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The Lighting Fires Podcast

The Lighting Fires Podcast

Written by: Julie Williams
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 The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School and hosted by Executive Coach, Julie Williams MSc. The Lighting Fires Podcast is a space for real conversations about change, growth, and the spark that starts it all. Julie has a Master's in Coaching and Behavioural change, over 10 years experience of running her own coaching practice, and 15 years experience in marketing leadership roles. In each episode, Julie sits down with one of her coaching clients to reflect on pivotal moments in their personal and professional journeys — from navigating imposter syndrome to finding confidence in leadership, from starting a business to rediscovering purpose. Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from people who've dared to light a fire under their own ambitions. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply wondering what's next, these conversations will help you tune in to your own spark — and fuel your next step. If you're interested in finding out more about how Julie could work with you or your team, go to www.lightingfires.co.uk You can also contact Julie by emailing julie@lightingfires.co.uk or connect at linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamsexeccoach Interested in becoming a coach? Find out more about Henley Business School here: https://www.henley.ac.uk/corporate-development/coaching045536 Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • S2 EP6: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Confidence, Leadership and Late ADHD Diagnosis

    S2 EP6: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Confidence, Leadership and Late ADHD Diagnosis
    Feb 18 2026
    Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Rachael Burns- Head of Sales Operations, Capgemini In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Rachael Burns to reflect on the coaching they did together when Rachael stepped into her first senior leadership role. Rachael shares her unconventional route into finance, leaving school at 16, starting out as a hairdresser, and building a successful career without going to university, before talking candidly about the challenges she faced when she took on a large, experienced team during a period of significant organisational change. Together, Julie and Rachael explore what it really takes to grow into leadership: building confidence, finding your own authentic style, learning how to give honest and constructive feedback, and staying calm when everything around you feels chaotic. The conversation also looks back with new insight on Rachael's later ADHD diagnosis, and how understanding neurodiversity can shape coaching, leadership and support in the workplace. Julie and Rachael talk about: Taking on a first leadership role and finding confidence in your own style Why being good at your job doesn't automatically prepare you to lead people Learning how to have honest, constructive (and courageous) conversations Using the Fierce Conversations framework to prepare for difficult feedback Practical coaching techniques for gaining perspective and staying calm Finding rhythm and authenticity in leadership How visual and experiential coaching tools supported Rachael's development Reflecting on a later ADHD diagnosis and what it explains in hindsight How coaches and managers can better support neurodivergent individuals The importance of flexibility, curiosity and understanding in coaching relationships This episode will resonate with leaders stepping into bigger roles, anyone navigating change, and coaches or managers wanting to better understand how different people experience work, pressure and growth. Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode Fierce Conversations- Susan Scott A practical framework for having honest, constructive and courageous conversations at work. DOSE- TJ Power A neuroscience-based book exploring dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, and how modern life impacts our brain chemistry, focus and wellbeing. The Huberman Lab Podcast- Dr Andrew Huberman A science-led podcast exploring brain function, behaviour, focus, mental health and performance. The Stompcast- Dr Alex George A walking podcast exploring mental health, wellbeing and difficult conversations in a relaxed, accessible way. Time to Think / Nancy Kline's Thinking Environment A coaching approach centred on deep listening and asking spacious questions such as "What more do you want to say?" Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (or the MSc in Executive Coaching) at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review- it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and coaching insights.
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    43 mins
  • S2 E5: Building, Ending and Beginning Again

    S2 E5: Building, Ending and Beginning Again
    Feb 4 2026

    Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires
    Guest: Greg Owen – Lead Product Designer, The LEGO Group

    In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Julie is joined by Greg Owen, Lead Product Designer at the LEGO Group, for a thoughtful and honest conversation about transitions, endings, and what it really takes to thrive at work.

    Greg reflects on his journey from professional ice hockey into design, entrepreneurship and leadership, and a significant chapter in his career: co-founding the digital design studio Daughter, growing it over seven years, and ultimately making the decision to bring the business to a close.

    Julie and Greg revisit the period when Julie was coaching Greg and his business partners, exploring what was happening beneath the surface at the time, what the coaching revealed, and how that work helped Greg gain clarity about his strengths, energy and what he needed in order to do his best work.

    This episode offers a rare and refreshing perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship, not through stories of scaling and success alone, but through the reality of recognising when something has run its course and navigating that ending with authenticity and integrity.

    Julie and Greg talk about:

    • Transitioning from professional sport into business and leadership
    • What it's really like to build a values-led business with friends
    • Why clarity around roles, energy and purpose matters in leadership teams
    • How coaching helped uncover what Greg needs in order to thrive
    • Navigating difficult decisions with honesty, care and integrity
    • The emotional and practical realities of ending a business
    • Letting go, moving on, and finding renewed energy in new roles
    • Creating space for reflection during times of uncertainty and change

    Greg also reflects on how his background in elite sport shaped his mindset around endings, competition and change, and how coaching techniques continue to influence his work in design and leadership today.

    This episode will resonate with business owners, leaders and creatives who are facing change, questioning what's next, or grappling with decisions that don't come with easy answers.

    Resources & Tools Mentioned

    • Six Thinking Hats – Edward de Bono
      A powerful thinking and decision-making framework that helps individuals and teams explore ideas from multiple perspectives
    • The Disney Creativity Strategy (Walt Disney Method)
      A simple yet effective creativity technique that separates thinking into three modes: Dreamer, Realist and Critic — allowing ideas to be explored, shaped and refined without shutting them down too early.

    Henley Business School

    Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here.

    Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.

    Connect with Julie

    Website: lightingfires.co.uk
    Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk
    LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

    If you found this episode helpful, please leave a five-star rating and review – it helps more listeners find these real-world leadership stories and insights.
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    46 mins
  • S2 EP4: Stepping Into the Boardroom: Imposter Syndrome, Delegation and Finding Your Leadership Voice

    S2 EP4: Stepping Into the Boardroom: Imposter Syndrome, Delegation and Finding Your Leadership Voice
    Jan 21 2026
    Host: Julie Williams MSc – Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Sarah Ciccolallo – Chief Operating Officer, Red Whale After a short pause over the festive period, and an unexpected bout of illness, The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, is back with a thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership, confidence and growth. In this episode, Julie is joined by Sarah Ciccolallo, Chief Operating Officer at Red Whale, who reflects on her journey from marketing manager to board director, and the coaching work that supported her through that transition. Sarah speaks openly about experiencing imposter syndrome after stepping into her first board-level role, and how coaching helped her build confidence, shift her mindset, and develop new ways of leading. Together, Julie and Sarah explore the practical tools, conversations and reflections that helped Sarah move from doing everything herself to creating space for strategic thinking and stronger delegation. This episode also touches on the importance of understanding how you work, having honest conversations, and decluttering not just your inbox, but your diary and mental load too, a particularly timely theme at this point in the year. Julie and Sarah talk about: Moving from manager to board director and the challenges that come with itHow imposter syndrome shows up at senior levels, and why it doesn't always go awayThe role coaching played in building confidence and self-awarenessLearning how to delegate without feeling like you're losing controlPractical tools for handling difficult conversationsWhy understanding your own working style helps you lead others more effectivelyCreating space for strategic thinking by decluttering diaries, inboxes and habitsHow small, simple techniques can create long-term leadership change This is a warm, insightful conversation for anyone stepping into greater responsibility, navigating self-doubt, or looking to lead with more clarity and confidence. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (book) Carol Dweck Carol Dweck's TED Talk on Growth Mindset The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (book) Stephen Covey The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers Sean Covey Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Henley Business School Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here. Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School. Connect with Julie Website: lightingfires.co.uk Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc
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    34 mins
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