EP 93. Quitting PWC, Finding Her Strengths & Redefining Leadership with Sarah Kelsey
What happens when you walk away from a “dream job” to follow your strengths, without a plan B?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Kelsey, host of The One Up Project, for a powerful conversation on courage, clarity, and creating a career on your own terms. From quitting PWC to working remotely across Europe, Sarah shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy and how she’s redefining what it means to lead without a title. Sarah shares the mindset shifts and bold moves that helped her step away from the “safe” career path and into work that aligns with her strengths, values, and vision for leadership.In this episode, we talk about:- Why Sarah walked away from a Big Four role (and what happened next)- How finding her strengths led to career clarity and creative courage- The leadership mindset shift that helped her show up with confidence- What it means to “curate your curiosity” and why it’s the foundation of growth- Practical ways to position your value even when pivoting.Sarah Kelsey’s story is anything but traditional, and that’s exactly why it’s so inspiring.Whether you’re pivoting, leading for the first time, or redefining what success looks like. I’d love to hear your story and support your next step. Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders Leadership Program - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow. Join the next round of VIP Leaders. Enrolments are now open. Connect with Sarah:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoneupproject/ Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you.
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45:26
EP 92. Signs You’re Micromanaging (And What to Do About It)
Micromanaging? No one wants to admit it but if your team can’t make a move without you, it might be happening.In this episode, I’m sharing the real signs of micromanagement that many new (and not-so-new) leaders fall into without realising.From being involved in every decision to accidentally holding your team back, these habits can quickly drain performance and trust.In this episode, you’ll learn: - How micromanagement shows up in your day to day (even when it feels helpful)- The difference between active management and micromanagement- The 4-part system to lead without hovering or hand-holding- What to do when your team is capable but you’re holding on too tight- Why micromanagement slows your growth and theirsIf you’re worried you might be micromanaging or you just want help building more trust and autonomy in your team, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders: Join the next round starting 3 June 2025.Leadership Style Quiz: Find out which iconic movie character best represents your leadership style.Previous Episodes MentionedEP 67. Setting & Managing Expectations As a Leader - Listen hereAre we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
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19:21
EP 91. How to Handle Performance Issues with a Team Member
You can’t lead well if you’re scared of performance conversations.It’s one of the most uncomfortable parts of being a people leader, but it’s also one of the most important. If you’re avoiding poor performance, hoping it’ll go away on its own… it won’t. And the longer you wait, the messier it gets.In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to handle performance issues early, before it becomes a bigger problem. I’ll show you how to manage the conversation in a way that builds trust, supports your team member’s growth, and keeps your expectations clear (without you needing a script or HR background).In this episode, you’ll learn: - What actually counts as poor performance- The 4 steps to take when someone’s work slips- How to prep yourself so you don’t spiral mid-convo- Ways to reset expectations without sounding like a robot- Why documenting matters (even informally)- Mindset reminders to help you stop avoiding this workManaging performance isn’t about catching people out, it’s about course correcting early and leading with clarity. This episode will help you do exactly that.If you’re putting off a tricky performance convo because it feels too hard or too awkward, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Let me know where you’re getting stuck or what you’re worried about saying. This is exactly the kind of thing I help leaders navigate, and I’d love to talk it through with you.Links and Resources Mentioned:VIP Leaders: Join the waitlist for VIP leaders. FREE Workload Audit: A practical guide for managers and new leaders to simplify their workload and maximise their impact. Previous Episodes MentionedEP. 86 How to Coach Your Team (or anyone) in 15mins (or less) - Listen hereEP 67. Setting & Managing Expectations As a Leader - Listen hereAre we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterse
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EP 90. How to Lead When You're Not The Boss
Leadership isn’t just for the people with the title.In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how to lead when you don’t have the formal authority. Whether you’re stepping up inside your team, managing cross-functional work, or just want to be seen as a leader (without micromanaging), this one’s for you.If you’ve ever had to get people on board, move a project forward, or set expectations without being anyone’s “boss”, you aren’t alone. This is one of the most common challenges emerging leaders face, and one I hear about often.This applies even if you never want to be a people manager. Leadership shows up in projects, relationships, conversations and influence. Learning how to step into it (without pushing) is what will separate you from the rest. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why formal titles aren’t what makes someone a leader- What “taking the lead” actually looks like (without overstepping)- 4 steps to leading without being the boss- The skill every emerging leader needs to master- Why feedback isn’t just for managers- Simple mindset shifts to help you lead with confidenceListen now to learn how to take the lead without the title.If you’re trying to lead without the title and feel unsure how to do it without overstepping, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Tell me what feels sticky or where you’re getting stuck.Links and Resources Mentioned:The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it aloneFREE Workload Audit: A practical guide for managers and new leaders to simplify their workload and maximise their impact. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
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22:20
EP 89. Managing and Supporting Gen Z with Henry Langdon
Gen Z is shaking up the workplace, and if you’re leading or managing them, you might have already noticed things are different.The old ways of managing just won’t cut it. Gen Z questions authority, filters out corporate jargon, and expects real engagement, not just instruction. So how do you create an environment where they can thrive?In this episode, I sit down with Henry Langdon, the founder of Udamon, to talk about what really works when leading and supporting Gen Z. Henry specialises in workplace learning and knows exactly how to bridge the gap between Gen Z’s expectations and the realities of the working world.Through Udamon, Henry has designed digital university curriculums and partnered with global organisations like Siemens, PwC, and Barclays to transform how young professionals enter the workforce. He’s also passionate about adventure, personal development, and the psychology of learning, which fuel his drive to push the boundaries of L&D.In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why traditional management approaches don’t work (and what does)- How Gen Z’s mindset around work is completely different from past generations- The shift from being a “boss” to being a coach (and why Gen Z needs this)- Practical strategies for helping them navigate work successfully- The biggest mistakes leaders make when managing Gen Z, and how to fix themGen Z is ambitious, driven, and ready to challenge the status quo, but they also need support in learning the unwritten rules of the workplace. If you’re a leader, manager, or business owner, this episode will help you get the best out of them.If you manage Gen Z and find yourself frustrated, uncertain, or just trying to figure out how to get the best from them, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what’s coming up for you and what shifts you’re trying to make. Links and Resources Mentioned:The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it alone!FREE Workload Audit: A practical guide for managers and new leaders to simplify their workload and maximise their impact. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseConnect with Henry LangdonWebsite: udamon.orgLinked In: henrylangdonAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
Lead with Less is THE podcast for People Leaders.
Hosted by Tash Pieterse, Certified People Leadership Coach, Business Owner, and mother.
Lead with Less is a podcast for people leaders who want to learn the skills they need to lead in way that people actually want to follow.
With over 13+ years experience in Human Resources, leading her own teams, running her own business, and being a mother, Tash brings all of that experience and knowledge to the podcast so you can get everything you need to become a leader focused on adding value, making an impact, and empowering the people around you.
This is the perfect spot if you're an established professional, new to leadership, business owner, or executive and want to Lead with Less overwhelm, confusion, and struggle so you can become a Leader people actually want to follow.
New Zealand