Before podcasts, I used to ponder over workplace challenges. How should I give feedback to a specific employee? How do I manage my anxiety about relocating to a new country for a leadership position? How do I handle a demanding boss?
Now, I can explore pressing leadership topics via podcasts and discover a variety of perspectives through great leadership podcasts.
Reflective Leadership
Continuous reflection is beneficial and essential for leaders to create thriving team cultures.
Research shows that reflective practices have great benefits. Harvard Business Review found that leaders who practised daily reflection improved their performance by 22.8% compared to those who did not.
By committing to a reflective practice, leaders can enhance their leadership skills, foster innovation, and create a resilient organisational culture that adapts effectively to change.
One way to supercharge your reflections is through listening to podcasts - but how do you find good leadership podcasts?
We got you! 🎧
Top Leadership Podcasts
Dive into a curated list of our best leadership podcasts that we hope will offer fresh perspectives, inspire leadership growth, and create positive workplace cultures.
From organisational psychology insights on team dynamics to strategies for building an inclusive workplace, these podcasts feature industry experts and thought leaders sharing real-life lessons and practical career advice.
Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak
If you want to step up your leadership game, this is one of my top podcast recommendations. Hosted by Dr. Dave Stachowiak, who brings 15 years of leadership experience from Dale Carnegie and a doctoral degree in organisational leadership, it offers conversations with experts like Marshall Goldsmith, Simon Sinek, and Keith Ferrazzi. Each episode is full of practical advice and actionable tips for leadership development, making it a valuable resource for any leader.
🎧 Why I like it: Dave's warm and engaging style makes complex leadership concepts feel accessible and relatable. The wide range of guests, such as bestselling authors, experts in leadership, and successful entrepreneurs, bring diversity and innovative ideas to the forefront.
Coaching Real Leaders with Muriel Wilkins
Executive coach Muriel Wilkins hosts this podcast and offers a glimpse into real-life coaching sessions with leaders facing real professional challenges. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills or are a bit coach-curious.
🎧 Why I like it: It's up close and personal - a real coaching conversation with a real leader. As a leadership coach, I am endlessly fascinated by how to support my clients, so it's wonderful to glimpse into a coaching conversation by a brilliant coach.
Dare to Lead with Brené Brown
If you don't already know Brené Brown, you're in for a treat. Brené Brown is renowned for her extensive research and impactful discussions on vulnerability, shame, and courageous leadership. Her rise to fame began with her influential 2010 TEDx talk, "The Power of Vulnerability", which has garnered millions of views and established her as a leading voice in personal development and emotional intelligence.
This podcast is fantastic for anyone in a leadership role or aspiring to be one because it inspires courage. Brené dives into the essence of courageous leadership through conversations with disrupters, change-makers and culture-shifters.
🎧 Why I like it: She is genuine, imperfect, and personable, and her humour adds a lightness to her teachings. Her mindset of vulnerability and authenticity are core tenets of my leadership style. It took years to get there, though. Many leaders feel they must know all the answers and be "professional", masking their humanness. Brené throws that out the window and dives into deep conversations on ways to lead that offer transformative insights into courageous leadership.
Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett founded the social media marketing firm Social Chain, became the youngest investor on the UK show Dragon's Den and launched this podcast in 2017. Now recognised as one of the most listened-to podcasts globally, Steven interviews various guests, from CEOs to entertainers, uncovering their journeys and lessons learned.
🎧 Why I like it: His in-depth interviews explore themes of success, vulnerability, and personal growth - essential for self-reflection as a leader. His willingness to share successes and failures helps me to connect with his experiences. The broad subjects ranging from business, personal development, mental health, and societal issues ensure that leaders can find relevant insights applicable to multiple aspects of their roles, from strategic decision-making and inclusive workplaces to creating great team cultures.
Eat Sleep Work Repeat with Bruce Daisley
Bruce Daisley, a prominent technology leader, workplace culture expert, and bestselling author from the UK, hosts this podcast. Formerly a Twitter VP famous for reducing burnout, fostering connection, and prioritising employee well-being, he dives into the science of work and how we can improve it. Bruce has conversations with neuroscientists, psychologists, and workplace experts who focus on actionable strategies to improve job satisfaction and productivity. This podcast is a must-listen for professionals interested in how to improve workplace culture, offering valuable insights and strategies.
🎧 Why I like it: The famous quote by Peter Drucker, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast", is so true! As a leader, ignore fostering a positive workplace culture at your peril. If you're not sure what to do, then this podcast provides practical strategies into understanding and improving workplace experiences.
Fixable with Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
The "Fixable" podcast is hosted by Professor Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, two renowned leadership experts (also married to each other). They are recognised for their expertise in workplace culture and organisational change. Frances Frei, is a Harvard Business professor and former senior VP at Uber, and Anne Morriss, a CEO and bestselling author. What sets this podcast apart is its unique format - each episode features real callers sharing their workplace issues, allowing leaders of all levels to gain actionable insights from their wealth of knowledge in just 30 minutes.
🎧 Why I like it: Frances and Anne blend their expertise with a personal touch. Their practical advice empowers listeners to navigate workplace hurdles confidently, making each episode a supportive coaching session.
HBR - Women at Work with Amy Gallo and Amy Bernstein
This podcast is a must-listen for leaders who want to understand the unique challenges women face in the workplace. Hosted by Amy Gallo and Amy Bernstein, both editors at Harvard Business Review, it dives into topics like gender bias and effective communication strategies. Leaders can gain valuable perspectives on gender dynamics, improve workplace inclusivity, and learn practical strategies for supporting female colleagues.
🎧 Why I like it: I appreciate the discussions and insights that resonate with my own experiences of being the only woman leader in the room. The hosts create a supportive atmosphere that encourages listeners to reflect on their workplace dynamics.
No Stupid Questions with Angela Duckworth and Mike Maughan
If you're a leader looking to spark curiosity and foster deeper conversations, No Stupid Questions is my recommendation. Hosted by Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of Grit, and Mike Maughan, president of Qualtrics, this podcast dives into questions about human behaviour and societal norms. Their banter and insightful discussions make complex topics accessible, perfect for leaders who want to enhance their understanding of people.
🎧 Why I like it: I appreciate how Angela and Mike blend humour with human behaviour research, creating a refreshing take on everyday dilemmas. It's an excellent resource for those looking to explore everyday questions through a psychological lens.
On with Kara Swisher
Kara is one of the most influential thinkers and commentators in technology. There is no one she hasn’t interviewed in her 30+ years of journalism. She holds tech giants to account and has famously fallen out with Elon Musk, whom she has known since the late 1990s. She holds no prisoners, and her interviews are punchy and direct. The podcast covers diverse topics from current affairs to politics with guests like Stacy Abrams and Sundar Pichai, Google CEO. Her straightforward and provocative questioning allows her guests to share insights unscripted, making this podcast a valuable resource for leaders interested in current affairs and leadership perspectives.
🎧 Why I like it: I love this podcast for its candid approach and the way Kara challenges her guests, revealing truths that often go unspoken.
The Radical Candor Podcast with Amy Sandler, Kim Scott and Jason Rosoff
The Radical Candor Podcast is hosted by Amy Sandler, the Lead Coach at Radical Candor and previous CEO, alongside co-founders Kim Scott (who also wrote the must-read book "Radical Candor") and Jason Rosoff (CEO). Together, they chat with leaders from all sorts of industries – tech, finance and entertainment – diving into the principles of Radical Candor – caring personally while challenging directly.
🎧 Why I like it: One of the most significant topics that comes up with leaders I coach is feedback - whether giving or receiving praise or criticism. This is my go-to podcast as there is always a scenario covered on one of the episodes that I can point my clients to. I’m a huge fan of the book, but you can just cherry-pick the podcast episode that speaks to your challenge.
Rethinking with Adam Grant
Organisational psychologist, Adam Grant, hosts this podcast, which is intentionally thought-provoking - his mission is to challenge conventional thinking, embrace new ideas and uncover insights that can inspire leaders to innovate and adapt. Episodes feature conversations with some of the most fascinating leaders, thinkers, creators and achievers.
🎧 Why I like it: Adam’s approach encourages listeners to think and think again about our outdated beliefs and open up to new perspectives, which help us develop as leaders. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to rethink their positions and embrace new ideas. It is a valuable resource for those interested in personal growth, leadership, and understanding different perspectives on contemporary issues.
The Rich Roll Podcast with Rich Roll
Hosted by vegan ultra-endurance athlete and bestselling author Rich Roll, the show features in-depth two-hour conversations with thought leaders from various fields, including wellness, personal development, and creativity. With a wide range of high-profile guests and an engaging format, it's a valuable resource for leaders interested in improving their health and mindset.
🎧 Why I like it: He features guests who share deep, authentic stories of transformation, offering leaders a lens for understanding leadership beyond traditional management techniques. I cruise this podcast and pick out episodes with guests who pique my interest, especially in areas such as technology's impact on the human experience.
Squiggly Careers with Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper
The Squiggly Careers podcast, a brainchild of Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper, offers a unique perspective on career development and leadership. These two friends, who also founded the career coaching company Amazing If, introduce the concept of a "squiggly career", representing the non-linear, unpredictable nature of modern career paths. The podcast fundamentally reframes leadership as a fluid, adaptive skill beyond traditional hierarchical thinking, making it an invaluable resource for leaders seeking to develop more nuanced, human-centred leadership approaches.
🎧 Why I like it: I appreciate how they create a sense of community through their candid conversations, supporting listeners in their unique career journeys. As a leadership coach and career coach, I believe this is a valuable podcast for career and leadership growth. I often point clients to episodes covering specific career or leadership challenges in the workplace.
The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish
This is a great leadership podcast for leaders looking to enhance their decision-making, strategic thinking and, ultimately, develop themselves. Shane Parrish, the founder of Farnam Street, engages with a diverse array of guests - from bestselling authors to business moguls - who share their wisdom on topics like mindset, habits, and personal development. Each episode is full of discussions from the world's top performers that challenge conventional thinking.
🎧 Why I like it: I love the diversity of guests on this show, I find myself taking nuggets of gold from each episode.
WorkLife with Adam Grant
Another recommendation for the organisational psychologist, Adam Grant, the WorkLife podcast offers practical strategies for improving workplace culture, covering various topics such as giving and receiving feedback, enhancing team communication, creating psychological safety, and boosting employee engagement. Moreover, each episode is backed up by research, making it a reliable and valuable resource for professional growth.
🎧 Why I like it: It focuses on "making work not suck" - so, what's not to like? I love how the stories create a strong sense of community among listeners. It's comforting to know that others may share similar experiences and challenges in their jobs, and this podcast brings us all together.
Conclusion
Podcasts are such a versatile tool for learning and reflection, especially in the context of leadership development. I listen to them while walking, cooking, and cycling, and what's truly special is how they make you feel connected. They bring you into the conversation, creating a sense of community as if you were having a coffee chat or one-on-one discussion with the host or guest. Often, when faced with a challenge or opportunity, I turn to my favourite podcasts for a fresh perspective.
Like this list? Then you may also like our 25 Must Read Leadership Books of 2025
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