The Courageous Leaders Podcast
The Courageous Leaders Podcast aims to inspire leaders to step into their courageous zone, be the leader they know they can be and discover the mindset skills and behaviours to take their leadership to the next level.
So listen in, get inspired on how you can grow your leadership impact. Leave a legacy you can be proud of, and build an environment for future leaders to thrive.
Who is Joanna Howes?
Joanna Howes is an award-winning international coach, behavioural expert, specialising in leadership and performance coaching and No 1 best selling international co-author.
Her focus is to help individuals and teams activate their full potential, so they can step into their courageous zone to maximise their influence, build their resilience and take the action needed to become high performers and future-ready leaders.
Joanna is a unique phenomenon within her industry, with over 20 years’ experience working internationally with some of the world's most awarded advertising agencies and leading them to operational and leadership success. Her blend of both innovative operational and transformative change solutions empowers organisations to create environments that are supportive and fearless for their employees.
Website: https://thechangecreators.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courageousleaderspodcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.changecreators/
Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/courageous_leaders/
The Courageous Leaders Podcast
How to Succeed When You're Told “You Won’t Be a Leader” | With Leah Spears
What happens when you stay true to yourself even when the world tells you to change?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Leah Spears, Head of Brand Strategy at Paddy Power. She shares the personal moments that shaped her leadership, from navigating judgement based on appearance to stepping into bold, visible roles. We explore confidence, curiosity, and what it takes to lead with integrity in an industry that doesn’t always make it easy.
We Cover:
01:22 – Why Leah joined Paddy Power and how she knew it was the right fit
04:08 – The judgement she faced based on how she looked and who she was
06:08 – The advice she regrets taking and how she quickly reclaimed herself
08:50 – How she turned being underestimated into her biggest strength
11:27 – Why being curious has helped her grow as a leader
14:13 – How she handles difficult conversations without fear
17:16 – Childhood ambitions and how they shaped her mindset
20:53 – Creating real connections in a digital, hybrid workplace
23:29 – What makes a great agency–client partnership work
26:20 – How she’s helping younger women in her team find their voice
29:21 – Why confidence starts with knowing you don’t have to know everything
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
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Website: https://thechangecreators.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/