Episode 023: Helping Founders Lead with Impact Through the Hard Work of Self-Awareness

About the Hosts:Lee Povey and Steve Mellor are leadership coaches and hosts of The Founders Catalyst, a podcast dedicated to helping founders, executives, and rising leaders navigate the complexities of personal and professional growth. With decades of combined experience in elite sports, executive coaching, and team development, Lee and Steve offer real-world insights, sharp coaching tools, and thought-provoking conversations for the modern leader.About the Episode:In this episode of The Founders Catalyst, Steve and Lee dive deep into what they believe is the most important leadership skill of all: self-awareness. They unpack why so many leaders think they’re self-aware (but aren’t), what self-awareness actually involves, and how to begin doing the real work.The conversation spans everything from childhood programming and cultural influences to emotional intelligence, dyslexia, burnout, and building sustainable leadership habits. Expect powerful personal insights, practical frameworks, and a few laughs along the way.If you're a founder or leader looking to improve your emotional intelligence, decision-making, and relationships with your team... this one’s for you.Takeaways:Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadershipThe emotional work of leadership: noticing vs. reactingHow upbringing, trauma, and culture shape our responsesEmotional intelligence (EQ) vs. intellectual intelligence (IQ)Why most people think they’re self-aware, and are wrongEmotions as data: understanding anger, sadness, fear, joy, interest, and disgustThe importance of "noting" emotions in real timeBuilding sustainable leadership practices: rest, boundaries, and balanceLeading while tired, triggered, or overwhelmed and how to prepare for itFeedback loops, reflection, and what it really means to “do the work”“You don’t become self-aware just by deciding to be. It’s a journey, a practice, one you get wrong, again and again, until slowly, you don’t.” – Steve Mellor“Emotions are data. If we learn to listen, they tell us exactly what’s happening within us, and what we might need to change.” – Lee PoveyLinks & Resources Mentioned:Daniel Kahneman's research on decision-making and self-assessmentBrené Brown’s research on emotional language (83 emotions)The six core emotions model: Fear, Joy, Anger, Sadness, Interest, DisgustLee Povey’s men’s group (mentioned during emotional awareness segment)The Founders Catalyst LinkedIn Community: Join hereContact the hosts directly for feedback or coaching inquiriesThank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions to help you thrive in both your personal and professional life.Join Our LinkedIn Group!Become a part of The Founders Catalyst, a free community for founders, start-up executives, and high achievers. Network, ask questions, and participate in our free monthly Zoom meetings. Connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional circle. Join here.