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
When a high performer hands in their notice, most organisations immediately focus on salary, benefits or what a competitor has offered.
But what if the real reason they’re leaving is much closer to home?
In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle explores the leadership behaviours that have the greatest impact on employee retention. Drawing on research and her own experience developing leaders, she challenges the common assumption that people leave organisations primarily for more money.
Instead, she examines the crucial role line managers play in keeping talented people engaged, motivated and committed.
Barbra discusses the three biggest drivers of avoidable turnover, why development matters more than many leaders realise, and the practical leadership habits that help people feel valued, heard and supported at work.
If you’re a manager, team leader or senior leader looking to build a stronger, more engaged team, this episode offers practical insights you can implement immediately.
In This Episode
✅ Why great employees leave organisations
✅ The surprising influence line managers have on retention
✅ Why development opportunities matter more than perks
✅ How giving people a voice increases engagement
✅ The link between wellbeing, pressure and retention
✅ Coaching versus rescuing: developing independent team members
✅ Why regular feedback strengthens performance and loyalty
✅ How to spot disengagement before someone resigns
✅ Practical leadership habits that improve retention and performance
Key Topics
Employee retention, leadership development, people management, line management, employee engagement, coaching skills, management development, leadership impact, staff turnover, construction leadership, housing sector leadership, wellbeing at work, employee development, feedback culture, talent retention.
Take the Free Assessment
Find out where you stand across all four pillars of leadership impact.
Take the free Leadership Impact Scorecard:
https://leadership.gleecoaching.com/leadership-scorecard
About Barbra Carlisle
Barbra Carlisle is an executive coach, facilitator and leadership development specialist who helps leaders build confident teams, develop future talent and create workplaces where people thrive.
With experience supporting leaders across construction, engineering, housing, charity and corporate sectors, Barbra specialises in helping technical experts become effective people leaders through practical coaching, training and leadership development programmes.
Her Leadership Impact Programme equips leaders with the skills, confidence and self-awareness needed to engage teams, retain talent and deliver sustainable organisational success.
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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