<![CDATA[The Boardroom by Heather Elkington]]>1ffb1aa6-fcee-5bed-905f-d7bda582b5ecWed, 08 Jul 2026 14:47:58 +0000Captivate.fmHeather Elkingtonhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/91390095-2beb-4f2b-9ed5-c5a163c03a8d/the-board-room-podcast-logo-3000-x-3000-px.jpgThe Boardroom by Heather ElkingtonHeather ElkingtonHeather ElkingtonThe conversations about leadership and work, that normally only happen behind those closed boardroom doors. The Boardroom is a podcast for managers navigating the parts of leadership no one talks about: bias, boundaries, burnout, and building high-performing teams.https://theboardroom.captivate.fmtrueepisodicnopodcastHow to say 'NO' more to protect your timeHow to say 'NO' more to protect your timeIf you’re a manager who constantly feels like there are not enough hours in the day, this episode is for you.

Heather breaks down how managers can start buying back their time, from cutting unnecessary meetings and setting stronger boundaries, to delegating properly and learning when to say no.

In this episode, Heather explores:

  • Why busy does not always mean productive
  • How managers get trapped in urgent work
  • How to protect your time and cut down on meetings
  • Why saying no and setting boundaries helps you create more time to actually lead

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, visit the Custard website here: https://www.itscustard.com/

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=i0kbJFwLkMIU6Qxw

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>If you’re a manager who constantly feels like there are not enough hours in the day, this episode is for you.

Heather breaks down how managers can start buying back their time, from cutting unnecessary meetings and setting stronger boundaries, to delegating properly and learning when to say no.

In this episode, Heather explores:

  • Why busy does not always mean productive
  • How managers get trapped in urgent work
  • How to protect your time and cut down on meetings
  • Why saying no and setting boundaries helps you create more time to actually lead

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, visit the Custard website here: https://www.itscustard.com/

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=i0kbJFwLkMIU6Qxw

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>a874a627-5487-4759-b851-cf1348336ccdWed, 08 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +010027:24truefull66How to ask for a pay rise with confidence (I went from 85k to 120k)How to ask for a pay rise with confidence (I went from 85k to 120k)Want to ask for a pay rise but have no idea where to start?

In this episode, Heather breaks down how to prepare for the conversation, build a strong case, choose the right timing and ask with confidence.

You’ll learn what to say, what not to say and how to follow up if the answer is “not yet”.

In this episode:

  • The exact steps Heather used to grow her salary from £85k to £120k
  • Why the pay rise conversation starts before you walk into the room
  • Why your results matter in salary conversations
  • What to do if the answer is “not right now”

Download the free Pay Rise PDF here: https://custardlearns.com/the-payrise-conversation-script

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, visit the Custard website here: https://www.itscustard.com/

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=xoSCRHg4ig2tmai6

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>Want to ask for a pay rise but have no idea where to start?

In this episode, Heather breaks down how to prepare for the conversation, build a strong case, choose the right timing and ask with confidence.

You’ll learn what to say, what not to say and how to follow up if the answer is “not yet”.

In this episode:

  • The exact steps Heather used to grow her salary from £85k to £120k
  • Why the pay rise conversation starts before you walk into the room
  • Why your results matter in salary conversations
  • What to do if the answer is “not right now”

Download the free Pay Rise PDF here: https://custardlearns.com/the-payrise-conversation-script

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, visit the Custard website here: https://www.itscustard.com/

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=xoSCRHg4ig2tmai6

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>079870a7-55c0-4480-9311-ddc69b863221Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +010036:01truefull55Stop being nice at work (here’s how I stopped people pleasing)Stop being nice at work (here’s how I stopped people pleasing)If you’ve ever avoided a difficult conversation because you didn’t want to upset someone, this episode is for you.

Heather explores the difference between being nice and being kind at work, and why people-pleasing can quietly hold you back as a manager and leader.

She shares personal stories from her own career, including uncomfortable conversations she has had to start, feedback that was difficult to hear, and the moments that helped her build confidence as a leader.

In this episode, Heather covers:

  • Why being “nice” is not always the same as being kind
  • How people-pleasing can damage trust and respect
  • Why avoiding difficult conversations often makes things worse
  • How honest feedback helps you grow
  • Why great managers care enough to tell the truth

Because leadership is not about keeping everyone happy BUT helping people grow.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=stopbeingnice_startbeingkind_EP4

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>If you’ve ever avoided a difficult conversation because you didn’t want to upset someone, this episode is for you.

Heather explores the difference between being nice and being kind at work, and why people-pleasing can quietly hold you back as a manager and leader.

She shares personal stories from her own career, including uncomfortable conversations she has had to start, feedback that was difficult to hear, and the moments that helped her build confidence as a leader.

In this episode, Heather covers:

  • Why being “nice” is not always the same as being kind
  • How people-pleasing can damage trust and respect
  • Why avoiding difficult conversations often makes things worse
  • How honest feedback helps you grow
  • Why great managers care enough to tell the truth

Because leadership is not about keeping everyone happy BUT helping people grow.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=stopbeingnice_startbeingkind_EP4

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM

Follow us on socials:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>f66afa00-0fca-4c11-843d-d1f73dd038d2Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:45:00 +010031:36truefull44How I stop imposter syndrome getting in my way at work (the full guide)How I stop imposter syndrome getting in my way at work (the full guide)You go into the conversation with a plan. Then they push back, and suddenly you’re convincing yourself you were wrong all along.

In this episode, Heather gets into the part of leadership nobody prepares you for, the moment a difficult conversation goes sideways, and your confidence completely disappears.

She covers:

  • Why imposter syndrome hits hardest in difficult conversations
  • How to hold your position when someone pushes back hard
  • Why silence in a conversation is not weakness, it’s strategy
  • What to do when a conversation gets heated and you don’t know what to say
  • Why growth matters more than perfection in leadership

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=podcast_EP3_showdescription

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM (perfect for your commute)

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>You go into the conversation with a plan. Then they push back, and suddenly you’re convincing yourself you were wrong all along.

In this episode, Heather gets into the part of leadership nobody prepares you for, the moment a difficult conversation goes sideways, and your confidence completely disappears.

She covers:

  • Why imposter syndrome hits hardest in difficult conversations
  • How to hold your position when someone pushes back hard
  • Why silence in a conversation is not weakness, it’s strategy
  • What to do when a conversation gets heated and you don’t know what to say
  • Why growth matters more than perfection in leadership

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com, two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=podcast_EP3_showdescription

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM (perfect for your commute)

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>e737de78-6d4c-4317-944f-4d66e08e6e73Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +010025:46truefull33The reasons your team will be accountable (or not)The reasons your team will be accountable (or not)Some people grow through pressure. Others spend their careers blaming everyone else for where they’re stuck.

In this episode, Heather breaks down the “above the line vs below the line” framework, the quickest way to see who on your team is genuinely growing and who is stuck in blame, excuses, and denial.

In this episode:

  • The “above the line vs below the line” framework and how to use it as a litmus test
  • Why blame feels so natural and why leaders can’t afford it
  • The difference between a reason and an excuse (this one matters)
  • Why your disengaged team might actually be a one-person problem
  • How to use questions to pass accountability back without creating conflict

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>Some people grow through pressure. Others spend their careers blaming everyone else for where they’re stuck.

In this episode, Heather breaks down the “above the line vs below the line” framework, the quickest way to see who on your team is genuinely growing and who is stuck in blame, excuses, and denial.

In this episode:

  • The “above the line vs below the line” framework and how to use it as a litmus test
  • Why blame feels so natural and why leaders can’t afford it
  • The difference between a reason and an excuse (this one matters)
  • Why your disengaged team might actually be a one-person problem
  • How to use questions to pass accountability back without creating conflict

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>f24b3a98-68f0-4a42-939a-e3001dd452a9Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +010027:15truefull22Managing friends at work gets messy (here’s how I made it work)I found managing my friends so hard (here’s how I made it work)Most leaders won’t admit this. But Heather will.

Nobody tells you that becoming “the manager” changes everything your friendships, your confidence, and how you show up every single day.

In this episode, Heather gets real about the moment anxiety nearly stopped her in her tracks, and why asking for help turned out to be her biggest leadership superpower.

  • Why asking for help is actually your biggest leadership superpower
  • The 5-minute conversation that can fix almost any work situation
  • How to spot the people who are quietly holding you back
  • How to act with courage even when anxiety is telling you not to

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=podcast_EP3_showdescription OR checkout our page @custardpeople

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM (best for your commute)

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>Most leaders won’t admit this. But Heather will.

Nobody tells you that becoming “the manager” changes everything your friendships, your confidence, and how you show up every single day.

In this episode, Heather gets real about the moment anxiety nearly stopped her in her tracks, and why asking for help turned out to be her biggest leadership superpower.

  • Why asking for help is actually your biggest leadership superpower
  • The 5-minute conversation that can fix almost any work situation
  • How to spot the people who are quietly holding you back
  • How to act with courage even when anxiety is telling you not to

Got a situation at work you don’t know how to handle?

Send it in at hello@theboardroompodcast.com two lines or two paragraphs, whatever you need. Everything stays anonymous.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, join the Custard waitlist here: https://custardlearns.com/launch-waitlist?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=waitlist_promo&utm_content=podcast_EP3_showdescription OR checkout our page @custardpeople

New episodes every Wednesday, 8AM (best for your commute)

Listen & follow:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033uKbjXmIrXKCb0EuzXXg?si=58205f3097864d97

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boardroom/id1896894691

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/628ce2c6-d282-45ef-80c9-c1132f67a57f/the-boardroom

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@leadershipheather?si=JB0X24-cDem23SKd

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 28,000 managers every Tuesday morning, join the link here: https://www.inthemakingleadership.com/welcome

]]>6f15eb20-8232-4c9d-84cb-e719bba2fa51Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +010026:29truefull11The Boardroom Trailer: The Conversations That Happen Behind Closed Doors with Heather ElkingtonThe Boardroom Trailer: The Leadership Conversations Nobody Is Having with Heather ElkingtonThe Boardroom is the podcast for anyone navigating the messy, real, and often unspoken side of leadership. Hosted by Heather Elkington, someone who's been at the bottom, fought her way to the top, and never forgot what the hard parts actually felt like.

Whether you're a first-time manager finding your feet, a senior leader feeling the pressure, or somewhere in between, this is the podcast that helps you lead better without pretending it's always easy.

New episodes drop every Wednesday at 8am perfect for your commute.

]]>The Boardroom is the podcast for anyone navigating the messy, real, and often unspoken side of leadership. Hosted by Heather Elkington, someone who's been at the bottom, fought her way to the top, and never forgot what the hard parts actually felt like.

Whether you're a first-time manager finding your feet, a senior leader feeling the pressure, or somewhere in between, this is the podcast that helps you lead better without pretending it's always easy.

New episodes drop every Wednesday at 8am perfect for your commute.

]]>de0388cc-ba2f-4ca8-adb2-cb322dbc8829Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +010001:38truetrailer