The Lonely Leader

Episode 78You´re not alone: The most common issues facing leaders todaySUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule highlights the three most common challenges he sees in the boardroom, in coaching sessions, and across every leadership level from CEOs to emerging leaders.James explores the three core pillars where even the most capable leaders often struggle: Communication that landsProductivity and presence in a distraction filled worldPhysical and mental energy that doesn’t burn outWhether you're leading a team of five or five hundred, this episode is your reminder: you’re not alone.James also shares a behind the scenes look at the coaching, mentoring and advisory support available for leaders who want to do the inner work and unlock lasting change by working with The Lonely Leader.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 23 - Lessons learned from burnoutEpisode 48 - Leadership Essentials: PresenceEpisode 47 - Mastering productivity: Key strategies to make every day countEpisode 38 - Mastering the art of communicationCONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@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.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 77Leadership Essentials: Tenacity - Holding the line when it gets toughSummaryIn this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule explores tenacity, the quiet, relentless force that defines the world's most effective leaders. Drawing on powerful examples from Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, this episode shows how to lead with grit, how to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you, and highlights why tenacity is a non-negotiable in today's fast paced leadership landscape.Whether you're leading through adversity or chasing a long term vision, this episode is a blueprint for staying the course and inspiring others to do the same.Key Takeaways:Why tenacity is more than stubbornness and how to lead with resilience.How Churchill and Lincoln role modelled unshakable resolve.What to do when your plan gets "punched in the face".How to build a culture of grit and perseverance in your team.8 actionable ways to strengthen your tenacity as a leader.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 62 - The intersection of purpose and performance Episode 17 - Five Key Steps to Lead Through AdversityCONNECT & 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 76The strength in vulnerability: A Leadership EssentialSUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule discusses one of the most misunderstood leadership qualities: vulnerability. Far from being a weakness, vulnerability is a gateway to building trust, fostering connection, and strengthening team culture. Through powerful examples from the worlds of sport, business, and public service, James explores how leaders can embrace vulnerability without losing authority and why doing so is critical for leading in today’s world.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy vulnerability builds trust and connectionHow to share authentically without oversharingWhat high performers like Simone Biles, Ford CEO Alan Mulally, and Michelle Obama teach us about courageous transparencyHow to balance strength with self awareness7 practical ways to lead with vulnerability every dayABOUT 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 10 - Leadership Essentials: AuthenticityEpisode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence Episode 56 - Leadership Essentials: Positivity 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 75Leadership in the Digital Age: Staying Human in a High Tech WorldSUMMARYToday we’re exploring something that touches every one of us whether we’re leading a start up, a global brand, or simply navigating change in our professional lives. The digital world is accelerating, AI, automation, remote work, Zoom calls, dashboards, and data streams. These tools promise greater efficiency, better access, and faster decision making. But they can also create disconnect, burnout, and fractured team cultures if we’re not intentional. So today, I want to explore how we can leverage technology without losing what makes us effective leaders: connection, trust, empathy, and presence.KEY TAKEAWAYSRemote leadership requires intentional culture building. Trust, transparency, and regular connection are key.Great leaders adapt to new tech, but stay anchored in human values. Use AI, data, and automation to serve, not to replace.You don’t need to be a tech expert to lead in a digital world. You need to be open and adaptable.Use data to guide decisions but don’t lose emotional intelligence. The best leaders combine hard data with human insight.Tech should enhance wellbeing, not destroy it. Set boundaries, lead by example, and advocate digital recovery time.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 74 - Leading through organisational change Episode 38 - Mastering the art of communication Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence CONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@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.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode SEVENTY FOURLeading through organisational change SUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule tackles one of the most defining tests of leadership: navigating organisational change. Whether you’re leading a restructure, guiding your team through uncertainty, or championing a strategic pivot, this episode offers practical wisdom and key takeaways to help you lead with clarity, calm, and confidence.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy resistance to change is human and how great leaders manage itThe emotional responsibility leaders carry during transitions12 actionable strategies to communicate, stabilise, and energise your teamWhy visibility, clarity and vulnerability are your most powerful tools in change“In times of change people don’t follow plans they follow people”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 57 - Lessons from my Leadership Journey (part one)Episode 58 - Lessons from my Leadership Journey (part two)Episode 73 - Invisible Drains: 7 Silent Killers of Leadership EnergyCONNECT & CONTACT www.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@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.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode SEVENTY TWOThe Leadership Energy Crisis: How to Rebuild Before You BreakSUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule explores an often-ignored topic: leadership energy. Leadership demands are relentless, but running on empty is not a badge of honour, it's a threat to clarity, performance, and fulfilment. James shares why managing your energy (not just your time) is the key to sustainable high performance, and how to rebuild your energy tank before you reach the breaking point. Practical strategies, real world examples, and clear takeaways await.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy leadership energy is your true competitive edgeCommon signs you're heading toward an energy crashHow to build daily energy rituals that prevent burnout Practical steps to rebuild and protect your leadership energyABOUT 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 71 - Holiday Illness: A warning sign you cannot ignore Episode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance CONNECT & 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.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

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.