Beyond Masks: Why Vulnerability is the Core of Courageous Leadership
Ever wondered what truly sets inspiring leaders apart? In this episode of Hot Habits, Dr. Tamsin Astor sits down with decorated British army officer and leadership coach Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE to crack open the habits that matter most. You’ll hear about the surprising power of dropping your “masks” and how real resilience comes from the strength to be vulnerable. If conscious leadership, emotional intelligence, or finding your “true north” as a CEO or founder is on your radar, this episode unpacks what’s really behind self-trust, discipline, and high performance. Hit play and discover the keystone habit that could shift your entire outlook. Vulnerability, masks, and building true resilience are on the table—no fluff, just authentic conversation.
Why vulnerability is the ultimate leadership move, not a weakness
The importance of tiny, explosive routines—“TNT”—to change everything
How leaders can spot and drop their most pervasive "mask"
Building routines for resilience: incremental change in action
The relationship between success, integrity, and living aligned with your values
A little more about today’s guest -
Jonathan Bowman‑Perks MBE is a global leadership coach to CEOs and executive teams, bestselling author and host of the Inspiring Leadership Podcast. Drawing on 20 years as a British Army officer and 25 years in senior roles at PwC, IBM and as a PLC managing director, he helps leaders find their True North and navigate their teams through turbulent times. His latest book, The CEO’s Compass: How to Navigate Your Team Through Turbulent Times, distils insights from conversations with over 400 CEOs. Honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to leadership, Jonathan combines hard‑won experience, practical tools and a focus on health, resilience and purpose to help leaders become “corporate athletes” who create lasting impact for their people and organisations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanperks/
Book -The CEO's Compass: How to Navigate Your Team Through Turbulent Times https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-CEOs-Compass-Audiobook/
Podcast- The inspiring leadership podcast with Jonathan Bowman-Perks
I'm Dr. Tamsin Astor, and I am neuroscientist who studies habits in teams, relationships and systems. I'm obsessed with one question: which habits are quietly running your life, and which ones could change everything?
I work with founders and leadership teams to identify the invisible defaults driving their culture, their communication, and their results and then we redesign them, from the inside out.
No one shows up as just "the CEO." You're a founder, a colleague, a parent, a partner, a human… often all before lunch. When you only change habits in one role and ignore the others, you get burnout, misalignment, and a culture that feels brittle no matter how good your strategy is.
My work blends neuroscience, habit design, conscious leadership, and relational intelligence — because your relationships are your leadership.
I believe how you live and lead ripples outward.
Everything I build is grounded in honest communication, smart systems, and deep care for people.
Underneath it all? Relationships are my north star.
Grab Your Free Personal Energy Audit
If this episode got you thinking about your habits, your capacity, or where your energy is really going, I made something to help you take the next step.
It’s a free video plus a simple download that walks you through a personal energy audit with AI as your guide. It’s designed to help you see what’s working, what’s draining you, and where small shifts could create more ease, focus, and alignment.
Get the free resource here: https://tamsinastor.zoholandingpage.com/hothabits
Looking forward to being here with you next week for another juicy conversation!
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Join my Substack - https://drtamsin.substack.com/
Check out more episodes - https://www.hothabitspodcast.com/
