Refreshing Leadership with Maya - Career, Leadership & Life Design

Hosted by Maya Gudka

Business Careers

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Episodes

314

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Hello there High Achiever! You're not alone. Here's the inside track on: - Career clarity for ambitious leaders who’ve outgrown their current role or story - Life design and work-life balance for high performers who don’t want to burn out - The “unwritten rules” of progression to C-Suite or Dream Role - Purpose, identity and dharma – when success on paper stops being enough - How the top 1% of leaders think about time, energy, money and long-term impact Because inside the Exec Coaching room is where the real, edgy conversations on leadership are happening!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202633 min

Refresh Your Leadership through...Food! - with Adam Kingl

What if food could do more than just fuel you - what if it could change how effective your leadership is?Adam Kingl joins Maya to talk about his new book, Executive Eats: The Cookbook for a Better Working Life - a first in the cookbook world. It speaks to something both Maya and Adam encounter regularly in their work with leaders: not enough energy, focus that isn't where it needs to be, and the ever-present threat of burnout.In this conversation, Adam talks about how food can support sustained energy, focus, concentration, emotional regulation and even creativity - and the practical side of making that work in real life. They cover flavor profiles, batching, building block recipes, and how to use cooking to reduce stress rather than create more of it.What you'll learn:The ten performance states a leader wants to be in at work - and how to use them as a starting point for changing how you eatHow one simple building block recipe can become dozens without significantly more effort or skillExecutive Eats: The Cookbook for a Better Working Life is out on 16th June 2026 and is available now to pre-order from all major online book retailers.Adam Kingl is an author, educator, keynote speaker and consultant affiliated with a number of leading business schools including London Business School, Imperial College and UCL School of Management. Executive Eats is his third book, following Next Generation Leadership and Sparking Success. As usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

June 8, 202627 min

The AI Risks Leaders Need To Know About Today

Organisations all over the world are having the same conversation right now - ‘how do we use AI fast enough to stay competitive without creating complete chaos?’ In this second conversation with AI governance and cybersecurity expert Dr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad, Maya explores the risks that leaders and teams are underestimating and discusses whether we should be wary or optimistic about the future of AI in organisations.What you'll learn:The key risks in using AI leaders need to be aware of and the minimum protections you should have in placeThe various ways AI expert Dr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad personally uses over 20 AI toolsHow to bring your team on board with AI - including those who are resistant or feel it isn't for themDr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad is a cybersecurity strategist, AI governance expert and global speaker with over 16 years of experience in information security. He is the author of two books bridging AI innovation and ethical leadership - "AI-Driven Transformation of Security Operations Center (SOC)" and "AI and Us: The Ethical Choices" - and is currently completing his doctorate in the same space.You can connect with Dr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadeel/As usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

June 1, 202624 min

What Excellent AI Leadership Actually Looks Like

AI is provoking all sorts of reactions right now - fear, excitement, overwhelm, scepticism. But Maya argues we're asking the wrong questions. Instead of debating whether AI is good or bad, what if we asked what excellent actually looks like?In this episode - the first of two conversations - Maya is joined by AI governance and cybersecurity expert Dr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad. Together they explore what separates high-quality AI leadership from noise and hype, why a lot of organisations are approaching AI backwards, and what the best teams are doing differently.What you'll learn:The 6 AI tools leaders should be using todayWhat genuinely AI-embedded teams are doing differentlyDr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad is a cybersecurity strategist, AI governance expert and global speaker with over 16 years of experience in information security. He is the author of two books bridging AI innovation and ethical leadership - "AI-Driven Transformation of Security Operations Center (SOC)" and "AI and Us: The Ethical Choices" - and is currently completing his doctorate in the same space.You can connect with Dr Adeel Shaikh Muhammad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadeel/As usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

May 25, 202615 min

3 Shifts to Refresh Your Goals when Progress is Invisible

What do you do when you’re putting effort into a meaningful goal, but there’s no visible sign that anything is happening?If you’re in the ‘messy middle’ phase of a career change, business journey, fitness goal, or personal transformation, this episode from Maya Gudka will help you to stay committed to your goals when progress feels invisible and motivation dips. You’ll discover / learn:Why SMART goals can kill your progressThe subtle mindset shift to make your goal attainment inevitableThe fun secret to making goal progress sustainable long termAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

May 18, 202613 min

Proven Ways to Cut Your To-Do List — Even If You’ve Tried Everything

We've all experienced the never-ending to-do list that keeps you busy - too busy to dedicate time to the needle-moving, strategic work. In this episode, Maya shares four practical ways to declutter your work to-do list, drawing on what has actually worked for her clients inside organisations. If you’re a reliable high achiever who consistently delivers on everything asked of you - this episode is a must watch. What you'll learn:A foolproof way of deciding what actually belongs on your to-do listThe conversations you need to have that help you take back control of your timeAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

May 11, 202611 min

How to Handle a Dominating Voice in Meetings (Without Being Rude)

We've all been in that meeting where one person dominates the conversation and you can feel the rest of the group disengaging - but nobody quite knows how to interrupt. A listener wrote in asking exactly how to handle this, particularly when hierarchy is involved.In this episode, Maya walks through a set of practical tools, from setting things up before the meeting begins, to what to actually say in the moment when you need to step in.You’ll also learnThe technique Maya uses at the start of every meeting that makes interrupting (when necessary) frictionlessSimple tricks to set up a meeting in a way that won’t get derailed A word-for word example of what to say when you interruptAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

May 4, 202612 min

When Motivation Dips: The Mid-Year Goals Refresh

We know that goals can create focus, momentum and progress. But what happens when that same focus starts to narrow your thinking or drain your energy?Rather than pushing harder or resetting everything, Maya explores a different approach - stepping back just enough to reconnect with your goals in a way that refreshes you.Ambition isn’t abandoned - instead you’ll hear when to ease off, when to rely on your systems, and when doing less might create more progress.What You’ll Learn:Three ways to address periods of low motivationHow Maya has tweaked her morning routine to carry her forward with minimal effortYou can listen to the episodes on Goal-Free Living with Stephen Shapiro here. Part One, Part Two. As usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

April 27, 202625 min

The Feng Shui Advice I Actually Used in My Workspace (in Real Time)

We know that our physical environment influences our focus, productivity and energy. Our subconscious is constantly responding to our environment, even when we don’t actively realise. But what are the easiest and most doable steps we can take to improve our current set up?Rather than simply discussing a list of nice-to-haves, Maya shares a real, honest “scorecard” of what she’s actually implemented — what worked, what didn’t, and what made the biggest difference.What You’ll Learn:How to position your desk for optimal energy and ‘support’How long it actually takes Maya to do a quick desk resetThe simplest rituals to set your working day up for successThe plants, crystals and other items that do and do not work in a home officeHow to clear the energy of your workspace for better manifestationAs usual, connect with Maya at www.mayagudka.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1

April 20, 202613 min

Calendar Design

When you look at your calendar for the week ahead, do you feel energised or overwhelmed?For many high achievers, the calendar becomes something they react to rather than something they design,And even before the week begins, it can often feel like it’s already out of your control.In this episode Maya introduces a powerful concept: Calendar Architecture. A strategic way of structuring your time so your week supports your goals, rather than working against them.Because your calendar isn’t just a scheduling tool. It’s one of your most important leadership tools.What You’ll LearnWhy your calendar might be creating stress, distraction, or lack of progressThe key mindset shift: your calendar should serve you, not the other way aroundHow to identify the 3 core parts of your calendar (and what to do with each)Why curiosity and “rabbit holes” aren’t the problem, timing isHow to redesign meetings you do control (without disrupting your organisation)Why Monday morning meetings can sabotage your entire weekAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com

April 13, 202618 min

How to Actually Prioritise (When Everything Feels Important)

If you asked what the easiest way is to “have it all”, the answer in this episode might surprise you.It’s not working harder.It’s not better organisation.It’s fierce prioritisation.In this episode Maya explores the mindset shift that allows high achievers to focus their energy on the work that truly matters, without increasing their workload.While organisation helps create structure, prioritisation is what ensures your time and energy go toward the activities that actually move the needle.For many leaders, this requires letting go of habits that look productive but don’t create meaningful progress.Drawing on research, coaching insights, and personal experiences, including lessons from her time studying economics at Cambridge, Maya shares how deliberate prioritisation can produce far greater results than simply trying to do everything.What You’ll LearnWhy fierce prioritisation is the real key to achieving more without working harderThe difference between being organised and being strategically focusedWhy many capable professionals spend the majority of their time on low-impact workWhy prioritisation sometimes means allowing other areas of life to look imperfectPractical strategies for making difficult prioritisation decisionsAs usual, connect with Maya at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/And subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MayaGudka?sub_confirmation=1For all other info, visit the website www.mayagudka.com