If you’ve ever avoided a difficult conversation because you didn’t want to upset someone, this episode is for you.

Heather explores the difference between being nice and being kind at work, and why people-pleasing can quietly hold you back as a manager and leader.

She shares personal stories from her own career, including uncomfortable conversations she has had to start, feedback that was difficult to hear, and the moments that helped her build confidence as a leader.

In this episode, Heather covers:

• Why being “nice” is not always the same as being kind
• How people-pleasing can damage trust and respect
• Why avoiding difficult conversations often makes things worse
• How honest feedback helps you grow
• Why great managers care enough to tell the truth

Because leadership is not about keeping everyone happy BUT helping people grow.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=stopbeingnice_startbeingkind_EP4

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

You go into the conversation with a plan. Then they push back, and suddenly you’re convincing yourself you were wrong all along.

In this episode, Heather gets into the part of leadership nobody prepares you for, the moment a difficult conversation goes sideways, and your confidence completely disappears.

She covers:

• Why imposter syndrome hits hardest in difficult conversations
• How to hold your position when someone pushes back hard
• Why silence in a conversation is not weakness, it’s strategy
• What to do when a conversation gets heated and you don’t know what to say
• Why growth matters more than perfection in leadership

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=podcast_EP3_showdescription

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM (perfect for your commute)

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

Some people grow through pressure. Others spend their careers blaming everyone else for where they’re stuck.

In this episode, Heather breaks down the “above the line vs below the line” framework, the quickest way to see who on your team is genuinely growing and who is stuck in blame, excuses, and denial.

In this episode:

• The “above the line vs below the line” framework and how to use it as a litmus test
• Why blame feels so natural and why leaders can’t afford it
• The difference between a reason and an excuse (this one matters)
• Why your disengaged team might actually be a one-person problem
• How to use questions to pass accountability back without creating conflict

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome