Finding Your Voice

Brad S
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Real conversations between two generations and the people who've been there before. Hosted by executive coach Brad Solomon and 17-year-old college student Isla Murphy, Finding Your Voice explores confidence, communication, leadership, relationships and life through the eyes of both a teenager and an adult. Alongside our conversations, we'll be joined by experienced leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, educators and inspiring guests who'll share the lessons they've learnt through their own journeys, both the successes and the mistakes. Our aim is simple. To explore how we can help young people develop the confidence, self-awareness, communication skills and leadership mindset much earlier in life. These are the conversations that shape who we become, yet many don't happen often enough in schools, colleges or universities. Whether you're a young person finding your direction, a parent, a teacher, a leader or someone who simply enjoys honest conversations, this podcast is for you.  No scripts. No lectures. Just real conversations about finding your voice. Where experience meets potential.

Episodes

  1. 18h ago

    Authentically unpassionate

    Send us Fan Mail Finding Your Voice – Episode 4Leadership Through the Eyes of a 17-Year-Old What does leadership actually look like to someone who is just about to enter adulthood? In this episode, Brad sits down with Isla to explore leadership from a perspective we rarely hear. Rather than discussing leadership theories or corporate models, the conversation focuses on what genuinely earns the respect of a young person. Together they explore why explaining why matters, the importance of two-way respect, and why confidence without substance quickly falls apart. They discuss teachers, sports coaches, workplace experiences, social media influencers and even university open days, uncovering what makes people worth following and what turns young people away from those in positions of authority. The discussion also explores whether popularity is the same as leadership, how compassion and credibility influence trust, and why innovation will become one of the defining strengths of the next generation of leaders. As the episode draws to a close, Isla reflects on the kind of leader she hopes to become and the qualities she believes will matter most as she begins her own leadership journey. Whether you're a leader, teacher, parent, coach or simply interested in understanding how the next generation sees the world, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that leadership is earned through behaviour, not titles. In this episode we discuss: • Why young people need to understand the reason behind decisions. • The difference between authority and leadership. • Why respect should always work both ways. • Confidence, charisma and credibility. • Popularity versus genuine influence. • Leadership in schools, colleges and first jobs. • Social media influencers and whether they really lead anyone. • Innovation as the superpower of the next generation. • The importance of compassion in leadership. • What makes someone truly worth following. Leadership isn't about having authority. It's about giving people a reason to follow.

  2. Jul 28

    Episode 3 – What Teenagers Can Teach Us About Leadership

    Send us Fan Mail Are the best leadership lessons actually coming from the classroom? In this episode of Finding Your Voice, Brad and Isla turn the tables on traditional leadership thinking by exploring what adults—and particularly leaders—can learn from teenagers about motivation, engagement and communication. Drawing on Isla's experiences as a student, they explore what separates an average teacher from one who genuinely inspires young people to learn. The conversation uncovers striking parallels between the classroom and the workplace, revealing that whether you're leading students or managing teams, the fundamentals are remarkably similar. Together they discuss what really engages people, why trust and psychological safety matter more than authority, and how the best teachers create environments where young people feel confident enough to ask questions, make mistakes and grow. They also explore why feedback often misses the mark, the importance of delivering difficult messages with empathy and honesty, and how curiosity, encouragement and meaningful relationships unlock motivation far more effectively than pressure or control. Throughout the episode, Brad reflects on how these same principles underpin exceptional leadership in organisations. From creating cultures where people feel valued to understanding what truly motivates individuals, the discussion highlights that the skills which inspire teenagers are often the very same skills that build high-performing teams. Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach or leader, this episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the conditions where people genuinely want to learn, contribute and thrive. Because sometimes, the greatest lessons in leadership come from listening to the people we think we're here to teach.

  3. Jul 8

    Confidence – Where Does It Come From?

    Send us Fan Mail  What does confidence really look like when you're a teenager? Is it something we're born with, or something we learn? And why do so many people mistake popularity for confidence? In this episode of Finding Your Voice, Brad and Isla explore one of the most talked about, yet least understood, subjects facing young people today. Drawing on Isla's experiences at school and college, alongside Brad's work as an executive coach and behavioural psychologist, they unpack how confidence develops, what influences it, and why so many adults get it wrong. Together they discuss the differences between confidence at school and college, the impact of friendships, social media and expectations, and how family, teachers and role models all play a part in shaping how we see ourselves. This isn't a conversation about becoming the loudest person in the room. It's about understanding that genuine confidence comes from knowing who you are, having the courage to be yourself, and finding your own voice. Whether you're a young person navigating education, a parent trying to understand your teenager, or a leader, teacher or coach supporting others, this episode offers honest insights, practical reflections and plenty of moments that may challenge the way you think about confidence.

  4. Jul 2

    Episode 1: Understanding Emotions

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 1: Understanding Emotions Why do teenagers sometimes shut down when adults are trying to help? Why do adults often get it wrong, even with the best intentions? And what do young people really need from us when life feels overwhelming? In our very first episode, Brad and Isla dive straight into one of the biggest challenges facing young people today: understanding emotions in a world where expectations seem higher than ever. Drawing on Isla's own experiences, and the conversations she's had with friends, we explore how teenagers navigate pressure, uncertainty and the emotional demands of modern life. Isla shares honest, practical insights into what genuinely helps, what doesn't, and what adults could do differently. Together we discuss the gap between generations, why listening often matters more than fixing, and how creating the right conversations can help young people build confidence, resilience and trust. Whether you're a teenager, parent, teacher, coach or leader, this episode offers practical ideas and honest reflections that could change the way you approach conversations with the young people in your life. Where experience meets potential.

  • 4 Episodes

About

Real conversations between two generations and the people who've been there before. Hosted by executive coach Brad Solomon and 17-year-old college student Isla Murphy, Finding Your Voice explores confidence, communication, leadership, relationships and life through the eyes of both a teenager and an adult. Alongside our conversations, we'll be joined by experienced leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, educators and inspiring guests who'll share the lessons they've learnt through their own journeys, both the successes and the mistakes. Our aim is simple. To explore how we can help young people develop the confidence, self-awareness, communication skills and leadership mindset much earlier in life. These are the conversations that shape who we become, yet many don't happen often enough in schools, colleges or universities. Whether you're a young person finding your direction, a parent, a teacher, a leader or someone who simply enjoys honest conversations, this podcast is for you.  No scripts. No lectures. Just real conversations about finding your voice. Where experience meets potential.

Information

  • Creator
    Brad S
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Finding Your Voice
  • Show Website
    Finding Your Voice