Unleashed, Unchained & Unapologetic.

Send us a text In this conversation, we chat to Christopher D. Connors, No 1 best-selling author, executive coach and globally recognised leadership speaker about the significance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership and its impact on organizational success. Chris emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and building high-performing teams. We also cover the role of leadership in employee retention, creating a culture of belonging, and the overall impact of emotional intelligence on business success.  Chris shares insights from his experiences and research, providing actionable takeaways for leaders looking to enhance their emotional intelligence and foster a positive workplace culture. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 05:08 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Empathy 10:10 Building High-Performing Teams through Emotional Intelligence 15:13 The Role of Leadership in Employee Retention 19:59 Creating a Culture of Belonging and Inclusion 24:57 The Future of Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Follow Christopher D Connors: LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdconnors/ Twitter -  https://x.com/Chris_Connors42 You can order Christopher's latest book 'The Champion Leader' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=The+Champion+Leader&crid=3I0C5BTIZ6I9O&sprefix=the+champion+leader%2Caps%2C108&ref=nb_sb_noss It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Send us a text Today marks our last episode in series one! Everyone wants impact – how can you get it…the question is – is it intended or unintended. It’s all about awareness… We discuss how to be aware of the impact you are already having on your world and the impact the world is having on you and the ‘legacy do you want to leave behind’? We explore… ·      What impact is and how it is 100% related to how your form relationships ·      How your impact can be affected by the stress you are under in life ·      What is going on inside you that gets in the way of having the impact you  want ·      Why failing to have the impact you want is a lesson to learn and share We share a 5-step framework to help you choose your impact 1.     Stop - Understand what’s going on inside you…REALLY? 2.     Rebalance yourself – get help, destress (self-care, self-compassion) 3.     Choose Your energy and intention 4.     Assess the world around you – read the room, notice the energy in the room, notice the impact on you 5.     Reset – Choose  – find your balance in the room, choose your impact, keep going back to your intention and energy throughout the meeting 6.     Include – build relationships in real time by bringing everyone into the meeting and using “yes – and” to support    We pose these questions to help you explore your impact 1.     What impact do you want ot have on people around you? 2.     What unintended impact do you/have you had on the people around you? 3.     How will you choose your impact going forward? It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Send us a text Today we explore labelling and experiencing people as arrogant and pose the question what is REALLY going on? Often the appearance of arrogance is a mask for feelings of insecurity, stress, pressure, and occasionally true superiority and ‘being better’. We discuss We explore… ·      How to handle the appearance of arrogance and discover how to shift the           relationship? ·      How to manage the impact of arrogance in the workplace It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Send us a Text Message. Today we highlight that leadership means empowering and equipping the people around you to succeed. We review an unconventional leadership tool – the Skill-Will-Wisdom Matrix.  This helps any leader ask questions to disrupt the status quo, support personal growth, and equip their team members to with the skills, will, and wisdom to succeed. We chat about leadership strategies that help you to…  ·      Assess the mindset of person in front of you (whether they're ‘performing’ or not…) ·      Ask great questions to understand what levers they and you need to pull to succeed ·      Support leadership development so that anyone can find their ‘flow’ at work ·      Find win-wins for the business, whole team, and  team member in question ·      Use wisdom vs assumptions to support your team to be resilient by learning effective leadership lessons. The Questions And we pose the following questions. If you are… 1.     A leader who has a struggling team member - where are they on the matrix? 2.     A team member struggling with a leader - how can you use the matrix? 3.     Lacking motivation what do you need more of - skills, will, or wisdom?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Send us a Text Message. Today we explore why it is so difficult to change and what your options are when you need to change under stress.   We explore… ·      How the biology of our brains and bodies make change hard. ·      The relationship between fear and change. ·      Fixed habits, how you can change them and what that takes. ·      Why the ‘comfort zone’ is a lot more uncomfortable than the discomfort of changing. ·      How long it takes to change a habit.   We refer to two books  “Change Or Die: by Robert” by Robert Deutschman and “Immunity To Change” by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey. And discuss how understanding neuroscience of change gives you more options to make a change yourself.   And we pose these questions for anyone who wants to change 1.     What are you tolerating that’s not working for you 2.     What’s not working and how do I know – list this out to get clear. 3.     What is making me unhappy or stressed? 4.     What is my gut telling me I need to do to feel better?  5.     What action will I take to change one thing that’s not working for me?     It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Send us a Text Message. Today we talk about what happens when leadership ‘fails’ and the impact. We consider what options you have as a leader and as a person within the business. We chat about…  ·      What leadership is and what a failure in leadership can look and feel like. ·      What drives leaders to ‘fail’.  ·      What impact a failure in leadership can have on the business and people in it.  ·      What to do when nothing changes and the workplace becomes ‘intolerable’.   We ask you to think about… ·      What failures in leadership you have witness or are witnessing? ·      What is your ‘go to’ approach or default when this happens? ·      What impact this has on you personally and professionally? ·      What one action you can take to address this? It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

As we see many companies cutting costs and downsizing we discuss how this affects the people who stay, those who leave, the leaders driving the change, and those who have to give the ‘tough messages’. We explore the upsides and risks to people and organisations in terms of productivity, talent, financial performance, and how ‘downsizing stress’ easily leads to value destruction. We consider  – What ‘good people-centric’ downsizing looks like. – How leaders can maximise value, minimise stress, and mitigate business risks. And we share real-world examples we’re been part of.   Finally, we ask listeners to consider how they ‘handle’ downsizing… §  As a leader in their organisation? §  When it happens to them? §  When it happens to someone close to them?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

In this episode we explore how self-talk ‘gets in the way’ and stops leaders from being themselves and from reaching their potential. We also touch on the dreaded concept of ‘impostor syndrome and refer back to Episode #3 where we meet the Inner Judge and Critic. Today, we talk about §  Why we have self talk and it’s real purpose. §  Where the inner messages come from. §  The impact uncontrolled self-talk can have on stress levels and performance. We introduce the concept of the Inner Boardroom and the how our inner monologues and the concept of an Inner CEO can help us to reclaim confidence and clear thinking.     Finally we ask listeners… 1.     Who are your loudest board members and what do they say? 2.     How do your react to your own self-talk? 3.     What one new action will you take to work with one of your Inner Board Members?    It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

This episode explores how many people manage their climb up their career ladder. We discuss how §  Morphing to match company values and rules can cause leaders to ‘lose themselves’. §  Loss of self leads to uncomfortable compromises in values creating daily stress. §  Leaders who lose themselves are less likely to progress or meet their potential.  We exlpore how to ‘reset’ your values and stand up as a leader; someone who it’s ‘easy’ to promote and who inspires those around them.   Finally, we pose four questions 1.     Are you clear what your values and non-negotiables at work are?  If not, how will you define them and be clear on what they really are? 2.     What are you tolerating at work, that’s out of line with your values? 3.     What one action will you take to reset and reinforce your value system?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Today we talk about career choices and how and when we make changes; or don’t. We talk about what motivates and demotivates us all – from the moment we meet a new employer to the day-to-day work experience. We explore the effect stress has on leaders and why businesses are tough on their people. And lastly, why it’s easy to get stuck, and tolerate a job that feels soul-destroying. We chat about…  ·      What we want to believe during the interview process and why. ·      What to look out for that tells us all is not what it seems. ·      What to do when the words and actions don’t match. ·      Ways to stand up to authority, power, put healthy boundaries in place. ·      How to find a way to deliver results on your terms and be rewarded for it. We ask you to think about… Which feels more comfortable under stress… ·      Tactics  – What can I fix now? Or ·      Strategy – How will I grow the business long term?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

In this episode we chat about how we choose to work where we work and what stops us from leaving. We explore… Why it is that great people get stuck in roles that aren’t working for them. Why we tolerate situations that are unhealthy for us. What stops us leaving.   We refer to the book “Quit: The Power of Knowing When To Walk Away.” by Annie Duke.  And discuss the biology of taking risks and what makes it hard and what it takes to ‘Quit’.   And we pose questions for anyone who is thinking of changing jobs.. 1.     What is the one reason you are staying where you are? 2.     If you’re struggling, what evidence to you have that things will change?  3.     If you had £/$100K would you stay in this job or choose something different?     It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Today we chat about how successful growth companies lock in success. What do they do that others don’t? What does this mean for the leaders in the company? And what levers can a company pull to get the most out of its people so they choose to go the extra mile?   We talk about what motivates and demotivates us all – from the moment we meet a new employer through the day-to-day work experience.   And we pose some questions for any leader to consider 1.     Where do you have friction in your relationships today that destroys value? 2.     What will you do to address that? 3.     And when?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

In this episode we discuss ow leadership is often defined – as a bunch of people ‘following the leader’ and why this doesn’t always work. We explore what makes leading difficult and importantly things you can do to be more effective and get people behind you!   We talk about  ·      What are the different (and most common) ways in which we lead? ·      Why leadership isn’t just about getting people to do things ·      Common behaviours and habits that trip leaders up ·      What to do when it just isn’t working…   And we pose some questions for you to think about..   1.     How comfortable do you feel leading from the front? 2.     What do you think trips you up? 3.     What one thing will you practice doing differently?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

We look at what drives people to want promotions – is it money, power, wanting to do the next job, boredom, competition or something else? We talk about what gets people promoted and what traits, behaviours and habits successful people use that gets them noticed and elevated!  And we place control back in your hands. And we pose the question – is it you or your environment that is getting in your way? And we pose some questions for you to consider… 1.     If you want to be promoted…what’s driving you? 2.     If you’re ‘stuck’ what do you think is tripping you up? 3.     What will you do about it? 4.     How are showing up and are you happy with this? It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

What messages are we being fed that don’t serve us and disconnect us from ourselves and the REAL world around us.  How do you balance your integrity vs the fear of standing up. We talk about soundbites and their impact on our mental health and sense of reality. We pose the questions… ·      What do you CHOOSE to listen to and CHOOSE to believe? ·      What impact do media messages have on your beliefs and sense of self? ·      How will you become a better, more human leader based on facts AND feelings?    It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Find out how close you are to suffering from a stress-related illness. In this episode we share the Holmes & Rahe Stress scale and how you can use this to get clues as to how close you may be to suffering an illness due to stress. And what you can do to be more aware? What is your body TRYING to tell you and what actions can you take to recover for good. And pose the questions…  1.     How aware are you of what stressors you have in your life? 2.     What CAN you do in YOUR life to address your stressors? 3.     What WILL you do about it? Free supporting tools below:  https://www.kzwassociates.com/free-for-you https://kzwassociates.formstack.com/forms/quiz_stress_scores It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

What messages are we being fed that don’t serve us and disconnect us from ourselves and the REAL world around us.  How do you balance your integrity vs the fear of standing up. In this week's episode, we talk about soundbites and their impact on our mental health and sense of reality. We pose the questions… ·      What do you CHOOSE to listen to and CHOOSE to believe? ·      What impact do media messages have on your beliefs and sense of self? ·      How will you become a better, more human leader based on facts AND feelings?    It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Stress. Control, Creativity & Surrender For anyone who struggles to stop, get off the hamster wheel and let go of stress. In this episode we explore the link between stress and the need for control... We discuss how ‘surrendering’ reduces biological and psychological stress and boosts creativity. The question is what’s stopping you from letting go?  And what’s the impact on your health, performance at work, relationships and your ability to lead?   It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

Do you struggle to try to prove yourself in work and in other relationships? What drives you to try and prove yourself? In this week's episode we dive into  this very subject - everyone likes to be liked, to be good enough - it's universal! Which box do you often find yourself stuck in?.. - Better Than - Less Than - Need to be seen as  - Deserve to be We all  have a couple of preferred boxes and in this episode we discuss how to take a step back, get out of the box and level up together. It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/

In this week's episode, we delve into our 'Inner Boardroom' what it is and who those members are The most important relationship we have as a leader is the one with yourself. Most people tend to look at their relationships with the outside world world and completely skate over the relationship they have with themselves. So, what is it that your board members are trying to tell you? Are you recognising they are  there and what are the messages they are trying to share? Because when our board members are in balance we are in our best state for everything in life  It starts and ends with 'U'... Supporting you to lead and to shift the status quo forever by taking one human step in a smarter direction. Dr Karen Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-wilson-pcc Eleanor Sheppard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorsheppard/