The Courageous Leaders Podcast

Joanna Howes
  • 5.0 (6)
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The Courageous Leaders Podcast aims to inspire leaders to step into their courageous zone, be the leader they know they can be and discover the mindset skills and behaviours to take their leadership to the next level.  So listen in, get inspired on how you can grow your leadership impact. Leave a legacy you can be proud of, and build an environment for future leaders to thrive.  Who is Joanna Howes? Joanna Howes is an award-winning international coach, behavioural expert, specialising in leadership and performance coaching and No 1 best selling international co-author.  Her focus is to help individuals and teams activate their full potential, so they can step into their courageous zone to maximise their influence, build their resilience and take the action needed to become high performers and future-ready leaders. Joanna is a unique phenomenon within her industry, with over 20 years’ experience working internationally with some of the world's most awarded advertising agencies and leading them to operational and leadership success. Her blend of both innovative operational and transformative change solutions empowers organisations to create environments that are supportive and fearless for their employees.  Website: https://thechangecreators.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courageousleaderspodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.changecreators/Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/courageous_leaders/ Newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

  1. Why We Need to Talk About Death, Sex & Money More Than Ever | Charlotte Pearce

    3 DAYS AGO

    Why We Need to Talk About Death, Sex & Money More Than Ever | Charlotte Pearce

    Why do we avoid talking about sex, death, and money when they shape so much of our lives? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Charlotte Pearce, an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO & Founder of Inkpact, who is reinventing direct mail into a future-facing medium rooted in human connection and behavioural science. From leading 150 people at just 19 to building a business through uncertainty, motherhood, loss, and reinvention, Charlotte’s journey is a powerful lesson in leadership and life. In this conversation, we explore growth, confidence, self-expression, and why even the strongest leaders need support. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and turning life’s biggest challenges into opportunities for growth. We Cover: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Charlotte’s early influences and entrepreneurial mindset 05:20 – Leading 150 people at 19 years old 09:00 – Building Inkpact and creating a new category 10:30 – Leadership lessons, humility, and evolving as a founder 12:00 – Why every leader needs coaches, mentors, and support 13:50 – Crisis year: motherhood, business pressure, and cashflow stress 16:00 – Family loss, grief, and holding everything together 20:20 – Why we need to talk more about death 21:30 – Why sex, money, and hard conversations matter 24:40 – Sexuality, confidence, and female self-expression 28:50 – Money mindset, ambition, and owning success 32:30 – The surrender experiment and letting go of control 36:00 – Burnout, stress, and protecting your energy 39:00 – Comparison, identity, and success on your own terms 45:00 – Courage to be yourself and change direction 48:00 – Letting go, having fun again, and final reflections If you are navigating change, building something meaningful, or ready to stop shrinking yourself, this conversation will stay with you. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    55 min
  2. How to Know If You Are Emotionally Fit as a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

    30 APR

    How to Know If You Are Emotionally Fit as a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

    Most leaders are never trained in how to manage their emotions. In this solo episode, I break down emotional fitness and why it plays a critical role in leadership, decision-making, and performance. When emotions take over, we react instead of respond, avoid difficult conversations, and make decisions driven by fear rather than values. I explore the difference between emotionally fit and emotionally unfit leadership, along with practical ways to build awareness, regulate emotions, and lead with clarity under pressure. If you want to improve how you show up as a leader, this is a skill you can’t afford to ignore. What We Cover:  00:00 Introduction: The skill leaders aren’t trained in  01:00 Why emotions override logic  01:30 What emotional fitness really means  02:10 Emotionally fit vs unfit leaders  03:00 Reacting vs responding  03:40 Common emotional patterns (fear, defensiveness)  04:20 Making decisions from values vs emotions  05:10 Building awareness and catching reactions  05:40 Labelling emotions and shifting state  06:10 Practical tools to regulate emotions  06:40 Emotional fitness and leadership under pressure  07:00 Final takeaway Reflection Questions for Leaders • Where am I reacting instead of responding? • What emotion is driving my recent decisions? • Where am I avoiding tension instead of addressing it? • What would it look like to lead from my values instead of fear? #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ModernLeadership #CourageousLeaders 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    7 min
  3. How Narcissistic Traits Show Up in Leaders (And Why It Matters) - Kathleen Saxton

    23 APR

    How Narcissistic Traits Show Up in Leaders (And Why It Matters) - Kathleen Saxton

    What if the way you understand people is incomplete? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Kathleen Saxton, Psychotherapist, Executive Coach, and Best-Selling Author, to explore the psychology behind behaviour, leadership, and one of the most misunderstood traits, narcissism. This conversation goes beyond labels. From how narcissism actually shows up in men and women, to identity, emotional patterns, and leadership blind spots, this episode challenges how we interpret people, power, and performance. Because often, what we think is happening is not the full picture. If you want to better understand human behaviour, navigate complex personalities, and become more self-aware as a leader, this episode will shift your perspective. What We Cover: 00:00 – Trailer 02:00 – The Courage to Walk Away from Toxic Situations 04:10 – Why People Stay in Toxic Jobs & Relationships 07:30 – Trauma, Therapy & Personal Backstory 10:15 – Narcissistic Relationships & Validation Trap 12:00 – What Narcissism Really Looks Like 14:10 – Narcissism: Traits vs Personality Disorder 18:00 – How Narcissists Manipulate & Control You 21:10 – The Dark Triad Explained 22:30 – Why Narcissists Become Leaders 26:15 – Why Companies Protect Toxic High Performers 31:40 – How to Handle a Narcissistic Boss 43:20 – Covert vs Grandiose Narcissists 47:10 – Can Narcissists Change? 50:10 – Are Narcissists Good Leaders? 58:00 – Character vs Performance in Leadership 01:05:00 – Final Advice: Protect Yourself & Your Integrity This is not just about understanding others. It is about understanding how you lead and show up. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    1hr 8min
  4. Power Moves You Must Know As a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

    16 APR

    Power Moves You Must Know As a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

    Power is always present in leadership… whether you realise it or not. In my work with leadership teams, I see how often power shows up in ways people don’t talk about. Not in obvious or intentional ways, but in the small moments. Who speaks first. Whose opinion carries weight. What gets challenged… and what gets left unsaid. In this episode, I break down the four ways power shows up inside executive teams, and how these patterns can quietly shape your culture, your decisions, and your results. From dominance and control, to holding back and avoiding challenge, these dynamics are happening in every team… whether you’re aware of them or not. This isn’t about removing power. It’s about understanding how you’re using it. Because the moment you can see it, you can change it.  00:00 How power shows up in your leadership 00:33 Where power shows up in executive teams 01:00 Why avoiding power creates problems 01:40 Power over when control takes over 02:35 The impact of shutting down discussion 03:23 When performance hides poor behaviour 03:46 Power under when leaders stop speaking up 04:38 The illusion of alignment in teams 05:06 Power with working as a collective 05:34 Power within building self trust as a leader 06:01 How pressure shifts leadership behaviour 06:26 Why people stop speaking up across the business 06:50 Three shifts to change how power is used 07:42 Why strong teams don’t avoid tension 08:08 Final reflection on how power is really being used This Episode Explores • Power dynamics in leadership teams • Executive team behaviour and decision making • Psychological safety and speaking up • Leadership self awareness • Managing dominance and control • Building stronger team alignment • Creating healthier leadership cultures Reflection Questions for Leaders • Where might I be using control instead of creating space for others • When do I hold back instead of speaking up • How do I react when I’m challenged • What is the impact of my behaviour on the team If this episode makes you pause or reflect, that’s where the real work starts. Leadership isn’t about removing pressure or power. It’s about understanding how you show up within it. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    9 min
  5. Elite Leadership Lessons from Former Military Leaders | Military Leaders Panel Edition

    9 APR

    Elite Leadership Lessons from Former Military Leaders | Military Leaders Panel Edition

    What does leadership look like when everything is on the line? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by three extraordinary leaders, Mandy Hickson, former RAF fast jet pilot, Mark Fetters, Bomb Disposal Squadron Commander, and Rob Keeping, former military professional turned Managing Director. From being shot at mid-air, to leading bomb disposal missions, to making high-stakes decisions under extreme pressure, this is leadership in its rawest form. This isn’t theory. This is what leadership looks like when failure isn’t an option. We explore what courage really means, why fear is part of the process, how elite teams are built, and what modern leaders are getting wrong when it comes to burnout, performance, and growth. If you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating uncertainty, this conversation will challenge how you think, act, and show up. What We Cover: 00:00 – Trailer 01:07 – Why This Military Leadership Panel Is Different 01:28 – What Courage REALLY Means (Not What You Think) 03:32 – Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear 05:26 – Bomb Disposal Mindset: Confidence vs Caution 08:02 – Fear of Failure: Military vs Corporate Reality 11:46 – Leading a War Mission as a Junior 13:07 – Shot at by a Missile… Then the Mission Changed 16:24 – “Only Do What Only You Can Do” 19:00 – Why Relying on an A-Team Will Kill Your Company 25:22 – The 80% Rule (Peak Performance Without Burnout) 27:05 – Burnout, Stress & Why Leaders Are Breaking Today 34:03 – Failure, Rejection & Becoming a Fighter Pilot 45:30 – Final Reflections & Leadership Takeaways 51:30 – Final Message & Closing Thoughts Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about how you show up when it matters most. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    52 min
  6. Are You a Toxic Leader Without Realising? | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

    2 APR

    Are You a Toxic Leader Without Realising? | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

    Are you leading your team… or unknowingly holding them back? In my work as a leadership coach, I’ve seen how easy it is for well-intentioned leaders to fall into toxic patterns, without even realising it. In this episode, I break down the subtle behaviours that quietly build into toxic leadership. The ones that don’t look harmful on the surface, but over time, create dependency, frustration, and disengagement within your team. From being the “fixer” to micromanaging, avoiding conflict, or slipping into passive aggression, these are patterns I’ve seen in countless leaders… and ones I’ve had to confront in myself too. This is not about blame. It’s about awareness. Because the moment you can see it, you can change it. 00:00 – Are you a toxic leader without realising it? 00:40 – The toxic leadership pyramid explained 01:10 – The “fixer” trap: helping vs control 02:00 – Why micromanagement limits your team 02:50 – Avoiding conflict and the need to be liked 03:40 – Passive aggression and emotional awareness 04:30 – When toxicity turns into bullying 05:00 – How to recognise and shift these behaviours This Episode Explores: • Toxic leadership behaviours • Micromanagement and control patterns • Emotional intelligence in leadership • Workplace bullying awareness • Leadership self-awareness • Building empowered teams • Breaking unconscious habits Reflection Questions for Leaders • Where am I over-helping instead of empowering? • What am I still controlling that I should let go?  • Which conversation am I avoiding right now? • Where have I been indirect instead of honest? If this episode feels uncomfortable, that’s a sign you’re paying attention. Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware enough to do better. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    6 min
  7. Change Doesn't Happen When You Play It Safe | A Leaders' Panel Discussion

    19 MAR

    Change Doesn't Happen When You Play It Safe | A Leaders' Panel Discussion

    What does it really take to have the courage to change? In this episode, we unpack the real, messy, and powerful moments behind choosing change in your career and life. I sit down with Amber Shand, Founder of She Bites Back; Catherine Peacock, Co-Founder of 05:37; and Georgie Rechner, Bodybuilder and Founder of Midlife Rebel, who all found the courage to change their lives.  This isn’t about overnight success or glossy highlight reels. It’s about the struggle to shift your identity, let go of old job titles, handle fear of judgement, and actually put in the work when things get tough. We dive deep into what makes bold change possible, and why being true to yourself matters more than anything. Whether you’re thinking about leaving your job, starting something new, or just need a bit more resilience, this conversation will help you see what courage really means, from losing people to building your own path. We cover: 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – What it takes to make real change 02:41 – Shifting your identity and asking for help 03:04 – Launching a business and finding courage 05:21 – The moment you decide to go for it 07:27 – What pushes people to make big changes 11:05 – Facing your biggest fears 12:49 – Dealing with judgement and self-worth 15:16 – Losing your identity and finding what’s next 19:03 – The price of happiness vs material comfort 21:02 – Keeping confidence going during tough times 23:28 – Visualising the future and being true to yourself 25:32 – Why failing isn’t really failure 27:26 – Action, liminal spaces, and getting through anxiety 29:19 – The reality of hard work in entrepreneurship 33:38 – Balancing rest, joy and burnout 45:55 – The grief and loss that comes with change 49:09 – How midlife gives us ‘no tolerance for b******t’ 51:54 – Building visible strength and confidence 55:06 – Physical strength as mental strength 58:27 – Introvert myths and running a business 01:01:08 – Would you change anything? No regrets Don’t miss this honest and practical conversation about courage, change, and finding your own way. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    1hr 5min
  8. The Experimental Mindset Every Leader Needs - Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    5 MAR

    The Experimental Mindset Every Leader Needs - Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    How do you lead when certainty disappears? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Neuroscientist and Author of Tiny Experiments. This conversation genuinely changed how I think about leadership, productivity, burnout and decision-making. We talk about what happens when your identity is tied to your job. And how an experimental mindset can change your life What procrastination is really trying to tell you. Why goal setting is broken. If you’re a leader who feels stuck and tired of pushing harder but not seeing better results… Stay to the end. Anne-Laure shares a practical way to replace the illusion of certainty with curiosity. And it’s something you can apply immediately in your workplace, your team, and your own internal world. We cover: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Leaving Google and the wake-up call that changed everything 04:00 – Identity, external validation and starting again 06:00 – Why our brains hate uncertainty 08:30 – The illusion of control and compensatory control 11:00 – Why leaders feel trapped (and how tiny experiments create agency) 14:40 – Linear goals vs experimental loops 17:00 – How to build a culture of experimentation in your team 22:00 – Procrastination is not laziness (head, heart or hand?) 30:00 – Fear, psychological safety in the workplace and uncertainty 34:30 – Time anxiety and why we make our worlds smaller as adults 38:50 – Better decision making: internal vs external signals 44:00 – Self anthropology and how to observe your burnout patterns This episode explores: • Tiny experiments in leadership • How to stop procrastinating at work • Leadership under uncertainty • Psychological safety in the workplace • Decision making under uncertainty • Burnout recovery and time anxiety • Overcoming imposter syndrome • Curiosity in leadership • Profound insights into personal growth and self improvement If you’ve ever felt pressure to have all the answers as a leader, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air. 👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership: Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching: Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/  → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice.  👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Courageous Leaders Podcast aims to inspire leaders to step into their courageous zone, be the leader they know they can be and discover the mindset skills and behaviours to take their leadership to the next level.  So listen in, get inspired on how you can grow your leadership impact. Leave a legacy you can be proud of, and build an environment for future leaders to thrive.  Who is Joanna Howes? Joanna Howes is an award-winning international coach, behavioural expert, specialising in leadership and performance coaching and No 1 best selling international co-author.  Her focus is to help individuals and teams activate their full potential, so they can step into their courageous zone to maximise their influence, build their resilience and take the action needed to become high performers and future-ready leaders. Joanna is a unique phenomenon within her industry, with over 20 years’ experience working internationally with some of the world's most awarded advertising agencies and leading them to operational and leadership success. Her blend of both innovative operational and transformative change solutions empowers organisations to create environments that are supportive and fearless for their employees.  Website: https://thechangecreators.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courageousleaderspodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.changecreators/Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/courageous_leaders/ Newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Information

  • Creator
    Joanna Howes
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Courageous Leaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Courageous Leaders Podcast

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