The Lighting Fires Podcast

Julie Williams
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The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School and hosted by Executive Coach, Julie Williams MSc. The Lighting Fires Podcast is a space for real conversations about change, growth, and the spark that starts it all. Julie has a Master's in Coaching and Behavioural change, over 10 years experience of running her own coaching practice, and 15 years experience in marketing leadership roles. In each episode, Julie sits down with one of her coaching clients to reflect on pivotal moments in their personal and professional journeys — from navigating imposter syndrome to finding confidence in leadership, from starting a business to rediscovering purpose. Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from people who've dared to light a fire under their own ambitions. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering what's next, these conversations will help you tune in to your own spark — and fuel your next step. If you're interested in finding out more about how Julie could work with you or your team, go to www.lightingfires.co.uk You can also contact Julie by emailing julie@lightingfires.co.uk or connect at linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach Interested in becoming a coach? Find out more about Henley Business School here: https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching

  1. S2 EP6: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Confidence, Leadership and Late ADHD Diagnosis

    8H AGO

    S2 EP6: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Confidence, Leadership and Late ADHD Diagnosis

    Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Rachael Burns- Head of Sales Operations, Capgemini In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Rachael Burns to reflect on the coaching they did together when Rachael stepped into her first senior leadership role. Rachael shares her unconventional route into finance, leaving school at 16, starting out as a hairdresser, and building a successful career without going to university, before talking candidly about the challenges she faced when she took on a large, experienced team during a period of significant organisational change. Together, Julie and Rachael explore what it really takes to grow into leadership: building confidence, finding your own authentic style, learning how to give honest and constructive feedback, and staying calm when everything around you feels chaotic. The conversation also looks back with new insight on Rachael's later ADHD diagnosis, and how understanding neurodiversity can shape coaching, leadership and support in the workplace. Julie and Rachael talk about: Taking on a first leadership role and finding confidence in your own style Why being good at your job doesn't automatically prepare you to lead people Learning how to have honest, constructive (and courageous) conversations Using the Fierce Conversations framework to prepare for difficult feedback Practical coaching techniques for gaining perspective and staying calm Finding rhythm and authenticity in leadership How visual and experiential coaching tools supported Rachael's development Reflecting on a later ADHD diagnosis and what it explains in hindsight How coaches and managers can better support neurodivergent individuals The importance of flexibility, curiosity and understanding in coaching relationships This episode will resonate with leaders stepping into bigger roles, anyone navigating change, and coaches or managers wanting to better understand how different people experience work, pressure and growth. Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode Fierce Conversations- Susan Scott A practical framework for having honest, constructive and courageous conversations at work. DOSE- TJ Power A neuroscience-based book exploring dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, and how modern life impacts our brain chemistry, focus and wellbeing. The Huberman Lab Podcast- Dr Andrew Huberman A science-led podcast exploring brain function, behaviour, focus, mental health and performance. The Stompcast- Dr Alex George A walking podcast exploring mental health, wellbeing and difficult conversations in a relaxed, accessible way. Time to Think / Nancy Kline's Thinking Environment A coaching approach centred on deep listening and asking spacious questions such as "What more do you want to say?"   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (or the MSc in Executive Coaching) at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review- it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.

    43 min
  2. S2 EP5: Building, Ending and Beginning Again

    FEB 4

    S2 EP5: Building, Ending and Beginning Again

    Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Greg Owen – Lead Product Designer, The LEGO Group In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Greg Owen, Lead Product Designer at the LEGO Group, for a thoughtful and honest conversation about transitions, endings, and what it really takes to thrive at work. Greg reflects on his journey from professional ice hockey into design, entrepreneurship and leadership, and a significant chapter in his career: co-founding the digital design studio Daughter, growing it over seven years, and ultimately making the decision to bring the business to a close. Julie and Greg revisit the period when Julie was coaching Greg and his business partners, exploring what was happening beneath the surface at the time, what the coaching revealed, and how that work helped Greg gain clarity about his strengths, energy and what he needed in order to do his best work. This episode offers a rare and refreshing perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship, not through stories of scaling and success alone, but through the reality of recognising when something has run its course and navigating that ending with authenticity and integrity. Julie and Greg talk about: Transitioning from professional sport into business and leadership What it's really like to build a values-led business with friends Why clarity around roles, energy and purpose matters in leadership teams How coaching helped uncover what Greg needs in order to thrive Navigating difficult decisions with honesty, care and integrity The emotional and practical realities of ending a business Letting go, moving on, and finding renewed energy in new roles Creating space for reflection during times of uncertainty and change Greg also reflects on how his background in elite sport shaped his mindset around endings, competition and change, and how coaching techniques continue to influence his work in design and leadership today. This episode will resonate with business owners, leaders and creatives who are facing change, questioning what's next, or grappling with decisions that don't come with easy answers. Resources & Tools Mentioned Six Thinking Hats – Edward de Bono A powerful thinking and decision-making framework that helps individuals and teams explore ideas from multiple perspectives The Disney Creativity Strategy (Walt Disney Method) A simple yet effective creativity technique that separates thinking into three modes: Dreamer, Realist and Critic — allowing ideas to be explored, shaped and refined without shutting them down too early. Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review – it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and insights.

    46 min
  3. S2 EP4: Stepping Into the Boardroom: Imposter Syndrome, Delegation and Finding Your Leadership Voice

    JAN 21

    S2 EP4: Stepping Into the Boardroom: Imposter Syndrome, Delegation and Finding Your Leadership Voice

    Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Sarah Ciccolallo – Chief Operating Officer, Red Whale   After a short pause over the festive period, and an unexpected bout of illness, The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, is back with a thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership, confidence and growth.   In this episode, Julie is joined by Sarah Ciccolallo, Chief Operating Officer at Red Whale, who reflects on her journey from marketing manager to board director, and the coaching work that supported her through that transition.   Sarah speaks openly about experiencing imposter syndrome after stepping into her first board-level role, and how coaching helped her build confidence, shift her mindset, and develop new ways of leading.    Together, Julie and Sarah explore the practical tools, conversations and reflections that helped Sarah move from doing everything herself to creating space for strategic thinking and stronger delegation.   This episode also touches on the importance of understanding how you work, having honest conversations, and decluttering not just your inbox, but your diary and mental load too, a particularly timely theme at this point in the year.   Julie and Sarah talk about: Moving from manager to board director and the challenges that come with it How imposter syndrome shows up at senior levels, and why it doesn't always go away The role coaching played in building confidence and self-awareness Learning how to delegate without feeling like you're losing control Practical tools for handling difficult conversations Why understanding your own working style helps you lead others more effectively Creating space for strategic thinking by decluttering diaries, inboxes and habits How small, simple techniques can create long-term leadership change   This is a warm, insightful conversation for anyone stepping into greater responsibility, navigating self-doubt, or looking to lead with more clarity and confidence.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode   Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (book) Carol Dweck Carol Dweck's TED Talk on Growth Mindset The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (book) Stephen Covey The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers Sean Covey Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

    34 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    S2 EP3: To Plan or Not to Plan? That Is the Question...

    Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Alex Weller- Founder of Above Digital In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie sits down with Alex Weller, founder of Above Digital, whose career spans more than 30 years of evolving brands and building digital experiences, from early work with Universal Music and PepsiCo to today's bespoke websites and branding projects. Alex describes himself as someone who never liked planning, and for a long time avoided it. Yet through coaching, reflection, and a shift in mindset, he discovered how simple planning, can be transformative. Their conversation explores the tension between wanting freedom and needing structure, why business owners often resist planning, and how Alex found a way of doing it that finally worked for him. Julie and Alex talk about: The pressure of running a business when you're the person responsible for everything How creating small pockets of time and space is essential for new ideas and long-term thinking Why planning doesn't have to be complicated, and can actually feel grounding The unexpected ways coaching continues to shape decisions years after the sessions finish How to identify the clients you're best placed to serve Why keeping simple notes about your business journey becomes a powerful tool for future planning The importance of understanding your own preferences when shaping how you lead   Alex reflects on the pivotal realisation that even when plans feel "pie in the sky," writing things down gives you something valuable to look back on, a narrative of your business that helps you make sense of where you've been and where you want to go next. Julie also shares coaching insights on finding focus, noticing what's working, creating space to think, and building a plan that feels motivating rather than overwhelming. Whether you love planning, avoid it, or feel stuck somewhere in between, this conversation offers fresh perspective on how to steer your business with more clarity, confidence, and ease. Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five star rating and review, it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership tools and stories.

    48 min
  5. Imposter Syndrome: Taking Your Seat at the Table

    12/03/2025 · BONUS

    Imposter Syndrome: Taking Your Seat at the Table

    Imposter Syndrome: Taking Your Seat at the Table Episode Description Host: Julie Williams MSc — Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Mini-Series: Lighting Fires Toolbox — Conversations on Common Coaching Themes Episode Overview In this special Lighting Fires mini-episode, supported by Henley Business School, Julie explores one of the most common topics that comes up in coaching conversations: imposter syndrome, or more accurately, imposter phenomenon. Drawing on research from Clance and Imes in the 1970s, Julie unpacks why even the most capable, high-achieving people often struggle to internalise their success and feel they belong. Featuring powerful reflections from previous guests Lorraine Briffitt and Mark Schmull, this episode explores what imposter syndrome feels like in real life, how it shows up in leadership, and the practical steps you can take to challenge the inner critic and step confidently into the rooms you deserve to be in. This honest and encouraging episode is for anyone who has ever worried about not being "good enough," questioned whether they deserve an opportunity, or wondered when they're going to be "found out." What You'll Learn in This Episode Why imposter syndrome happens, and why it's not a personal flaw How sharing these thoughts out loud can dissolve their power The importance of trusted spaces and supportive networks Techniques to examine and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns Why belonging is not about being liked, but about owning your place Practical tools to build confidence through action and reflection Julie's Top Coaching Takeaways Say it out loud Speaking your fears in a safe space helps you see them more clearly, and often reveals how irrational they really are. Look for evidence Notice where you may be deleting information or generalising unfairly. What facts prove you do deserve to be here? Use NLP tools Explore deletions, distortions and generalisations to examine how your internal story may differ from objective reality. Write down your achievements Small wins and large milestones build confidence — but only if you acknowledge them. Confidence comes from doing You don't wait until you feel ready. You take action, even with discomfort, and confidence grows afterwards. You belong if you're in the room As Shonda Rhimes says: If you're there, you've earned it. Accept it and get on with it. Resources Mentioned Research by Clance & Imes (1978) on Imposter Phenomenon Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP): Deletions, Distortions & Generisations Framework   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five star rating and review, it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership tools and stories.

    19 min
  6. S2 EP2: Caterpillar Soup: The Transformation of an Authentic Leader

    11/26/2025

    S2 EP2: Caterpillar Soup: The Transformation of an Authentic Leader

    Host: Julie Williams, MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Lucy Guest- Social Media Strategist and Brand Communication Specialist.   Episode Overview In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie sits down with Social Media Strategist and Brand Communication Specialist, Lucy Guest to explore the transformational coaching journey they experienced together. Their conversation dives into what it really means to lead with confidence and authenticity, make brave decisions even when they may be unpopular, and navigate complex power dynamics within organisations. Along the way, they take some wonderfully unexpected detours, from sharks and caterpillars to medieval languages, Shakespeare, and Dungeons & Dragons, using metaphor and creativity to illuminate the realities of modern leadership. Lucy shares the practical exercises and coaching techniques that helped her shift perspective, build self-belief, and step into an authentic leadership style that aligns with her values. This is a colourful, honest, and insightful conversation about growth, identity, and becoming the leader you were meant to be.   What You'll Learn in This Episode How to build confidence as a leader when stepping into your first significant management role Why striving to be liked can limit your leadership potential Tools for navigating power dynamics and organisational politics without losing your values How creative coaching techniques can unlock new perspectives and clarity Ways to balance supporting your team while allowing them the space to learn through mistakes Why understanding individual communication styles helps create healthier team dynamics The value of reframing failure as part of leadership growth Julie's Top Coaching Takeaways Respond, don't react Creating space to pause helps you choose a considered response instead of an emotional reaction. Detach from the need to be liked Leadership isn't a popularity contest. Stay connected to your purpose and the outcome you want to create, even if not everyone approves. Zoom out to gain perspective Techniques such as constellations help you step outside your own viewpoint and understand what different stakeholders need. Celebrate authenticity Confidence grows when you stop shrinking yourself to fit expectations and instead lead in a way that feels genuinely true to you. Learn from mistakes- they're essential Leaders aren't defined by avoiding mistakes, but by how they reflect, learn and adapt because of them.   Resources Mentioned Swimming with Sharks allegory / essay - a metaphor for navigating organisational politics and power dynamics Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - understanding personality and communication preferences Constellations coaching method - perspective-shifting systemic mapping technique (inspired by the work of John Whittington) Henley Business School - Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating and review- it helps more people find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.

    49 min
  7. S2 EP1: Vision, Vibes & Very Good Logos. Celebrating the creative process and the emotional journey behind it

    11/12/2025

    S2 EP1: Vision, Vibes & Very Good Logos. Celebrating the creative process and the emotional journey behind it

    Host: Julie Williams, MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Ian Guppy - Creative Director, Feelgood Creative, a branding and website design agency   Episode Overview In the opening episode of Series 2 of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie reconnects with long-time friend, client, and creative collaborator Ian Guppy. As the Creative Director of Feelgood Creative, Ian has led the agency through exciting growth and transformation. At a pivotal point in that journey, he turned to Julie for coaching support to clarify his vision and set a new strategic direction. Together, they explore how coaching helped Ian shift from "future box" thinking to taking meaningful action in the present. Ian opens up about the challenges of leading a creative business, building a team, and recognising the true value of his own expertise. They also dive into the powerful impact of self-awareness tools like Belbin Team Roles and Myers-Briggs, which helped Ian better understand not only his own working style, but also how to bring out the best in others. This episode is full of practical insights for founders, creatives, and solo entrepreneurs- especially around mindset, team dynamics, and evolving your business model to align with your strengths.   What You'll Learn in This Episode Why having a clear business vision is essential, and how to start shaping one How coaching helped Ian stop procrastinating and take action in the now The benefits of using tools like Belbin and MBTI to understand yourself and your team Why charging for creative work is hard, and how Ian learned to confidently price his value How shifting his business model enabled more collaborative, energising work Julie's Top Coaching Takeaways Set a Vision Define where you're going- clarity gives you momentum. Use Your Body to Plan Try physical or kinetic exercises: step into your "future self" and explore what you see, hear, and feel. Understand Your Team Tools like MBTI and Belbin are great, but even informal reflection helps. What do your team members enjoy? What are they good at? How do they prefer to communicate? Build a Supportive Network Especially for solo founders: surround yourself with people whose skills complement yours. Think of it as your 'virtual team.'   Resources Mentioned Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)- A framework for understanding communication and leadership preferences Belbin Team Roles- A tool to identify behavioural strengths and team dynamics Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating and review- it helps more people find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.

    47 min
  8. S1 EP6: Lighting Fires Podcast – Navigating Identity, Grief & Values with Hannah

    07/22/2025

    S1 EP6: Lighting Fires Podcast – Navigating Identity, Grief & Values with Hannah

    Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Hannah – Former police officer, mother, and carer Episode Overview: In this deeply honest episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Hannah about the challenging journey of navigating shifting identity through profound loss and life changes. Hannah shares her experience of moving beyond the roles she once defined herself by; Hannah the copper, Hannah the mum, Hannah the carer, and finding ways to remember who she is when everything else feels unsettled. They explore how creativity became a vital lifeline amid personal turmoil, and how reconnecting with core values empowered Hannah to make courageous choices, including stepping away from a stressful work environment during the toughest period of her life. This episode offers powerful reflections on grief, not only for those we lose, but also for futures we had imagined, and how values can guide us toward new beginnings. Key Topics in This Episode: Navigating identity when your life roles shift dramatically Using creativity as a tool for healing and self-connection Coping with grief from the loss and decline of loved ones Recognising the importance of core values in decision-making Walking away from unhealthy work situations with clarity and courage Finding meaning and freedom amidst uncertainty Julie's Top Coaching Tips from this Episode: Reappraising your values to inform your decisions for each new chapter of your life.  Exploring each role you've done to date, working out what you've enjoyed, and looking at transferable skills to help you tease out what's your next career move. The mantra of no idea is a stupid idea can really liberate your creative thinking. What you can do to look forward even when times are hard. Identifying something that has meaning or purpose for you and perhaps makes a difference to others.   Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.   Connect with Julie Williams: Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5 star rating and review to help others find these real stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley

    40 min
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About

The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School and hosted by Executive Coach, Julie Williams MSc. The Lighting Fires Podcast is a space for real conversations about change, growth, and the spark that starts it all. Julie has a Master's in Coaching and Behavioural change, over 10 years experience of running her own coaching practice, and 15 years experience in marketing leadership roles. In each episode, Julie sits down with one of her coaching clients to reflect on pivotal moments in their personal and professional journeys — from navigating imposter syndrome to finding confidence in leadership, from starting a business to rediscovering purpose. Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from people who've dared to light a fire under their own ambitions. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering what's next, these conversations will help you tune in to your own spark — and fuel your next step. If you're interested in finding out more about how Julie could work with you or your team, go to www.lightingfires.co.uk You can also contact Julie by emailing julie@lightingfires.co.uk or connect at linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach Interested in becoming a coach? Find out more about Henley Business School here: https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching

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