Explore every episode of the podcast The Boardroom by Heather Elkington
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 habits new managers need (to become a respected leader) | 28 oct. 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
1 in 3 UK workers who left their job last year did it because of a bad manager. And 82% of managers are "accidental", promoted with no formal training. Most of the managers you and I have had probably shouldn't have been managers at all. In this episode, Heather shares the 10 small daily habits that stop you from becoming the leader people quit, and make you the manager they're still talking about years after they've left. In this episode, Heather covers:
Got a situation at work you don't know how to handle? Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com. Two lines or two paragraphs is fine, and everything stays anonymous. The Strategic Leadership Challenge is OPEN. It's 6 weeks to go from accidental manager to strategic leader → Tap here New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather Want to understand how your team really feels about work? Try Custard free → Tap here | |||
| How to run 1on1s with your team (5 mistakes to avoid) | 21 oct. 2026 | 00:30:38 | |
Are your 1on1 meetings with your team just status updates? Here's how to run one-on-ones that actually work, with the questions and agenda I use. Airbnb's CEO Brian Chesky went viral for saying one-on-ones are a waste of time. My take: if you're running a multi-billion-pound company, maybe. But if you're a manager in the middle, your one-to-one meetings are how you spot problems before someone hands their notice in, and how you stop micromanaging for the rest of the week. In this episode:
Because one-on-one isn't a waste of time. If you run them well, they're the most valuable 20 minutes in your diary. Got a situation at work you don't know how to handle? Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com. Two lines or two paragraphs is fine, and everything stays anonymous. Free 90-day one-on-one meeting agenda → https://custardlearns.com/90-day-agenda-download Join the waitlist for The Strategic Leadership Challenge. There are only 500 spots → Click here New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard. | |||
| Working from home is hurting your career (6 tips to stay visible) | 14 oct. 2026 | 00:17:11 | |
Are you doing great work from home but getting overlooked for pay rises and promotions? In this episode, Heather shares how to make working from home help your career rather than hold it back. Proximity bias is real. A UK study of more than 900 managers found they were 11% less likely to promote people who work fully from home, and 68% of employers say being in the office significantly affects promotion chances.
Got a situation at work you don't know how to handle? Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com. Two lines or two paragraphs is fine, and everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather Want to understand how your team really feels about work? Try Custard free → https://www.itscustard.com/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=EP19&utm_campaign=free_trial_promo&utm_content=ep19_wfh_showdescription Join 32,000+ managers in the Custard Culture Club → https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home | |||
| The 5 Business Rules That Built My £1M Company | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:28:47 | |
Heather shares the 5 business rules behind the £1M she’s made since leaving her corporate job, with a team of three. Heather reveals that one of the best emails she’s received is from an angry customer. From there, she breaks down the principles that guide every decision in her business and her leadership. You’ll learn:
Got a leadership or work dilemma? Send it to hello@theboardroompodcast.com. Everything stays anonymous. Get Heather's weekly leadership tips every Tuesday: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard (tap here). Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather | |||
| How to Manage Up: Dealing with a Difficult Manager | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:19:57 | |
What do you do when you have a difficult manager? Maybe they’re inconsistent, make empty promises, message you at all hours, fill your diary with unnecessary meetings, or make you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells. In this episode, Heather breaks down how to manage up and take back some control when you can’t control the person above you. You’ll learn how to:
Because managing up isn’t about trying to manage your boss. It’s about taking ownership of what you can control, communicating clearly and protecting the boundaries that allow you to do your best work. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com. Two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. Free 90-day 1on1 agenda: Click here If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing, and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather | |||
| Workplace Dilemmas: Friends, Resentment & Difficult Colleagues | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:26:57 | |
We are back after a two week break, Heather is officially a married woman 💍 and we are finally answering some of the dilemmas you’ve emailed us at hello@theboardroompodcast.com. From navigating friendships at work and managing someone who could have had your job, to handling a difficult peer when you have no authority over them, Heather breaks down what she would actually do in each situation. We get into:
Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing, and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard. And btw, Heather drops weekly leadership tips to over 32,000 managers every week. Join here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home | |||
| How to Hire Incredible People: Steal This Interview Process | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:31:16 | |
Hiring someone is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a manager, but how do you actually know who’s going to be great once they’re in the role? In this episode, Heather breaks down the interview process she uses to hire brilliant people, from attracting stronger candidates to making the final decision with confidence. She covers:
If you’re hiring someone soon, growing your team or want to get much better at recognising great people in interviews, this episode gives you a practical process you can actually use. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday at 8AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard. And btw, Heather drops weekly leadership tips to over 32,000 managers every week. Join here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home | |||
| How to support your team's mental health without lowering standards | 02 sept. 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
How do you support someone struggling with their mental health while still holding them accountable for their performance? In this episode, Heather shares:
Because being a supportive leader doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is be clear about what needs to change, while still treating someone with empathy. If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing, and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday at 8 AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw, Heather drops weekly leadership tips to over 32,000 managers every week; join here: The Custard Culture Club | |||
| Will AI replace middle managers? My tips to stay valuable | 26 août 2026 | 00:30:35 | |
Is AI really coming for middle management? Heather believes that is the wrong question. The better question is which parts of management AI will replace, and which human leadership skills are about to become more valuable than ever. In this episode, Heather covers:
AI may change how managers work, but the leaders who combine human judgement with new technology could become more valuable than ever. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM And btw Heather sends practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers across the globe, join the link here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And if you are a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing and what to do about it, find out more at Custard. | |||
| How to use Stoicism to become a better leader | 19 août 2026 | 00:32:12 | |
Stoicism has changed the way I lead, handle failure, and respond when things don’t go to plan. In this episode, I’m sharing the Stoic principles I’ve used for years to become calmer, more resilient and more intentional in the way I lead. Breakdown of this episode:
If you want to handle pressure better, overthink less and become a calmer leader, this episode is for you. And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, and what to do about it, find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers every week, join the link here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home | |||
| Your 7 step guide to become a powerhouse manager | 12 août 2026 | 00:27:23 | |
Becoming a manager is one of those career milestones everyone congratulates you on, but very few people actually prepare you for. Whether you’ve just become a manager, you’re about to step into your first leadership role, or you simply want to become better at leading your team, this episode is your practical guide to getting it right. You’ll learn the 7 foundations Heather believes make the biggest difference when you’re learning how to manage people well, plus the mistakes she made herself while figuring it all out. Key learnings:
Download Heather’s free 90 Day 1-on-1 agenda to run better, more meaningful conversations with your team: https://custardlearns.com/90-day-agenda-download And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers across the globe inside the Custard Culture Club, join us here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home Got a situation at work you do not know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday at 8AM. Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing and what to do about it, find out more at Custard. | |||
| My 4 biggest productivity hacks to avoid burnout | 05 août 2026 | 00:28:24 | |
Being productive does not mean squeezing more work into every available hour. In this episode, Heather shares the four productivity rules that help her run two businesses while still protecting her health, relationships and life outside work. She also opens up about the period that pushed her dangerously close to burnout, and what she changed because of it. She explores:
Listen now to discover how to get the right work done, protect your time and build a successful career without burning yourself out. Fresh Start is Heather’s proven six week bootcamp for managers who want to take control, earn respect and drive results. Join the waitlist here: https://www.freshleadershipworld.com/fresh-start-course/ And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, and what to do about it, find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you do not know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday at 8 AM. Follow us on socials: Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather | |||
| How I manage Gen Z at work (without lowering my standards) | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:32:19 | |
Is Gen Z really difficult to manage, or do they simply expect better management? Heather explores why Gen Z are often labelled lazy, entitled, or difficult to manage, and why the real problem may be the way workplaces try to lead them. In this episode, Heather covers:
Because managing Gen Z is not about giving them everything they want. It is about understanding what helps them do their best work, then leading them with clarity, trust and accountability. And if you are a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you do not know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday at 8 AM. Follow us on socials: Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers across the globe inside the Custard Culture Club. Join us here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home | |||
| How I smash public speaking at work (in meetings & presentations etc) | 22 juil. 2026 | 00:35:03 | |
Do you know exactly what you want to say, but still freeze when all eyes are on you? In this episode, Heather shares how she went from being terrified to speak in front of her class at school to confidently presenting on stages in front of hundreds of people. In this episode:
How confident do you feel about public speaking on a scale of 1 to 10? Let us know in the comment section below 👇 If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing, and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather BTW, if you want weekly leadership tips delivered straight to your inbox. Join 30,000+ managers inside the Custard Culture Club (It’s free): https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home | |||
| How to manage difficult employees at work | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:27:58 | |
Got a difficult employee in your team and no idea what to actually do about it? Before you jump straight to “do we fire them?”, Heather walks through the key steps every manager needs to take first and when it might be time to make a bigger decision. In this episode, Heather explores:
And download Heather’s free Four P’s Method of having difficult conversations: https://custardlearns.com/4ps-framework-home And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM Follow us on socials: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=U6PgZWfUTUof3CEb Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| How to say 'NO' more to protect your time | 08 juil. 2026 | 00:27:24 | |
If you’re a manager who constantly feels like there are not enough hours in the day, this episode is for you. Heather breaks down how managers can start buying back their time, from cutting unnecessary meetings and setting stronger boundaries, to delegating properly and learning when to say no. In this episode, Heather explores:
And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, find out more at Custard. Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM Follow us on socials: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=i0kbJFwLkMIU6Qxw Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| How to ask for a pay rise with confidence (I went from 85k to 120k) | 01 juil. 2026 | 00:36:01 | |
Want to ask for a pay rise but have no idea where to start? In this episode, Heather breaks down how to prepare for the conversation, build a strong case, choose the right timing and ask with confidence. You’ll learn what to say, what not to say and how to follow up if the answer is “not yet”. In this episode:
Download the free Pay Rise PDF here: https://custardlearns.com/the-payrise-conversation-script And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, find out more at Custard Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM. Follow us on socials: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=xoSCRHg4ig2tmai6 Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| Stop being nice at work (here’s how I stopped people pleasing) | 24 juin 2026 | 00:31:36 | |
If you’ve ever avoided a difficult conversation because you didn’t want to upset someone, this episode is for you. Heather explores the difference between being nice and being kind at work, and why people-pleasing can quietly hold you back as a manager and leader. She shares personal stories from her own career, including uncomfortable conversations she has had to start, feedback that was difficult to hear, and the moments that helped her build confidence as a leader. In this episode, Heather covers:
Because leadership is not about keeping everyone happy BUT helping people grow. And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join Custard now Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM Follow us on socials: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| How I stop imposter syndrome getting in my way at work (the full guide) | 17 juin 2026 | 00:25:46 | |
You go into the conversation with a plan. Then they push back, and suddenly you’re convincing yourself you were wrong all along. In this episode, Heather gets into the part of leadership nobody prepares you for, the moment a difficult conversation goes sideways, and your confidence completely disappears. She covers:
Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join Custard now. New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM (perfect for your commute) Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| The reasons your team will be accountable (or not) | 11 juin 2026 | 00:27:15 | |
Some people grow through pressure. Others spend their careers blaming everyone else for where they’re stuck. In this episode, Heather breaks down the “above the line vs below the line” framework, the quickest way to see who on your team is genuinely growing and who is stuck in blame, excuses, and denial. In this episode:
If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing, and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in. Find out more at Custard Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM Follow us on Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning. Join via the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| Managing friends at work gets messy (here’s how I made it work) | 11 juin 2026 | 00:26:29 | |
Most leaders won’t admit this. But Heather will. Nobody tells you that becoming “the manager” changes everything your friendships, your confidence, and how you show up every single day. In this episode, Heather gets real about the moment anxiety nearly stopped her in her tracks, and why asking for help turned out to be her biggest leadership superpower.
Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle? Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com in two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous. And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join Custard now. New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM (best for your commute) Listen & follow: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome | |||
| The Boardroom Trailer: The Conversations That Happen Behind Closed Doors with Heather Elkington | 08 juin 2026 | 00:01:38 | |
The Boardroom is the podcast for anyone navigating the messy, real, and often unspoken side of leadership. Hosted by Heather Elkington, someone who's been at the bottom, fought her way to the top, and never forgot what the hard parts actually felt like. Whether you're a first-time manager finding your feet, a senior leader feeling the pressure, or somewhere in between, this is the podcast that helps you lead better without pretending it's always easy. New episodes drop every Wednesday at 8am perfect for your commute. | |||