So you want to be a leader... Really? By Defy Expectations

We’re here to explore the highs and lows of leadership today with our guests and help you navigate the complexity of being a leader. From every aspect, from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything in between. With weekly guests from all levels of the organisation.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music

Episodes

Thursday May 07, 2026

Helen is joined by Ben Brearley, who shares his journey from corporate roles to leadership coaching, discussing the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance in effective leadership, 'accidental leadership,' and how to adapt one's style authentically. 

Thursday May 21, 2026

In this episode, Helen delves into the highs and lows of leadership with Gerrit-Jan Van Velze, an executive coach with a rich background in professional rugby. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and feedback in both sports and corporate settings, and how these elements contribute to creating a sense of belonging and high performance within teams.

Thursday Jun 04, 2026

In this episode, Helen meets Paul Petera, a veteran in leadership and culture. They discuss the significance of self-awareness, the evolution of leadership roles, and practical tools for building successful organisations, highlighted by insights from Paul's career and his book, 'Built On Purpose.'

Thursday Jun 18, 2026

In this episode, Helen meets Patrick van der Burght, an expert in ethical persuasion. They discuss the science of human decision-making and its application in leadership, with Patrick sharing the key principles of persuasion, emphasising their ethical use for long-term success, and practical tips for leaders to enhance their communication and influence.

Tuesday Jun 23, 2026

What if resilience isn’t about pushing through, but about how quickly we can return to balance under pressure? 
 
In this solo episode, Helen shares insights from her recent research into resilience, nervous system regulation, and what it really takes to help leaders perform sustainably in high-pressure environments. 
 
Discover why resilience is more than mindset, and how understanding the science can transform the way we lead.

4 days ago

Helen explores the intricacies of leadership with Dave Schoof, who focuses on blending business results with consciousness expansion. They discuss the importance of unlocking innate genius, the balance between execution and influence, and the transition required to navigate today's complex leadership landscape.

Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125