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"Am I being stupid?" Selma Delic asked herself that — as the only non-finance partner in the room. That outsider perspective? Her greatest asset. Your difference creates outcomes others can't see. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️@Selma Delić | @lifeatpkfsmithcooper #leadership #womeninleadership #personaldevelopment #selfimprovement #successmindset

Why do you do what you do? Why do you work hard? Someone said to me the other day, 'Urgh, why are you always busy in your business?' Of course I love my job, I want to make a difference, bla bla bla, but ultimately, I do what I do because I want to provide for my family. I want to create a nice life and that's because growing up, I could see life was hard for my mum being a single parent. She did a variety of jobs, & maintenance was inconsistent. I remember her adding up her bills on a scrap of paper. I was embarrassed that we didn't have a car. It was another thing that made our family different, (single parent families were unique in the 70's and there was a stigma attached to those that divorced). Then fast forward to the 'get embarrassed by every single thing that your parent does phase', and I got embarrassed when she could afford a car and tried to pick me up from school in a 2CV. (I was an awful teenager). So, cars are a thing for me...and turns out my daughter too. I think it's in her DNA. She once said her ideal first car would be a bright pink, mini convertible. At the time she didn't realise I was saving to buy her a car and I can remember thinking...not sure the 18th birthday budget will stretch that far. Anyway, since moving to Cumbria and Mike retiring, we have been 'managing' with one car, because we can walk into town and the majority of my work is on-line. But...my car has always been my freedom. Anyway, combine that with my daughter wanting to practice driving and her upcoming birthday, we thought, screw it. Why wait. So yesterday, was a moment. It was priceless. A bit emotional - waiting for our daughter to see her car. She was so overwhelmed and grateful. She's a little empath and immediately felt worried about what other people would think. We have had a couple of, 'She's very lucky you know' messages, and she is, but we are sharing the car and she is making a monthly contribution towards it too. As for having reservations about Minis. OMG this car has put the fun back into driving again. This reminded me of the words of a recent podcast guest Davina Ripton, 'Choose your hard' #OptimisingLeaderBrilliancePodcast #values #leadershipdevelopment

Perfectionism feels like a strength — until it becomes the thing holding you back. Selma Delic forgot about herself trying to do everything perfectly. Sound familiar? 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️@Selma Delić | @lifeatpkfsmithcooper #perfectionism #leadership #burnout #personaldevelopment #selfimprovement

When imposter syndrome comes a knocking. Pottery lessons haven’t just taught me to make ‘makes’, they’ve taught me to be less concerned about the imperfections. In one lesson I spent ages trying to get rid of fingerprints, only to make even more 🤣. My daughter has been a great example of going with the flow. Not knowing all the steps A-Z and being OK with things not being perfect. The best bit? Being with my daughter.

This Weeks Podcast Coaching Questions: Pause. Reflect. Act. This week’s coaching questions are inspired by my latest Optimising Leader Brilliance podcast episode called: The Outsider Advantage: How Being Different Made Her a Stronger Leader with Selma Delic. Grab your journal (or download my free one in the bio/comments) and let’s get to work. ⏸️ Pause. 🪞 Reflect. ▶️ Act. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️@Selma Delić | @lifeatpkfsmithcooper #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipMindset #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipPodcast

Join Estelle Read on the Optimising Leader Brilliance podcast for calm, confident, and strategic leadership insights. In this episode, Selma Delic shares her inspiring journey from marketing manager to operations partner, revealing how embracing diverse perspectives and turning difference into strength can enable brilliant, high-performing leadership. Learn science-backed strategies and mindset shifts that help you break performance ceilings, foster resilience, and cultivate non-negotiable self-care routines essential for sustainable success in complex leadership roles. What You Will Learn 💡 How embracing your unique leadership perspective and diversity of thinking can become your greatest strength, unlocking strategic advantages and driving brilliant outcomes. 💡 Why cultivating calm and confident self-care rituals, like Selma’s daily "spa moments," is essential for resilience and sustaining high performance in demanding leadership roles. 💡 The power of feedback and mindset shifts: how Selma transformed her communication style through 360-degree feedback to lead with authenticity, confidence, and impact. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (02:24) Welcome Selma Delic (03:32) Selma's Non-Negotiable Daily Routines (06:41) Life as Operations Partner — A Typical Week (12:23) Origin Story — What Makes Selma, Selma (12:48) Moving to England & Learning English (18:26) Walking In on Day One — "What On Earth Have I Done?" (19:31) The Career Pivot Mindset — Being Open to Alternatives (23:01) Selma's Leadership Mindset & Approach (24:32) Culture, Identity & Why Talking About Yourself Feels Hard (29:46) The Only Non-Finance Partner — Diversity of Thinking as a Strength (30:59) Finding Courage to Speak Up When You Feel Different (39:02) How Selma's Communication Style Has Evolved (44:00) 3 Actionable Tips for Leaders (46:15) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: mailchi.mp/...ance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Selma Delic: www.pkfsmithcooper.com/ www.linkedin.com/...licpkfsmithcooper/ ⭐Follow Estelle Read: linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: ⁠estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes: ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠ 🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube: 🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: estelleread.com/podcast/ 📺Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/...stelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. #leadership #womeninleadership #careerpivot #personaldevelopment #leadershippodcast

What if your skincare routine was actually your leadership edge? Selma Delic reveals the 10-minute ritual that bookends her day — and why your calm is your competitive advantage. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️@Selma Delić | @lifeatpkfsmithcooper #leadership #morningroutine #dailyroutine #productivity #personaldevelopment

This Week on Optimising Leader Brilliance: The Outsider Advantage with Selma Delic. Open minds. Diverse thinking. Communication wake-up moments. Opportunities you never planned for. Selma Delic's outsider advantage is the leadership edge you didn't know you needed. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️@Selma Delić | @lifeatpkfsmithcooper #outsideradvantage #leadership #diversityleadership #womeninleadership #personaldevelopment

Resistance isn't sabotage. It's data. When your team pushes back, something is missing — clarity, trust, or involvement. Davina Ripton reframes resistance as your most valuable leadership signal. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️@davinaripton #LeadershipDevelopment #ResistanceToChange #ChangeManagement #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipMindset

Hard work upfront or resistance at the end — pick one. Davina Ripton calls it "choosing your hard." The choice is always yours. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️@davinaripton #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #LeadershipMindset #OrganizationalChange #ExecutiveCoaching

You don't need a bigger budget. You need to make people feel heard. Davina Ripton: inclusion isn't a soft skill — it's a commercial strategy. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️@davinaripton #ChangeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipLessons #LeadingChange

Perfect plan. Met every milestone. Still failed. Davina Ripton exposes the missing piece most leaders never see. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️@davinaripton #ChangeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipLessons #LeadingChange

This Weeks Podcast Coaching Questions: Pause. Reflect. Act. This week’s coaching questions are inspired by my latest Optimising Leader Brilliance podcast episode called: The Illusion of Control: Why Leaders Lose People During Change featuring Davina Ripton. Grab your journal (or download my free one in the bio/comments) and let’s get to work. ⏸️ Pause. 🪞 Reflect. ▶️ Act. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipMindset #ExecutiveCoaching This episode explores key coaching questions for leading change, focusing on the #illusion of control bias. We discuss the benefits of #collaboration and inviting others to contribute, rather than clinging to control. By understanding resistance as data and engaging in self-reflection, leaders can foster #personal growth and effective #change management. These #important questions are designed to support your #leadership coaching journey.

Tight control doesn't drive change. It kills it. Davina Ripton reveals the #1 mistake leaders make — and what to do instead. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️@davinaripton #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipMindset #LeadingChange

I sit down with Davina Ripton, a change management consultant and leadership coach, to explore why so many organisational change initiatives fail — and what leaders can do differently to make change stick. We unpack the psychology of resistance, the illusion of control, and why designing change like a customer experience is the key to sustainable transformation. If you lead people through change, this conversation will shift how you think about leadership and strategic change management. What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover why your perfectly planned change project might be setting your people up to fail — and the one thing that makes all the difference. 💡 Learn Davina's powerful "Design, Deliver, Embed" framework and the Five Cs that help leaders co-create change that actually lands. 💡 Find out why resistance isn't a problem to solve — it's data to decode, and how reframing it can transform your leadership. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:08) Welcome & Introduction to Davina Ripton (02:22) Davina's Typical Day & Non-Negotiable Routines (05:14) Davina's Origin Story – Growing Up With Change (07:25) The Biggest Mistake Leaders Make With Change (10:39) The Missing Piece – Why People Aren't On Board (10:40) Designing the Change Experience – Where to Start (14:04) The Hotel Analogy – Intentional Change Design (19:10) What Kinds of Change Projects Does Davina Work On? (22:10) Aligning Everyone to the Vision (27:28) The Design, Deliver, Embed Framework (29:30) How Do You Know When Change Is Fully Embedded? (33:13) Guest Question – How Does Stress Impact Success? (37:48) Davina's 3 Actionable Tips for Leaders (40:10) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: mailchi.mp/...ance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Davina Ripton: @Davina Ripton www.changeready.co.uk/ ⭐Follow Estelle Read: linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: ⁠estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes: ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠ 🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube: 🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: estelleread.com/podcast/ 📺Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/...stelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeEngagement

This week's episode with Davina Ripton is packed with insights for leaders navigating change. From the illusion of control to choosing your hard — these are the moments that matter. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️@davinaripton #LeadershipPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #LeadershipCoaching #OptimisingLeaderBrilliance

Two words. One question. Total team transformation. Dr. Lisa Riegel's "fizzy or flat?" check-in is the simplest way to build psychological safety on your team. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #LeadershipDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety #TeamCulture #LeadershipCoaching #EmployeeEngagement

Description: What if the path you've been on was never yours? Dr. Lisa Riegel shares how leaving a 'successful' life led to her true purpose — and what authentic leadership really looks like. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipMindset

You can literally rewire your brain. Here's how. Dr. Lisa Riegel on the daily practice that replaces negative associations with positive ones — and transforms how you lead. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #Neuroplasticity #RewireYourBrain #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipMindset #LeadershipCoaching

Your amygdala doesn't care about your leadership title. Dr. Lisa Riegel reveals why even self-aware leaders say things they don't mean — and how to take back control. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipMindset #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipPodcast

This week’s coaching questions are inspired by my latest Optimising Leader Brilliance podcast episode called: The Amygdala Hijack: Why Leaders Lose Control Under Stress, featuring Lisa Riegel. Grab your journal (or download my free one in the bio/comments) and let’s get to work. ⏸️ Pause. 🪞 Reflect. ▶️ Act. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipMindset #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipPodcast

Stress doesn't just feel bad. It literally shuts down your brain's CEO. Dr. Lisa Riegel explains the neuroscience — and why losing it under pressure isn't a character flaw. 🎙️ Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast. 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipMindset #BrainScience #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipPodcast

Dr. Lisa Riegel — neuroscience expert, leadership strategist and author shares brain science insights and practical strategies for leaders to regain calm, confident control under stress. Discover stress management techniques and how understanding your brain’s wiring can transform leadership, communication, and team performance. Learn how to lead strategically with self-awareness and sustainable impact using Dr. Lisa’s neuroscience-backed 8C Commitment Framework." What You Will Learn: 💡 Discover why 80% of what drives your behaviour as a leader is unconscious — and the simple neuroscience-backed strategies to get your "CEO brain" back in charge. 💡 Learn how chronic stress is silently undermining your team's engagement and collaboration — and what brain-based leadership actually looks like in practice. 💡 Find out how Dr. Lisa's 8C Commitment Framework helps leaders move from aspiration to operational transformation — with tools you can apply immediately, whether you lead a team of 5 or 500. Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction & Episode Opener (01:11) Welcome & Introducing Dr. Lisa Riegel (02:29) Lisa's Background & What a Typical Day Looks Like (02:57) Lisa's Non-Negotiable Daily Routines & "Two Minutes of Joy" (05:00) Understanding the Vagus Nerve & Its Role in Stress (07:56) Calming the Vagus Nerve — Practical Strategies (09:05) How to Recognise When Stress Is Running Your Leadership (14:10) Lisa's Origin Story — The Journey to Neuroscience & Leadership (17:36) The 8C Commitment Framework — Overview (21:46) Aspirations to Operations — The Book & Cadence in Practice (26:07) Brain-Based Coaching — Tackling Root Fears in Leadership (33:49) Lisa's Life Motto: "Simply Just Say Yes" (35:18) What a Great Way to Live — Joy, Intentionality & Connection (36:01) Question from Previous Guest — What Are You Ready to Let Go Of? (37:32) Three Actionable Tips to Close (39:35) Pause, Reflect & Act — Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: mailchi.mp/...ance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Lisa Riegel: www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel lisariegel.com/ ⭐Follow Estelle Read: linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: ⁠estelleread.com/resources/⁠ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes: ⬆️⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠ 🎇⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠ ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: ⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠ ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: ⁠Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⁠ ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube: 🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: estelleread.com/podcast/ 📺Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/...stelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice. #LeadershipCoach #VagusNerve #LeadershipBurnout #Neuroscience #ImposterSyndrome #SelfAwareness #MindsetShift #LeadershipDevelopment #CalmConfidence #OptmisingLeaderBrilliance

Your brain has a security manager — and sometimes he fires your CEO. 🧠 80% of brain traffic is unconscious. When stress levels spike, your amygdala bypasses your prefrontal cortex entirely — shutting down rational thought, decision-making, and self-control. You're not failing as a leader. Your brain is doing exactly what it's wired to do. Self-awareness is the override switch. Full episode ➡️ link in bio or search for the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast 🏷️ @Lisa Riegel, PhD #leadership, #leadershipburnout, #mindsetshift, #stressmanagement, #selfawareness

This week’s coaching questions are inspired by my latest Optimising Leader Brilliance podcast episode called: 1 in 6 People Are Narcissists — Here's How to Protect Your Energy as a Leader, featuring Ginny Priem. Grab your journal (or download my free one in the bio/comments) and let’s get to work. ⏸️ Pause. 🪞 Reflect. ▶️ Act. 😇 Share this to help someone in your network. 🔔 Follow me for more on optimising leadership brilliance & taking your work-life to the next level. 🏷️ @Ginny Priem | @ginnypriem #Shorts, #Narcissism, #Journaling, #Leadership, #PersonalDevelopment

DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim and Offender. It's the move narcissists make when you finally call them out — and suddenly you're the one who's wrong. If you've ever confronted someone and walked away feeling like the villain, this is why. Recognising it is the first step to reclaiming your reality. You can hear the full episode by searching for or asking your smart speaker to, ‘Play the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast'. Alternatively, see the links below. 😇 Share this to help someone in your network. 🔔 Follow me for more on optimising leadership brilliance & taking your work-life to the next level. 🏷️ @Ginny Priem | @ginnypriem #Shorts #Leadership #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Narcissism

1 in 6 people has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Look around your team, your family, your friend group — the odds are, you already know one. Understanding this changes how you read every room you walk into. You can hear the full episode by searching for or asking your smart speaker to, ‘Play the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast'. Alternatively, see the links below. 😇 Share this to help someone in your network. 🔔 Follow me for more on optimising leadership brilliance & taking your work-life to the next level. 🏷️ @Ginny Priem | @ginnypriem #Shorts #Leadership #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Narcissism

We do money audits. We do health checks. So why are we afraid to audit our relationships? The people in your circle either add to your energy or drain it. It's time to start noticing which is which. You can hear the full episode by searching for or asking your smart speaker to, ‘Play the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast'. Alternatively, see the links below. 😇 Share this to help someone in your network. 🔔 Follow me for more on optimising leadership brilliance & taking your work-life to the next level. 🏷️ @Ginny Priem | @ginnypriem #Shorts #Leadership #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Narcissism

Your body keeps the score. Skin lesions, hair loss, shingles — stress from toxic relationships doesn't just affect your mind, it shows up physically. If your body is screaming at you, it's time to listen. You can hear the full episode by searching for or asking your smart speaker to, ‘Play the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast'. Alternatively, see the links below. 😇 Share this to help someone in your network. 🔔 Follow me for more on optimising leadership brilliance & taking your work-life to the next level. 🏷️ @Ginny Priem | @ginnypriem #Shorts #Leadership #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Narcissism

Your boss sabotaged your 360 review — and somehow, you're the one questioning yourself. Narcissistic colleagues don't just undermine your work. They undermine your reality. You can hear the full episode by searching for or asking your smart speaker to, ‘Play the Optimising Leader Brilliance Podcast'. Alternatively, see the links below. 😇 Share this to help someone in your network. 🔔 Follow me for more on optimising leadership brilliance & taking your work-life to the next level. 🏷️ @Ginny Priem | @ginnypriem #Shorts #Leadership #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Narcissism