Coaching Real Leaders

Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins · harvardbusiness.org

We all want to get to the next level of our career, but so many of us get stuck. Longtime leadership coach Muriel Wilkins takes you inside real-life leadership coaching sessions with high performers working to overcome professional challenges and grow as leaders. Listen in on real conversations and leave with new insights and practical guidance for your own career.The views expressed on this podcast are those of its hosts, guests, and callers, and not those of Harvard Business Review.

99 episodes

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Episodes 100

Behind the Scenes: A Coaching Debrief
6d ago · 31:37
Join host Muriel Wilkins as she unpacks last week’s Coaching Real Leaders’ episode, “Why Haven’t I Made It To The C-Suite”, where she coached Randy - a leader who has spent years coming close to landing the most senior level executive roles, only to be passed over without clear feedback. In this special bonus and companion episode, Muriel debriefs the coaching conversation with her Coaching Real Leaders Community and provides additional context to what was really going on during the coaching session and helps listeners better understand her coaching approach. Be sure to listen to the episode w
Best of CRL: Why Haven’t I Made it to the C-Suite?
13d ago · 48:01
He’s spent years coming close to landing the most senior level executive roles, only to be passed over without clear feedback. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through what to do when you feel you've done everything "right" but still don't get the opportunity you were hoping for. For further reading: What to Do After a Final-Round Job Interview: https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-after-a-final-round-job-interviewCracking the Code That Stalls People of Color: https://hbr.org/2014/01/cracking-the-code-that-stalls-multicultural-professionalsWhat Do Black Executives Really Want?: https://hbr.org/20
Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Damien Faughnan
27d ago · 47:05
Have you ever been passed over for a promotion?Are you wondering whether you're ready for the CEO role—or your next big career move?Are you struggling to figure out when it's time to leave for good?In this episode, CEO Coach and Advisor, Damien Faughnan, joins host, Muriel Wilkins, to answer questions from the Coaching Real Leaders community.For further reading: Learn more about Damien: https://damienfaughnan.com/Rewriting the Playbook: Leading Through Compounding Uncertainty: https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/articles/rewriting-the-playbook-leading-through-compounding-uncertaintyLea
How Do I Lead Someone Who Doesn’t Seem to Fit the Team Culture?
1mo ago · 1:04:41
She’s recently taken on a bigger leadership role and with that shift comes a new challenge: how to lead a team where one person’s style doesn’t seem to fit the culture she’s worked so hard to build. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through how to manage a difficult dynamic while addressing the larger team leadership issues it raises.For further reading: More on the DISC assessment: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8692-disc-assessment.htmlDifficult People: https://hbr.org/podcast/2018/02/difficult-peopleStop Hiring for Culture Fit: https://hbr.org/2018/01/how-to-hireHow To Handle Employees Who
Ask Muriel Anything: Becoming My Friend’s Boss, Upsetting a Coworker, Dealing With Micromanagers
1mo ago · 35:03
How do I handle becoming my close friend’s boss? How do I recover after upsetting a coworker?How do I get my boss to stop micromanaging?In this episode, Muriel and her producer, Mary, answer listeners’ questions to help you navigate the issues you face at work.For further reading: Good Leaders Admit Mistakes: https://hbr.org/video/2228473497001/good-leaders-admit-mistakesTransitioning from Peer to Manager? Here’s What to Expect: https://www.csinsider.co/email/transitioning-from-peer-to-managerThe Secret to Building a High-Performance Team: https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-
How Do I Lead When Being the Expert Isn't Enough?
2mo ago · 55:38
He's built his career on technical excellence and those skills have always been his path to success. But as AI reshapes his organization and his role, he senses that expertise alone won't carry him to the next level and he's unsure where to spend his time and energy to grow. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how to expand his identity beyond the technical expert he's always been. For further reading: Our Favorite Management Tips on Leading With AI: https://hbr.org/2026/03/our-favorite-management-tips-on-leading-with-aiAI Won’t Replace Leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-kamansk
Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Amy Gallo
2mo ago · 46:54
Have you ever had ongoing disagreements with your boss? Do you struggle trying to become more visible to leadership at your organization?Have you gotten feedback that YOUR feedback style needs improvement?In this episode, Amy Gallo workplace expert and author of “Getting Along,” joins host Muriel Wilkins to tackle questions from the Coaching Real Leaders community and listeners on their toughest leadership problems. For further reading: Learn more about Amy here: www.amyegallo.comCheck out her book Getting Along: How To Work With Anyone (Even Difficult People): https://www.amazon.com/Getting-A
How Do I Find Fulfillment In My Leadership Role?
3mo ago · 1:00:53
She recently transitioned to a new role and organization and is having trouble finding inspiration and motivation. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through why she feels professionally unfulfilled, and what she can do about it. For further reading: When Work Truly Fills Your Cup: https://karen-onpurpose1.medium.com/when-work-truly-fills-your-cup-83b0890ccf8b3 Questions to Ask When Your Job Isn’t Fulfilling: https://hbr.org/2022/11/3-questions-to-ask-when-your-job-isnt-fulfillingHow to Transition from Public Service to the Private Sector: https://www.executivegov.com/articles/how-to-transition-f
Ask Muriel Anything: Productivity, Layoffs, and Visibility
3mo ago · 35:50
Are you worried that you have developed a habit of quitting when times get tough?Do you struggle with finding authentic ways to be seen by senior leadership?Are you trying to find the time and energy to develop your team?In this episode, Muriel is joined by her producer Mary to tackle leadership questions from listeners like you.For further reading: Why the Most Productive People Don’t Always Make the Best Managers: https://hbr.org/2018/04/why-the-most-productive-people-dont-always-make-the-best-managersWhy Visibility Has Become the New Test of Leadership: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/w
How Do I Help My Boss Without Doing Their Job For Them?
4mo ago · 51:29
She's energized by her company and the possibilities of her role, but keeps running into tension with her boss around how they work together. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through examining her approach, understanding what her boss actually needs from her, and deciding what she's willing to do about it. For further reading: How Can I Get Along with My “Difficult” Boss?: https://hbr.org/podcast/2022/09/how-can-i-get-along-with-my-difficult-boss-from-hbrs-women-at-work5 Reasons Your Boss is Holding You Back: https://www.fastcompany.com/91277735/5-reasons-your-boss-is-holding-you-back 10 Signs
Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Dave Stachowiak
4mo ago · 44:19
Have you ever felt like your boss might be holding you back? Do you have a hard time determining your non-negotiables? Do you struggle with constantly changing priorities from the C suite?In this episode, executive coach Dave Stochowiak, host of the Coaching For Leaders podcast, joins host Muriel Wilkins to tackle questions from the audience on their toughest leadership problems. For further reading: Check out Coaching For Leaders: https://coachingforleaders.com/Manage Yourself to Lead Others: https://www.amazon.com/Manage-Yourself-Lead-Others-Self-Understanding/dp/1541705688Connect with Murie
How Can I Move Forward When My Company Won’t Promote Me?
5mo ago · 48:11
She’s been at her current organization for decades, and loves the leadership role she’s in. But she’s always aspired to make it to the C-suite. As that opportunity seems less and less likely to attain where she is now, executive coach, Muriel Wilkins, helps her work through what trade-offs she’s willing to make to achieve her professional goals. For further reading: 3 Ways to Make Tough Career Choices with Confidence: https://melodywilding.com/3-ways-to-make-tough-career-choices-with-confidence/Career Crossroads: https://hbr.org/podcast/2019/07/career-crossroadsHow to Navigate Change at Any Ca
Introducing: Ask Muriel Anything
5mo ago · 28:47
Long-time executive coach and Coaching Real Leaders host, Muriel Wilkins, takes questions from listeners, past guests and community members and helps them unpack some of the thorniest workplace challenges they face. In this episode, she’s joined by her producer Mary Dooe to talk about when business partnerships go bad, what to do when you make a significant mistake at work, and more. Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: Leadersh
How Do I Get Buy-In From My Boss?
6mo ago · 49:37
She’s an ambitious leader with a strong vision to drive value and growth for the company. But she’s concerned that plan may now be in jeopardy due to lack of buy-in from her boss. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her on how to handle getting the alignment needed to move a strategy forward.Connect with Muriel:Website: murielwilkins.comLinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.comRead Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https
Coming Soon: Season 11
6mo ago · 1:52
From uncovering the belief that’s quietly holding you back… to mapping your path to the C-suite… to recovering after a career-defining mistake — executive coach Muriel Wilkins is back with real, unscripted coaching conversations that take you inside the lives of leaders at pivotal moments. And for the first time ever, you’ll get new episodes twice a month, all year long - no more waiting between seasons.Listen in as leaders wrestle with ambition, visibility, competition, fulfillment, and the hard challenges that come with the job. Plus, check out a brand-new monthly series — Ask Muriel Anythin
Do I Really Want to Be CEO?
9mo ago · 41:15
She’s a leader who unexpectedly finds herself running a company, but isn’t sure it is the right role for her long-term. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through defining what she can do versus what she wants to do, the level of responsibility she truly wants, and what might lie at the heart of her current discomfort. Apply now to be on Coaching Real Leaders in 2026: CoachingRealLeaders.com Further reading: Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked: leadershipunblocked.com Join Muriel in her Group Coaching Intensive Program: Leadershipunblocked.com/group The Skills and Habits Aspiring CE
How Do I Manage My Former Peers Now That I’m Their Boss?
9mo ago · 47:15
He’s relatively new to being a people manager after working hard and getting promoted quickly at his organization. He’s struggling with communicating and managing effectively with some on his team, especially former peers. Executive coach Muriel Wilkins guides this leader through how he’s currently trying to motivate people, what is or isn’t working, and how he can scale his leadership even further. Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked: leadershipunblocked.com How to Manage Your Former Peers What to Do First When Managing Former Peers 5 Pieces of Advice for First Time Managers 5 T
How Do I Handle So Much Organizational Uncertainty?
10mo ago · 51:33
She’s climbed the ladder at her company through many years and phases of growth. Now, she’s sensing a changing organizational tide and isn’t sure where she fits in its future. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches this leader through defining her value, working through possible scenarios at her organization, and taking a step forward into her next career phase. Further reading: Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked, out October 28th: leadershipunblocked.com How to Build Confidence at Work Self-Efficacy: A Better Construct than Confidence How Scale Changes a Manager’s Responsibilities How Do
How Do I Lead When I Don’t Feel Like I Belong at the Table?
10mo ago · 1:01:06
He is a leader looking to advance, but feels like he often struggles in meetings with more senior leadership. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through ways to approach these meetings differently and how to position himself to attain the higher level of leadership he wants. Further reading: Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked, out October 28th: leadershipunblocked.com The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back Muriel’s Virtual Book Event What Having a Growth Mindset Actually Means See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priv
How Leaders Can Spot What’s Really Holding Them Back
10mo ago · 36:04
Listen as executive coach Muriel Wilkins joins Amy Gallo and Amy Bernstein on Women at Work to describe what she’s learned about what holds leaders at all levels back, how to identify those blockers, and how to move forward. Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked, out October 28th: Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential Register for Muriel’s book event The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How Should I Plan for My Next Role When I’m Happy with the One I’m In?
10mo ago · 43:20
She’s found herself in a role that she loves at a company she loves, but is wondering how – and to what extent – she should be planning for the next role and beyond. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches this leader through defining her goals, deepening her understanding of her organization, and embracing clarity while still being excited for the unknowns ahead. Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked, out October 28th: leadershipunblocked.com Further reading: How to Figure Out What You Want Next in Your Career When It’s Time To Leave a Job You’re Passionate About Why Love is the Key to Career
How Do I Address Feedback on Increasing My Visibility?
11mo ago · 53:27
She’s recently switched industries and has seen her fast-paced leadership growth stall out. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through understanding the feedback she’s receiving, what it means to her organization, and what might help get her back on track. Further reading: How to Become More Visible at Work How to Make Your Leadership Potential More Visible 10 Ways To Raise Your Internal Visibility At Work How to Raise Your Visibility at Work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Coming Soon: Season 10 of Coaching Real Leaders
11mo ago · 2:19
Are you experiencing a roadblock in your leadership path? On this season of Coaching Real Leaders, executive coach Muriel Wilkins works through issues like imposter syndrome, whether you really want to be CEO, and how to receive – and take action on – tough feedback. She guides leaders through what’s holding them back, their options for moving forward, and truly defining what they want in their careers. Listen to the latest season of Coaching Real Leaders starting September 22. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel
How Do I Adapt My Leadership as My Company Grows?
1y ago · 42:22
She’s an entrepreneur who has led her company to a fair amount of success. After recently hitting a roadblock, she’s hired new talent and is looking to position her company for continued growth. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through how to adjust her leadership to keep pace with her growing business. Further reading: How Do I Adapt My Leadership Style as My Team Grows? How Your Leadership Has to Change as Your Startup Scales As Your Team Gets Bigger, Your Leadership Style Has to Adapt See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#d
How Do I Co-Lead with a Challenging Partner?
1y ago · 57:04
His leadership role requires him to co-lead a project with someone he finds challenging to work with. With clashing styles and unclear roles, their partnership feels anything but collaborative. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through the root of the power struggle, and guides him toward a more intentional co-leadership path. Further reading: How Co-Leaders Succeed 8 Reasons Why Co-Leaders Fail What Makes Creative Partnerships Work What is a RACI chart? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.