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The Fulfilled Leader with Jean Balfour
For leaders who want to thrive - not just survive.
Leadership can be lonely, overwhelming, and emotionally draining. But it doesn’t have to be. Join Master Certified Coach Jean Balfour as she brings honesty, depth, and warmth to conversations about what it really takes to lead with resilience, clarity, and purpose.
In The Fulfilled Leader, Jean explores the inner world of leadership—the doubts, the burnout, the self-sabotage - and the transformative practices that help leaders feel more grounded, empowered, and fulfilled.
You’ll hear practical insights from neuroscience, psychology, coaching, and real leadership experience. Whether it’s solo reflections or conversations with inspiring guests, this podcast is your space to pause, reflect, and grow.
Listen every week and watch the way you lead, and live your life, transform forever.
New episodes every week.
Subscribe now and join a global community of leaders who are redefining success from the inside out.
Episodes
99 episodes
Ep. #98 Why Fulfillment in Leadership Matters Now More Than Ever
In this powerful opening episode of The Fulfilled Leader, Jean Balfour shares the personal and professional journey behind the podcast's transformation. After nearly four years of Making Sense of Work, Jean saw a shift - both ...
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Season 4
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Episode 98
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30:41
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Ep. #97 A Tech Consultant’s Journey to Becoming a Bestselling Novelist - Danny Dagan
Guest: Danny Dagan – Author of The GameEpisode Summary:In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dagan, author of The Game, a gripping thriller that has just hit the shelves to glowing reviews. Danny’s...
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Season 3
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Episode 97
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34:31
Ep. #96 The Power of Pivoting: Punita Lal on Careers, Boards & Creativity
In this inspiring episode of Making Sense of Work, I sit down with the incredible Punita Lal, a distinguished business leader, board director, and executive coach. With a career spanning over 35 years in leadership, strategy, an...
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Season 3
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Episode 96
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42:59
Ep. #95 Harnessing Accountability: Your Catalyst for Personal and Professional Growth
In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour explores the role of accountability in helping us achieve our goals—both in our personal and professional lives. Initially uncertain about the topic, Jean embarked on a journey of d...
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Season 3
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Episode 95
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27:40
Ep. #94 Becoming a Relational Leader
Relational leadership is a transformative concept focusing on building trust and connection within teams, especially crucial in our tech-driven work environments. Leaders are encouraged to foster relationships, create open communication, and su...
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Season 3
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Episode 94
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23:25
Ep. #93 Healing Self-Doubt with Sas Petherick
In this inspiring episode, Jean Balfour welcomes Sas Petherick, an internationally renowned coach and expert in healing self-doubt. Sas shares her remarkable journey from a fast-paced corporate career in London to becoming a leading voice in he...
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Season 3
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Episode 93
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43:04
Ep. #92 The Impact of Our Early Lives on Our Leadership: Dr. Saba Hasanie
In this insightful episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Dr. Saba Hasanie, Managing Director and Senior Partner of OSC Leadership Developm...
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Season 3
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Episode 92
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44:56
Ep. #91. Beyond Resilience: Navigating Mental Wellbeing at Work
In this special episode of Making Sense of Work, released in honor of World Mental Health Day, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and reflective narrative on her journey with emotional wellbeing and resilience. From the challe...
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Season 3
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Episode 91
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24:20
Ep. #90 Impact of Coaching in Organisations: Insights from Katie Hasson of Standard Chartered Bank
In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour is joined by Katie Hasson, the dynamic leader of the Ignite program at Standard Chartered Bank. Katie shares her inspiring journey from a tax accountant to leading a team of over 23...
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Season 3
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Episode 90
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32:23
Ep. #89 Curiosity: Your Key to Creativity, Growth, and Well-Being
Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a transformative power that can revolutionize our lives. In this episode of "Making Sense of Work," I share my personal journey of how curiosity led me to uncover my own thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensatio...
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Season 3
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Episode 89
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22:57
Ep. #88 The Work of Building a Thriving Coaching Business with Ellie Scarf
Episode Summary: In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour welcomes Ellie Scarf, founder and CEO of Lucent Global and the Impact Coach Collective. Ellie shares her journey from law to executive coaching and her insig...
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Season 3
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Episode 88
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46:07
Ep #87 Career Coaching Series: Visualise Your Ideal Day
Have you ever wondered how your life could change if you spent just a little time dreaming about your perfect day? On this episode of Making Sense of Work, I invite you to join me on a transformative journey where I'll share my experiences of v...
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Season 3
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Episode 87
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19:35
Ep. #86 Yoga, Coaching & the UN: Finding Purpose in Bangladesh with Betsy Kimmel
Join us for an inspiring chat with Betsy Kimmel, our incredible PCC-level alumni and coach! Betsy takes us on her exciting journey, from tackling coaching projects in high-pressure environments to starting her own yoga practice. He...
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Season 3
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Episode 86
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40:58
Ep. #85 Breaking Free from Office Drama: Drama Triangle Insights
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of office dynamics and explore the Drama Triangle, a powerful psychological model developed by Dr. Stephen Karpman. Join Jean Balfour as she uncovers the roles of the Villain, Victim, and Hero...
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Season 2
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Episode 85
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25:22
Ep. #84 Transformative Breathwork with Céline Fontaine
Have you ever paid attention to your breathing during times of stress? Most likely, we don't, yet it's a powerful tool we can harness to maintain calmness within ourselves. Meet our special guest Céline Fontaine as she shares how conscious brea...
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Season 3
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Episode 84
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35:56
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Ep. #83. Finding Ease Amidst the Hustle at Work
Imagine finding a sense of calm and ease amid the chaos of your workday; I believe it's not just a fantasy but a tangible goal. In this episode I share how the philosophies in Beth Kempton's "Kokoro" and Nancy Klein's "Time to Think," i...
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Season 3
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Episode 83
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22:20
Ep. #82 The Neuroscience of Misery at Work - Part 2
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, weighed down by stress and dissatisfaction? This is part 2 of the neuroscience of misery at work and it’s your invitation to discover how you can turn misery all around. We're not ju...
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Season 3
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Episode 82
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24:57
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Ep. #81 The Neuroscience of Misery at Work - Part 1
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work, weighed down by stress and dissatisfaction? This episode is your invitation to discover the neuroscience that explains why—and how you can turn it all around. We're not just talking ...
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Season 3
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Episode 81
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25:55
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Ep. #80 Breaking into Your Zone of Genius
Today’s episode is inspired by Marianne Williamson and Gay Hendricks. Jean Balfour shares insights and experiences on overcoming self-imposed limitations to embrace our true potential. Join us as we navigate the zones of incompetence, competenc...
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Season 3
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Episode 80
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21:05
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Ep. #79 Navigating Overwhelm: From Chaos to Clarity
In today’s episode, Jean Balfour shares her own experiences of feeling overwhelmed, and shares insights on identifying, understanding, and overcoming the chaos that comes with being overwhelmed. From uncovering the root causes...
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Season 3
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Episode 79
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21:45
Ep. #78 The Key to Unlocking Deeper Trust in Relationships
In today’s episode, we explore how being fully present with another person is not just a skill, but a critical gift that fosters genuine connection. Join Jean Balfour as she shares the journey of how we can master this skill, how we can be awar...
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Season 3
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Episode 78
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22:07
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Ep. #77 Persisting Through Challenges: Lessons from Netflix's Nyad's Swim
Welcome to Season 3 on "Making Sense of Work" Today’s episode is drawing inspiration from the impactful Netflix film, "Nyad." The documentary encapsulates the awe-inspiring story of Diana Nyad, who, at the remarkable age of 6...
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Season 3
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Episode 77
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21:02
Ep. #76 Endings and Beginnings
Picture this: I started the year with a grand plan—a visionary roadmap for my business and a commitment to its growth. Little did I know, the universe had a different script in mind. The first half of the year threw some serious challenges my w...
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Season 2
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Episode 76
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13:55
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Ep. #75 Values: The North Star of Your Career
Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on your career values? It's a practice that often gets overlooked amid the hustle of our daily lives. However, these values serve as the underlying motivation for our actions and reactions, influencing ou...
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Season 2
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Episode 75
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15:58
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#Ep. 74 How to Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively. It is no longer considered a soft skill—it's a critical competency for us all - both individual contributors and leaders. Higher EQ has been shown to impr...
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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26:28
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