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How to Lead with Kate Waterfall Hill

How to Lead with Kate Waterfall Hill

By: Kate Waterfall Hill
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About this listen

 How to Lead is the go-to podcast for CEOs, founders, business owners, and leaders who want to strike the perfect balance between authority and empathy. I’m Kate Waterfall Hill - leadership coach, author, and creator of Linda, the bad manager, my alter ego who shows us how not to lead. With over 30 years’ experience working with and coaching CEOs and founders (and being one myself), I’ve helped hundreds of leaders elevate their skills and confidence. In each episode, I’ll share simple, actionable tips and habits to take the stress out of people management. Every episode starts with Linda’s “what not to do” moment, followed by practical insights on how to handle leadership challenges with finesse. You’ll find How to Lead on all major podcast platforms, plus video episodes on YouTube. My best-selling book, How to Lead, is also a great companion to the show. Subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode, and if you enjoy it, please rate, review, and share with fellow leaders. For coaching programmes or my self-paced Digital Academy, visit www.waterfallhill.co.uk. Got a topic suggestion? Email me at hello@waterfallhill.co.uk. Follow me on all major social platforms - just search Kate Waterfall Hill or Linda, the bad manager, and join a community of over 300,000 leaders.Copyright 2026 Kate Waterfall Hill Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Managing Underperformance

    Managing Underperformance
    Jan 15 2026

    In this episode of 'How to Lead,' leadership coach Kate dives into managing underperformance, a challenge that affects all leaders. Kate shares practical tools and strategies to address underperformance in a structured, calm, and human way. Learn how to handle different types of employee responses and the importance of consistency in follow-up. The episode concludes with self-reflection questions to help leaders improve their approach to managing underperformance.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Introduction to Managing Under Performance

    02:05 Common Mistakes in Handling Under Performance

    03:20 Understanding the Root Causes of Under Performance

    05:26 Effective Conversations for Managing Under Performance

    07:09 The LECA Framework for Performance Conversations

    08:53 Handling Different Types of Responses

    10:26 When to Escalate: Reset Conversations and Formal Processes

    12:10 Consistency and Self-Reflection in Leadership

    13:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Useful links:

    The Digital Academy Online Course

    Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes

    Buy the "How to Lead" book

    Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

    Follow Kate on TikTok

    Contact Kate

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Digital Academy January Sale

    Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Reflect and Plan 2026

    Reflect and Plan 2026
    Jan 1 2026

    Kate kicks off the new year with a strategic reflection and planning process for 2026. The episode includes actionable steps and a workbook (link below) to help leaders enhance their effectiveness, with practical tools for weekly touch points, team discussions, personal leadership plans, and creating a shock-absorbent leadership approach. The episode aims to help leaders cultivate clarity, care, and curiosity, and ultimately, a more impactful and adaptable leadership style in 2026.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Reflecting and Planning for 2026

    00:55 Introduction and Setting Up for Success

    01:01 Linda the Bad Manager: A Lesson in Self-Awareness

    02:24 The Reality of January for Leaders

    03:21 A Fresh Strategic Model for 2026 Planning

    06:26 The Three Rooms Model

    07:56 Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions

    09:24 Planning Through the Lens of Energy

    10:44 Designing Your Year with Leadership Touch Points

    11:43 Planning with Your Team

    12:59 Creating a One Page Personal Leadership Plan

    13:53 Planning for the Unexpected

    14:48 Day One, Week One Action List

    15:38 Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts

    Useful links:

    The Reflect & Plan Workbook

    The Digital Academy Online Course

    Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes

    Buy the "How to Lead" book

    Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

    Follow Kate on TikTok

    Contact Kate

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Digital Academy January Sale

    Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Managing Gen X and Boomers

    Managing Gen X and Boomers
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of the How to Lead Podcast, Kate provides practical tools, techniques, and strategies for managing Gen X and Baby Boomer employees successfully. Managing experience can be just as tricky as managing inexperience, and in this episode Kate highlights the importance of respect for expertise, clarity over charisma, and the benefits of tech integration without condescension, with actionable tips.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Introduction to Managing Gen X and Boomers

    00:54 Understanding the Generational Spectrum

    01:43 Alice's Story: A Lesson in Assumptions

    02:48 Challenges in Managing Experienced Employees

    03:45 Four Key Lessons for Managing Experienced Colleagues

    05:53 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    07:25 Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation

    07:55 Conclusion: Respect, Relevance, and Relationship

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    Useful links:

    Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes

    Buy the "How to Lead" book

    Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

    Follow Kate on TikTok

    Contact Kate

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Digital Academy January Sale

    Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
All stars
Most relevant
if you perhaps need seen, to guage your own biases, and even improve others around you, then Kate delivers. In many instances she'll have you laughing, dropping everything to focus on her insight, and often revisiting very considerate strategy. A must have podcast for that daily commute or volunteer role.

Relatable, Empathetic and Hugely Reassuring

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