224. Journey to Leadership is a Journey Through Relationships

In this episode of the Women Emerging podcast's Journey to Leadership series, Julia Middleton speaks with former international rugby captain and educator Kelly McCallum about why every journey of leadership is, ultimately, a journey through relationships. Drawing on her experiences in both individual and team sports, Kelly reflects on the different relationships that shape us. Swimming taught her the importance of building a relationship with herself—developing resilience, focus and the confidence to move forward when there is no one else to rely on. Rugby taught her how to navigate relationships with others, balancing trust, communication, teamwork and shared responsibility. Together, Julia and Kelly explore what happens when relationships become difficult. They discuss conflict, boundaries, feedback, knowing when your window of tolerance has closed, and the courage to protect the outcome when relationships are under pressure. They also reflect on an important question: what do we do when a relationship simply cannot be repaired? This conversation offers practical insights into self-awareness, teamwork, emotional regulation, conflict, resilience and the relationships that shape the way we lead. Whether you're leading a team, navigating difficult conversations or strengthening your relationship with yourself, this episode explores why relationships remain at the heart of every leadership journey. About the Guest :Kelly McCallum is a leadership expert, educator, and former elite athlete. Currently pursuing a PhD at Auckland University of Technology, her research focuses on emotional intelligence in sports leadership. A two-time Rugby World Cup player for Canada and the first female rugby inductee into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame, Kelly brings a wealth of experience in high-performance environments. She is also a sought-after speaker and facilitator, specializing in emotional intelligence and leadership development.