Explore every episode of the podcast Optimising Leader Brilliance: Enabling Calm, Confident, Strategic Leadership
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Leaders Stay Stuck: How Soft Addictions Sabotage Success and What To Do About It | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:46:14 | |
Why do high achievers often feel stuck despite theirsuccess? In this episode, Dr. Judith Wright, a neuroscientist and coach featured on Oprah and Good Morning America, shares her insights on the hidden patterns that keep leaders trapped in burnout, conflict, and underperformance. Discover how “soft addictions” and unmet deep yearnings silently sabotage your leadership potential. Learn practical strategies to name your true feelings, reconnect with your core needs, and embark on a path to clarity, calm, and authentic success. What You Will Learn:
(00:00) – Welcome and Episode Introduction | |||
| From Invisible to Influential: Empowering Leaders to Be Seen | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:48:59 | |
Feeling invisible in rooms where your leadership should shine? This episode dives deep into leadership visibility and how to raise your profile authentically. Discover why many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or uncertainty about how to present their leadership presence confidently. Host Estelle Read chats with Katie Radel, CEO of Ripple Consulting Group, about proven strategies to stop hiding and start leading with visible impact that advances your career and organization.
What You Will Learn:
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Host of Optimising Leader Brilliance
Timestamps: (00:00) – Welcome and Introduction to Episode Theme ⭐ GUEST: Katie Radel - RippleConsulting Group: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieradel/ ⭐HOST: Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeeeor @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r ⭐Find Out Which of the 7 LeadershipSaboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/ ⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal 🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL:
⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone.
| |||
| Break Free from the Overachiever Trap: Leadership Tips for Sustainable Growth | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:19:24 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read dives into the "Overachiever" saboteur—the relentless drive to prove worth through endless achievements and output. Discover how this pattern creates burnout, toxic work cultures, and personal exhaustion by tying your value solely to performance. Drawing on over two decades of coaching, Estelle reveals the emotional roots of this trap and shares breakthrough neuroscience methods to reset your mindset. Learn how to reclaim balance, set healthy boundaries, and lead with calm confidence for sustainable success.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Why overachieving can be a harmful leadership saboteur that stunts growth and damages well-being 💡 The deep emotional causes behind the need to constantly outperform and why rest feels like weakness 💡 Three practical strategies—like scheduling rest as non-negotiable and setting daily shutdown boundaries—to break free from burnout and thrive
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:16) Meet Your Host (01:42) The Seven Leadership Saboteurs (02:52) The Overachiever Pattern (03:51) Free Saboteur Scorecard (04:32) Impact & Root Cause of the Overachiever (08:46) The Science of Behavior Change (13:53) Client Case Study (14:20) Next Steps & Coaching Options (15:59) Three Strategies to Overcome It (17:40) Final Saboteur Rankings
📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/
⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/
❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.
Thanks for your support!
🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL:
⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/
🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| Leadership Beyond People-Pleasing: How to Have Difficult, Brilliance-Building Conversations | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:18:23 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read explores the “Chronic Harmonizer” leadership saboteur—a pattern where leaders avoid difficult conversations to keep the peace, often at great cost to their teams and businesses. Learn how this tendency to avoid conflict stems from deep emotional triggers and childhood survival mechanisms, and discover the neuroscience-backed technique that enables leaders to break free from this self-sabotage. With real-world examples and actionable strategies, Estelle guides you through reclaiming accountability, setting boundaries, and leading with clarity and confidence. What You Will Learn: Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:37) Meet Your Host, Estelle Read (02:02) Welcome to the Saboteurs Miniseries (03:05) Let's Get Started (03:12) Saboteur #6: The Chronic Harmonizer (03:45) The George McFly Story Continues (04:03) Take the Free Saboteur Scorecard (04:30) Defining the Chronic Harmonizer Pattern (05:54) The Impact on Leadership & Teams (06:45) Real Client Example: The £1M Conversation (07:16) Root Cause: Childhood Origins (08:21) The Science of Behavior Change (13:28) Client Breakthrough with Havening (14:48) Coming Up: Practical Strategies (16:27) Strategy #1: The 24-Hour Feedback Rule (17:21) Next Episode: The Overachiever 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach 🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r ⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/ ⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/ ❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us. Thanks for your support! 🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL: ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/ 🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/
🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| The Strategic Procrastinator Is Killing Your Growth (3 Fixes That Work) | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:17:36 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read unveils the hidden leadership saboteur known as the "Strategic Procrastinator." Discover why many leaders get trapped in chaotic busywork as a way to delay critical, high-stakes decisions. Learn how underlying fears and old survival patterns block bold action and stunt your business growth. Drawing on over two decades of coaching experience and breakthrough neuroscience techniques like Havening, Estelle shares powerful insights and practical strategies to break free from procrastination, unlock your true potential, and lead with renewed confidence and focus.
What You Will Learn:
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:59) Welcome to the Saboteurs Series (03:08) The Strategic Procrastinator (03:55) Saboteur Scorecard (05:57) The Impact (06:50) The Root Cause (08:24) The Science of Habit Change (13:32) Case Study: Sales Procrastination (14:03) Next Steps & Options (15:15) Three Strategies to Overcome It (16:34) Outro 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/
⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/
❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.
Thanks for your support!
🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL:
⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/
🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| 18% of Leaders Have This Saboteur — Do You? | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:19:15 | |
Do you live in a permanent state of frantic panic — forever putting out fires, running on adrenaline, and never quite reaching the strategic work that would actually move your leadership forward? If busyness has become your badge of honour, you may be trapped in the "Constant Firefighter" saboteur.In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach and bestselling author Estelle Read unpacks the second most common leadership saboteur — a reactive pattern that affects 18% of leaders and quietly places a false ceiling over your true potential. You'll discover how a chaotic childhood often wires this hypervigilant, crisis-addicted behaviour, why willpower alone rarely breaks the loop, and how a neuroscience-based approach (Havening) can reset the autopilot itself — so calm, confident, strategic leadership becomes automatic rather than aspirational.
What You Will Learn 💡 Why you keep treating everyday tasks as emergencies — and the hidden root cause that keeps you stuck in "frantic panic" mode 💡 How the Constant Firefighter quietly damages your team, blocks your business from scaling, and drives you toward burnout 💡 Three practical tools to break the cycle fast — the Eisenhower Matrix, a daily 60-minute "strategic firewall," and the power of de-escalating your language — plus how Havening clears the pattern at a neurological level Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:41) The Constant Firefighter Explained (09:17) The Science of Behaviour Change (14:25) Case Study: Breaking the Firefighting Cycle (15:32) Next Steps & Free Resources
📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/
⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/
❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us. Thanks for your support! 🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL: ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/ 🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/ 🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| "I Own This Table" — Breaking the Doubting Imposter Saboteur | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:18:14 | |
Do you hold yourself back from big opportunities even when the evidence says you're more than capable? If you've ever felt like a fraud waiting to be found out, you're not alone — 34% of leaders report this "doubting imposter" as their number one barrier, and it's quietly keeping careers, businesses, and incomes stuck below their true potential. In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, bestselling author and leadership coach Estelle Read unpacks the third of the Seven Leadership Saboteurs: the doubting imposter. You'll discover where this relentless self-doubt really comes from, why willpower alone never seems to fix it, and the neuroscience-based technique that clears the pattern at the root — so calm, confident, strategic leadership finally stops feeling like something you have to force. What You Will Learn 💡 Why the doubting imposter keeps you passing up promotions, big clients, and projects you've already earned — and the hidden childhood patterns that created it. 💡 The neuroscience-based "Havening" technique that resets your nervous system and clears self-doubt at the neurological level, delivering faster, lasting change than traditional methods alone. 💡 Three practical strategies you can start today — a fact-based win log, accepting praise with a simple "thank you," and separating the stories in your head from the facts — to retrain your brain and break through your performance ceiling.
Timestamps: 00:00) Introduction (02:45) The Doubting Imposter (04:53) How This Pattern Shows Up in Others (06:03) The Impact: Building a False Ceiling (06:54) The Root Cause (08:19) The Science of Behavior Change (09:57) The Autopilot Challenge (11:11) Havening: Modifying Your Autopilot (13:27) Client Case Study (14:31) Next Steps & Working With Estelle
📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/
⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/
❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.
Thanks for your support!
🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL:
⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/ 🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| The Relentless Perfectionist: Why 'Perfect' Is Costing You Results | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:19:33 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, coach and bestselling author Estelle Read unpacks the Relentless Perfectionist — the leadership saboteur that currently affects 4% of leaders and quietly sits in fifth place on the saboteur charts. If you recognise that endless urge to tweak, refine, and chase flawless work, this one's for you. Estelle reveals why impossibly high standards actually create a false ceiling over your true potential, how perfectionism slows execution and stunts team growth, and why the root cause often traces back to childhood environments where praise was conditional on being flawless. She then introduces a neuroscience-based technique called Havening that resets the nervous system and de-links the emotional triggers behind the behaviour — plus three practical, no-willpower strategies you can apply today.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Why the Relentless Perfectionist sabotages exactly the thing it promises — high performance — and how it builds a false ceiling over your leadership potential. 💡 How this saboteur quietly causes overwork, team friction, and a risk-averse culture where innovation dies and growth stalls. 💡 Three practical antidotes — the "good enough" benchmark, the 15-minute time-box, and celebrating lessons from errors — plus how the neuroscience-based Havening technique clears the root cause without relying on willpower. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:46) The Relentless Perfectionist Explained (04:05) The Impact of Perfectionism (06:59) Root Cause: Where This Pattern Comes From (08:39) The Science of Behavior Change (13:47) A Client's Transformation (15:55) Next Steps & Free Resources
📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/
⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/
❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.
Thanks for your support!
🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL: ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/
🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| Your Need to Control Everything Is Killing Your Leadership | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:20:12 | |
In this episode, Estelle reveals how this unconscious pattern creates a false ceiling on your leadership potential — leading to burnout, disengaged teams, and stalled projects. She shares the neuroscience behind why willpower alone rarely fixes micromanagement, introduces the transformative Havening technique for resetting your nervous system, and gives you three practical, actionable strategies to break the cycle: the "What, Not How" Rule, low-stakes delegation experiments, and the 24-Hour Buffer Rule. If you're ready to stop being the bottleneck and start leading with calm confidence, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast.
What You Will Learn 💡 Why micromanagement isn't a personality flaw — it's an unconscious saboteur pattern often rooted in childhood experiences, and recognising it is the first step to breaking free 💡 The three practical strategies to stop micromanaging today: the "What, Not How" delegation rule, low-stakes trust experiments, and the 24-hour intervention buffer that rewires your leadership instincts 💡 How neuroscience-based techniques like Havening can reset your nervous system and delink the emotional past that created your control patterns — so change becomes automatic, not another exhausting item on your to-do list
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:30) Meet Your Host & Series Overview (02:59) The Microcontroller Saboteur (04:05) The Data & Statistics (07:35) The Root Cause (09:06) The Science of Behavior Change (14:14) Client Transformation Story (16:00) Next Steps & Coaching Options (19:02) Episode Wrap-Up 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach
🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/
⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/
❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.
Thanks for your support!
🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL: ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/
🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| You Don't Solve Anxiety — Here's What You Do Instead | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:55:16 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, Estelle Read sits down with author and mental health advocate Bryan Sachetta to unpack high-functioning anxiety — the hidden struggle that drives so many ambitious leaders to appear confident and in control while internally battling stress, perfectionism, and relentless overthinking. Bryan, author of the Get Out of Your Head book series, reveals why the most common advice around anxiety is wrong, and what actually works to build a healthier relationship with fear without sacrificing your edge. If you're a high achiever who's tired of using busyness as a shield and ready to lead with calm confidence, this conversation is your starting point. What You Will Learn 💡 Why high-functioning anxiety is especially common in leaders and high achievers — and why trying to "solve" it makes it worse 💡 How to spot the coping strategies that once served you but are now quietly driving overworking and perfectionism — and what to do instead 💡 Three practical, immediate habits for managing anxiety in the workplace — from moving your body to doing a quarterly stress inventory to giving yourself permission to do nothing
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:22) Welcome & What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? (02:13) Interview Begins (10:43) Unpacking the Patterns – Behavioural Coping Strategies (15:20) A New Season of Anxiety – When It Gets Broader & More Nebulous (21:35) Keeping Up With Everything – Where Does It Come From? (28:21) Using Anxiety as a Gateway to Intimacy & Connection (37:36) Tools & Techniques – What Actually Helps (40:16) Early Influences – Writing, Music & Movement (42:15) Brian's Books (44:19) Question from the Previous Guest – Coping With Change & Uncertainty (46:25) Question for the Next Guest (47:17) Closing Tips & Words of Compassion (52:48) 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 Brian Sachetta Instagram: @getoutofyourhead Facebook: @getoutofyourheadbooks Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sachetta
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
| |||
| Laura's Triple A Framework: Acceptance, Accountability, Authenticity | 10 Aug 2026 | 01:21:17 | |
In this powerful episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, Estelle Read sits down with mental health speaker and former HR professional Laura Iles to explore what it really takes to move from surviving to thriving. Laura shares her personal journey through fibromyalgia, complex PTSD, and ADHD — and introduces her Triple A framework (Acceptance, Accountability, Authenticity) as a practical roadmap for leaders navigating chronic illness, trauma, and burnout. Packed with honest insight on workplace mental health, trauma-informed leadership, and nervous system regulation, this conversation challenges the myth that personal and professional lives stay neatly separate — and offers a compassionate, actionable path toward healing out loud, leading with empathy, and reclaiming your identity when it's been stripped away.What You Will Learn
💡 The Triple A System unpacked — how Acceptance, Accountability, and Authenticity form a step-by-step framework for shifting from survival mode into genuine thriving, and why skipping any stage keeps you stuck
💡 Practical energy-management strategies Laura uses to work with her body instead of against it
💡 How to lead through mental health conversations without getting it wrong — Laura's three tips for leaders: listen to understand (not to respond), validate feelings without fixing, and offer reassurance without shame — so your team feels safe, seen, and supported Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:14) Welcome & What to Expect (02:29) Episode Overview & Content Warning (02:29) Interview – Meet Laura Iles (16:32) Laura's Story – Living with Chronic Illness, Trauma & Burnout (1:18:20) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice (1:18:51) Coaching Questions with Laura Iles
⚠️ Content Warning
This episode contains open and honest discussions about childhood sexual abuse, suicide ideation, complex trauma, and chronic illness. These topics are discussed with care and intention, but please look after yourself as you listen.
If anything in this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, support is available: Samaritans — Call 116 123 (free, 24/7, UK & Ireland) NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) — 0808 801 0331 MIND — 0300 123 3393 | mind.org.uk Crisis Text Line — Text SHOUT to 85258 ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐Follow or Contact Laura Iles: IG: @Surviving2Thriving_Laurailes FB: '@Surviving2Thriving Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-iles-4767981a/
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Why Smart Leaders Can't Decide | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:58:51 | |
What if the biggest threat to your strategy isn't a lack of data or intelligence — but your own brain? In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, I sit down with Marja Fox — ex-McKinsey consultant, PhD chemist, and founder of Marja Fox Consulting — to uncover the evolutionary wiring that quietly sabotages executive decision-making. Known as the "executive team whisperer," Marja brings behavioural economics out of the textbook and into the boardroom, revealing why leaders default to loss aversion, groupthink, and short-term thinking — and how to break free. If you've ever felt stuck in circular strategic conversations or paralysed by the fear of being wrong, this conversation will transform how you lead with clarity, confidence, and decisive action. A must-listen for senior leaders ready to upgrade their strategic thinking and leadership mindset. What You Will Learn: 💡 Why your brain's evolutionary shortcuts — like loss aversion and fear of ostracisation — are the hidden derailers of smart strategic decisions, and how to recognise them in real time 💡 The practical facilitation techniques Marja Fox uses to move executive teams from ego wars and endless debate to decisions that actually stick 💡 How to apply a simple stakeholder analysis to uncover the human dynamics behind any "stuck" business problem — and why doing nothing is often the most dangerous decision of all
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:47) Welcome to Optimising Leader Brilliance (01:13) Episode Overview – Three Light Bulb Moments (02:24) Meet Marja Fox – The Story Behind Her Name (06:54) Marja's Average Day & Non-Negotiable Routine (16:25) How Marja Got Here – From Chemistry to Consulting (24:32) The Problems Marja Helps Clients Solve (41:25) Designing Conversations That Combat Decision-Making Biases (56:30) 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 Marja Fox: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjafox/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marjafox
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Most Leaders Focus on the Wrong Skills. Here's What Actually Matters. | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:50:12 | |
In this inspiring episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read sits down with Lawrence Armstrong, artist, architect, bestselling author, and seasoned CEO, to explore whole-brain leadership. Lawrence shares his journey from building a company through recession and fear to mastering a creative, analytical, and balanced leadership style. Learn how cultivating both sides of your brain can fuel business growth, inspire your team, and secure your legacy. Discover practical strategies for developing your “number two,” delegating effectively, and blending creativity with strategic execution to lead your industry.
What You Will Learn: 💡 How embracing whole-brain leadership—balancing creative vision with analytical rigor—drives sustainable growth and innovation
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:53) Welcome & Host Introduction (01:19) Guest Introduction (01:56) Lawrence's Routine & Non-Negotiables (03:20) How Work-Life Imbalance Cost Him His Health (07:12) What Is Whole Brain Leadership? (13:31) Practical Examples: Inspiring Strategy from Creativity (23:36) From Ohio to Architect, Artist & Author (35:04) The Challenge Behind the Book: Surviving a Recession (38:19) Lawrence's Framework for Growth & Succession (44:26) Key Takeaways & Final Advice (44:27) Developing Your Number Two — Overcoming Resistance (47:11) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐ Lawrence Armstrong: larmstrong@waremalcomb.com | @lawrencerarmstrong ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach 🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r ⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/ ⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Access Other Free Resources: https://estelleread.com/resources/ ❤️ CAN YOU HELP? We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to: 🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.
Thanks for your support! 🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL: ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call
🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
🎇The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/
📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK: Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/
🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162 ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⚠️ DICLAIMER This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️. | |||
| Are You 'Shoulders Up' or 'Shoulders Down'? The Embodiment Question Every Leader Needs | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:55:59 | |
In this heartfelt episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, embodiment coach Maddie Brenner-Roach and host Estelle Read explore the vital connection between body awareness and leadership resilience. Discover how tuning into your body’s signals—like tension in the shoulders or tightness in the chest—can reveal hidden stress and guide you toward deeper self-trust. Maddie shares her transformative Inner Authority Framework to help leaders move from reactive habits to empowered, embodied decision-making. If you feel overwhelmed, close to burnout, or disconnected from yourself, this episode offers practical insights and reflective tools to reconnect with your true inner authority and step confidently into your leadership role.
What You Will Learn: 💡 How to listen to your body’s stress signals and transform unconscious avoidance into conscious awareness Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:58) Welcome & Show Introduction (01:23) Tribute to Asterios Drossos (03:04) Guest Introduction – Maddie Brenner-Roach (04:02) Interview Begins – What is an Embodiment Coach? (17:40) Subscribe Prompt (excluded) (18:15) Inner Authority Framework & Identity Shifts (52:03) CEO of Yourself & Embodied Yes/No (53:11) Three Actionable Tips for Leaders (55:35) 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 Maddie Brenner-Roach: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/journeyoncoach/ Instagram and Youtube: @journeyoncoach
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Quick Science-Backed Stress Hacks to Reset Your Hormones and Calm Your Mind | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:40:38 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read dives into science-backed, practical strategies to manage stress and reclaim control over your state of mind. Discover how shifting your inner dialogue can rewire your mindset, how simple changes in your body posture can instantly reduce stress hormones and boost confidence, and how everyday habits—from feeding birds to enjoying dark chocolate—can hack your brain’s neurochemicals to elevate wellbeing. Packed with engaging exercises and reflective coaching prompts, this episode guides you to empty your stress bucket and cultivate calm, confident leadership.
What You Will Learn: 💡 How to transform your inner critic into an empowering inner captain for a positive mental shift
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:25) About Optimising Leader Brilliance (02:51) The Stress Bucket — Understanding Your Stress (06:18) Mind, Body & State of Mind: The Factory Model (13:17) How Language & Inner Dialogue Rewire Your Mindset (16:53) From Inner Critic to Inner Captain (25:21) How Your Body Language Changes Your Hormones in Seconds (28:14) Hack Your Neurochemicals: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin & Endorphins (34:41) Summary & Key Takeaways (36:02) The SHINE Resilient Leader Programme (36:41) Resources & Next Steps (37:45) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| The Stress Hack That Works Even If You Don't Believe It | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:59:04 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read unpacks the essential final piece of personal effectiveness: stress management. Discover what stress really is by understanding your nervous system’s gas and brake model, uncover hidden childhood triggers fueling your stress, and explore DISC-based stress triggers tailored to your personality type. Delve into the five types of imposter syndrome driving overwhelm and burnout, and experience the transformative psychosensory technique called Havening—a powerful tool that helped Estelle recover from chronic fatigue and ME by rewiring stress responses. Packed with practical insights, reflective coaching prompts, and free resources, this episode equips you to break free from stress patterns and reclaim calm, confident leadership.
What You Will Learn: 💡 How to identify your unique stress triggers—both external pressures and deep-rooted internal patterns shaped by childhood
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (03:24) Welcome & Module Overview (04:20) What Is Stress? — Definitions & The Gas or Brake Model (08:42) Fight or Flight: The Sympathetic Nervous System (09:47) The Stress Bucket & Rest and Digest (10:08) The Human Function Curve & Burnout (11:23) The ABC Model of Stress (Dr. Albert Ellis) (14:36) External & Internal Stress Triggers (17:21) DISC-Based Stress Triggers (20:41) Reflection Activity: Identifying Your Stress Triggers (22:35) Section 2: Introduction to Havening (26:41) Imposter Syndrome Types & Their Connection to Stress (32:26) Why Change Is Challenging: The Autopilot Mind (38:25) The Neuroscience of Havening (43:28) Havening Live Practice (7-Minute Session) (53:41) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice
⭐ Access the Time Generator and save 500 + minutes a week here: https://mailchi.mp/beee.company/time-generator ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| The 90-Minute Rule: How I Went From Bedbound to Boardroom | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:27:39 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read takes you deeper into time optimization by teaching how to align your diary with your natural energy levels, beat procrastination through accountability, and protect your time to boost productivity without burning out. Drawing from personal experience and practical strategies like time blocking, mono-tasking, and energy awareness, this episode empowers you to work smarter while honoring your well-being. Join a live leadership development session packed with actionable exercises and reflective practices designed to help you reclaim control of your time and focus. What You Will Learn: 💡 How to schedule tasks around your natural energy peaks for greater efficiency and less fatigue Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) Welcome to Optimising Leader Brilliance (02:09) Part 1: Optimise Your Diary Through Your Energy (13:03) Part 2: Eliminate Distractions & Establish Boundaries (16:09) Part 3: Managing Interruptions, Notifications & Mono-Tasking (22:46) Summary & The Time Generator Resource (24:09) Grab Your Free Time Generator (24:24) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice
⭐ Access the Time Generator and save 500 + minutes a week here: https://mailchi.mp/beee.company/time-generator ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐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: ⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| I Was a Workaholic — How I Found Leadership Brilliance and Work-Life Balance | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:40:29 | |
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read dives into time optimization—sharing the one word that can save you hours every week, practical systems to cut overwhelm, and why blending time management with assertiveness can dramatically reduce stress. Drawing on personal stories and proven frameworks like the rocks, pebbles, and sand metaphor, Estelle guides you through prioritizing what truly matters, setting boundaries, and creating weekly rhythms that boost focus and energy. Whether you struggle with distractions, overwhelm, or balancing competing priorities, this episode equips you with actionable tools to regain control of your time and productivity.
What You Will Learn: Access the Time Generator and save 500 + minutes a week here: https://mailchi.mp/beee.company/time-generator
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:21) Welcome (01:47) Module 7: Time Optimisation Overview (09:13) Activity: Time Audit (12:41) Awareness & Choice (15:36) The Rocks, Pebbles & Sand Metaphor (16:59) The Urgent vs Important Matrix (22:02) Planning, To-Do Lists & Diary Blocking (24:30) The 20/80 Pareto Principle (27:37) Weekly Routines & Habits (34:49) Time Blocking (35:36) Managing Your Production Line (36:47) Pause, Reflect & Act - Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| The Communication Pendulum: Why Leaders Swing Between Passive and Aggressive — and How to Stay Centred | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:36:06 | |
Unlock the power of assertive communication to reduce stress, protect your time, and build stronger relationships—at work and beyond. In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read guides you through balancing passive and aggressive communication with confident assertiveness. Learn the PAC model of communication, explore how past experiences shape your style, and discover practical frameworks for giving and receiving. Whether you’re leading a team or simply looking to communicate more clearly, this episode equips you with essential tools to say no without fear, resolve conflict amicably, and reclaim control over your and professional boundaries. What You Will Learn:
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:15) Welcome & Episode Overview (02:44) Understanding Assertive Communication (16:22) Communication Styles & Real-World Examples (31:26) The PAC Model: Parent, Adult & Child Communication (34:24) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice
⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐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: ⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Why Creative Leaders Outperform — And How to Become One | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:52:34 | |
Explore executive presence and creative leadership through a unique lens with Simone Jenkinson, a master of movement and community-driven creativity. In this episode, Simone shares how breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement can cut through corporate noise, help regulate your nervous system, and empower you to lead with calm clarity. Drawing on decades of experience directing global productions and her journey from high-intensity performance to nurturing creativity, Simone reveals practical ways to unlock your creative potential, overcome self-criticism, and show up fully for yourself and your team.
What You Will Learn: Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:58) Welcome to Optimising Leader Brilliance (01:24) Meet Simone Jenkinson — Aerial Artist, Director & Community Builder (02:09) Simone's World: Life in Rural Galicia, Open Houses & Creative Communities (09:19) Hilo — The Movement Practice Simone Designed (16:27) From the Stage to Hilo — A Physical Theater Career & Performing with Legends (18:01) Why Movement Heals: The Spine, Breathwork & Getting Centred (27:57) How to Access Your Creativity (Even If You Don't Think You're Creative) (42:32) Simone's Top 3 Actionable Tips to Get Started Today (49:44) 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 Simone Jenkinson: IG: artistretreatgalicia
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Leadership Calm & Magic: What Hospitality Teaches Every Leader with Asterios | 01 Jun 2026 | 01:00:33 | |
Join Estelle Read and special guest Asterios Drosos, Food and Beverage Director at Sani/Ikos Group, as they explore leadership lessons inspired by hospitality. Drawing from powerful life stories, including Asterios’s experience of staying calm during a storm and his lifelong commitment to kindness and service, this episode reveals how empathy, patience, and leading by example create magical guest experiences and thriving teams. Whether you are a leader or aspire to inspire others, discover how family values, observing closely, and giving others second chances can transform your leadership and workplace culture. What You Will Learn:
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker
Time Stamp: (00:00) Introduction (01:07) Welcome to Optimising Leader Brilliance (01:33) Meet Asterios Drosos — 20 Years of Holiday Magic (01:33) Where It All Began — The Origin Story (01:33) Leading with Kindness — Values Rooted in Family (18:19) Calm Under Pressure — Challenges of the Role (47:20) Do What You Love — Making Work a Way of Life (57:52) 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 Asterios Drosos: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/asterios-drosos-184773227/ LinkedIn Sani Ikos: www.linkedin.com/company/sani-ikos-group Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asterios.drossos
⭐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:
⭐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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How to Flip Leadership Problems Into Growth Opportunities With Steve Pendleton | 18 May 2026 | 00:42:12 | |
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
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:
⭐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. | |||
| The Outsider Advantage: How Being Different Made Her a Stronger Leader | 11 May 2026 | 00:48:35 | |
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 Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps (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:
⭐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. | |||
| The Illusion of Control: Why Leaders Lose People During Change | 04 May 2026 | 00:42:58 | |
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 Ripton https://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:
⭐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. | |||
| The Amygdala Hijack: Why Leaders Lose Control Under Stress | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:42:04 | |
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:
⭐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. | |||
| 1 in 6 People Are Narcissists — Here's How to Protect Your Energy as a Leader. | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:43:36 | |
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/@ginnypriem
⭐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:
⭐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. | |||
| Leadership Lessons in Confidence and Courage: Sam Bagshaw's Journey to 1M Followers | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:05:23 | |
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 (06:40) Handling internet trolls and negative comments (19:53) Childhood experiences that shaped who Sam is today (23:51) What businesses can do to support people with speech impediments (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/@stammerexperiences https://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. | |||
| How to Stop Being the "Strong One": The Hidden Danger of Hyper-Independence | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:30:03 | |
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 (02:38) The Person Everyone Turns To: Stoicism vs. Empathy (10:28) The Parentified Child: No Room for Your Own Feelings (12:31) Birth Order and Independence: Both Firstborns (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: ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Leadership Beyond Perfectionism: Why Your Best is More Than Enough | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:28:14 | |
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:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Assertiveness for Leaders: Breaking the People-Pleasing Pattern | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:27:38 | |
Did you know your brain processes a 'social rejection'exactly like physical pain? That's why saying 'no' to your boss feels like a survival threat. Today, I'm showing you how to re-wire that response. In this miniseries episode, I explore the Please Me Patternand why people-pleasing behaviour keeps you trapped in cycles of overcommitment, resentment, and burnout. I share the neuroscience behind why rejection feels like physical pain, reveal a powerful client breakthrough with a narcissistic boss, and give you practical tools to set boundaries without guilt. Whether you struggle to say no at work or find yourself constantly organising everything for everyone, this episode will show you how to break free from people-pleasing for good.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Why your brain treats rejection like touching a hot stove - and how this survival mechanism keeps you saying yes when you should say no
💡 The exact moment a people-pleasing lawyer stood up to her manipulative boss and what happened next (spoiler: no consequences, just respect)
💡 A simple four-letter framework for giving difficult feedback that protects your boundaries while maintaining relationships
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Executive Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: This Stops People Pleasing (02:47) The Please Me Pattern: Why saying no feelsterrifying (03:27) The lawyer who couldn't stop pleasing people (03:51) The drowning man analogy (04:41) Core fear: Rejection and abandonment (05:10) Why we can't survive without parental love (06:13) Rejection activates the same brain area as physicalpain (07:18) Childhood origins of people-pleasing behaviour (09:16) How people-pleasing shows up at work (10:11) The imbalance in relationships and resentment (12:28) Developing your inner captain vs inner critic (15:01) Client story: The people-pleaser at flight risk (16:15) Using havening to find the root cause (17:48) The breakthrough: Standing up to the narcissisticboss (18:48) How boundaries transformed her friendships too (19:39) The mindset shift: Self-validation and journaling (20:41) Assertiveness training: Ken and Kate Back (21:16) Getting rid of people-pleasing triggers withhavening (22:00) The SBI+R model for difficult feedback (23:20) Setting clear boundaries and raising awareness (24:32) Micro action: Assertive phrases for your back pocket (25:12) Resources: Run a Tight Ship chapter (25:58) Next episode: The Be Perfect Pattern (26:10) Subscribe and connect with me ⭐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:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How to Break the "Hurry Up" Habit and Reduce Stress | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:27:30 | |
Do you catch yourself rushing through tasks or finishingother people's sentences? In this episode, we explore why your brain equates speed with safety and how the "Hurry Up" habit is quietly sabotaging your productivity, relationships, and mental health. As part of our miniseries on Adrienne Lee’s “DrowningPerson” model (Transactional Analysis), I’m sharing my personal journey from a high-speed HR leader to reclaiming my peace. Discover the childhood origins of your need for urgency, recognise the warning signs of "Rush Mode,"and learn practical strategies to slow down to speed up yourresults without sacrificing success. What You Will Learn: 💡 The Biology of Speed: Why your brain treats slowness as a "danger signal"and keeps you trapped in a constant fight-or-flight state. 💡 Childhood Programming: How early messages equating speed with competence create adult patterns of anxiety and hurried decisions. 💡 Practical Tools for Calm: From the "School Run Walk of Shame" to the 7-11 Breathing Technique and the 4-3-2 Sensory Exercise. Whether you're balancing a career, family, or personalgrowth, this episode reveals why doing things quickly often backfires - and how to finally break the cycle.
Tune in for next week's episode on how to overcome the ‘Pleasing’ patten.
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:55) The Hurry Up Pattern Explained (22:07) 7-11 Breathing Technique forInstant Calm
⭐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:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How to Stop Overworking: Breaking the "Try Hard" Cycle of Burnout | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:23:47 | |
Are you stuck in a cycle of relentless effort but feel likeyou're never doing enough? In this episode, we explore how the "Try Hard" habit fuels chronic overworking, perfectionism, and burnout. Discover the exact childhood messages driving your need toprove your worth today and learn how this unconscious pattern, (part of Adrienne Lee’s “Drowning Person” model in Transactional Analysis), might actually be sabotaging your professional success. What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover why trying hard might be sabotaging your success and pushing people away instead of impressing them
💡 Learn the childhood origins of the "try hard" pattern and how unconscious messages from your past are driving your overwork today
💡 Get actionable strategies to break the cycle including delegation techniques, time-blocking methods, and the gold standard approach for automatic behaviour change
Tune in next week for the Hurry Up pattern.
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction - Why trying hard is your enemy (18:18) Why willpower isn't enough: The role of Havening and EFT in burnout (19:44) Micro action (20:22) Resources (21:26) The next episode: The Hurry Up 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:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| MasterChef Winner Irini Tzortzoglou: How to Handle High Pressure | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:55:42 | |
Irini Tzortzoglou is a UK MasterChef winner, author, olive oil and honey sommelier, and retreat host. In this episode, she shares her unlikely leap from the banking world to culinaryexcellence - and the mindset shifts that made it possible. You’ll learn how to recognize your sacred gifts, overcome limiting beliefs, and build a life aligned with purpose, even under high pressure.
What you’ll learn:
💡 The real driver behind Irini’s MasterChef win (it’s about more than the food) and what that means for success in any field 💡 Reframing praise and overcoming imposter syndrome: a practical technique to accept recognition without self-doubt 💡 Emotional intelligence under pressure: how Irini stays calm, connected, and focused in high-stakes moments
Ideal for professionals in high-performance roles who want to:
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Executive Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to Irini Tzortzoglou ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe whereveryou listen or watch, leave a review or share itwith someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.
⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube: 🎧Listen on your favouritepodcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/ 📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow or Find Out More: Irini Tzortzoglou https://irinicooks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Irinitzortzoglou/ https://www.instagram.com/irinitzortzoglou/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/irini-tzortzoglou-aab9114/
⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Access Resources or Book a FreeDiscovery 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:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How to Process Failure Without Spiralling (TOP ACT Method) | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:34:28 | |
Yesterday I auditioned for TEDx and honestly, it didn't goas planned. I'm sharing what happened because the best learning comes from moments like these. In this episode, I walk you through my TOP ACT method - a powerful tool I use personally and with clients to process failure, silence imposter syndrome, and transform disappointment into growth. This isn't about perfection; it's about learning how to bounce back stronger.
What You Will Learn: 💡 A framework to stop spiralling after setbacks – Learn the exact journaling method that helps you process negative emotions and move from rumination to action
💡 Why your brain sabotages you in high-pressure moments – Discover how to identify the hidden triggers that derail your performance (even when you're fully prepared)
💡 The secret to turning failure into fuel – Find out how to extract powerful lessons from disappointing experiences without getting stuck in self-criticism
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction ⭐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
⭐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:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Imposter Syndrome: End the Need to Prove Your Worth | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:05:52 | |
If you’ve followed me a while, you will know that I’ve gonefrom not being able to climb the stairs to climbing Wainrights for fun, (well, sometimes fun – sometimes the hills are hell). I burnt out and got ME from overdoing life and work. Theoverdoing came from not feeling good enough and the urge to prove my worth. But when is enough, enough? The bar just keeps rising. This is an interactive episode. You’ll hear real-timeaudience scepticism and the changes they experience after applying the technique I share. They were fab, and they ask the questions you probably want answered about overcoming imposter syndrome. What You Will Learn: 💡 The hidden childhood pattern that's making you overwork - and the 7-minute technique that can ‘erase’it from your nervous system 💡 Why your brain keeps you trapped in the same stress cycle - and the neuroscience-backed method that creates lasting change in minutes, not 66 days (which is how long it takes the average person to change) 💡 The five imposter syndrome types sabotaging your success - discover which one is driving your burnout and how to stop the domino effect before it damages your health,happiness and wellbeing Here’s to your leadership developmentand personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction ⭐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 andStress
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How Birth Order Shapes Your Success with Clinical Psychologist, Dr Linda Blair | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:50:11 | |
My next guest’s work reshaped my understanding ofpersonality, why we are the way we are, and what birth order has to do with it. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered clinical psychologist, writer, speaker, and broadcaster who has authored five self-help books. She’s also appeared ontelevision programs such as The One Show, The Vanessa Show, and Child of Our Time.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover why your birth order position (firstborn, middle child, or youngest) influences your career success, stress levels, and relationship patterns - and how understanding thiscan transform your self-awareness 💡 Learn the surprising research finding about what truly makes a "good mother" (hint: it's not what you think) and how this applies to leadership and knowing when to step in versus let go 💡 Uncover the exact age when you were most authentically yourself and how revisiting that period can help you rediscover your passion, purpose, and what brings you into "flow"
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction - Birth order insights preview (02:02) Introducing Dr. Linda Blair & her morning routine (07:49) The four-hour creative focus principle (08:05) Grounding practices and mindfulness (08:11) Linda's origin story - from Kansas to Cambridge (12:03) Working with Professor Stephen Hawking (13:12) Studying mother-infant relationships in monkeys (15:44) How broadcasting and writing opportunities emerged (15:36) The privilege of being a psychologist (17:28) Lessons from Stephen Hawking (18:31) What makes a good mother - research findings (21:32) Family dynamics fascination and finding your passion (22:56) The age when you're most truly yourself (25:00) How adolescence disrupts authentic self (28:57) The concept of "flow" and being fullyengaged (29:51) Birth order book origins and Linda's three firstbornchildren (32:02) Firstborn characteristics and burnout (35:01) Middle child characteristics (38:08) Youngest child characteristics (40:48) Child of Our Time television experience (42:49) Steps to lead your best life - saying yes to opportunities (44:00) Treating everyone as equals (47:12) Linda's workshops and how to connect (49:09) The "real Linda Blair" story (49:29) Closing thoughts
⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going: Please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leavea 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 or Contact Linda Blair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-blair-15187a31/
⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Free Discovery Call & Resources: 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:
⭐Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Brain Fog, Pain & Inflammaging: A Neurologist's Guide with Dr Fawad Mian | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:45:43 | |
Do you wake up tired, feel less sharp than you used to, orhave aches and pains? Explore the critical connection between brain health,chronic pain, and the aging process in this eye-opening episode featuring neurologist Dr. Fawad Mian. Discover how "inflammaging," a slow, chronic inflammation associated with aging, silently impacts your brain and body, contributing to symptoms like brain fog, aches, and memory challenges. Dr. Mian shares powerful insights into regenerative medicineand how it can offer alternatives to surgery for managing chronic pain and injuries. Learn practical strategies to optimise your wellbeing and reclaim your health as he recounts his personal journey of overcoming failed surgeriesand embracing innovative treatments.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover the silent health threat affecting your brain and body – Learn what "inflammaging" is and how this slow-smouldering inflammation could be accelerating your aging process, affecting everything from memory to chronicpain.
💡 Uncover surprising connections between sleep and serious health risks. Find out why your snoring or frequent bathroom trips at night could be warning signs of acondition that increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.
💡 Learn practical strategies to reclaim your health without surgery. Hear Dr. Mian's personal story of overcoming multiple injuries and discover the regenerative medicine approaches that helped him avoid the operating table. Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: 00:00) Introduction and welcome ⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Find Out More About Dr Fawad Mian Websites: https://prolohealing.com/& https://www.advocareneurowellnessmd.com/ Free Webinar: https://course.prolohealing.com/webinar-registration ⭐Follow Estelle Read: X
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐Work with Estelle Read: Find out more about our coaching programmes: 🌟The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE 🌟The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotesto 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 should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Part 2: How To Stop Self-Sabotage & Achieve Your Goals | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:46:59 | |
In this episode, I unpack the real reasons we self-sabotageand introduce the science-backed CLEAR framework - designed to counteract it and help you break through barriers to your biggest goals in 2026. Whether you’re setting personal milestones or leading a team, you’ll find actionableinsights to help you and your team shine brighter.
This recording was longer than usual 😂, because there’s lots of great content to share, so it’s delivered in two shorter episodes. Part 1️⃣ (last week): The Top 5 Goal Self-Sabotage Mistakes that even the most driven people make - and how to avoid them. Part 2️⃣ (this week): The CLEAR Framework for setting and achieving goals to elevate your work and life.
What you’ll learn in Part 2️⃣: 💡The 5-step CLEAR framework that top performers use to overcome self-sabotage and accelerate success. 💡Practical, science-based strategies to boost energy, align actions, and stay motivated all year. 💡How to set meaningful goals, build durable habits, and rise to the next level - at work and in life.
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth in 2026!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast (01:04) Support the show: Like, subscribe, and share (01:30) Recap of part 1 of this episode and what’s ahead (02:17) Why we self-sabotage and how to break the cycle (03:44) Who this episode is for: leaders, professionals, and goal-setters (04:04) The science behind self-sabotage and transformation (05:12) Introducing the CLEAR framework (10:47) Step 1: Get clear on your vision and goals (11:06) Step 2: Let go of identity threats and limiting beliefs (12:15) Step 3: Energise: plugging energy leaks and boosting motivation (13:46) Step 4: Take aligned action and build success habits (15:57) Step 5: Rise: review, refine, and recognise your progress (45:58) Final thoughts, how to connect, and closing
⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow Estelle Read: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstelleRead/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estelle.at.beee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleatbeee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EstelleAtBeee/ X: https://x.com/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐Work with Estelle Read: Find out more about our coaching programmes: 🌟The Resilient LeaderProgramme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ 🌟The Optimised LeaderProgramme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Part 1: How To Stop Self-Sabotage & Achieve Your Goals | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:49:25 | |
How’re those New Year’s resolutions going? Most peoplegive up their New Year's resolutions by the second Friday inJanuary, a day dubbed "Quitter's Day," with studies showing over 80% abandoning goals by mid-January due to unrealistic expectations and waning motivation. If you want to understand why we self-sabotage and masterthe steps to stop it, these two episodes are for you. I’m sharing the science and stories behind why we self-sabotage - and, more importantly, how you can break free and achieve your boldest goals in 2026. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, business breakthroughs, or simply want to feel more fulfilled, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life examples to inspire your next steps.
This recording was longer than usual 😂, because there's lots of great content to share, so it’s delivered in two shorter episodes.
Part 1️⃣: The Top 5 Goal Self-Sabotage Mistakesthat keep even the most driven people stuck and how to avoid them, (today’s episode). Part 2️⃣: My CLEAR Framework, forsetting and achieving goals to take your work-life to the next level, (next week’s episode).
What You Will Learn in Part 1️⃣: 💡The science behind self-sabotage mistakes that could be keeping your goals out of reach. Overcome procrastination, perfectionism, and the hidden ceilings that limityour success and performance. 💡 The four goal categories to consider when creating your plan for 2026. 💡Get inspired by real-life stories and actionable tips that will empower you to take control, set meaningful goals, and accelerate your progress.
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth in 2026!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast (01:04) Introduction: Meet Estelle Read and the mission of the show (01:30) Why we self-sabotage: Setting the stage for 2026 goals (06:24) The science behind self-sabotage and performance ceilings (07:49) Real-life examples: Overcoming setbacks and achieving breakthroughs (13:20) The four goal categories (18:59) Finding the real reason (and motivation) for your goals in 2026 (23:51) Estelle’s personal journey: Lessons from the Lake District (31:51) The 5 self-sabotage mistakes revealed (47:06) How we delay our dreams (48:33) Invitation to connect and next steps (49:33) What’s coming in Part 2: The CLEAR Framework for transformation (50:00) Outro and how to stay connected ⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow Estelle Read:
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐Work with Estelle Read: 🌟The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ 🌟The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Breaking Barriers: How Top Performers Overcome Fear and Thrive | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:22:14 | |
In this episode, I reflect on the highlights of Season 4,sharing the most inspiring moments and lessons from my brave guests. We explore the mindsets, habits, and stories that can help you lead an even better work-life. After recording each episode, there was always a takeaway that made me reflect or take action - like doing my first wild water swim with my guest Philippa Hardy , a triathlon coach and HR veteran.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover the surprising common threads among high achievers - from overcoming fear to embracing vulnerability and setting bold goals. 💡 Hear raw, honest stories that will inspire you to reframe setbacks, build resilience, and pursue your ambitions with renewed energy. 💡 Get practical takeaways you can use to optimise your performance, productivity, success and wellbeing.
Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast (01:04) Season 4 Highlights: The Experiment That Became aMovement (02:05) The Power of Shared Experience: You’re Not Alone (03:17) What Guests Have in Common (06:08) Facing Fears and Setting Ambitious Goals (09:15) Mindset Shifts: Reframing Negative Thoughts (11:40) Discipline, Obsession, and Purpose (13:17) Honest Conversations: Moments That Change Everything (15:21) Resilience and Real Life Beyond Instagram Perfection (18:18) Breaking Out of Comfort Zones: Personal Stories (22:06) Tools and Ideas to Help You Lead Your Best Life (24:58) Thank You to the Guests and Listeners
⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow Estelle Read: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstelleRead/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estelle.at.beee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleatbeee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EstelleAtBeee/ X: https://x.com/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐Work with Estelle Read: Find out more about our coaching programmes: 🌟The Resilient LeaderProgramme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ 🌟The Optimised LeaderProgramme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Why Your Christmas Table Feels Like the Boardroom: How to Handle a Difficult Person | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:31:06 | |
I dive into the fascinating parallels between familydynamics at the Christmas table and the behaviours we see in meetings and the boardroom. Drawing from real-life coaching experiences and powerful psychological models, I’ll help you recognise old patterns, understand your triggers, and give you practical tools to handle difficult people both at homeand at work.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover the hidden connections between your childhood roles and your professional life - insights that will change how you see yourself and others. 💡 Learn practical, science-backed strategies to handle challenging family or workplace dynamics, so you can stay calm, confident, and in control. 💡 Unlock actionable coaching models that empower you to break free from old patterns and create more positive, productive relationships
Wishing you a very merry Christmas.
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker
Timestamps: 00:00) Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast (01:00) Meet your host and coach, Estelle Read (01:30) Why family and boardroom dynamics are so similar (03:00) Classic roles at the Christmas table - and what they mean (05:00) How childhood experiences shape adult behaviour (08:00) Real-life coachingstories: triggers and transformation (12:00) Why is this person behaving this way? Discover what lies beneath the surface. (15:00) How we get caught up in ‘drama’ and how to get out of it (18:00) Why people try to control you and other throws a ‘tantrum’ (21:00) Giving feedback that works - at home and at work (24:00) Practical tips for a stress-free Christmas (and career) (27:00) Final thoughts and how to connect with Estelle ⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow Estelle Read: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstelleRead/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estelle.at.beee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleatbeee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EstelleAtBeee/ X: https://x.com/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐ Work with Estelle Read: Find out more about our coaching programmes: 🌟The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ 🌟The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Book Recommendation: Birth Order: What Your Position In The Family Really Tells You About Your Character: https://amzn.eu/d/5Fp271J
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| The Power of Being Different: Andrew Whitehead on Authentic Success in Law & Life | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:40:15 | |
The first time I saw Andrew Whitehead, he was accompanying Sarah Walker-Smith, on the piano. It was lockdown and Sarah was singing from her office cabin she affectionately called the ‘shed’. As Senior Partner and CEO of Shakespeare Martineau, they were lifting the spirits oftheir colleagues. What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover the Power of Serendipity - How chance encounters shaped Andrew’s career and how you can spotand seize similar opportunities. 💡 Overcome Fear and Embrace Challenge - Strategies for stepping outside your comfort zone, fromleadership to public speaking. 💡 The Value of Being Different - Why standing out and authenticity can be your greatest asset in anyfield. 💡 Resilience Through Adversity - Lessons from personal and professional challenges, including ahealth scare, on focusing what matters. 💡 Actionable Growth Advice - Practical tips for building strong teams, finding renewed purpose, andthriving on your journey.
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast
⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow Andrew Whitehead: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwhiteheadmartineau/
⭐Follow Estelle Read: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstelleRead/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estelle.at.beee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleatbeee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EstelleAtBeee/ X: https://x.com/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐ Work with Estelle Read: Find out more about our coaching programmes: 🌟The Resilient LeaderProgramme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ 🌟The Optimised LeaderProgramme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotesto Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my freeworkbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when yousign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How to Create a Morning Routine for a Productive Day with Deborah Lyon | 10 Dec 2025 | 01:04:31 | |
You know those people who seem to do it all? My next guest does just that: five children, a partner, four dogs, and three books, plus she’s built a beautiful home on Lake Windermere. She now runs The Heaning Estate, a beautiful collection of dwellings she renovated, which you can stay in. How does she make it all possible? Deborah shares the secrets to her success: bravery, dream-driven ambition, and the discipline to take consistent steps – even when fear or doubt shows up. Deborah’s daily routine and wellbeing priority prove you can do it all. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on life as an author and businesswoman. What You Will Learn: 💡 Deborah’s daily habits that boost productivity while safeguarding wellbeing. 💡 Real-life lessons from building a business, writing books, and balancing family life. 💡 Learn how embracing fear and discipline, can unlock newlevels of creativity and business success.
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Deborah Lyon: Introduction and background (01:27) The Heaning Estate and the art of doing it all (06:46) How Estelle and Deborah met: A story of connection (14:56) Daily routines, discipline, and the 20/20/20 rule (24:21) Overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and building belief (35:17) Writing, business, and the power of passion and purpose (47:19) Advice for aspiring writers and entrepreneurs( 62:00) Reflections, regrets, and advice to your 18-year-old self (65:00) Closing thoughts and where to connect with Deborah ⭐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/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐Follow Deborah Lyon or Buy Her Book: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahannedone/Timewaif & The Roman Road: https://amzn.eu/d/cUADYiEhttps://timewaif.com/https://www.theheaning.com/
⭐Follow Estelle Read: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelleatbeee/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstelleRead/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estelle.at.beee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleatbeee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EstelleAtBeee/ X: https://x.com/EstelleAtBeee
⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/ ⭐ Work with Estelle Read: Find outmore about our coaching programmes: 🌟The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE:https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ 🌟The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXTLEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/
⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
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| How to Discover True Identity and Belonging with Neil Jinks | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:29:06 | |
Content warning: This episode discusses suicide &mental health challenges. Leadership coaching often raises one tough question: How doI handle this difficult conversation & what do I say because I fear rejection? Imagine the courage it takes to tell your family you’re gay.I’m joined once again by the inspiring Neil Jinks. Following the overwhelmingly positive response to his last podcast, we connected again to talk more deeply. Neil opens up about the challenges he’s faced coming out asa gay man, including moments when suicide felt like the only way out. He shares his pivotal identity moments & how he learned to belong & become the best version of himself. He offers hopeful, practical tips for leading a happy & successful work-life. What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover how childhood experiences & family expectations can shape our adult lives and how to breakfree from limiting beliefs. 💡 Hear a powerful, honest account of embracing true identity, overcoming isolation, & building asupportive community. Neil’s brave and candid conversation with his father will touch your heart. 💡 Actionable strategies for resilience, self-acceptance, & redefining what success means to you.
If you’re affected by these subjects, please don’t sufferalone. Reach out to a mental health professional or confidential helplines. UK: Samaritans 116 123; US: 988. If you’re in another region, please contact your local crisis line.
Here’s to your health & wellbeing ❤️.
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker
Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome & Introduction by Estelle Read (01:04) Neil Jinks Returns: Why This Conversation Matters (01:23) Highlights: Identity, Belonging, & Overcoming Adversity (03:13) Diving Deeper: Childhood, Family, & Self-Discovery (06:40) The Emotional Journey: Coming Out & Finding Acceptance (13:23) Turning Points: Seeking Help & Embracing Change (19:44) Building the Alliance Network: Creating Community (24:03) Limiting Beliefs, Success, & Taking Risks (33:04) Practical Tools: Anchors, Affirmations, and Growth Mindset (44:16) Giving Back: Philanthropy, Minimalism, & the Power of Support (52:48) Final Thoughts & How to Connect
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe whereveryou listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.
⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts
⭐ Follow Neil Jinks: Neil is the Brand Ambassador for Broadriver Group: www.broadrivergroup.co.uk www.harpsoftware.co.uk
⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/
⭐Strengths Profiles https://store.gallup.com/h/en-gb https://www.16personalities.com/
⭐ Work with Estelle Read: 📈The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/⤴️The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/ ⭐Buy Estelle’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH
⭐Subscribe to Estelle's Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r
⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only & shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Leadership Playbook: Innovation, Team Dynamics & Overcoming Fear with Daniel Jarvis | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:20:41 | |
As a leader or business owner, do you ever find yourself running out of ideas for driving business growth? And are your bored of, or in need of, some non-AI, business development inspiration? Daniel Jarvis, a Product Group Manager at Plastribution, anorganisation renowned for their innovation, have ripped up the rule book on how to develop deeper client relationships, which ordinarily take months to nurture. What Daniel and his fellow leaders created, sounded like so much fun! Not only that, but they also saved time and money. Dan’s insights underscore the importance of human connection but also how agile his business is when it comes to decision making. He shares practical tips on how to do this. We did discuss AI too – it’s hard to avoid it, but it’s alwaysinteresting to hear how other businesses are adapting and using it. Finally, Daniel was candid about how he overcame a fear,which created a mental shift and transformed his life in an instant.
What You Will Learn: 💡 Practical innovative strategies which drive business performance 💡 The importance of not letting a fear fester and how to overcome it, so that you lead a better life 💡An alternative approach to self-care for leaders, which returns you to a state of mind akin to child-like wonder
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
(00:00) Welcome & Podcast Introduction
Listen on your favourite podcast platform here:https://estelleread.com/podcast/ orwatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Follow Estelle Read: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstelleRead/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estelle.at.beee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleatbeee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EstelleAtBeee/ X: https://x.com/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Free Resources & Work With Estelle Read: For free resources, book a discovery call or join The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit https://estelleread.com/ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when yousign up: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r ⭐Buy Estelle Read's Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH ⭐Follow Daniel Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-jarvis-5493022b/ https://www.instagram.com/danielljarvis/ His band is called: Dropping Like Flies ⭐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 ❤️. ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| From Tiger Woods to Kaizen: The Secrets of High-Performance Coaching with Simon Edwards | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:56:15 | |
In this episode, I sit down with my own coach, Simon Edwards- a PGA performance coach, tournament director, and all-around expert in helping people unlock their true potential. We dive into the mindset, stories, and strategies that have shaped Simon’s journey from playing in the OpenChampionship to coaching winners and transforming lives, including my own. Whether you’re a golfer, a leader, or just someone looking to be your best, you’ll find inspiration and practical wisdom in this conversation. Summary: 💡 Get an insider’s look at what it’s like to compete in the Open Championship and share the practice range with golf legends.
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast 00:40 – Meet your host, Estelle Read 01:04 – Introducing Simon Edwards: PGA coach &tournament director 01:55 – Simon’s journey: From player to coach, and the OpenChampionship 02:25 – The power of coaching, process, and continuousimprovement 02:52 – Estelle’s personal golf story and lessons with Simon 05:25 – Imposter syndrome and the “natural genius” mindset 09:00 – The importance of process, Kaizen, and learning fromfailure 13:30 – Family, switching off, and the value of obsession 21:10 – Simon’s origin story: Family, values, and the loveof golf 28:15 – Parenting, pressure, and building good humansthrough sport 36:00 – Visualisation, performance, and the “zone” in golfand life 45:00 – What makes someone brilliant? Simon’s checklist forcoaching and playing 55:00 – Book recommendations and closing thoughts 55:14 – Outro: Subscribe, share, and connect with Estelle
Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts Connect with Estelle Read:
Access Free Resources: For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXTLEVEL, visit https://estelleread.com/
Connect with Simon Edwards: https://www.facebook.com/simon.edwards.581525 https://www.instagram.com/sedwardsgolf/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-edwards-49a9441b/
Please Help Us Grow So We Can Continue: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave areview or share it with someone who might benefit. Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| How to Motivate Yourself to Change: A Guided Coaching Session That Sparks a Wake-Up Call | 12 Nov 2025 | 01:12:40 | |
Why is it that we must be taken to the very edge of asituation to wake up and realise we need to make a change, before it’s too late? In this episode, I open up about two life-changing wake-upcalls - one that nearly ended my marriage and another that resulted in a trip in an ambulance. I share the lessons these moments taught me about perspective, resilience, and the importance of consciously choosing how to move forward – because let’s face, most of the time we walk around on autopilot. Also, what if we could have the clarity of thought to makechanges before it’s too late? That was my intention with this podcast ep. I’ll guide you through a powerful coaching exercise to help you reflect on your own work-life and set a new course for tomorrow or the next 5 years. Today, I amyour coach ❤️.
Summary: 💡 How my partner’s health scare stopped us from separating.
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: Key Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & Introduction 1:04 – The holiday incident: a wake-up call 2:33 – Two life-changing moments: marriage crisis &health scare 4:29 – Discovering a lump: facing the fear of cancer 6:44 – The power of perspective and rebuilding trust 9:15 – The second wake-up call: laughter, chest pain, and atrip to the hospital 12:27 – The ambulance ride and confronting denial 19:57 – Using NLP and self-hypnosis to manage anxiety 25:32 – The “Three Chairs” coaching exercise: assessing yourlife 47:00 – Reflecting on the past, present, and future 1:10:00 – Lessons on resilience, letting go, and embracingchange 1:12:00 – How to work with Estelle: coaching programs andnext steps 1:13:45 – Final thoughts, resources, and how to connect
Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts Connect with Estelle Read:
Access Free Resources: For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXTLEVEL, visit https://estelleread.com/
Please Help Us Grow So We Can Continue: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave areview or share it with someone who might benefit. Thanks for listening to theOptimising Your Brilliance Podcast!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consulta qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| Where Magic Happens: Just Outside Your Comfort Zone, with Triathlon Coach, Philippa Hardy | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:50:01 | |
Philippa climbs mountains, swims in the wild and consistently pushes her comfort zone both personally and professionally, even when her heart pumps a little faster! She’s incredibly humble about her achievements, but her drive to expand her comfort zone is infectious – so much so, that I’ve agreed to go wild swimming too! Philippa chairs the CIPD branch in Cumbria as a volunteer -and her volunteering doesn’t stop there, she’s a triathlon coach too! A genuine champion of others and by day she’s in HR Advice, Policy and Change Management for Cumberland Council. If you’ve been putting off a “thing” in your personal or professional life, and you’re unsure how to start or feel apprehensive, this conversation with Phillipa will inspire you to act.
What You Will Learn & Summary: 💡 What technique Philippa uses to swap Netflix, for a run, in preparation for her half Iron Man. 💡 How she takes that initial brave step towards doing something, & pushes her comfort zone. 💡 Why embracing adventure & a growth mindset can transform your work, happiness, & sense of self.
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach &Speaker
Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Estelle Read 01:04 – Estelle’s first encounter with the CIPD Cumbria Branch and meeting Philippa 02:44 – Introducing Philippa Hardy: her roles, passions, and philosophy 04:02 – Philippa’s origin story: family, education, and early career 07:27 – The power of belonging and building connections after relocation 10:30 – Women’s career journeys: challenges after child birth and beyond 16:53 – Climbing, wild swimming, and pushing comfort zones 22:01 – Coaching, triathlons, and the value of community 27:00 – Growth mindset, authenticity, and learning from setbacks 32:00 – Final thoughts: being brave, embracing imperfection, and enjoying the ride 48:59 – Outro: How to connect with Estelle and resources Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts Connect with Estelle Read: Access Free Resources: For free resources, book a discovery call or join The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit https://estelleread.com/
Connect with Philippa Hardy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-hardy-fcipd-fhea-47872071/ Please Help Us Grow So We Can Continue: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| From Silence to Support: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Mental Health with Martin Williams | 22 Oct 2025 | 01:12:31 | |
Content warning: This episode discusses suicide andmental health challenges. If you’re affected, please reach out to a mental health professional or confidential helplines. UK: Samaritans 116 123; US: 988. If you’re in another region, please contact your local crisis line. Have you ever come across someone who makes a profoundimpact on you, the very first time you meet them? This is Martin Williams, a recently retired partner and employment tribunal advocate from Mayo Wynne Baxter. He was also a member of Ampa, the UK’s leading legal and professional services group and one of the largest professional services B-Corporations in the world. In this deeply moving episode, we talk about the realitiesof mental health, leadership, and the power of vulnerability. Martin bravely shares his personal journey, including the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned about being open, seeking help, and supporting others. Thisconversation is raw, honest, and full of insights for anyone seeking understanding, support, or inspiration on their mental health journey.
Summary: 💡 Explore mental health challenges faced in high-achieving careers. 💡 Find out why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 💡 Get inspired by Martin’s journey from silence to openness and the impact it had on his life.
Here’s to your health and wellbeing.
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast 0:40 – Introduction: About Estelle Read 1:04 – Why this episode matters: Martin’s background and theimportance of talking about mental health 2:13 – The impact of not talking and Martin’s leadershipphilosophy 2:36 – The reality of suicidal thoughts as a leader 2:57 – Support resources and the importance of reaching out 3:14 – Introducing Martin Williams 3:33 – How Estelle and Martin connected; the power of aheartfelt LinkedIn post 3:53 – Martin’s origin story: family, childhood, and earlychallenges 6:45 – From music to law: Martin’s career journey 14:40 – The role of arts, advocacy, and confidence-building 19:55 – Coping with isolation, bullying, and buildingresilience 24:41 – The power of vulnerability: Martin’s viral LinkedInpost 27:00 – The healing impact of sharing and community support 33:45 – Journaling, self-reflection, and processing emotions 41:39 – Mentoring, overcoming labels, and advice to theyounger self 49:47 – Letting go of perfection and embracing openness 58:39 – The importance of non-judgmental listening andsupport 1:09:39 – What’s next for Martin: mentoring, poetry, andlegacy 1:11:52 – Final thoughts: authenticity, learning, andlooking after yourself 1:13:22 – Outro: Subscribe, share, and connect with Estelle
Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts Connect with Estelle Read: For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit www.EstelleRead.com
Connect with Martin Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-williams-900a5a13/
Get support from the Samaritans: Call them anytime: 116 123
Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your BrilliancePodcast!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informationalpurposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||
| What It Means To Be Resilient And How To Bounce Back And Thrive In Challenging Times With Gemma Hogan | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:58:18 | |
I catch up with coach, Gemma Hogan to discuss what it means to be resilient and how to bounce back and thrive in challenging times. We have a candid conversation about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating career pivots, and finding your flow - both professionally and personally.Gemma shares the momentous moments that shaped her, and the practical tools she uses to help others break through their own barriers.
Here’s to your shining!
Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker
Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:04 – Meet Gemma Hogan: Origin Story and Early Challenges 04:30 – Navigating Expectations, Imposter Syndrome, and Self-Doubt 08:00 – Turning Points: Motherhood, Career Growth, and Coaching 13:00 – The Power of Boundaries and Managing Energy 18:00 – Strengths Profiling and Positive Psychology 23:00 – NLP, Breakthroughs, and Overcoming Phobias 28:00 – Levelling Up: What’s Next for Gemma 32:00 – Creativity, Art, and Finding Your Flow 37:00 – Final Thoughts: Brilliance, Resilience, and Advice for Listeners 41:00 – How to Connect
Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts Connect with Estelle Read:
For free resources, book a discovery call or join TheResilient Leader Programme: SHINE, or The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL, visit www.EstelleRead.com Find Out More About Gemma Hogan visit: www.talenta.me.uk
Thanks for listening to the Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. | |||