In this episode, we explore the future of leadership with Paula, an expert in guiding leaders to their authentic power. We discuss why our humanity—empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence is our ultimate competitive advantage in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Paula introduces her practical "Growth EQ" leadership model and provides actionable tools to build resilience, silence your inner critic, and create psychological safety in your team. If you've ever been skeptical about the role of "soft skills" in driving profit and performance, this conversation is for you.
Podcast
Humanity is Your Competitive Edge: AI can analyse data and mimic tone, but it cannot care, feel, or offer genuine human presence. Our ability to connect, empathise, and be self-aware is the irreplaceable leading edge in business.
Introducing Growth EQ Leadership: Paula's model is built on three pillars:
Growth Mindset: Reframing challenges as opportunities.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing your own and others' emotions.
Leadership with LOVE: An acronym for Listening, Openness, Values, and Empathy.
The #1 Practical Tool for Resilience: Mindful Reflection. Pausing to ask "What am I learning here?" and "What strengths are surfacing?" rewires your nervous system and builds emotional elasticity, turning adversity into alignment.
EQ Drives the Bottom Line: Research shows teams led with high empathy report 76% higher engagement and lower turnover. Self-awareness acts as a form of risk mitigation and future-sensing, preventing crises and fostering innovation.
Taming Your "Imposter Story": Your inner critic is not a syndrome to be cured, but a narrative loop. Decode its origin (e.g., childhood messages, workplace culture) to reclaim your power and replace self-doubt with "embodied evidence" of your achievements.
Leading with Love is a Strategy, Not a Sentiment: Love in leadership isn't weak; it's about creating conditions where people feel safe, seen, and significant. This drives performance, innovation, and resilience by building genuine trust and connection.
Final Advice for Thriving: Empower leaders with the space to do their inner work. Cultivate a growth mindset, call out negative language in teams, and consciously build the practices of "Leadership with LOVE" into daily activities.
Mentioned Resources:
Paula's Books: Bounce Back Fast and More Love at Work
Key Concept: The "Awareness Triad" (Mindfulness, Journaling, Reflection)
Quotable Moments:
"Our humanity is our competitive advantage, is our leading edge. Because AI cannot mirror the energy of presence."
"I actually see self-awareness as risk mitigation and really future sensing."
"Love isn't just a soft sentiment, but it's, I believe it's the most powerful and also the most scalable strategy we have."
"When you realize that [your inner critic] is inherited and it's not inherent within yourself, you can reclaim your choice on whether you listen to it or not."
Time Stamp
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Authenticity
02:24 The Role of Humanity in Leadership
05:23 Navigating AI in the Workplace08:03Understanding Growth EQ Leadership
10:40 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
13:47 Building Psychological Safety in Teams
16:21 Overcoming the Inner Critic
19:01 The Power of Love in Leadership
21:43 Creating a Culture of Collaboration
24:28 Recommendations for Thriving Businesses
41:03 Close with Rosemary O'Shaughnessy
Connect with the Paula Fenwick
You can find Paula and her work on leadership, resilience, and her Growth EQ model on LinkedIn
Get In Touch Rosemary O'Shaughnessy
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