Episode 106

When performance stops feeling worth it: A conversation leaders rarely admit they’re having

In this episode, James Rule tackles a question many experienced leaders think but rarely say out loud: “Is this still worth it?” This is not an episode about burnout or quitting leadership. It’s a candid, challenging conversation about misalignment, emotional fatigue, and the hidden cost of sustained high performance. If you are still delivering results but quietly questioning the trade-offs, this episode will resonate.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Why questioning leadership does not equal failure

How to identify misalignment to restore fulfilment

Challenge the Status Quo to create sustainable high performance

How to reduce emotional load without stepping away from responsibility

ABOUT THE HOST

James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.

His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.

As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance.

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Episode 102 - Ten steps that made 2025 my best ever year. They can do the same for you.

Episode 104 - Don’t drift into 2026: The annual review that sets you up for your best year yet

Episode 98 - Leadership Essentials: Resilience - Creating strength that endures

CONNECT & CONTACT

Website www.thelonelyleader.co.uk

The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

James' LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

Sign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.

THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 105

Accelerating into the New Year! A leadership reset for sustainable high performance

SUMMARY SECTION

In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule explores how leaders can accelerate into the new year with clarity, intention, and sustainable high performance without falling into the trap of short lived resolutions and burnout.

Rather than setting bigger goals, this episode challenges leaders to define success properly, align performance across professional and personal life, and build a clear roadmap for the year ahead.

If you are a leader looking to improve productivity, focus, wellbeing, and long-term impact this episode is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Clarify what success looks like across career, energy, relationships, growth, and wellbeing.
• Building a performance roadmap that actually works.
• How to accelerate professionally without sacrificing personal wellbeing.
• Identify what to stop doing to unlock time, enhance focus and drive momentum
• Design habits and boundaries that support sustainable high performance

ABOUT THE HOST

James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.

His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.

As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance.

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Episode 102 - Ten steps that made 2025 my best ever year. They can do the same for you.

Episode 104 - Don’t drift into 2026: The annual review that sets you up for your best year yet

Episode 99 - Leadership Essentials: Productivity - Reclaiming focus in a distracted world

CONNECT & CONTACT

Website www.thelonelyleader.co.uk

The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

James' LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

Sign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.

THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 104 - Don’t drift into 2026: The annual review that sets you up for your best year yet

SUMMARY SECTION

As leaders, it’s easy to drift from one year into the next without ever truly stopping to reflect. January arrives. The inbox fills. The pressure resumes and by March, many leaders are wondering why nothing feels different. In this episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast James Rule challenges that pattern and invites you to pause, reflect, and intentionally design what comes next. This is not about New Year’s resolutions or vague goal-setting. It’s about leadership responsibility, starting with how you lead yourself.

The Two Reviews every leader must conduct:

Professional review: performance, impact, relationships, reputation, career capital.

Personal review: energy, health, mindset, habits, fulfilment.

High performance without wellbeing is a short career. This episode shows how the two must align.

Who this episode is for

Senior leaders and executives feeling stuck in repeat cycles.

High performers who want sustainable success, not burnout.

Leaders who want clarity, focus, and fulfilment heading into 2026.

ABOUT THE HOST

James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.

His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.

As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance.

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Episode 102 - Ten steps that made 2025 my best ever year. They can do the same for you.

Episode 93 - Inside The Lonely Leader: My story, my philosophy

Episode 15 - The power of utilising a journal

CONNECT & CONTACT

Website www.thelonelyleader.co.uk

The Lonely Leader's LinkedIn

James' LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk

NEWSLETTER

Sign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Tackling Imposter Syndrome guide.

THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.