The Lonely Leader

Episode 111Resilient under pressure. Ten areas every leader must focus on.SUMMARYEvery leader needs resilience to survive and thrive in modern day leadership. In this episode, James Rule shares the top ten areas of focus that the hundreds of leaders he has worked with have highlighted as been integral to enhancing their resilience. James shares a road map you can follow and stresses that these focus areas are universally applicable irrespective of the sector you operate in or the specifics of your role. KEY TAKEAWAYSJames directs you to the following episodes so you can access further insights:Episode 84 - Leadership Essentials: Clarity Episode 4 - High Performers do this every day to empower their mindsetEpisode 15 - The power of utilising a JournalEpisode 3 - Three leadership books every leader should readEpisode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence Episode 37- Recovery: The missing link for high performance Episode 8 - Leadership Essential: Dealing with criticism Episode 22 - Creating Psychological Safety in your teamEpisode 80 - Feedback Culture. The secret weapon of high performing teams (Part 1)Episode 81 - Feedback Culture. The secret weapon of high performing teams (Part 2)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. 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 110My enough is enough moment and how it changed me as a leader and personSUMMARYWelcome to The Lonely Leader Podcast. In this episode, James Rule discusses how collapsing with Pneumonia during his time as a CEO was a turning point in his approach to leadership. It provided a chance to reflect and to change habits and behaviours to find a more sustainable way to develop high performance. James shares the changes he made in the hope you can avoid the same pitfall and course correct before reaching your own enough is enough moment. James directs you to the following episodes so you can access further insights:Episode 2 - Why Leaders Must Adopt a Holistic View to Create and Sustain High PerformanceEpisode 11 - Leadership Essentials: DelegationEpisode 15 - The Power of Utilising a JournalEpisode 33 - High Performance PledgesEpisode 34 - Dealing with Negative PeopleEpisode 48 - Leadership Essentials: PresenceEpisode 54 - The Power of Rest: Unlocking High Performance Through RecoveryEpisode 71 - Holiday Illness: A Warning Sign You Can’t IgnoreEpisode 84 - Leadership Essentials: ClarityEpisode 86 - Leadership Essentials: Lifelong LearningABOUT 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. 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 109What senior leaders wished they had acted on soonerSUMMARYWelcome to The Lonely Leader Podcast. In this episode, James Rule explores the three most common issues that senior leaders delay taking action on. Even the highest performing leaders struggle at some stage in these areas which in turn compromises their performance, leadership impact and ultimately fulfilment. By sharing them he aspires to help you avoid these debilitating pitfalls on your own leadership journey. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe delay in addressing these issues seems to challenge each and every leader at some stage in their career. Knowledge is power. The first step is awareness of the issues, the second is learning from the wisdom of those that have walked the leadership path ahead of you and taking the necessary action to course correct and avoid the same stresses and pitfalls. 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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTEpisode 106 - When performance stops feeling worth it: A conversation leaders rarely admit they’re havingEpisode 107 - Why senior leaders procrastinate and how to break the cycle Episode 108 - If you don’t redesign leadership it will redesign youCONNECT & 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 108If you don’t redesign leadership it will redesign youSUMMARY In this episode, James Rule explores a hard truth many experienced leaders eventually face, leadership evolves whether you choose to or not.As responsibility, pressure, and visibility increase, the way you lead must change. If it doesn’t, leadership will quietly begin to reshape you, your energy, your identity, and your relationships often without your awareness or consent.This is not an episode about burnout, stepping away, or losing ambition. It is a challenging conversation about agency, maturity, and redesigning leadership so it remains sustainable at senior levels.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy leadership must evolve as pressure and scale increase.Four critical areas every experienced leader must consciously redesign.How to reclaim agency before leadership begins to erode energy and identity.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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTEpisode 106 - When performance stops feeling worth it: A conversation leaders rarely admit they’re havingEpisode 72 - The leadership energy crisis. How to rebuild before you breakCONNECT & 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 107Why senior leaders procrastinate and how to break the cycleSUMMARYProcrastination isn’t a productivity issue for senior leaders it’s a leadership signal.In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule explores why capable, high performing leaders increasingly struggle with procrastination, why it looks different at senior level, and how leaders can break the cycle without resorting to pressure, self-criticism, or dramatic exits.This is a practical, reflective conversation for CEOs and senior leaders who feel busy, effective, and trusted yet find themselves avoiding the work that matters most.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy procrastination becomes more common at senior leadership level.The impact of decision weight and the associated emotional cost.Why procrastination is often disguised as productivity.Practical proven strategies senior leaders use to regain momentum and clarity.Who This Episode Is ForCEOs, founders, and managing directorsSenior executives and leadership teamsHigh performers who feel busy but misalignedLeaders avoiding important decisions or conversationsABOUT 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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTEpisode 106 - When performance stops feeling worth it: A conversation leaders rarely admit they’re havingEpisode 103 - Escaping leadership loneliness: The art of building powerful support networks Episode 99 - Leadership Essentials: Productivity - Reclaiming focus in a distracted worldCONNECT & 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 106When performance stops feeling worth it: A conversation leaders rarely admit they’re havingIn this episode, James Rule tackles a question many experienced leaders think but rarely say out loud: “Is this still worth it?” This is not an episode about burnout or quitting leadership. It’s a candid, challenging conversation about misalignment, emotional fatigue, and the hidden cost of sustained high performance. If you are still delivering results but quietly questioning the trade-offs, this episode will resonate.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy questioning leadership does not equal failureHow to identify misalignment to restore fulfilment Challenge the Status Quo to create sustainable high performanceHow to reduce emotional load without stepping away from responsibilityABOUT 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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTEpisode 102 - Ten steps that made 2025 my best ever year. They can do the same for you.Episode 104  - Don’t drift into 2026: The annual review that sets you up for your best year yetEpisode 98 - Leadership Essentials: Resilience - Creating strength that enduresCONNECT & 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 105Accelerating into the New Year! A leadership reset for sustainable high performanceSUMMARY SECTION In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule explores how leaders can accelerate into the new year with clarity, intention, and sustainable high performance without falling into the trap of short lived resolutions and burnout.Rather than setting bigger goals, this episode challenges leaders to define success properly, align performance across professional and personal life, and build a clear roadmap for the year ahead.If you are a leader looking to improve productivity, focus, wellbeing, and long-term impact this episode is for you.KEY TAKEAWAYSClarify what success looks like across career, energy, relationships, growth, and wellbeing.Building a performance roadmap that actually works.How to accelerate professionally without sacrificing personal wellbeing.Identify what to stop doing to unlock time, enhance focus and drive momentumDesign habits and boundaries that support sustainable high performanceABOUT 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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTEpisode 102 - Ten steps that made 2025 my best ever year. They can do the same for you.Episode 104 - Don’t drift into 2026: The annual review that sets you up for your best year yetEpisode 99 - Leadership Essentials: Productivity - Reclaiming focus in a distracted world 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 104 - Don’t drift into 2026: The annual review that sets you up for your best year yetSUMMARY SECTION As leaders, it’s easy to drift from one year into the next without ever truly stopping to reflect. January arrives. The inbox fills. The pressure resumes and by March, many leaders are wondering why nothing feels different. In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule challenges that pattern and invites you to pause, reflect, and intentionally design what comes next. This is not about New Year’s resolutions or vague goal-setting. It’s about leadership responsibility, starting with how you lead yourself.The Two Reviews every leader must conduct:Professional review: performance, impact, relationships, reputation, career capital.Personal review: energy, health, mindset, habits, fulfilment.High performance without wellbeing is a short career. This episode shows how the two must align.Who this episode is forSenior leaders and executives feeling stuck in repeat cycles.High performers who want sustainable success, not burnout.Leaders who want clarity, focus, and fulfilment heading into 2026.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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 102 - Ten steps that made 2025 my best ever year. They can do the same for you.Episode 93 - Inside The Lonely Leader: My story, my philosophy Episode 15 - The power of utilising a journal 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA 

Episode 103Escaping Leadership Loneliness: The art of building powerful support networks SUMMARY SECTION Having operated as a CEO James is all too familiar with the loneliness and isolation of senior leadership. This episode is a sincere appeal to avoid loneliness and its corrosive impact, by building the appropriate support network to let you thrive in any and every leadership role you hold. James articulates a road map and key actions for higher levels of professional performance and fulfilment. KEY TAKEAWAYSThe three key reasons that all leaders succumb to loneliness at some point in leadership. How to stop romanticising self reliance.The four core components of a support network that is applicable to every leadership role and that will yield higher levels of performance and fulfilment. How to audit that network and the steps you can take to start enhancing it immediately. 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. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTEpisode 93 - Inside The Lonely Leader: My story, my philosophy, my purposeEpisode 71 - Holiday illness: A warning sign you can’t ignoreEpisode 54 - The power of rest: Unlocking high performance through recoveryCONNECT & 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' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA