The Lonely Leader

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.

Episode SIXTY TWOThe intersection of purpose and performance SUMMARY Host James Rule explores a critical concept in leadership, the intersection of purpose and performance. When we talk about leadership, we often focus on results, targets, and metrics. True, sustainable success comes when purpose drives performance. It’s about having a clear sense of why you do what you do, and letting that purpose fuel your performance even when challenges arise. In this episode James shares personal insights from his own journey as a leader, and compliments with examples from both business and sport. He provides actionable strategies you can implement to ensure that your leadership is not just about achieving outcomes, but about making a meaningful impact.KEY TAKEAWAYSPurpose is your ‘why’ the deeper meaning behind your actions. Performance is the execution the measurable outcomes of your efforts. When these two align, you’re not just working harder; you’re working smarter and with more passion. You’re driven by a mission that transcends daily tasks.A clear ‘why’ gives you clarity in decision making, streamlining choices and keeps you focussed during challenges.When your actions reflect your core values, you inspire trust and commitment from your team. 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 1)Episode 58 - Lessons from my leadership journey (Part 2)Episode 52 - The legacy you leave 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 ONESet your standards highSUMMARY SECTION  If we want to create and sustain high performance then we need to set our standards high. They act as our North Star and provide a framework from which we can hold ourselves accountable to actions we know we must take. James Rule positions thirteen standards that he believes are essential to optimising our performance and fulfilment. KEY TAKEAWAYSPhysical appearance is a reflection of your standardsNeglecting my physical health manifested itself in succumbing to Pneumonia  You put yourself on the back foot by being lateWe need to put our oxygen masks on first and continually invest in our own growth and educationFollow up meetings with class. Express your gratitude and utilise the handwritten noteA lack of presence can destroy our professional and personal relationshipsI do not have time is not a valid excuse when we consider the time spent consuming TV, social media and news feeds. By limiting our exposure we create the time for the pursuit of our goalsABOUT 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 24 - What do you have to breakthrough to create your breakthrough?Episode 44 - Cultivating a growth mindset in you and your teamEpisode 47 - Mastering productivity - Key strategies to make very day countCONNECT & 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 SIXTYAre you optimising internal resources?SUMMARY SECTION  James Rule poses ten questions that he believes every leader needs to reflect on if they want to optimise the performance and fulfilment of their most important internal resource, their staff. The default setting has become we need more staff and / or new budget to drive performance. His call to action is make sure you optimise internal resource before looking for new external solutions. KEY TAKEAWAYSIs your onboarding process fit for purpose?Does your appraisal system need an overhaul?Is everybody being held accountable?Do you have meeting discipline?Are there elephants in your meeting rooms?Is fear stifling innovation?Are you developing the next wave of talent?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 11 - Leadership Essentials: Delegation Episode 38 - Mastering the art of communication Episode 59 - How much are meetings costing your business?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 FIFTY NINEHow much are meetings costing your business?SUMMARY SECTION  James Rule explores how inefficient meetings are wasting organisations finances. Poor meeting discipline is also destroying the energy and engagement of attendees. James has seen this pattern repeated in businesses around the world whilst at the same time hearing leaders demand more headcount and resource. His call to action via this episode is optimise the resource you already have first and provides a road map to do so.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhat is the hourly cost in salary of every attending a meeting? Framing the financial cost sharpens focus. Do you add value and derive value from every meeting you attend?If the answers is no have the courage to discuss further.Why are cameras turned off in virtual meetings? 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 38 - Mastering the art of communicationCONNECT & 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 FIFTY EIGHTLessons from My Leadership Journey (Part 2) SUMMARY SECTION  In this second episode (of a two part series) of The Lonely Leader Podcast, host James Rule continues to share lessons from his leadership journey as a CEO. James prides himself on authenticity and shares lessons that were received through the lived experience, success and failure of his leadership tenures. Whether you are an existing or aspiring leader these insights will support your continued growth and development.KEY TAKEAWAYSRole model the words and behaviours you want to seeMaster the ability to retain your composure Recruit where you are weak Master the art of communication Respect people's time Be decisive Seek internal validation as opposed to external validation Share the praise, absorb the criticism Protect your wellbeing Maintain perspective  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 52 - The Legacy you LeaveEpisode 49 - Mastering Composure as a Leader Episode 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 FIFTY SEVENLessons from My Leadership Journey (Part 1)SUMMARY In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, host James Rule shares lessons from his leadership journey as CEO. James prides himself on authenticity and shares lessons that were received through the lived experience, success and failure of his leadership tenures. Whether you are an existing or aspiring leader these insights will support your continued growth and development.KEY TAKEAWAYSNever stop learning Take the time to establish clarity Retain your authenticity Make people feel valued Age is not a barrier to developing a high performing team 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 PeopleEpisode 25 - Leadership Pitfalls to Avoid Episode 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 FIFTY SIXLeadership Essentials: Positivity SUMMARY In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast, host James Rule delves into the critical role of positivity on impactful leadership. Explore real-world examples from business, sports, and the military, including insights from Satya Nadella, Richie McCaw, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Learn actionable strategies to cultivate a positive outlook, inspire your team, and navigate challenges with resilience.KEY TAKEAWAYSBe transparent but focus on solutionsCelebrate wins and practice gratitude Stay composed Foster innovation and reward creativityWatch your words and body language Prioritise wellbeing Access a positive network Inspire through stories of 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 49 - Mastering Composure as a Leader Episode 48 - Leadership Essentials: Presence Episode 52 - The Legacy you LeaveCONNECT & 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.