Hello KSKOers
In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Richard Reid, executive coach, psychotherapist, and founder of Pinnacle Well-being Services, for a brilliant chat about charisma, self-awareness and leadership. Richard shares his fascinating journey from an unfulfilling career in IT to helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and even royalty find clarity and confidence. We talk about the small but powerful shifts leaders can make, such as taking a moment to pause between meetings. We also talk about why being real, a bit vulnerable, and even a little bit quirky can be your greatest leadership strength!
Looking forward to joining you on your learning journey!
Here are my top takeaways from our conversation:
1. Self-Awareness: The Leadership Superpower
Richard Reid makes it clear: real leadership starts within. If you can’t spot your own emotions and triggers, you’ll default to autopilot and miss chances to adapt. When you strengthen your self-awareness skills, you’re better able to choose your responses and lead with purpose. It’s the key to genuine, skilful leadership.
2. Master Transitions, Master Your Energy
Jumping from one Zoom to another drains anyone. Reid’s advice? Use even 30 seconds to breathe, reset, and set your intentions between meetings. Know when your energy peaks and plan those high energy activities for when you know your battery’s at 100%. Don’t let your diary dictate the day.
3. Charisma Is More Than Charm
Charisma isn’t just about being talkative or entertaining. The most magnetic leaders are present, intentional, and comfortable pausing to let their words land. Reid’s tip: slow down, own the silence, and always think about how you want others to feel.
4. Lean Into Your Quirkiness and Vulnerability
Forget blending in! Reid says your unique strengths and even your vulnerabilities are your greatest assets. Get comfortable asking for feedback and don’t be afraid to show the ‘real you’. People remember leaders with courage and authenticity, not cookie-cutter clones.
5. Storytelling Sells Your Message
Stories aren’t just for fairy tales, they connect teams and create culture. Use vivid detail and structure (think “hero’s journey”) to hook your listeners’ emotions. Storytelling turns challenges into shared triumphs and sparks a powerful sense of belonging.
Here are the top five actions that you can take away from this episode to strengthen your self-aware leadership skills:
Create Space for Reflection
Richard emphasises the importance of carving out moments, even if it’s just 30 seconds between meetings, to pause, catch your breath, and set your intention for what comes next. This small act of reflection helps you transition consciously instead of operating on autopilot.Become Curious About Yourself, and Ask for Feedback
Richard suggests regularly asking yourself, “Who am I when I’m at my best?” and supplementing this self-reflection by seeking constructive feedback from others. Understanding both your strengths and your vulnerabilities is foundational to authentic leadership.Deliberately Set Your Intention
Before entering meetings or important conversations, ask yourself not just what you want to say, but how you want others to feel. Whether it’s reassurance, inspiration, or excitement, being intentional about the emotional tone can dramatically improve your impact.Slow Down and Embrace Pauses
Great leaders (and those with natural charisma) are comfortable with silence. Slowing down your delivery and allowing space in conversations creates room for others to process, respond, and feel truly heard. This builds gravitas and deeper connections.Have the Courage to Show Vulnerability and Embrace Your Quirkiness
Richard says that sharing your uniqueness and even your vulnerabilities (like admitting mistakes or showing what you don’t know) builds trust, rapport, and authenticity. Far from weakening your leadership, these qualities help others open up, and make you more memorable.
By putting these practices into action, you’ll be well on your way to developing your self-aware leadership and fostering more genuine, effective working relationships. If you want more, Richard’s book Charisma Unlocked and Nia’s The Self Awareness Super Highway are great next reads! These tips will help you to tap in to your subconscious to develop your self-aware leadership skills.
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Nia is an expert leader who talks the talk and walks the walk. She is an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership and practices self-aware leadership every single day in her role as a Director in a Children’s Charity.
Find out more about Self-Aware Leadership by getting your very own copy of The Self-Awareness Superhighway! It’s an Amazon Best Seller in.....
🥇Business Management & Leadership
🥇Occupational & Organisational Psychology
🥇Business Careers
Harvard Reference: Thomas, N.D., 2024. The Self-Awareness Superhighway: Charting Your Leadership Journey. Knowing Self Knowing Others.
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