S3 EP1: Accidental Manager to Confident Leader with Steve Jones

S3 EP3: Han Solo or Princess Leia- Leadership, AI and Adaptability with Rory McLaren.

Host: Julie Williams MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Rory McLaren - Technology and Product Leader In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, [https://www.lightingfires.co.uk/podcast/] supported by Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching], Julie is joined by Rory McLaren for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, adaptability, confidence and learning how to navigate change. Rory shares his journey from growing up in a remote ex-mining village in Scotland to becoming a Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of a successful startup, before transitioning into leadership within a much larger global corporate environment following an acquisition. Together, Julie and Rory explore the culture shock of moving from a fast-paced startup into a complex international organisation, and how coaching helped Rory develop the tools, confidence and self-awareness to lead more effectively. Julie and Rory discuss: * Moving from technical expert to strategic leader * Learning to influence without authority * Imposter syndrome and feeling out of place in corporate environments * The value of adaptability in leadership * Why asking "stupid questions" can drive innovation and psychological safety * Understanding personality differences through Myers-Briggs * Reactive versus proactive leadership styles * Building confidence through coaching and role play * The importance of curiosity, learning and sharing knowledge * AI, coaching and why human relationships still matter Rory also reflects on his shift from "Han Solo" leadership, reactive and firefighting, to a calmer, more intentional and strategic "Princess Leia" approach. This episode is a fascinating conversation about leadership in modern organisations, the power of curiosity, and why human connection and adaptability will remain essential in a rapidly changing world. If you're interested in working with Julie please contact her at julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk], or Julie Williams MSc. (nee Walls) | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach/] or through her website here [https://lightingfires.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e9ba77d2a464f8bf600ad26f&id=1fe26f5cdf&e=c454142247]. And if you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching], a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact. To find out more, visit Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching]. Resources Mentioned · Myers-Briggs [https://www.myersbriggs.org/] personality frameworks · Insights Discovery [http://www.insights.com] personality frameworks Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk [http://lightingfires.co.uk/] Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk] LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc [about:blank] If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley

S3 EP2: Career change, confidence and knowing when It's time to leave - with Kate Gräfe

Host: Julie Williams MSc - Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Kate Gräfe - Social Value Director and former procurement and supply chain leader In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, [https://www.lightingfires.co.uk/podcast/] supported by Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching], Julie is joined by Kate Gräfe for an honest and reflective conversation about career change, confidence, self-awareness and creating a working life that genuinely fits. After nearly two decades working in procurement and supply chain leadership within local government, Kate reached a crossroads. Following the pandemic, she began questioning whether the career path she had followed for years still aligned with who she was and how she wanted to live and work. Together, Julie and Kate explore the coaching journey that helped Kate redefine success on her own terms, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and transition into a role focused on sustainability and social value. Julie and Kate discuss: * Knowing when it's time to leave a role or career path * Career crossroads and creating a clearer vision for the future * Balancing ambition, family life and wellbeing * Discovering your "hidden superpower" through greater self-awareness * The realities of self-employment and finding the right working environment * Imposter syndrome, confidence and learning not to undervalue yourself * How coaching creates clarity, structure and momentum during times of change * Redundancy, resilience and staying open to unexpected opportunities * Understanding interpersonal differences through personality profiles Kate also reflects on the surprising realisation that came through personality profiling work during coaching, and how understanding where she gets her energy from helped shape the next stage of her career and life. This episode is a thoughtful and relatable conversation for anyone questioning their next step, navigating a career transition, or wondering whether there might be another way forward. If you're interested in working with Julie please contact her at julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk], or Julie Williams MSc. (nee Walls) | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach/] or through her website here [https://lightingfires.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e9ba77d2a464f8bf600ad26f&id=1fe26f5cdf&e=c454142247]. And if you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching], a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact. To find out more, visit Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching]. Resources Mentioned * Myers-Briggs [https://www.myersbriggs.org/] * Insights Discovery [http://www.insights.com] personality frameworks Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk [http://lightingfires.co.uk/] Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk] LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc [about:blank] If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley

S3 EP1: Accidental Manager to Confident Leader with Steve Jones

Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Steve Jones –Head of Education & Application Support (EMEA) at d&b audiotechnik In the opening episode of Series 3 of The Lighting Fires Podcast, [https://www.lightingfires.co.uk/podcast/] supported by Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching], Julie is joined by Steve Jones for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, confidence, self-awareness and the power of coaching. Steve shares the experiences that shaped his resilient outlook on life, from a challenging childhood to building a successful international career in the fast-paced live events industry. He reflects on stepping into leadership without a traditional management pathway, navigating team conflict during the pandemic, and the self-doubt that can come with increased responsibility. Together, Julie and Steve explore how coaching helped Steve better understand himself, recognise his strengths, and grow into a more confident and authentic leader. Julie and Steve discuss: * How difficult life experiences can shape resilience and mindset * Moving from technical expert to people leader * Why many managers feel unprepared for leadership roles * Understanding interpersonal differences through personality profiles * Overcoming imposter syndrome and building executive presence * The value of self-awareness in leadership * Why coaching creates the time and space to think clearly * Leading teams with greater honesty, confidence and trust This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn't require perfection or having all the answers. Often, it begins with understanding yourself. If you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching], a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact. To find out more, visit Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching]. Resources Mentioned * Myers-Briggs [https://www.myersbriggs.org/] and Insights Discovery personality frameworks [http://www.insights.com] * Surrounded by Idiots [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surrounded-Idiots-Behaviour-Effectively-Communicate/dp/1785046209/ref=asc_df_1785046209?mcid=d52d2bf039c93aeeaaf8136a9a01a93b&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=747759376464&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15577099125037021818&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006719&hvtargid=pla-2422685048304&psc=1&hvocijid=15577099125037021818-1785046209-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1] by Thomas Erikson * Purposive Drift by Richard Oliver (career and leadership development concept) Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk [http://lightingfires.co.uk/]Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk]LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc [about:blank] If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review, it helps more listeners discover these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy | Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay | Produced by Perri Hurley

Confidence and Identity: What Coaching Can Do For You

Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Katie Denyer- Executive Coach, Supervisor and Tutor at Henley Business School In this bonus episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, [https://www.lightingfires.co.uk/podcast/] supported by Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching], Julie is joined by Katie Denyer. Katie is also an executive coach, a supervisor, and a tutor on the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School. Together, they explore what coaching really looks like in practice, unpacking some of the most common themes that have come up across the series so far. From identity and confidence to limiting beliefs and career change, this episode offers a deeper insight into how coaching helps people better understand themselves and move forward with clarity. Julie and Katie discuss: * How our identity evolves over time, and why it's more flexible than we think * The impact of limiting beliefs and where they often originate * Practical techniques to build confidence and feel more grounded in challenging situations * The connection between mind and body, and how this shows up in our work and lives * How to approach career change and make decisions that feel more aligned This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the coaching process, with practical ideas and reflections you can apply to your own life. If you're interested in working with Julie on these topics contact her julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk] or on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach/]. And if you're interested in developing your coaching skills, Julie highly recommends the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching] - a programme grounded in research, with a strong focus on practical application and real-world impact. To find out more, visit Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching]. Previous Episodes Mentioned: S1 EP1: Finding Purpose and Leading Authentically – A Coaching Conversation with Pete Wharton [https://pod.link/1812823785/episode/MGY2MmQyNGEtNmM5Ni00OTRlLWJjMWItYjQ0MmQyYzc0N2M3] S1 EP6: Lighting Fires Podcast – Navigating Identity, Grief & Values with Hannah [https://pod.link/1812823785/episode/NjAxMmE3NzQtN2Q2Yy00YWM0LThkZjktZjRmOGMyYWRjZmJk] Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk [http://lightingfires.co.uk/]Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk]LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc [about:blank] If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review- it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights. Artwork by Ian Guppy Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay Produced by Perri Hurley

S2 EP6: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Confidence, Leadership and Late ADHD Diagnosis

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 [https://www.lightingfires.co.uk/podcast/], supported by Henley Business School [https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching], 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 [https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwit0OCzwuKSAxWJmIMHHaeeK3MYACICCAEQChoCZWY&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1J4xyI1ArOSX9aubhCBYSTQ-8yScvpu-PR45ReAemDyeBhI_WarRHxoCJccQAvD_BwE&ei=YGqVaa2BPZuKhbIPoq-n-Q8&cid=CAASJeRoSAfeAz77UsL2gymcCz8P-wKclQeUnkc1MJKoJzni5U1cbmY&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_33&sig=AOD64_1TiQf_le21CTYd21CtX8dimFAWow&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwitsdqzwuKSAxUbRUEAHaLXKf8Qwg8oAXoECAsQDA&adurl=] A practical framework for having honest, constructive and courageous conversations at work. * DOSE- TJ Power [https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwj1gcPBwuKSAxWFgoMHHZ3EKwcYACICCAEQBBoCZWY&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1OqP84GeZKG7v_33eZH1Ecrw4vrE41VpDPSAc69llem_0GCiwpc0pBoCA5gQAvD_BwE&ei=fWqVaf3qNJC_hbIPmMqvwQs&cid=CAASJeRoYNE1halaAFRuoqHXP-LlISVwQgKYM1_ifw6WZB3hT5J_w70&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_33&sig=AOD64_2veQw198V58wMTXxSITnbiL677xQ&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwi9nbzBwuKSAxWQX0EAHRjlK7gQ9aACKAB6BAgFEBE&adurl=] 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 [https://www.hubermanlab.com/all-episodes] A science-led podcast exploring brain function, behaviour, focus, mental health and performance. * The Stompcast- Dr Alex George [https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/podcast] A walking podcast exploring mental health, wellbeing and difficult conversations in a relaxed, accessible way. * Time to Think / Nancy Kline's Thinking Environment [https://www.timetothink.com/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 [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching] (or the MSc in Executive Coaching) at Henley Business School here [https://www.henley.ac.uk/study/corporate-development/professional-certificate-in-executive-coaching]. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk [http://lightingfires.co.uk/] Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk [julie@lightingfires.co.uk] LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc [Julie%20Williams%20MSc] If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review- it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.