The Leading Yourself Podcast

Kene Igweonu

Leading Yourself is a podcast about values, identity, failure, and practice—exploring values-based leadership as a learnable, reflective practice.  The podcast offers honest, thoughtful, and practical conversations about the inner work of leadership. It is for anyone reflecting on what it means to grow in their leadership and lead well with integrity and impact. Each episode features short conversations with senior executive leaders—from higher education, business, and public life—to surface practical insights about leading oneself in complex roles. Inspired by principles from ‘How Will You Measure Your Life?’ by Clayton M. Christensen, the series invites a related reflection: how do you measure your leadership when no one is watching? This is leadership formation, not performance. The Leading Yourself Podcast is hosted by Professor Kene Igweonu.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Leadership Influence, and Balancing Personal and Professional Life | Dr. Atul Shinagare

    Dr. Atul Shinagare, Director of Integrated Cancer Imaging at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and personal growth as a senior executive leader. Dr. Atul Shinagare and Professor Kene Igweonu discuss the importance of aligning personal values with leadership decisions, the personal costs associated with leadership roles, and the significance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Atul shares insights on the journey of self-improvement, the influence of purpose and gratitude, and the lessons learned from observing other leaders. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership is a continuous process of growth and reflection. Takeaways Self-leadership is about creating a better version of oneself.Leadership involves making tough decisions guided by values.Striking a balance between patient care and staff well-being is crucial.Leadership is not about making everyone happy, but about influencing the majority positively.Personal costs of leadership include the burden of tough decisions and the need for self-care.Finding purpose in work helps navigate challenges and maintain motivation.Gratitude plays a significant role in a leader's well-being.Leadership roles should resonate with personal values, not just ambition.Learning from others can involve recognizing both positive and negative examples.Balance in leadership is a dynamic pursuit, not a static state. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Self-Leadership in Leadership Roles02:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Leadership06:05 The Importance of Values in Leadership Decisions11:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life14:49 Cultivating Purpose and Gratitude in Leadership17:57 Final Thoughts on Integrity and Leadership19:32 Self-Leadership is Intentional and Takes Practice

    20 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Navigating the Complexities and Human Side of Leadership | Anna Coatsworth

    Anna Coatsworth, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at Array Marketing, shares insights on self-leadership, decision-making, and maintaining a balanced identity as a leader. She talks about the complexities of leadership roles, the necessity of aligning actions with values, and the significance of maintaining a balanced identity. Anna highlights the need for vulnerability, the impact of difficult decisions, and the role of professional guidance in personal growth. The discussion culminates in the importance of communicating values through actions and the ongoing journey of self-reflection in leadership. Takeaways Self-leadership is crucial for effective leadership.Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection.Difficult decisions often reflect deeper values.Balancing work and personal life enhances leadership effectiveness.Professional guidance can provide valuable insights for leaders.Communicating values through actions is essential for influence.Leadership identity should not solely define personal identity.Creating a supportive team environment is vital for growth.Reflecting on personal values aids in decision-making.Leadership is a continuous journey of self-discovery. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership03:32 Understanding Organizational Dynamics09:21 Navigating Self-Leadership Under Pressure13:20 Values vs. Convenience in Leadership Decisions19:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role24:22 Grounding Practices for Effective Leadership27:21 The Role of Professional Guidance in Leadership31:01 Communicating Values Through Actions

    26 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Effective Leadership Starts With This Discipline | Professor David Mba

    In this conversation, Professor David Mba and Professor Kene Igweonu explore the concept of self-leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal values in decision-making and leadership practices. They discuss how self-reflection and criticality play a crucial role in effective leadership, particularly under pressure. David shares insights from his experience as Vice Chancellor, highlighting the significance of aligning personal and organizational values, the challenges of making tough decisions, and the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst leadership responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the need for leaders to engage with their communities and the impact of values-driven leadership on organizational culture and social mobility. Takeaways Self-leadership is a reflective discipline.Values shape our decisions, especially under pressure.Self-critique is essential for effective leadership.Decisions should prioritize student welfare.You can't please everyone, but you can provide rationale.Engagement with the community is vital for leaders.Grounding practices help maintain perspective.Values alignment simplifies decision-making.Leadership is about impact, not just influence.Nurturing values in others creates a positive leadership culture. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Self-Leadership01:37 Defining Self-Leadership05:01 Decision-Making Guided by Values07:40 Navigating Discomfort in Leadership Decisions10:48 Balancing Identity and Leadership Role14:06 Grounding Practices for Leaders19:59 Nurturing Values in Leadership

    26 min

About

Leading Yourself is a podcast about values, identity, failure, and practice—exploring values-based leadership as a learnable, reflective practice.  The podcast offers honest, thoughtful, and practical conversations about the inner work of leadership. It is for anyone reflecting on what it means to grow in their leadership and lead well with integrity and impact. Each episode features short conversations with senior executive leaders—from higher education, business, and public life—to surface practical insights about leading oneself in complex roles. Inspired by principles from ‘How Will You Measure Your Life?’ by Clayton M. Christensen, the series invites a related reflection: how do you measure your leadership when no one is watching? This is leadership formation, not performance. The Leading Yourself Podcast is hosted by Professor Kene Igweonu.