The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School and hosted by Executive Coach, Julie Williams MSc. The Lighting Fires Podcast is a space for real conversations about change, growth, and the spark that starts it all.
Julie has a Master's in Coaching and Behavioural change, over 10 years experience of running her own coaching practice, and 15 years experience in marketing leadership roles.
In each episode, Julie sits down with one of her coaching clients to reflect on pivotal moments in their personal and professional journeys — from navigating imposter syndrome to finding confidence in leadership, from starting a business to rediscovering purpose.
Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from people who've dared to light a fire under their own ambitions. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering what's next, these conversations will help you tune in to your own spark — and fuel your next step.
If you're interested in finding out more about how Julie could work with you or your team, go to www.lightingfires.co.uk
You can also contact Julie by emailing julie@lightingfires.co.uk or connect at linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach
Interested in becoming a coach? Find out more about Henley Business School here: https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching
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S3 E6- Becoming the leader only you can be, with Sophie Greenaway
Season 3 · Episode 2
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 52:58
Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Sophie Greenaway- Headteacher
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Sophie Greenaway, Headteacher at Thameside Primary School, Reading, who shares her journey from teacher to headteacher, the challenges of following in the footsteps of a highly respected predecessor, and how coaching helped her overcome imposter syndrome and develop confidence in her own leadership style.
Together, they explore the power of coaching, why great leaders don't need to have all the answers, and how creating a coaching culture empowers others to think for themselves. Sophie also reflects on navigating difficult conversations, balancing the demands of school leadership with family life, and learning to let go of perfectionism.
Towards the end of the episode, Sophie shares how receiving a later-life ADHD diagnosis helped her make sense of many of the challenges she'd experienced throughout her career, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness, confidence and acceptance.
Whether you're leading a school, a team or an organisation, this episode is full of honest reflections and practical insights into authentic leadership.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
Sophie's journey to becoming a Headteacher
Finding your own leadership style
Overcoming imposter syndrome
The role coaching played in building confidence
Empowering others instead of solving every problem
Preparing for difficult conversations
Leading through challenge and change
Balancing leadership with family life
Receiving a later-life ADHD diagnosis
Why understanding yourself makes you a better leader
To find out more about the Insights Discovery psychometric tool, visit Insights Discovery.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley
S3 EP5- From Lumberjack to Conductor: Paul Whitby's Leadership Story.
Season 3 · Episode 5
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • Duration 36:07
Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Paul Whitby – Founder and Managing Directory of The Ecology Co-op
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by ecologist, entrepreneur and nature enthusiast Paul Whitby for a fascinating conversation about leadership, business growth, coaching and finding a more sustainable way to work.
Paul shares how a childhood fascination with wildlife led him to build The Ecology Co-op, growing it from a one-person consultancy into a thriving business employing a team of specialist ecologists. He reflects on the challenges of leading a rapidly growing company through the pandemic, working unsustainable hours, and learning to step back from the day-to-day in order to think more strategically.
Together, Julie and Paul explore how coaching helped Paul develop a different approach to leadership, improve delegation, create stronger systems and processes, and ultimately navigate the successful sale of his business into the European environmental consultancy group, Myllium.
Julie and Paul discuss:
· Building and scaling a business while staying true to your values
· The challenges of leadership during periods of rapid growth
· Why coaching can feel like "business therapy"
· Learning to step back and think strategically
· Delegation, leadership styles and letting go of control
· Using metaphors and visual reminders to create lasting change
· Creating systems and processes that support sustainable growth
S3 EP4: The Power of Not Taking It Personally, with Amanda Lennon
Season 3 · Episode 4
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 • Duration 33:50
Host: Julie Williams MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Amanda Lennon - HR Consultant, Employment Lawyer and Founder of Astralis HR
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Amanda Lennon for an honest conversation about courage, resilience, confidence and navigating a successful career on your own terms.
Amanda shares her journey from employment law into senior HR leadership, becoming the only woman on a board at just 29 years old. After a successful corporate career, she went on to launch her own consultancy business, Astralis HR.
Along the way, she has navigated challenges around confidence, rejection, identity and balancing an ambitious career with family life.
Together, Julie and Amanda reflect on the coaching journey that helped Amanda build resilience, manage difficult situations more effectively and develop the confidence to bring more of her authentic self into the workplace.
Julie and Amanda discuss:
Building confidence and personal impact in leadership roles
Being a young female leader in a male-dominated environment
Managing difficult conversations and workplace conflict
Resilience, redundancy and bouncing back from setbacks
Why business decisions are rarely personal
The role of values in career decisions and workplace culture
Imposter syndrome and learning to trust your own abilities
Taking calculated risks and having the courage to try new things
Moving from corporate leadership into self-employment and consulting
The importance of lifelong learning and staying open to new perspectives
Connect with Julie
S3 EP3: Han Solo or Princess Leia- Leadership, AI and Adaptability with Rory McLaren.
Season 3 · Episode 3
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 36:28
Host: Julie Williams MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Rory McLaren - Technology and Product Leader
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Rory McLaren for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, adaptability, confidence and learning how to navigate change.
Rory shares his journey from growing up in a remote ex-mining village in Scotland to becoming a Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of a successful startup, before transitioning into leadership within a much larger global corporate environment following an acquisition.
Together, Julie and Rory explore the culture shock of moving from a fast-paced startup into a complex international organisation, and how coaching helped Rory develop the tools, confidence and self-awareness to lead more effectively.
Julie and Rory discuss:
Moving from technical expert to strategic leader
Learning to influence without authority
Imposter syndrome and feeling out of place in corporate environments
The value of adaptability in leadership
Why asking "stupid questions" can drive innovation and psychological safety
Understanding personality differences through Myers-Briggs
Reactive versus proactive leadership styles
Building confidence through coaching and role play
The importance of curiosity, learning and sharing knowledge
AI, coaching and why human relationships still matter
Rory also reflects on his shift from "Han Solo" leadership, reactive and firefighting, to a calmer, more intentional and strategic "Princess Leia" approach.
This episode is a fascinating conversation about leadership in modern organisations, the power of curiosity, and why human connection and adaptability will remain essential in a rapidly changing world.
Resources Mentioned Connect with Julie
S3 EP2: Career change, confidence and knowing when It's time to leave - with Kate Gräfe
Season 3 · Episode 2
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 39:50
Host: Julie Williams MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Kate Gräfe - Social Value Director and former procurement and supply chain leader
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Kate Gräfe for an honest and reflective conversation about career change, confidence, self-awareness and creating a working life that genuinely fits.
After nearly two decades working in procurement and supply chain leadership within local government, Kate reached a crossroads. Following the pandemic, she began questioning whether the career path she had followed for years still aligned with who she was and how she wanted to live and work.
Together, Julie and Kate explore the coaching journey that helped Kate redefine success on her own terms, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and transition into a role focused on sustainability and social value.
Julie and Kate discuss:
Knowing when it's time to leave a role or career path
Career crossroads and creating a clearer vision for the future
Balancing ambition, family life and wellbeing
Discovering your "hidden superpower" through greater self-awareness
The realities of self-employment and finding the right working environment
Imposter syndrome, confidence and learning not to undervalue yourself
How coaching creates clarity, structure and momentum during times of change
Redundancy, resilience and staying open to unexpected opportunities
Understanding interpersonal differences through personality profiles
Kate also reflects on the surprising realisation that came through personality profiling work during coaching, and how understanding where she gets her energy from helped shape the next stage of her career and life.
S3 EP1: Accidental Manager to Confident Leader with Steve Jones
Season 3 · Episode 1
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 30:10
Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Steve Jones –Head of Education & Application Support (EMEA) at d&b audiotechnik
In the opening episode of Series 3 of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Steve Jones for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, confidence, self-awareness and the power of coaching.
Steve shares the experiences that shaped his resilient outlook on life, from a challenging childhood to building a successful international career in the fast-paced live events industry. He reflects on stepping into leadership without a traditional management pathway, navigating team conflict during the pandemic, and the self-doubt that can come with increased responsibility.
Together, Julie and Steve explore how coaching helped Steve better understand himself, recognise his strengths, and grow into a more confident and authentic leader.
Julie and Steve discuss:
How difficult life experiences can shape resilience and mindset
Moving from technical expert to people leader
Why many managers feel unprepared for leadership roles
Understanding interpersonal differences through personality profiles
Overcoming imposter syndrome and building executive presence
The value of self-awareness in leadership
Why coaching creates the time and space to think clearly
Leading teams with greater honesty, confidence and trust
This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn't require perfection or having all the answers. Often, it begins with understanding yourself.
If you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the , a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact.
Confidence and Identity: What Coaching Can Do For You
Season 2 · Episode 7
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 24:23
Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Katie Denyer- Executive Coach, Supervisor and Tutor at Henley Business School
In this bonus episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Katie Denyer. Katie is also an executive coach, a supervisor, and a tutor on the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School.
Together, they explore what coaching really looks like in practice, unpacking some of the most common themes that have come up across the series so far.
From identity and confidence to limiting beliefs and career change, this episode offers a deeper insight into how coaching helps people better understand themselves and move forward with clarity.
Julie and Katie discuss:
How our identity evolves over time, and why it's more flexible than we think
The impact of limiting beliefs and where they often originate
Practical techniques to build confidence and feel more grounded in challenging situations
The connection between mind and body, and how this shows up in our work and lives
How to approach career change and make decisions that feel more aligned
This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the coaching process, with practical ideas and reflections you can apply to your own life.
And if you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the - a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact.
S2 EP6: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Confidence, Leadership and Late ADHD Diagnosis
Season 2 · Episode 6
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • Duration 43:06
Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Rachael Burns- Head of Sales Operations, Capgemini
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Rachael Burns to reflect on the coaching they did together when Rachael stepped into her first senior leadership role.
Rachael shares her unconventional route into finance, leaving school at 16, starting out as a hairdresser, and building a successful career without going to university, before talking candidly about the challenges she faced when she took on a large, experienced team during a period of significant organisational change.
Together, Julie and Rachael explore what it really takes to grow into leadership: building confidence, finding your own authentic style, learning how to give honest and constructive feedback, and staying calm when everything around you feels chaotic.
The conversation also looks back with new insight on Rachael's later ADHD diagnosis, and how understanding neurodiversity can shape coaching, leadership and support in the workplace.
Julie and Rachael talk about:
Taking on a first leadership role and finding confidence in your own style
Why being good at your job doesn't automatically prepare you to lead people
Learning how to have honest, constructive (and courageous) conversations
Using the Fierce Conversations framework to prepare for difficult feedback
Practical coaching techniques for gaining perspective and staying calm
Finding rhythm and authenticity in leadership
How visual and experiential coaching tools supported Rachael's development
Reflecting on a later ADHD diagnosis and what it explains in hindsight
How coaches and managers can better support neurodivergent individuals
S2 EP5: Building, Ending and Beginning Again
Season 2 · Episode 5
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • Duration 45:55
Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Greg Owen – Lead Product Designer, The LEGO Group
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Greg Owen, Lead Product Designer at the LEGO Group, for a thoughtful and honest conversation about transitions, endings, and what it really takes to thrive at work.
Greg reflects on his journey from professional ice hockey into design, entrepreneurship and leadership, and a significant chapter in his career: co-founding the digital design studio Daughter, growing it over seven years, and ultimately making the decision to bring the business to a close.
Julie and Greg revisit the period when Julie was coaching Greg and his business partners, exploring what was happening beneath the surface at the time, what the coaching revealed, and how that work helped Greg gain clarity about his strengths, energy and what he needed in order to do his best work.
This episode offers a rare and refreshing perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship, not through stories of scaling and success alone, but through the reality of recognising when something has run its course and navigating that ending with authenticity and integrity.
Julie and Greg talk about:
Transitioning from professional sport into business and leadership
What it's really like to build a values-led business with friends
Why clarity around roles, energy and purpose matters in leadership teams
How coaching helped uncover what Greg needs in order to thrive
Navigating difficult decisions with honesty, care and integrity
The emotional and practical realities of ending a business
Letting go, moving on, and finding renewed energy in new roles
Creating space for reflection during times of uncertainty and change
S2 EP4: Stepping Into the Boardroom: Imposter Syndrome, Delegation and Finding Your Leadership Voice
Season 2 · Episode 4
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 • Duration 34:21
Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Sarah Ciccolallo – Chief Operating Officer, Red Whale
After a short pause over the festive period, and an unexpected bout of illness, The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, is back with a thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership, confidence and growth.
In this episode, Julie is joined by Sarah Ciccolallo, Chief Operating Officer at Red Whale, who reflects on her journey from marketing manager to board director, and the coaching work that supported her through that transition.
Sarah speaks openly about experiencing imposter syndrome after stepping into her first board-level role, and how coaching helped her build confidence, shift her mindset, and develop new ways of leading.
Together, Julie and Sarah explore the practical tools, conversations and reflections that helped Sarah move from doing everything herself to creating space for strategic thinking and stronger delegation.
This episode also touches on the importance of understanding how you work, having honest conversations, and decluttering not just your inbox, but your diary and mental load too, a particularly timely theme at this point in the year.
Julie and Sarah talk about:
Moving from manager to board director and the challenges that come with it
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· Selling a business and finding the right cultural fit
· Purpose-driven leadership and protecting the natural environment
· The benefits and challenges of implementing a four-day working week
This episode is an inspiring conversation about leadership, purpose and creating a business that works not only for your clients and team, but for yourself as well.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley
Amanda also shares some of the practical techniques that helped her step back from emotionally charged situations, gain perspective and approach challenging conversations with greater calm and confidence.
This episode is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for anyone facing a career crossroads, building confidence in leadership, or wondering how to navigate challenges without losing sight of who they are.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley
This episode is a thoughtful and relatable conversation for anyone questioning their next step, navigating a career transition, or wondering whether there might be another way forward.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review- it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley
The importance of flexibility, curiosity and understanding in coaching relationships
This episode will resonate with leaders stepping into bigger roles, anyone navigating change, and coaches or managers wanting to better understand how different people experience work, pressure and growth.
DOSE- TJ Power A neuroscience-based book exploring dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, and how modern life impacts our brain chemistry, focus and wellbeing.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review- it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
Greg also reflects on how his background in elite sport shaped his mindset around endings, competition and change, and how coaching techniques continue to influence his work in design and leadership today.
This episode will resonate with business owners, leaders and creatives who are facing change, questioning what's next, or grappling with decisions that don't come with easy answers.
Resources & Tools Mentioned
Six Thinking Hats – Edward de Bono A powerful thinking and decision-making framework that helps individuals and teams explore ideas from multiple perspectives
The Disney Creativity Strategy (Walt Disney Method) A simple yet effective creativity technique that separates thinking into three modes: Dreamer, Realist and Critic — allowing ideas to be explored, shaped and refined without shutting them down too early.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review – it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and insights.
How imposter syndrome shows up at senior levels, and why it doesn't always go away
The role coaching played in building confidence and self-awareness
Learning how to delegate without feeling like you're losing control
Practical tools for handling difficult conversations
Why understanding your own working style helps you lead others more effectively
Creating space for strategic thinking by decluttering diaries, inboxes and habits
How small, simple techniques can create long-term leadership change
This is a warm, insightful conversation for anyone stepping into greater responsibility, navigating self-doubt, or looking to lead with more clarity and confidence.
