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There’s a stage of life we don’t talk about enough. You’re managing your career, your children, your relationships… and at the same time, stepping into supporting or caring for your parents. It often happens quickly. Without warning. Without a roadmap. In this episode, I share a deeply personal experience of navigating this season. The emotional weight, the decisions, the constant thinking ahead, and the mental load that sits behind it all. Because it’s not just what you’re doing… it’s what you’re carrying. There’s also a quieter layer to this that doesn’t get spoken about. The grief that comes with watching your parents change, lose independence, or decline. The shift from being supported to becoming the support. This isn’t just a personal conversation. It’s a leadership one. Because many people are navigating this quietly while still showing up to work every day. And if you’re leading people, understanding what sits behind someone’s energy, behaviour and capacity matters. This episode is about awareness, compassion, and recognising that you are not alone in this season. In this episode, I cover: What the sandwich generation really is, and why it’s growing• The hidden mental load of caring for both children and parents• The emotional impact, including grief and role reversal• Why this stage can feel overwhelming, even when everything looks “fine”• The importance of asking for support and not doing it all alone• Why leaders need to understand what their people may be carrying   Timestamps 00:00 Podcast intro00:28 The reality of the sandwich generation01:55 A personal story and what this stage looks like03:41 My own caregiving experience05:36 The hidden mental load06:49 Why this matters in the workplace08:45 Grief and cognitive decline10:12 Break11:24 Sibling roles and distance care14:12 Don’t lose yourself in the process15:50 Support, resources and reflection16:47 Close   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve been taught that leadership is about performance. Results. Output. Driving outcomes. But what if the real driver of performance… is care? In this episode, I sit down with Graeme Cowan to have a conversation that I think more leaders need to hear. Because right now, people are under pressure.Nearly one in two managers are experiencing severe stress every week. That’s not just a wellbeing issue. That’s a leadership issue. We talk about what caring leadership actually looks like in practice, not as a “nice to have”, but as something that directly impacts performance, resilience and culture. This is a grounded conversation about how you show up as a leader when things are hard, how you support your people without lowering standards, and why connection is becoming one of the most important leadership skills we have. In this episode, we cover: Why care is not soft… it’s a driver of performance The reality of stress and pressure leaders are navigating right now Why leadership is about creating environments where people feel seen and supported The difference between pushing for performance and enabling it Practical ways to have better conversations with your team The four pillars of care: self-care, crew care, red zone care and creating a “code green” culture   Timestamps 00:00 Start better conversations00:43 Meet Graeme Cowan01:43 Depression behind success03:56 Recovery and purpose06:19 Relationships and resilience08:26 Why care matters now11:25 Mastermind break12:37 Four pillars of care14:00 Building caring teams16:01 Red zone care framework19:10 Changing corporate incentives22:43 Intentional actions for mood25:23 One practical leadership move27:42 Wrap up and close   Links: Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Graeme:Website: https://graemecowan.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecowan1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemecowan/   Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You… I’m talking about something I’m hearing more and more… age. Not ageing itself, but the story people start telling themselves about what it means.“I’m too old.” “They’ll choose someone younger.” “I feel invisible.” Most people aren’t being told they’re past it. They’re deciding that themselves. And once that story takes hold, it changes how you show up. You hesitate, hold back, and start questioning whether you belong in rooms you absolutely belong in. This episode brings it back to what actually matters… your value, your positioning, and your relevance. Because experience plus self-belief plus relevance equals authority. In this episode, I explore: Why age becomes a problem when it turns into identity How that thinking impacts confidence, behaviour and visibility Why ageism is real, but you still can’t hand over your power The difference between capability and relevance How to reposition yourself for what’s next   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome00:26 Why age feels bigger than it should02:31 The age story trap04:26 Ageism and ownership07:59 Relevance over age09:55 Future relevance11:03 Mindset shifts13:45 Authority14:46 Final thoughts16:07 Close   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde is joined by memory expert and Australian memory champion Tansel Ali for a fascinating conversation about memory, focus and mental performance in a world full of distractions. What makes Tansel’s story so powerful is that he didn’t begin with a brilliant memory. In fact, he believed the opposite. For years he saw himself as someone who constantly forgot things, struggled to retain information and relied on Post-it notes just to stay organised. Then everything changed. After discovering memory techniques through a friend, Tansel began deliberately training his brain. That journey led him to extraordinary achievements, including memorising two full Yellow Pages directories in just 24 days. It sounds impossible, yet his story is a reminder that the brain is far more trainable than most people realise. In this conversation we go beyond memory techniques. We explore how memory training strengthens focus, improves communication and supports clearer thinking, something that matters enormously for leaders navigating complex and fast-moving environments. We also talk about cognitive overload, a challenge so many leaders face today. Moving from meeting to meeting, decision to decision, conversation to conversation without pause can leave the brain scattered and exhausted. Tansel explains why this doesn’t just feel draining. It actively weakens recall, focus and mental clarity. Another important theme in this episode is the role of AI and technology. Tools like AI can support our thinking, but they should never replace it. As Tansel explains, if we outsource too much of our thinking and remembering to technology, we risk weakening the very skills that help us lead well. We also dive into practical ideas, including simple strategies to remember names, prepare your brain before meetings and reduce the mental clutter that drains focus and energy. If you have ever felt mentally overloaded, distracted or forgetful, this episode will challenge how you think about memory and give you practical ways to sharpen your mind. In this episode we explore How Tansel Ali went from believing he had a bad memory to becoming a memory champion• Why memory is far more trainable than most people think• How memory training improves focus, learning and communication• What cognitive overload does to leaders and why so many people feel mentally exhausted• How to think about AI without outsourcing your own thinking   Timestamps 00:00 Focus Memory Hack00:22 Podcast Intro01:30 From “Bad Memory” to Memory Champion02:48 Discovering Memory Techniques05:00 Benefits of Memory Training08:05 AI and Technology Trade-offs11:59 Authentic Leadership and Mental Clarity14:31 Cognitive Overload17:09 Remembering Names20:40 Sharpening the Mind23:16 Switching Off at Night26:29 Final Takeaways   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here   Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde challenges the common advice given to women in leadership to “speak up more” and “be more visible”. While it sounds empowering, Julie explains why speaking up on its own is not a strategy and how, without clarity and positioning, visibility can actually weaken your influence rather than strengthen it. Drawing on years of working with capable professionals in leadership and business, Julie explores the difference between participation and contribution, why relevance matters more than volume, and how anchoring yourself to your values and future direction gives your voice real authority. If you want your voice to carry weight, not just volume, this episode will help you think differently about influence, positioning and leadership presence. What We Cover in This Episode Why speaking up without a strategy can make you reactive rather than powerful• The difference between participating and contributing• Why relevance matters more than volume in today’s workplace• How anchoring yourself to your values changes the authority of your voice• Why positioning, not performance, determines influence• Three powerful reflection questions to ask before you speak• How clarity strengthens leadership presence   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Leading You00:49 Why the “speak up more” advice is incomplete02:37 Why clarity matters more than visibility03:55 Relevance and real value in today’s workplace05:31 What are you actually known for?06:51 Leadership in the AI era07:47 Anchoring your identity as a leader09:32 Why positioning builds authority12:08 Three reflection questions before you speak13:34 Why clarity beats volume14:24 Final reflection15:06 Rate, review and closing   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resilience is often described as strength. But real resilience is far less polished. In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde sits down with Australian entrepreneur, author, and founder of Runway Room, Alex Fevola, for a powerful and deeply grounded conversation about rebuilding when life changes overnight. At 22, Alex became a young mum. Weeks later, she lost her partner. On the same day, she experienced a medical emergency that resulted in major surgery and waking with a colostomy. It is an extraordinary chapter of loss, trauma, and shock, but this conversation is not about drama. It is about what happens next. Alex speaks honestly about grief, journalling, hope, and the truth behind the question, “How did you cope?” There was no magic trick. There was support, feeling what needed to be felt, and choosing, when she could, to move forward. From there, the episode moves into entrepreneurship. How working with women in hair and makeup became a source of independence and purpose. How spotting a gap in the market led to the creation of Runway Room. And what it really takes to build a beauty brand in a competitive industry without cutting corners on ethics or performance. This is a conversation about tenacity over talent. About long-term thinking. About authenticity in a filtered world. And about leading yourself through seasons you never planned for. If you are navigating change, building something meaningful, or rebuilding after disruption, this episode will resonate. Key Themes Resilience beyond clichés Navigating grief and medical trauma Journalling as a tool for processing Choosing hope without denying pain Building purpose through meaningful work The founding of Runway Room Ethical product development and long-term growth Tenacity in competitive markets Authenticity in the age of filters and AI Believing in your capability as a woman in business   Time Stamps 00:00 Opening mindset moment00:05 Meet Alex Fevola01:30 Young motherhood, loss and medical trauma04:42 Why she wrote Silver Linings06:54 Coping tools, hope and not getting stuck09:44 Sponsor message10:49 Rebuilding through beauty and independence12:33 The Runway Room concept17:06 Product development and clean formulas19:18 Tenacity, patience and long-term growth21:06 Authenticity in the public eye24:48 Final message to women and closing   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   Connect with Alex:Website: https://www.runwayroom.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfevolamakeup/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-fevola-159aa529/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde continues the conversation on leadership identity and explores one of the most important shifts high-performing women must make. Moving from being the dependable Achiever or Go-To to becoming the trusted Authority. Many capable women are rewarded for being reliable, responsive, and indispensable. But over time, these identities can quietly limit influence, visibility, and progression. In today’s fast-changing workplace shaped by AI, restructures, and leaner teams, relevance is everything. Julie shares a powerful client story of a high-performing leader returning from maternity leave who found herself misaligned and overlooked despite strong results. Nothing changed externally until she shifted internally. Within three months of repositioning herself, she was promoted. This episode introduces three forward-facing identities that support long-term leadership influence: the Author, the Anchor, and the Authority. It also unpacks why women delay this shift and what courage really looks like in practice. If you’re performing well but sensing friction, exhaustion, or stagnation, this episode will help you reflect on who you’re being rewarded for being and who you need to become next. Key Themes The difference between being needed and being respected Why old leadership identities stop working Identity alignment and relevance in an AI-driven workplace The Author, Anchor, and Authority identities Letting go of external validation Why courage is the tipping point Positioning yourself for future opportunities   Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and episode context01:18 From being needed to being respected02:13 Client story. Return-to-work repositioning04:58 Courage and releasing old validation06:04 Why relevance matters now07:53 The three identity levels explained07:56 The Author. Owning your narrative09:30 The Anchor. Emotional steadiness11:08 The Authority. Trusted judgement12:10 What changes when you lead as Authority13:13 Why women delay the shift15:10 Tools and support16:47 Final reflections and wrap-up   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program hereAccess the Turning Point Diagnostic here   Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde speaks directly to a pattern she is seeing again and again, particularly among high-performing women. Capable, committed leaders who start the year with strong intentions, only to find themselves slipping back into old habits that no longer serve where they want to go. Julie explores why this isn’t a motivation problem or a confidence gap. It’s often an identity issue. Many women continue to lead from roles that once kept them safe, successful, and rewarded, but now quietly limit their influence and growth. In a rapidly changing environment shaped by AI, restructures, and leaner organisations, being reliable, helpful, and endlessly available no longer guarantees visibility or progression. In some cases, it keeps leaders overextended, overlooked, and misaligned. Julie introduces three common identities she sees women cycling through: the Self Editor, the Achiever, and the Go-To. Each is socially rewarded, professionally reinforced, and emotionally difficult to release, even when it’s clear they’ve been outgrown. This episode also unpacks the early signs of misalignment, why burnout is often about identity rather than workload, and how to begin shifting how you show up through intentional reflection and boundary-setting. If you’ve felt frustrated, stuck, or quietly exhausted despite performing well, this conversation will help you name what’s happening and consider what needs to change next. Conversation Talking Points Why capable leaders still hit invisible ceilings The link between identity, safety, and professional reward How old patterns resurface when pressure rises The Self Editor, the Achiever, and the Go-To identities Why being indispensable doesn’t equal being positioned Early signs of misalignment and internal friction Burnout as a signal of identity strain Introducing the Identity Audit Shifting from performance to intentional leadership   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program hereAccess the Turning Point Diagnostic here     Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde is joined by Bridget Bell, celebrity stylist, personal stylist, and founder of Style Ambition, for a warm and honest conversation about confidence, identity, and the emotional side of getting dressed. With more than two decades in the fashion and television industry and over 150 celebrity shoots behind her, Bridget brings deep experience and relatability to the topic of personal style. Her work goes far beyond clothes. It’s about helping women feel seen, comfortable, and confident in who they are right now. Julie and Bridget explore how style often becomes tangled with self-doubt, body changes, and life transitions. They talk about why so many women hide behind “safe” outfits, hold onto clothes that no longer fit their lives, and delay investing in themselves until they feel “ready”. This conversation unpacks how thoughtful dressing can become a form of self-leadership. From capsule wardrobes and proportion to fit, colour, and illusion dressing, Bridget shares practical insight alongside deeply human reflections on ageing, weight fluctuation, and visibility. If you’ve ever stood in front of your wardrobe feeling frustrated, disconnected, or unsure of yourself, this episode will help you rethink style as a source of ease, confidence, and self-respect. Conversation Talking Points Why style feels emotionally vulnerable for many women Moving from fashion design into personal and TV styling The psychology of “safe” clothes and hiding in black Dressing the body you have, not the one you’re waiting for How wardrobes reflect identity and self-belief Capsule wardrobes that actually work in real life Proportion, fit, and illusion dressing Vulnerability, social media, and building confidence publicly Style as an expression of self-leadership Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction01:10 Meet Bridget Bell03:00 From fashion design to styling06:40 Television and celebrity work09:20 Style and vulnerability in leadership12:15 Creating a safe styling experience14:40 The “when I lose weight” mindset17:30 Dressing the body you have today19:50 Confidence and transformation22:30 Vulnerability on Instagram25:15 Proportion and illusion dressing28:40 Why clothes go unworn30:10 Building a functional capsule wardrobe33:20 Sizing, tailoring, and fit35:40 Celebrating 20 years in styling38:10 Final reflections39:30 Closing   LinksLearn more about my group coaching program here   Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   Connect with Bridget:Website: https://styleambition.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetbellstylist/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde is joined by Jaqui Lane, business historian, author, and founder of The Book Advisor, for a grounded conversation about why writing a book remains one of the most powerful ways to build thought leadership and credibility. With more than 20 years in publishing and over 400 business books behind her, Jaqui brings rare clarity to what actually stops capable leaders from writing. It’s not confidence. It’s not talent. It’s a lack of structure, direction, and understanding who the book is really for. Julie and Jaqui explore the shift that happens when you stop writing for yourself and start writing for your audience. They talk about the fears that surface when people consider writing, the myths that keep books stuck in drawers, and the mistakes that cost time, energy, and momentum. This conversation also unpacks why a book is more than a personal milestone. It’s a strategic asset. One that can articulate your thinking, open doors, and position you as a trusted authority long after the writing is finished. If you’ve ever felt the pull to write a book, questioned whether you have something worth saying, or wondered if a book still matters in today’s content-heavy world, this episode will give you clarity and perspective without overwhelm. Conversation Talking Points Why so many leaders want to write a book but never begin The difference between expertise and clarity Writing for your audience, not your ego Common myths that derail first-time authors How a book builds authority without self-promotion The rise of self-publishing and owning your IP Imposter syndrome, visibility, and fear of judgement Why writing a book changes the author as much as the reader Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction01:20 Meet Jaqui Lane and her publishing background03:50 Why so many people want to write a book06:30 What actually stops people from starting09:10 Writing for your audience, not yourself12:20 The biggest mistakes new authors make15:40 How a book builds credibility and authority18:50 Books as strategic business assets22:30 Self-publishing, ownership, and industry shifts26:40 Imposter syndrome and fear of visibility30:20 Why writing a book changes the writer34:10 What to do if you feel the nudge to write37:40 Final reflections and where to find Jaqui39:00 Outro and closing   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   Connect with Jaqui:Website: https://thebookadviser.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebookadviser3764LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaquilane/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde is joined by Dr Paul Taylor for a grounded, practical conversation about a concept most people haven’t heard explained clearly. Hardiness. We talk about resilience constantly, but Paul offers something sharper and more useful. Psycho-physiological hardiness is the ability to grow through stress, not just survive it. It’s about building a mind and body that can handle the real world, not the cushioned version many of us are living in. Paul’s background is as credible as it gets. He’s a former Royal Navy air crew officer, trained in combat survival and resistance to interrogation, and holds postgraduate qualifications across psychology, exercise science, nutrition, and neuroscience. He’s also the author of Death by Comfort and his latest book, The Hardiness Effect. This is a conversation about the cost of modern comfort, the way our stress tolerance is quietly shrinking, and why strength is built through challenge, recovery, and meaningful discomfort. Julie and Paul explore the science behind why the right kind of stress can make us stronger, the difference between resilience and hardiness, and what leaders can do to build greater capacity in themselves, their teams, and the next generation. If you’re heading into 2026 wanting to feel clearer, stronger, and more capable, this episode will challenge your thinking in the best possible way. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and welcome01:10 Who is Dr Paul Taylor? Overview of his background03:00 Combat survival and resistance-to-interrogation training06:30 How that experience changed Paul’s perception of stress08:10 The science of hormesis. Why stress can be good for us10:40 Resilience vs hardiness. What’s the difference?14:10 What the research says about people high in hardiness16:40 Why Paul wrote The Hardiness Effect now19:10 The state of physical and mental health in Australia22:00 Mental health awareness and its unintended consequences25:00 The key mindset shift. Life is hard, and that’s not a problem28:00 Worthy opponents and Paul’s open-heart surgery story33:00 Raising hardy kids in a world of comfort and convenience37:10 What schools could be doing differently40:00 The media, “crisis” language and our barometer of difficulty43:00 Three practical ways to start building hardiness today49:00 Final reflections and where to find Paul’s work50:30 Outro and invitation to rate and review Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au Connect with Dr Paul:Website: https://www.paultaylor.biz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultaylor1971/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paultaylor.biz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepaultaylorpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde explores one of the most underestimated drivers of self-leadership and emotional stability. The first hour of your day. This is not a conversation about rigid routines, early alarms, or aspirational morning habits that don’t survive real life. It’s a grounded look at how the way you begin your day quietly shapes your energy, focus, decision-making, and leadership identity. Julie shares a personal moment when her own morning routine slipped and the subtle but noticeable impact it had. Feeling scattered, reactive, and overwhelmed without a clear reason, until she recognised what had shifted. Her mornings were no longer hers. This episode invites reflection on how easily the first hour of the day is handed over to phones, calendars, and external demands. Julie reframes mornings not as productivity tools, but as a leadership anchor. A space to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with intention, and choose how you want to show up. Rather than offering a rigid formula, the conversation centres on three simple choices that can change the tone of your day. Choices that are realistic, repeatable, and designed to work alongside busy lives and leadership responsibilities. Conversation Talking Points Why the first hour of the day quietly sets the tone for everything that follows How early phone use shifts emotional state and focus The difference between goals, resolutions, and daily structure What happens when women lose the only quiet space they have A simple three-part way to think about mornings Emotional regulation and decision-making early in the day Identity, consistency, and why routines stick or fall away   Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the episode01:00 Why resolutions don’t last02:40 Goals versus routines04:00 Why the first hour of the day matters06:10 What most people do wrong in the morning08:00 When my own routine slipped11:30 How routines support emotional stability13:10 The science behind calmer mornings15:20 Protecting your mornings as a leader17:00 The three core choices that shape your day21:30 Making routines work in real life24:20 Identity-based routines26:00 Tracking how you feel, not perfection27:40 The question that reframes your entire day29:10 Closing   Links: Learn more about my group coaching program here   Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde is joined by Preeti Inchody for a deeply human conversation about what happens when life interrupts momentum and forces an unexpected pause. Preeti is an accomplished M&A advisor, known for operating at pace, leading with precision, and managing complexity with confidence. A simple accident during a family holiday changed everything. A fall resulted in multiple fractures, surgeries, and a long period of immobility that brought her professional and personal life to a sudden halt. This conversation explores what unfolded beyond the physical recovery. The shock of losing independence. The mental and emotional weight of slowing down when you are used to moving fast. The identity shift that occurs when productivity, control, and capability are stripped away. Julie and Preeti talk openly about surrendering control, asking for help, and navigating a season that could not be rushed or fixed. They also explore the unexpected clarity that emerged. A reassessment of boundaries. A quieter but stronger form of leadership. And a shift from proving to trusting. This episode is not about crisis or drama. It’s about awareness. It invites reflection on the pace we keep, the assumptions we make about strength, and what becomes possible when we listen before life forces us to. Conversation Talking Points A moment that instantly changed the pace of life Navigating shock, fear, and uncertainty The emotional impact of losing independence Identity when productivity is removed Letting go of control and accepting help Leadership during forced stillness Boundaries, clarity, and recalibration What slower seasons reveal about what matters   Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction01:05 Meet Preeti Inchody03:10 The accident that changed everything06:00 Facing the reality of surgeries and recovery08:50 The struggle with acceptance12:30 Losing independence and asking for help15:40 Reworking routine and mindset18:50 Letting go of control and trusting others23:30 How leadership shifted in this season27:20 Rediscovering intuition and clarity31:10 Boundaries, ambition, and identity35:20 Reflections for women who feel they cannot slow down38:00 Final reflections40:20 Episode wrap-up   Links:Learn more about my group coaching program here   Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   Connect with Preeti:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preetiinchody/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leading You, Julie Hyde is joined by former professional surfer and mental health advocate Cooper Chapman, founder of The Good Human Factory, for a grounded and practical conversation about mental health, resilience, and leadership in a high-pressure world. Cooper shares how personal loss, family experience, and years as an elite athlete shaped his commitment to mental health education. What began as a small school initiative has grown into a global wellbeing movement, a bestselling book (The 1% Good Club), corporate programs, and an invitation to speak at the United Nations. Together, Julie and Cooper explore why mental health is not something to fix when life falls apart, but something to strengthen daily through small, intentional habits. They unpack the power of the 1% rule. Just 14 minutes a day dedicated to mental wellbeing can significantly shift how leaders manage pressure, ambition, burnout, and identity. This episode dives into the link between self-leadership and mental resilience, the danger of tying identity to performance, and why adaptability, self-kindness, connection, and time in nature are essential practices for modern leaders. Cooper also reflects on what surfing taught him about failure, emotional regulation, and staying grounded when things do not go to plan. If you are a leader, high performer, or ambitious professional looking to build sustainable mental strength heading into 2026, this conversation offers perspective, calm, and practical insight without overwhelm. Topics Covered in This Episode Mental health and leadership in high-pressure environments The 1% rule and daily mental wellbeing habits Burnout, ambition, and identity Self-leadership and emotional resilience Failure, adaptability, and performance Mindfulness, gratitude, and micro habits The role of nature and connection in mental health Building mental strength before crisis hits   Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction01:05 Cooper’s background and early experiences with mental health04:20 How family loss shaped his interest in wellbeing07:30 The moment that sparked The Good Human Factory10:40 Building workshops, podcasting and educating thousands13:20 How The 1% Good Club was born17:50 Why 14 minutes a day can change your mental health20:10 Leadership, identity and the danger of tying worth to performance23:40 What surfing taught Cooper about failure and adaptability28:40 Self-talk, kindness and the relationship inside your head32:00 Ambition vs self-destruction and where people cross the line36:50 Habits that support mental resilience40:20 Nature, grounding and nervous system regulation43:30 The one behaviour people need to stop47:20 Small shifts and the power of 1%49:50 Final reflections and where to find Cooper’s work51:00 Outro and call to review the podcast   Links Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au   Connect with Cooper:Website: https://www.thegoodhumanfactory.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperchapman/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-chapman-08a278151/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first episode of Leading You for 2026. This episode invites you to pause before you plan and intentionally design how you want to lead yourself into the new year. January offers a rare moment of stillness — quieter, slower mornings and the chance to breathe before the pace accelerates. It’s the ideal time to reset your mindset, reconnect with what matters and create a vision for the year that feels aligned, spacious and purposeful. Rather than rushing into goals or structure, this episode focuses on intention. You’ll hear how I create my own 2026 “canvas” using colour, space and symbolism, and why I’ve shifted from choosing a single word to anchoring myself with a guiding statement. This approach helps you show up with clarity, confidence and calm, especially as the world continues to shift rapidly through technology, AI and rising expectations. Across the conversation, I share five powerful questions to help you design your year with intention, deepen your self-awareness and strengthen your self-leadership. These questions will support you to reconnect with your values, focus your energy and make choices that align with the woman and leader you want to become. If you want 2026 to feel more grounded and more meaningful, this episode gives you the framework to start. Key Takeaways January is the perfect pause to reset, breathe and reconnect before the year begins in full. Your 2026 “canvas” reflects who you choose to be, not just what you plan to do. A guiding sentence can anchor your behaviour more powerfully than a single word. White space matters - in your schedule, in your thinking and in your leadership. Self-leadership is essential as the world accelerates through AI and constant change. Asking intentional questions expands clarity without overwhelm.   Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to 202601:00 What’s coming on the podcast this January02:40 Why early January is a powerful pause05:10 Using the “canvas” metaphor for the year ahead06:45 How I choose my colours and what they represent09:20 The importance of white space and pausing12:05 Why I’m choosing a statement instead of a word this year14:30 Examples of empowering intentions for 202617:20 Five reflective questions to shape your year20:45 Why self-leadership matters more than ever22:10 Final reflections and your invitation to create your statement23:30 Closing and what’s coming next   Links Connect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/Instagram: @juliehydeleadsWebsite: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.