Modern Leadership Decoded: Trust, Talent, and Cultural Intelligence

Presence & Impact: How Coaching Transforms Leaders and Organizations

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, we sit down with Borbála Molnár ("Bori"), Head of Coaching and Mentoring at Nokia. Bori shares valuable insights on building a global coaching culture, the power of presence in leadership, and how coaching can transform both individuals and organizations. With her unique background as a teacher of English and Scandinavian languages turned HR professional, Bori brings a fresh perspective on helping people learn and grow. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * (00:00 - 02:26) Introduction to Bori and her role at Nokia  * (02:27 - 05:02) The colorful person behind the professional: Bori's journey and Renaissance spirit  * (05:27 - 08:56) How Bori found her professional calling in coaching and the continuous learning journey  * (08:58 - 13:10) Whether coach or leader, how to build your presence and listening skills * (13:21 - 16:01) Breaking down coaching stigmas and misconceptions  * (16:06 - 22:17) Building a coaching culture at Nokia: From top leadership to global community  * (22:20 - 24:59) Creating psychological safety through coaching leadership  * (26:19 - 30:01) How early in career women leaders can utilise coaching to envision their unique leadership path * (34:15 - 35:41) How to get the most out of coaching when your organisation is providing this resource About Borbála Molnár: Borbála (Bori) Molnár is a coach, trainer, facilitator, program designer, mentor and in short, an HR professional.  As Head of Coaching & Mentoring at Nokia, she currently specializes in leadership, talent and career development, workshops and online training. She has worked as Business TLO supporting various organizations in Nokia, prior to that was Communication and Change Manager for Real Estate in Nokia. She has worked as HR Consultant and HR manager in Hungary, supporting the Nokia Europe region in talent and performance management. She has also worked as consultant, translator and interpreter.  By education she is originally a teacher in English and a lecturer in Scandinavian languages and literature and is passionate about helping people learn and grow. She is interested in gamification and creating new solutions – linked to leadership development, diversity and inclusion.  A mother of three, with many hobbies, too little free time and cats at home ensuring she’s moving around. KEY QUOTES: "Being fully present can affect trust-building and create more psychological safety. For example, using active listening. So I think we're not just preaching, but we are showcasing and role modeling as HR professionals."  ”We still have a stigma, despite all our efforts, when it comes to explaining coaching, the impact of coaching, and why it's probably the most impactful  learning and development method because it's individualized–or I could say customized.” "Most people who turn to coaching are there because they want to do even better." "What is really important to me is making an impact, creating value for the individual or in some cases for a team." "I believe deep down that human coaches will never disappear. The human touch, the human connection is needed." ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS: Reframe the Coaching Mindset * Recognize coaching as a continuous learning journey, not a remedial tool * Understand that high performers seek coaching to excel further, not fix problems * Approach each session with curiosity and openness, even if you're unsure what to discuss * View coaching as a customized, individualized development opportunity How Leaders Can Create Psychological Safety Through Presence * Practice "going last" in meetings to encourage others to share their thoughts * Use active listening techniques, paying attention to body language and tone * Create regular check-ins (like Nokia's "1in90" approach) to build trust over time Build a Coaching Culture Through Role Modeling * Share success stories from coachees who have experienced breakthroughs * Encourage senior leaders to openly discuss their coaching experiences * Create opportunities for peer-to-peer coaching conversations * Demonstrate coaching techniques in everyday interactions Develop Deep Listening Skills * Notice not just what is said, but what remains unsaid * Pay attention to changes in voice tone, pace, and body language * Create space for silence and reflection * Practice being fully present without rushing to the next agenda item Support Early Career Development * Help identify and challenge imposter syndrome thoughts * Use coaching to build confidence through focusing on strengths * Create safe spaces to discuss experiences  * Connect coachees with relevant role models and mentors Balance Technology and Human Connection * Use AI tools for initial assessments and matching * Leverage technology for tracking progress and scheduling * Maintain the irreplaceable element of human connection * Stay open to evolving coaching modalities while preserving core human elements How A Coachee Can Prepare for Coaching Success * Come prepared with specific topics or areas to explore * Reflect after each session on what you learned * Be open to feedback and different perspectives * Trust the process and be willing to experiment with new approaches Connect with Borbála Molnár: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borb%C3%A1la-moln%C3%A1r-5908171/

The Brain-Friendly Workplace: How Leaders Can Reduce Stress and Increase Engagement

In this episode, co-host Ellie English sits down with Ursula Pottinga, Chief Operations Officer, BEabove Leadership and a Master NeuroTransformational coach, to discuss the neuroscience behind burnout, why it’s a systemic issue, and how organisations can shift from burnout to buy-in. Ursula shares practical insights on integrating personal and professional lives, cultivating brain-friendly workplaces, and using coaching mindsets to build trust and engagement. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for leaders and organisations seeking to create healthier, more resilient and high performing workplace cultures. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Women Leadership Reframe 01:19 Introducing Ursula Pottinga 03:11 The Human and Professional Integration 05:18 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership 12:42 Understanding Burnout and Boredom 13:17 The Role of Neuroscience in Leadership 21:03 Creating a Culture of Trust and Coaching 31:45 The Importance of Professional Coaching 32:03 Wellness Programs in Organisations 33:07 Challenges HR Leaders Face 33:34 The Value of Soft Skills 34:19 Linking Qualitative and Quantitative Performance 36:09 Overcoming Confirmation Bias 38:02 Cultivating Expansive Thinking 39:25 The Power of Personal Relevance 40:59 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Organisations 41:43 Mergers and Acquisitions: Cultural Integration 44:38 Building Brain-Friendly Workplaces 44:51 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 51:49 Saying No with Grace and Connection 59:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Connect with Ursula * Be Above Leadership: https://www.beaboveleadership.com [https://www.beaboveleadership.com] * Profound Growth Coaching: https://www.profoundgrowth.com [https://www.profoundgrowth.com] * Connect with Ursula on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ursula-pottinga [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-pottinga] * Connect with us Ellie English at linkedin.com/in/ellieenglish2 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellieenglish2] and Hollie Rottman at linkedin.com/in/hollierottmanconsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollierottmanconsulting] Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave us a review on Podchaser or your favourite podcast platform.

The Power of Generative Conflict and Flourishing Leadership

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, we sit down with Anna Simioni, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the Foundation for Italian Cancer Research and Boston Consulting Group Advisor. Anna shares profound insights on redefining success, embracing generative conflict, and creating environments where women leaders can flourish rather than simply improve. Anna's unique perspective on leadership challenges traditional notions of harmony and presents a compelling case for how productive disagreement can lead to better outcomes. She also discusses her initiative to address the concerning trend of women leaving the workforce and her innovative program at Politecnico Business School in Milan. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * (03.08 - 11:36) The shift from "improving" to "flourishing" in personal and professional growth * (12:13 - 15:06) Why harmony isn't always the goal: embracing generative conflict * (15:12 - 19:58) Anna's journey from her biggest hurdle being "herself and her attitude” to embracing failure and learning with a “Growth Mindset” * (20:19 - 27:04) The power of a growth mindset in leadership development * (28:53 - 33:51) What is generative conflict? * (36:06 - 42:20) 2022 Wake-up call: over 95% of all voluntary terminations were women * (43:09 - 46:34) Growth, learning and impact: a three dimensional approach to a senior women leadership program to increase impact * (46:39 - 50:13) The power of allyship and leveraging a bigger network, embracing conflict, and leading beyond your role for bigger impact * (51:06 - 53:31) How organizations can create environments that welcome productive disagreement ABOUT ANNA SIMIONI: Anna Simioni is Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the Foundation for Italian Cancer Research and a member of the Board of Banca Generali. She serves as a Boston Consulting Group Advisor for People & Organization practice, after having been Executive Director. With over 16 years in executive positions and 19 years of consulting practice, Anna brings deep expertise in transformation, organizational effectiveness, behavioral changes, trust building, and leadership development. A certified coach since 2009 with specializations in Narrative and Somatic Coaching, Anna is also a certified teacher of the Feldenkrais Method. She has been Chair member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Learning & Innovation Laboratory. Anna holds a Business Administration degree from Università Luigi Bocconi and a master's in Human Resources from the University of Michigan School of Business. KEY QUOTES: "Success is really being able to put your power at the service of your purpose." "Life is never in harmony... What matters is how you recover from the imperfection and the misalignment, to recreate a stronger bond or relationship with people." "The way you do things really makes visible what you want to achieve... It's not about having a goal or having an ambition and saying, 'okay, ambition is so important that I need to find a way to accomplish it.' The way you try to achieve things is even more important." "Most of the time we completely forget that the decision is good only when it is applied... making a decision in a shorter time and then having a very long or never full implementation, for me, it's not the best thing that an organization can do." ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS: 1. Embrace productive disagreement as a path to better solutions and stronger relationships 2. Focus on how you achieve goals, not just what you achieve 3. Create space for different voices and perspectives in decision-making 4. Build and leverage networks beyond your immediate organization 5. Practice self-awareness and be open to changing your narrative 6. Consider both adding and removing things in your life to flourish 7. Approach conflict with curiosity rather than judgment CONNECT WITH ANNA SIMIONI: LinkedIn: Anna Simioni RESOURCES ANNA MENTIONS IN THIS EPISODE: * Mindset: Changing The Way You Think to Fulfil Your Potential, by Dr Carol S. Dweck * Children's books by Anna and her husband, Paolo Colombo (in Italian) can be found on Amazon in your local region Enjoyed this episode? Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to subscribe to Women Leadership Reframe to hear more inspiring conversations on women's leadership and cultures of belonging. Need more support? We are always looking to partner with organizations that would like to transform their leadership and foster cultures of belonging where everybody can thrive. Please reach out to us at info@femininewarriormindset.com for a confidential chat to understand how we can help support you.

Modern Leadership Decoded: Trust, Talent, and Cultural Intelligence

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, co-host Ellie sits down with Marsha Larned, Managing Director, International Business at Institutional Investor, to explore her extensive global experience and its impact on her leadership style. Marsha discusses her career journey from BNP Paribas to her current role as the Managing Director of a global business, highlighting the challenges of advocating from a distance, the importance of self-reflection and mentorship, and the development of intercultural skills. The episode covers key themes like self-belief in leadership, the power of personal connections, and the balance of professionalism with vulnerability. Marsha shares insights on modern leadership principles, including authenticity, flexibility, and fostering human-centric workplaces. The conversation underscores the value of mental health, trust, and taking risks for personal and professional growth. Tips on creating organisational success through community culture and hybrid work environments are also discussed. Key Discussion Points 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:20 Marsha Larned's Impressive Biography 01:52 Personal Insights: Who is Marsha Larned? 02:51 International Career and Leadership Journey 03:54 Advocating for Yourself and Your Business 05:42 Developing Self-Belief and Overcoming Challenges 07:25 Navigating Cultural Differences in Business 13:16 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 18:23 Building Trust and Delegating in Leadership 20:41 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust in Change Management 22:39 Advice to My Younger Self: Embrace Opportunities and Keep Perspective 25:04 Developing and Nurturing Female Talent in Organizations 30:23 Creating a Culture of Communication and Trust 32:26 The Drive for Adventure and Taking Risks 35:37 Modern Leadership: Balancing Flexibility and Human Connection 39:48 Final Thoughts on Human-Centric Leadership Notable Quotes "Use your strong side to tackle and help your weak side thrive." - Marsha Larned "If you fast forward 10 years from now, you will not even remember this problem." Connect with Marsha Email: marsha.larned@gmail.com [marsha.larned@gmail.com]

From Hollywood to Humanitarian: A CMOs Adventurous Journey to the Top

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, podcast co-host Ellie English interviews Louise Cummins, Chief Marketing Officer for World Vision Australia. With over 30 years of award-winning experience in marketing, management, and organisational change, Louise shares her inspiring journey from the glamour of MGM studios to the heart of Cambodia, driven by a desire for purposeful work. Louise discusses the importance of resilience, clarity of purpose, and the power of passion projects. She also touches on navigating diversity in organisations, setting personal and professional boundaries, and the significance of staying in the driver's seat of one's career. Tune in for actionable advice on leadership, balancing work-life, and unleashing your potential. Episode highlights 00:00 Introduction to Women Leadership Reframe 01:33 Meet Louise Cummings: A Leadership Journey 03:25 The Role of Adventure in Career Growth 04:53 Finding Purpose and Legacy 10:12 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace 13:12 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 16:37 Taking Charge of Your Career 25:22 Challenges and Opportunities at the C-Level 27:46 The Importance of Boundaries and Balance 36:25 Leadership Traits and Mindsets 42:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Key topics covered: * The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone for professional growth * Balancing career aspirations with personal life and passion projects * Developing resilience and a strong sense of self-worth in leadership roles * Strategies for effective time management and setting boundaries * Navigating the challenges of being a woman in C-suite positions * The value of continuous learning and adapting to emerging technologies like AI * Fostering talent development and addressing unconscious bias in the workplace * Key traits for career advancement: confidence, tenacity, and problem-solving skills  Notable quotes: * "Peace is not allowing other people to guide... know yourself and know your value." * "Busy people are lazy people... you're not putting up the right boundaries around yourself." * "If you're confident and you're tenacious and you are demanding a seat at the table... that absolutely trumps talent." Louise also shares personal anecdotes, including her experience as a mother of a child with autism and how it influenced her approach to leadership and inclusivity. Listeners will gain practical advice on career progression, maintaining work-life balance, and cultivating essential leadership skills in today's dynamic business environment. Connect with Louise Cummins on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/louiseemmacummins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiseemmacummins] Don't forget to subscribe to Women Leadership Reframe for more inspiring conversations with trailblazing women leaders!