In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, about what it really takes to lead with authenticity in today’s world.

Lorraine opens up about her journey through imposter syndrome, burnout, and leading complex organisational change. She shares the emotional toll of a restructure that didn’t go to plan, and how coaching helped her separate her self-worth from her job title, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with her core values.

Together, Lorraine and Julie explore the power of executive coaching in helping leaders navigate self-doubt, manage team dynamics, and make space for more reflective, compassionate leadership.

• How to manage imposter syndrome as a senior leader

• The emotional impact of tying identity to your job role

• Navigating leadership during change, challenge and uncertainty

• Burnout, boundaries, and post-pandemic leadership lessons

• Using coaching to reconnect with purpose, values, and confidence

• Building resilience through reflection and honest conversations

• Notice your thoughts – Write down moments of self-doubt and compare them to real, tangible achievements.

• Talk it out – You're not alone. Trusted conversations can shift your mindset.

• Reconnect with your values – Reflect on what truly matters to you now, not just what used to drive you.

• Use tools for clarity – See Brené Brown’s values exercise below.
  
  

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

• Brené Brown’s Values Exercise

• Inspiring quote on imposter syndrome by Maya Angelou
  
  

• Website: www.lightingfires.co.uk

• Email: julie@lightingfires.co.uk

• LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc
  
  

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating to help more people find these honest and inspiring leadership conversations.

In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Mark Schmull, Managing Director of Arrow Planning, about his coaching journey through the Ignite Your Business programme and how it transformed his approach to leadership, team-building, and business growth.

Mark shares how executive coaching helped him build greater self-awareness, tackle imposter syndrome, and grow a team culture based on trust, communication, and purpose. He opens up about the realities of running a business, the power of mentorship, and learning to lead with calm, confidence, and intention.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, team leader, or business owner, this conversation offers honest insight into what it really takes to lead a growing company.

• Developing leadership confidence through executive coaching
• Building a purpose-driven business from the ground up
• How to handle imposter syndrome as a business leader
• Leading with calm and clarity under pressure
• Creating a supportive and adaptive team culture
• The role of mentorship and building a strong support network

• Getting the right mentors – Who challenges and inspires you?
• Map your personal boardroom – Who and what fuels your growth? (People, books, podcasts, routines...)

Who Is in Your Personal Boardroom? by Amanda Scott – A practical tool to help you identify the key people who can support your leadership journey.

• Julie Williams, Executive Coach: www.lightingfires.co.uk
• Mark Schmull & Arrow Planning: https://www.arrowplanning.co.uk
• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc
• Email Julie: julie@lightingfires.co.uk
• Interested in a free taster 'Ignite your Business' session with Julie? Check out the next available session here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/lighting-fires-julie-williams-14355302598

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5* rating or share it with a colleague. Your support helps more leaders discover these inspiring coaching stories.

Host: Julie Williams, MSc – Executive Coach and Founder of Lighting Fires

Guest: Pete Wharton- Managing Director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Julie Williams sits down with Pete Wharton, Managing Director of Wharton, one of the UK’s leading natural infrastructure consultancies. Pete is also a passionate advocate for restoring our relationship with nature, and he was recently awarded Professional Forester of the Year by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

Pete reflects on his journey from climbing trees as a kid in Ipswich, to building a successful environmental consultancy, and the challenges he’s faced along the way. He discusses how coaching helped him rediscover his purpose—not just as a business owner, but as a person.

Purpose can be rediscovered. A visit to his childhood park reminded Pete of why he started this work in the first place—his love of trees and nature.

Celebrate the wins. Pete learned to pause, reflect, and celebrate milestones with his team instead of constantly chasing the next thing.

Leadership is personal. Coaching helped Pete realise he didn’t need to suppress his own values to be a strong leader—and that he’s allowed to have an opinion.

Speaking out creates change. Pete shares his powerful experience of raising awareness for miscarriage and the unexpected ripple effect it had on others.

Fun matters. Whether it’s spending time in the field or laughing with the team, Pete highlights the value of enjoying your work and reconnecting with what makes it meaningful.

Rediscover your purpose. Like Pete, revisit the places or moments that first lit your spark—what truly connects you to your work or business?

Map out your highs. Try creating a visual timeline of your life and work milestones. Focus on the moments that made you feel alive—and notice what they have in common.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek – a brilliant guide to identifying your personal and professional purpose.

Julie Williams (Executive Coach): www.lightingfires.co.uk

Pete Wharton & Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants: www.whartons.co.uk

Email Julie: julie@lightingfires.co.uk

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5 star rating so more people can find these inspiring conversations.