The Lonely Leader

Episode 81Feedback Culture: The secret weapon of high performing teams (Part 2 Receiving Feedback)SUMMARY SECTION  In the second instalment of this feedback focused series, James Rule explores the often overlooked leadership skill of receiving feedback well. Feedback isn’t just a tool to give, it’s also one of the most powerful growth levers when leaders learn how to truly hear it and are willing to act upon it.From Mary Barra’s leadership at GM to Gareth Southgate’s coaching evolution, James shares what it looks like to seek and respond to feedback without ego, and how this transforms trust, morale, and personal growth.Key Takeaways:Why leaders who resist feedback get left behindThree common traps leaders fall into when receiving critique8 practical ways to receive feedback with humility and strengthABOUT 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 80 - Feedback Culture: The secret weapon of high performing teams (Part 1 Giving Feedback)Episode 74 - Leading through organisational change Episode 64 - Leading without regretsCONNECT & 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 80Feedback Culture: The secret weapon of high performing teamsSUMMARY SECTION  In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule kicks off a two part series on one of the most misunderstood tools in leadership: feedback. This first episode focuses on the art of giving feedback and how to do it in a way that inspires growth, trust, and high performance.From the rugby field to the boardroom, James shares real world examples and lessons from leadership giants. With 8 actionable strategies, this episode will help you give feedback that your team actually wants to hear and will act on.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy vague feedback destroys performanceThe three most common feedback fails leaders makeHow to give feedback that inspires, not deflates8 proven rules for better feedback 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 and create it in both our professional roles and personal lives.  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 38 - Mastering the art of communication Episode 60 - Are you optimising internal resources? (your staff)Episode 56 - Leadership Essentials: PositivityCONNECT & 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.

Episode 79Leadership Essentials: Why Active Listening is the skill that changes everythingSUMMARYIn this episode, James Rule explores why active listening is one of the most under appreciated but critical skills for modern leadership. Drawing from personal experience, professional coaching insight, and examples from sport and business, James highlights how leaders can transform team culture, improve performance, and deepen trust by simply becoming better listeners.You’ll hear:Why active listening is different from passive hearingHow poor listening destroys trust and performanceLessons from Phil Jackson former coach of NBA team Chicago Bulls8 actionable takeaways to build better listening habitsKEY TAKEAWAYSListening is a leadership action, not a passive state.Ask questions to understand, not to reply.Silence is powerful don’t rush to fill the space.Avoid multitasking when someone is speaking.Don’t assume you know what’s coming next.Let people finish even when it's uncomfortable.Practice patience real listening takes time.Make it a habit, listening is a muscle, not a switch.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 38 - Mastering the art of communication Episode 70 - Disconnect to reconnect: Why leaders need a digital detoxEpisode 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.

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 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 73Invisible Drains: 7 Silent Killers of Leadership EnergySUMMARYIn this high-impact episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, James Rule pulls back the curtain on the subtle habits and hidden dynamics that sap a leader’s energy. It’s not always the big crises that bring us down, sometimes it’s the quiet, unchallenged routines that drain us most. From decision fatigue and digital distractions to unresolved conflict and people pleasing, James identifies the 7 most common energy leaks and shows you exactly how to plug them. Featuring lessons from leaders Barack Obama, Warren Buffet and J.K. Rowling, this episode is a must listen for any leader looking to protect their energy and lead more intentionally.KEY TAKEAWAYSLearn how decision fatigue and digital distractions are impacting your performanceUnderstand how boundaries, conflict, and recovery play into your energy levelsGet inspired by real life leaders who’ve mastered energy protectionActionable advice to help you build a more energised and sustainable leadership styleABOUT 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 ignoreEpisode 37 - Recovery: The missing link for high performance Episode 59 - How much are meetings costing your businessCONNECT & 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