Becoming the Leader in You

Prof. Jay Acharya

Becoming the Leader in You is a straight-talking podcast exploring what leadership really looks like. Each episode brings honest conversations with people who lead, have been led, or are stepping into leadership. We unpack real challenges, decisions, and moments that shape how people think, act, and influence others. I promise - No theory overload! Just practical insight, personal stories, corporate experiences and lessons you can apply immediately to lead yourself and others more effectively.

  1. E19 - Leadership Has No Job Title | Engineering, Motherhood & Leading with Purpose with Mary Gerdoux-Harries

    5d ago

    E19 - Leadership Has No Job Title | Engineering, Motherhood & Leading with Purpose with Mary Gerdoux-Harries

    What can engineering teach us about leadership? More than you might think.In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Mary Gerdoux-Harries from Resonance.coach for a fascinating conversation that challenges many of the assumptions we make about leadership.Mary shares her experiences as a woman in the engineering profession, the barriers she has faced, and the lessons that have shaped her leadership journey. We explore why leadership isn't defined by job titles or organisational charts, but by the influence we have on the people around us every single day.One of the most thought-provoking moments centres on Toyota's powerful principle: "Don't pass on a known defect." We discuss how this philosophy extends far beyond manufacturing and into leadership, culture, accountability and the decisions we make every day.We also draw surprising parallels between motherhood and leadership, exploring how patience, resilience, coaching, accountability and creating confidence in others are qualities that great leaders develop, whether at home or in the workplace.If you've ever questioned whether you're really a leader, this episode may change your perspective. Leadership begins long before the promotion, and every interaction leaves a lasting impact.Join us for an honest, insightful conversation about responsibility, influence and becoming the leader that's already within you.You can contact Mary at:mary@resonance.coachwww.resonance.coachContact us for all your Consulting, learning and development needs at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EngineeringLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Toyota #ContinuousImprovement #PersonalLeadership #OrganisationalCulture #Coaching #Empowerment #Accountability #BusinessLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #Podcast

    31 min
  2. E18 - Why Fear Is Ruining Leadership – Courage, Accountability & Building Better Teams | Helen Bailey

    Jun 26

    E18 - Why Fear Is Ruining Leadership – Courage, Accountability & Building Better Teams | Helen Bailey

    🎙️ Episode 18 – Becoming the Leader in You | With Helen Bailey What does it really mean to become the best version of yourself without pushing yourself to the point of burnout? In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Learning & Development Consultant and Trainer Helen Bailey for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about modern leadership, personal growth and creating healthier, more accountable workplace cultures. Together, we explore why many leaders still operate from a place of fear rather than confidence, and why courageous leadership often means being prepared to challenge conversations, behaviours and even your own thinking. We discuss the balance between supporting people and holding them accountable, how empowered teams outperform controlled teams, and why understanding the difference between what we want and what we genuinely need can transform both our personal and professional lives. We also reflect on one of our most valuable resources - time. How do we spend it? What deserves our attention? And how can leaders make better decisions that create lasting impact rather than simply staying busy? During this episode we discuss: ✅ Becoming the best version of yourself without overstretching ✅ Leadership styles and the role fear plays in leadership ✅ Courageous leadership and having challenging conversations ✅ Building empowered teams through accountability and trust ✅ Understanding the difference between wants and needs ✅ The true value of time in leadership and life ✅ Practical leadership lessons for managers, leaders and aspiring professionals Email Helen: helencoruscate @outlook.ِcom  Contact us at: info@aspire.me.uk www.aspire.me.uk Listen to us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and Audible Whether you're leading a team, developing your career or simply looking to become a more effective version of yourself, this conversation offers practical insights and fresh perspectives you can apply immediately. Subscribe to Becoming the Leader in You for inspiring conversations with leaders, coaches and industry experts, helping you influence, empower and succeed. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipPodcast #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #LeadershipSkills #TransformationalLeadership #CourageousLeadership #Accountability #Empowerment #TeamLeadership #HighPerformingTeams #LeadershipMindset #Management #PeopleManagement #LearningAndDevelopment #LandD #ProfessionalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipCoach #BusinessLeadership #FutureLeaders #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipMatters #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Influence #Empower #Success

    32 min
  3. E17 - Becoming the Leader in You - How to Become a Retail Leader People Actually Want to Follow | Craig Bennett

    Jun 22

    E17 - Becoming the Leader in You - How to Become a Retail Leader People Actually Want to Follow | Craig Bennett

    🎙️ Episode 17 | HOW TO BECOME A RETAIL LEADER PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT TO FOLLOW | Craig BennettWhat separates great retail leaders from average managers?In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, Prof. Jay Acharya I am joined by Craig Bennett of Poppy Consulting Services for an engaging and insightful discussion on leadership within the retail and service-led sectors.Retail is one of the most demanding industries in the world. Leaders must balance customer expectations, team performance, sales targets, operational pressures and constant change. Yet the most successful retail leaders understand that leadership is not about authority. It is about people.Craig shares his experiences from the world of high street retail and explores what effective leadership looks like in today’s retail environment. Together, we discuss the challenges facing retail organisations, the importance of servant leadership, and why creating a positive culture can have a direct impact on both employee engagement and business performance.One of the most memorable moments of the conversation centres around a quote often attributed to Steve Jobs:“If you want people to like you, go and sell ice cream.”The quote sparks an honest discussion about leadership accountability, making difficult decisions, and the reality that effective leadership is not always about being popular. It is about doing what is right for the organisation, your team and your customers.In this episode, we discuss:✅ Leadership within high street retail✅ Retail sales, customer experience and business performance✅ Leadership in service-led industries✅ Servant leadership and putting people first✅ Building high-performing retail teams✅ Employee engagement and workplace culture✅ Leadership accountability and decision-making✅ Developing future leaders in retail organisations✅ The balance between commercial success and people development✅ Practical leadership lessons from real-world experienceWhether you are a retail manager, store manager, regional manager, team leader, business owner, customer service professional or aspiring leader, this episode provides practical insights that you can apply immediately.If you enjoy conversations about leadership development, retail management, customer experience, people management, employee engagement, organisational culture, business growth, transformational leadership and professional development, you’ll find plenty of value in this discussion.Contact Craig at:Craig.bennett@poppyconsultingservices.co.ukwww.poppyconsultingservices.co.ukDon't forget you can also contact us at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk💬 What do you believe is the most important leadership skill in retail today?Leave a comment below and join the conversation.🔔 Subscribe to Becoming the Leader in You for weekly conversations with business leaders, coaches, consultants and change-makers from around the world.#Leadership #RetailLeadership #RetailManagement #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #CustomerExperience #StoreManager #TeamLeadership #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #RetailIndustry #ManagementSkills #HighStreetRetail #OrganisationalCulture #CraigBennett #JayAcharya #BecomingTheLeaderInYou

    34 min

  4. Jun 17

    E16 - Become the Leader People Actually Want to Follow - with my guest James Hudson

    **🎙️ BECOMING THE LEADER IN YOU | Episode 16****The Leadership Shift Nobody Talks About | Featuring James Hudson**What does it really take to become a transformational leader in today's fast-changing world?In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, Prof. Jay Acharya is joined by James Hudson, Leadership Facilitator and Transformational Specialist, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, influence, personal growth and creating meaningful change within organisations.As businesses navigate uncertainty, evolving workplace expectations and increasing pressure to perform, leaders are being challenged to do more than simply manage people. They are being called upon to inspire, empower and develop others whilst remaining authentic to who they are.During this episode, we explore:✅ What transformational leadership really means in practice✅ The difference between managing people and leading people✅ How leaders can create lasting organisational change✅ Building trust, engagement and psychological safety within teams✅ Why emotional intelligence is becoming a critical leadership skill✅ Developing future leaders in today's workplace✅ The challenges leaders face when navigating uncertainty and change✅ How self-awareness influences leadership effectiveness✅ Practical leadership strategies that you can apply immediatelyWhether you're a CEO, business owner, manager, aspiring leader, HR professional, coach, consultant or someone passionate about personal development, this conversation offers practical leadership insights designed to help you lead with greater confidence, purpose and impact.If you're interested in topics such as leadership development, transformational leadership, emotional intelligence, coaching skills, employee engagement, organisational culture, management training, resilience, personal growth, change management and executive leadership, this episode is for you.How can you contact James...see below:James.hudson@drivedevelopment.co.ukContact us at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk💬 **What is the biggest leadership lesson you've learned throughout your career?** Share your thoughts in the comments below.🔔 Subscribe to Becoming the Leader in You for weekly conversations with business leaders, coaches, consultants and change-makers who share practical advice to help you become the leader people choose to follow.🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch the full conversation here on YouTube.About James HudsonJames Hudson is a Leadership Facilitator and Transformational Specialist who supports individuals and organisations in developing leadership capability, strengthening workplace relationships and navigating change with confidence. Through his experience and practical approach, James helps leaders move beyond theory to create genuine impact within their teams and organisations.#Leadership #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalDevelopment #Management #LeadershipSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #ChangeManagement #OrganisationalCulture #EmployeeEngagement #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #Coaching #LeadershipCoach #TeamDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #JayAcharya**

    33 min

  5. Jun 12

    E15 - Becoming the Leader in You - Alistair Stevenson - Leadership Coaching is Imperative for Success

    What does effective leadership look like when you are working across different cultures, countries and ways of thinking? In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Alistair Stevenson, Executive Strategy and Leadership Facilitator, to explore the realities of leading in diverse environments. Our conversation moves beyond leadership theory and into the practical challenges leaders face when working with people from different cultural backgrounds. We discuss how values, communication styles and expectations can vary significantly across teams and organisations, and why understanding these differences is essential for building trust and achieving results. During this episode, we explore: ✅ Leading effectively across different cultures ✅ The challenges and opportunities of multicultural teams ✅ Why empowerment is critical for individual and organisational success ✅ Creating environments where people feel trusted and valued ✅ Common leadership mistakes when working internationally ✅ Adapting your leadership style without compromising authenticity ✅ Lessons learned from real-world experiences and global leadership conversations ✅ The importance of curiosity, humility and listening as a leader Alistair shares practical insights, personal experiences and thought-provoking reflections gained through years of facilitating strategy and leadership discussions with leaders from a variety of backgrounds. Whether you lead a global team, manage people from different cultures, or simply want to become a more inclusive and effective leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you develop your leadership approach. You can contact Alistair at: alistairjamesstevenson@gmail.com You can contact us for all your development needs at: info@aspire.me.uk www.aspire.me.uk If you enjoy conversations about leadership development, cross-cultural leadership, empowering teams, emotional intelligence, organisational culture, people management and executive leadership, make sure you subscribe for more episodes of Becoming the Leader in You. #Leadership #CrossCulturalLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganisationalCulture #ManagementSkills #GlobalLeadership #PeopleLeadership #BecomingTheLeaderInYou

    26 min
  6. E14 - Becoming the Leader in You - Ladies in Leadership

    Jun 8

    E14 - Becoming the Leader in You - Ladies in Leadership

    What happens when an engineering professional swaps technical drawings and project plans for people, culture and organisational change?In this episode of *Becoming the Leader in You*, I speak with Barbara Carlisle from Glee Coaching about her journey from the world of engineering into Human Resources and organisational development. We explore the challenges of working in traditionally male-dominated industries, the skills that transfer from engineering into people management, and why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) has become such an important part of modern organisations. Barbara shares her experiences of delivering EDI initiatives across different countries and cultures, discussing the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned when helping organisations create more inclusive workplaces on a global scale. A fascinating conversation about career transitions, leadership, people development and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. You can contact Barbra at: barbra@gleecoaching.co.uk www.gleecoaching.co.uk You can contact us for all your development needs at: info@aspire.me.uk www.aspire.me.uk #Leadership #HumanResources #Engineering #EDI #DiversityAndInclusion #Inclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleDevelopment #OrganisationalCulture #Coaching #GleeCoaching #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #CareerDevelopment #HRLeadership #WorkplaceCulture

    32 min

  7. Jun 7

    E13 - Becoming the Leader in You - Leadership, Coaching and Resilience with Angie Knowles

    What does it really take to build a successful business without sacrificing your wellbeing?In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Angie Knowles from AngieKnows.co.uk for a practical and honest conversation about leadership, resilience, coaching, personal growth and sustainable business success.We explore the challenges many leaders, managers and business owners face when balancing performance, pressure and wellbeing. Angie shares her experiences of supporting individuals and organisations through periods of change, helping them develop confidence, clarity and the ability to lead effectively in demanding environments.During this episode we discuss:✅ Leadership in today's changing workplace✅ Recognising and preventing burnout✅ Building resilience during challenging times✅ Coaching and personal development✅ Managing stress and maintaining performance✅ Business growth without losing sight of what matters✅ Developing confidence as a leader✅ Creating sustainable success for yourself and your teamWhether you are a business owner, manager, aspiring leader or someone looking to improve your personal effectiveness, this conversation provides practical insights and thought-provoking ideas that you can apply immediately.If you enjoy discussions on leadership development, coaching skills, emotional intelligence, business growth, employee engagement, resilience and transformational leadership, this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, coaches, consultants and industry experts from around the world.Contact Angie at:angie@aknowles.co.ukwww.aknowles.co.uk🎓 Aspire Consulting and Training Ltd.🌍 Leadership Development | Coaching | Artificial Intelligence | Management Training | Strategic Thinking📧 info@aspire.me.uk🌐 Aspire Consulting and Training Ltd.#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessCoaching #Resilience #BurnoutPrevention #PersonalDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagementTraining #TransformationalLeadership #CoachingSkills #TeamLeadership #BusinessSuccess #WorkplaceWellbeing #Entrepreneurship #AspireConsultingandTrainingLtd #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #PodcastInterview

    34 min

  8. Jun 1

    E12 - Becoming the Leader in You - Samantha Lancashire - Putting the HER in Leadership

    In this episode of the Becoming the Leader in You Podcast, I’m joined by Samantha Lancashire from Creating Lightbulb Moments for a refreshingly honest conversation about leadership, business ownership, and the realities behind professional success.We explore a question that many organisations still struggle with:What is the difference between a manager and a leader?While management often focuses on process, control, and delivery, leadership is about people, influence, vision, and creating an environment where others can thrive. Samantha shares her perspective on why organisations need both, but why leadership is often the missing ingredient.We also discuss the popular reality TV show *The Apprentice* and whether the behaviours often displayed on screen truly reflect effective leadership in the real world. Are we rewarding confidence over competence? Ego over empathy? Results over relationships?One of the highlights of the conversation is Samantha's unique approach to the word LEADHERSHIP, intentionally adding the "H" to create space for conversations about women in leadership, representation, visibility, and the challenges many women still face in business and senior leadership positions.As business owners ourselves, we also step behind the polished LinkedIn posts and success stories to talk openly about the realities of running a business. The uncertainty. The difficult decisions. The moments when an unexpected event forces you to stop, reflect, and rethink your services, your clients, your priorities, and sometimes even your entire business model.How do you adapt when circumstances change?How do you decide which clients are right for your business?What happens when you genuinely don't know where the next invoice is coming from?This episode is an honest, practical, and thought-provoking discussion about leadership, resilience, self-awareness, and the courage required to keep moving forward when certainty is in short supply.Whether you're a manager, leader, business owner, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, there's plenty in this conversation that will make you stop and think.Contact Sarah:saml@creatinglightbulbmoments.comwww.creatinglightbulbmoments @CreatingLightbulbMoments  You can also contact us for all your People Development needs:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk @aspireconsultingandtrainingltd  #Leadership #Management #WomenInLeadership #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusiness #TheApprentice #BusinessLeadership #CreatingLightbulbMoments #LeadershipSkills #PersonalDevelopment #Resilience #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingTheLeaderInYou

    35 min
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Becoming the Leader in You is a straight-talking podcast exploring what leadership really looks like. Each episode brings honest conversations with people who lead, have been led, or are stepping into leadership. We unpack real challenges, decisions, and moments that shape how people think, act, and influence others. I promise - No theory overload! Just practical insight, personal stories, corporate experiences and lessons you can apply immediately to lead yourself and others more effectively.

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