way to Live — Joy, Intentionality &Connection (36:01) Question from Previous Guest — What Are You Ready to Let Go Of? (37:32) Three Actionable Tips to Close (39:35) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Lisa Riegel:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel https://lisariegel.com/ ⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a FreeDiscovery Call:⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe whereveryou listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    42 mins
  • 1 in 6 People Are Narcissists — Here's How to Protect Your Energy as a Leader.
    Apr 21 2026
    Today we’re tackling a topic that can have damaging effects on both our personal and organisational wellbeing: narcissism.Joining us is Ginny Priem—a Master Certified Life Coach, keynote speaker, and the #1 bestselling author of You’reMy Favorite and her latest hit, UNSUBSCRIBE. This new bookis for leaders, professionals, and people-pleasers who have mastered doing more, giving more, and holding it all together—yet still feel quietly depleted by the emotional labour of it all.Ginny’s expertise was forged through a personal betrayal that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. This episode offers leadership lessons to help you spot toxic patternsand strategically protect your energy with calm confidence. Ginny shares her expertise to help leaders develop their “NarcDAR” and establish the boundaries necessary for personal growth and organisational brilliance. What You Will Learn:💡 You might be working for — or living with — a narcissist and not even know it. Ginny reveals the subtle signs most people miss, including a chilling workplace example that willmake you rethink your professional relationships. 💡 Your body has been trying to warn you all along. Discover why your gut instinct is your most powerful tool against toxic people — and what happens to your health and wellbeing when you ignore it. 💡 There's a method to quietly reclaim your power without a dramatic confrontation. Ginny shares a brilliantly simple strategy for neutralising narcissistic behaviour at work andin life — no conflict required. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction (03:22) What is a Narcissist? Narcissistic PersonalityDisorder (NPD) Explained (08:15) Overt vs. Covert Narcissism (09:46) Ginny's Origin Story — How Chad Changed Everything (12:47) Red Flags: How to Recognise a Narcissist (13:28) Gaslighting & DARVO Explained (19:11) Narcissism in the Workplace (22:31) The Consequences of Being With a Narcissist (27:14) The Grey Rock Method — How to Manage a Narcissist (26:56) Ginny's Book Unsubscribe — Block, Mute, Swap,Manage (32:42) Doing a Relationship Audit & Energy Bank Account(37:41) 3 Actionable Steps to Protect Yourself fromNarcissism (41:14) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Ginny Priem:https://www.youtube.com/@ginnypriemhttps://ginnypriem.com/ ⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe whereveryou listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    44 mins
  • Leadership Lessons in Confidence and Courage: Sam Bagshaw's Journey to 1M Followers
    Apr 14 2026
    In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into leadershiplessons with Sam Bagshaw, an influencer whose journey to 1 million followers highlights how calm, confident, and strategic leadership can enable brilliance despite personal challenges. Sam defies odds — including his stammer — to exemplify how authentic leadership embraces challenges and fosters growth for oneself and others. Join us as Sam shares his experiences with public speaking,TV appearances, and philanthropy, illustrating how strategic leadership and embracing courage lead to unlocking your full potential. Discover valuable insights on optimising your leadership mindset to confidently navigate criticism, cultivate calm, and enable brilliance within your team and yourself. Whether you're seeking to grow as a leader or break throughpersonal barriers, Sam’s story offers practical techniques to build confidence, lead strategically, and maintain calm in high-pressure environments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to embrace leadership courage and brilliance every day. What You Will Learn:💡 Transform criticism into fuel for growth with Sam's powerful technique for resilient leadership.💡 Uncover why intentionally putting yourself in uncomfortable situations isn't just brave, it's strategic - and how this practice can unlock opportunities you've been avoiding💡 Explore the link between past experiences and leadership courage, helping you break through barriers and lead with confidence and calm. Elevate your leadership journey today with insights thatenable brilliance and inspire strategic, confident leadership.Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction - Sam Bagshaw's journey to over 1 million followers(01:52) Understanding stammering as a neurological condition(03:20) From warehouse worker to social media influencer(03:59) The courage to post that first video (06:40) Handling internet trolls and negative comments(09:48) How Sam's content inspires others to be brave(10:23) Action for Stammering Children charity work and running marathons(12:21) Breath work techniques for managing speech(13:26) Speaking on stage despite fear of public speaking (15:58) Managing nerves before TV and stage appearances(17:10) The inner dialogue that calms performance anxiety(18:23) Sam's powerful mindset(19:06) Where bravery comes from (19:53) Childhood experiences that shaped who Sam is today(22:08) Creating challenge videos (23:51) What businesses can do to support people with speech impediments(27:13) A day in the life of a social media influencer(31:18) The belief that shaped childhood and the one that changed(35:48) Three actionable tips for building courage(40:23) Staying in practice to maintain confidence(43:01) Final thoughts (43:55) Pause, Reflect, Act: Your Mini Leadership Coaching Session (45:20) Close ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Sam Bagshaw forSpeaking Event Enquiries:https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerexperienceshttps://www.youtube.com/@Stammerjourney https://www.instagram.com/sam_bagshaw_Sponsor Sam:https://www.justgiving.com/page/sam-bagshaw-2⭐Follow Estelle Read & Access Resources: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠🌟⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ 📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • How to Stop Being the "Strong One": The Hidden Danger of Hyper-Independence
    Apr 7 2026
    Are you the "rock" that everyone else relies onwhile you're secretly struggling? In this episode, we explore the "Be Strong" pattern and why hyper-independence isoften a survival response to childhood patterns that demand emotional stoicism. Learn why suppressed emotions manifest as physical pain - like frozen shoulders and chronic fatigue - and how to reclaim your resilience by choosingvulnerability over the trap of "toughness."In this final part of our miniseries on Adrienne Lee’s “Drowning Person” model, I share the deeply personal story of my father’s battle with vulnerability and the moment a mentor’s simple question broke through my own stoic mask. We’ll discuss the "Fixer" mentality at work, the mental health crisis caused by emotional bottlenecks, and practical tools like EFT (Tapping) and journaling to help you finally ask for help without guilt. What You Will Learn:💡 The Cost of Hyper-Independence: Why the most reliable people are often the ones "drowning" in silence.💡 The Somatic Connection: How to listen to your body’s "dashboard warning lights"- from frozen shoulders to digestive issues.💡 Breaking the Fixer Cycle: How to move from fierce self-reliance to a more connected, sustainable leadership style. Whether you are a firstborn child, a parentified professional, or a leader feeling the weight of the world, this episode offers a roadmap to true emotional strength. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Executive Coach & Speaker Timestamps:00:00) Introduction: The Be Strong Pattern - Final Episode in the Miniseries(01:42) The Drowning Man Metaphor (02:38) The Person Everyone Turns To: Stoicism vs. Empathy(03:08) The Moment I Burst Into Tears: Why Don't You Ask for Help?(04:22) Core Fear: Vulnerability Makes You Weak or Burdensome(04:50) The Stigma of Stoicism: Why we hide our feelings(05:20) A Tortured Soul Who Wouldn't Open Up(07:06) The Phone Call: My Dad's Final Vulnerability(08:00) Where Be Strong Comes From: Don't Be Vulnerable, Power Through(08:28) Why Men Struggle More: Suicide Rates and the Secret Club(09:38) Childhood Examples: Pull Yourself Together (10:28) The Parentified Child: No Room for Your Own Feelings(10:52) Adult Problems at Work: Difficulty Asking for Help(11:20) Emotional Bottlenecks: Quietly Seething Until You Leave(11:51) Fierce Independence: Why high-achievers refuse help(12:31) Birth Order and Independence: Both Firstborns(13:17) Mental Health Problems: Burnout and Somatic Symptoms(13:43) Frozen Shoulders: Bearing the Responsibility(14:16) Somatic Symptoms: How your body signals suppressed emotions(14:36) The Dashboard Warning Light Metaphor: Listen to Your Body(15:39) The Parentified Child Fixing Her Parents' Divorce(16:14) Becoming the Fixer at Work: Filling Responsibility Gaps(17:02) Almost Off With Burnout: The Exhaustion Breaking Point(20:03) Strategies, Tools And Resources To Overcome the Be Strong Pattern(27:48) EFT Videos on My Channel⭐Follow, Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:⁠https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:🌟⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠🌟⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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    30 mins
  • Leadership Beyond Perfectionism: Why Your Best is More Than Enough
    Mar 31 2026

    Are you stuck in analysis paralysis? In this episode, we explore how perfectionism fuels Imposter Syndrome and reveal my proprietary LAR Method to break the cycle once and for all.


    Learn why the pursuit of perfection is holding your career back and how to use the "10% Strategy" to reclaim your time, energy, and authenticity.


    As part of our miniseries on Transactional Analysis drivers, I’m diving into the childhood origins of the "Be Perfect" pattern.


    From the "Owl Story" to the pressure of high-stakes leadership, we discuss why the fear of being "exposed" as imperfect is your biggest barrier to growth—and how even Steve Bartlett uses imperfection as a superpower.


    What You Will Learn:

    Whether you're a leader avoiding a promotion or an entrepreneur hiding behind a mask of perfection, this episode will help you choose progress over perfectionism.


    Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!

    Estelle Read

    Bestselling Author, Executive Coach & Speaker

    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Introduction: Quit Perfectionism By Doing This

    (02:08) What is Perfectionism and Why It Matters

    (03:37) The Perfectionism Trap: Red Crosses and Self-Doubt

    (05:05) The Core Fear: Being Exposed as Imperfect

    (06:31) Origins of Perfectionism: Critical Parents and Childhood Trauma

    (10:20) The Owl Story: How Shame Creates Perfectionism

    (12:49) When Perfection Crumbles: The Cost of Mistakes

    (14:28) The Perfectionism Mindset

    (17:38) The Mental Health Impact: Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome

    (18:18) How to use the LAR Method to stop Perfectionism

    (20:05) Error-Friendly Experiments: Practicing Imperfection

    (22:28) Productivity Tip: The 10% Time Reduction Strategy

    (24:15) Steve Bartlett's Imperfect Posts: Embracing Authenticity

    (25:53) Resources: Books, Journals, and Free Tools

    (27:13) Preview: Next Episode on the Be Strong Pattern


    ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe whereveryou listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.

    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:

    🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/

    📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts

    ⭐Follow Estelle Read:

    https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

    ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:

    ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠

    ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:

    🌟⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠

    🌟⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠

    ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:

    ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠

    ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:

    ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠

    ⭐Disclaimer:

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.


    Show More Show Less
    28 mins