Lead with Less

EP 118. Daily Acts of Leadership: How Small Actions Create Better Leaders

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Leadership often feels harder than it needs to be, especially for busy and overwhelmed managers. In this episode, I sit down with Joel Bailey and Sean...

EP 117. How to Lead with Less: 5 Strategies for Managers to Simplify and Succeed

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever felt like leadership is just constant busyness - this episode will help you breathe again.In this episode, I share five practical str...

EP 116. What to Do When You’re Burning Out as a Manager

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every manager feels tired and stretched sometimes - but when exhaustion becomes the norm, it’s a red flag for burnout. The good news? There are cle...

EP 115. How to Run Better Meetings as a Manager (That People Actually Want to Attend)

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all sat through terrible meetings - the kind that drag on, go nowhere, and make you wonder why you showed up at all. But as a manager, you hav...

EP 114. How Young Managers Can Become Strong Leaders with Dylan Wallace

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming a manager early in your career can feel overwhelming - but it can also be a powerful advantage if you focus on the right skills and mindset.I...

EP 113. The Right (and Wrong) Ways for Managers to Use AI

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is everywhere - but for managers, it’s not about learning prompts, it’s about learning principles. Used well, AI can help you think smarter, s...

EP 112. The Skills of Happiness: How to Build a Happier Team and Lead Better with Declan Edwards

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happiness isn’t just an outcome - it’s a skillset you can practice, improve, and carry into every area of life.In this episode, I talk with Declan...

EP 111. How to Manage Up: What to Do When Your Boss Isn’t a Great Leader

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you’re doing everything you can to be a great manager - but your own boss is dropping the ball. That’s when you need to learn the skill...

EP 110. Introverted Leadership: Why Quiet Leaders Make Powerful Managers with Salvatore Manzi

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if being quiet was actually your greatest leadership advantage?In this episode, I’m joined by leadership communications coach Salvatore Manzi, ...

EP 109. 3 Excuses That Will Ruin Your Leadership (And How to Stop Making Them)

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Excuses might feel harmless in the moment - but they’re slowly eroding your credibility, your influence, and your team’s performance.In this episo...

EP 108. What to Do When Things Go Wrong (Without Losing Credibility or Confidence)

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What to Do When Things Go Wrong (Without Losing Credibility or Confidence)No matter how skilled or experienced you are, things will go wrong. Projects...

EP 107. The Truth About Control: How to Lead With Influence Instead of Fear

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Truth About Control: How to Lead With Influence Instead of FearIf you’re a manager who feels the urge to control everything - from performance t...

EP 106. How Managers Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch – with Annie Johnson

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is AI taking over? Or is it just another tool we need to learn how to lead well?In this episode, I’m chatting with Annie Johnson, Co-Founder and Chi...

EP 105. 4 Tiny Habits That Will Make Your Life Easier as a Manager

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're overwhelmed, exhausted, or just stretched thin trying to keep up with your team - you’re not alone. The good news? Small shifts make ...

EP 104. From Curious to Confident: Building a Leadership Career That Feels Like You with Elyse Verkuylen

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Career Stories episode, I chat with Elyse Verkuylen, a past client and now a people leader working in transformation and operations - about th...

EP103. How to Build Real Accountability in Your Team (Without Micromanaging)

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How to Build Real Accountability in Your Team (Without Micromanaging)Accountability is one of the most common leadership challenges - and one of the b...

EP102. What It Really Takes to Be a Leader Today: Self-Awareness, Culture & Courage with Andrea Cayuela

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leadership doesn’t start when you get a title - it starts with how you show up.In this Career Stories episode, I’m joined by Andrea Cayuela, an im...

EP 101. Managing Older Team Members Without Losing Confidence or Respect

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling uncertain about managing someone older than you or someone with more experience than you? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common ...

EP100. 10 Quick Wins That Will Make You a Better Manager This Week

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the 100th episode of Lead With Less! And we’re celebrating with 10 practical, doable wins you can implement right now to build your confiden...

EP 99. Leading Neurodiverse Teams: Advocacy, Support, and Real Leadership with Laura Trethewey

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you manage a diverse team, a one size fits all leadership style doesn’t work - and trying to squeeze everyone into the same box can quietly cos...

EP 98. 4 Things to Do Before Handling Difficult Situations

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know you need to address it - the feedback you’ve been holding back, the boundary that’s been crossed, the performance issue you can’t ignor...

EP 97. Stop Complaining, Start Leading: How to Shift from Venting to Action

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s easy to fall into the habit of complaining - whether about work, leadership challenges, or life in general. But if you’re not careful, compl...

EP 96. Turn Your Inner Critic into an Inner Coach with Dr Bex Bell

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your inner critic is loud, draining your confidence, and holding you back from stepping into your leadership fully, this episode is for you.I’m j...

EP 95. Red Flags To Watch Out For As A Manager

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No one wants to be a terrible leader. But without realising it, even well-intentioned managers can start slipping into behaviours that erode trust, da...

EP 94. 3 Steps to Being A Great New Manager

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just stepped into a management role? Or gearing up for one? This episode walks you through the three core steps that will set you up to be a manager p...

EP 93. Quitting PWC, Finding Her Strengths & Redefining Leadership with Sarah Kelsey

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you walk away from a “dream job” to follow your strengths, without a plan B?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Kelsey, host ...

EP 92. Signs You’re Micromanaging (And What to Do About It)

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Micromanaging? No one wants to admit it but if your team can’t make a move without you, it might be happening.In this episode, I’m sharing the rea...

EP 91. How to Handle Performance Issues with a Team Member

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You can’t lead well if you’re scared of performance conversations.It’s one of the most uncomfortable parts of being a people leader, but it’s ...

EP 90. How to Lead When You're Not The Boss

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leadership isn’t just for the people with the title.In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how to lead when you don’t have the formal authority. W...

EP 89. Managing and Supporting Gen Z with Henry Langdon

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gen Z is shaking up the workplace, and if you’re leading or managing them, you might have already noticed things are different.The old ways of manag...

EP 88. How to Manage Your Workload as a New Manager (Without Burning Out)

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New managers take on too much, too soon. It happens all the time. You say yes to everything, pick up extra work, and you’re suddenly drowning in ta...

EP 87. How to Coach Your Team (or anyone) in 15mins (or less)

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Coaching is one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a leader. It creates accountability, enables problem solving, and helps your team take ...

EP 86. 3 Career Mistakes I Made (And What I Wish I Learned Sooner)

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m sharing three career mistakes I made and what I wish I had learned sooner. These lessons aren’t just about climbing the ladd...

EP 85. How HR Can Make or Break Your Leadership – and What to Do About It with Lisa Young

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

HR can be your greatest asset as a leader - or it can feel like a frustrating roadblock. The difference? How you engage and leverage your HR team.In t...

EP 84. How to Make Better Decisions as a Manager (Without the Second-Guessing)

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your decisions as a manager can either move you forward or keep you stuck. Every choice you make has a cost, which is why getting intentional about de...

EP 83. New Manager? Here’s How to Lead Without Feeling Like an Imposter

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Making the move from team member to Leader is one of the toughest transitions in leadership.Suddenly, the people who were your peers now look to you f...

EP 82. Creating a Culture of Gratitude & Care with Priya Bhana

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m joined by Priya Bana, a veteran in Wellington’s digital design and creative industries. Priya is renowned for her expertise ...

EP 81. Why the Rule of 3 is the Secret to Managing Teams, Relationships, and Yourself

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a new or emerging manager, figuring out how to set boundaries and hold people accountable without damaging relationships can be tough. That’s whe...

EP 80. How I think about Leadership - A Q&A with Daria Williamson

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re doing something a little different. Daria Williamson, friend, coach and previous guest is going to interview ME on what I think abou...

EP 79. Essential Skills Every Managers Needs in Their Toolkit

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about the essential skills every manager should have in their toolkit for 2025.  These skills aren't just about manageme...

EP 78. Power of Emotional Leadership with Jeremy Dean

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Dean and talk about the power of emotional leadership. Jeremy is the Founder and Master Gamemaker at Riders &...

EP 77. Important Leadership Trends for 2025 - A MUST Listen for Leaders

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the top leadership trends and skills for 2025.  I talk about what’s IN this year to stay ahead in your industry. This e...

EP 76. 5 Habits Of Successful Leaders

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back!!In this episode, I’m talking about powerful habits that drive the best leaders. These aren’t just tasks to tick off. These are THE ...

EP 75. 3 Simple Ways to Recharge and Start The New Year Energised

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and set ourselves up for a fresh start. In this episode, I’m sharing three essen...

EP 74. Making Wellbeing Simple with Phil Wolffe

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Wolffe, a workplace wellbeing specialist, to break down how you can prioritise wellbeing in a way that’s actua...

EP 73. Holiday Prep for Leaders - How to Set Your Team Up for Success

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we head toward the end of the year, preparing your team for the holiday break can make a huge difference in the way you—and they—return to work...

EP 72. How to Protect Your Energy as a Leader at Year’s End

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I help you navigate the hectic close of the year without losing all of your energy.We all feel the year end push to wrap things up, o...

EP 71. Healthy Transparency/Authenticity As A Leader

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore what it means to be both transparent and authentic as a leader.This often comes up as we pursue leadership.We wonder how mu...

EP 70. Navigating Mental Health with Hannah Hardy-Jones

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I speak to Hannah Hardy-Jones about navigating mental health. Hannah is the co-founder of Contented, an AI startup that turns talk in...

EP 69. Spicy Opinions I Have About Leadership

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I dive into some of my more controversial views on leadership that challenge the norm. These opinions are things I have been thinking...

EP 68. 5 Unintended Consequences to Be Aware Of

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about how certain leadership behaviours can unexpectedly affect your team and your productivity.These 5 unintended consequence...

EP 67. Setting & Managing Expectations As a Leader

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the essential leadership skill of setting and managing expectations.Inspired by a discussion in our VIP Leaders programme, ...

EP 66. Culture Fix: Create a Great Workplace with Colin D Ellis

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk to Colin D Ellis, a renowned culture change expert, about creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture.Colin D Ellis ...

EP 65. How to Have Good 1:1 Catch Ups with Your Team

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explain how to have effective 1:1 catch-ups with your team members.It's such an important part of people leadership, yet often over...

EP 64. Navigating Imposter Thinking As A Leader

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about the challenge of imposter thoughts and feelings among leaders – an experience where accomplished individuals doubt the...

EP 63. Setting Boundaries as a Leader

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week is all about the essential topic of boundary setting in leadership.Boundaries are more than just personal limits; they are the foundation of...

EP 62. Re-Evaluating Success with Danni Ermilova Williams

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Danni Ermilova Williams, a dynamic leader, coach, and consultant with a remarkable 17-year career in leaders...

EP 61. Difficult Conversations Made Simpler

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I get into the art of navigating difficult conversations – those moments that are often avoided because they make us uncomfortable, trigg...

EP 60. 3 Things Every Leader NEEDS to Know

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks and achieving goals – it's about deeply understanding and connecting with your people. That’s why thi...

EP 59. 5 Important Questions to Ask Your Team

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about the power of asking the right questions as a leader.I’ll explore five key questions that can transform your leadership...

EP 58. Why Quiet Leaders are the Best Kind with Clare Emma Wild

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

​​In this episode, I sit down with Clare Emma Wild, a certified coach specialising in Quiet Leaders. Clare shares her journey from leading senior ...

EP 57. People Focused or Effective - Can You Be Both?

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I talk about the often-debated topic of leadership styles: being people-focused versus being effective (results-oriented).Can a leader truly...

EP 56. Being A Leader People Actually Want to Follow

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I talk about the essential qualities that make a leader truly inspiring and effective.Leadership isn't just about holding a position of powe...

EP 55. 5 Mindset Shifts Every People Leader HAS to Practice

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been listening to the Lead With Less podcast for a while, you’ll know that I talk about ‘mindset’ a lot – but this week I dive int...

EP 54. Leading Without Expertise with Emma Bennett

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode I have a really great conversation with Emma Bennett, a high-impact leader known for her impressive business results and the ...

EP 53. Management vs Leadership - What's the Difference?

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, I talk about the key differences between management and leadership. I also cover the challenges faced by individuals transit...

EP 52. 5 Common Leadership Challenges & Overcoming Them

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I share 5 common leadership challenges and how to overcome them. I talk about the real-life challenges all leaders face, no matter their exp...

EP 51. 10 Insights from 1 Year of the Podcast & What You Can Learn Too

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reflect on a full year of podcasting, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way.I talk about doubt, vulnerability, ego, self-w...

EP 50. True Self-Acceptance and Power with Mary Haddock-Staniland

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am sitting down with someone who I have wanted to speak with since deciding to launch the podcast – Mary Haddock-Staniland, a globally r...

EP 49. 5 Must Do's to Taking Your Next Career Step

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I share five essential steps to take before making your next career move, with an emphasis on being intentional in your decision-making and ...

EP 48. Mid Year Success Check-in: How Are You Doing?

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you believe we are already halfway through the year?! Now is the perfect time to reflect and reset for the remainder of 2024. This week, I discuss...

EP 47. How to Stand Out from Everyone Else

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, I share insights on how professionals like you can stand out from everyone else and remain valuable, especially given the ri...

EP 46. Taking Charge of Your Career with Richard Westney

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I am joined by Richard Westney, a seasoned HR professional with over twenty years of experience. We discuss the importance of mentorship in...

EP 45. 3 Keys for a Success Mindset

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the inundation of external influences from social media, news, and everyday conversations, it's easy to let our minds wander aimlessly. By intent...

EP 44. How to Say Yes that Actually Supports YOU

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While saying “no” is frequently emphasised in discussions about boundaries, in this week’s episode I talk about the often overlooked art of sayi...

EP 43. Making Feedback A Better Experience

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many people (including myself) have a sensitive relationship with feedback, but feedback isn't just about criticism; it's about uncovering blind spots...

EP 42. Power of Part-Time with Belinda Morgan

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I dive into the world of part-time work with Belinda Morgan, an author, coach, and flexible work specialist. Belinda has seen firsthand how ...

EP 41. Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There’s so much uncertainty prevalent in today's world, both at home and at work. Companies are making a lot of changes, the government is shaking t...

EP 40. Doubt, Overwhelm, Excitement - What's been going on for me lately

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have a bit of a different episode for you this week, one where I share what I’ve been navigating recently, and I am sure there are some things in ...

EP 39. Being Powerful & Confident as an Introvert with Emma-Louise Parkes

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's guest episode, I sit down with Emma-Louise Parkes, who was my coach for over a year, to delve into the unique strengths and challenges ...

EP 38. Dealing with 'Difficult' People

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I dive deep into the often-avoided territory of dealing with “difficult” people and situations. Inspired by a poignant message from a po...

EP. 37 Strengthening Emotional Regulation - Essential Skill #5 for Professionals

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Lead With Less, I explore the fifth and final essential skill that professionals need: Emotional Regulation – the ability to reco...

EP 36. From Team Member to People Leader with Jacob Lawrie

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Jacob Lawrie, a marketing, brand, and people leader who shares openly about his career journey and the transition fro...

EP 35. Cultivating Strategic Thinking - Essential Skill #4 for Professionals

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I cover the fourth essential skill that professionals need for career growth and success – strategic thinking. This was key for me to ste...

EP 34. The Coaching Approach - Essential Skill #3 for Professionals

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about the importance of adopting a coaching approach in professional interactions. I explore why coaching is a powerful skill,...

EP 33. Building Trust & Respect - Essential Skill #2 for Professionals

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode is the second in the mini series on essential skills for professionals, and today I am talking about trusting relationships.Buil...

EP 32. Becoming ELITE with Brittany Wilde

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am joined by Brittany Wilde, a seasoned Brain Health Practitioner, High Performance Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Coach with over...

EP 31. A Solid Mindset - Essential Skill #1 for Professionals

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking to expand in your career without succumbing to stress and overwhelm? This week I’m talking about the first essential skill to cultiv...

EP 30. The 5 Essential Skills Professionals Need to Be Successful

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode I'm diving into the essential skills that professionals need to thrive – a topic that's close to my heart after noticing a common...

EP 29. The Power of Deciding

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Renowned leadership expert John Maxwell aptly states, "Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you."Following on from recent epis...

EP 28. Harnessing Your Mind for High Performance with Kyle Haskins

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode I am joined by my husband, Kyle Haskins, who dives into the world of high performance. Kyle has over 15 years of corporate sale...

EP 27. Strategically Plan for Clarity, Confidence and Energy

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to Lead With Less, and Happy New Year!In this episode I delve into the importance of strategic planning, and take you through a series of...

EP 26. End the Year on A High - A Guide

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is the final episode of Lead With Less for 2023 and I want to help you end the year on a HIGH! Today I am going to give you 5 prompts to wor...

EP 25. Three Important Reminders For Taking Time Off

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Preparation, mindset and boundaries are incredibly important for your time off. Without them you won’t have space to properly rest and reset so you ...

EP 24. Four Questions To Ask When Things Feel Hard

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I draw from a recent coaching conversation with a seasoned operations director who was going through a tough time. This inspired me to...

EP 23. Five Practices to Boost Your Energy at Work

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode I am going to share five practices that will boost your energy at work, and if done consistently will change the game for you! I ...

EP 22. Strategies to Move Through Busyness with More Ease

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach the end of year “busyness” I thought it would be great to share some simple strategies to help you move through this time with more...

EP 21. The Power and Impact of Self Talk with Kate Billing

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with the amazing Kate Billing from Blacksmith, on harnessing your self-talk for success.Kate is one of New Zealand's leading v...

EP 20. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Thinking

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I am going to be talking about imposter syndrome and share some mindset shifts to help you overcome imposter syndrome thinking. Research su...

EP 19. Neurodiversity As a Superpower with Callum McKirdy

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is, I feel, a very important episode to listen to for all those who truly want to be more inclusive in the workplace and harness the power of ind...