#281: Q&A - How do I speak up more in meetings?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
Release Date: 06/08/2025
#304: Is leadership simply about finding the right balance?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben talks about the importance of balance in leadership: knowing when to step in and when to step back. He discusses common traps, like micromanaging or being overly hands-off, and helps leaders identify their “sweet spot” where they can provide enough guidance without stifling independence. Ben offers practical reflection questions and strategies to help you stay balanced, effective, and confident as a thoughtful leader. Resources: .
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#303: Feedback got you down? Introducing The Useful Feedback Journal.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben introduces , a digital tool designed to help leaders process, accept, or reject feedback thoughtfully. Drawing from his own painful experience receiving harsh feedback after a workshop, Ben explains how the journal guides you through four stages – Retreat, Reflect, Extract, and Act – to turn feedback into growth rather than frustration. He also shares success stories from pilot users and outlines how journaling can help you track patterns and improve your response to feedback over time. Resources mentioned in this episode: .
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#302: How open should you be with your team?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben explores a common leadership dilemma: how open should you really be with your team? While transparency builds trust, oversharing can create confusion or discomfort. Ben offers practical advice for finding the right balance between honesty and professionalism. He discusses when to share challenges and when to protect your team from unnecessary stress, helping thoughtful leaders navigate openness with self-awareness and confidence. Resources: Brené Brown’s website: Work with Ben 1:1 –
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#301: How knowing your values helps build your confidence.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben explains how knowing your personal values helps you lead with confidence. He shares how values act as a foundation, keeping you steady when challenges arise. Ben reflects on his own experiences and discusses how understanding your values can help you make decisions, handle pressure, and stop second-guessing yourself. He also introduces his small-group Values Discovery Sessions, designed to help leaders uncover their core values and use them to lead more authentically. Spaces are limited to 8 people, so book your spot now using this link: >>>
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#300: Top tips for dealing with strong personalities.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
For the 300th episode, Ben tackles one of the most common challenges thoughtful leaders face: dealing with strong personalities at work. These colleagues may be direct, dominant, or results-focused - all traits that can feel intimidating or frustrating. Ben shares five practical tips, from avoiding direct confrontation to preparing well for interactions, so thoughtful leaders can hold their ground without trying to overcompensate or act like someone else. He reminds us that strong personalities aren’t bad, just different, and that with the right strategies, you can work alongside them...
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#299: Cautionary tales for leaders using A.I. tools.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, but what does that mean for thoughtful leaders? In this episode, Ben shares personal examples of using AI for marketing, podcasting, and even gardening - but he also issues a word of caution. Over-reliance on AI risks “deskilling” teams by removing valuable opportunities for learning and mentoring. Drawing on examples from law and medicine, he shows how bypassing junior staff development can have long-term consequences. Leaders can embrace AI, but must balance efficiency with the need to grow capable, confident teams. Resources mentioned in this...
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#298: How to adapt your style at work, without the exhaustion.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
Adapting your leadership style is essential but if you’re not careful, it can feel exhausting. In this episode, Ben explains how to shift your style to suit different situations - whether it’s being more direct in a crisis or more outgoing when networking, while keeping it sustainable. He draws on personality psychology research, including insights from Brian Little’s work on “personal projects,” to help leaders recognise when it’s worth stretching themselves and when to restore their energy. The goal: flexible, people-focused leadership that won’t compromise your wellbeing. ...
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#297: Feel like you’re on a rollercoaster? Bring more stable leadership to your team.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben explores why stability is such a powerful leadership trait. Drawing from his coaching and training experiences, he highlights how inconsistency erodes trust and creates uncertainty in teams. Ben shares his own routines, such as exercise, mindfulness, morning reading, and small rituals that help him maintain calm, dependable leadership, even under stress. He emphasises that your team needs to rely on you regardless of circumstances, and building stability through consistent habits is one of the best ways to lead with confidence. Resources mentioned in this episode: ...
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#296: It’s time to stop owning other people’s problems.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, we look at a common challenge for thoughtful leaders – taking too much responsibility for other people’s problems. Reflection and self-awareness are powerful strengths. But when reflection turns into overthinking and self-criticism, leaders can start to “own” problems that aren’t really theirs to solve. I explore why thoughtful leaders are prone to this, how it increases stress and disempowers both you and your team, and what you can do to set healthy boundaries. You’ll also hear why accountability must stay with the person who owns the issue, not with you as the...
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#295: Is your workplace a consequence-free environment?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
What happens when poor behaviour or performance goes unchecked at work? In this episode, I cover the risks of working in a consequence-free environment, where team members face no real impact for their actions. I share why “trying everything” often fails without accountability, and why feedback, formal warnings, or performance improvement plans can all be necessary tools. Consequences aren’t about punishment – they’re about giving people a reason to change, and creating fairness for the whole team. Resources mentioned in this episode:
info_outlineFeeling stuck in silence during meetings, even when you have something valuable to say?
You’re not alone.
In this episode, I respond to a listener question about how to speak up more in meetings – a common challenge for many thoughtful, quieter leaders.
If you're someone who finds it hard to contribute when others are dominating the conversation, or you feel like everything worth saying has already been said, this one is for you.
What You’ll Learn
- Why this is only a problem if someone sees it as a problem – like your manager
- Why relying on a more introvert-friendly workplace isn't always an option
- Simple preparation techniques to help you contribute with confidence
- How visualisation and practice can help you feel more comfortable when it’s time to speak.
Resources & Links
- The Useful Thinking Journal – to support reflection and confidence
- Toastmasters – a safe space to practise public speaking
- Leadership Confidence Online Course – build presence and authority your way
- Thoughtful Leader Podcast #104 – Why Leaders Must Set Boundaries at Work
💭 Ready to lead with confidence, without pretending to be someone you’re not?
Join the Thoughtful Leader newsletter for more practical tips.