The Boardroom by Heather Elkington

How to Hire Incredible People: Steal This Interview Process

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Hiring someone is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a manager, but how do you actually know who’s going to be great once they’re in the role?

In this episode, Heather breaks down the interview process she uses to hire brilliant people, from attracting stronger candidates to making the final decision with confidence.

She covers:

The interview questions that help you spot great candidates
What to look for beyond skills, experience and a polished CV
How to structure an interview process that actually works
How to score candidates and make more confident hiring decisions
How to reduce bias and avoid relying too heavily on “gut instinct”

If you’re hiring someone soon, growing your team or want to get much better at recognising great people in interviews, this episode gives you a practical process you can actually use.

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 at 8AM.

If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in.

Find out more at Custard.

And btw, Heather drops weekly leadership tips to over 32,000 managers every week. Join here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home

How to support your team's mental health without lowering standards

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:45:00 +0100

How do you support someone struggling with their mental health while still holding them accountable for their performance?

In this episode, Heather shares:

How to balance empathy and accountability
Supporting mental health and burnout
When performance conversations are needed
Supporting the team without becoming the therapist
What ruinous empathy looks like
How underperformance impacts team trust

Because being a supportive leader doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is be clear about what needs to change, while still treating someone with empathy.

If you’re struggling to know what’s really going on in your team, Custard gives you clear weekly insight into your team’s culture, wellbeing, and performance, plus practical actions to help you know where to step in.

Find out more at Custard.

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 at 8 AM.

And btw, Heather drops weekly leadership tips to over 32,000 managers every week; join here: The Custard Culture Club

Will AI replace middle managers? My tips to stay valuable

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Is AI really coming for middle management?

Heather believes that is the wrong question.

The better question is which parts of management AI will replace, and which human leadership skills are about to become more valuable than ever.

In this episode, Heather covers:

Why some parts of management are more vulnerable to AI than others
Being a manager vs a leader at work
How to stay valuable
Build visibility as a manager
How to stop feeling overwhelmed by AI

AI may change how managers work, but the leaders who combine human judgement with new technology could become more valuable than ever.

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

And btw Heather sends practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers across the globe, join the link here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home

And if you are a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing and what to do about it, find out more at Custard.

How to use Stoicism to become a better leader

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Stoicism has changed the way I lead, handle failure, and respond when things don’t go to plan.

In this episode, I’m sharing the Stoic principles I’ve used for years to become calmer, more resilient and more intentional in the way I lead.

Breakdown of this episode:

How to separate what you can control from what you can’t
How to respond when things go wrong instead of reacting emotionally
Why failure and mistakes can actually make your team stronger
How to take ownership without constantly blaming yourself
The role ego, comparison and other people’s opinions can play in your decisions
The simple habits I use to manage my thoughts

If you want to handle pressure better, overthink less and become a calmer leader, this episode is for you.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, and what to do about it, find out more at Custard.

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

And btw Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers every week, join the link here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home

Your 7 step guide to become a powerhouse manager

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Becoming a manager is one of those career milestones everyone congratulates you on, but very few people actually prepare you for.

Whether you’ve just become a manager, you’re about to step into your first leadership role, or you simply want to become better at leading your team, this episode is your practical guide to getting it right.

You’ll learn the 7 foundations Heather believes make the biggest difference when you’re learning how to manage people well, plus the mistakes she made herself while figuring it all out.

Key learnings:

How to make the shift from doer to manager
Why being liked isn’t the goal
How to earn trust and respect from your team
How to delegate without micromanaging
How to handle feedback and difficult conversations
How to build real accountability in your team

Download Heather’s free 90 Day 1-on-1 agenda to run better, more meaningful conversations with your team: https://custardlearns.com/90-day-agenda-download

And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers across the globe inside the Custard Culture Club, join us here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home

Got a situation at work you do not 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 at 8AM.

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing and what to do about it, find out more at Custard.

My 4 biggest productivity hacks to avoid burnout

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Being productive does not mean squeezing more work into every available hour.

In this episode, Heather shares the four productivity rules that help her run two businesses while still protecting her health, relationships and life outside work. She also opens up about the period that pushed her dangerously close to burnout, and what she changed because of it.

She explores:

Why productivity is not about maximising every minute
The word you need to become more comfortable saying
How poor delegation quietly steals your future time
The difference between urgent work and important work
Why unfinished important tasks eventually become emergencies
The weekly calendar challenge that eliminates unnecessary meetings
How Heather now protects her energy while running two businesses

Listen now to discover how to get the right work done, protect your time and build a successful career without burning yourself out.

Fresh Start is Heather’s proven six week bootcamp for managers who want to take control, earn respect and drive results. Join the waitlist here: https://www.freshleadershipworld.com/fresh-start-course/

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, and what to do about it, find out more at Custard.

Got a situation at work you do not 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 at 8 AM.

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

How I manage Gen Z at work (without lowering my standards)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Is Gen Z really difficult to manage, or do they simply expect better management?

Heather explores why Gen Z are often labelled lazy, entitled, or difficult to manage, and why the real problem may be the way workplaces try to lead them.

In this episode, Heather covers:

Why Gen Z are not as difficult to manage as people think
How to communicate with Gen Z more openly and honestly
Why progression matters even when a promotion is not available
How to offer flexibility without losing structure or accountability
Why psychological safety and high performance can exist together
How the TAPES framework can help you manage Gen Z more effectively
What to do when someone still refuses to meet the required standard

Because managing Gen Z is not about giving them everything they want. It is about understanding what helps them do their best work, then leading them with clarity, trust and accountability.

And if you are a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, find out more at Custard.

Got a situation at work you do not 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 at 8 AM.

Instagram: @the.boardroompodcast & @leadershipheather

And btw, Heather drops practical leadership tips to over 30,000 managers across the globe inside the Custard Culture Club. Join us here: https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home

How I smash public speaking at work (in meetings & presentations etc)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Do you know exactly what you want to say, but still freeze when all eyes are on you?

In this episode, Heather shares how she went from being terrified to speak in front of her class at school to confidently presenting on stages in front of hundreds of people.

In this episode:

How to hook your audience within the first few seconds
Why stories, examples and questions make presentations more powerful
How to control your nerves before speaking
Why rehearsing your presentation out loud matters
How asking for feedback can improve your public speaking
Why seeking one person’s approval could be holding you back
How to speak with confidence in meetings, presentations and on stage

How confident do you feel about public speaking on a scale of 1 to 10? Let us know in the comment section below 👇

Find out more at Custard.

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

BTW, if you want weekly leadership tips delivered straight to your inbox. Join 30,000+ managers inside the Custard Culture Club (It’s free): https://custardlearns.com/custard-culture-club-home

How to manage difficult employees at work

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +0100

Got a difficult employee in your team and no idea what to actually do about it?

Before you jump straight to “do we fire them?”, Heather walks through the key steps every manager needs to take first and when it might be time to make a bigger decision.

In this episode, Heather explores:

How to work out whether someone is actually difficult, or whether the situation feels difficult
Why managers sometimes accidentally allow poor behaviour to build
How to address a negative attitude at work
The 4P's method for having difficult conversations
When it might be time to take things further

And download Heather’s free Four P’s Method of having difficult conversations: https://custardlearns.com/4ps-framework-home

And if you’re a manager or business owner who wants a clearer picture of how your team is really doing, find out more at Custard.

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

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqkzDIhdiCT-NGag5k8FM_2VAgQwvB1Iv&si=U6PgZWfUTUof3CEb

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

How to say 'NO' more to protect your time

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +0100

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, find out more at Custard.

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

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

How to ask for a pay rise with confidence (I went from 85k to 120k)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:45:00 +0100

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, find out more at Custard

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

Send it in → hello@theboardroompodcast.com

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM.

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

Stop being nice at work (here’s how I stopped people pleasing)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:45:00 +0100

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 Custard now

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

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

How I stop imposter syndrome getting in my way at work (the full guide)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0100

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 Custard now.

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

Follow us on 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

The reasons your team will be accountable (or not)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0100

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

Find out more at Custard

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

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

Managing friends at work gets messy (here’s how I made it work)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0100

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 in 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 Custard now.

New episodes every Wednesday, 8 AM (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

The Boardroom Trailer: The Conversations That Happen Behind Closed Doors with Heather Elkington

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0100

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.