S3 13: The Cost of Avoidance: Why Real Leadership Means Facing The Hard Stuff With Tanya Gallagher

This week I’m joined by Tanya Gallagher, MD and founder of Limitless Leadership, an award-winning leadership development consultancy. Tanya brings a wealth of wisdom to the space of leadership development, and what stood out to me most in our conversation is just how practical and human her definition of extra-Ordinary leadership is.

We dig into the difference between good, bad, and terrible leadership, and what it really means to take ownership. It’s a conversation that will shift how you see your role as a leader. We discuss psychological safety, promotion dynamics, and the underrated power of what Tanya calls “contracting conversations”—those small yet powerful exchanges that can transform working relationships.

If you've ever avoided a conversation because it felt awkward, if you’ve ever felt resentment building under the surface, or if you're leading people without ever asking what they need from you, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Tanya: https://www.limitless-ltd.com/

Inside The Episode:

What it really means to “go beyond” as an extra-Ordinary leaderHow to spot bad and even terrible leadership (in yourself too)Why avoidance is the silent killer of team cultureHow to lead when you’ve been promoted within your peer groupThe art of the “contracting conversation”—and why it’s essentialWhy leadership is often hidden, unglamorous, and deeply humanCoaching advice for leaders who’ve never had difficult conversationsCreating urgency around what’s truly important in leadershipHow to rewire your mindset around responsibility, communication and growth

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re realising there’s a new standard of leadership you want to step into—get in touch. I partner with leaders to help them go again and again. New mindset. New behaviours. Real results.

Start your journey here: https://www.dollywaddell.com

Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book extra-Ordinary Leaders, for more practical insight into becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.

The extra-Ordinary Leader with Dolly Waddell

The extra-Ordinary Leader is a show that takes a collaborative approach to uncover what it means to be a leader in the 21st century.

Through a series of open and honest conversations with a selection of top business leaders and leadership coaches, Dolly Waddell takes us on a journey to unravel the complex world of leadership in the 21st century.

• No. of episodes: 43
• Latest episode: 2025-07-16
• Business Careers Management

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