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/
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The Courageous Leaders Podcast
What happens when imposter syndrome holds you back?
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Carly Avener, CEO of Leo Burnett UK, about why vulnerability is essential to leadership and how sharing your story builds real trust.
Carly opens up about imposter syndrome, insomnia, and the pressure of returning to work as a parent. She also shares the practical steps she’s taken to reframe anxiety, create supportive environments for working parents, and build a culture of openness that allows both people and creativity to thrive.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – Becoming CEO and choosing to lead with vulnerability
03:34 – Sharing her background and story to inspire others
04:59 – The impact of opening up about imposter syndrome
08:23 – How comparison held her back in her career
10:59 – Finding support and using coaching to rebuild confidence
13:20 – Why reframing imposter syndrome can fuel growth
15:25 – The dangers of constant comparison and how to stop it
17:15 – Practical tools to help build confidence at work
19:29 – How to give feedback without damaging confidence
21:45 – Focusing on what you can control in uncertain times
26:31 – Living with anxiety and insomnia as a leader
32:35 – Building Parent Land to support working parents
38:36 – Gender equality and why it benefits everyone
39:48 – What her future self would remind her today
40:47 – Why knowing yourself is the key to leading others
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