Ben explores the idea that resistance is often a sign you should lean in rather than avoid.

He explains how the brain's threat response drives avoidance and how social threats can feel as real as physical ones.

Using a personal story about working with a difficult colleague, Ben shows how pushing through discomfort can build capability, even if the outcome isn't perfect.

He also discusses research on the anterior mid-cingulate cortex and how doing hard things strengthens your ability to do more hard things in the future.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SCARF model (David Rock)
• Anterior mid-cingulate cortex research
• Work with Ben: Coaching.

In this episode, Ben reflects on four of the most important things he did for his career and what thoughtful leaders can learn from them.

He explains how mindfulness helped him manage frustration and build emotional regulation over time, why joining Toastmasters reduced his fear of public speaking, and how listening to informal mentors shaped key career decisions.

Ben also shares how studying for an MBA while working full time built discipline, healthy habits, and ultimately created the space to start Thoughtful Leader.

The episode encourages leaders to work on themselves so they are better equipped to handle whatever challenges arise.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Headspace app
• Waking Up app – Sam Harris
• Toastmasters International
• Work with Ben: Coaching.

In this episode, Ben breaks down the concept of ghostworking (which is really modern-day presenteeism) and explains why it's usually a commitment issue rather than laziness.

He draws on motivation theory, including hygiene factors and intrinsic motivation, and shares practical ways to rebuild commitment through connection, purpose, responsibility, and fairness.

The focus of this episode is on addressing root causes rather than defaulting to control or punishment.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Thoughtful Leader Coaching – work with Ben.

In this episode, Ben explores whether personal values can be changed and what to do when they seem to hold you back.

He explains that while values are relatively stable, we can adapt our behaviour regardless of what our values are.

Through examples of conflicting values like ease versus growth, he shows how leaders can consciously choose which values to prioritise in different situations.

This episode offers reflection questions to help identify your own values and use them more intentionally.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values course
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching – work with Ben.

This episode tackles a common leadership dilemma: how long to wait before enforcing consequences for poor performance or behaviour.

Ben walks through a practical decision-making process, starting with curiosity and feedback, then moving to support, clarity, and finally consequences if behaviour doesn't change.

He discusses the importance of stakeholder alignment, realistic follow-through, and why avoiding consequences can undermine trust and motivation across the team.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Thoughtful Leader Coaching – work with Ben.

In this episode, Ben explores how deeply held beliefs shape behaviour and can quietly limit leadership confidence.

Using personal stories about fitness, public speaking, and career choices, he illustrates how untested assumptions can become self-imposed barriers.

Ben explains the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, the role of self-talk, and how beliefs often become baked into identity.

He encourages leaders to notice when they say "I can't do that" and get curious about whether those beliefs are actually true.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Lead With Confidence by Understanding and Using Your Values course.
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching.

In this short and sweet episode, Ben farewells 2025, says Thank You and talks a little bit about how principles (rather than goals) can help you set intentions about how you want 2026 to go.

Thanks for listening in 2025, and Ben will be back around mid-January 2026.

Supporting your people doesn't have to be complicated.

In this episode, Ben shares four key reminders leaders often forget.

He explains why these fundamentals matter more than dramatic leadership techniques and how thoughtful leaders can use them to build trust and stability.

Ben draws from coaching conversations and real workplace examples to help you support your team with confidence.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• How to Lead Effectively as a People Pleaser
• Make the Most of Motivation Models in Your Team
• Too Busy at Work? Try These Five Things
• Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment
• PRINT Assessment
• 16Personalities.com
• Episode 130: One-on-one Meetings
• Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1:1.