I’m back with a more personal episode, sharing the self-reflection I’ve been doing over the last few months and the question that’s been steering it all: what do I need in place to do my best work?

After an intense stretch of travel and back-to-back client weeks, I realised I was running on fumes, and that’s not the energy I want to bring into the room.

I talk about why reflection builds resilience and emotional intelligence, plus the practical shifts that have helped me re-energise: protecting thinking time, planning so I feel in control, and using thought partners to sharpen the quality of my decisions.

I’ll leave you with a question to take into your own week.

Highlights:

(01:42) - Why self-reflection is a leadership tool, not a fluffy extra

(03:28) - The treadmill moment, when I realised “this pace isn’t sustainable”

(05:46) - Extrovert energy, and why I now need more quiet windows than I used to

(06:58) - The restorative week experiment, what changed when my diary finally had space

(08:34) - Planning as stress relief, how structure helps me feel calmer and sharper

(09:55) - Quality thinking needs conditions, and why a thought partner boosts my best work

Connect with Emma:

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

As we step into a new year, I wanted to pause and challenge the way we think about New Year’s resolutions. I share why I am not a huge fan of big, dramatic goals set in January, and why so many of them quietly fall away by the end of the month.

This episode is about reframing resolutions as habits, and giving yourself permission to start, stop, adjust and recommit without judgement.

I also reflect on the goals that have actually worked for me, and the common thread between them. Small steps, realistic expectations and accountability made all the difference.

If you are feeling pressure to overhaul your life right now, this conversation will help you take a calmer, more sustainable approach to growth this year.

Highlights:

(01:10) Why a New Year’s resolution is just a goal in disguise

(02:58) The problem with all or nothing thinking in January

(04:47) Why habits take longer than 21 days to stick

(06:12) How small, flexible goals create lasting change

(07:45) The power of accountability when building new habits

(09:10) A realistic approach to health, strength and consistency

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

As we close out 2025, I wanted to slow things down and talk about gratitude, not in a cliched end of year way, but as a real, everyday leadership practice.

I share research that shaped my own thinking, showing how much more weight negative thoughts and interactions hold compared to positive ones. Understanding this has changed the way I speak to myself and the way I show up for others.

In this episode I walk through my own weekly gratitude habits, the tiny moments that keep me grounded and the impact they have had on my mindset, resilience and leadership. I also explore what happens when we extend this practice to the people we lead, and how appreciation strengthens morale, engagement and trust.

As the year wraps, I share the things I am most grateful for in 2025, what surprised me, what stretched me and the joy I have found in creating this podcast.

Highlights:

(01:42) The research that explains why negative thinking hits harder

(04:15) How I practise gratitude weekly in small, simple ways

(06:58) Why leaders must recognise what is going well, not just what needs fixing

(09:25) Building a team culture where appreciation is normal

(10:39) My personal reflections and wins from 2025

(12:55) A thank you to listeners and my hopes for 2026

Connect with Emma:

LinkedIn

Website

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio