How to Lead with Kate Waterfall Hill

Kate Waterfall Hill
  • 4.3 (3)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

How to Lead is the go-to podcast for CEOs, founders, business owners, and leaders who want to strike the perfect balance between authority and empathy. I’m Kate Waterfall Hill - leadership coach, author, and creator of Linda, the bad manager, my alter ego who shows us how not to lead. With over 30 years’ experience working with and coaching CEOs and founders (and being one myself), I’ve helped hundreds of leaders elevate their skills and confidence. In each episode, I’ll share simple, actionable tips and habits to take the stress out of people management. Every episode starts with Linda’s “what not to do” moment, followed by practical insights on how to handle leadership challenges with finesse. You’ll find How to Lead on all major podcast platforms, plus video episodes on YouTube. My best-selling book, How to Lead, is also a great companion to the show. Subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode, and if you enjoy it, please rate, review, and share with fellow leaders. For coaching programmes or my self-paced Digital Academy, visit www.waterfallhill.co.uk. Got a topic suggestion? Email me at hello@waterfallhill.co.uk. Follow me on all major social platforms - just search Kate Waterfall Hill or Linda, the bad manager, and join a community of over 300,000 leaders.

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Your Team Doesn’t Take Ownership (And How to Fix It)

    Kate discusses why teams often fail to take ownership and provides actionable strategies to fix this issue. She emphasises creating conditions for genuine ownership by stepping back, granting real decision-making power, setting clear outcomes, and integrating ownership into regular work rhythms. Leaders are encouraged to foster a culture of belief and trust within their teams, which in turn can lead to sustainable and effective leadership. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: Why Your Team Doesn't Take Ownership 00:21 Meet Kate Waterfall Hill: Your Leadership Coach 01:09 The Hidden Burden of Low Ownership 02:30 Linda's Story: A Case Study in Ownership 03:33 Leadership Design Problems 04:07 Four Habits That Undermine Ownership 06:43 Four Ways to Foster Ownership 08:40 Closing Reflections: Shifting Leadership Habits 09:17 Conclusion: Lead with Clarity, Care, and Curiosity Useful links: The Digital Academy Online Course Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate

    10 min

  2. JAN 29

    Top 5 Leadership Techniques Every Manager Should Know

    In this episode of 'How to Lead,' leadership coach Kate shares the top five leadership techniques essential for managers and leaders. She emphasises the importance of outcome-based delegation, consistent one-to-ones, clarity first principles, high-quality feedback, and balancing direction, support, and accountability. Featuring practical examples and frameworks, Kate provides actionable strategies to help leaders create thriving teams and achieve positive results. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Techniques 01:03 Linda's Satirical Leadership Tips 01:42 The Importance of Practical Leadership Techniques 02:30 Technique 1: Outcome-Based Delegation 04:38 Technique 2: Consistent One-to-Ones 06:17 Technique 3: Clarity First Principle 07:35 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership 09:31 Technique 4: High-Quality Feedback 11:15 Technique 5: The Leadership Triangle 12:51 Recap and Final Thoughts 14:08 Conclusion and Call to Action Useful links: The Digital Academy Online Course Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    16 min

  3. JAN 15

    Managing Underperformance

    In this episode of 'How to Lead,' leadership coach Kate dives into managing underperformance, a challenge that affects all leaders. Kate shares practical tools and strategies to address underperformance in a structured, calm, and human way. Learn how to handle different types of employee responses and the importance of consistency in follow-up. The episode concludes with self-reflection questions to help leaders improve their approach to managing underperformance. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Managing Under Performance 02:05 Common Mistakes in Handling Under Performance 03:20 Understanding the Root Causes of Under Performance 05:26 Effective Conversations for Managing Under Performance 07:09 The LECA Framework for Performance Conversations 08:53 Handling Different Types of Responses 10:26 When to Escalate: Reset Conversations and Formal Processes 12:10 Consistency and Self-Reflection in Leadership 13:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Useful links: The Digital Academy Online Course Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    15 min

  4. JAN 1

    Reflect and Plan 2026

    Kate kicks off the new year with a strategic reflection and planning process for 2026. The episode includes actionable steps and a workbook (link below) to help leaders enhance their effectiveness, with practical tools for weekly touch points, team discussions, personal leadership plans, and creating a shock-absorbent leadership approach. The episode aims to help leaders cultivate clarity, care, and curiosity, and ultimately, a more impactful and adaptable leadership style in 2026. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Reflecting and Planning for 2026 00:55 Introduction and Setting Up for Success 01:01 Linda the Bad Manager: A Lesson in Self-Awareness 02:24 The Reality of January for Leaders 03:21 A Fresh Strategic Model for 2026 Planning 06:26 The Three Rooms Model 07:56 Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions 09:24 Planning Through the Lens of Energy 10:44 Designing Your Year with Leadership Touch Points 11:43 Planning with Your Team 12:59 Creating a One Page Personal Leadership Plan 13:53 Planning for the Unexpected 14:48 Day One, Week One Action List 15:38 Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts Useful links: The Reflect & Plan Workbook The Digital Academy Online Course Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    18 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    Managing Gen X and Boomers

    In this episode of the How to Lead Podcast, Kate provides practical tools, techniques, and strategies for managing Gen X and Baby Boomer employees successfully. Managing experience can be just as tricky as managing inexperience, and in this episode Kate highlights the importance of respect for expertise, clarity over charisma, and the benefits of tech integration without condescension, with actionable tips. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Managing Gen X and Boomers 00:54 Understanding the Generational Spectrum 01:43 Alice's Story: A Lesson in Assumptions 02:48 Challenges in Managing Experienced Employees 03:45 Four Key Lessons for Managing Experienced Colleagues 05:53 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 07:25 Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation 07:55 Conclusion: Respect, Relevance, and Relationship JOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet? It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Useful links: Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    10 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Hybrid or Remote Working

    In this episode of 'How to Lead,' Kate delves into the critical challenge of building and sustaining trust in hybrid and remote teams. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, she outlines practical habits to strengthen trust, address common pitfalls like proximity bias, and promote equity in meetings. Through a mix of strategic insights, Kate emphasises the importance of consistent behaviours, clear communication, and intentional connection to foster a thriving hybrid work environment. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Hybrid Leadership 00:57 The Importance of Trust in Hybrid Teams 04:08 Common Pitfalls in Hybrid Work 05:41 Core Principles of Trust 06:38 Practical Strategies for Leading Hybrid Teams 10:01 The Role of Office Policies in Hybrid Work 12:00 Feedback and Iteration in Hybrid Work 12:48 Conclusion and Homework JOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet? It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Useful links: Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    15 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    Prioritising and To Do Lists

    In this episode of 'How to Lead,' Kate delves into the critical skill of prioritising tasks and managing to-do lists. She discusses common pitfalls leaders face, such as the confusion between urgency and importance, and ineffective delegation. Kate provides actionable strategies including the Eisenhower Matrix, impact vs. effort grids, the 1-3-5 Rule, and the 'Hell Yes' test to ensure leaders can focus on what truly matters. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Prioritising and To-Do Lists 00:58 Common Struggles with To-Do Lists 01:48 Linda's To-Do List Dilemma 02:52 The Importance of Prioritization 04:50 Effective To-Do List Strategies 05:07 Prioritization Frameworks 06:33 Daily Prioritization Techniques 09:09 Communicating and Reviewing Priorities 12:02 Conclusion and Reflective Questions JOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet? It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Useful links: Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    14 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    Kate and Linda's fireside chat - the anniversary show

    Celebrating one year of leadership insights. In this special anniversary episode of the How to Lead podcast, Kate celebrates the podcast's one-year milestone with a guest appearance from Linda the bad manager. Together, they reflect on the top 10 episodes from the past year, discussing key leadership themes such as clarity, delegation, feedback, and the importance of intentional leadership. The episode emphasises the transformative power of clear communication, caring leadership, and curiosity in creating thriving teams, with a reminder from Linda of how easy it is to slip into habits that look like management, but aren't actually real leadership. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Announcement 01:13 Meet Linda: The Bad Manager 02:50 Reflecting on a Year of Leadership Lessons 05:59 Top 10 Most Listened Episodes 08:50 Linda's Leadership Epiphany 10:06 Conclusion and Future Outlook JOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet? It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Useful links: Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" book Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Follow Kate on TikTok Contact Kate Mentioned in this episode: Digital Academy January Sale Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

How to Lead is the go-to podcast for CEOs, founders, business owners, and leaders who want to strike the perfect balance between authority and empathy. I’m Kate Waterfall Hill - leadership coach, author, and creator of Linda, the bad manager, my alter ego who shows us how not to lead. With over 30 years’ experience working with and coaching CEOs and founders (and being one myself), I’ve helped hundreds of leaders elevate their skills and confidence. In each episode, I’ll share simple, actionable tips and habits to take the stress out of people management. Every episode starts with Linda’s “what not to do” moment, followed by practical insights on how to handle leadership challenges with finesse. You’ll find How to Lead on all major podcast platforms, plus video episodes on YouTube. My best-selling book, How to Lead, is also a great companion to the show. Subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode, and if you enjoy it, please rate, review, and share with fellow leaders. For coaching programmes or my self-paced Digital Academy, visit www.waterfallhill.co.uk. Got a topic suggestion? Email me at hello@waterfallhill.co.uk. Follow me on all major social platforms - just search Kate Waterfall Hill or Linda, the bad manager, and join a community of over 300,000 leaders.

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