Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

Part I: Harnessing Resilience: Thriving through Leadership Challenges

Russell Harvey · September 18, 2024

Executive Coach · Leadershipin

Interview with Russell Harvey

Part I: Harnessing Resilience: Thriving through Leadership Challenges — Russell Harvey

Podcast: Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders

September 18, 2024 · 23 min

What if resilience wasn’t just about bouncing back, but springing forward with new insights? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune talks with UK-based resilience coach Russell Harvey to explore how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for…

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Part I: Harnessing Resilience: Thriving through Leadership Challenges

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Key topicsLeading Well When the World Won’t Slow DownChange is no longer something leaders navigate occasionally - it is the environment they lead in every day. Russell explores the difference between leaders who are simply surviving relentless change and those who can genuinely say: “There’s a lot going on, and I’m good.” Drawing on nearly two decades specialising in resilience, Russell offers a practical perspective on what resilient leadership actually looks, sounds and feels like when the pressure is real and the uncertainty isn't going away.Before You Add AI to Your Team, Fix the Human OneOrganisations are racing to adopt AI, but Russell believes leaders need to ask a more fundamental question first: what makes our team work brilliantly together? Only then can they understand where AI can genuinely improve performance. With deep expertise in leadership, resilience and navigating persistent change, Russell offers a refreshingly human perspective on AI: the biggest challenge may not be the technology, but how well we lead the people using it.Off the Record — What Leaders Admit in Coaching and Never Say in the BoardroomRussell Harvey has coached leaders to board level for over 6,000 hours, and the same admissions come up in private: they are guessing, they are tired, and they can say neither out loud. Most organisations treat that silence as strength and reward the executive who never wavers, which is how confident-looking teams commit to decisions nobody in the room believes in. Drawing on 18 years with organisations from the NHS to Novartis and Kerry Group, he describes what changes when a leader finally gets one place to think honestly: how they pressure-test a decision before announcing it, and how they pass that same permission down to their own team. Listeners leave able to hear what their leadership group is not saying, and knowing what to do once they hear it.View all topics →

About Russell Harvey

The Resilience Coach | Resilient Leadership Expert

100,000+ People positively affected6,000+ Executive coaching hours£12M+ ROI delivered by RWE npower leadership programme20+ years Learning, leadership and organisational development

Russell Harvey is The Resilience Coach - a resilient leadership expert, executive coach, facilitator and keynote speaker who helps leaders and organisations perform at their best when the world refuses to stand still.

With more than 20 years in Learning, Leadership and Organisational Development, 6,000+ hours of executive coaching and over 70 published podcast appearances, Russell is an experienced and engaging voice on resilience, leadership and navigating persistent change. He has worked with leaders across organisations including Novartis, the NHS, AB World Foods, Kerry Group and The Co-operative Group.

Russell’s work goes beyond helping people simply cope with pressure. He believes true resilience isn’t about “bouncing back”, being tougher or pretending everything is fine - it’s about springing forward with learning and becoming better equipped to lead because of the challenges you’ve faced.

His approach connects the human side of leadership directly to what matters to organisations: engaged people, stronger cultures, better decisions and improved performance. His work has delivered measurable results, including a leadership programme that returned £12 million to the business and a Resilient Leader Programme that achieved more than 1,100% ROI.

In August 2025, Russell achieved his long-held purpose of positively affecting 100,000 people.

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About this episode

What if resilience wasn't just about bouncing back, but springing forward with new insights? In this episode of Strategies for Tomorrow's Leaders, Mike Lejeune talks with UK-based resilience coachRussell Harveyto explore how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Curious about how adaptability, reflection, and purpose fuel resilience? Tune in to discover practical ways to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Show Notes:

[01:11] What Is Resilience, Really?

Resilience isn't just about pushing through hard times. Mike introduces it as the key to overcoming obstacles and driving professional success. What if resilience was more than just "bouncing back"—how could that change the way you lead?

[01:32] Meet Russell Harvey

Get to know Russell Harvey, a resilience coach on a mission to positively impact 100,000 people. With 74,000 lives already touched, hear how Russell's journey has shaped his passion for resilience and leadership.

[04:11] Redefining Resilience: "Springing Forward with Learning"

Russell shares his fresh perspective on resilience. Rather than simply returning to a previous state, true resilience means learning from challenges and growing stronger. How can you adopt this mindset in your personal and professional life?

[06:09] Surviving vs. Thriving in Unpredictable Times

What's the difference between just surviving and truly thriving? Russell explains how resilience enables leaders to not just cope with change but excel in a fast-moving world. Are you thriving in today's unpredictability?

[11:31] The Power of Reflection

Reflection isn't just about looking back—it's about learning and growing. Mike and Russell discuss how stepping outside your comfort zone and making time for reflection can accelerate your leadership growth.

[16:40] Introducing The Resilience Wheel

Russell walks us through his Resilience Wheel, which includes seven essential components like adaptability, confidence, and purpose. How strong are these elements in your own leadership? Learn how to assess and develop them.

[18:06] Building Resilience Through Adaptability and Learning

How can leaders build resilience? Russell shares tips on cultivating curiosity and staying adaptable to make learning a lifelong habit. How open are you to change, and what can you do to embrace it more fully?

[20:50] Purpose vs. Meaning: Key to Resilience

Russell distinguishes between purpose (your reason for being) and meaning (the story you tell yourself). Both are crucial for resilience, but how do they shape your ability to grow from adversity?

[24:15] Final Takeaway: Spring Forward with Learning

Resilience isn't about going back to who you were before. Russell leaves us with a powerful message: use challenges as a springboard to become even stronger. What will you take forward from your challenges?

Actionable Insights:

Reflect on Your Challenges: How often do you make time to reflect? Take a moment to think about your key learnings from recent adversity. Assess Your Adaptability: Are you resistant to change, or do you embrace it? Evaluate your openness to new experiences and ideas. Reframe Setbacks: Next time you face a challenge, ask yourself, "How can I grow from this?" Turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Connect with Russell Harvey:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach/

#LeadershipGrowth #ResilienceMatters #ResilienceCoach #LeadershipDevelopment #Adaptability #GrowthMindset #ThriveNotSurvive #LeadershipTools #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #ContinuousImprovement #ShareTheKnowledge

Guest: Russell Harvey