The Accidental CEO and the Myth of Readiness with Jenny Burns

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenny Burns, CEO of Magnetic, for an honest and energising conversation about what it really means to “accidentally” step into the CEO role.Jenny shares her journey from big corporates to running a design and innovation business, and why she never actually set out to become a CEO.We talk about the myth of readiness, why avoidance quietly sabotages leaders, and how energy, not authority, often defines great leadership.This is a conversation about confidence, feedback, AI, identity, and what it takes to lead in heavy, uncertain times without losing yourself in the process.Highlights:(06:13) How Jenny unexpectedly stepped into the CEO role(08:44) The myth of readiness and why no one feels fully prepared(14:41) Why avoidance is a silent leadership killer(22:20) AI, leadership, and the future of human differentiation(28:55) Energy as a leadership responsibility(34:32) The advice Jenny would give herself on day one as CEOConnect with Jenny:Jenny Burns - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyburns55/The Accidential CEO - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7285963386381561856/?displayConfirmation=trueConnect with Emma:LinkedInWebsiteThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio