Welcome to the 100th and final episode of the Knowing Self, Knowing Others Podcast! I'm your host, Nia Thomas, and today we’re marking this milestone in self-aware leadership by welcoming a true expert in the field—Dr. Julia Carden. Julia is the founder of Carden Consulting, an executive coach, supervisor, and educator whose work is grounded in her PhD research on self-awareness. With a career that began as a Royal Naval Officer and evolved through HR and leadership development before she launched her own consultancy, Julia brings a wealth of real-world insights to our conversation.

In this episode, we explore the meaning of self-awareness, pulling apart its complex, ever-evolving nature and exploring the differences between self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-consciousness. Julia shares fascinating findings from her doctoral research, including why self-awareness is difficult to define, how it develops in leaders and executive coaches, and the importance of reflection and curiosity on this lifelong journey. We also discuss her forthcoming book, "You Are Not as Self Aware as You Think You Are," which is packed with practical steps for leaders wanting to grow their self-awareness muscle.

Join us as we reflect on three years of conversations about self-aware leadership, celebrate all that we’ve learned, and look ahead to the future of leadership practice. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode will leave you inspired to keep exploring the depths of self-awareness, for the benefit of yourself and those you lead.

Support the show

Find Out More
Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

• Find out About me
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Sign up to my Newsletter

Rate and Review
Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

Welcome to The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, where we explore the art and impact of self-aware leadership. In this episode, host Nia Thomas sits down with Ruth Wells, the CEO of Headway Devon—a leader who truly embodies leading with both head and heart. Ruth’s approach to leadership centers on kindness, authenticity, and the courage to balance accountability with empathy. Together, they explore why kindness is an underrated leadership skill, how to let organizational values live beyond the poster on the wall, and the power of vulnerability and observation in supporting a thriving team.

Ruth shares candidly about her journey, touching on the challenges and rewards of creating a culture where people are supported as individuals, seen for their humanity, and encouraged to grow—even when times are tough. If you’re looking for honest insights on compassionate leadership, practical ways to build self-awareness in yourself and your team, and the importance of learning from feedback, this conversation will inspire you to lead with intention and care.

Tune in for an episode packed with reflections, practical advice, and heartfelt stories about what it really means to make a difference as a leader.

Find out more about Headway Devon here: LINK

Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn here: LINK

Support the show

Find Out More
Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

• Find out About me
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Sign up to my Newsletter

Rate and Review
Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

Welcome to the Knowing Self, Knowing Others Podcast! In this episode, host Nia Thomas sits down with Neil Woodbridge, the dynamic CEO of Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions (TLS). Neil’s story is one of inspiring social leadership: from growing TLS into a thriving, multi-million-pound organization supporting over 200 disabled people, to pioneering an “experts by experience” model where those with lived experience co-lead and shape services. Neil talks about his unique approach to inclusive leadership, the importance of humility and self-awareness, and why balancing energy with well-being matters—both for himself and his team.

Throughout the episode, Neil shares his journey towards impactful, self-aware leadership, drawing on lessons from his early days working in retail, his lived experience with ADHD, and the bold decisions that have shaped TLS’s culture. You’ll hear practical strategies for embedding co-production, managing burnout, and fostering positive, strengths-based environments—plus how embracing failure and rapid learning can drive innovation. Whether you’re a leader, a changemaker, or simply passionate about creating more inclusive communities, you won’t want to miss Neil’s honest insights and actionable wisdom.

Get ready for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, packed with the kind of real-world advice you can take back to your own organization or leadership journey!

Find out ore about TLS here: LINK

Listen to Thurrock Community Business Radio here: LINK

Support the show

Find Out More
Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

• Find out About me
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Sign up to my Newsletter

Rate and Review
Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!