Hello KSKOers
THE LAST EPISODE
Welcome to the 100th and final episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast! We’re closing out our series on self-aware leadership with a special conversation with Dr Julia Carden, an expert on self-awareness. Julia shares her deep insights on what self-awareness really means, how it’s developed, and why it’s a never-ending journey for leaders. We’ll discuss the key findings from Julia’s doctoral research, the real difference between self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-consciousness, and some practical ways leaders can start building greater self-awareness today. Plus, Julia offers a sneak peek at her upcoming book, "You Are Not as Self Aware as You Think You Are."
Tune in to this inspiring wrap-up to three years of exploration into what it truly means to lead with self-awareness.
Looking forward to joining you on your learning journey!
Here are my top takeaways from our conversation:
1. Self-Awareness is an Ongoing Journey
Dr. Julia Carden explains that self-awareness is dynamic, involving both our internal drivers and how others experience us. It’s not a destination but a continual process of reflection and adaptation as we evolve and interact with the world around us. This definitely resonates with my view of self-awareness being an endless journey - on a self-awareness superhighway!!
2. Clear Definitions Matter
We talk about the confusion around terms like self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-consciousness. Julia says that defining these for ourselves is crucial: self-consciousness is about our internal world, while self-knowledge is the understanding gained through reflection. Clarity provides us with a foundation for meaningful self-development.
3. No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Julia likens developing self-awareness to building a jigsaw puzzle. There isn’t a single method or model; instead, combining various reflective practices, journaling, mind mapping, coaching, works best. Flexibility to use different tools at different times is key for lasting personal growth.
4. Honest Feedback is Invaluable
Genuine self-awareness for leaders requires feedback on how others see us. Yet, it’s often hard to get honest input, as people may hesitate or only say what they think we want to hear. Techniques like “feed forward” and asking thoughtful questions help leaders access richer, more useful perspectives.
5. Leadership as Ongoing Practice
Julia encourages leaders to see their role as a practice - something to be continually honed: a life journey. Regular reflection, group learning, and simple daily self-checks make leadership more adaptive and resilient. This approach shifts focus from being right to being curious and open-minded.
Here are the top five actions that you can take away from this episode to strengthen your self-aware leadership skills:
Ask Yourself a Daily Question
Keep it simple: Take a moment each day to reflect with a question like, “How did I show up as a leader today?” Let this curiosity guide your awareness.Balance Self-Reflection with External Feedback
Self-awareness is both inward and outward, get to know your values and motivations, and also pay close attention to how others experience you.Invite Honest, Forward-Looking Feedback
Try a “feed forward” approach: ask others what you could do more or less of next time, making feedback useful and growth-focused.Find a Reflection Practice That Fits You
Whether it’s journaling, mind mapping, talking, or drawing, choose a reflective method you enjoy - and work out how to make it a habit that fits your routine.See Self-Awareness as an Ongoing Journey
There’s no finish line here. Stay open, humble, and playful! Self-awareness keeps evolving, and that’s both normal and powerful.
Start small, stay kind to yourself, and enjoy the lifelong adventure of self-aware leadership!
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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 Chief Operating Officer in a UK based mother and baby charity with a global reach.
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.
