The Brave Next Step – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most essential (and often overlooked) leadership skills: having truly effective conversations. 

We explore where our focus goes during high-stakes chats - are we tuned into what we can control, or tangled in assumptions about how others might react? 

I’ll share the difference between listening to respond vs. listening to understand, how to balance push vs. pull communication styles, and why planning matters more than we often admit. 

Whether you're preparing for a difficult conversation or simply want to communicate more intentionally, this episode is a powerful reminder that the way we talk changes what gets done.

Here are the highlights:

Focus on Controllable Aspects (1:58)

Balancing Listening to Respond and Understand (3:55)

Push-Pull Communication (9:11)

Planning for Effective Conversations (11:40)

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some personal reflections on a skill that sits at the heart of my coaching and leadership work: asking questions. 

After receiving some unexpected feedback - “Here you go again with your edgy questions” - and diving into a VoicePrint diagnostic on communication styles, I’ve been reflecting deeply on how I use inquiry and probing in conversations. 

I explore the fine line between powerful questions and ones that feel intrusive, the risk of overusing our strengths, and where I might be holding back in articulating or advocating. 

Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or just someone who wants to communicate more effectively, this is a raw and reflective look at the questions we ask - and the ones we don’t.

Here are the highlights:

Reflective Practice and Effective Questions (1:22)

Diagnostic Tool and Communication Behaviours (3:03)

Challenges and Insights from Feedback (8:46)

Observations from Recorded Conversations (12:11)

Conclusion and Future Reflections (15:01)

What does it really mean to hold your nerve when everything in you wants to bolt?

In this very first episode, I open up about the uncomfortable, unfiltered reality of stepping into the unknown - from launching my business with no plan, to learning how to stay grounded when everything feels shaky. It's not just about pushing through. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

So, expect a mix of personal stories, relatable leadership lessons, and an unexpected metaphor involving lobsters. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing a bold move or wondering If discomfort means you’re on the wrong path, this one’s for you.

Here are the Highlights:

Emma's Personal Experience (0:42)

Examples of Successful Leaders Overcoming Challenges (1:59)

The Importance of Holding Your Nerve (4:08)

Personal Stories and Practical Advice (7:31)

My Call to Action (10:54)

Mentioned: The Lobster

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

Real leadership doesn’t come with a manual. It comes from bold decisions, uncomfortable truths, and the courage to lead when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Join Emma Canter - leadership development expert and curious human - as she hosts honest conversations with business leaders, innovators, and experts who are navigating ambiguity and pushing past comfort zones to create meaningful change.

Each episode delivers real stories, practical insights, and expert advice to help you grow personally and professionally, no matter where you lead - from the boardroom to the frontlines of innovation.

This isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. It’s about doing what’s right, not what’s easy. Because leadership is nuanced, messy, and deeply human.

If you're ready to stretch, grow, and take your brave next step, this podcast is for you!

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most common questions I hear in coaching: “How do I get people to do what I want?” Spoiler alert - you can’t make anyone do anything, but you can influence them. 

I share practical ways to build influence by focusing on what you can control, how you communicate, and the strength of the relationship you build with others.

We’ll explore ideas like contracting ways of working, the power of asking the right questions when delegating, and whether you’re fixing or managing a situation. 

If you’ve ever felt frustrated when others don’t follow through, or you're navigating tricky dynamics at work, this one’s for you. Let’s reframe how we lead and influence - without falling into the trap of control.

Here are the highlights:

Influencing Others to Achieve Your Goals (1:42)

Strengthening Relationships for Better Influence (2:25)

Effective Delegation and Closing Gaps in Communication (6:00)

Fix vs. Manage: Addressing Issues Proactively (8:15)

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I explore a powerful question: what’s really getting in the way of you taking action? We often assume it’s about ability or ambition, but more often, it’s our own thinking that holds us back. 

Whether it’s the fear of failure, fear of other people’s opinions, or simply overthinking instead of acting, I break down the subtle yet persistent mindset blocks that keep us stuck.

I also share some personal insights, including how losing a long-term role forced me to reconnect with my core values and redefine who I was outside of a job title. I’ve learned the hard way that action requires consistency and discipline - not just one burst of energy, but daily commitment, even when it’s tough. 

This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re hesitating on the edge of something important. If you're tired of stalling your dreams, tune in for strategies that will help you start moving forward again - one brave next step at a time.

Here are the highlights:

Fear of Other People's Opinions (1:48)

Selective Opinions and Fear of Failure (4:33)

Overthinking vs. Acting (6:39)

Consistency and Discipline (7:52)

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In today’s episode, we’re digging into the roles we play - at work, at home, and in our heads. 

I’m joined by my new colleague Ben Gibbs, and we reflect on what happens when someone new joins your business, how identity gets wrapped up in leadership, and the subtle dance of navigating control, disruption, and trust.

We talk about relinquishing, rescuing, and that inner committee of roles (hello CEO, finance director, hiring manager…) that shows up when big decisions need to be made. 

It’s a reflective one, and a great listen if you’ve ever felt stretched between all the hats you wear - or are trying to figure out which ones you actually want to keep. Let’s dive in.

Here are the highlights:

Conflicted Decision-Making and Multiple Roles (2:24)

Negotiation and Disruption in Roles (4:28)

Parent-Child Relationship Parallels in Leadership (7:11)

Natural Roles and Organisational Culture (12:26)

Informal Roles and Responsibilities (12:59)

Reflecting on Roles and Decision-Making (17:20)

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In today’s fast-paced world, quality thinking has become a rare luxury. In this episode, I explore why leaders must protect time to think - not just react. 

I dive into how meeting overload, diary mismanagement, and constant busyness can derail good decision-making, and shares practical ways to reclaim space for high-quality thought.

Emma also challenges the culture of endless meetings and reactive leadership, encouraging us to step back, reflect, and lead with intention. 

Whether you lead a team or your own business, this episode will inspire you to carve out space for what you’re truly paid to do - think clearly and make great decisions.

Here are the highlights:

Creating Conditions for Quality Thinking (2:50)

Managing Time and Meetings (5:02)

The Cost of Inefficient Meetings (9:42)

Mindset and Pressure Management (10:33)

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, I’m joined by my brilliant friend and former HR colleague turned Sunday Times Bestselling author, Jennie Godfrey.

Jennie shares how her journey into publishing started with a dog walk and a spark of an idea that wouldn’t let go. We talk about the fear and doubt that shows up - especially that nagging “Who am I to do this?” voice. -and how she pushed through with grit, humour, and a lot of trust.

We also explore how Jennie’s experience in recovery has shaped her approach to writing, resilience, and living a values-led life. It’s an inspiring reminder that bravery doesn’t mean having no fear - it means doing it anyway.

This episode is a must-listen if you're wondering what your next step could look like, or if you're craving the courage to finally take it.

Here are the highlights:

Jenny Godfrey's Leadership Journey (1:04)

Transition from Corporate Life to Writing (4:11)

Challenges and Influences in Becoming an Author (6:53)

Holding Your Nerve and Overcoming Doubts (9:16)

The Role of Addiction and Recovery in Writing (24:05)

Advice for Younger Selves and Future Plans (28:27)

Links for Jennie:

https://www.instagram.com/jennie.godfrey/?hl=en

https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/296111/jennie-godfrey

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

This week’s episode is a little different - and a little spontaneous. After three intense days launching the podcast, I found myself running on empty. So instead of pushing through, I’m pausing to talk about something we rarely give enough space to: recovery.

We so often move from one big event to the next in business without a break, without reflection, without replenishment. But just like athletes build in recovery after a competition, leaders need it too - especially when the tank is running low and burnout is knocking.

I share what my own recovery looks like in real-time this week, including how I listen to my body, rework my calendar, manage my energy, and lean on journaling, nature, music, and stillness to return to centre. 

If you’ve been powering through and know your energy needs a reset, this one’s for you. Let’s normalise building rest into our rhythm - and leading from a place of wholeness, not depletion.

Here are the highlights:

DDI Report on Global Leadership Forecast 2025 (1:30)

Impact of Stress and Burnout on Leaders (2:38)

Personal Experiences and Strategies for Recovery (3:54)

Understanding Personal Energy and Recovery Techniques (9:52)

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio