Navigating the rapid rise to leadership

In this episode of LeadWell with Jacqui, I chat with Kayla Malss, marketing expert and co-owner of Allies Management. Kayla shares her journey of rapid career growth, navigating leadership challenges, and building a business. We dive into common challenges that most leaders face such as self-doubt, pricing struggles, and the importance of reflection, curiosity, and support networks.

This conversation is packed with insights on embracing trial and error, evolving styles, and detaching self-worth from work. Kayla's approach to self-leadership and intentionality offers inspiration for anyone striving for personal and professional growth. I can't wait to hear what resonates with you!

Connect with Kayla at Allies Management:

Instagram: @alliesmanagement

TikTok: @alliesmanagement

Subscribe to Kayla's Substack: Saved for Later

Hear more from Kayla: This is Business podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Cult Status by Tim Duggan

Related episode: When Your Work Becomes Your Worth

Tune in to discover how embracing curiousity, self-leadership, and intentionality can transform your approach to leadership and help you thrive in both business and life.

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest, Kayla Malss

04:15 Dynamic partnership: balancing strengths and weaknesses

05:26 Vulnerability in business partnerships

06:39 Complementary skillsets in leadership

08:45 Challenges of solo business ownership vs. partnerships

11:44 Importance of cheerleaders and overcoming self-doubt

14:07 Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence

16:44 Learning to celebrate wins and acknowledge progress

17:26 Scarcity mindset and its impact on leadership decisions

19:07 Tracking small achievements to combat self-doubt

19:42 Balancing reflection to avoid self-criticism

21:00 Using neutral statements to counter self-critical tendencies

23:36 Building supportive networks for validation and brainstorming

24:53 Finding genuine connections with other women in business

28:26 Challenges in pricing services in niche industries

30:09 Managing client expectations in service-based businesses

34:20 Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset

35:50 Trusting the process to attract the right clients

36:20 Neutrality in evaluating client relationships

36:28 Aligning with the right clients rather than forcing connection

44:08 Embracing trial and error in business

51:11 The pressure to produce

52:51 Finding balance between work and rest

53:54 Understanding human design and rest

55:28 Intentional living and personal choices

57:07 Evolving leadership styles

57:58 The journey of leadership development

59:29 The importance of feedback in leadership

01:01:46 Navigating control and vulnerability in leadership

01:03:48 Learning leadership skills on the go

01:05:25 Advice for leaders at any stage

01:07:46 Grounded confidence in leadership

01:09:39 Women in leadership: challenges and opportunities

01:18:33 Empowering female leadership

01:21:11 The importance of self-leadership

01:24:54 Finding your purpose

01:27:44 The dangers of goal-centric thinking

01:30:58 Navigating purpose and goals

01:33:48 Lessons from experience

Join the conversation:

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Connect with me:

Instagram: @LeadWellwithJacqui

LinkedIn: Jacqui Butler

Website: https://www.leadwellco.com.au/

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