Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Purpose and Connection

What changes when leaders stop trying to override themselves and instead learn to lead in alignment with how they're actually wired?In this episode of Beyond the Boardroom, Jennifer Demiri sits down with Kathryn Van Der Steege, executive coach, leadership advisor and former senior executive at Woolworths, for a deep exploration of leadership from the inside out.After 28 years in corporate, including senior roles across IT and HR, Kathryn made a bold pivot into transformational coaching, bringing together neuroscience, somatic awareness, nervous system regulation and human design to help leaders stay clear, grounded and decisive under pressure.In this conversation, we explore:Why the leadership advantage is shifting in the age of AI, and what it means for how you leadThe hidden cost of the "conscious filter" and how it slowly erases your authentic selfHow to recognise and trust your inner compass, especially in moments that matterThe Polyvagal lens on leadership, and why breath alone is not always enoughHuman design as a practical leadership framework, not a mystical systemThe five energy types (Manifestor, Manifesting Generator, Generator, Projector, Reflector) and what they reveal about your decision making, communication style and energy managementWhy understanding your team's human design reduces friction, builds empathy and improves outcomesA real client story of a senior leader whose influence transformed once he understood his projector design and communication styleWhether you are a corporate leader, founder or someone navigating a meaningful transition, this episode offers a fresh lens on what it really means to lead with presence, conviction and alignment.Want to discover your own human design? CONNECT WITH KATHRYN:Instagram: @kathrynvandersteegehttps://www.instagram.com/kathrynvandersteege/www.kathvdsmindset.com.auDM the word DESIGN on Instagram to unlock your leadership strengths according to your Human Design.WANT TO GO DEEPER?Her Inner Compass RecalibrationA 90-Day Strategic Identity and Leadership Reset for High-Capacity Women  (6–8 June 2026)If today's conversation sparked something and you're ready to move from insight into embodiment, this is the container where that work gets done.Max 10 women. Application only.Learn more and book an Alignment Call: https://www.kathvdsmindset.com.au/her-inner-compass