Optimising Leader Brilliance: Enabling Calm, Confident, Strategic Leadership

Estelle Read | Optimising Leadership Brilliance Coach | Bestselling Author | Speaker | Beee Founder
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Lead strategically with calm confidence with Estelle Read, Bestselling Author, Coach, Speaker, and guests. Optimising Leader Brilliance is the self-improvement toolkit for leaders ready to break performance ceilings and achieve next level results. Get science-backed strategies and mindset shifts to tackle imposter syndrome, workaholism, anxiety, and self-sabotage. We provide stress relief and burnout solutions to help you reduce your workload and reclaim your time. We also share tools to clarify your strategic direction and deliver the brilliant results you're capable of. Visit: EstelleRead.com

  1. 2d ago

    Why Smart Leaders Can't Decide

    What if the biggest threat to your strategy isn't a lack of data or intelligence — but your own brain? In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, I sit down with Marja Fox — ex-McKinsey consultant, PhD chemist, and founder of Marja Fox Consulting — to uncover the evolutionary wiring that quietly sabotages executive decision-making. Known as the "executive team whisperer," Marja brings behavioural economics out of the textbook and into the boardroom, revealing why leaders default to loss aversion, groupthink, and short-term thinking — and how to break free. If you've ever felt stuck in circular strategic conversations or paralysed by the fear of being wrong, this conversation will transform how you lead with clarity, confidence, and decisive action. A must-listen for senior leaders ready to upgrade their strategic thinking and leadership mindset.  What You Will Learn:  💡 Why your brain's evolutionary shortcuts — like loss aversion and fear of ostracisation — are the hidden derailers of smart strategic decisions, and how to recognise them in real time  💡 The practical facilitation techniques Marja Fox uses to move executive teams from ego wars and endless debate to decisions that actually stick  💡 How to apply a simple stakeholder analysis to uncover the human dynamics behind any "stuck" business problem — and why doing nothing is often the most dangerous decision of all    Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!    Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker        Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (00:47) Welcome to Optimising Leader Brilliance  (01:13) Episode Overview – Three Light Bulb Moments  (02:24) Meet Marja Fox – The Story Behind Her Name  (06:54) Marja's Average Day & Non-Negotiable Routine  (16:25) How Marja Got Here – From Chemistry to Consulting  (24:32) The Problems Marja Helps Clients Solve  (41:25) Designing Conversations That Combat Decision-Making Biases  (56:30) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice   ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal     ⭐Follow or Contact Marja Fox:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjafox/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marjafox    ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee      ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠      ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠     ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠     ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠     ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

    Why Smart Leaders Can't Decide

  2. Jul 27

    Most Leaders Focus on the Wrong Skills. Here's What Actually Matters.

    In this inspiring episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read sits down with Lawrence Armstrong, artist, architect, bestselling author, and seasoned CEO, to explore whole-brain leadership. Lawrence shares his journey from building a company through recession and fear to mastering a creative, analytical, and balanced leadership style. Learn how cultivating both sides of your brain can fuel business growth, inspire your team, and secure your legacy. Discover practical strategies for developing your “number two,” delegating effectively, and blending creativity with strategic execution to lead your industry.   What You Will Learn: 💡 How embracing whole-brain leadership—balancing creative vision with analytical rigor—drives sustainable growth and innovation 💡 The crucial role of developing a reliable “number two” to ensure business continuity and leadership longevity 💡 Practical insights from Lawrence’s career and creative pursuits to inspire your own leadership journey and foster a resilient, forward-thinking team    Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!    Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction (00:53) Welcome & Host Introduction (01:19) Guest Introduction (01:56) Lawrence's Routine & Non-Negotiables (03:20) How Work-Life Imbalance Cost Him His Health (07:12) What Is Whole Brain Leadership? (13:31) Practical Examples: Inspiring Strategy from Creativity (23:36) From Ohio to Architect, Artist & Author (35:04) The Challenge Behind the Book: Surviving a Recession  (38:19) Lawrence's Framework for Growth & Succession  (44:26) Key Takeaways & Final Advice  (44:27) Developing Your Number Two — Overcoming Resistance  (47:11) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice 📱FOLLOW OR CONTACT:  ⭐ Lawrence Armstrong: larmstrong@waremalcomb.com | @lawrencerarmstrong ⭐Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee or @EstelleReadCoach 🔧 ACCESS FREE RESOURCES & TOOLS: ⭐Want a summary of today’s learnings? Subscribe to Estelle Read’s blog, The Brilliant Leader’s Notebook, to get the key takeaways from every single episode: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r Plus, you'll get a free bonus 🎁: The Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine Workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress.  Click here to subscribe and download: https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r ⭐Find Out Which of the 7 Leadership Saboteurs is Holding You Back by Completing the Scorecard: https://estelle-read.scoreapp.com/  ⭐Download Estelle’s Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Access Other Free Resources:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠   ❤️ CAN YOU HELP?  We bring this show to you for free. You can help us keep growing and going by taking 30 seconds to:  🔔 Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode.  📨 Share the show with a friend.  ✍️ Leave a review to help others find us.    Thanks for your support!   🗓️ BOOK A 15 FREE DISCOVERY CALL:  ⭐https://calendly.com/estelleatbeee/15-minute-discovery-call    🧠ESTELLE READ’S COACHING PROGRAMMES:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠:   https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/      🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠:   https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/     📓BUY ESTELLE READ’S BESTSELLING BOOK:  ⁠Inner Brilliance · Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Brilliance-Outer-Shine-Workaholism/dp/1789048036/  ⁠    🎧LISTEN OR WATCH ON ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS📺  ⭐Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1515648162    ⭐Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⚠️ DICLAIMER   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. Don’t suffer alone ❤️.

    Most Leaders Focus on the Wrong Skills. Here's What Actually Matters.

  3. Jul 20

    Are You 'Shoulders Up' or 'Shoulders Down'? The Embodiment Question Every Leader Needs

    In this heartfelt episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, embodiment coach Maddie Brenner-Roach and host Estelle Read explore the vital connection between body awareness and leadership resilience. Discover how tuning into your body’s signals—like tension in the shoulders or tightness in the chest—can reveal hidden stress and guide you toward deeper self-trust. Maddie shares her transformative Inner Authority Framework to help leaders move from reactive habits to empowered, embodied decision-making. If you feel overwhelmed, close to burnout, or disconnected from yourself, this episode offers practical insights and reflective tools to reconnect with your true inner authority and step confidently into your leadership role.    What You Will Learn:  💡 How to listen to your body’s stress signals and transform unconscious avoidance into conscious awareness 💡 The power of embodied leadership: making aligned decisions with a full-body yes or no, not just a mental yes 💡 Practical steps to build self-trust and shift from proving your worth to embracing your authentic, empowered self  Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!    Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (00:58) Welcome & Show Introduction   (01:23) Tribute to Asterios Drossos  (03:04) Guest Introduction – Maddie Brenner-Roach  (04:02) Interview Begins – What is an Embodiment Coach?  (17:40) Subscribe Prompt (excluded)  (18:15) Inner Authority Framework & Identity Shifts  (52:03) CEO of Yourself & Embodied Yes/No  (53:11) Three Actionable Tips for Leaders  (55:35) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice   ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal     ⭐Follow or Contact Maddie Brenner-Roach:  Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/journeyoncoach/  Instagram and Youtube: @journeyoncoach    ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee      ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠      ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠     ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠     ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠     ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

    Are You 'Shoulders Up' or 'Shoulders Down'? The Embodiment Question Every Leader Needs

  4. Jul 13

    Quick Science-Backed Stress Hacks to Reset Your Hormones and Calm Your Mind

    In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read dives into science-backed, practical strategies to manage stress and reclaim control over your state of mind. Discover how shifting your inner dialogue can rewire your mindset, how simple changes in your body posture can instantly reduce stress hormones and boost confidence, and how everyday habits—from feeding birds to enjoying dark chocolate—can hack your brain’s neurochemicals to elevate wellbeing. Packed with engaging exercises and reflective coaching prompts, this episode guides you to empty your stress bucket and cultivate calm, confident leadership.    What You Will Learn:  💡 How to transform your inner critic into an empowering inner captain for a positive mental shift 💡 Simple body posture techniques that decrease cortisol (stress hormone) and increase confidence hormone testosterone 💡 Everyday habits and activities that naturally boost dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins to lift your mood and resilience    Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!    Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (02:25) About Optimising Leader Brilliance  (02:51) The Stress Bucket — Understanding Your Stress  (06:18) Mind, Body & State of Mind: The Factory Model  (13:17) How Language & Inner Dialogue Rewire Your Mindset  (16:53) From Inner Critic to Inner Captain  (25:21) How Your Body Language Changes Your Hormones in Seconds  (28:14) Hack Your Neurochemicals: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin & Endorphins  (34:41) Summary & Key Takeaways  (36:02) The SHINE Resilient Leader Programme  (36:41) Resources & Next Steps  (37:45) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice   ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal     ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee      ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠      ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠     ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠     ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠     ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

  5. Jul 6

    The Stress Hack That Works Even If You Don't Believe It

    In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read unpacks the essential final piece of personal effectiveness: stress management. Discover what stress really is by understanding your nervous system’s gas and brake model, uncover hidden childhood triggers fueling your stress, and explore DISC-based stress triggers tailored to your personality type. Delve into the five types of imposter syndrome driving overwhelm and burnout, and experience the transformative psychosensory technique called Havening—a powerful tool that helped Estelle recover from chronic fatigue and ME by rewiring stress responses. Packed with practical insights, reflective coaching prompts, and free resources, this episode equips you to break free from stress patterns and reclaim calm, confident leadership.    What You Will Learn:  💡 How to identify your unique stress triggers—both external pressures and deep-rooted internal patterns shaped by childhood 💡 The connection between imposter syndrome types and chronic overwhelm, with strategies to break the cycle 💡 Step-by-step introduction to Havening, a neuroscience-backed technique to rewire stress responses and heal emotional triggers    Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!    Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (03:24) Welcome & Module Overview  (04:20) What Is Stress? — Definitions & The Gas or Brake Model  (08:42) Fight or Flight: The Sympathetic Nervous System  (09:47) The Stress Bucket & Rest and Digest  (10:08) The Human Function Curve & Burnout  (11:23) The ABC Model of Stress (Dr. Albert Ellis)  (14:36) External & Internal Stress Triggers  (17:21) DISC-Based Stress Triggers  (20:41) Reflection Activity: Identifying Your Stress Triggers  (22:35) Section 2: Introduction to Havening  (26:41) Imposter Syndrome Types & Their Connection to Stress  (32:26) Why Change Is Challenging: The Autopilot Mind  (38:25) The Neuroscience of Havening  (43:28) Havening Live Practice (7-Minute Session)  (53:41) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice    ⭐ Access the Time Generator and save 500 + minutes a week here:   https://mailchi.mp/beee.company/time-generator     ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal     ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee      ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠      ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠     ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠     ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠     ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

    The Stress Hack That Works Even If You Don't Believe It

  6. Jun 29

    The 90-Minute Rule: How I Went From Bedbound to Boardroom

    In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read takes you deeper into time optimization by teaching how to align your diary with your natural energy levels, beat procrastination through accountability, and protect your time to boost productivity without burning out. Drawing from personal experience and practical strategies like time blocking, mono-tasking, and energy awareness, this episode empowers you to work smarter while honoring your well-being. Join a live leadership development session packed with actionable exercises and reflective practices designed to help you reclaim control of your time and focus.  What You Will Learn:  💡 How to schedule tasks around your natural energy peaks for greater efficiency and less fatigue 💡 Proven accountability techniques to overcome procrastination and get important work done 💡 Practical methods to protect your time, set boundaries, and avoid distractions for sustained focus  Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!  Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:42) Welcome to Optimising Leader Brilliance  (02:09) Part 1: Optimise Your Diary Through Your Energy  (13:03) Part 2: Eliminate Distractions & Establish Boundaries  (16:09) Part 3: Managing Interruptions, Notifications & Mono-Tasking  (22:46) Summary & The Time Generator Resource  (24:09) Grab Your Free Time Generator  (24:24) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice    ⭐ Access the Time Generator and save 500 + minutes a week here:   https://mailchi.mp/beee.company/time-generator     ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal       ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee      ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠      ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠     ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠     ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠   ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

  7. Jun 22

    I Was a Workaholic — How I Found Leadership Brilliance and Work-Life Balance

    In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read dives into time optimization—sharing the one word that can save you hours every week, practical systems to cut overwhelm, and why blending time management with assertiveness can dramatically reduce stress. Drawing on personal stories and proven frameworks like the rocks, pebbles, and sand metaphor, Estelle guides you through prioritizing what truly matters, setting boundaries, and creating weekly rhythms that boost focus and energy. Whether you struggle with distractions, overwhelm, or balancing competing priorities, this episode equips you with actionable tools to regain control of your time and productivity.    What You Will Learn: 💡 The simple yet powerful system that helps you prioritize key goals over busywork using the rocks, pebbles, and sand metaphor 💡 How to set effective time and people boundaries to protect your energy and reduce overwhelm 💡 Why combining assertiveness with time-blocking and batching tasks can save you over 500 minutes per week  Access the Time Generator and save 500 + minutes a week here: https://mailchi.mp/beee.company/time-generator   Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!    Estelle Read    Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:21) Welcome  (01:47) Module 7: Time Optimisation Overview  (09:13) Activity: Time Audit  (12:41) Awareness & Choice  (15:36) The Rocks, Pebbles & Sand Metaphor  (16:59) The Urgent vs Important Matrix  (22:02) Planning, To-Do Lists & Diary Blocking  (24:30) The 20/80 Pareto Principle  (27:37) Weekly Routines & Habits  (34:49) Time Blocking  (35:36) Managing Your Production Line  (36:47) Pause, Reflect & Act - Mini Coaching Practice   ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal       ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee      ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠      ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠     ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠     ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠     ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

  8. Jun 15

    The Communication Pendulum: Why Leaders Swing Between Passive and Aggressive — and How to Stay Centred

    Unlock the power of assertive communication to reduce stress, protect your time, and build stronger relationships—at work and beyond. In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance, leadership coach Estelle Read guides you through balancing passive and aggressive communication with confident assertiveness. Learn the PAC model of communication, explore how past experiences shape your style, and discover practical frameworks for giving and receiving. Whether you’re leading a team or simply looking to communicate more clearly, this episode equips you with essential tools to say no without fear, resolve conflict amicably, and reclaim control over your and professional boundaries.  What You Will Learn: 💡 How to recognize passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles and find your assertive middle ground 💡 Practical strategies for saying no effectively to protect your wellbeing and manage your workload 💡 How to give and receive feedback that fosters growth, psychological safety, and stronger team culture    Timestamps:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:15) Welcome & Episode Overview  (02:44) Understanding Assertive Communication  (16:22) Communication Styles & Real-World Examples  (31:26) The PAC Model: Parent, Adult & Child Communication  (34:24) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice    ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool:  https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal   ⭐Follow Estelle Read:   https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee   ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call:  ⁠https://estelleread.com/resources/⁠   ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes:  ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠  🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠  ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:  ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠  ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog:   ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠   ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going:  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️.    ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube:  🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/   📺Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts     ⭐Disclaimer:   This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

    The Communication Pendulum: Why Leaders Swing Between Passive and Aggressive — and How to Stay Centred
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Lead strategically with calm confidence with Estelle Read, Bestselling Author, Coach, Speaker, and guests. Optimising Leader Brilliance is the self-improvement toolkit for leaders ready to break performance ceilings and achieve next level results. Get science-backed strategies and mindset shifts to tackle imposter syndrome, workaholism, anxiety, and self-sabotage. We provide stress relief and burnout solutions to help you reduce your workload and reclaim your time. We also share tools to clarify your strategic direction and deliver the brilliant results you're capable of. Visit: EstelleRead.com

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