Financial Judgement

Hosted by Lesley Thomas

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286

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Financial pressure changes how leadership teams decide. A decision that should take a fortnight is still unmade after four meetings. The conversation everyone knows needs having doesn’t get had. Everybody agrees in the meeting and by the next one nothing’s agreed. None of it appears as a line in the accounts. All of it costs money. That’s The Hidden Tax™, and it’s what this show is about. Lesley Thomas is a Money Behaviour Expert and a Masters qualified Executive Coach who works with leadership teams at PE-backed, founder-led and rapidly scaling businesses, measuring what financial pressure is doing to the judgement of the people making the decisions and what that’s costing. She’s the creator of The Emotional Balance Sheet® and an Amazon No.1 bestselling author. Each episode of the podcast looks at where the cost accumulates, why nobody attributes it, and what leaders do once they can see it. For CEOs and finance leaders in businesses under real financial pressure. 🧮 Hidden Tax™ Calculator https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/hiddentaxcalculator-interest 🔗 Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas 📩Email lesley@themoneyconfidenceacademy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 18, 202620 min

#208 The Decision that Takes Six Months Instead of Six Weeks

Why can a straightforward business decision take six months when everyone involved agrees it should happen? In this episode of Financial Judgement, Lesley Thomas walks through a real-world example of a leadership team that took six months to approve an opportunity that could reasonably have been decided in six weeks. Month by month, she shows how every delay had a perfectly valid reason, yet the decision gradually shifted from an active opportunity to an item that simply remained on the agenda. Lesley explores what happens when financial pressure makes leaders slightly more likely to ask one more reasonable question and slightly less likely to push for a conclusion. The result is not disagreement or obstruction. It is a series of small delays that quietly change the outcome and ultimately cost the business more. You'll learn: How a decision can move from an active opportunity to a repeatedly delayed agenda item. Why every individual delay can be reasonable while the overall pattern becomes costly. How financial pressure makes leaders more cautious without making them openly opposed. Why better information does not always lead to a different decision. How delays can mean businesses eventually get a worse version of the decision they originally wanted to make. Why no one person in the leadership team sees the complete pattern. A simple question to ask when someone requests more analysis before making a decision. How to identify the longest-running decision on your own leadership team's agenda. 📝 The Practical Exercise Take the decision that has appeared on your leadership team's agenda for the longest. Go back through the meetings where it appeared and write down, in one line, why it wasn't decided each time. Then look at all those reasons together. Every reason will probably be real. The important thing is to look at the pattern rather than each reason individually. If you want to estimate what that delayed decision has already cost your business, use the Hidden Tax Calculator below. Resources 🧮 Hidden Tax™ Calculator https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/hiddentaxcalculator-interest 🔗 Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas 📩Email lesley@themoneyconfidenceacademy.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Financial Judgement so you never miss an episode. New episodes are released weekly! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 11, 202619 min

#205 The Hidden Tax™ of Delayed Decisions

What happens when capable leaders keep delaying important decisions, not because they're avoiding them, but because every reason to wait seems perfectly reasonable? In the first episode of Financial Judgement , Lesley Thomas introduces The Hidden Tax, the unseen cost of delayed decision-making under financial pressure. Drawing on research into stress, decision-making, and leadership behaviour, she explains why even experienced leadership teams can unknowingly fall into patterns that slow progress and quietly impact business performance. Lesley explores how financial pressure changes the way leaders perceive risk, why delays often feel like the safest option, and how these seemingly sensible decisions accumulate into a significant hidden cost over time. You'll learn: Why strong leadership teams are often the most vulnerable to decision delays. The overlooked third factor that influences decision quality beyond capability and information. How financial pressure changes our perception of risk. Why "reasonable" delays can hide a much bigger organizational pattern. The four most common decision-making patterns that quietly drain business performance. What "The Hidden Tax" is and why it rarely appears in financial reports. A simple exercise to uncover delayed decisions within your own leadership team. Resources 🧮 Hidden Tax™ Calculator https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/hiddentaxcalculator-interest 🔗 Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas 📩Email lesley@themoneyconfidenceacademy.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Financial Judgement so you never miss an episode. New episodes are released weekly! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 11, 202624 min

#206 What Financial Pressure Does to Your Body

Financial pressure doesn't just affect the decisions leaders make. It also changes the physical state of the people making those decisions. In this episode of Financial Judgement, Lesley Thomas explores the biological impact of sustained financial pressure and why leaders are often the last to recognize what's happening to themselves. From disrupted sleep and elevated cortisol to shifting perceptions of risk, she explains how the body's stress response quietly influences judgement, decision-making, and leadership performance. Lesley also examines why this isn't simply an individual wellbeing issue. When an entire leadership team experiences the same pressure, their collective judgement can shift in the same direction without anyone realizing it. Understanding this hidden pattern is the first step toward making better decisions under pressure. You'll learn: How financial pressure affects the body's stress response. Why disrupted sleep changes the way leaders assess risk. The difference between acute stress and sustained financial pressure. Why leaders often mistake chronic stress for simply being "busy." How the time of day can influence strategic decision-making. Why awareness alone is not enough to improve leadership judgement. A practical observation exercise to help identify patterns in your own decision-making. Resources 🧮 Hidden Tax™ Calculator https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/hiddentaxcalculator-interest 🔗 Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas 📩Email lesley@themoneyconfidenceacademy.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Financial Judgement, so you never miss an episode. New episodes are released weekly! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 11, 202621 min

#207 The Hidden Tax™ - What Delayed Decisions Really Cost

Delayed decisions don't just slow progress. They quietly drain revenue, increase costs, and create problems that often get blamed on the wrong parts of the business. In this episode of Financial Judgement, Lesley Thomas takes a closer look at the Hidden Tax™ and explains how leadership delays create financial consequences that traditional accounting systems simply cannot capture. She breaks down the real cost of waiting, why these losses never appear on a balance sheet, and how organisations end up spending even more money fixing symptoms instead of the underlying problem. Lesley also shares a practical framework for estimating what delayed decisions are costing your own business, helping leaders put a tangible number on something that has remained invisible for far too long. You'll learn: What the Hidden Tax™ really means and why it has nothing to do with taxation. How delayed decisions quietly reduce revenue and increase costs. Why traditional financial reports cannot measure the cost of indecision. The hidden expenses created by repeated meetings, additional analysis, and delayed implementation. How leadership delays can contribute to employee turnover and rushed decision making. Why businesses often invest in solving symptoms instead of addressing the real cause. A simple exercise to estimate the financial impact of delayed decisions in your own organization. Resources 🧮 Hidden Tax™ Calculator https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/hiddentaxcalculator-interest 🔗 Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas 📩Email lesley@themoneyconfidenceacademy.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Financial Judgement so you never miss an episode. New episodes are released weekly! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 11, 20259 min

#204 The end of an Era…

🎙 Episode 204: The End of an Era and the Beginning of Something New In today’s special episode of Let’s Talk Money and More , Lesley Thomas reflects on the journey that has led to the end of this chapter. After 204 episodes, this marks the final episode in its current form before a seasonal break and a fresh new beginning. While this may sound like a goodbye, it’s really a pause—a moment to clear space for something new, something even more aligned with the evolution of Lesley’s work, her message, and what she now feels called to share with the world. This episode is a thank you, a reflection, and an invitation to join Lesley as she transitions to something exciting in the future. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The key lessons Lesley has learned over 204 episodes of Let’s Talk Money and More ✅ How money and identity are intrinsically linked ✅ Why money confidence isn’t loud—it’s steady and built from within ✅ Why your story is more important than your strategy when it comes to money ✅ The powerful reflection that your relationship with money is a reflection of your relationship with yourself 🧠 Key Takeaways: ✨ "You can't separate money from identity. Your financial behavior always comes back to how you see yourself in relation to money." ✨ "Money confidence isn’t about pretending to have it all together. It’s about quiet self-trust and making aligned decisions." ✨ "Your story matters more than your strategy. The story you tell yourself determines whether you’ll succeed or sabotage your own efforts." 🔗 What’s Next? While this is the final episode of Let’s Talk Money and More as you know it, Lesley is taking a short break to refresh and create the next chapter. Make sure you’re subscribed to stay updated and be the first to know when the new show drops. It will be different but with the same heart—the deep desire to talk about money in a human, real way. 👂 Stay Connected Lesley wants to hear from you! If you’ve been inspired by the episodes, share your thoughts, your story, or simply reach out. Join her on this journey as the podcast transforms into something new and exciting. 🎧 Tune in now to reflect on the lessons learned and get ready for the exciting future ahead. Take care, and remember—your financial future begins with your money identity. Purchase the Amazon Best Seller - ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book – on sale now ! https://amzn.eu/d/0qj3BEf https://www.waterstones.com/book/parents-lets-talk-money-if-youre-not-talking-to-your-teen-about-it-who-is/lesley-thomas/9781914428425 Or for the perfect Parent and Teen Bundle also buying Money@Home, the online Financial Literacy and Success Mindset programme https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/money-at-home-sales Connect with Lesley Thomas My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/ Have you downloaded the FREE 2025 Money Mindset Playbook https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 4, 202545 min

#203 Sami Wunder - What’s Your Money Story?

🎙 Episode 203: Navigating Money, Love, and Success with Sami Wunder In this enlightening episode of Let’s Talk Money and More , Lesley Thomas sits down with love and success coach Sami Wunder, who shares her fascinating journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-million-dollar empire. Sami opens up about how her relationship with money has evolved over the years and the powerful lessons she’s learned about abundance, vulnerability, and balancing love with career success. Sami's story is a testament to how our beliefs around money and success can shape our relationships and ultimately influence our financial reality. She dives into her personal growth, shifting from the belief that money equals hard work to understanding that it’s about creating value and living in alignment with abundance. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Sami shifted her mindset from scarcity to abundance and its impact on her business success ✅ The connection between love and money—how striving for one often mirrors the other ✅ The role of ego in money and relationships, and how Sami worked through it ✅ How to find balance between a successful career and a loving partnership ✅ The importance of teaching children the value of money without instilling a scarcity mindset ✅ Why creating value is more important than just working hard for money 🧠 Key Takeaways: ✨ "Money is neutral energy. It’s not about being attached to it but understanding it’s a tool for freedom and abundance." ✨ "Abundance doesn’t mean no work; it means working in alignment with your joy and creating value for others." ✨ "In relationships, love isn’t about competition. It’s about collaboration and creating a space where both partners can thrive." 🎧 Tune in now Connect with Sami Wunder Website - www.samiwunder.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/SamiWunder Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/wunderdivas Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/samiwundercoaching Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samiwundercoach/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@samiwunder Blog - https://www.samiwunder.com/sami-wunder-blog/ (FREE) Lead Magnet for Relationships: Get him obsessed https://start.samiwunder.com/get-him-obsessed-video-series-sign-up/ Purchase the Amazon Best Seller - ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book – on sale now ! https://amzn.eu/d/0qj3BEf https://www.waterstones.com/book/parents-lets-talk-money-if-youre-not-talking-to-your-teen-about-it-who-is/lesley-thomas/9781914428425 Or for the perfect Parent and Teen Bundle also buying Money@Home, the online Financial Literacy and Success Mindset programme https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/money-at-home-sales Connect with Lesley Thomas My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/ Have you downloaded the FREE 2025 Money Mindset Playbook https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 28, 202517 min

#202 Lessons from the Book Launch: Confidence, Visibility + Doing It Anyway

🎙 Episode 202: The Unfiltered Lessons I Learned from Launching Parents, Let’s Talk Money In today’s deeply personal episode of Let’s Talk Money and More , Lesley Thomas opens up about the powerful, transformative lessons she’s learned from writing and launching her book, Parents, Let’s Talk Money . This episode isn’t a how-to on writing a book; it's a reflection on the identity shifts, challenges, and profound realizations that come with putting your voice and message out into the world. Lesley shares the real, unfiltered behind-the-scenes journey of writing a book aimed at helping parents raise financially confident children. From battling self-doubt to celebrating quiet victories, this episode is filled with honest insights that apply to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their own life or community. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The personal transformation that comes from writing and launching a book ✅ Why confidence isn’t a prerequisite for taking bold action ✅ How a book launch is more about conversation and connection than perfection ✅ Why visibility and identity work are key to creating meaningful change ✅ The power of legacy and how your impact is measured ✅ How to handle the pressures of launching something meaningful and personal ✅ Why it takes a village to raise financially confident children and how you can play a role ✅ The wider reach of Parents, Let’s Talk Money and how it’s resonating across generations 🧠 Key Takeaways: ✨ "Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build by taking action, especially in moments of doubt." ✨ "Your legacy isn’t about the likes or viral posts; it’s about the quiet revolutions, the ripple effect, and the lasting impact you have on your family." ✨ "Visibility work is identity work. If you don’t see yourself as an expert or a leader, no one else will." 📚 Join the Movement Parents, Let’s Talk Money isn’t just a book; it’s an invitation to start meaningful conversations and raise the next generation with the financial confidence many of us didn’t have. Whether you’re a parent, godparent, grandparent, or anyone with influence over young people, this book offers guidance on shaping a healthier, more empowered relationship with money. 👂 Keep the Conversation Going If this episode resonated with you, Lesley would love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on social media, leave a review, or simply pass the message on to someone who could benefit. Let’s continue to build a ripple effect of financial confidence, one conversation at a time. 🎧 Tune in now Purchase the Amazon Best Seller - ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book – on sale now ! https://amzn.eu/d/0qj3BEf Or for the perfect Parent and Teen Bundle also buying Money@Home, the online Financial Literacy and Success Mindset programme https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/money-at-home-sales Connect with Lesley Thomas My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 21, 202549 min

#201 John Webb - What’s Your Money Story?

🎙 Episode 201: Building a Strong Credit Foundation – How to Teach Your Teens About Credit Scores and Money Management When it comes to financial literacy, understanding credit scores is crucial—but many teens don’t learn the basics until it’s too late. In this enlightening episode of Let’s Talk Money and More , Lesley Thomas speaks with financial expert John Webb about how young people can start building a healthy credit score—and why it’s so important for their future. Drawing from his own personal experiences with debt and credit, John breaks down the essentials of managing money, using credit wisely, and setting a strong financial foundation. He shares practical tips for both teens and parents on how to avoid common pitfalls and start building good credit early. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why understanding credit scores is crucial for young adults ✅ The importance of managing credit responsibly and avoiding debt traps ✅ Practical steps for building a strong credit history from scratch ✅ How to navigate the confusing world of credit cards and loans ✅ The most common myths about credit scores—and what to do about them ✅ Why being proactive about credit from an early age can lead to better financial opportunities 🧠 Key Takeaways: ✨ “A healthy credit score is like a financial passport—it opens doors to everything from mortgages to mobile phone contracts.” ✨ “It’s not about avoiding debt entirely, it’s about knowing how to manage it and paying it off on time.” ✨ “Being aware of your credit score early on will give you a head start when you need financial products down the road.” 📚 The Power of Financial Education Understanding credit is just the beginning. John emphasizes how important it is to teach teens not only the mechanics of credit but the emotional resilience needed to make smart money choices. 🔗 Want More Resources on Credit Management? Check out Experian’s free tools for monitoring your credit score and get started on your journey to financial confidence today. The link is available in the show notes. 👂 If You’re a Parent or Educator It’s never too early to start teaching the next generation about credit. Discuss the basics of credit scores with your teen, share your own experiences, and encourage them to start tracking their credit score today. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to help the young people in your life build a strong financial future—one smart decision at a time. Connect with John Webb John Webb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwebb1912/ Experian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/experian/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperianUK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experian_uk Purchase the Amazon Best Seller - ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book – on sale now ! https://amzn.eu/d/0qj3BEf Or for the perfect Parent and Teen Bundle also buying Money@Home, the online Financial Literacy and Success Mindset programme https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/money-at-home-sales Connect with Lesley Thomas My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 14, 202513 min

#200 Celebrating 200 episodes of the podcast!

🎙 Episode 200: What 200 Conversations Taught Me About Money, Confidence, and Legacy It’s a major milestone—200 episodes of the Let’s Talk Money and More podcast! In this powerful solo episode, Lesley Thomas reflects on the transformational journey of hosting two hundred episodes that explore money, self-worth, identity, parenting, and the stories that shape us. From business owners and financial experts to everyday parents and emerging leaders, Lesley has spent the past few years having meaningful conversations that go beyond spreadsheets and savings. Today, she distills the most profound truths she’s discovered into 10 personal reflections that will shift how you see yourself, your money, and your influence. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why money confidence begins with identity, not income ✅ The pressure to be ‘perfect’ before becoming a role model—and why that’s a myth ✅ How guilt holds parents back from taking action, and what to do instead ✅ Why emotional regulation matters more than financial literacy ✅ The power of tiny, consistent habits in building long-term money confidence ✅ How this podcast became a movement—and why the next chapter is just beginning 🧠 Key Takeaways: ✨ “Being present creates change. Showing up now, no matter when you start—that’s what matters most.” ✨ “We inherit money behaviours long before we understand money itself.” ✨ “Curiosity is what softens shame and opens the door to confidence.” 📚 Parents, Let’s Talk Money —Out 17 July Lesley’s brand new book launches this week! Written for parents who want to raise financially confident teens (even while still figuring it out themselves), it’s full of honest, practical guidance and the kinds of conversations that have made this podcast so impactful. 🎁 Join the Waitlist Get early access, launch event invites, and exclusive bonuses. Check out the link below. 🙏 Thank You for 200 Episodes Whether this is your first listen or your 200th, Lesley is deeply grateful for your presence. Every download, message, and share has helped create a global movement—and it’s only just getting started. 🎧 Tune in now for a heartfelt celebration and a roadmap for rewriting your money story—one powerful conversation at a time. Connect with Lesley Thomas Sign up to ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book Waitlist https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/book-waitlist-2025 My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 7, 202510 min

#199 Why Your Money Confidence Shapes Every Conversation You Have (or Avoid)

🎙 Episode 199: Five Bold Questions to Build Real Money Confidence – Why Self-Trust Matters More Than Strategy Can you truly feel confident with money if you’re still performing certainty while quietly avoiding the truth? In this heartfelt solo episode of Let’s Talk Money and More , Lesley Thomas shares a powerful listener story—and five bold questions designed to break financial habits and shift your mindset. Inspired by a recent email from a former client, Lesley reflects on the invisible ways money confidence (or the lack of it) shapes our conversations, our choices, and even our self-worth. Because as Lesley says, how you do money is how you do everything. With thoughtful prompts and compassionate guidance, this episode is a gentle wake-up call for anyone who’s ready to move beyond shame, ditch the “perfect plan,” and instead build real, lasting confidence in their relationship with money. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why financial confidence is more about self-trust than spreadsheets ✅ The importance of asking bolder, braver questions around money ✅ How to spot when you’re performing money confidence vs. actually feeling it ✅ Five transformative prompts to interrupt old patterns and ignite growth ✅ Why honest reflection is more powerful than trying to “get it right” ✅ How small pauses can create big financial shifts 🧠 Key Takeaways: ✨ “Money confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself to ask the right questions.” ✨ “You don’t need to do this perfectly. You just need to stop doing it alone.” ✨ “Bad habits aren’t broken by willpower alone—they’re broken by self-awareness and better questions.” 📚 Coming Soon: Lesley’s New Book – Parents, Let’s Talk Money Launching 17 July, this is the must-read guide for parents who want to raise financially confident teens—without needing to be experts themselves. 🔗 Join the waitlist today via the link in the show notes to receive early access, exclusive bonuses, and live launch event invites. 👂 Ready to Begin? Start with one question. Reflect honestly. And remember, every shift begins with a conversation—even the ones you have with yourself. 🎧 Tune in now and rediscover the confidence to talk about money—with your family, your future, and yourself. Connect with Lesley Thomas Sign up to ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book Waitlist https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/book-waitlist-2025 My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.