In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, Laura welcomes Rebecca Sangster-Kelly, principal consultant, coach, and owner of Studium Consulting, for a candid and insightful conversation on stakeholder relationships and communication. Rebecca shares her journey from international student to communications expert, offering practical wisdom on navigating office politics, building trust, and influencing others with authenticity and consistency.

Together, Laura and Rebecca explore the nuances of effective communication, the
importance of understanding stakeholder motivations, and why true leadership is
rooted in service and genuine care. Rebecca provides actionable advice for
leaders on setting boundaries, fostering alignment within teams, and creating
environments where people feel heard and valued.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode is packed with real-world examples, memorable anecdotes, and direct strategies to help you
strengthen your stakeholder relationships and communicate with greater impact.
Tune in for a masterclass in honest leadership, delivered with Rebecca’s
trademark enthusiasm and clarity.

Want to connect with Rebecca?

(1) Rebecca Sangster-Kelly | LinkedIn

Home - Studium Consultancy

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this special round table episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald is joined by an inspiring panel: Drew Povey (DPC Limited), Zoe Thompson (Phoenix Coaching Limited), and Tony Smith (former GB Rugby League coach and leadership mentor). Together, they dive deep into the psychology of resistance - exploring why leaders struggle with change, how different sectors experience resistance, and what it really takes to lead through uncertainty.

The conversation covers generational perspectives on change, the importance of communication and curiosity, and the value of learning from both failure and success. The guests share personal stories, practical strategies, and candid insights on managing energy, embracing adversity, and fostering resilient teams. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you navigate change with confidence and authenticity.

Connect with the guests on LinkedIn (links below) and join Laura for more empowering leadership conversations!

(2) Drew Povey | LinkedIn

(2) Zoë Thompson | LinkedIn

(2) Tony Smith | LinkedIn

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of people-centred leadership and the growing pressures faced by today’s leaders. Discover why self-motivation is the most essential skill for anyone in a leadership role - and why it’s often overlooked. We explore the myths around what truly motivates teams (hint: it’s not money), the dangers of relying solely on extrinsic motivators, and the importance of understanding your own intrinsic drivers.

You’ll learn practical strategies for uncovering what motivates you, how to build
sustainable commitment, and why leading by example is the key to empowering
your team. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned manager, this
episode will help you reclaim your motivation, foster a more engaged team, and
create lasting impact in your organisation.

Tune in to start serving yourself so you can better serve others.

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this enlightening episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald welcomes Anita Arscott Brookes - Licensed Menopause Champion, Insights Discovery practitioner, and founder of Arscott Brookes Consultancy. Together, they dive deep into the often-misunderstood topic of menopause, exploring its impact on women in the workplace and beyond

Anita shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences inspired her to empower others through education and open conversation. The discussion covers the importance of supportive leadership, the need for workplace policies, and practical strategies for both individuals and organisations to better support those experiencing menopause

Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply curious about how to foster more inclusive and understanding workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights, actionable advice, and a reminder that every person’s experience is unique. Tune in to learn how knowledge, empathy, and open dialogue can make a real difference

Guest links:

• Website: arscottbrookes.co.uk
• LinkedIn: Anita Arscott Brookes | LinkedIn

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Laura MacDonald welcomes Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, founder of Firebird, TEDx speaker, and author of "How to Be Autistic", for an honest conversation about neurodiversity at work and in life. Rachel shares her journey with late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and why authentic inclusion matters.

Laura and Rachel discuss how organisations can create truly inclusive cultures, the benefits of embracing neurodiversity, and practical ways leaders can support their teams. Rachel also talks about her advocacy, AuDHD Day, and the joy found in neurodivergent experiences.

Whether you’re a leader or simply interested in inclusion, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Learn more about Rachel’s work at askfirebird.com.

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this episode of The Leaders Podcast, we dive deep into the unique journey of solopreneurship and the powerful lessons it offers about leadership. Drawing from five years of personal experience, I explore how leading a business of one transforms traditional ideas of leadership, accountability, and influence.

Discover the challenges and rewards of self-leadership, building a supportive network, and shaping your own company culture. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find practical insights on resilience, decision fatigue, and the importance of staying true to your vision.

Tune in to learn why solopreneurs are some of the strongest leaders out there - and what every leader can learn from their journey.

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this powerful return to The Leaders Podcast after a summer break, we dive deep into the “invisible work” of leadership - the behind-the-scenes decisions, emotional labour, and subtle actions that hold teams together and drive success. Drawing from personal stories, client experiences, and expert insights, this episode explores the challenges leaders face, from managing burnout and building trust to balancing authenticity and credibility.

Discover actionable strategies for becoming more intentional about your leadership, maintaining your well-being, and fostering stronger connections with your team. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers inspiration, practical tips, and a celebration of the vital work that often goes unseen but makes all the difference.

If you need my support to be more intentional with your visible work…

Join my Learn To Lead open cohort starting January 2026 (10% discount for anyone self-funded, plus bonus 2 x 30-minute 1-2-1s worth £247 FREE when you sign up before 31st October)

DM me on LinkedIn for your 10% discount and payment plans

Or sign up now Learn To Lead (Open Cohort) | Laura MacDonald

Need something a little more low-key? Join my monthly drop-in mentoring group (Pay per session, or book the multi-session package)

Individuals | Laura MacDonald

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn

In this very special milestone episode, I’m diving deep into what truly makes a high-performance team, using the inspiring journey of England’s Lionesses as a real-world example. Discover why effectiveness, not just efficiency, is the hallmark of great teams, and how cohesion, collaboration, and autonomy drive success.

We explore the power of distributed leadership, the importance of nurturing every team member’s unique strengths, and the role of joy, creativity, and well-being in building a winning culture. Drawing lessons from sports and business, you’ll learn practical strategies for empowering your team, fostering open communication, and adapting to change.

Whether you’re a leader, a team player, or simply passionate about growth, this episode is packed with insights to help you build and sustain your own high-performing team, on and off the field.

• What defines a high-performance team - and why every team looks different

• The difference between efficiency and effectiveness in team success

• Lessons from the England Lionesses’ historic Euros win

• The power of distributed leadership and shared responsibility

• How to nurture individual strengths and new talent within a team

• The importance of joy, creativity, and well-being for sustained performance

• Building trust, autonomy, and open communication

• Adapting to change and leveraging diverse skills

• Practical strategies for empowering every team member

• Leadership lessons from sports that apply to any organisation

Want to join a monthly group where leadership feels lighter? Join my Drop-In Mentoring group where your challenges are heard, your ideas are sharpened, and your growth is supported by a leadership coach with 19 years of experience AND a room full of fellow leaders from across industries. Join today Drop-In Mentoring | Laura MacDonald

Want my support to build stronger connection and influence with your team?

Visit my website Leadership Consultant | Laura the Leaders Coach to discover all my services for both private and business clients, catch up on the latest episodes of The Leaders Podcast, and access my free resources.

Follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates and offers on my services Laura MacDonald | LinkedIn