The Lonely Leader

Episode SEVENTY ONEHoliday Illness: A Warning Sign You Can’t IgnoreSUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule explores the phenomenon of holiday illness and why so many leaders fall ill when they finally take a break. It’s not bad luck, it’s biology. Discover the hidden impact of stress on your immune system, the science behind the “cortisol crash,” and how holiday illness reveals deeper warning signs of burnout. James shares insights and practical strategies you can use immediately to protect your energy, safeguard your health, and return from breaks stronger than ever.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy you get sick when you finally stop workingThe role of cortisol and immune suppressionHow holiday illness connects to burnoutEight actionable strategies to protect yourself and your performanceWhy sustainable leadership is built on daily recovery, not heroic enduranceABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 70 - Disconnect to reconnect: Why leaders need a digital detoxEpisode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performanceEpisode 33 - High Performance Pledges CONNECT & CONTACT Website www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramEmail: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SEVENTYDisconnect to reconnect: Why Leaders need a digital detoxSUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule explores the overlooked superpower of stepping away, the digital detox. From reducing stress to restoring creativity, learn how unplugging can actually sharpen your leadership. James shares personal insights, practical tips, and step by step strategies to help you prepare for, execute, and return from a digital detox with renewed energy and clarity.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy stepping away boosts creativity and performanceHow to prepare for a digital detox as a leaderWhat to do (and not do) while away to maximise the impactHow to return with focus, energy and intentionActionable steps to reset your relationship with technologyABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence Episode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance Episode 11 - Leadership Essentials: Delegation CONNECT & CONTACT Website www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramEmail: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SIXTY NINELeadership Books Every Leader Should Read (Re-release)SUMMARYOne of the most frequently asked questions that James Rule is asked is “What leadership books do you recommend ?”That question is being raised on a daily basis perhaps as a consequence of the increasingly complex challenges leaders are facing. So James has decided to re release one of our most downloaded episodes.He profiles his all time top five books and the key lessons he has taken from each one.KEY TAKEAWAYS Studying high performers provided a wonderful source of knowledge, insight and inspiration.We can always move ourselves forward if we are willing to work hard enough and adopt a growth mindset.One of our biggest jobs as leaders is to help our people grow, to help them realise their potential and achieve high performance.As a leader our words and actions are integral to shaping culture.A powerful reminder that what initially seems stressful pales into insignificance when we step back and look at the bigger picture.ABOUT THE HOST James Rule is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SMEs, the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport, initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive, has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James, specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment, we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Why Leaders Must Adopt a Holistic View to Create and Sustain High PerformanceHigh Performers Do This Every Day to Empower Their Mindset CONNECT & CONTACT Website www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramEmail: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SIXTY EIGHTCourse correcting an underperforming teamSUMMARY SECTION  Even the highest performing teams can have a dip in form. “What can I do as a leader to help them course correct and get them back on track?” This is a question James Rule frequently gets asked by the senior leaders he works with. In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast he shares the key steps he works through with them to get their teams firing once again and achieving new levels of productivity, performance and fulfilment. KEY TAKEAWAYSBlock out external noise. Circle the wagons and look within.Create Psychological Safety. Give everybody a voice, irrespective of age and experience.Reflect on what has worked well in the past.Identify what we need to stop doing. Remove ego from this process. What can I do to support you? The critical question fro every leader.Get the team together. Build the empathy and rapport.Engage with your network. Learn from their wisdom and insight.Be conscious of your language in terms of words and body language.ABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 63 - The Man in the Arena Episode 57 - Lessons from my Leadership Journey (Part 1)Episode 58 - Lessons from my Leadership Journey (Part 2)CONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SIXTY SEVENAccelerated Learning: How mentorship fuels your leadership journey SUMMARY SECTION  Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for accelerating leadership growth. In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule explores why mentorship matters, how it shapes high performing leaders, and how to find the right mentor for your journey. James breaks down real world examples of successful mentorship from tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs to legendary sports figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson.Whether you're looking for a mentor or seeking to become one, this episode provides actionable steps to leverage mentorship as a catalyst for growth.KEY TAKEAWAYSMentorship accelerates leadership growth by providing guidance, perspective, and accountability.Top leaders have relied on mentors: Bill Gates (Warren Buffett), Sara Blakely (Richard Branson).A great mentor challenges you, not just supports you. They push you beyond your comfort zone.Finding the right mentor requires intentionality. Seek those who align with your values and aspirations.Mentorship is a two way street. The best mentoring relationships benefit both mentor and mentee.ABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 21 - Value your people Episode 29 - Ten traits of courageous leadersEpisode 41 - Toxic leadership - How to spot it and what to do about itCONNECT & CONTACT Website www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramEmail: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SIXTY SIXThe Talent Trap: Why talent alone isn’t enough SUMMARY SECTION  Talent is often glorified as the ultimate key to success but talent alone is never enough. In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule breaks down nine key traits that have nothing to do with talent but everything to do with success.Drawing on real world examples James explores how hard work, discipline, attitude, and preparation separate high performers from the rest. Whether you're leading a team, building a career, or simply striving for excellence, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you avoid the Talent Trap and take full control of your growth.KEY TAKEAWAYS Work Ethic Wins – Hard work outperforms natural ability.Seek Coaching & Feedback – Growth comes from learning, not ego.Prepare Relentlessly – Success happens before the moment.Control Your Energy – Your mindset is contagious, make sure it’s positive.Body Language Matters – Lead with presence, confidence, and composure.Respect Time – Being punctual shows discipline and commitment.Do More Than Expected – Extra effort creates extra opportunities..Lead with Kindness – Influence is built through respect and generosity.ABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 61 - Set your standards highEpisode 44 - Cultivating a growth mindset in you and your teamEpisode 38 - Mastering the art of communication CONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SIXTY FIVELeadership Essentials: ConsistencySUMMARY SECTION  Consistency is the unglamorous but essential trait that separates high performing leaders from the rest. In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule explores why consistency is the foundation for long term success. Whether in business, sport or music the most successful individuals aren’t just the most talented they are the ones who show up, day after day, with discipline and purpose.James shares powerful real world examples of leaders who embody consistency including Cristiano Ronaldo, Warren Buffett and Taylor Swift and breaks down 11 actionable steps to help you develop consistency in your own leadership.KEY TAKEAWAYS Define your non negotiables - Create the North Star to drive your consistency.Create a routine - Small habits repeated over time lead to big results.Measure progress over time - Don’t focus on daily fluctuations, but on the long term.Adjust but don’t abandon – When things get tough, tweak your approach but stay the course.Embrace the mornings - Start your day with purpose to ensure consistency.Peer accountability - Surround yourself with those who push you to show up.Start small and enjoy the growth - Start small and build momentum rather than going all in and burning out.ABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 59 - How much are meetings costing your business?Episode 56 - Leadership Essentials: Positivity Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence CONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode SIXTY FOURLeading without regretsSUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast host James Rule explores the powerful lessons embedded in the book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Drawing on personal experiences as a CEO James offers actionable strategies to help leaders transform these regrets into a source of strength and inspiration. KEY TAKEAWAYS Care less about what others thinkManage worry effectivelyPrioritise self-careCherish every moment and embrace gratitudeLive in the now and be fully present in personal and professional interactionsABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 8 - Dealing with criticism Episode 26 - Ten ways to tackle worry Episode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: PresenceEpisode 63 - The Man in the ArenaCONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.

Episode SIXTY THREEThe Man in the Arena  SUMMARY SECTION  Host James Rule explores Theodore Roosevelt’s timeless message from The Man in the Arena. True leadership is defined not by the critics on the sidelines, but by those who step into the arena, daring to take risks, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and leading with authenticity. Drawing from his own experiences as a CEO and coach, he shares insights on overcoming the fear of criticism, taking decisive action despite uncertainty, and inspiring your team to perform at their best. KEY TAKEAWAYSEmbrace Criticism: Focus on action rather than the noise from critics.Take Calculated Risks: Don’t wait for certainty—dare to step into the arena.Learn from Failure: Use setbacks as valuable lessons for growth.Pursue a Worthy Cause: Align your actions with a purpose greater than personal gain.Communicate with Vulnerability: Authenticity builds trust and inspires your team.Build Resilience: Continuous effort and determination are the keys to long-term success.ABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 62 - The intersection of purpose and performance Episode 61- Set your standards high Episode 59 - How much are meetings costing your business CONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking.