The Lighting Fires Podcast
The Lighting Fires Podcast
Podcast Description
Hosted by Executive Coach Julie Williams MSc, The Lighting Fires Podcast is a space for real conversations about change, growth, and the spark that starts it all. Julie has a Master's in Coaching and Behavioural change, over 10 years experience of running her own coaching practice, and 15 years experience in marketing leadership roles.
In each episode, Julie sits down with one of her coaching clients to reflect on pivotal moments in their personal and professional journeys — from navigating imposter syndrome to finding confidence in leadership, from starting a business to rediscovering purpose.
Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from people who’ve dared to light a fire under their own ambitions. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering what’s next, these conversations will help you tune in to your own spark — and fuel your next step.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how Julie could work with you or your team, go to www.lightingfires.co.uk
You can also contact Julie by emailing [email protected] or connect at linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on personal development, leadership, and rediscovering purpose with episodes like navigating imposter syndrome, building successful businesses, and the importance of celebrating personal milestones within professional journeys.
Hosted by Executive Coach Julie Williams MSc, The Lighting Fires Podcast is a space for real conversations about change, growth, and the spark that starts it all. Julie has a Master’s in Coaching and Behavioural change, over 10 years experience of running her own coaching practice, and 15 years experience in marketing leadership roles.
In each episode, Julie sits down with one of her coaching clients to reflect on pivotal moments in their personal and professional journeys — from navigating imposter syndrome to finding confidence in leadership, from starting a business to rediscovering purpose.
Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from people who’ve dared to light a fire under their own ambitions. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering what’s next, these conversations will help you tune in to your own spark — and fuel your next step.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how Julie could work with you or your team, go to www.lightingfires.co.uk
You can also contact Julie by emailing [email protected] or connect at linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach
Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires
Guest: Pete Wharton- Managing Director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants.
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Julie Williams sits down with Pete Wharton, Managing Director of Wharton, one of the UK’s leading natural infrastructure consultancies. Pete is also a passionate advocate for restoring our relationship with nature, and he was recently awarded Professional Forester of the Year by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
Pete reflects on his journey from climbing trees as a kid in Ipswich, to building a successful environmental consultancy, and the challenges he’s faced along the way. He discusses how coaching helped him rediscover his purpose—not just as a business owner, but as a person.
Key Takeaways:
Purpose can be rediscovered. A visit to his childhood park reminded Pete of why he started this work in the first place—his love of trees and nature.
Celebrate the wins. Pete learned to pause, reflect, and celebrate milestones with his team instead of constantly chasing the next thing.
Leadership is personal. Coaching helped Pete realise he didn’t need to suppress his own values to be a strong leader—and that he’s allowed to have an opinion.
Speaking out creates change. Pete shares his powerful experience of raising awareness for miscarriage and the unexpected ripple effect it had on others.
Fun matters. Whether it’s spending time in the field or laughing with the team, Pete highlights the value of enjoying your work and reconnecting with what makes it meaningful.
Julie’s Top Tips from This Episode:
Rediscover your purpose. Like Pete, revisit the places or moments that first lit your spark—what truly connects you to your work or business?
Map out your highs. Try creating a visual timeline of your life and work milestones. Focus on the moments that made you feel alive—and notice what they have in common.
Useful Links:
Start with Why by Simon Sinek – a brilliant guide to identifying your personal and professional purpose.
Julie Williams (Executive Coach): www.lightingfires.co.uk
Pete Wharton & Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants: www.whartons.co.uk
Email Julie: [email protected]
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc
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