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Episode 39

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Published on:

11th Sep 2025

Stepping away from a traditional leadership path (and why you're still a leader) (Ep.39)

Stepping back from a traditional leadership role – whether temporarily or permanently – can bring big shifts in identity, confidence and purpose. But leadership isn’t a job title. You’re still a leader, even when life takes you in a different direction.

In this episode of the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Juliet and Lucy share honest reflections and practical strategies for navigating this kind of transition – whether it’s driven by caring responsibilities, health, a career pivot or simply a desire for change.

They explore:

  • The shift in identity that comes with stepping away from a leadership position
  • The importance of understanding your values when navigating change
  • Why you’re still a leader – even when the job title changes
  • Practical ways to maintain your network, skills and confidence
  • How to resist ‘should’ thinking and redefine success on your own terms

Whether you’re stepping back yourself, supporting someone who is, or questioning whether the traditional leadership path is right for you, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and thoughtful guidance.

Episode links

How to show up in vulnerability as a leader (Ep. 35)

Why the best leaders don’t network like everyone else (Ep. 34)

What if slowing down helps you speed up? (Ep. 20)

Connect with Lucy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucygower/

Email: lucy@lucidity.org.uk

Don’t miss out on practical tips and tools to build your confidence and skills at work - sign up to the Lucidity weekly email

Join the Lucidity Network: https://network.lucidity.org.uk/


Connect with Juliet

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julietcorbett

Email: juliet@consultjuliet.co.uk

Get tips on finding your strategic focus, empowering your team and regaining control over your time straight into your inbox - sign up for the newsletter

Download the free ebook, 'The Strategic Leader'

Explore coaching with Juliet


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About the Podcast

Juliet and Lucy's Quiet Leadership Revolution
The world doesn't need any more noise, an army of identical leaders or rigid leadership models. Instead, the challenges we all face call for thoughtful, reflective, confident leadership. People who want to lead by example, bring others with them and who are ready to learn and adapt to deliver brilliant results.

Join Juliet Corbett and Lucy Gower as they explore the transformative power of quiet leadership. Through candid conversations and practical insights they guide senior and aspiring leaders to carve out time to think, discover their own leadership style and cultivate a culture of empowerment and growth.

It's time to make your voice heard and your impact felt. Tune in and join the Quiet Leadership Revolution.

About your hosts

Juliet Corbett

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Juliet Corbett is an executive coach and strategy adviser, guiding senior leaders to find their strategic focus, empower their teams and regain control over their time.

She has over 20 years' experience of leading, consulting and coaching, with responsibilities spanning fundraising, marketing, governance and strategic planning. While she has worked with leaders in a variety of sectors, she has particularly deep experience in the world of education.

Since founding her business in 2018 she's helped hundreds of senior leaders to deliver their goals with confidence and ease through coaching programmes, workshops and strategy away days.

She's been podcasting since 2020 and has distilled the knowledge and experience gained along the way into two podcasts: Juliet and Lucy's Quiet Leadership Revolution as well as her previous award-winning podcast, The Independent School Podcast.

Lucy Gower

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Lucy Gower is the founder and director of Lucidity. An accomplished facilitator, trainer, and coach, she is the bestselling author of The Innovation Workout and How to Have Confidence at Work and co-host on the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast. As the founder of the Lucidity Network and a sought-after global speaker on innovation, Lucy helps leaders achieve clarity, think differently, and take action for impactful results.

Through tailored training and coaching programmes, Lucy supports her clients in driving meaningful change - whether that’s developing new business strategies, launching product propositions, or cultivating high-performance team cultures. She works in partnership with leaders to provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to accelerate progress and maximise impact.

Lucy has empowered hundreds of individuals and teams to collaborate, innovate, and bring about lasting change. Her clients span a range of sectors and include Air Ambulance, Anthony Nolan, The Children’s Society, Digital Catapult, Exeter University, Housing Quality Network, Hospice UK, Libraries Unlimited, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mind, MOD, MS Society, Nesta, NHS Charities Together, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Plymouth Hospitals Charity, Red Cross, and Samaritans.

Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn or get in touch at lucy@lucidity.org.uk.