The Unlikely Executive
The Unlikely Executive
Podcast Description
You know there’s more in you—more to explore, more to give, and more to live. Welcome to The Unlikely Executive Podcast, a bi-weekly show for those who want to make a difference—whether they’re already doing good, don’t know where to start, or are simply curious about what’s possible. This podcast is designed especially for New CEOs of nonprofits who feel they’re in the right place but wonder, Now what? Those at a crossroads, unsure if they have what it takes to craft a meaningful career doing what they love. Curious minds seeking inspiration and clarity about the art of the possible. Every episode, host Barbra Carlisle, Founder of Glee Coaching Ltd, Accredited Coach, and Mentor, brings you candid conversations with people like you who are now leaders making a significant difference. These are people whose journeys to where they are today were far from textbook. Challenges, self-doubt, and surprising turns all play a part. Yet, they’ve emerged with a sense of purpose, passion, and a desire to contribute positively to our wonderful and complex world. Through inspiring stories, actionable tips, and heartfelt moments, each guest reveals how they stepped into the unknown, discovered their purpose, and made a difference. If you’re ready to unlock your potential, challenge yourself, and take steps toward creating the impact you dream of, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as leadership in nonprofit organizations, personal transformations, and diversity in professional fields. Examples of episodes include Cohan discussing diversity in tech, Marg reflecting on her unexpected journey to becoming a CEO, and Michele sharing her transition from medicine to nonprofit leadership dedicated to brain tumor research.
You know there’s more in you, more to explore, more to give, and more to live.
Welcome to The Unlikely Executive Podcast, a bi-weekly show for people who want to make a difference both in their own careers and the world around them. You don’t have to be failing to want more. If you are curious about how others have navigated the rocky road to leadership and fulfillment you are in the right place.
This podcast is designed especially for the curious, the ambitious and the slightly nervous!
It is for those who are asking Now what?
Those at a crossroads, those with a desire to step up to the executive table and those who want to feel a sense of ownership in their own career.
Every episode, host Barbra Carlisle, Founder of Glee Coaching Ltd, Accredited Coach, and Business Mentor, brings you candid conversations with people like you who are now leaders making a significant difference.
These are people whose journeys to where they are today were far from textbook. Challenges, self-doubt, and surprising turns all play a part. Yet, they’ve emerged with a sense of purpose, passion, and a desire to contribute positively to our wonderful and complex world.
Through inspiring stories, actionable tips, and heartfelt moments, each guest reveals how they stepped into the unknown, discovered their purpose, and made a difference.
If you’re ready to unlock your potential, challenge yourself, and take steps toward creating the impact you dream of, this podcast is for you.
Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time.
Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more.
Hosted on Riverside
Why do so many organisational change programmes fail despite significant investment, planning and communication?
In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle explores one of the most misunderstood challenges in leadership: managing change. Drawing on research that suggests up to 70% of organisational change initiatives fail, she challenges the common belief that employees simply resist change.
Instead, Barbra argues that success or failure often rests with middle managers and frontline leaders who are expected to translate strategy into day-to-day reality. She unpacks why these leaders are frequently overlooked during transformation programmes and shares practical insights into how organisations can better equip them to lead their teams through uncertainty.
You’ll learn:
- Why organisational change initiatives often fail
- The critical role middle managers play in successful transformation
- How leaders can build trust during periods of uncertainty
- Why information, honesty and visibility matter during change
- How to manage the emotional impact of change on teams
- Practical leadership behaviours that help teams navigate disruption
Whether you’re leading a team in construction, housing, engineering or any organisation experiencing change, this episode offers practical guidance to help you lead with greater confidence and impact.
Key Topics
Leadership transition, expert to leader, new manager development, technical to management, first-time manager, construction leadership, housing sector management, people leadership, CIPD management training, leadership development, organisational change, change leadership, middle management, change management, transformation programmes.
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About Barbra Carlisle
Barbra Carlisle is an executive coach, facilitator and leadership development specialist who helps leaders and managers build high-performing teams, navigate change and lead with confidence. With experience supporting organisations across construction, engineering, housing, charity and corporate sectors, she specialises in helping technical experts transition into effective people leaders.
Through coaching, training and her Leadership Impact Programme, Barbra equips leaders with the practical skills, self-awareness and confidence needed to create lasting organisational impact.
Connect with Barbra
🌐 Website: www.gleecoaching.co.uk
📧 Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbra-carlisle-gleecoaching/
📅 Book a 30-minute conversation: https://zcal.co/barbracarlisle/30min
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Disclaimer
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