Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Rachael Burns- Head of Sales Operations, Capgemini

In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Rachael Burns to reflect on the coaching they did together when Rachael stepped into her first senior leadership role.

Rachael shares her unconventional route into finance, leaving school at 16, starting out as a hairdresser, and building a successful career without going to university, before talking candidly about the challenges she faced when she took on a large, experienced team during a period of significant organisational change.

Together, Julie and Rachael explore what it really takes to grow into leadership: building confidence, finding your own authentic style, learning how to give honest and constructive feedback, and staying calm when everything around you feels chaotic.

The conversation also looks back with new insight on Rachael’s later ADHD diagnosis, and how understanding neurodiversity can shape coaching, leadership and support in the workplace.

Julie and Rachael talk about:

• Taking on a first leadership role and finding confidence in your own style
• Why being good at your job doesn’t automatically prepare you to lead people
• Learning how to have honest, constructive (and courageous) conversations
• Using the Fierce Conversations framework to prepare for difficult feedback
• Practical coaching techniques for gaining perspective and staying calm
• Finding rhythm and authenticity in leadership
• How visual and experiential coaching tools supported Rachael’s development
• Reflecting on a later ADHD diagnosis and what it explains in hindsight
• How coaches and managers can better support neurodivergent individuals
• The importance of flexibility, curiosity and understanding in coaching relationships

This episode will resonate with leaders stepping into bigger roles, anyone navigating change, and coaches or managers wanting to better understand how different people experience work, pressure and growth.

Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode

• Fierce Conversations- Susan Scott A practical framework for having honest, constructive and courageous conversations at work.
• DOSE- TJ Power A neuroscience-based book exploring dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, and how modern life impacts our brain chemistry, focus and wellbeing.
• The Huberman Lab Podcast- Dr Andrew Huberman A science-led podcast exploring brain function, behaviour, focus, mental health and performance.
• The Stompcast- Dr Alex George A walking podcast exploring mental health, wellbeing and difficult conversations in a relaxed, accessible way.
• Time to Think / Nancy Kline’s Thinking Environment A coaching approach centred on deep listening and asking spacious questions such as “What more do you want to say?”

Henley Business School

Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (or the MSc 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: lightingfires.co.uk Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

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