Podcast Summary: Coaching Real Leaders

Host: Muriel Wilkins
Episode: Coming Soon: Season 10 of Coaching Real Leaders
Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special preview episode, executive coach Muriel Wilkins introduces Season 10 of Coaching Real Leaders, offering a sneak peek into the candid, transformative coaching conversations at the heart of the podcast. The season promises to tackle the common—and often hidden—barriers professionals face on their leadership journey. Muriel highlights both the emotional and tactical challenges leaders encounter, such as imposter syndrome, feedback navigation, managing former peers, and clarifying career goals. Listeners are invited to tune in for practical insights and real-world strategies to unlock their own leadership potential.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Universal Leadership Challenges

• Muriel Wilkins introduces the core idea that all leaders, regardless of experience or rank, face moments of feeling stuck or blocked in their career.
  • "If there's one thing I know, it's this. All leaders get blocked at some point in their career." (00:35)

2. Visibility and Self-Doubt at the Top

• Client 1 shares struggles with self-confidence in high-stakes meetings and the challenge of finding their voice in executive settings.
  • "When it comes down to C suites or bored, the insecurity will come out a little bit more and I will start this internal loop of second guessing...then I end up either saying nothing or worse, kind of saying something I'm not very proud of." (00:55)
• Muriel spotlights how feedback about needing more 'visibility' can sometimes mask deeper issues.
  • "I've asked for feedback about this...I get told that I need to work on my visibility. But more recently I'm doubting that the visibility is the real feedback that I need to hear." (01:12)

3. Ambivalence About Advancement

• Client 2 expresses uncertainty about pursuing top leadership roles and the misconception that all leaders must be 'power-hungry' or innately driven to the C-suite.
  • "I don't have any of that natural drive to want to be the boss...I guess part of it is, I don't know, do I want to really commit to this, to being C Suite?" (01:31)

4. Season 10 Topics

• Muriel previews critical themes for the new season, such as:
  • Imposter syndrome
  • Receiving and acting on tough feedback
  • Managing dynamics with former peers
  • Moving from feeling stuck to actionable solutions
  • "This season we'll tackle issues like imposter syndrome, getting tough feedback, and how to manage your former peers. You'll hear me coach these leaders from feeling stuck to actionable solutions." (01:48)

5. Growth Through Perspective and Tools

• Clients reflect on the value of coaching in providing new perspectives, breaking tunnel vision, and helping them leverage their strengths.
  • "Seeing it from somebody else's point of view is always such a huge help. When you have tunnel vision, you know, thinking that the way you do everything is the only way and the correct way versus what reality is." (02:04)
  • "You've helped me get to a point where I can identify sort of the vague sense of dis, ease or discomfort that I've had around my role and look at resources and tools that I have at my disposal." (02:18)

6. Outcomes of Coaching

• Muriel closes with the clear, actionable results leaders can expect from her coaching sessions.
  • "I feel like I have clarity. I feel like I have work to do. I feel like I have a plan." (02:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Muriel Wilkins (00:35):
  "All leaders get blocked at some point in their career."
• Coaching Client 1 (00:55):
  "I will start this internal loop of second guessing and deciding when to speak or what to say."
• Coaching Client 2 (01:31):
  "I don't know, do I want to really commit to this, to being C Suite?"
• Coaching Client 1 (02:04):
  "Seeing it from somebody else's point of view is always such a huge help."
• Coaching Client 2 (02:18):
  "You've helped me get to a point where I can identify sort of the vague sense of dis, ease or discomfort..."
• Muriel Wilkins (02:34):
  "I feel like I have clarity. I feel like I have work to do. I feel like I have a plan."

Important Timestamps

• 00:23 – Muriel introduces the podcast and main theme of overcoming leadership blocks
• 00:55 – Coaching Client 1 discusses self-doubt and insecurity in C-suite settings
• 01:12 – Muriel reflects on ambiguous feedback and the question of visibility
• 01:31 – Coaching Client 2 opens up about doubts over pursuing executive roles
• 01:48 – Preview of Season 10 topics and coaching goals
• 02:04 – Clients share the benefits of new perspectives and coaching support
• 02:34 – Muriel summarizes the outcomes and encourages listeners to tune in

Conclusion & Invitation

Muriel Wilkins wraps up with a call to action:
"Listen in on a whole new series of coaching conversations. Season 10 of Coaching Real Leaders starts on September 22. Subscribe, rate and review in your favorite podcast app to not miss any episodes." (02:34)

Season 10 promises actionable guidance, honest reflection, and transformative leadership growth for listeners—whether they’re aspiring executives or seasoned leaders facing their own crossroads.