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Coaching Real Leaders

Muriel Wilkins

We all want to get to the next level of our career, but so many of us get stuck. Longtime leadership coach Muriel Wilkins takes you inside real-life leadership coaching sessions with high performers working to overcome professional challenges and grow as leaders. Listen in on real conversations and leave with new insights and practical guidance for your own career. The views expressed on this podcast are those of its hosts, guests, and callers.

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#103
Monday · 41 min
Ask Muriel Anything: Listening to Your Team, Leading With Uncertainty, Balancing Empathy and Accountability
How do I show my team I’m listening when I don’t agree with them? How do I project confidence when I don’t know what the future holds? How do I balance empathy with accountability? How do I influence others when I don’t have formal authority? In this episode, Muriel and communication expert Matt Abrahams, lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, answer listeners’ questions about some of the trickiest communication and leadership challenges. They discuss how to demonstrate that you’re listening without having to agree, how to communicate with confidence in uncertain situations, and how to hold people accountable without sacrificing empathy. For further reading: Think Fast, Talk Smart: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast Matt’s book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter-Successfully/dp/1668010305?tag=bookplease06-20&geniuslink=true Building Influence Without Authority (Coaching Real Leaders): https://hbr.org/podcast/2021/03/building-influence-without-authority Exerting Influence Without Authority (Harvard Business Review): https://hbr.org/2008/02/exerting-influence-without-aut Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#102
September 14 · 54 min
How Do I Lead with Confidence Without Always Needing To Be Right?
She’s a leader who’s built a reputation for being direct, confident, and decisive. But she’s recently received feedback that her communication can create tense interactions with colleagues. Host Muriel Wilkins helps her look beyond the feedback itself to understand what’s driving those moments, and how she can exude confidence without the need to always be right. For further reading: The Right Way to Respond to Negative Feedback: https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-right-way-to-respond-to-negative-feedback How to Make Sense of Conflicting Feedback on Your Leadership: https://hbr.org/2022/01/how-to-make-sense-of-conflicting-feedback-on-your-leadership How Do I Stop Being Defensive?: https://hbr.org/podcast/2021/11/how-do-i-stop-being-defensive? What Leaders Get Wrong About Listening: https://hbr.org/podcast/2025/06/what-leaders-get-wrong-about-listening Leadership Unblocked Chapter 5: LeadershipUnblocked.com Own the Room: https://us.amazon.com/Own-Room-Discover-Signature-Leadership-ebook/dp/B00BAH7PQY/ref=sr_1_2?_encoding=UTF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.epwJb2QC4llONZO6YeARJmJmT5QGtcapVuFP9fuTNbE.N4ouJEbmhKVyJS8dDcnMA_s1Ieg-1Da9XjVKtTDekp8&dib_tag=se&keywords=B00BBJZX2O&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1789330493&s=digital-text&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=1-2 Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#101
August 31 · 34 min
Ask Muriel Anything: Staying Motivated, The Pros and Cons of People Management, and Handling Ambitious Employees
How do you stay motivated in your career after years of success - and conquering so many mountains? How do you decide if taking on people management is the right move for you? How should you respond to an ambitious employee that you think needs to be more patient? In this episode, Muriel and her producer, Mary, answer listeners’ questions to help leaders of all levels navigate the challenges they are facing. For further reading: A Guide to Motivating Yourself at Work: https://hbr.org/2023/07/a-guide-to-motivating-yourself-at-work The 7 Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back: https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/hidden-beliefs How Do I Stay Motivated After Surviving Layoffs? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjy_GCrZTnQ Should I Become a People Manager? https://medium.com/@fun_cuddles/should-i-become-a-people-manager-the-difficulty-of-identifying-management-potential-8fbfb534f0b1 Want to stay connected? You can find Muriel here: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWilkins Want to be coached by Muriel? If you’re facing a professional challenge, apply to be coached by Muriel on the Coaching Real Leaders podcast: Apply here Keep the conversation going: Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community where Muriel hosts live debriefs and Q&A sessions: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Go deeper: Read Muriel’s newest book, Leadership Unblocked: LeadershipUnblocked.com For executive coaches: Learn more about Evolve, Muriel’s immersive program for executive coaches: murielwilkins.com/evolve See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#101
August 24 · 31 min
Behind the Scenes: A Coaching Debrief
Join host Muriel Wilkins as she unpacks last week’s Coaching Real Leaders’ episode, “Why Haven’t I Made It To The C-Suite”, where she coached Randy - a leader who has spent years coming close to landing the most senior level executive roles, only to be passed over without clear feedback. In this special bonus and companion episode, Muriel debriefs the coaching conversation with her Coaching Real Leaders Community and provides additional context to what was really going on during the coaching session and helps listeners better understand her coaching approach. Be sure to listen to the episode we debrief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-crl-why-havent-i-made-it-to-the-c-suite/id1545444200?i=1000783849495 Want to stay connected? You can find Muriel here: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWilkins Want to be coached by Muriel? If you’re facing a professional challenge, apply to be coached by Muriel on the Coaching Real Leaders podcast: Apply here Keep the conversation going: Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community where Muriel hosts live debriefs and Q&A sessions: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Go deeper: Read Muriel’s newest book, Leadership Unblocked: LeadershipUnblocked.com For executive coaches: Learn more about Evolve, Muriel’s immersive program for executive coaches: murielwilkins.com/evolve See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#100
August 17 · 48 min
Best of CRL: Why Haven’t I Made it to the C-Suite?
He’s spent years coming close to landing the most senior level executive roles, only to be passed over without clear feedback. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through what to do when you feel you've done everything "right" but still don't get the opportunity you were hoping for. For further reading: What to Do After a Final-Round Job Interview: https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-after-a-final-round-job-interview Cracking the Code That Stalls People of Color: https://hbr.org/2014/01/cracking-the-code-that-stalls-multicultural-professionals What Do Black Executives Really Want?: https://hbr.org/2021/11/what-do-black-executives-really-want Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#99
August 3 · 47 min
Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Damien Faughnan
Have you ever been passed over for a promotion? Are you wondering whether you're ready for the CEO role—or your next big career move? Are you struggling to figure out when it's time to leave for good? In this episode, CEO Coach and Advisor, Damien Faughnan, joins host, Muriel Wilkins, to answer questions from the Coaching Real Leaders community. For further reading: Learn more about Damien: https://damienfaughnan.com/ Rewriting the Playbook: Leading Through Compounding Uncertainty: https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/articles/rewriting-the-playbook-leading-through-compounding-uncertainty Leaders, It’s Time to Build Your Tolerance for Uncertainty: https://hbr.org/2026/01/leaders-its-time-to-build-your-tolerance-for-uncertainty How to Become a First Time CEO: https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/about/careers/careers-with-our-clients/how-to-become-a-first-time-ceo The Midlife Chrysalis: https://www.meawisdom.com/podcast/ Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#98
July 20 · 1 hr 4 min
How Do I Lead Someone Who Doesn’t Seem to Fit the Team Culture?
She’s recently taken on a bigger leadership role and with that shift comes a new challenge: how to lead a team where one person’s style doesn’t seem to fit the culture she’s worked so hard to build. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through how to manage a difficult dynamic while addressing the larger team leadership issues it raises. For further reading: More on the DISC assessment: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8692-disc-assessment.html Difficult People: https://hbr.org/podcast/2018/02/difficult-people Stop Hiring for Culture Fit: https://hbr.org/2018/01/how-to-hire How To Handle Employees Who Don’t Fit Your Culture: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/handandassociates_what-should-you-do-if-current-employees-don-activity-7299836392640020480-nzc0/ How to Support a New Employee Who Doesn’t Seem to Fit In: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ca/resources/manage-employees/employee-doesnt-fit-in-corporate-culture/ Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#97
July 6 · 35 min
Ask Muriel Anything: Becoming My Friend’s Boss, Upsetting a Coworker, Dealing With Micromanagers
How do I handle becoming my close friend’s boss? How do I recover after upsetting a coworker? How do I get my boss to stop micromanaging? In this episode, Muriel and her producer, Mary, answer listeners’ questions to help you navigate the issues you face at work. For further reading: Good Leaders Admit Mistakes: https://hbr.org/video/2228473497001/good-leaders-admit-mistakes Transitioning from Peer to Manager? Here’s What to Expect: https://www.csinsider.co/email/transitioning-from-peer-to-manager The Secret to Building a High-Performance Team: https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-performing-team Why Micromanagement Is So Harmful: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-of-the-manager/202409/why-micromanagement-is-so-harmful Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#96
June 22 · 55 min
How Do I Lead When Being the Expert Isn't Enough?
He's built his career on technical excellence and those skills have always been his path to success. But as AI reshapes his organization and his role, he senses that expertise alone won't carry him to the next level and he's unsure where to spend his time and energy to grow. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how to expand his identity beyond the technical expert he's always been. For further reading: Our Favorite Management Tips on Leading With AI: https://hbr.org/2026/03/our-favorite-management-tips-on-leading-with-ai AI Won’t Replace Leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-kamanski_ai-wont-replace-leaders-but-leaders-who-activity-7353744446443700224-iz97 How Can a Manager Maintain a Balance Between Technical and Managerial Skills? https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/04/01/how-can-a-manager-maintain-a-balance-between-technical-and-managerial-skills/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#95
June 8 · 46 min
Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Amy Gallo
Have you ever had ongoing disagreements with your boss? Do you struggle trying to become more visible to leadership at your organization? Have you gotten feedback that YOUR feedback style needs improvement? In this episode, Amy Gallo workplace expert and author of “Getting Along,” joins host Muriel Wilkins to tackle questions from the Coaching Real Leaders community and listeners on their toughest leadership problems. For further reading: Learn more about Amy here: www.amyegallo.com Check out her book Getting Along: How To Work With Anyone (Even Difficult People): https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Along-Anyone-Difficult-People/dp/1647821061 8 Practices to Break Free From Conflict: https://jengoldmanwetzler.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/8-Practices-to-Break-Free-From-Conflict-.pdf See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#94
May 25 · 1 hr
How Do I Find Fulfillment In My Leadership Role?
She recently transitioned to a new role and organization and is having trouble finding inspiration and motivation. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through why she feels professionally unfulfilled, and what she can do about it. For further reading: When Work Truly Fills Your Cup: https://karen-onpurpose1.medium.com/when-work-truly-fills-your-cup-83b0890ccf8b 3 Questions to Ask When Your Job Isn’t Fulfilling: https://hbr.org/2022/11/3-questions-to-ask-when-your-job-isnt-fulfilling How to Transition from Public Service to the Private Sector: https://www.executivegov.com/articles/how-to-transition-from-government-to-industry Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com Masterworks: Visit masterworks.art/leaders to view their track record and inquire for membership. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investing involves risk. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd See the Offering Circular for our current offering featuring work by Jean-Michel Basquiat here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#93
May 11 · 35 min
Ask Muriel Anything: Productivity, Layoffs, and Visibility
Are you worried that you have developed a habit of quitting when times get tough? Do you struggle with finding authentic ways to be seen by senior leadership? Are you trying to find the time and energy to develop your team? In this episode, Muriel is joined by her producer Mary to tackle leadership questions from listeners like you. For further reading: Why the Most Productive People Don’t Always Make the Best Managers: https://hbr.org/2018/04/why-the-most-productive-people-dont-always-make-the-best-managers Why Visibility Has Become the New Test of Leadership: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/why-visibility-has-become-the-new-test-of-leadership/ Ready to Quit Your Job?: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/aug/12/ready-to-quit-your-job-here-are-the-17-questions-to-ask-yourself-first What? So What? Now What? (Matt Abrahams): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qdZwQdn7Sc See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#92
April 27 · 51 min
How Do I Help My Boss Without Doing Their Job For Them?
She's energized by her company and the possibilities of her role, but keeps running into tension with her boss around how they work together. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through examining her approach, understanding what her boss actually needs from her, and deciding what she's willing to do about it. For further reading: How Can I Get Along with My “Difficult” Boss?: https://hbr.org/podcast/2022/09/how-can-i-get-along-with-my-difficult-boss-from-hbrs-women-at-work 5 Reasons Your Boss is Holding You Back: https://www.fastcompany.com/91277735/5-reasons-your-boss-is-holding-you-back 10 Signs Your Boss is Holding You Back: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/11/27/ten-signs-your-boss-is-holding-you-back/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#91
April 13 · 44 min
Ask Muriel Anything with Special Guest Dave Stachowiak
Have you ever felt like your boss might be holding you back? Do you have a hard time determining your non-negotiables? Do you struggle with constantly changing priorities from the C suite? In this episode, executive coach Dave Stochowiak, host of the Coaching For Leaders podcast, joins host Muriel Wilkins to tackle questions from the audience on their toughest leadership problems. For further reading: Check out Coaching For Leaders: https://coachingforleaders.com/ Manage Yourself to Lead Others: https://www.amazon.com/Manage-Yourself-Lead-Others-Self-Understanding/dp/1541705688 Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#90
March 30 · 48 min
How Can I Move Forward When My Company Won’t Promote Me?
She’s been at her current organization for decades, and loves the leadership role she’s in. But she’s always aspired to make it to the C-suite. As that opportunity seems less and less likely to attain where she is now, executive coach, Muriel Wilkins, helps her work through what trade-offs she’s willing to make to achieve her professional goals. For further reading: 3 Ways to Make Tough Career Choices with Confidence: https://melodywilding.com/3-ways-to-make-tough-career-choices-with-confidence/ Career Crossroads: https://hbr.org/podcast/2019/07/career-crossroads How to Navigate Change at Any Career Stage: https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/05/how-to-navigate-change-at-any-career-stage Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#89
March 16 · 28 min
Introducing: Ask Muriel Anything
Long-time executive coach and Coaching Real Leaders host, Muriel Wilkins, takes questions from listeners, past guests and community members and helps them unpack some of the thorniest workplace challenges they face. In this episode, she’s joined by her producer Mary Dooe to talk about when business partnerships go bad, what to do when you make a significant mistake at work, and more. Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#87
March 2 · 49 min
How Do I Get Buy-In From My Boss?
She’s an ambitious leader with a strong vision to drive value and growth for the company. But she’s concerned that plan may now be in jeopardy due to lack of buy-in from her boss. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her on how to handle getting the alignment needed to move a strategy forward. Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#86
February 16 · 1 min
Coming Soon: Season 11
From uncovering the belief that’s quietly holding you back… to mapping your path to the C-suite… to recovering after a career-defining mistake — executive coach Muriel Wilkins is back with real, unscripted coaching conversations that take you inside the lives of leaders at pivotal moments. And for the first time ever, you’ll get new episodes twice a month, all year long - no more waiting between seasons. Listen in as leaders wrestle with ambition, visibility, competition, fulfillment, and the hard challenges that come with the job. Plus, check out a brand-new monthly series — Ask Muriel Anything — where Muriel answers the toughest leadership questions straight from listeners. The new season of Coaching Real Leaders drops March 2. Connect with Muriel: Website: murielwilkins.com LinkedIn: @Muriel Maignan Wilkins Instagram: @CoachMurielWIlkins Join the Coaching Real Leaders Community: coachingrealleaderscommunity.com Read Muriel’s book: LeadershipUnblocked.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#6
Dec 1, 2025 · 41 min
Do I Really Want to Be CEO?
She’s a leader who unexpectedly finds herself running a company, but isn’t sure it is the right role for her long-term. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through defining what she can do versus what she wants to do, the level of responsibility she truly wants, and what might lie at the heart of her current discomfort. Apply now to be on Coaching Real Leaders in 2026: CoachingRealLeaders.com Further reading: Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked: leadershipunblocked.com Join Muriel in her Group Coaching Intensive Program: Leadershipunblocked.com/group The Skills and Habits Aspiring CEOs Need to Build Is the C Suite Right For You? What It Takes to Become a CEO The Hard Truth About Being a CEO Soft Skills Matter Now More Than Ever See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#5
Nov 17, 2025 · 47 min
How Do I Manage My Former Peers Now That I’m Their Boss?
He’s relatively new to being a people manager after working hard and getting promoted quickly at his organization. He’s struggling with communicating and managing effectively with some on his team, especially former peers. Executive coach Muriel Wilkins guides this leader through how he’s currently trying to motivate people, what is or isn’t working, and how he can scale his leadership even further. Check out Muriel’s new book, Leadership Unblocked: leadershipunblocked.com How to Manage Your Former Peers What to Do First When Managing Former Peers 5 Pieces of Advice for First Time Managers 5 Techniques to Build Rapport With Your Colleagues See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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