Unpacking Your Story: From Achilles' Heel to Superpower with Katherine Powell
Release Date: 07/17/2025
Do Good and Do Well
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info_outlineWelcome to a deeply insightful episode of Do Good and Do Well with the brilliant Katherine Powell. Join us as we explore what happens when we truly listen to our inner selves, the wisdom of slowing down, and how stories we've inherited shape us. Katherine, an executive coach, supervisor, and transactional analytic counselor, shares her journey and philosophy of leading "just as they are." This conversation is not about quick fixes, but about the profound power of self-respect, curiosity, and non-judgment as ultimate superpowers.
Key Takeaways:
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Our early life experiences and inherited stories can shape our behaviour and beliefs, often leading to patterns that may not serve us in adulthood.
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Recognising when our strengths become Achilles' heels is crucial for personal and professional growth.
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Pausing and creating space for self-reflection can help us connect with our inner knowing and make choices that align with our true selves.
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Cultivating self-respect, non-judgment, and curiosity are powerful tools for personal well-being and effective leadership.
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Understanding and working with our internal narratives allows for deeper, long-lasting personal and professional transformation.
Episode Highlights:
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04:10 - Katherine discusses her "people curious" nature and career path leading to coaching.
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10:50 - The concept of internalised messages from childhood and their impact on adult behaviour.
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16:15 - How understanding her own "Achilles heel" allowed Katherine to choose self-respect.
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21:00 - The role of coaching in creating a pause and focusing on what can be controlled.
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38:00 - How to let go of attachment to identity when considering a career shift.
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40:20 - A practical exercise for exploring identity.
About the Guest:
Katherine Powell is an executive coach, supervisor, and transactional analytic counselor. She is the director and founder of KP&A, offering executive and team coaching supervision and action learning. Katherine also founded The Curious Coaching Company, providing EMCC accredited coach training and CPT programs. She specialises in working with senior women leaders, helping them to lead authentically.
Episode Links:
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The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk- https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9780141978611
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The Chimp Paradox by Prof Steve Peters https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9780091935580
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Victor Frankl - man’s Search for Meaning - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9781844132393
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Eddie Stern - One Simple Thing: https://www.youtube.com/live/W9ICgUFxIWM?feature=shared
End Credits:
I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/). This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!