Can you believe we're already at the 201st episode of Leading You? It feels like just yesterday that I hit the record button for the very first time, and I’m so grateful for the support I get from each of you.

This milestone has made me reflect on just how much we’ve uncovered about leadership—what it truly means to lead oneself and others effectively.

Today I want to share the seven truths that have stuck with me the most from these past 200 episodes. Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned pro, these insights will help elevate your leadership to new heights.

1. The Power of the Pause
   You've heard me talk about this endlessly, and for good reason. Pausing before reacting is a leadership superpower. It allows us to assess situations, make informed decisions, and communicate more clearly. This space for reflection helps avoid emotional responses, fostering a more thoughtful leadership style. One of our guests, Shivani Gupta, shared an excellent example when she stepped away from her business for six months to figure out her next move. This intentional pause allowed her to think about what truly fuels her purpose.
2. Self-Care Fuels Success
   Effective leadership starts with looking after yourself. Prioritising your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial for preventing burnout and sustaining long-term success. Leaders who model self-care not only maintain their health but also encourage a healthier work culture within their teams. It's easy to put self-care on a backburner while we focus on busyness, but it’s important to remember that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for effective leadership.
3. Vulnerability Strengthens Resilience and Trust
   Vulnerability is no longer seen as a weakness but as a powerful leadership tool. Leaders who openly admit their mistakes and share personal challenges build deep trust with their teams. Through my own experiences and those shared by my guests, I've seen how being authentic and vulnerable fosters stronger connections and more collaborative environments.
4. Empowered Choices Drive Growth
   Leadership is about making conscious, empowered decisions. Whether it's navigating tough conversations or setting boundaries, intentional choices significantly shape how effectively a leader can grow and inspire their teams. It’s about being proactive rather than reactionary. Making empowered choices sets the tone for growth and purpose, not only for you but for your team as well.
5. Emotional Intelligence Builds Strong Leaders
   While high IQ can make you the smartest person in the room, it’s emotional intelligence (EQ) that makes you an effective and influential leader. High EQ involves self-regulation, recognising how your emotions impact others, and understanding what motivates you. Leaders with high emotional intelligence inspire loyalty and cohesion within their teams, resolving conflicts more effectively. I’ve seen this in guests like Catherine Duncan and Adam Rouse, who demonstrate strong EQ in their leadership practices.
6. Resilience Comes from Self-Mastery
   Resilience is a great tool for any leader, because it helps you to stay composed under pressure, adapt to challenges, and maintain focus on long-term goals. Unfortunately, as Peter Baines shared when I spoke to him, you can’t build resilience in your comfort zone. You need to face challenges head-on, learn from setbacks, and stay grounded in your purpose. It's about leading yourself through difficulties with the tools to overcome and grow from those experiences.
7. Adaptability is Essential
   Adaptability is one of the most important traits a leader can possess. Flexibility and openness to change allow leaders to respond proactively to new challenges. Carlo Pagano’s episode on relevance underscores this perfectly. Leaders who embrace change and guide their teams through uncertainty thrive in dynamic environments, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective in leading both others and themselves.

These seven truths, gathered from hundreds of conversations and personal experiences, have been instrumental in shaping my leadership style and I hope they can do the same for you. Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this adventure with you.

Remember, leadership starts with you and the choices you make today will define the leader you become tomorrow. So, lead with intention, lead with heart, and keep growing.

LINKS

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice” here 

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au

Episodes Mentioned:

#153 - The Importance of Inclusion and Why It's Needed with Shivani Gopal: https://juliehyde.com.au/the-importance-of-inclusion-and-why-its-needed-with-shivani-gopal/

 #82 - An Unconventional Life and the Question to Stop Asking with Michelle Cox: https://juliehyde.com.au/an-unconventional-life-with-michelle-cox/

 #129 - The Key to Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Workplace with Adam Rowse & Catherine Duncan: https://juliehyde.com.au/the-key-to-creating-an-inclusive-and-equitable-workplace-with-adam-rowse-catherine-duncan/

 #154 - Building Resilience: Not letting today be defined by yesterday with Peter Baines: https://juliehyde.com.au/building-resilience-not-letting-today-be-defined-by-yesterday-with-peter-baines/

 #200 - Resilience and Real Talk: Patrina Jones on Thriving Through Life’s Challenges with Patrina Jones: https://juliehyde.com.au/resilience-and-real-talk-patrina-jones-on-thriving-through-lifes-challenges/

 #163 - How to Adapt to Change and Remain Relevant with Carlo Pagano: https://juliehyde.com.au/how-to-adapt-to-change-and-remain-relevant-with-carlo-pagano/