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Podcast Episode

#262 - What if being a “tough” leader is actually holding your business back?

A Fresh Perspective on Business··8 August 2026·57 min

About this episode

In this episode of Fresh Perspective on Business, we explore why true strength in leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room, avoiding vulnerability or taking a hard-line approach. It's about self-awareness, empathy and having the confidence to tackle difficult conversations in the right way.Vicky Taylor, Operations Manager at Fresh Perspective Resourcing, and Esther Stamp from Juniper Wealth discuss why kindness can be a genuine competitive advantage, how psychological safety can improve performance, innovation and retention, and why the strongest leaders build confidence without relying on ego.They also explore supporting employees through life's challenges, investing in continuous personal development, and creating a candidate experience that reflects your company's values from the very first interaction.Whether you're leading a team, growing a business or looking to become a better manager, this episode challenges the traditional idea of what “strong leadership” looks like and explores why confusing toughness with strength could be costing your business more than you realise.