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.
The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School and 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
Interested in becoming a coach? Find out more about Henley Business School here: https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching
Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires
Guest: Lucy Guest- Social Media Strategist and Brand Communication Specialist.
Episode Overview
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie sits down with Social Media Strategist and Brand Communication Specialist, Lucy Guest to explore the transformational coaching journey they experienced together. Their conversation dives into what it really means to lead with confidence and authenticity, make brave decisions even when they may be unpopular, and navigate complex power dynamics within organisations.
Along the way, they take some wonderfully unexpected detours, from sharks and caterpillars to medieval languages, Shakespeare, and Dungeons & Dragons, using metaphor and creativity to illuminate the realities of modern leadership. Lucy shares the practical exercises and coaching techniques that helped her shift perspective, build self-belief, and step into an authentic leadership style that aligns with her values.
This is a colourful, honest, and insightful conversation about growth, identity, and becoming the leader you were meant to be.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How to build confidence as a leader when stepping into your first significant management role
Why striving to be liked can limit your leadership potential
Tools for navigating power dynamics and organisational politics without losing your values
How creative coaching techniques can unlock new perspectives and clarity
Ways to balance supporting your team while allowing them the space to learn through mistakes
Why understanding individual communication styles helps create healthier team dynamics
The value of reframing failure as part of leadership growth
Julie’s Top Coaching Takeaways
Respond, don’t react Creating space to pause helps you choose a considered response instead of an emotional reaction.
Detach from the need to be liked Leadership isn’t a popularity contest. Stay connected to your purpose and the outcome you want to create, even if not everyone approves.
Zoom out to gain perspective Techniques such as constellations help you step outside your own viewpoint and understand what different stakeholders need.
Celebrate authenticity Confidence grows when you stop shrinking yourself to fit expectations and instead lead in a way that feels genuinely true to you.
Learn from mistakes- they’re essential Leaders aren’t defined by avoiding mistakes, but by how they reflect, learn and adapt because of them.
Resources Mentioned
Swimming with Sharks allegory / essay – a metaphor for navigating organisational politics and power dynamics
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – understanding personality and communication preferences
Constellations coaching method – perspective-shifting systemic mapping technique (inspired by the work of John Whittington)
Henley Business School – Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching
Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here.
Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.
Connect with Julie
Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc
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