Lead with Less

What to Do When Things Go Wrong (Without Losing Credibility or Confidence)No matter how skilled or experienced you are, things will go wrong. Projects fall through. Expectations get missed. People behave badly. Or maybe... you mess up.This episode is your leadership reset for those exact moments. I walk you through five clear steps to handle mistakes, missteps, and uncomfortable situations — without spiraling, avoiding, or doing damage control on your own.In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why clarity is your best friend when things go wrong- The #1 thing to identify before you try to fix anything- Who you should talk to (and who you shouldn’t) when it’s messy- How to reset expectations and course correct with confidence- Why honesty, accountability, and communication will always beat silence- What to do if you’re the one who got it wrong - and how to lead through itThis is the kind of leadership work that builds trust - not just with your team, but with yourself.What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there anything else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you!Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders Leadership Program - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow. Enrol now for the next round starting in September. Early bird pricing on now. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

Is AI taking over? Or is it just another tool we need to learn how to lead well?In this episode, I’m chatting with Annie Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Humaneer, to talk about what managers actually need to know about AI. Annie shares her journey from HR to AI builder, and how she helps managers navigate the messy, fast-moving space between human connection and emerging technology.In this episode, we dive into:- Why AI is more than ChatGPT - and how it’s already shaping your workplace- What differentiates early adopters from hesitant resistors- How managers can reduce fear and increase trust when talking about AI- Practical, ethical use cases for AI in day-to-day leadership- How to support your team’s curiosity and build safe experimentation into your culture- Why the most human managers are the ones who’ll lead best in the AI eraWhether you’re excited about AI or still unsure, this episode will help you think more clearly, act more intentionally, and lead your team through change with confidence.What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there something else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders Leadership Program - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow. Enrol now for the next round starting in September. Early bird pricing on now. https://tashpieterse.com/vip-leadersConnect with Annie:Annie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-johnson-622540161/Humaneer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humaneerapp/?viewAsMember=trueHumaneer App: https://www.humaneer.app/Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

In this Career Stories episode, I chat with Elyse Verkuylen, a past client and now a people leader working in transformation and operations - about the winding, messy, and meaningful path to leadership.Elyse shares how growing up with limited resources shaped her resourcefulness, why she calls herself “career promiscuous,” and how she intentionally curated a leadership journey that aligns with her values and vision (even when the path didn’t always make sense on paper).In this episode, we talk about: - The power of building leadership skills before you have the title- Why curiosity and self-direction are career superpowers- How Elyse uses coaching to build self-sufficiency and momentum in her team- What it means to be a servant leader (and why it’s so damn hard)- Letting go of perfectionism and leading from the back of the room- Why emotional intelligence and self-awareness are non-negotiables for modern leadershipThis episode is packed with insight, humility, and real talk that will inspire any new or emerging leader to reflect, reset, and take that next brave step.What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there something else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders Leadership Program - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow. Join the waitlist for the next round starting in September. Connect with Elyse:https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysewalkerAre we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

Leadership doesn’t start when you get a title - it starts with how you show up.In this Career Stories episode, I’m joined by Andrea Cayuela, an impact marketer with experience across Australasia, Latin America, and Europe.Andrea shares her career journey from Colombia to Bali and how her global experiences have shaped her views on leadership, conflict, communication, and self-awareness.Whether you're managing people or simply aiming to be a leader others want to follow, this episode is full of honest insights, practical advice, and real talk about what leadership really looks like in action.In this episode, we talk about: - Andrea’s global career story and what shaped her as a leader- What it means to lead without authority- Why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership- Managing feedback, likability, and difficult conversations- Why courage and clarity matter more than being “right”- Real-world examples of mindset shifts that support leadership growthThis episode is packed with relatable insights for new and emerging leaders who want to lead with more integrity, emotional intelligence, and impact.What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there something else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:If you’re building your leadership foundation and want structured coaching and support, VIP Leaders is for you. Join the VIP Leaders Interest List to be the first to hear when the next round opens. Join here.Connect with Andrea:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-cayuela/Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

It’s the 100th episode of Lead With Less! And we’re celebrating with 10 practical, doable wins you can implement right now to build your confidence, lead your team more effectively, and get some traction - even when things feel overwhelming.Whether you’re managing for the first time or just feel stuck in the day to day, these wins are designed to give you momentum, support your growth, and help you become a leader people actually want to follow.In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to build trust and traction with your team - fast- A one-on-one format that creates real connection (and keeps people engaged)- Simple scripts and tools for handling tricky conversations- How to delegate with clarity and confidence- Emotional regulation techniques that make a big difference day to day- Why being human (not perfect) is your leadership superpowerListen to the full episode and pick one to start with, put it into action, and notice how small quick actions can create noticeable quick wins!What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there anything else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you!Links and Resources Mentioned:1:1 Playbook - Turn casual catch ups into meaningful conversations with your team members. Free download. The Leadership Blueprint - If this is something you’re navigating right now, coaching support can make all the difference. Check out The Leadership Blueprint - a focused coaching package to help you work through challenges like this with clarity, support, and a clear plan. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

You know you need to address it - the feedback you’ve been holding back, the boundary that’s been crossed, the performance issue you can’t ignore anymore.But rushing into tough conversations without prep? That’s where things often go sideways.In this episode, I’m sharing the four critical things you need to do before you dive into any tricky conversation or situation at work (or home). These practical steps will help you stay grounded, communicate clearly, and increase the chances of a productive outcome - even if emotions are running high.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why addressing tricky issues too quickly can make things worse- The #1 emotional skill to build before giving feedback or setting boundaries- How to get clear on the real problem (and why it matters)- The importance of specificity - and what happens without it- The mindset shift that separates great leaders from reactive ones- A question that will instantly improve your listeningWhether you’re prepping for a tough conversation or trying to coach someone else through it, this episode gives you the clarity and structure to lead it well.Let me know what you thought about this episode, I always love hearing your takeaways and insights. You can message me on Instagram or LinkedIn or flick me an email.Links and Resources Mentioned:1:1 Playbook - Turn casual catchups into meaningful conversations and make tricky things easier to raise with your team. Grab a free copy here.V.I.P Leaders: Want to dive deeper into managing difficult situations and dealing with people challenges like a pro? Join the VIP Leaders interest list - the leadership development program for managers ready to build real skills (and real confidence).Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

If your inner critic is loud, draining your confidence, and holding you back from stepping into your leadership fully, this episode is for you.I’m joined by Dr Bex Bell, speaker, coach, and author of Inner Critic to Inner Coach, for a conversation on what really causes our self-doubt cycles and, more importantly, how to shift out of them. Bex brings her background in psychology, health, and coaching to explain why our inner critic forms, why it’s not actually the enemy, and how you can build a much more powerful and compassionate voice inside yourself.In this episode, we talk about:- Why your inner critic exists (and why it's not trying to ruin your life)- The real cost of ignoring self-doubt and perfectionism- How to spot the subtle signs you're stuck in an inner critic spiral- Practical ways to build your inner coach and rewire your thinking- Why leaders must manage their self-talk to lead others effectivelyBex also shares simple, practical strategies you can start using right away to quiet the noise, build more self-compassion, and move forward with confidence, even when you’re facing uncertainty, change, or new leadership challenges.If you’re ready to lead with more clarity, courage, and kindness toward yourself (and your team), this conversation will give you the tools to start.I’d love to hear your story and support your next step. Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders Leadership Program - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow. Join the next round of VIP Leaders. Enrollments are now open. Connect with Bex:Book - Inner Critic to Inner CoachWebsite - https://www.remixcoaching.co.nz/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabellremixcoachingandconsulting/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drbex_remixcoaching/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/remixcoachingandconsulting/ Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!

Just stepped into a management role? Or gearing up for one? This episode walks you through the three core steps that will set you up to be a manager people trust, respect, and want to follow.Being a great manager doesn’t come from having all the answers. Most people don’t realise it comes from building trust, learning your team, and stepping into conversations most people avoid.In this episode, I’m giving you the three foundational steps to help you build trust, lead with clarity, and show up like the manager people actually want to work with. These are simple, powerful moves you can make today to lead with confidence (even if you feel like you’re winging it).I’ll also get into the common traps new managers fall into and how to avoid them from the start.In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why getting to know your team is the most strategic place to start- How understanding your team’s workload and goals shapes your leadership- The 3 core moves that make the biggest impact early on- What your team actually needs from you (it’s simpler than you think)- How to navigate hard conversations without freaking out- The mindset shifts that separate good managers from great ones- How to balance the work and the people without burning outIf you are new to leadership and wondering how to “get it right”, have a listen.Just stepped into a leadership role and feeling unsure where to start? Check out my V.I.P Leaders program below which will give you everything you need to be a leader people actually want to follow. You can also send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Links and Resources Mentioned:If you’re ready to lead with less stress and more intention, join us inside VIP Leaders - the leadership development program that gives you exactly what you need to lead in a way that people actually want to follow. Enrolments are now open. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!