Coaching Real Leaders

Epizode

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  How Do I Lead with Confidence Without Always Needing To Be Right? 14.09.2026 54min

  She’s a leader who’s built a reputation for being direct, confident, and decisive. But she’s recently received feedback that her communication can create tense interactions with colleagues. Host Muriel Wilkins helps her look beyond the feedback itself to understand what’s driving those moments, and how she can exude confidence without the need to always be right.  For further reading: The Right Way to Respond to Negative Feedback: https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-right-way-to-respond-to-negative-feedbackHow to Make Sense of Conflicting Feedback on Your Leadership: https://hbr.org/2022/01/how-to-make-sense-of-conflicting-feedback-on-your-leadershipHow Do I Stop Being Defensive?: https://hbr.org/podcast/2021/11/how-do-i-stop-being-defensive?What Leaders Get Wrong About Listening: https://hbr.org/podcast/2025/06/what-leaders-get-wrong-about-listeningLeadership Unblocked Chapter 5: LeadershipUnblocked.com Own the Room: https://us.amazon.com/Own-Room-Discover-Signature-Leadership-ebook/dp/B00BAH7PQY/ref=sr_1_2?_encoding=UTF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.epwJb2QC4llONZO6YeARJmJmT5QGtcapVuFP9fuTNbE.N4ouJEbmhKVyJS8dDcnMA_s1Ieg-1Da9XjVKtTDekp8&dib_tag=se&keywords=B00BBJZX2O&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1789330493&s=digital-text&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=1-2Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Ask Muriel Anything: Staying Motivated, The Pros and Cons of People Management, and Handling Ambitious Employees 31.08.2026 34min

  How do you stay motivated in your career after years of success - and conquering so many mountains? How do you decide if taking on people management is the right move for you? How should you respond to an ambitious employee that you think needs to be more patient? In this episode, Muriel and her producer, Mary, answer listeners’ questions to help leaders of all levels navigate the challenges they are facing. For further reading: A Guide to Motivating Yourself at Work: https://hbr.org/2023/07/a-guide-to-motivating-yourself-at-workThe 7 Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back: https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/hidden-beliefsHow Do I Stay Motivated After Surviving Layoffs? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjy_GCrZTnQShould I Become a People Manager? https://medium.com/@fun_cuddles/should-i-become-a-people-manager-the-difficulty-of-identifying-management-potential-8fbfb534f0b1Want to stay connected? You can find Muriel here:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan WilkinsInstagram: @CoachMurielWilkinsWant to be coached by Muriel?If you’re facing a professional challenge, apply to be coached by Muriel on the Coaching Real Leaders podcast: Apply here Keep the conversation going:Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community where Muriel hosts live debriefs and Q&A sessions: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comGo deeper:Read Muriel’s newest book, Leadership Unblocked: LeadershipUnblocked.comFor executive coaches:Learn more about Evolve, Muriel’s immersive program for executive coaches: murielwilkins.com/evolve See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Behind the Scenes: A Coaching Debrief 24.08.2026 31min

  Join host Muriel Wilkins as she unpacks last week’s Coaching Real Leaders’ episode, “Why Haven’t I Made It To The C-Suite”, where she coached  Randy - a leader who has spent years coming close to landing the most senior level executive roles, only to be passed over without clear feedback. In this special bonus and companion episode, Muriel debriefs the coaching conversation with her Coaching Real Leaders Community and provides additional context to what was really going on during the coaching session and helps listeners better understand her coaching approach.  Be sure to listen to the episode we debrief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-crl-why-havent-i-made-it-to-the-c-suite/id1545444200?i=1000783849495Want to stay connected? You can find Muriel here:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan WilkinsInstagram: @CoachMurielWilkinsWant to be coached by Muriel?If you’re facing a professional challenge, apply to be coached by Muriel on the Coaching Real Leaders podcast: Apply here Keep the conversation going:Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community where Muriel hosts live debriefs and Q&A sessions: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comGo deeper:Read Muriel’s newest book, Leadership Unblocked: LeadershipUnblocked.comFor executive coaches:Learn more about Evolve, Muriel’s immersive program for executive coaches: murielwilkins.com/evolve See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Best of CRL: Why Haven’t I Made it to the C-Suite? 17.08.2026 48min

  He’s spent years coming close to landing the most senior level executive roles, only to be passed over without clear feedback. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through what to do when you feel you've done everything "right" but still don't get the opportunity you were hoping for. For further reading: What to Do After a Final-Round Job Interview: https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-after-a-final-round-job-interviewCracking the Code That Stalls People of Color: https://hbr.org/2014/01/cracking-the-code-that-stalls-multicultural-professionalsWhat Do Black Executives Really Want?: https://hbr.org/2021/11/what-do-black-executives-really-wantConnect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Damien Faughnan 03.08.2026 47min

  Have you ever been passed over for a promotion?Are you wondering whether you're ready for the CEO role—or your next big career move?Are you struggling to figure out when it's time to leave for good?In this episode, CEO Coach and Advisor, Damien Faughnan, joins host, Muriel Wilkins, to answer questions from the Coaching Real Leaders community.For further reading: Learn more about Damien: https://damienfaughnan.com/Rewriting the Playbook: Leading Through Compounding Uncertainty: https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/articles/rewriting-the-playbook-leading-through-compounding-uncertaintyLeaders, It’s Time to Build Your Tolerance for Uncertainty: https://hbr.org/2026/01/leaders-its-time-to-build-your-tolerance-for-uncertaintyHow to Become a First Time CEO: https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/about/careers/careers-with-our-clients/how-to-become-a-first-time-ceoThe Midlife Chrysalis: https://www.meawisdom.com/podcast/Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Lead Someone Who Doesn’t Seem to Fit the Team Culture? 20.07.2026 1h 4min

  She’s recently taken on a bigger leadership role and with that shift comes a new challenge: how to lead a team where one person’s style doesn’t seem to fit the culture she’s worked so hard to build. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through how to manage a difficult dynamic while addressing the larger team leadership issues it raises.For further reading: More on the DISC assessment: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8692-disc-assessment.htmlDifficult People: https://hbr.org/podcast/2018/02/difficult-peopleStop Hiring for Culture Fit: https://hbr.org/2018/01/how-to-hireHow To Handle Employees Who Don’t Fit Your Culture: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/handandassociates_what-should-you-do-if-current-employees-don-activity-7299836392640020480-nzc0/How to Support a New Employee Who Doesn’t Seem to Fit In: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ca/resources/manage-employees/employee-doesnt-fit-in-corporate-culture/Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Ask Muriel Anything: Becoming My Friend’s Boss, Upsetting a Coworker, Dealing With Micromanagers 06.07.2026 35min

  How do I handle becoming my close friend’s boss? How do I recover after upsetting a coworker?How do I get my boss to stop micromanaging?In this episode, Muriel and her producer, Mary, answer listeners’ questions to help you navigate the issues you face at work.For further reading: Good Leaders Admit Mistakes: https://hbr.org/video/2228473497001/good-leaders-admit-mistakesTransitioning from Peer to Manager? Here’s What to Expect: https://www.csinsider.co/email/transitioning-from-peer-to-managerThe Secret to Building a High-Performance Team: https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-performing-teamWhy Micromanagement Is So Harmful: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-of-the-manager/202409/why-micromanagement-is-so-harmfulConnect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Lead When Being the Expert Isn't Enough? 22.06.2026 55min

  He's built his career on technical excellence and those skills have always been his path to success. But as AI reshapes his organization and his role, he senses that expertise alone won't carry him to the next level and he's unsure where to spend his time and energy to grow. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how to expand his identity beyond the technical expert he's always been. For further reading: Our Favorite Management Tips on Leading With AI: https://hbr.org/2026/03/our-favorite-management-tips-on-leading-with-aiAI Won’t Replace Leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-kamanski_ai-wont-replace-leaders-but-leaders-who-activity-7353744446443700224-iz97How Can a Manager Maintain a Balance Between Technical and Managerial Skills? https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/04/01/how-can-a-manager-maintain-a-balance-between-technical-and-managerial-skills/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Amy Gallo 08.06.2026 46min

  Have you ever had ongoing disagreements with your boss? Do you struggle trying to become more visible to leadership at your organization?Have you gotten feedback that YOUR feedback style needs improvement?In this episode, Amy Gallo workplace expert and author of “Getting Along,” joins host Muriel Wilkins to tackle questions from the Coaching Real Leaders community and listeners on their toughest leadership problems. For further reading: Learn more about Amy here: www.amyegallo.comCheck out her book Getting Along: How To Work With Anyone (Even Difficult People): https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Along-Anyone-Difficult-People/dp/16478210618 Practices to Break Free From Conflict: https://jengoldmanwetzler.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/8-Practices-to-Break-Free-From-Conflict-.pdf See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Find Fulfillment In My Leadership Role? 25.05.2026 1h

  She recently transitioned to a new role and organization and is having trouble finding inspiration and motivation. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through why she feels professionally unfulfilled, and what she can do about it. For further reading: When Work Truly Fills Your Cup: https://karen-onpurpose1.medium.com/when-work-truly-fills-your-cup-83b0890ccf8b3 Questions to Ask When Your Job Isn’t Fulfilling: https://hbr.org/2022/11/3-questions-to-ask-when-your-job-isnt-fulfillingHow to Transition from Public Service to the Private Sector: https://www.executivegov.com/articles/how-to-transition-from-government-to-industryConnect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com Masterworks: Visit masterworks.art/leaders to view their track record and inquire for membership.Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investing involves risk. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cdSee the Offering Circular for our current offering featuring work by Jean-Michel Basquiat here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Ask Muriel Anything: Productivity, Layoffs, and Visibility 11.05.2026 35min

  Are you worried that you have developed a habit of quitting when times get tough?Do you struggle with finding authentic ways to be seen by senior leadership?Are you trying to find the time and energy to develop your team?In this episode, Muriel is joined by her producer Mary to tackle leadership questions from listeners like you.For further reading: Why the Most Productive People Don’t Always Make the Best Managers: https://hbr.org/2018/04/why-the-most-productive-people-dont-always-make-the-best-managersWhy Visibility Has Become the New Test of Leadership: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/why-visibility-has-become-the-new-test-of-leadership/Ready to Quit Your Job?: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/aug/12/ready-to-quit-your-job-here-are-the-17-questions-to-ask-yourself-firstWhat? So What? Now What? (Matt Abrahams): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qdZwQdn7Sc See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Help My Boss Without Doing Their Job For Them? 27.04.2026 51min

  She's energized by her company and the possibilities of her role, but keeps running into tension with her boss around how they work together. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through examining her approach, understanding what her boss actually needs from her, and deciding what she's willing to do about it.  For further reading: How Can I Get Along with My “Difficult” Boss?: https://hbr.org/podcast/2022/09/how-can-i-get-along-with-my-difficult-boss-from-hbrs-women-at-work5 Reasons Your Boss is Holding You Back: https://www.fastcompany.com/91277735/5-reasons-your-boss-is-holding-you-back 10 Signs Your Boss is Holding You Back: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/11/27/ten-signs-your-boss-is-holding-you-back/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Dave Stachowiak 13.04.2026 44min

  Have you ever felt like your boss might be holding you back? Do you have a hard time determining your non-negotiables? Do you struggle with constantly changing priorities from the C suite?In this episode, executive coach Dave Stochowiak, host of the Coaching For Leaders podcast, joins host Muriel Wilkins to tackle questions from the audience on their toughest leadership problems. For further reading: Check out Coaching For Leaders: https://coachingforleaders.com/Manage Yourself to Lead Others: https://www.amazon.com/Manage-Yourself-Lead-Others-Self-Understanding/dp/1541705688Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Can I Move Forward When My Company Won’t Promote Me? 30.03.2026 48min

  She’s been at her current organization for decades, and loves the leadership role she’s in. But she’s always aspired to make it to the C-suite. As that opportunity seems less and less likely to attain where she is now, executive coach, Muriel Wilkins, helps her work through what trade-offs she’s willing to make to achieve  her professional goals. For further reading: 3 Ways to Make Tough Career Choices with Confidence: https://melodywilding.com/3-ways-to-make-tough-career-choices-with-confidence/Career Crossroads: https://hbr.org/podcast/2019/07/career-crossroadsHow to Navigate Change at Any Career Stage: https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/05/how-to-navigate-change-at-any-career-stageConnect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Introducing: Ask Muriel Anything 16.03.2026 28min

  Long-time executive coach and Coaching Real Leaders host, Muriel Wilkins, takes questions from listeners, past guests and community members and helps them unpack some of the thorniest workplace challenges they face. In this episode, she’s joined by her producer Mary Dooe to talk about when business partnerships go bad, what to do when you make a significant mistake at work, and more. Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Get Buy-In From My Boss? 02.03.2026 49min

  She’s an ambitious leader with a strong vision to drive value and growth for the company. But she’s concerned that plan may now be in jeopardy due to lack of buy-in from her boss. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her on how to handle getting the alignment needed to move a strategy forward.Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Coming Soon: Season 11 16.02.2026 1min

  From uncovering the belief that’s quietly holding you back… to mapping your path to the C-suite… to recovering after a career-defining mistake — executive coach Muriel Wilkins is back with real, unscripted coaching conversations that take you inside the lives of leaders at pivotal moments. And for the first time ever, you’ll get new episodes twice a month, all year long - no more waiting between seasons.Listen in as leaders wrestle with ambition, visibility, competition, fulfillment, and the hard challenges that come with the job.  Plus, check out a brand-new monthly series — Ask Muriel Anything — where Muriel answers the toughest leadership questions straight from listeners.The new season of Coaching Real Leaders drops March 2. Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Do I Really Want to Be CEO? 01.12.2025 41min

  She’s a leader who unexpectedly finds herself running a company, but isn’t sure it is the right role for her long-term. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through defining what she can do versus what she wants to do, the level of responsibility she truly wants, and what might lie at the heart of her current discomfort. Apply now to be on Coaching Real Leaders in 2026: CoachingRealLeaders.com Further reading: Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked: leadershipunblocked.com Join Muriel in her Group Coaching Intensive Program: Leadershipunblocked.com/group The Skills and Habits Aspiring CEOs Need to Build Is the C Suite Right For You? What It Takes to Become a CEO The Hard Truth About Being a CEO Soft Skills Matter Now More Than Ever See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Manage My Former Peers Now That I’m Their Boss? 17.11.2025 47min

  He’s relatively new to being a people manager after working hard and getting promoted quickly at his organization. He’s struggling with communicating and managing effectively with some on his team, especially former peers. Executive coach Muriel Wilkins guides this leader through how he’s currently trying to motivate people, what is or isn’t working, and how he can scale his leadership even further. Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked: leadershipunblocked.com How to Manage Your Former Peers What to Do First When Managing Former Peers 5 Pieces of Advice for First Time Managers 5 Techniques to Build Rapport With Your Colleagues See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Do I Handle So Much Organizational Uncertainty? 03.11.2025 51min

  She’s climbed the ladder at her company through many years and phases of growth. Now, she’s sensing a changing organizational tide and isn’t sure where she fits in its future. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches this leader through defining her value, working through possible scenarios at her organization, and taking a step forward into her next career phase. Further reading: Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked, out October 28th: leadershipunblocked.com How to Build Confidence at Work Self-Efficacy: A Better Construct than Confidence How Scale Changes a Manager’s Responsibilities How Do I Adapt My Leadership as My Company Grows? 5 Ways to Set More Achievable Goals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.