Podcast
How to Lead with Kate Waterfall Hill
Hosted by Kate Waterfall Hill · EN
How to Lead is the go-to podcast for CEOs, founders, business owners, and leaders who want to strike the perfect balance between authority and empathy.
I’m Kate Waterfall Hill - leadership coach, author, and creator of Linda, the bad manager, my alter ego who shows us how not to lead. With over 30 years’ experience working with and coaching CEOs and founders (and being one myself), I’ve helped hundreds of leaders elevate their skills and confidence.
In each episode, I’ll share simple, actionable tips and habits to take the stress out of people management. Every episode starts with Linda’s “what not to do” moment, followed by practical insights on how to handle leadership challenges with finesse.
You’ll find How to Lead on all major podcast platforms, plus video episodes on YouTube. My best-selling book, How to Lead, is also a great companion to the show.
Subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode, and if you enjoy it, please rate, review, and share with fellow leaders.
For coaching programmes or my self-paced Digital Academy, visit www.waterfallhill.co.uk.
Got a topic suggestion? Email me at hello@waterfallhill.co.uk.
Follow me on all major social platforms - just search Kate Waterfall Hill or Linda, the bad manager, and join a community of over 300,000 leaders.
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Leading with Clarity
Nov 2000:14:39Tap to summarizeIn the final episode of the three-part mini-series on care, curiosity, and clarity, Kate discusses the importance of clarity in leadership. She highlights how clarity is not only operational but emotional, and addresses its role in delegation, decision-making, cross-functional teamwork, crisis management, psychological safety, and creating team rituals. Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to the Series Finale01:25 The Importance of Clarity03:49 Delegation with Precision: The PORT Framework05:08 Decision Making Modes for Leaders05:49 Ensuring Cross-Functional Clarity07:01 Clarity in Times of Crisis07:42 Building Psychological Safety with Clarity08:18 Embedding Clarity Through Rituals09:12 Self-Clarity for Leaders09:40 Avoiding Common Clarity Traps10:12 Reflection and Practical Steps12:00 Tying It All Together: Care, Curiosity, and Clarity13:13 Conclusion and Call to ActionJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact KateMentioned in this episode:Digital Academy January SaleClick here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy
Transcribe →Confidence in Leadership
Feb 21, 202500:15:04Tap to summarizeToday's episode of 'How to Lead,' with Kate Waterfall Hill delves into the murky waters of leadership confidence and what keeps many new leaders awake at night, that nagging feeling that you're not quite ready for the big chair. With practical advice to accelerate confidence and actionable strategies that go beyond just wait and see.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Leadership Confidence00:35 Linda the Bad Manager: Confidence vs. Competence01:28 The Leadership Confidence Dilemma02:06 Practical Advice for Building Confidence04:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome04:55 Reframing Confidence and Self-Doubt06:28 Practical Strategies for Confidence Building10:31 Daily Practices for Leadership Confidence12:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement13:34 Conclusion and Next StepsJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Coaching for Peak Performance
Feb 14, 202500:11:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of How to Lead, host Kate Waterfall Hill explores the concept of coaching for peak performance. Being a great leader isn't about being the fountain of all the solutions. It's about creating an environment where your team can find their own answers. Today Kate is going to show you how to do exactly that through coaching leadership.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Peak Performance Coaching00:50 Meet Linda the Bad Manager01:48 The Power of Coaching Leadership04:16 Practical Coaching Techniques04:37 The PAUSE Technique05:10 Real-Life Coaching Examples06:19 The Value of External Coaching10:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Team goals without the corporate buzzwords
Feb 7, 202500:11:22Tap to summarizeIt's very tempting to try to rally the troops with some corporate buzzwords, but today Kate talks about what actually works instead. Hear about how genuine team engagement isn't built on corporate jargon or arbitrary targets but something far more fundamental. A shared sense of purpose and achievement. Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction: Leading with Empathy and Authority00:43 Linda the Bad Manager: A Satirical Take02:03 The Pitfalls of Corporate Jargon02:46 Real-World Examples of Purpose-Driven Goals04:07 Practical Tools for Leaders06:37 Transforming Financial Targets into Meaningful Goals09:39 Final Thoughts and Recap10:23 Closing Remarks and ResourcesJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Delegation
Jan 31, 202500:07:52Tap to summarizeDelegation is a tool for team growth and personal leadership development if done correctly. This week Kate introduces the 'Delegation Checklist', exploring how to set clear expectations, enable understanding, and establish support systems, with real-world examples highlighting the benefits of effective delegation.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Delegation00:36 Linda the Bad Manager: A Case Study01:36 The Delegation Dilemma01:53 Types of Managers and Delegation02:38 The Delegation Checklist03:33 Setting Clear Expectations03:47 Enabling Understanding and Support04:47 Real-Life Examples of Good Delegation05:21 Practical Next Steps and Pitfalls to Avoid06:18 Summary and Final Thoughts07:05 Conclusion and Call to ActionJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Too busy boss syndrome
Jan 24, 202500:07:22Tap to summarizeDo you have experience of the 'Too Busy Boss Syndrome'? In today's episode of How to Lead, Kate discusses the attributes of a 'Too Busy Boss' and the detrimental effects a busy leader can have on team dynamics and productivity. She offers practical approaches for CEOs and leaders, and advice for those dealing with a too busy boss, with strategies to maximise limited interactions effectively. Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Too Busy Boss Syndrome00:35 Meet Linda the Bad Manager01:13 The Paradox of Leadership02:47 Practical Approaches to Better Leadership04:14 Tips for Dealing with a Too Busy Boss05:22 Final Thoughts and Summary06:34 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Setting Deadlines
Jan 17, 202500:09:20Tap to summarizeReady to end the toxic cycle of unrealistic deadlines, midnight oil burning, and broken trust? In today's podcast learn actionable strategies for setting realistic timelines, respecting boundaries, and fostering sustainable productivity.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Deadlines00:38 Linda the Bad Manager01:55 The Toxic Cycle of Unrealistic Deadlines03:37 Transforming Deadline Culture05:06 Balancing Organizational Needs and Individual Boundaries06:32 Managing Expectations with Seniors and Clients07:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Organisational Structure
Jan 10, 202500:09:16Tap to summarizeStructure or self-management? In this episode of 'How to Lead', Kate examines different organisational models, including traditional hierarchies, flat structures, and self-managed teams. She shares case studies and practical advice on creating flexible yet effective management frameworks that enable, rather than control, employee productivity. Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Self-Management00:44 Meet Linda: The Bad Manager01:00 The Complexity of Organizational Structures01:40 Rethinking Management Hierarchies03:01 Exploring Different Organizational Approaches03:48 The Concept of Self-Managed Teams04:37 Implementing Self-Management Successfully05:31 Finding the Balance Between Chaos and Control05:47 Practical Steps for Organizational Change06:11 The Skeleton Plus Model06:35 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Structure08:30 Conclusion and Call to ActionJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Planning Professional Development
Jan 3, 202500:12:15Tap to summarizePlanning professional development for you and maybe even your team members for the year ahead. How do you do it and what actually works? In this episode of How to Lead, Kate shares a simple three-part planning framework that really does work. Use this framework to support your team in developing their own development plans too. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Professional Development00:46 Linda the Bad Manager: A Case Study02:26 Reflecting on Your Leadership03:19 Planning Framework for Professional Development04:16 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Habits05:10 Looking Ahead to 202507:03 Measuring Progress and Setting Goals08:27 Building a Support Structure09:14 Immediate Action Plan10:09 Final Thoughts and Next StepsJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Google Sheet with planning questions and promptsFree Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →Flexible working
Dec 27, 202400:10:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 'How to Lead,' hosted by Kate Waterfall Hill, the focus is on flexible working. Kate discusses practical strategies for CEOs, founders, and leaders to balance business needs with employee preferences while avoiding the pitfalls of micromanagement. Through an engaging critique of 'Linda the Bad Manager,' and real-life examples, Kate outlines the importance of trust, purposeful communication, and understanding the right environments for different tasks. Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Flexible Working00:44 Linda the Bad Manager's Take01:54 Balancing Business Needs and Employee Preferences02:42 Purpose Over Presence Approach03:11 Trust and Communication04:37 Creating a Flexibility Framework05:47 Practical Tips for Office Attendance08:32 Involving Your Team in Office Dynamics09:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact Kate
Transcribe →