The Heart-led Leader

Melissa T
The Heart-led Leader

The Heart-Led Leader is a podcast for courageous souls who are ready to live and lead with authenticity, purpose, and joy.  Hosted by Melissa Thomson - Leadership & Transformation Coach, Speaker, and School Founder - this show shares powerful insights, inspiring guest conversations, and practical tools to help you  ✨ignite your Inner Rebel - breaking free from outdated systems and structures,  ✨cultivate courage for authentic expression, ✨lead a life aligned with your unique soul. As the world rapidly changes, you’ll be inspired, uplifted and supported to embrace the most aligned version of you, for the greatest impact within your family, community and the world.

  1. JUN 7

    Honouring the Masculine and Feminine: A Call for Inner Balance

    Send us a text In this solo episode, I explore the delicate and often misunderstood dance between masculine and feminine energies — within ourselves and in the world. We’re living through a powerful time of rising feminine empowerment, which is beautiful and needed. But with this rise, there can also be moments where the balance tips — where strength becomes hardness, and connection is lost. I speak honestly about my own experiences — times when I unintentionally emasculated men, and times when I experienced the power of mutual respect, polarity, and healthy energetic balance in relationship. I also share my reflections on what many men may be navigating right now — the confusion, pressure, and pain of not knowing how to show up in a world that sends mixed messages about masculinity. Ultimately, this is a call for deeper self-awareness, compassion, and a return to inner alignment — so that we can honor each other more fully. Reflective, raw, and human. A conversation for anyone interested in relationships, healing, and self-leadership. I’d love to hear your thoughts — reach out or share what this brings up for you. And if you'd like to experience a balancing meditation, reach out via my website and I'll send it to you xx Connect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    21 min
  2. JUN 6

    Authentic Connection Starts Within: A Conversation on Self-Leadership and Presence

    Send us a text What if the key to deeper, more meaningful relationships begins with your connection to yourself? In this heart-opening conversation originally recorded for Thrive Again Relationship Podcast, I speak with hosts Michael and Amy Stuth about the power of intentionality, presence, and emotional honesty in creating genuine connection-with others, and with ourselves. Drawing on two decades of experience in the wellbeing and transformation space-including my years founding and leading a Steiner school-I share simple, practical tools to help you reconnect with yourself, even in the midst of a full, demanding life. We explore: Why self-alignment is the foundation of authentic leadership and partnershipHow micro-moments of presence can transform your day (and your relationships)The myth that joy and suffering are oppositesHow emotional spaciousness allows us to meet one another more fullyIf you’re longing for deeper connection-in your relationships, your leadership, or your inner life-this episode is an invitation to come home to yourself. Originally aired on Thrive Again Relationship Podcast, shared here with kind permission from Michael and Amy. You can connect with Michael and Amy and their Couples Connection Coaching and Online Courses HERE Connect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    49 min
  3. MAY 30

    Transforming Relationships: The Journey to Open-Hearted Connections

    Send us a text Whether you’re currently in a relationship or not, this conversation is a beautiful invitation into the deeper work of self-awareness and connection. In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with relationship coaches Michael and Amy to explore their personal journey from a conventional couple to purpose-driven leaders in the world of conscious relationships.  Together, we speak about what it means to realign with an open-hearted way of loving - one rooted in emotional connection, honest communication, and personal growth. We also explore: The power of vulnerability in deepening intimacyThe importance of creating a shared vision in partnershipHow appreciation can dissolve resentmentWhy personal development is the foundation of a thriving relationshipThe unspoken barriers men face in seeking support - and how brotherhood can help shift thatThis episode offers practical tools, honest reflections, and a reminder that the work of transformation is deeply worthwhile - whether you’re walking it alone or with a partner. You can connect with Michael and Amy HERE  Enjoy this beautiful conversation! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HeartLed Leadership 10:26 Turning Points and Self-Exploration 18:04 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 24:39 Fumbling Through Communication and Growth 29:42 Understanding Insecurity in Relationships 39:14 Tools for Relationship Improvement 44:54 Men's Emotional Health and Support 51:10 The Path to Emotional Connection Connect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    59 min
  4. MAY 28

    Communicating with Impact: Leading with Presence, Clarity & Courage

    Send us a text In this short, powerful episode, we explore what it truly means to communicate with impact - especially for senior and conscious leaders navigating high-stakes conversations and complex environments. Communication is more than just words. It’s about energy, intention, and alignment. Whether you’re leading a team, sitting at the decision-making table, or engaging in conflict, your presence and clarity shape your influence. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why presence matters more than performance TThree foundations of impactful communication The shift from needing confidence to cultivating courage How to hold clarity and connection, even under pressure Two practical tools to ground your voice and message: - The Power Pause and - One Breath, One TruthThese tools are simple but transformative — and perfect for anyone wanting to lead with greater authenticity, clarity, and influence. Tune in now and share with a fellow leader who values communication that’s rooted in presence and integrity. Connect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    13 min
  5. MAY 23

    The Power of Daily Intentions: The #1 Habit That Changes Everything

    Send us a text 🎯What if one question could shift your whole day? In this short and powerful episode, I’m sharing what two recent guests - Aaron Schultz a men’s mental health advocate from The Outback Mind Foundation, and Michelle Gordon-The Healthy Happy Nurse for the burnt-out and overwhelmed - both named as the most important advice: Get clear on your intention. As someone who starts every yoga practice and every day with intention, I know firsthand the power of aligning with how you want to feel before deciding what to do, and how to structure your day.  In this episode, we’ll explore: Why intentionality is a game-changer (especially if you’re overwhelmed)How to tune into your heart, body, and mind before reacting to the worldReal-life ways intention impacts your food, movement, words, and relationshipsA simple invitation you can try today to shift your energy and clarityThis isn’t about adding more to your to-do list - it’s about living in alignment with who you really are. Take 5 minutes for yourself today - and start from the inside out. Connect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    6 min
  6. MAY 16

    Be the Hero of Your Own Story: Intuition, Courage & Creative Expression with Shelley Davidow

    Send us a text In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Melissa speaks with Shelley Davidow -award winning author of 51 books, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and a passionate advocate for Steiner Education -  about what it means to lead and live from the heart. Shelley shares her personal journey of navigating life through intuition, including bold decisions that defied conventional logic but felt deeply aligned. Together, they explore the power of storytelling as a tool for personal growth and healing, the role of courage in leadership, and how to connect more deeply with your own inner guidance. This episode is filled with grounded tools and soulful strategies, including Shelley’s present-moment journaling practice and reflective methods for discerning authentic intuition from fear or urgency.  If you’re seeking clarity, courage, or creative connection, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to trust your path and write your own story. In this episode, we explore: How to tune into and trust your intuitionThe difference between courageous action and impulsive riskStorytelling as a path to healing and leadershipPresent-moment journaling to cultivate clarity and connectionReframing failure as part of the growth journeyYou can connect with Shelley via her Website and Instagram. Shelley's latest book - The Girl With the Violin is available now in all major book stores.  Connect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    43 min
  7. MAY 11

    From Burnout to Empowerment: Michelle Gordon’s Journey to Heart-Led Healing and Leadership

    Send us a text In this deeply inspiring episode of The Heart-Led Leader, Melissa sits down with Michelle Gordon - The Healthy Happy Nurse - a nurse, coach, and heart-centered leader who shares her powerful journey from burnout to deep self-discovery and purpose.  Michelle opens up about how she lost herself in her career, how she hit rock bottom, and the transformative practices that helped her reconnect with her true self.  Together, Melissa and Michelle explore the courage it takes to lead from the heart, the importance of embodiment, and the role of community and creativity in lasting healing.  A must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to reclaim their power and purpose. What We Cover in This Episode: Michelle’s personal journey from burnout to healing and self-leadershipThe 12 stages of burnout and how they show up in high-achieving professionalsHer experience of overcoming alcohol abuse and choosing transformationWeightlifting as a form of meditation and groundingReconnecting with values, identity, and creativityThe creation and impact of Michelle’s course, The Health and Happiness FormulaThe power of community for nurses and caregiversHow vulnerability, courage, and intention can create positive changeMelissa and Michelle’s reflections on heart-led leadership and mutual admirationResources & Links: Connect with Michelle Gordon: https://www.thehealthyhappynurse.com/Leadership Breakthrough Sessions and 12 Week Programs with Melissa T : https://www.melissat.live/leadership-coachingConnect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    36 min
  8. MAY 9

    Breaking the Silence: Aaron Schultz on Men’s Mental Health, Heart-Led Healing & Community Leadership

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Heart-Led Leader, Melissa speaks with Aaron Schultz - founder of The Outback Mind Foundation and long-time advocate for men’s mental health and heart-aligned living.  Aaron shares his deeply personal journey - from his awareness and knowing from young age, through living out of alignment, to starting men’s circles in rural Australia and creating a ripple of healing across communities.  Together we explore some of the powerful tools for alignment and transformation, including simple breath techniques, to Kundalini Yoga.   Aaron shares the need for an 'upstream' approaches to mental health, and the importance of building safe, supportive spaces for men to be heard and to heal, and for transformation.  A courageous and compassionate conversation for anyone called to create meaningful change - especially men. What We Cover in This Episode: Aaron’s journey of self-discovery and healing tools The founding of The Outback Mind Foundation and its impact Kundalini Yoga, meditation and the breath as a tool for emotional regulation and healingThe power of men’s circles in preventing suicide and reducing isolationWhy we need upstream approaches to mental health, not just symptom treatmentAaron’s vision for meditation circles, retreats, and expanding into co-ed healing spacesThe importance of aligning with purpose, energy, and intention over ego or forceMelissa and Aaron reflect on the legacy of heart-led leadership and human connectionResources & Links: Learn more about The Outback Mind Foundation: https://www.outbackmind.org.au/Watch Aaron’s Documentaries: https://www.outbackmind.org.au/documentaries Sign up for the Men’s Meditation Retreat on Kangaroo Island (October 2025): Email support@outbackmind.org.au - 4 places leftStay updated on Aaron’s free meditation circle in Ballarat and upcoming eventsConnect with Melissa If you're ready to deepen your joy - whether you're in a tough season right now, or expanding into more light - explore my 'Joy is Medicine online, self-paced course. Just $27 it's a beautiful foundation for living with heart. Access Course HERE And if you're called to lead with more heart, courage and authenticity, you'll find details about my leadership coaching HERE. I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    55 min

About

The Heart-Led Leader is a podcast for courageous souls who are ready to live and lead with authenticity, purpose, and joy.  Hosted by Melissa Thomson - Leadership & Transformation Coach, Speaker, and School Founder - this show shares powerful insights, inspiring guest conversations, and practical tools to help you  ✨ignite your Inner Rebel - breaking free from outdated systems and structures,  ✨cultivate courage for authentic expression, ✨lead a life aligned with your unique soul. As the world rapidly changes, you’ll be inspired, uplifted and supported to embrace the most aligned version of you, for the greatest impact within your family, community and the world.

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