The Heart-led Leader

Melissa T
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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insights, inspiring guest conversations, and practical tools to help you  ✨ignite your Inner Rebel - breaking free from outdated systems and structures,  ✨cultivate courage for authentic expression, ✨lead a life aligned with your unique soul.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. 1D AGO

    Jennifer Jefferies, The Present Day Wise Woman: Empowering Women's Voices

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode of The Heart-led Leader, Melissa welcomes Jennifer Jefferies - keynote speaker, author, podcast host, naturopath, and self-described “present-day Wise Woman.” Jen shares her powerful mission: to revive the forgotten archetype of the crone, reclaiming wisdom, courage, and voice for women in midlife and beyond. Together, Melissa and Jen explore the shifting landscape of leadership, the balance of feminine and masculine energy, and the importance of integrity, creativity, and self-care in a world that often silences women’s voices. From grounding practices and aromatherapy to leadership lessons from Marianne Williamson, Jen offers practical and soulful strategies for women to reconnect with their power, use their voices, and embrace their authentic presence.  Key Takeaways & Insights The Return of the Wise Woman: Why reclaiming the crone archetype matters for women in leadership and life.Balancing Energies: How integrating both masculine (doing) and feminine (being) energies creates more authentic leadership.Integrity in Action: Jen’s story of walking away from a leadership role that clashed with her values.Creative Courage: Why allowing yourself to “be bad” at something at first is essential to growth.Grounding & Presence: Practical tools like essential oils, nature time, and even a Wonder Woman cape to stay grounded and confident.The Power of Voice: How women can speak up safely, intentionally, and collectively to create cultural change. Reflection Questions / Prompts Where in your leadership or life have you silenced your voice, and what would it look like to reclaim it?How do you currently balance masculine “doing” energy with feminine “being” energy in your leadership or daily life?What personal non-negotiables (like sleep, nature, or exercise) could you prioritize to sustain your energy and presence?Think of a time you acted out of integrity. How did it strengthen your leadership or self-trust?What small but powerful step could you take this week to connect more deeply to your wisdom and creativity?Contact Jen www.jenniferjefferies.com LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjefferies/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thepresentdaywisewoman/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.jefferies.10/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferjefferiesoz Connect with Melissa Ready up-level-up your leadership and lead with more presence, clarity and courage? I've packaged my key insights on the foundations of leading with heart, and created this course for you: Heart-led Leadership Essentials is a self-paced, online short course for busy leaders. Access at melissat.live I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    45 min

  2. SEP 22

    Avoid Burnout and Enhance Your Leadership

    Send us a text In this episode of The Heart-Led Leader, I share a powerful shift that every leader needs to hear: avoiding burnout and enhancing your leadership isn’t about adding more - it’s about stripping back. Too often, leaders respond to challenges by piling on extra meetings, initiatives, or wellbeing frameworks. But real alignment comes from creating space, simplifying, and focusing only on what truly matters. I share how I applied this in my own business, plus a practical workplace story where cutting back meetings and prioritising human connection actually created greater impact. You’ll also learn why spaciousness is non-negotiable for effective leadership - and how to build it into your week.  Key Takeaways: Leadership impact doesn’t come from adding more - it comes from aligning with what matters most.Cutting back creates clarity, energy, and deeper connection in teams.Spaciousness isn’t optional - without it, leaders lose perspective, creativity, and risk burnout.Reflection Question: What could you cut back or simplify this week, that would create more space for clarity and impact - for you, your team, and your organisation? 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

    17 min

  3. SEP 15

    Cecilia Bailey One Step at a Time: Rising Into a Reimagined Life After Loss

    Send us a text In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, Melissa welcomes Transformation Coach and Naturopath Cecilia Bailey to share her extraordinary story of overcoming adversity, rebuilding her life, and helping others navigate identity shifts and transitions. Cecilia opens up about her life-changing experience with a brain bleed that left her having to relearn how to walk and talk, the loss of a pregnancy, and the way skydiving, community, and sheer determination helped her find purpose and joy again. Together, Melissa and Cecilia explore what it means to keep moving forward - one small step at a time - while embracing challenges with courage, humor, and heart. Stay tuned until the end for a special gift from Cecilia: a guided meditation called “I Am” to help you connect with your own inner strength and resilience. Key Takeaways: How passion and community support can become lifelines during recovery and major life transitionsThe power of maintaining a forward-looking mindset, even in the face of uncertainty or lossWhy values-based identity creates a stronger foundation than action-based identityThe role of persistence, coaching, and self-compassion in overcoming adversityPractical ways to integrate rehabilitation, resilience, and purpose into daily lifeReflection for Listeners:  Where in your life do you need to take one small step forward rather than wait for the perfect plan?How could you lean more on your community or passions to support you through challenges?Are there places where shifting from an action-based identity to a values-based one would bring more peace and freedom? Links & Resources: Cecilia’s Meditation: “I Am” – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xlkva65NEu9emp5xGFKBBkNUx9wUOTAg/view?usp=drivesdk Connect with Cecilia: https://ceciliabaileycoach.com/book-a-call Connect with Melissa Ready up-level-up your leadership and lead with more presence, clarity and courage? I've packaged my key insights on the foundations of leading with heart, and created this course for you: Heart-led Leadership Essentials is a self-paced, online short course for busy leaders. Access at melissat.live I'd love to hear from you, so please feel welcome to reach out via Instagram, Facebook or contact me via my website

    57 min

  4. SEP 8

    Money, Mindset & Magnetism: Clare Wood - Empowering Women in Business

    Send us a text In this episode, Melissa is joined by Clare Wood, a Business Profit Coach and Money Mentor, to explore the powerful connection between financial clarity, mindset, and authentic leadership. From embracing your money story to creating intentional profit, this conversation shines a light on how women can transform their relationship with finances - and in turn, elevate their leadership presence. Whether you’re navigating money fears, striving to grow your business, or looking to lead with more authenticity and confidence, this episode offers practical insights and empowering perspectives to help you create both wealth and impact. Topics we cover: Embracing your unique strengths - and SuperpowersHow money beliefs and ancestral patterns can quietly limit your success.Practical tools like cash flow forecasting to navigate challenges with confidence.The science of manifestation and why intention plus action creates change.Authentic leadership as a magnetic force for influence and impact.Clare’s Resources: Book: Intentional ProfitCourses & Programs: Confident Cash Flow, Profit Academy FoundationsWebsite https://clarewood.com/Key Takeaways Financial empowerment is deeply connected to mindset and energy - not just numbers.Authenticity and self-awareness create a leadership presence that attracts opportunities.Money challenges are not failures -they’re often stepping stones to sustainable growth.Cash flow forecasting isn’t just a tool- it’s a form of leadership clarity.Vulnerability and curiosity can uncover your unique leadership superpowers.Reflection Questions for Listeners What is one money belief you may have inherited (from family, culture, or experience) that no longer serves you?How does your relationship with finances impact your ability to lead with confidence?Where in your business or career could you embrace more vulnerability to build authentic connections? Money, Mindset & Leadership Connect with Melissa Ready up-level-up your leadership and lead with more presence, clarity and courage? I've packaged my key insights on the foundations of leading with heart, and created this course for you: Heart-led Leadership Essentials is a self-paced, online short course for busy leaders. Access at melissat.live 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

  5. SEP 1

    What My Horse Reminded Me About Boundaries, Connection and Leading with Integrity

    Send us a text Today’s episode dives into a powerful lesson I learned from my horse - how kindness without boundaries can create confusion, and why true leadership requires clarity, firmness, and courage. We explore the balance between connection and control, the link between temperaments (in both horses and humans), and a simple framework for setting boundaries without guilt. Whether you lead a team, a business, or a family, this episode will help you lead with presence and protect what matters most. Key Takeaways: Boundaries aren’t barriers - they’re the container for trust and safety.Connection without clarity often breeds uncertainty, not loyalty.Understanding temperament helps you choose when to connect and when to be firm.A clear “yes filter” prevents overcommitting and protects your energy.Reflection Question: Where in your leadership are you choosing connection over clarity - and what boundary would create more safety and respect for everyone involved? 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

    24 min

  6. AUG 25

    Emotional Agility: Leading with Calm and Clarity Under Pressure

    Send us a text Leadership isn’t about avoiding pressure - it’s about how you respond when it’s on.  In this episode of The Heart-Led Leader, we explore what emotional agility truly means and how to cultivate it, even in high-stakes moments. You’ll discover three simple, science-backed breathing techniques to regulate your nervous system and lead with grounded presence - no matter what’s unfolding around you. Tune in now to learn how to stay calm, clear, and connected when it matters most. Key Takeaways Emotional agility is the ability to notice, accept, and navigate your emotions with intention.Your breath is a powerful, on-demand tool for nervous system balance and state shifting.Practicing emotional agility builds executive presence and deepens your leadership impact.Reflection Prompt Where in your leadership right now are you feeling the most pressure - and how might applying one of these breathing techniques shift your response? #EmotionalAgility #ExecutiveLeadership #WomenInLeadership 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

  7. AUG 18

    The Power of Mentorship: Seeing the Leader Your Can Become

    Send us a text What if one person could see something in you that no one else could? Not your family, not your friends, not even you. What if that person held the vision for your potential so fiercely that it changed the trajectory of your life? In this episode of The Heart-Led Leader, I share how the deepest transformation in my leadership journey didn’t come from courses, credentials, or professional development programs - but from the mentorship of someone who truly saw my potential before I did. You’ll hear the story of how one mentor’s ability to read energy, see beyond the data, and speak truth with compassion helped me navigate leadership challenges with courage and clarity. Whether you’re seeking a mentor now or reflecting on the impact someone has had on your growth, this conversation will help you understand the kind of guidance that transforms not just your skills, but your whole sense of who you are as a leader. Listen now and discover: What transformational mentorship really looks likeWhy the right mentor can accelerate your growth exponentiallyHow to find and work with a mentor who sees the leader you can becomeKey Takeaways: A true mentor sees your potential before you do - and holds that vision with you until you can see it yourself.The magic is in the depth, not the quick wins - transformational mentorship comes from consistent presence over time.The best mentors navigate both facts and feelings - they understand strategy and the human energy beneath it.Reflection Prompt: Think of someone who has shaped your leadership or personal growth. What was it they saw in you that you couldn’t yet see? And how might you pay that forward in the way you lead or mentor others? 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

    16 min

  8. AUG 11

    When You Miss the Mark and Influence Isn’t Working: Reclaiming Inner Authority

    Send us a text If you’ve ever walked away from a meeting thinking, “I said the right things, so why didn’t they land?”- this episode is for you. In this short, powerful episode, we explore how true influence comes not from pushing harder, but from speaking with inner congruence.  Melissa guides you through a Presence Reset practice to help you shift from shrinking or second-guessing into grounded self-trust - anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re navigating high-stakes leadership conversations or just want to feel more embodied in your day-to-day interactions, this tool will support you in reclaiming your inner authority.  In this episode: Why your message might not be landingWhat happens when self-doubt clouds your impactThe Presence Reset tool: 4 simple steps to shift your energy before key momentsA reflection to reconnect with your own clarity and conviction Try this before your next meeting, conversation, or pitch. Reflection Prompt: “Am I speaking from self-doubt - or from self-trust?”  Subscribe to on your favorite podcast app. 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

    8 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa T
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Heart-led Leader
  • Show Website
    The Heart-led Leader