The Courageous Leaders Podcast

Joanna Howes
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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. Breaking the UK’s ‘That’ll Never Work’ Mindset with Cano Water's Josh White

    16H AGO

    Breaking the UK’s ‘That’ll Never Work’ Mindset with Cano Water's Josh White

    Struggling to break free from the UK’s “play it safe” mindset? In this explosive episode, Josh White, founder of Cano Water, gets real about why British culture is stuck in a cycle of skepticism, lack of support, and shutting down bold ideas before they can breathe.  He shares raw truths about growing up with ADHD, battling addiction, and constantly being underestimated. He exposes how our resistance to backing innovators and celebrating success holds the UK back, while the US supercharges visionaries. If you know you’re meant for more, but keep hitting a wall of doubt and gatekeeping, this conversation will hopefully inspire you and give you the resilience to keep going. We Cover: 01:08 – How growing up as the underdog shaped his drive 03:03 – The moment ADHD was diagnosed and what changed 06:18 – Understanding the link between ADHD and addiction 09:09 – How addiction masked deeper struggles (and why sobriety mattered) 12:06 – What it’s actually like to live and work with ADHD 16:00 – How to build a company without ‘fitting in’ 20:18 – Creating Cano Water when nobody believed in it 25:10 – Why being different matters, and the truth about risk 28:12 – The real problem with the United Kingdom mindset and backing new ideas 33:07 – Fixed mindset vs growth mindset: what’s holding us back 37:43 – Small things any of us can do to build a more supportive culture 40:20 – Nurturing belief and creativity, why it starts young 44:13 – The courage to show up and keep leading (even when it’s hard) Don’t miss this emotive and thought-provoking episode packed with practical ideas for ambitious leaders, creative thinkers, and anyone who’s ever felt underestimated. 👍 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

    49 min
  2. The Three Intelligence Centres EVERY Leader Needs - with Leadership Coach, Joanna Howes

    FEB 5

    The Three Intelligence Centres EVERY Leader Needs - with Leadership Coach, Joanna Howes

    Why do so many successful leaders still feel stuck, disconnected, or self doubt, even when things look good on paper? In this solo episode, I explore how senior leaders, founders, and leadership teams can build self-trust by listening to their three intelligence centres: head, heart, and gut, especially when making difficult decisions or designing a life that truly fits. This reflection draws on my work with CEOs and leadership teams, alongside my own journey of learning to trust myself beyond logic, external validation, and “what I should do.” This episode is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with the internal signals that guide brave leadership, aligned decision-making, and sustainable success, so you can lead, decide, and live with more courage and clarity. 00:00 – Why so many successful leaders still feel disconnected 02:15 – Courage starts with listening, not confidence 05:10 – The three intelligence centres every leader has 08:30 – The Head: clarity, logic, and the overthinking trap 12:40 – The Heart: values, emotion, and what really matters 17:20 – The Gut: instinct, timing, and quiet courage 22:10 – What happens when one centre dominates your leadership 26:30 – Designing a life that actually feels like yours 30:40 – Simple questions to build self-trust in decisions 35:10 – A closing reflection on choosing courage differently Reflection Questions for Leaders • Which intelligence centre do I default to under pressure? • What has my gut been trying to tell me that I’ve rationalised away? • Where am I living a version of success that looks right — but feels wrong? • What would a 10% more courageous decision look like right now? Don’t miss out on this powerful episode which can help your leadership  and personal development.  👍 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

    8 min
  3. What Change Really Demands From a CEO with Simon Cook

    JAN 22

    What Change Really Demands From a CEO with Simon Cook

    How do you lead with conviction when everything is changing around you? It’s the big question for every UK leader right now and exactly why I invited Simon Cook, CEO of Cannes Lions, onto the podcast. In this episode, we get honest about what it really takes to let go of control, build true trust in your team, and stay resilient even when things don’t go as planned. We dive into: • When to keep going, and when to let go • The link between conviction and coordination in leadership • Why control feels safe – but stops growth • Managing failure without losing momentum • Leading through mergers and high-stakes change • How to stay calm and mentally fit (even when your diary explodes) It’s practical, candid, and focuses on what UK leaders need now: leading bravely, staying relevant, and keeping your energy focused. 00:00 – Introduction  01:00 – Why leading with conviction can become a weakness  04:21 – Building a smarter team and learning to trust 07:11 – The role of failure in leadership  09:37 – Conviction and coordination: the keys to change  10:33 – How Simon navigated a 500-person business through a major acquisition  12:29 – Staying confident when you actually feel uncertain  14:01 – The importance of staying grounded and calm for your team  15:51 – Learning from mergers, culture shifts, and tough decisions  17:26 – Evolving your leadership style as everything changes  19:00 – What’s really happening in the UK marketing industry right now  22:40 – Where UK creativity is heading next 24:06 – The advice Simon would give every agency CEO  28:17 – Protecting your brand and your time under pressure  33:02 – Practical ways to help leaders prioritise, focus, and say no  35:19 – Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever  36:22 – Leading through failure, and making learning collective  37:23 – Being bolder, more disciplined, and mentally fit for the future Don’t miss this down-to-earth, actionable conversation. If you’re navigating organisational change, agency mergers, or just struggling to keep your team steady, this episode gives you the kind of real, UK-focused leadership advice we all need. In a world of constant strategic change, this conversation focuses on how to manage change effectively within your business, emphasising practical management techniques for organisational design and personal development. 👍 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

    40 min
  4. When Your Company No Longer Fits You - Sedge Beswick on Identity, Fear and Hard Decisions

    JAN 8

    When Your Company No Longer Fits You - Sedge Beswick on Identity, Fear and Hard Decisions

    How do you know when it’s time to walk away - even from something you’ve built yourself? Sedge Beswick, consultant, advisor, speaker, and founder, digs deep into what it really takes to make bold career moves, step back as a CEO, and create space for what matters most.  If you’ve ever wondered how to balance ambition with family, deal with overwhelm, and lead with honesty, this episode is for you. We cover:  00:00 – Introduction  01:28 – The courage to change  02:51 – Breaking the “hamster wheel” cycle  05:49 – Building success without a rulebook  07:55 – Childhood confidence and workplace impact  11:31 – The blunt reality of being direct at work  13:38 – Managing people older than you  16:32 – ASOS culture and handling growing pains  18:00 – When opportunity changes your course  19:35 – The power of community for business growth  21:52 – Courage to step down as CEO  22:27 – Mistakes made during maternity leave  23:15 – Hard lessons from deal fatigue  24:43 – Watching someone else lead your business  25:57 – Selling shares and choosing a new path  28:35 – Creating a life with more presence  29:22 – Letting go of identity and titles  32:38 – Pivoting your career with purpose  36:46 – The challenge of saying no and setting boundaries  39:45 – Building a portfolio career and helping others  42:42 – Managing overwhelm and keeping priorities straight  44:01 – Finding headspace as a working parent  45:04 – Do ambition and family ever truly integrate?  48:30 – Advice your future self would give now  50:01 – The power of pausing before big decisions Don’t miss out on this powerful episode on entrepreneurship, business growth, motherhood and more!  👍 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

    51 min
  5. How to FIND THE COURAGE TO CHANGE in 2026 with Joanna Howes

    12/18/2025

    How to FIND THE COURAGE TO CHANGE in 2026 with Joanna Howes

    How do you find the courage to change, even when it feels uncomfortable? I’m closing out the year on the Courageous Leaders Podcast with one of our most honest and practical episodes yet. Leaders everywhere are feeling the pressure to adapt quicker than ever before, and it’s easy to worry you’re not keeping up. In this episode, I share the real conversations I’ve had with guests who’ve faced huge decisions, dealt with self-doubt, and taken bold leaps without always having a perfect plan. We get into letting go of old ways of working, saying the hard things, dealing with uncertainty, and what it really takes to lead high performing teams. If you want practical advice on leading through change (and those leadership development skills that actually stick), you’re in the right place. We Cover:  00:00 – Introduction  01:12 – Why change is faster (and scarier) than ever  03:02 – Dave Buonaguidi: How to define your true purpose at work  04:35 – Lauren Spearman: Why courage comes before confidence  06:39 – Karen Martin: The untold challenges of confident leaders  07:44 – Kerry Collinge: Directness as a leadership superpower  08:28 – The risk (and reward) of no longer fitting in  09:05 – When growth feels disruptive and what to do next  10:02 – Xavier Reeves: Making bold moves when you feel safe  11:34 – Kerttu Inkeroinen: Quitting without a backup plan: is it ever right?  12:29 – Facing risks (and what you actually regret)  13:09 – Building high performance teams starts with you  14:42 – Why you need to act even if it scares you Don’t miss this honest look at what it really takes to lead yourself and others through the messiness of change. 👍 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

    16 min
  6. Unmasking the Future: Lee Chambers on Identity, AI, and the Evolution of Leadership

    12/11/2025

    Unmasking the Future: Lee Chambers on Identity, AI, and the Evolution of Leadership

    How do you build real allyship and create cultural change that actually sticks? This episode is one every leader should spend time with. Not because it’s “nice to know,” but because the future of your culture depends on it. Lee Chambers, Founder & CEO of Male Allies UK, brings the kind of clarity and challenge most workplaces avoid. We talk about what it really takes to: Redefine outdated masculine stereotypesBuild workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and able to thriveLead in a way that strengthens culture rather than protects ego It’s a conversation that will stretch your thinking, spark uncomfortable-but-important questions, and give you practical ways to lead with more intention and courage. We also dig into Lee’s research on young people, AI companionship, and how boys today are making sense of identity, relationships, and society. Some of it is hopeful. Some of it is confronting. All of it matters, especially if you’re a parent or you lead the next generation. We cover: 00:00 – Introduction  01:02 - What courage looks like for leaders today  02:31 – Why quiet courage matters as much as big gestures  03:49 – The tough decision to break with convention  06:06 – How stepping into new spaces changes your perspective  08:08 – The power of career “squiggles” and non-conformity  10:05 – Shedding old identities and building new ones as a leader  12:14 – What do boys really think about society? Surprising research findings  16:07 – Why boys care deeply but struggle to know how to help  20:08 – The decline of physical spaces for social connection  21:24 – Boys, girls and the challenges of communicating across gender  23:33 – Judgment vs. curiosity - what’s holding us back?  27:20 – Navigating polarisation and building empathy at work  34:08 – Can younger and older generations find common ground?  43:50 – The rise of AI companions and what it means for young people  52:23 – Everyday bravery and the value of small changes over time  54:43 – How to focus on influence and control in uncertain times Don’t miss this thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone working in leadership or looking to create real change at work. 👍 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

    1h 2m
  7. Why Belonging, Representation, and Self-Belief Matter: Insights from Molly and Rosie Kmita

    11/27/2025

    Why Belonging, Representation, and Self-Belief Matter: Insights from Molly and Rosie Kmita

    Former professional footballers Mollie and Rosie Kmita and now founders of The Powerhouse Project join me for one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve had on the podcast. This episode is packed with real leadership stories you rarely hear: the setbacks, the identity shifts, the emotional toll, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when things don’t go your way. Mollie and Rosie openly share: What it took to succeed in a male dominated worldHow to lead through failure after two businesses didn’t work outHow they learnt to slow down without losing ambitionHow they have evolved their identity from footballers to business ownersThe impact people-pleasing had on their leadership decisionsHow they have had to learn to lean into conflictMollie and Rosie show what success after repeated failure actually looks like - the mindset resets, and the quiet self-belief you need to keep going. ​​These are everyday leadership stories delivered with humour, honesty and heart, the kind that remind you anything is possible when you focus, put the work in, and back yourself. We Cover:  00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – Growing up in boys’ football and learning to belong 05:04 – Why young women in sport need better pathways 09:31 – Finding confidence in environments not built for you 14:42 – How childhood trauma shapes your drive 20:50 – Coping with loss while still showing up 26:19 – When resilience turns into survival mode 33:08 – The guilt behind always saying yes 38:12 – “We haven’t sat still for 16 years” 46:54 – Rebuilding identity beyond football 52:33 – Learning to slow down without losing ambition 58:48 – What leaders can do to create real change 01:00:31 – A message for leaders and organisations that want to make real change Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.  👍 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

    1h 2m
  8. The Hidden System Protecting Workplace Abuse with Zelda Perkins

    11/13/2025

    The Hidden System Protecting Workplace Abuse with Zelda Perkins

    What would you risk to do the right thing? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Zelda Perkins, Co-Founder of Can’t Buy My Silence and the first woman to break an NDA with Harvey Weinstein. Zelda’s story isn’t just about one man. It’s about the system that silences victims and protects abuse. She speaks openly about how she fought back, how breaking her NDA changed UK law, and what leaders and businesses must do now to stop misconduct being hidden behind confidentiality. We Cover:  00:00 – Introduction 01:26 – Why Zelda broke her NDA after years of silence 03:37 – What really happens when you speak up against power 05:18 – The moment the system, not the perpetrator, broke her trust 09:23 – How signing an NDA changed her life overnight 12:54 – Taking her story to Parliament and pushing for legal reform 17:09 – What it really took to start Can’t Buy My Silence 24:43 – When she realised she was self-bullying  28:57 – Why speaking up must be seen as normal, not “brave” 33:11 – Creating safer, more transparent workplaces 40:57 – How the new UK legislation will protect victims and change culture 56:26 – Zelda’s advice to anyone ready to start their own fight for change Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.  👍 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

    1h 7m
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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
    212
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Courageous Leaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Courageous Leaders Podcast

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