Hosted by Bron Stephens, ex-CEO turned executive coach, Transform and Lead is a relatable and authentic take on leadership, careers and growth for women who know they’re capable of more. Each week, we tackle confidence, motivation, and the skills that make a real difference—without the burnout or second-guessing. Expect practical advice, relatable stories, and clear strategies you can actually use. If you’re ready to lead on your own terms, you’re in the right place.
All content for Transform and Lead is the property of Bron Stephens and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Hosted by Bron Stephens, ex-CEO turned executive coach, Transform and Lead is a relatable and authentic take on leadership, careers and growth for women who know they’re capable of more. Each week, we tackle confidence, motivation, and the skills that make a real difference—without the burnout or second-guessing. Expect practical advice, relatable stories, and clear strategies you can actually use. If you’re ready to lead on your own terms, you’re in the right place.
Episode Title:
Your Loneliness Is Real: A Leadership Reality Check
Episode Summary:
This one’s personal and powerful. Bron opens up about the hidden loneliness that comes with leadership—especially for women. Whether you're a founder, a senior executive, or somewhere in between, this episode names what most won’t: the ache for connection, the hollowness that hides behind performance, and the simple but powerful tools to reclaim your leadership confidence through connection.
You’ll walk away with clear steps to:
Build your Personal Board of Advisors (and exactly how to ask someone to join it)
Practice high-impact coffee dates (and why 3 a week might be your leadership superpower)
Use micro-moments of connection in meetings that change the energy in the room
Name your needs and rewrite the loneliness story we’ve been conditioned to keep quiet
It’s time to stop pretending. You’re not alone—and leadership was never meant to be done solo.
️ Tools Mentioned:
Personal Board of Advisors: Build your own powerful circle to stretch and support you
The Art of the Coffee Date (shoutout to Tory Archbold)
Micro-connection practices for your team and stakeholder meetings
Language to name and normalise loneliness in your leadership world
Resources & References:
Loneliness in Australia
More than half of Australians report feeling lonely weekly; one in three are classified as highly lonely Medibank Loneliness Report
CEO and Executive Loneliness
55% of CEOs report serious mental health challenges including loneliness
70% of first-time CEOs say loneliness impacts performance The Science of Coaching: CEO Loneliness
Women in Leadership and Isolation
60% of senior women feel increasingly lonely as their careers progress
Only 19% of women of colour feel supported and respected at work Fast Company: Women Leaders and Loneliness
Female Founders and Isolation
Two-thirds report high or extreme levels of loneliness
Most lack same-gender peers, investors, or role models Positive Entrepreneurship: Female Founder Loneliness Report
Health Impacts of Loneliness
Loneliness is associated with increased risk of premature death, depression, and poorer general health outcomes
It is a key social determinant of health, according to national research AIHW: Social Isolation and Loneliness
Connect with Bron
✨ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bron-stephens ✨ Instagram: @transformandleadwithbron ☕ Book a coffee date
Call to Action
✔ Schedule one coffee date this week with no agenda ✔ Ask one peer: “Want to be on each other’s personal board?” ✔ Open your next team meeting with a gratitude check-in
Let’s create leadership that doesn’t just deliver results—but feels good to live....
Transform and Lead
Hosted by Bron Stephens, ex-CEO turned executive coach, Transform and Lead is a relatable and authentic take on leadership, careers and growth for women who know they’re capable of more. Each week, we tackle confidence, motivation, and the skills that make a real difference—without the burnout or second-guessing. Expect practical advice, relatable stories, and clear strategies you can actually use. If you’re ready to lead on your own terms, you’re in the right place.
