Advertise on podcast: Breaking The Chain

In this episode of Breaking the Chain, Nathaniel Chapman and Terentia Browne explore one of the most important, and often most avoided, responsibilities of leadership: having difficult conversations. From underperformance and workplace tension to poor behaviour, conflict, and organisational change, leaders are often faced with conversations they know they need to have but delay because of fear, discomfort, uncertainty, or the desire to keep the peace. But avoidance rarely protects a team. More often, it creates confusion, weakens trust, damages culture, and allows small issues to grow into bigger problems. Nathaniel and Terentia unpack why leaders avoid these conversations, what it costs individuals and teams when issues are left unaddressed, and how leaders can approach difficult conversations with empathy, curiosity, clarity, and accountability. The episode also explores: Why leaders delay difficult conversationsThe danger of prioritising short-term comfort over long-term team healthHow avoided conversations impact trust, performance, and cultureWhy underperformance should be addressed earlyThe ripple effect of unresolved tension between team membersHow emotional intelligence helps leaders navigate conflictWhy feedback can be an act of kindness when delivered with carePractical ways to approach difficult conversations more confidentlyThis conversation is a reminder that leadership is not only about strategy, performance, or decision-making. It is also about the courage to address what matters before silence becomes costly. Connect With the Hosts: Nathainel Chapman Terentia Browne Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

In this episode of Breaking the Chain, host Nathaniel Chapman sits down with James Edgar to explore the increasing significance of somatic coaching in leadership, emotional resilience, and contemporary workplace performance. As a Chief People Officer with nearly 30 years of leadership experience across industries, James shares how somatic coaching goes beyond mindset and traditional executive coaching by helping leaders understand the connection between the body, nervous system, emotions, and decision-making. The conversation explores practical techniques leaders can use to regulate stress, improve self-awareness, and lead more authentically in increasingly complex and AI-driven environments. The episode also dives into: Why high-performing leaders often become trapped in analytical thinkingThe role of the nervous system in leadership behaviorPractical breathing and grounding exercises for emotional regulationHow somatic awareness improves communication and conflict managementThe connection between sports psychology, performance rituals, and leadershipWhy human connection will matter even more in the age of AIThe importance of authenticity, presence, and emotional intelligence in modern leadershipDespite a few live technical difficulties during recording, the discussion delivers valuable insights into how leaders can better understand themselves, regulate pressure, and create stronger human connections at work and beyond. Key Topics Covered: What somatic coaching actually meansThe difference between body language and somatic awarenessNervous system regulation and leadership performanceBox breathing and centering techniquesFight, flight, freeze responses in corporate environmentsEmotional resilience and burnout preventionSports psychology and performance ritualsLeadership authenticity and presenceAI, emotional intelligence, and the future of human connectionPractical self-awareness exercises leaders can implement immediatelyKey Takeaways: Leadership starts with self-awareness and nervous system regulationYour body stores emotions, experiences, and behavioral patternsBreathing and grounding techniques can improve performance under pressureStress signals often appear in the body before reaching conscious awarenessAuthentic leadership creates trust and stronger followershipHuman emotional connection will remain critical despite advances in AISomatic coaching helps leaders move from reaction to intentional responsePractical Exercises Mentioned: Box breathingBody scanning techniquesCentering practicesHead, heart, and gut reflection exercisesPhysical posture awareness and “power posing.”About the Guest: James Edgar is the Chief People Officer at Signature Discovery and the founder of The Black Polar Bear. He specializes in somatic coaching, executive leadership development, and helping leaders build resilient, authentic, and high-performing teams. Connect with James on LinkedIn Connect With the Hosts: Nathainel Chapman Terentia Browne Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Communicating change you didn’t create is one of the toughest challenges in leadership, especially when you’re caught between senior leadership and your team. In this episode of Breaking the Chain, we unpack the internal conflict middle leaders face and how to navigate change with clarity, alignment, and confidence. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Why do people hold back their ideas at work, even in organisations that say they value innovation? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, Nathaniel Chapman and Terentia Browne sit down with Richard Braden and Dr Tessa Forshaw to explore the concept of innovation hesitation, the hidden forces that stop people from speaking up, sharing ideas, and trying something new. From fear of being wrong to the myths we’ve been taught about creativity, this conversation unpacks what’s really going on beneath the surface and how leaders can start to create environments where people feel safe to contribute. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

What happens when your customer stops wanting what you’ve always sold? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, Nathaniel Chapman is joined by retail COO Steve Leach to explore how shifting consumer behaviour is forcing businesses to adapt faster than ever. From changing buying habits to the impact of health and tech trends, they unpack why execution speed, curiosity, and adaptability are now key to staying competitive. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

What happens when you’re expected to have all the answers… but you don’t? When every decision you make is being watched, interpreted, and felt across an entire organisation, yet you’re still figuring things out yourself? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, hosts Nathaniel Chapman and Terentia Browne dive into the weight of the top chair, unpacking what it really means to lead through uncertainty. They explore the pressure, isolation, and responsibility that come with leadership at the highest level and how leaders can still create clarity, confidence, and direction even when the path ahead isn’t fully clear. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Your team is watching. Are you leading the way you think you are? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, Nathaniel Chapman and Terentia Browne dive into how leaders can model confidence, calm, and consistency, especially in times of uncertainty. They explore practical tools like the 10% rule, the importance of emotional regulation, and how small, everyday behaviours shape team culture. Because leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about how you show up when things aren’t certain. If you’re leading a team, navigating pressure, or looking to grow as a leader, this episode will give you actionable insights you can apply immediately. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Ever found yourself overthinking a decision because you just don’t have all the answers? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, we unpack why uncertainty keeps you stuck and how to move forward anyway. Simple tools. Real clarity. No perfection needed.   Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

What do you do when you’re expected to lead with confidence, but you don’t have all the answers? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, hosts Nathaniel Chapman and Terentia Browne explore how leaders can stay steady through uncertainty. They discuss why change triggers stress, the role of self-awareness, and practical ways leaders can slow down, gain clarity, and lead with confidence during times of change. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

What does it really take to transition from agency recruitment to an in-house talent role? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, Nathaniel Chapman speaks with talent acquisition professional Lea Giorgi about her journey navigating both sides of recruitment. From agency pressure to internal collaboration and working across international teams, Leah shares insights on adapting to change in the evolving world of hiring. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Why do so many top performers struggle when they step into coaching? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, former Olympian and performance director Doug shares the realities of transitioning from elite athlete to leader. From surviving a life-threatening skull fracture to coaching high achievers, this conversation explores resilience, identity, and the shift from self-performance to developing others. If you're navigating leadership, business, or your next chapter, this one’s for you. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Leadership isn’t about choosing between delegation or micromanagement; it’s about mastering the space in between. In this episode of Breaking the Chain, Nathaniel Chapman sits down with executive advisor Jonathan Bennett to unpack the real challenges leaders face when letting go, building trust, and empowering teams without losing direction. A thoughtful conversation for leaders navigating growth, responsibility, and the evolving art of modern leadership. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Why do most people believe they’re good listeners while others feel unheard? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, host Nathaniel Chapman speaks with Oscar Trimboli, global listening expert and author of How to Listen, about why we overestimate our listening skills and what it’s costing us at work. Together, they explore why listening isn’t passive, how unfinished thoughts are often misunderstood, and what leaders can do to create better, more meaningful conversations. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

What does it really mean to lead from the heart? In this episode of Breaking the Chain, hosts Terentia Browne speak with leadership coach Nakhli Khoury about self-awareness, breaking leadership patterns, and creating people-centered workplaces built on trust. In fast-changing workplaces, leadership challenges don’t always show up as performance issues, they often surface as repeated patterns, disengagement, and a lack of trust. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Growing a business isn't just about what you build, it's about who you build it with. In this episode, Nathaniel Chapman speaks with Abigail Wilmore about the power of fractional CPOs and why leadership matters earlier than most businesses expect. Follow Impel Talent LinkedIn: Impel Talent Twitter: @ImpelTalent Facebook: @Impel Talent Instagram: @ImpelTalent Join us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!