Optimising Leader Brilliance: Enabling Calm, Confident, Strategic Leadership

Estelle Read | Optimising Leadership Brilliance Coach | Bestselling Author | Speaker | Beee Founder
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Lead strategically with calm confidence with Estelle Read, Bestselling Author, Coach, Speaker, and guests. Optimising Leader Brilliance is the self-improvement toolkit for leaders ready to break performance ceilings and achieve next level results. Get science-backed strategies and mindset shifts to tackle imposter syndrome, workaholism, anxiety, and self-sabotage. We provide stress relief and burnout solutions to help you reduce your workload and reclaim your time. We also share tools to clarify your strategic direction and deliver the brilliant results you're capable of. Visit: EstelleRead.com

  1. 1d ago

    Avoid This When You Speak: How to Communicate Calmly and Clearly Under Pressure

    In this episode, communication coach Helen von Dadelszenreveals the biggest mistake leaders make when speaking under pressure—and how to avoid it. Learn why confidence grows through action, not waiting, and discover practical tools like breathing techniques and improv that help you communicate clearly and calmly. Gain insights into managing your body, voice, and mind to connect authentically and lead with impact. What You Will Learn:  💡 Why confidence grows through doing, and how action beats waiting every time 💡 How improv techniques prepare you to think quickly and communicate with ease 💡 Three practical tools to manage your body, voice, and mind for calm and impactful speaking Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!   Estelle Read   Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Host of Optimising Leader Brilliance   Timestamps:(00:00) – Intro and Episode Overview(03:00) – Biggest Speaking Mistake: Letting Ego Take Over(07:15) – Building Confidence Through Action, Not Waiting(12:30) – Using Improv to Handle High-Pressure Conversations(18:45) – Recognizing and Managing Your Body’s Nervous Signals(24:10) – Breathing Technique: The Physiological Sigh for Calm(29:00) – Avoid Over-Polishing: Be Natural, Not Performative(34:20) – How to Focus on Your Audience, Not Yourself(39:15) – Simplifying Your Message: What Do You Want Your Audience to Think,Feel, or Do?(44:00) – Practical Tips to Prepare for Unpredictable Questions(49:20) – Reflective Coaching Questions to Take Action Now(54:45) – Closing and How to Continue Building Your Speaking Confidence 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT:⭐GUEST: Helen von Dadelszen, https://academy.presentpotential.ch/, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Courageous-Action-playbook-communicating-confidently/dp/2970194805/ ⭐ HOST: Estelle Readhttps://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 ⭐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 favouritepodcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162  ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts   ⚠️ DICLAIMER 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 ❤️.

    Avoid This When You Speak: How to Communicate Calmly and Clearly Under Pressure

  2. Sep 28

    How to Stop Burnout: Your Path to Calm, Confident Leadership

    This episode explores the journey from burnout to recoverywith resilience coach Tracy Doyle, who bravely shares her story of overcoming profound personal challenges. Please note this episode contains discussions of sexual abuse, suicide, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion isadvised. Tracy reveals how life experiences shape the beliefs driving burnout and introduces her transformative Aurora framework to find clarity, calm, and confidence. Tune in to learn practical tools for spotting hidden burnout patterns, breaking unconscious cycles, and reclaiming your well-being. What You Will Learn: 💡 How to spot the hidden patterns driving your burnout and recognize unconscious cycles💡The AURORA framework for reclaiming emotional clarity, calm, and confidence💡Practical steps for healing and empowering yourself after burnout struggles   Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!   Estelle Read   Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Host   Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction & Episode Overview(03:00) – Tracy’s Early Life Challenges and Caretaking Role(09:00) – The Impact of Family Trauma on Burnout(15:30) – The Breaking Point: Recognizing Overwhelm and Desperation(22:00) – Shame, Fear, and the Reluctance to Ask for Help(28:30) – Tracy’s Aurora Framework Introduction(35:30) – The Role of Life Experiences in Burnout Patterns(42:45) – Identifying and Changing Limiting Beliefs(50:00) – Practical Morning Intention and Daily Practices(56:30) – The ‘Isches’: Self-centered Traits that Hold Us Back(01:02:00) – Healing Pathways from Burnout: See It, Name It, Change It(01:09:30) – Reflective Coaching Questions 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT:⭐GUEST: Tracy Doyle https://tracydoyle.life/⭐HOST: 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, TheBrilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: 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 younever miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others findus.   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: NEXTLEVEL⁠: 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 shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️.

    How to Stop Burnout: Your Path to Calm, Confident Leadership

  3. Sep 21

    Win the First Hour: Reset Your Biology for Calm Leadership

    Winning your first hour each morning is the secret tostaying calm under pressure—and it all starts with biology, not personality. In this episode, Dr. Robert Carter, international bestselling co-author of The Morning Mind and the upcoming The Convenience Trap, shares a neuroscience-backed morning routine that resets your nervous system, thehidden convenience traps draining your resilience, and a simple framework to help you stay centred no matter what the day throws at you.    What You Will Learn: 💡 The morning routine that biologically primes your nervous system to win your day before it begins💡How instant gratification culture quietly saps your resilience—and steps to reclaim your control💡The ALIVE framework: a practical method to activate awareness, level up, and embody calm under stress   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 Episode Overview(02:00) – Why Winning Your First Hour Matters for Emotional and Cognitive State(06:00) – Meet Dr. Robert Carter and His Book The Convenience Trap(10:45) – Understanding the Convenience Trap and Its Impact on Resilience(15:30) – Biology Behind Staying Calm Under Pressure(20:15) – The ALIVE Framework: Activate, Level Up, Integrate, Value, Embody(25:00) – Recognizing Stress Triggers and Biological Rhythms(30:30) – How Convenience Culture Contributes to Stress and Health Challenges(36:00) – Personal Stories of Stress, Autoimmune Conditions, and Recovery(45:00) – Practical Morning Routine Tips for Biological Reset(50:45) – Breathing and Awareness Techniques to Stay Centred Under Pressure(56:00) – Integrating Calm Practices into Daily Life and Work(01:02:30) – Preparing for Recovery and Mental Resilience(01:07:00) – Reflective Practice and Coaching Questions from Dr. Carter(01:11:30) – Closing Thoughts and How to Take Next Steps 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT: ⭐GUEST: Dr Robert Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-carter-phd-mph-57b1405/  https://theconveniencetrap.com/   ⭐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, TheBrilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: 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    ❤️ 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.   🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL:   ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call    🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES: ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXTLEVEL⁠: https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/    🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠: https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/  🎧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 shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️.

    Win the First Hour: Reset Your Biology for Calm Leadership

  4. Sep 14

    Why Leaders Stay Stuck: How Soft Addictions Sabotage Success and What To Do About It

    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:💡The universal human yearnings wired into our brain that drive behavior and leadership success💡How overdoing strengths like discipline or caring can become “soft addictions” that hold you back💡One powerful question you can ask anytime to understand and transform your emotions instantly    (00:00) – Welcome and Episode Introduction(02:15) – The Hidden Patterns that Keep Leaders Stuck(06:30) – What Are Soft Addictions? How They Impact Leadership(11:00) – The Role of Feelings and Emotional Intelligence in Success(17:45) – The Neuroscience of Naming and Managing Emotions(24:30) – Understanding Our Deep Yearnings and Their Evolutionary Roots(32:15) – How Unmet Yearnings Trigger Burnout and Conflict(38:00) – The Power of Awareness: Catching Your Soft Addictions in Action(44:30) – Practical Steps: What To Do When You Notice Being Overwhelmed(50:00) – Building New Neural Pathways for Self-Compassion and Resilience(55:45) – Leadership Lessons: Balancing Strengths Without Burning Out(01:01:00) – Reflective Questions to Understand Your Yearnings and Patterns(01:06:30) – Closing Thoughts and How to Take the Next Step 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT:⭐ GUEST: Dr Judith Wright - CEO, Live Wright - https://livewright.com/ Find Dr Judith’s books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001HD1VY8/allbooks ⭐ HOST: Estelle Readhttps://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach   🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, TheBrilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every singleepisode: 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 younever miss an episode. 📨 Share the show with a friend. ✍️ Leave a review to help others findus.   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 andStress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/ ⁠       🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺 ⭐Listen on your favouritepodcast 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 professionalfor specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️.

    Why Leaders Stay Stuck: How Soft Addictions Sabotage Success and What To Do About It

  5. Sep 7

    From Invisible to Influential: Empowering Leaders to Be Seen

    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:💡How to raise your leadership presence without feeling like bragging or inauthentic💡Why confidently taking up more space is a vital leadership skill for greater influence💡The real costs to your career and organization when you remain invisible—and how to change that   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(01:45) – Estelle’s Personal Story: Being Invisible as an Introvert Leader(04:30) – Guest Introduction: Katie Radel, CEO of Ripple Consulting Group(06:15) – What is Executive Visibility and Why It Matters(09:00) – Katie’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Early Career Insights(12:30) – The Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship: Faith and Resilience(15:45) – Katie’s Daily Routine and Connection as an Introvert Extrovert(19:00) – PR Misconceptions and What True PR Means for Leaders(22:45) – Early Lessons from Growing Up in a Funeral Home(27:00) – The Cost of Staying Invisible as a Leader in Business(31:15) – How AI and Earned Media Influence Executive Visibility(34:45) – Reasons Leaders Stay Hidden: Fear, Imposter Syndrome, and More(39:30) – Red Flags of Inauthentic Visibility and Ego-Driven Success(42:15) – Gender Differences in Imposter Syndrome and Visibility(46:00) – Overcoming the Fear of Being Seen and Embracing Leadership Brilliance(50:30) – Personal Challenges and Triumphs Around Visibility(54:45) – Practical First Steps to Build Your Executive Visibility(58:30) – Crafting Your Messaging: Who You Help, The Problem You Solve, The Result(01:02:00) – How to Show Up Authentically and Create Connections(01:06:15) – Value for Your Audience vs Ego-Driven Communication(01:10:30) – Building a Leadership Legacy That’s “Good and Kind”(01:13:45) – Final Advice and Reflective Practice Coaching Questions ⭐ 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.

    From Invisible to Influential: Empowering Leaders to Be Seen

  6. Sep 3

    Break Free from the Overachiever Trap: Leadership Tips for Sustainable Growth

    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 🎁: The Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine Workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.  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 ❤️.

    Break Free from the Overachiever Trap: Leadership Tips for Sustainable Growth

  7. Sep 2

    Leadership Beyond People-Pleasing: How to Have Difficult, Brilliance-Building Conversations

    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: 💡 Why avoiding difficult conversations stalls business growth and damages team accountability—and how to recognize this pattern in yourself 💡 The neuroscience behind breaking deep-seated conflict avoidance habits and why traditional willpower isn’t enough 💡 Three practical strategies—like the “24-hour feedback rule” and reframing conflict as clarity—to build your boundary muscles and foster a culture of accountability  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 🎁: The Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine Workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.  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

  8. Sep 1

    The Strategic Procrastinator Is Killing Your Growth (3 Fixes That Work)

    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: 💡 How the Strategic Procrastinator hides behind busywork to avoid costly but necessary decisions—and how this limits your leadership growth 💡 The neuroscience behind self-sabotage and why traditional willpower often fails to overcome entrenched procrastination habits 💡 Three actionable strategies—including “eat the frog first” and microstepping—to build momentum and create lasting behavior change    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 🎁: The Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine Workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.  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)
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Lead strategically with calm confidence with Estelle Read, Bestselling Author, Coach, Speaker, and guests. Optimising Leader Brilliance is the self-improvement toolkit for leaders ready to break performance ceilings and achieve next level results. Get science-backed strategies and mindset shifts to tackle imposter syndrome, workaholism, anxiety, and self-sabotage. We provide stress relief and burnout solutions to help you reduce your workload and reclaim your time. We also share tools to clarify your strategic direction and deliver the brilliant results you're capable of. Visit: EstelleRead.com

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