Mastering time management is a game-changer for leaders. It empowers you to make better decisions, boost your team’s productivity, prevent burnout, and build trust with those you lead. While downsides like overloading your calendar, or trying to do everything yourself are not uncommon, they can be addressed with the right strategies. By implementing techniques such as time blocking, delegating effectively, and setting boundaries, you can take control of your schedule. Ultimately, sustainable time management is about working smarter, not harder—create a system that evolves with you as your leadership role grows. Remember, effective time management isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.

Podcast Overview: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Welcome to Her True North Leadership & Coaching Podcast, the go-to space for first-time, newly promoted, and aspiring female leaders looking to navigate leadership with confidence and impact. Hosted by Melissa Boyd, Founder & CEO of Her True North, this podcast dives into key leadership topics that empower women to lead authentically and effectively.

In this episode, we explore a critical skill that sets great leaders apart: Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ). Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage your own emotions while also navigating the emotions of those around you.

Research shows that EI is a crucial factor in leadership success, with demand for emotional skills expected to grow by 26% by 2030, according to McKinsey. The World Economic Forum even ranks EI among the top 10 most in-demand skills for the foreseeable future.

Melissa breaks down Daniel Goleman’s five core components of EI and how they shape effective leadership:

• Self-Awareness – Understanding your emotions and how they impact your decisions and interactions.
• Self-Regulation – Managing your emotions to stay calm under pressure and make thoughtful decisions.
• Motivation – Maintaining resilience and a strong work ethic even in challenging situations.
• Empathy – Connecting with others by actively listening and understanding different perspectives.
• Social Skills – Communicating, resolving conflict, and inspiring collaboration within your team.

Through real-world leadership scenarios, Melissa highlights how emotionally intelligent leaders foster trust, handle conflict, lead through change, and communicate with clarity. She also shares personal insights, including lessons from her own leadership journey, emphasising the importance of transparency and compassion in times of change.

Debunking common myths about EI, Melissa clarifies that being emotionally intelligent doesn’t mean always being nice, avoiding tough conversations, or suppressing emotions. Instead, it’s about harnessing emotional awareness to navigate challenges effectively. She also reassures listeners that EI is a skill that can be developed over time through self-reflection, feedback, intentional communication, and stress management techniques.

Whether you’re just stepping into leadership or looking to refine your skills, this episode will give you actionable insights on how to leverage emotional intelligence for greater influence and success.

So, grab a coffee, tea, or a glass of wine, pop in your earbuds, and let’s explore why emotional intelligence is the secret sauce of great leadership!

Podcast #2 – Imposter Syndrome & Overcoming It

In this episode of Her True North Leadership & Coaching Podcast, host Melissa Boyd dives into the topic of imposter syndrome—what it is, how it manifests, and, most importantly, how to overcome it. Imposter syndrome, coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, is the persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of competence and success. Many high-achieving women struggle with self-doubt, attributing their accomplishments to luck rather than their own skills and hard work. Melissa shares personal experiences, from over-preparing for presentations to hesitating to apply for promotions due to perceived skill gaps. These feelings of inadequacy often stem from workplace biases, gender stereotypes, and a lack of female role models in leadership positions.

To combat imposter syndrome, Melissa outlines practical strategies:

1. Acknowledge and recognise it – Identify self-doubt and address it directly.
2. Reframe your thoughts – Shift from negative self-talk to recognising your value and achievements.
3. Journal your thoughts – Writing helps process emotions and track progress over time.
4. Embrace learning and growth – View challenges as opportunities rather than evidence of failure.
5. Share your experiences – Talking about imposter syndrome normalises it and fosters connection.
6. Celebrate your achievements – Acknowledge successes instead of attributing to luck.
7. Focus on impact over perfection – Make a difference, not being flawless.
8. Prioritize mental and physical health – Self-care strengthens against self-doubt.

Melissa also introduces the Her True North Leadership Circle, where participants discuss Harvard Business Review articles and engage in group coaching to enhance their leadership growth. If imposter syndrome resonates with you, know that you are not alone. By recognising your worth and shifting your mindset, you can build confidence and thrive as a leader. Subscribe, leave a review, and keep learning—because the best leaders are always growing!

Interested in joining our Leadership Circle refer below link for more information

https://www.hertruenorth.com.au/copy-of-empowerher