In this episode we explore a quiet moment with a yearling who had never been handled before. What began as a simple interaction — allowing the young horse to follow and accept a halter — became a powerful lesson in leadership, trust, and patience. Through stillness, observation, and gentle invitation, we explore how true leadership isn’t about pressure or control, but about creating space — the space for others to respond, choose, and trust. Reflective Question: Where in your leadershi...

In this powerful episode, we explore the true meaning of legacy - moving beyond achievements and accolades to examine the emotional imprint we leave on others. Through personal reflection and real-world stories, we discuss how leadership is not just about results, but about the courage, compassion, and connection we spark in those around us. We also confront how the reality of loss deepens our understanding of legacy and challenges us to lead with greater intention. Do you have a favori...

In this episode of The Reins of Leadership, I sit down with the remarkable Nancy Griffin — Legacy Advisor to Accomplished Women and founder of Women, Worth & Wellness™. What begins as a conversation about financial wealth soon expands into something much deeper — exploring self-worth, wellness, purpose, and the profound legacy women can create through generosity. Nancy’s story is deeply inspiring and this is an episode reminds us that true wealth lives in how we give, how we l...

Drawing inspiration from the natural world and Tomas our gorgeous donkey, we delve into: The Illusion of Control & The Grip of Monofocus. We'll explore the dangers of "monofocus" and how it limits our leadership potential. Breaking the Cycle: Relaxation as Receptivity. Opening you up to intuition, insights, and creativity that are inaccessible when you're braced and rigid. Leading from Trust: The Power of Broad Awareness. We'll discuss how softening your grip actually strengt...

In this episode I sit down with Heather McDaniel — leadership coach, founder of the Life Love Leadership Project, and creator of the REBEL Method. Heather brings a fresh perspective on what it means to lead in today’s world of rapid change, especially in the high-stakes environment of B2B SaaS. We dive into the heart of leadership — trust. Trust in ourselves, trust within teams, and the kind of trust that builds psychological safety and resilience in organisations. Heather shares her belief t...

Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation, blaming circumstances or other people for a lack of progress? It’s a natural human reaction, but for a leader, it’s a trap that drains power and erodes trust. In this episode, we explore a simple but transformative leadership model called "Above and Below the Line." Through personal stories, I'll show you how this model plays out in real-time. We'll break down the difference between the land of powerlessness and the land of empowerment ...

In this episode, I’m joined by Bryan White – author of Get Selfish: Filling Your Bucket First, keynote speaker, and host of The RETURN Project. Bryan’s work is devoted to helping people reclaim their lives, rediscover their worth, and thrive beyond adversity. We dive into Bryan’s transformative framework that encourages us to prioritise self-care, establish healthier boundaries, and embrace personal growth as the bedrock of lasting change. Bryan shares his own lived experiences that make his ...

Do you ever feel like you're wasting energy worrying about things you can't change? As a leader, it’s easy to get fixated on the "spooky corners"—the difficult market, a colleague's bad mood, or a project that feels doomed. But what if your focus on the problem is the one thing preventing you from finding the solution? In this solo episode, I share a personal story from my return to riding that revealed a powerful truth about where we place our energy. We dive into a classic leadership model—...

Ever feel like you're spinning a million plates, trying to grow your business while also keeping your own sanity in check? You're not alone. Our next guest, Angela Hodgson, has been there, done that, and has the insights to help us all find a better way. After five years of running her own successful business, Angela is on a mission to help leaders build brilliant businesses without the burnout that so often comes with it. But her journey wasn't a straight line. Angela shares her incredible s...

In this rich and heart-opening conversation, Merinda is joined by Jackie Cope of Raven Rabbit, a soulful educator and consultant whose journey weaves together animal communication, spiritual practice, and indigenous wisdom. Together, they explore how working with animals, using intuition, body awareness, and deep listening, can offer insights into how we show up in our own workspaces and leadership. From her early career in teaching to her current work in consulting and spiritual mentor...

What do two cheeky mini-donkeys and a paddock full of personality have to do with leadership? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of The Reins of Leadership, we explore an unexpected rebellion - not in the boardroom, but in the paddock - and the powerful lessons it holds for business leaders, teams, and anyone managing people with purpose. Meet Dotty and Sparky, the unlikely masterminds of the Great Donkey Uprising, and discover how their dynamic mirrors the strategist-impl...

In this episode, Merinda explores the role of emotional intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence - and how our ability to connect, attune, and lead from the heart is becoming more essential than ever. As machines grow faster and more capable at cognitive tasks, it’s our human qualities; empathy, presence, intuition, that truly set us apart. Drawing on her own leadership practice and moments of quiet connection with her equines, Merinda shares how heart-to-heart presence liter...

In this episode I’m joined by the truly remarkable Shae – a leader, HR specialist, and equine soul whose story is both deeply personal and powerfully inspiring. We explore how horses have shaped Shae’s personal growth, leadership style, and trauma-informed approach to HR. From childhood memories with her grandparents' horses to transformative moments in adulthood, Shae shares how equine therapy helped her reconnect with herself and lead others with greater empathy and emotional intelligence. ...

In this week's episode, Merinda teams up with the insightful Jina Hardy to explore the powerful and provocative idea that leadership is a mirror. What if the challenges you face with your team, your clients, and your goals aren't just external problems to be solved, but reflections of your own inner world? Jina and Merinda dive deep into this concept, sharing personal stories of navigating difficult dynamics and discovering that true leadership begins with radical self-awareness. They unpack ...

Are you leading from your head, disconnected from your intuition? What if the greatest leadership tool wasn't another framework, but a direct connection to your own authentic presence? This week on The Reins of Leadership, we are joined by the remarkable Kelly Wendorf - founder of EQUUS, author of Flying Lead Change, and a guide who bridges the worlds of equine wisdom, neuroscience, and ancient Indigenous teachings. In This Episode, You Will Discover: The Horse as the Ultimate Truth-Teller: H...

What happens when the people closest to you don’t cheer you on? When their silence, their doubt, or their discomfort makes you question whether you're ready - or even capable? In this episode, Merinda shares a powerful story from the herd and reflects how it mirrors the human experience of stepping into something unfamiliar while surrounded by well-meaning fear. We explore the subtle ways resistance shows up, the hidden loyalty we carry to those we love, and what it truly means to show ...

Is your star player always saying "yes," taking on more, and smiling through it all? What if that incredible willingness is masking deep stress, putting them on a collision course with burnout... or worse, an unexpected exit? Too many leaders miss the subtle signs until it's too late. In this episode of The Reins of Leadership, we step into the arena to understand the "Eager Pleaser" – that invaluable team member whose desire to do right might be pushing them to their breaking point. Ke...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Linda Willow Roberts – a spiritual teacher, medium, and manifestation mentor with over 35 years of experience. In this conversation we dive into the power of intuitive leadership, clearing internal blocks, and how connecting with your own inner magic can radically transform your personal and professional life. If you’ve ever felt like something unseen is holding you back or you’re ready to lead with more purpose, presence, and clarity — this co...

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I share a recent experience with my pony King that challenged me to practise what I preach about intuition, embodiment, and leadership. What started as a riding lesson turned into a powerful leadership moment — one where I realised I knew something was off, but hesitated to act. Through King’s quiet cues, I was reminded how easy it is to override our inner knowing — and how vital it is to listen, pause, and trust ourselves, even when it’s uncomf...

This episode explores the mind, body, and spirit alignment for more effective leadership. We explore how this interconnected system can shift you from a state of reactive survival to one of clarity, purpose, and authentic leadership . In This Episode, You Will Learn: The Mind: How chronic stress puts your brain in "survival mode" by taking your prefrontal cortex offline, and how regulating your nervous system restores mental clarity .The Body: Why your body is a vital communication network. U...