Episode Title:
Your Loneliness Is Real: A Leadership Reality Check
Episode Summary:
This one’s personal and powerful. Bron opens up about the hidden loneliness that comes with leadership—especially for women. Whether you're a founder, a senior executive, or somewhere in between, this episode names what most won’t: the ache for connection, the hollowness that hides behind performance, and the simple but powerful tools to reclaim your leadership confidence through connection.
You’ll walk away with clear steps to:


Build your Personal Board of Advisors (and exactly how to ask someone to join it)


Practice high-impact coffee dates (and why 3 a week might be your leadership superpower)


Use micro-moments of connection in meetings that change the energy in the room


Name your needs and rewrite the loneliness story we’ve been conditioned to keep quiet


It’s time to stop pretending. You’re not alone—and leadership was never meant to be done solo.

️ Tools Mentioned:


Personal Board of Advisors: Build your own powerful circle to stretch and support you


The Art of the Coffee Date (shoutout to Tory Archbold)


Micro-connection practices for your team and stakeholder meetings


Language to name and normalise loneliness in your leadership world



Resources & References:
Loneliness in Australia


More than half of Australians report feeling lonely weekly; one in three are classified as highly lonely Medibank Loneliness Report


CEO and Executive Loneliness


55% of CEOs report serious mental health challenges including loneliness


70% of first-time CEOs say loneliness impacts performance The Science of Coaching: CEO Loneliness


‍ Women in Leadership and Isolation


60% of senior women feel increasingly lonely as their careers progress


Only 19% of women of colour feel supported and respected at work Fast Company: Women Leaders and Loneliness


Female Founders and Isolation


Two-thirds report high or extreme levels of loneliness


Most lack same-gender peers, investors, or role models Positive Entrepreneurship: Female Founder Loneliness Report


Health Impacts of Loneliness


Loneliness is associated with increased risk of premature death, depression, and poorer general health outcomes


It is a key social determinant of health, according to national research AIHW: Social Isolation and Loneliness



Connect with Bron
✨ Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bron-stephens ✨ Instagram: @transformandleadwithbron ☕ Book a coffee date

Call to Action
✔ Schedule one coffee date this week with no agenda ✔ Ask one peer: “Want to be on each other’s personal board?” ✔ Open your next team meeting with a gratitude check-in
Let’s create leadership that doesn’t just deliver results—but feels good to live....

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