Coaching Real Leaders podcast

Coaching Real Leaders

We all want to get to the next level of our career, but so many of us get stuck. Longtime leadership coach Muriel Wilkins takes you inside real-life leadership coaching sessions with high performers working to overcome professional challenges and grow as leaders. Listen in on real conversations and leave with new insights and practical guidance for your own career. The views expressed on this podcast are those of its hosts, guests, and callers, and not those of Harvard Business Review.

We all want to get to the next level of our career, but so many of us get stuck. Longtime leadership coach Muriel Wilkins takes you inside real-life leadership coaching sessions with high performers working to overcome professional challenges and grow as leaders. Listen in on real conversations and leave with new insights and practical guidance for your own career. The views expressed on this podcast are those of its hosts, guests, and callers, and not those of Harvard Business Review.

 

#58

How Do I Get Results Without Feeling Burned Out?

He’s a leader with a passion for going the extra mile and achieving results. But he’s struggling with how long he can sustain the level of effort and time required to meet the demands of his new role. Host Muriel Wilkins helps this leader unpack what drives his work habits, redefine how he demonstrates his value, and align his workload with his overall goals. Further reading: --- [Resisting the Pressure to Overwork] (https://hbr.org/2022/05/resisting-the-pressure-to-overwork) --- [Why We Glorify Overwork and Refuse to Rest] (https://hbr.org/2023/08/why-we-glorify-overwork-and-refuse-to-rest) --- [Hard Work Doesn’t Always Lead to Success] (https://hbr.org/2023/09/hard-work-doesnt-always-lead-to-success) --- [5 Easy Ways to Work Smarter, Not Longer] (https://www.inc.com/erik-sherman/5-steps-to-working-smarter-not-longer.html) ... Read more

25 Mar 2024

50 MINS

50:36

25 Mar 2024


#57

How Do I Balance My Career Goals with My Company’s Needs?

She held many positions all over the world before landing her dream leadership role. But then she took on a different position at her company to be closer to where she wanted to live permanently. Now she’s missing her previous role and hopes to return to it, but is unsure how to make it happen since the company needs her where she is. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through understanding how to articulate her career goals and navigate what’s next. Further Reading: --- [How to Figure Out What You Want Next in Your Career] (https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-figure-out-what-you-want-next-in-your-career) --- [How to Align Employee and Company Interests] (https://hbr.org/2009/08/how-to-align-employee-and-comp) --- [How Do I Know When It’s Time to Leave?] (https://hbr.org/podcast/2021/10/how-do-i-know-when-its-time-to-leave) ... Read more

11 Mar 2024

41 MINS

41:29

11 Mar 2024


#56

Coming Soon: Season 7

Whether you’re a first-time manager or a high-level executive, we all need some help getting past hurdles and taking our careers to the next level. Executive coach Muriel Wilkins is back March 11 with a new season of the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of real life executive coaching conversations. On this season of Coaching Real Leaders, you’ll listen in on coaching sessions with leaders working through pressing career challenges like: ---How can I craft my next role to avoid burnout? ---Should I return to the C-suite? ---How can I find a new role that makes use of my strengths and brings me happiness? ---Can I adjust my workload while still making an impact? Muriel helps each leader discover unexpected insights about themselves and actionable steps they can take to move forward. Listen in, learn with them, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. ... Read more

04 Mar 2024

02 MINS

02:19

04 Mar 2024


#55

How Do I Handle Negative Feedback from My Team?

She’s grown her entire career at one company, but now she’s in a new leadership role and she recently felt blindsided by negative feedback from her team. She’s struggling to process the feedback and respond. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through how she can move forward with her team. Further reading: --- [Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback] (https://marshallgoldsmith.com/articles/try-feedforward-instead-feedback/) --- [Stephen Covey’s Speed of Trust] (https://www.speedoftrust.com/) --- [How Leaders Can Get the Feedback They Need to Grow] (https://hbr.org/2023/03/how-leaders-can-get-the-feedback-they-need-to-grow) ... Read more

27 Nov 2023

53 MINS

53:35

27 Nov 2023


#54

Should I Continue to Climb the Corporate Ladder?

She’s a high-achiever who has defined herself through her achievements and promotions. But she’s hit some bumps in her career and she’s feeling less engaged in her work. Now she’s questioning the leadership track she’s on. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through defining what success looks like for her moving forward. Further reading: [Finding Success Starts with Finding Your Purpose] (https://hbr.org/2022/01/finding-success-starts-with-finding-your-purpose) [Why Success Doesn’t Lead to Satisfaction] (https://hbr.org/2023/01/why-success-doesnt-lead-to-satisfaction) [ ] (https://hbr.org/2023/01/why-success-doesnt-lead-to-satisfaction) [How to Tell Your Boss You Don’t Want a Promotion] (https://hbr.org/2019/02/how-to-tell-your-boss-you-dont-want-a-promotion) ... Read more

13 Nov 2023

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:52

13 Nov 2023


#53

How Do I Find Meaning in My Work?

He took a less traditional career path to college and law school. Now he’s successful as a lawyer, despite several job pivots.  But he is still missing meaning and connection in his work. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches this leader through defining his purpose and how that can translate to his work. Further reading: --- [Why Success Doesn’t Lead to Satisfaction] (https://hbr.org/2023/01/why-success-doesnt-lead-to-satisfaction) --- [How to Find Meaning When Your Job Feels Meaningless] (https://hbr.org/2021/02/how-to-find-meaning-when-your-job-feels-meaningless) --- [What Makes Work Meaningful?] (https://hbr.org/2023/07/what-makes-work-meaningful) ... Read more

30 Oct 2023

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:15

30 Oct 2023


#52

How Do I More Effectively Build Stakeholder Alignment?

He’s a leader with a growing team, and he enjoys people management. But he’s struggling to  influence those outside of his team and build trust with stakeholders. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through developing some of the skills he needs to gain stakeholder alignment while driving for results. Further reading: --- [How to Increase Your Influence at Work] (https://hbr.org/2018/02/how-to-increase-your-influence-at-work) --- [How to Create a Stakeholder Strategy] (https://hbr.org/2023/05/how-to-create-a-stakeholder-strategy) --- [To Build a Top Performing Team, Ask for 85% Effort] (https://hbr.org/2023/06/to-build-a-top-performing-team-ask-for-85-effort) --- [The Eisenhower Matrix] (https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/) ... Read more

16 Oct 2023

52 MINS

52:10

16 Oct 2023


#51

Should I Push To Make My Interim Leadership Role Permanent?

She’s taken a number of chances in her career and made some big pivots. Now, she’s been assigned to a senior role on an interim basis, but she’s not sure whether she should try to make the role permanent. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through the decision-making process to better understand what’s holding her back and the future she envisions for herself. Further reading: --- [How to Turn an Interim Role into a Permanent Job] (https://hbr.org/2017/01/how-to-turn-an-interim-role-into-a-permanent-job) --- [Focus on Learning During an Interim Role] (https://hbr.org/tip/2017/04/focus-on-learning-during-an-interim-role) --- [How to Overcome Executive Isolation] (https://hbr.org/2017/02/how-to-overcome-executive-isolation) ... Read more

02 Oct 2023

51 MINS

51:53

02 Oct 2023


#50

How Do I Communicate With More Tact?

He’s always believed in hard work and is extremely ambitious. But he’s received feedback that sometimes the way he communicates is too direct, and he wants to work on his delivery. Host Muriel Wilkins helps him understand what might be holding him back and coaches him through how he can improve his approach. Further reading: --- [Good Leadership Is About Communicating “Why”] (https://hbr.org/2020/05/good-leadership-is-about-communicating-why) --- [How Great Leaders Communicate] (https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-great-leaders-communicate) --- [How to Give Negative Feedback to Your Peers, Boss, or Direct Reports] (https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-give-negative-feedback-to-your-peers-boss-or-direct-reports) ... Read more

18 Sep 2023

52 MINS

52:06

18 Sep 2023


#49

Coming Soon: Season 6

Executive coach Muriel Wilkins is back September 18 with an all new season of the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of real life executive coaching conversations. This season, first-time managers, mid-level leaders, and executives work through some of their most pressing career challenges. You’ll hear conversations around questions like: ---How do I know if I should make my interim role permanent? ---Have I taken my career as far as it will go? ---How do I build more effective relationships with my peers and those above me? Muriel helps each leader discover unexpected insights about themselves and actionable steps they can take to move forward. Listen in and learn with them. ... Read more

11 Sep 2023

02 MINS

02:04

11 Sep 2023


#48

How to Use Your Presence (from Think Fast, Talk Smart)

There are infinite ways for you to “show up” at work. So, how can you use that as an opportunity for you, your team, and your organization? On this special bonus episode, host Muriel Wilkins and Think Fast, Talk Smart host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for creating a strong physical  . By understanding and controlling your presence, you can communicate more effectively, lead more authentically, and have a greater impact on your organization. You can follow the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast on your favorite podcast app. And stay tuned for a new season of Coaching Real Leaders this fall! ... Read more

21 Aug 2023

23 MINS

23:51

21 Aug 2023


#47

The One Skill Leaders Need Today (from Radical Candor)

Candor and compassion at work are more important (and more difficult to cultivate) than ever. On this special bonus episode, host Muriel Wilkins joins the Radical Candor podcast to help answer a listener question: should a manager try to change an employee’s interpersonal behavior? She and Radical Candor’s Amy Sandler and Kim Scott also discuss how to meet the demands of leading in a hybrid environment. You can find more of Radical Candor at [radicalcandor.com] (https://www.radicalcandor.com/candor-podcast/) or you can subscribe on your favorite podcast app. ... Read more

25 Jul 2023

50 MINS

50:19

25 Jul 2023


#46

How Do I Move Forward from a Career Setback?

He experienced early success and a fast promotion at his organization, but then things started to shift. Now, there have been leadership changes, and his scope of responsibilities has changed, making him feel like his career is backsliding. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how he can reframe the situation and prioritize what he wants from his career going forward. Further reading: [What Great Managers Do] (https://hbr.org/2005/03/what-great-managers-do) [How to Handle a Demotion at Work] (https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/how-to-cope-with-a-demotion-at-work) [15 Warning Signs Your Job Isn’t The Right Fit For You] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/10/15/15-warning-signs-your-job-isnt-the-right-fit-for-you/?sh=4f667d1c31f3) [How to Figure Out What You Want Next in Your Career] (https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-figure-out-what-you-want-next-in-your-career) ... Read more

19 Jun 2023

56 MINS

56:04

19 Jun 2023


#45

How Do I Set the Right Pace To Meet Our Strategic Goals?

She loves the work she does and has effectively managed her career to gain increased responsibility over time. She’s recently started managing managers for the first time and is struggling to find the right pace to help her organization reach long-term strategic goals, amid some short-term uncertainty. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through setting goals and timelines for the long term. Further reading: --- [How to Manage Managers] (https://hbr.org/2016/08/how-to-manage-managers) --- [Get Your Team to Do What It Says It’s Going to Do] (https://hbr.org/2014/05/get-your-team-to-do-what-it-says-its-going-to-do) --- [How to Make Progress on Your Long-Term Career Goals] (https://hbr.org/2022/03/how-to-make-progress-on-your-long-term-career-goals) ... Read more

05 Jun 2023

58 MINS

58:18

05 Jun 2023


#44

How Do I Work with a Difficult Boss?

He’s a mission driven leader who has always found roles where he can help others. He was brought in at a high level at a new organization, but he’s feeling tension and conflict with the organization’s founder. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how to manage himself in this negative work dynamic. Further reading: --- [Founder’s Syndrome Can Take Down a Nonprofit. Here’s How To Avoid It] (https://www.joangarry.com/founder-syndrome/) --- [Make Sure Your Work Is Aligned with Your Boss’s Expectations] (https://hbr.org/tip/2018/04/make-sure-your-work-is-aligned-with-your-bosss-expectations) ---Managing Up ... Read more

22 May 2023

56 MINS

56:44

22 May 2023


#43

How Do I Define My New Role to Set Myself Up for Success?

She’s found a career path she truly enjoys, in part because of her ability to take risks and try new things. Now, as her team is reorganized, she has the opportunity to design her next leadership position, but she’s not sure what she needs to ask for in order to be successful. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through reframing what may be holding her back and identifying the priorities she wants to focus on going forward. Further reading: --- [Turn the Job You Have into the Job You Want] (https://hbr.org/2010/06/managing-yourself-turn-the-job-you-have-into-the-job-you-want) --- [Using Design Thinking To Become The CEO Of Your Own Career And Drive Career Success] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/04/25/using-design-thinking-to-become-the-ceo-of-your-own-career-and-drive-career-success/?sh=4596cfe47c25) --- [How to Create a New Job at Your Current Company] (https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-create-a-new-job-at-your-current-company) --- [How To Ask For What You Need At Work] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahsheehan/2018/08/09/how-to-ask-for-what-you-need-at-work/?sh=117dcb131d04) --- [Having the Here’s-What-I-Want Conversation With Your Boss] (https://hbr.org/2015/11/having-the-heres-what-i-want-conversation-with-your-boss) ... Read more

08 May 2023

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:51

08 May 2023


#42

How Do I Lead My Team without Strategic Direction from the Top?

He leads a team at a large global organization and gets positive feedback on their work. But he’s having trouble leading his team amid conflicting priorities and without direction from his senior leaders. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how he can help his team have organizational impact, with or without more clarity from above. Further reading: --- [When Managing Through Ambiguity, Develop a Clear Vision] (https://hbr.org/2020/11/when-managing-through-ambiguity-develop-a-clear-vision) --- [How To Lead Through Ambiguity] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/08/how-to-lead-through-ambiguity/?sh=5cf3d1d91ee6) --- [5 Reasons Your Employees Don’t Understand Your Company’s Vision] (https://hbr.org/2021/09/5-reasons-your-employees-dont-understand-your-companys-vision) --- [How to Teach Leaders to Navigate Complexity] (https://instituteofcoaching.org/blogs/how-teach-leaders-navigate-complexity) ... Read more

24 Apr 2023

51 MINS

51:30

24 Apr 2023


#41

How Do I Stay Motivated After Surviving Layoffs?

She’s finally found a leadership role that feels aligned with her personal mission. But in the wake of unexpected company-wide layoffs, she’s struggling with how to plan for her team’s future amid the organizational uncertainty. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through how she can motivate and lead her team when so much feels out of their control. Further reading: --- [How to Deal with Layoff Anxiety] (https://hbr.org/2022/09/how-to-deal-with-layoff-anxiety) --- [How to Support Your Remaining Employees After a Layoff] (https://hbr.org/2020/05/how-to-support-your-remaining-employees-after-a-layoff) --- [After Layoffs, Help Survivors Be More Effective] (https://hbr.org/2009/06/after-layoffs-help-survivors-be-more-effective) --- [Layoffs Are Harming The Mental Health Of Workers, Making Them Feel Vulnerable And Disposable] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/02/07/layoffs-are-harming-the-mental-health-of-workers-making-them-feel-vulnerable-and-disposable/?sh=14f088f667e1) ... Read more

10 Apr 2023

48 MINS

48:17

10 Apr 2023