IDEAS+LEADERS

Dr Elena Paweta

Effective communication skills are essential in your career. Each Monday, join Dr Elena Paweta, executive communication coach and IDEAS+LEADERS founder, as she interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs on business communication, leadership and building relationships. If you want to progress in your career, become more charismatic and impactful leader, or just want to hear advice from top business leaders, this is the podcast for you.

  1. Jun 1

    300. What’s Next for IDEAS+LEADERS - Elena Pawęta

    In this special 300th episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, Elena Pawęta takes you behind the scenes and shares what's next for the global IDEAS+LEADERS community. She talks about the launch of the IDEAS Women project, the vision of building international acceleration and leadership programs for female entrepreneurs, the growth of IDEAS+LEADERS events following successful summits in New York and London, and an invitation to bring the movement to new cities around the world. Elena also announces her upcoming book, Ideas for Leaders, inspired by 300+ conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, and shares why conscious leadership and communication will shape the organizations of the future. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to the next 100 episodes. Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    14 min

  2. May 25

    299. Why Leaders Fail at Difficult Conversations - Jeff Wetherhold

    In episode 299 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Jeff Wetherhold, Harvard-trained behavioral scientist, change leadership expert, and faculty member with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Jeff has spent more than 20 years helping leaders engage people in meaningful change through the principles of Motivational Interviewing, bringing evidence-based communication strategies from healthcare into leadership, education, government, and nonprofit organizations. We talk about why so many change initiatives fail, why difficult conversations often create resistance instead of reflection, and how leaders can recognize the early signs of disengagement before they become conflict. Jeff shares practical insights on leading change with curiosity, dignity, and less exhaustion while building genuine commitment instead of compliance. In this episode, we discuss: • Why 88% of change efforts fail to create lasting impact• Why clarity and honesty alone don't guarantee productive conversations • How leaders unintentionally create defensiveness instead of engagement • The early language signals that reveal ambivalence before resistance appears • How Motivational Interviewing helps leaders create trust, ownership, and lasting change This is a practical and thought-provoking conversation for leaders, managers, coaches, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively while leading people through uncertainty and change. You can connect with Jeff here: https://www.changewithdignity.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wetherhold/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    28 min

  3. May 18

    298. Leadership Lessons from the Mat - Benjamin Chen

    In the episode 298 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by entrepreneur, investor, and martial artist Benjamin Chen, author of Lessons from the Mat. Benjamin has raised more than $500 million in investment capital, helped lead multiple companies to successful exits, and spent decades training in martial arts — including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Hapkido. We talk about what martial arts can teach leaders about resilience, discipline, decision-making, efficiency, and staying calm under pressure. Benjamin shares how principles from the mat helped him navigate high-stakes negotiations, business growth, setbacks, and leadership challenges across industries. A fascinating conversation about leadership, awareness, and building long-term success - both in business and in life. You can connect with Benjamin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchen88 Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    28 min

  4. May 11

    297. The Courage to Reinvent Yourself - Wendy Valentine

    In episode 297 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Wendy Valentine, speaker, reinvention expert, and author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. After experiencing divorce, grief, career burnout, financial pressure, and major life changes in her mid-forties, Wendy made a radical decision to completely redesign her life. Today, she helps others break free from autopilot living and step into a more intentional, aligned, and fulfilling next chapter. We talk about reinvention, emotional resilience, leadership through life transitions, and why midlife can become one of the most powerful periods of growth and self-leadership. In this episode, we discuss:• how to recognize when you are sleepwalking through life• the mindset shifts needed for reinvention• boundaries, burnout, and protecting your energy• designing the life of your future self• why it is never too late to start over This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for a new chapter personally or professionally. You can connect with Wendy here: https://wendyvalentine.com/  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    25 min

  5. May 4

    296. The Rise of Female Leadership in Saudi Arabia - Lujain Al-Zhrani

    In episode 296 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Lujain Alzahrani, leadership and women’s empowerment coach, program designer, and communication expert working at the intersection of voice, presence, and impact. Through her work in Saudi Arabia, Lujain helps women build confidence, develop their voice, and step into leadership with clarity and purpose. We talk about why voice is such a powerful leadership tool, how cultural context shapes the way women show up and lead, and what it really takes to move from self-doubt to self-expression in both personal and professional life. In this episode, we discuss: Why communication and voice are central to leadership The most common barriers women face when speaking up How confidence is built through practice, not perfection The role of culture in shaping leadership journeys How leaders can create spaces where others feel safe to express themselves une in for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation about leadership, empowerment, and the courage to use your voice. You can connect with Lujain here: Lujain Alzahrani | LinkedIn  Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    37 min

  6. Apr 27

    295. How to Build the Culture of We - Laura Kriska

    In episode 295 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Laura Kriska, Harvard Business Review contributor, TEDx speaker, and author of The Business of WE. Laura has spent over 30 years working with global organizations, helping leaders close the “us vs. them” gaps that quietly undermine trust, collaboration, and performance. We talk about why division inside organizations is growing across cultures, generations, functions, and ways of working and what leaders often fail to see until it starts affecting results. Laura shares practical, research-backed insights from her work and her recent Harvard Business Review article on collaboration, showing how small, everyday behaviors can rebuild trust faster than most people expect. In this episode, we discuss: How “us vs. them” thinking shows up in teams and why it’s more common than we think The subtle ways leaders unintentionally create division What actually builds trust in today’s hybrid and global workplaces Why language, goals, and resource decisions shape team dynamics Simple shifts that can transform collaboration almost immediately This is a thoughtful and practical conversation on moving from awareness to action—and building what Laura calls a true “WE” culture inside organizations. You can connect with Laura here: Laura Kriska Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    30 min

  7. Apr 20

    294. Your Next Leadership Chapter - Federico Malatesta

    In episode 294 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Federico Malatesta, founder of FM Transformational Coaching, executive and transformational coach, and former CIO of a $40B energy portfolio. Today, Federico works with executives and high-achievers navigating complex transitions, helping them make sense of uncertainty, understand real trade-offs, and act with intention when the old story no longer fits. We explore what happens when leadership is no longer about having the right answers, why many of the frameworks we rely on fail in real life, and how identity, context, and decision-making shift in moments of transition.  In this episode, we discuss: Why leadership frameworks often break down in complex situations What it means to read context instead of chasing certainty What happens when the story you’ve been telling about yourself no longer works The myth of the “authentic self” and why it can be misleading Why midlife is a necessary redesign rather than a breakdown How horses can reveal stress patterns and leadership blind spots Tune in for a reflective and insightful conversation on leadership, identity, and navigating complexity with intention. You can connect with Federico here: https://federicomalatesta.com/Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    32 min

  8. Apr 13

    293. Design Your Career with Intention - Bryce Batts

    In episode 293 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Bryce Batts, certified career coach, AEC recruiting expert, and co-founder of Career Collective. With over 15 years of experience and more than 800 professionals placed, Bryce brings a practical and honest perspective on how careers really evolve and what it takes to grow with intention. She is also the host of the Wine After Work podcast, where she leads candid conversations on leadership, career, and life. We explore what it means to stop drifting and start designing a career that aligns with your values, how the job market is changing, and why personal branding has become a critical part of professional growth. Bryce also shares powerful insights from her work with women leaders on confidence, boundaries, and self-advocacy. In this episode, we discuss: How to design a career that aligns with your vision and values The most common mistakes people make when trying to pivot or grow What is really happening in the job market and how companies can adapt Why personal branding matters and how to start building it Tune in for a practical and insightful conversation on career growth, leadership, and taking ownership of your professional path. You can connect with Bryce here: http://www.brycebatts.co/

    26 min
See All (300)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Effective communication skills are essential in your career. Each Monday, join Dr Elena Paweta, executive communication coach and IDEAS+LEADERS founder, as she interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs on business communication, leadership and building relationships. If you want to progress in your career, become more charismatic and impactful leader, or just want to hear advice from top business leaders, this is the podcast for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Elena Paweta
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Elena Paweta