Author: Helen Woodward

It was late on a Saturday afternoon in Hebden Bridge, post-walk, coffee in hand, quietly unwinding after a long hike to Stoodley Pike. At the next table, a young man… Continue reading Leading With Awareness in Uncertain Times

Ever had one of those moments where you thought you were perfectly clear, only to discover people came away with different ideas of what you meant?If this sounds familiar, you’re… Continue reading How Language Shapes Leadership: From Jane Austen to the Boardroom

Some of my most memorable (and let’s be honest, character-building) moments have happened when life veered wildly off script. 💼 A sudden change in government guidance meant my team of three… Continue reading When Things Don’t Go to Plan – How Disruptions Shape Our Leadership

One of the easiest mistakes any of us can make, especially as leaders, is believing we are right. Thinking we see the world objectively, free from bias, pride, and prejudice. The… Continue reading Leadership Blind Spots: When Our Assumptions Masquerade as Truth

Anyone who has spent time with young children knows their insatiable appetite for asking questions. Their curiosity is boundless, their desire to understand the world unfiltered by fear of judgment… Continue reading The Art of Curiosity: How the Questions We Ask Shape the Future

We often hear that positivity is the key to success: “Just think positive.” “Good vibes only.” “Everything will work out.” At the risk of sounding like the Queen of Hearts,… Continue reading Why “Just Think Positive” Misses the Point

Last week I received an unsolicited invitation to pay for a webinar on supporting coaching clients with ‘Imposter Syndrome.’ The promotional materials included a deliberately alarming list of its supposed… Continue reading The Myth of Imposter Syndrome: What if You’re Just Accurately Self-Aware?

One to one meetings are the foundation, the engine room of our business. If they’re led well we get to know our teams and what motivates them, show we care… Continue reading The Power of One-on-One Meetings: Building Communication and Productivity

I recently worked with a team of 30 first time leaders. They’re keen, energetic, all have good track records of being successful in previous roles and are now leading teams.… Continue reading Why learning to pause helps you be a more effective leader

Being a leader who listens  Leadership life is busy, really busy. We talk about our heads ‘buzzing’, ‘multi-tasking’ and ‘managing distractions’. We all know listening is important, but focusing on… Continue reading Why listening lies at the heart of impactful leadership