Real leadership, actually.
Your go-to guide for navigating the highs, lows and everything in between of corporate leadership. Honest stories, practical insight and a candid look at the front lines of management.
The good, the bad and the missteps.
Jess shares the common pitfalls she regularly sees leaders make, then gives you the practical strategies needed to get it right.
Leadership without the polished version.
Hosted by leadership expert Jess Pressland, Lead, Actually cuts through the jargon to deliver honest stories, practical insights and a candid look at the realities of management.
Jess Pressland
As Founder and CEO of The JP Group, Jess has spent more than 20 years developing managers at every level, from first-time team leaders to executive-level suites.
After progressing from trainer to Head of Training, Jess founded her own management development business in 2012.
Recipient of the British Business Award for Leadership in 2026.
Featured on the cover of Elevate HR magazine for her transformative work in management development.
Leadership changes. The need for clarity doesn't.
Whether you are newly promoted or already operating at executive level, the podcast is designed to give you the tools, clarity and confidence to lead effectively.
Newly promoted supervisors
Build confidence, avoid common early mistakes and develop strong foundations from day one.
Mid-level managers
Handle difficult conversations, develop others and translate strategy into consistent team performance.
Senior and C-suite leaders
Strengthen culture, sharpen management capability and create lasting behaviour change across the organisation.
Listening is only the beginning.
Use the companion workbook alongside every episode to slow down, reflect properly and turn what you hear into something you will actually use.
Turn insight into action.
The workbook accompanies the full series and gives you a structured place to think, reflect and decide what you are actually going to do next.
Open the podcast workbookChoose where you listen.
Follow Lead, Actually on your preferred platform and begin with the episode that feels most relevant to you.