The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour
Episodes
Leading with Compassion Through Crisis: A Conversation with Elaine Robinson
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this moving and deeply human conversation, Jean welcomes Elaine Robinson, Principal of Sir Manasseh Meyer International School in Singapore. With...
Solving the 10 Toughest Leadership Problems with Dr. Katie Best
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Katie Best, a leadership coach, consultant, and author whose career has been shaped by asking one central qu...
Seven Strategies to Strengthen Your Influence at Work
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Influencing others at work can often feel like one of the most challenging parts of leadership. Whether it’s navigating difficult relationships, per...
Taming the Inner Critic: How to Stop Rumination and Self-Doubt at Work
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour explores one of the most common challenges leaders face, negative thinking, rumination, and self...
School Stories That Shape Your Leadership
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about how your school experiences continue to shape you as a leader today? From the sound of the classroom bell to the sting of ...
Overcoming Overwhelm: Practical Strategies for Leaders
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Overwhelm seems to be everywhere right now. In fact, LinkedIn’s Chief Economist Karin Kimborough recently shared that posts mentioning overwhelm hav...
Navigate Career Transitions with Confidence - Vanessa Iloste & Vanessa Teo
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean is joined by senior HR leaders Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo, co-hosts of the Career Transitions podcas...
Identity, Bliss, and the Leader You’re Becoming
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to bridge the gap between who you are today and the leader you aspire to be - with practical tools, inspiring research, and the courage t...
What Drives You? Rethinking Ambition in Leadership
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean revisits a powerful and often misunderstood topic - ambition. Prompted by recent coaching conversations ...
Psychology Meets Leadership with Dr Jonathan Marshall
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does our early life shape the leaders we become? What role does fear play in our ambition? And how can we lead with more wholeness and warmth - ...
Triggered at Work: What to Do When You React
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How many times today have you been triggered? A sharp email, an offhand comment, a meeting that left you spiralling. Sometimes it’s a small internal...
The Art of Navigating Power and Politics at Work
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The Fulfilled Leader! In this second refreshed episode, we’re diving deep into a subject that so often surfaces in coaching sessions...
One Piece at a Time: Building the Life You Want
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling stuck in your work or leadership, wishing for a breakthrough moment that never seems to come?In this reflective and encouraging episod...
Unlock Purpose and Fulfillment at Work
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After four years and over a hundred episodes, I’m taking a moment to revisit some of the most loved conversations on this podcast. And what better p...
5 Steps to Braver Action: Closing the Courage Gap with Dr Margie Warrell
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many smart, capable people hold themselves back from stepping into their potential? In this episode, I’m joined by leadership expert, best...
Ep. #100. How to Start Journalling as a Tool for Leadership Growth
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Fulfilled Leader! In this heartfelt milestone episode, Jean Balfour reflects on the journey that began in December...
Ep. #99. The Resilient Leader: Navigating Workplace Emotions with Confidence
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and practical exploration of emotional resilience at work. From the sub...
Ep. #98 Why Fulfillment in Leadership Matters Now More Than Ever
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful opening episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares the personal and professional journey behind the podcast's transfor...
Ep. #97 A Tech Consultant’s Journey to Becoming a Bestselling Novelist - Danny Dagan
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Danny Dagan – Author of The GameEpisode Summary:In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dagan, author of The Game, a gripping thriller that ha...
Ep. #96 The Power of Pivoting: Punita Lal on Careers, Boards & Creativity
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of Making Sense of Work, I sit down with the incredible Punita Lal, a distinguished business leader, board director, and exe...
Ep. #95 Harnessing Accountability: Your Catalyst for Personal and Professional Growth
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour explores the role of accountability in helping us achieve our goals—both in our personal and p...
Ep. #94 Becoming a Relational Leader
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Relational leadership is a transformative concept focusing on building trust and connection within teams, especially crucial in our tech-driven work e...
Ep. #93 Healing Self-Doubt with Sas Petherick
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, Jean Balfour welcomes Sas Petherick, an internationally renowned coach and expert in healing self-doubt. Sas shares her rem...
Ep. #92 The Impact of Our Early Lives on Our Leadership: Dr. Saba Hasanie
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Dr. Saba Hasanie, Managing Director and Senior Partner of OSC Leadership...
Ep. #91. Beyond Resilience: Navigating Mental Wellbeing at Work
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Making Sense of Work, released in honor of World Mental Health Day, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and reflective na...
Ep. #90 Impact of Coaching in Organisations: Insights from Katie Hasson of Standard Chartered Bank
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Katie Hasson, the dynamic leader of the Ignite program at Standard Chartered Bank. ...
Ep. #89 Curiosity: Your Key to Creativity, Growth, and Well-Being
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a transformative power that can revolutionize our lives. In this episode of "Making Sense of Work,&q...
Ep. #88 The Work of Building a Thriving Coaching Business with Ellie Scarf
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour welcomes Ellie Scarf, founder and CEO of Lucent Global and the Impact Coach Col...
Ep #87 Career Coaching Series: Visualise Your Ideal Day
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how your life could change if you spent just a little time dreaming about your perfect day? On this episode of Making Sense of ...
Ep. #86 Yoga, Coaching & the UN: Finding Purpose in Bangladesh with Betsy Kimmel
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an inspiring chat with Betsy Kimmel, our incredible PCC-level alumni and coach! Betsy takes us on her exciting journey, from tackling coac...
Ep. #85 Breaking Free from Office Drama: Drama Triangle Insights
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of office dynamics and explore the Drama Triangle, a powerful psychological model developed by Dr....
Ep. #84 Transformative Breathwork with Céline Fontaine
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever paid attention to your breathing during times of stress? Most likely, we don't, yet it's a powerful tool we can harness to mai...
Ep. #83. Finding Ease Amidst the Hustle at Work
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine finding a sense of calm and ease amid the chaos of your workday; I believe it's not just a fantasy but a tangible goal. In this episode I...
Ep. #82 The Neuroscience of Misery at Work - Part 2
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, weighed down by stress and dissatisfaction? This is part 2 of the neuroscience of m...
Ep. #81 The Neuroscience of Misery at Work - Part 1
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, weighed down by stress and dissatisfaction? This episode is your invitation to disc...
Ep. #80 Breaking into Your Zone of Genius
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is inspired by Marianne Williamson and Gay Hendricks. Jean Balfour shares insights and experiences on overcoming self-imposed limita...
Ep. #79 Navigating Overwhelm: From Chaos to Clarity
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Jean Balfour shares her own experiences of feeling overwhelmed, and shares insights on identifying, understanding, and overcom...
Ep. #78 The Key to Unlocking Deeper Trust in Relationships
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we explore how being fully present with another person is not just a skill, but a critical gift that fosters genuine connection....
Ep. #77 Persisting Through Challenges: Lessons from Netflix's Nyad's Swim
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 3 on "Making Sense of Work" Today’s episode is drawing inspiration from the impactful Netflix film, "Nyad."...
Ep. #76 Endings and Beginnings
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Picture this: I started the year with a grand plan—a visionary roadmap for my business and a commitment to its growth. Little did I know, the univer...
Ep. #75 Values: The North Star of Your Career
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on your career values? It's a practice that often gets overlooked amid the hustle of our daily lives. How...
#Ep. 74 How to Develop Emotional Intelligence
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively. It is no longer considered a soft skill—it's a critic...
Ep. #73 Marking Life's Important Milestones
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frequently, significant events like birthdays can indeed lead us to contemplate what we haven't achieved, our past mistakes, and our regrets. And...
Ep. #72 Becoming Powerful Influencers at Work
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How good are you at influencing others? In this episode of Making Sense of Work, we'll explore the fundamental principles of influence and why ...
Ep. #71 Taking Responsibility of our Working Experience
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For many years, I've held the belief that we shape our own work situations and experiences. And by that, I mean the story we tell ourselves or ...
Ep. #70 Navigating Difficult Conversations
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating difficult conversations can be hard, but when done right, can be powerful and life changing. In this episode of Making sense of Work, mas...
Ep. #69 Five Steps to Get Your Next Promotion
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching countless individuals on their journey to success, and I've witnessed some incredible tra...
Ep. #68 11 Ways to be Happy and Successful at Work
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After 30 years of consulting to organisations, developing leaders and coaching - there are a few core beliefs Jean has come to believe about what make...
Ep. #67 The Authenticity Dilemma
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is so much talk about how we should be authentic at work at the moment. But what if we don’t want to be? And what if being authentic is not th...
Ep. #66 Compassionate Leadership for Team's Success with Helen Sanderson
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What contributes to workplace happiness? How does compassionate leadership enhance team communication and clarity? How can team members proactively gi...
Ep. #65 The Impact of Leaders Who Coach with Amit Ghosh
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Each of us is on our path to achieving whatever we want to achieve, Inherently, we yearn for someone who holds unwavering belief in our capabilities.A...
Ep. #64 The Highs & Lows of Perfectionism
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever found yourself being unkind to yourself because of perfectionism? The endless self-criticism and worry and overthinking, tied to perfectionism on...
Ep. #63 Making a Bold Career Move with Vanessa Teo
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you dream of pursuing a completely different career path but fear of taking the leap? Join us this week on "Making Sense of Work" as we s...
Ep. #62 Overcoming People Pleasing at Work
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a people pleaser? Many people feel that they are better off keeping others happy - but it can have an impact on us in the long run.People plea...
Ep. #61 Unleashing the Dual Career Advantage With Ronald Tay
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What part of work gives you the most energy and zest for life? From meaningful connections, mentoring students, and the thrill of tackling challengin...
Ep. #60 Becoming your Future Self Today
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It can be really hard to do today the things that will help us to create our Future Self. In this episode Jean shares recent insights she's had i...
Ep. #59 Helping Boomers and Millennials Work Together with Vivek Iyyani
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are currently five generations in the workplace. How do we make it work? How can we tune into the issues facing organisations and work effective...
Ep. #58 The Power of Mindfulness and Presence with Helen Williams
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To truly change the culture at a workplace, we must embark on an inner journey of self-transformation, and mindfulness. As the saying goes, "If y...
Ep. #57 Creating a Coaching Culture with Lipika Subbiah
10 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don't miss the newest episode of Making Sense of Work, featuring Lipika Subbiah, Global Coaching Enablement Lead at LinkedIn's Center of Exc...
Ep. #56 Welcoming Emotions at Work
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever struggled with your emotions at work?In our uber analytical organisations welcoming emotions can feel very risky. The challenge is that ...
Ep. #55 Parental Coaching: Nurturing Children Towards Success
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We have a unique opportunity to coach and mentor our children toward success, happiness, and personal growth. Tune in to the latest episode of Making ...
Ep. #54 Building a Growth Mindset
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is your approach to learning something new? Are you able to adopt a growth mindset and approach it with excitement and opportunity?Or do you see ...
Ep. #53 Guiding Your Team Through Change with Uen-Li Chia
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do we navigate change in a way that's good for people? Tune in to the latest episode of Making Sense of Work as Uen-Li, Downstream Chief of S...
Ep. #52 Choosing Courage and Calm over Fear
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you noticed yourself feeling a bit afraid recently or perhaps worrying more or generally being really affected by the doom and gloom news that we...
Ep. #51 Performing under Pressure in Leadership and Sport with Mylène Baxter
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How well do you perform under pressure? Join Mylène Baxter, executive coach and equestrian psychologist in this latest episode of Making Sense of Wor...
Ep. #50 Navigating Isolation & Anxiety at Work with Nick Jonsson
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You are not alone if you are struggling with workplace-related anxiety and stress.In this episode, Nick Jonsson, author of "Executive Loneliness:...
Ep. #49 Generosity in Networking: The Key to Lasting Relationships
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Networking - Some people go “bring it on” but many people shrink and hope the whole concept goes away. However, networking is an important aspec...
Ep. #48 A Journey of Starting as a Coach with Carole Lewis
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been fascinated by human behavior and pondered over the challenges people face, and how you can genuinely support them, witness positive...
Ep. #47 Deep Work and Focus with Jean Balfour
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When do you get your best work done? There are some who argue that, in order to succeed in today's economy, we must possess the ability to produc...
Ep. #46 Adopting a Career Reinvent Mindset with Adeline Tiah
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is the true meaning of "reinvent"? How can we shift our perspective to view career displacement as a positive opportunity? What steps c...
Ep. #45 Play and Resilience at Work with Imogen Maresch
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Resilience isn't just about persevering until we reach our breaking point. Sometimes, it's about taking a break and incorporating enjoyable ...
Ep. #44 Leading a Hospital Through COVID With Mairead McCormick
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leading a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge for many leaders. By prioritizing relationships and creating a suppo...
Ep. #43 Changing the Conversation on Women in Leadership
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jean has worked in women’s leadership development for over 25 years. In this episode she shares her thoughts about progress to date, reasons why the...
Ep. #42 What to Do if you've Lost your Mojo
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After listening to a couple of people who said they had lost their Mojo at work, Jean shares what we can do if we have lost our va va voom at work. S...
Ep. #41 Building a Mindset of Servant Leadership - Dr. Maria Pressentin
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Dr. Maria PressentinThere’s more to servant leadership than empowerment. It’s about enablement. Join Maria as she shares her res...
Ep. #40 The Gift of Feedback - Even if it Hurts!
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you welcome feedback? Most of us know that feedback is helpful and yet it can often been difficult to accept.In this episode Jean share h...
Ep. #39 How to Survive in Challenging Times with Sonal Patel
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Sonal Patel.Sonal shares her experience and learning of joining a new team and leading through covid. Jean and Sonal discussRelation...
Ep. #38 Doing Magic at Work with Professor Pare Keiha
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Professor Pare Keiha. Pare shares very openly his approach to leadership and in this wide ranging conversation Jean and Pare discus...
Ep. #37. The Life Long Impact of Training as a Coach
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about training as a coach but not sure if you would ever become a full time coach?In this episode of Making Sense of Work Jean s...
Ep. #36. The Experience of Training as a Coach with Mikiko Tanaka
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jean is joined by Mikiko Tanaka.Mikiko Tanaka works for the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) as the ...
Ep. #35, Permission to Fail
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does it feel when you fail at things?For most of us it leaves us with challenging feelings and can stop us from taking further risks.However, with...
Ep. #34. Finding Purpose in your Career with Mukta Arya
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Mukta AryaMukta and Jean talk aboutHer journey from science to HRThe importance of relationships in our careersThe importance of l...
Ep. #33.How to Keep Going when Work is Hard
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all find work hard at times.Even the best job is challenging at moments and we procrastinate, complain, resist....In this episode Jean share Eckhar...
Ep. #32. Having a Mentor Matters with Louise Tagliante
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Louise Tagliante Louise and Jean talk aboutThe wide impact a mentoring programme has in an organisationHow to reinvent yourself whe...
Ep. #31. Are you Quiet Quitting?
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you Quiet Quitting?For the last couple of months there's been a lot of talk about Quiet Quitting.What is it and why does it matter?I this epi...
Ep. #30 Reflections from holiday!
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this short episode Jean shares some reflections on the impact of our devices on our holidays. Sign up to my weekly newsletter. Book a free strategy...
Ep. #29 Don't Quit your Day Job with Aliza Knox
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Aliza Knox. Aliza and Jean talk aboutPortfolio careersBeing the first Twitter employee in AsiaThe importance of serendipity in our ...
Ep. #28 Being your Unique Self with Andy Woodfield
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andy and Jean talk about strengths in our working lives. They coverThe importance of assuming positive intent in others Living our strengths at workH...
Ep. #27 Working with Purpose at 89 with David Balfour
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean’s guest on the podcast is David Balfour - her father. At 89 David is still working as an Anglican priest in the Church of Scotland. David has...
Ep. #26 Workplace Wellbeing with Bianca Stringuini
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Covid-19 brought workplace wellbeing to the fore in organisations. The combination of the sudden change in ways of working along with the pandemic led...
Ep. #25 Overcoming Procrastination
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all procrastinate in small ways or large ways. At times procrastination can serve us as it helps us to think more deeply about something. At other ...
Ep. #24 Bringing spirituality into our work with Danielle Van de Velde
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Danielle Van de Velde. Dani helps others understand and master the art of meditation, transformative inner practice, and healing th...
Ep. #23 Do I need a sponsor, mentor or coach?
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a mentor, sponsor or coach?Do we even need one?In this episode Jean shares insights into the difference between the 3 and the advantages o...
Ep. #22 From Corporate HR to Professional Artist with Joanna Lee Miller
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna Lee Miller made a radical career change. In 2017 she took a year sabbatical to study painting in Florence - fully intending to return to her co...
Ep. #21 Do I have to be charismatic to be a leader?
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We often hear about leaders that they are charismatic or lack charisma. However both research and experience doesn’t point to charisma being a requi...
Ep. #20 Developing Diverse Leaders with Dr Wayne Mullen
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean is joined by Dr Wayne Mullen.Jean and Wayne talk aboutHow to create culture in a virtual world in a 100% virtual organisationHow diverse leaders ...
Ep. #19 Rethinking Ambition
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What does ambition mean to you?It has often been associated with only the ambition to climb the corporate ladder.But ambition means many different thi...
Ep. #18 Courageous Career Conversations with Vanessa Iloste
28 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s podcast guest is Vanessa Iloste. Jean and Vanessa have a great high energy conversation about how to have a courageous career conversation -...
Ep. #17 Making Hybrid Working Work
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we move to a different phase of Covid many organisations are moving back to working in the office.But this is proving challenging. Many individuals...
Ep. #16 Building a Portfolio Career with Tamara Singh
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jean is joined by Tamara Singh. Jean and Tamara talk aboutCreative ways to build a portfolio careerHer experience of COP 26Regenerati...