In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Executive Leadership Coach, and author Mary Gregory, who specialises in human-centred leadership, confidence and gender equity.

Together, we explore ego as a human defence system rather than a flaw, and how fear often sits behind leadership behaviours such as people pleasing, control and self-doubt. We look at how ego shows up differently for women, why many capable leaders hold themselves back, and what it takes to speak up and be heard without losing authenticity or falling into performative confidence.

Our conversation also examines how culture, conditioning and gender dynamics shape behaviour at work, why curiosity matters more than judgement in global and diverse teams, and why confidence is not fixed but something that ebbs and flows. We reflect on why leadership grounded in self-awareness, inclusion and humanity will be increasingly essential.

Mary's purpose is to create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their talent fully. Her work integrates deep psychological insight with practical leadership tools, enabling her clients to expand their thinking, navigate ego and conditioning, and take courageous, positive action.

What you'll learn

• How ego unconsciously shapes leadership behaviour
• When ego gets in the way of leadership
• How women can move beyond ego patterns that hold them back
• How culture and conditioning intersect with judgement and curiosity
• What authentic confidence looks like in practice

Resources:

• Buy my book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Connect with Mary Gregory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygregory/
• Visit Mary Gregory's website: https://www.marygregory.com
• Buy Mary Gregory's book 'Ego – Get Over Yourself and Lead': https://www.marygregory.com/book

Welcome to the first podcast episode of 2026, and we are starting with how we mean to continue with bold action. This episode is about momentum, clarity and creating a fast, intentional start to the year.

This is your invitation to move from thinking to actively working and delivering on your leadership goals. Drawing on chapter one of my bestselling book, Become a Global Leader, I guide you through a series of practical exercises designed to help you think bigger, get clearer on what you want, and move from reflection into bold action.

If you want to have greater impact this year, this episode will help you move beyond safe, short-term goals and reconnect you with the leadership future you dream of.

We cover:

• How to shift from achievable, short-term goals to defining the bigger vision
• How to define what becoming a global leader really means to you
• Why understanding your motivation is critical when the journey gets challenging
• How to translate this into powerful leadership goals for 2026 without staying in your comfort zone
• Practical ways to make your leadership goals visible, front of mind and build momentum throughout the year

Your next steps

If you want support turning this reflection into action, I am offering a limited number of 2026 Clarity Action calls.

These are 20-minute focused conversations designed to help you gain perspective, identify your next steps and move forward with intention to make your goals a reality.

Book by 23rd January 2026 by messaging me directly on LinkedIn, Victoria Rennoldson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

Resources:

• Listen to Episode 159 'Reflecting on 2025: Your Leadership Review': https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/reflecting-on-2025-your-leadership-review/

• Buy my new book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/

• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

Leadership trends, advocating for women leaders and raising your personal profile.

As we approach the start of 2026, in this podcast episode, I'm joined by Vanessa Dal Busco, Chair of the Institute of Directors Glass Ceiling Group, and a passionate advocate for women in leadership.

Vanessa shares her insights on the challenges female leaders face, the importance of personal branding, and practical strategies to raise your profile, exploring how engagement, purpose, and authenticity can transform your professional presence.

Plus, Vanessa also shares her perspectives on leadership trends, the role of AI and cybersecurity in shaping the future of business.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How the Institute of Directors and the Glass Ceiling Group are driving change and creating opportunities for female leaders
• The importance of raising your personal profile and practical ways to do it
• How to use LinkedIn effectively to engage authentically and amplify your influence
• The power of networking, speaking engagements, and media exposure to grow your personal brand
• Emerging leadership trends she sees for 2026

Vanessa encourages anyone looking to raise their personal or company profile to take that first step and experiment, whether through LinkedIn, networking, speaking engagements, or media opportunities.

How visible is your professional profile right now, and how could increasing it open up new opportunities in 2026?

Resources:

• Buy my new book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Connect with Vanessa Dal Busco on LinkedIn to explore how she can help you or your organisation to elevate your profile and impact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessadalbusco