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: Annie Willmot – Deputy CEO of Reading Students’ Union
Episode Overview:
In this inspiring episode, Julie Williams speaks with Annie Willmot about her personal and professional journey from conflict-avoidant team member to confident, values-led leader. As Deputy CEO of Reading Students’ Union, Annie opens up about the challenges of people-pleasing, avoiding difficult conversations, and learning to embrace her own leadership style.
Expect a very honest conversation, as honest conversations are very much part of Annie’s approach to everything.
Through executive coaching, Annie discovered how to approach conflict with clarity, communicate with confidence, and lead with compassion. She shares how coaching, combined with tools like Myers-Briggs, helped her understand her strengths, navigate uncertainty, and build trust in her voice as a leader.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How executive coaching can support confident, authentic leadership
Why conflict can be a catalyst for growth
The value of personality profiling tools like MBTI
How self-reflection builds emotional intelligence and leadership confidence
Why embracing your own style is a strength, not a weakness
Annie’s Personal Reflection Questions:
What impact am I currently having?
What’s missing?
What do the next three months look like?
Annie’s Coaching Metaphor:
“Before coaching, it felt like a grey sky with the sun peeking through. Through coaching, the clouds moved away—revealing the sun that had been there all along.”
Julie’s Top Coaching Tips:
Use coaching tools beyond the session — they’re designed for long-term growth
Build time for regular reflection (even if it doesn’t come naturally)
Embrace your leadership style — it’s okay to lead differently
Don’t fear conflict — handled well, it can unlock progress
Resources Mentioned:
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – supports deeper insight into communication and leadership preferences
Connect with Julie Williams:
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