Too Nice to Lead? The People-Pleaser Trap | Russell Harvey | S2 E10
Download MP3In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with leadership advisor Russell Harvey to unpack the deeply human side of leadership resilience. Russell shares candid stories from his career about navigating workplace bullying, confronting people-pleasing tendencies, and learning how to assert boundaries without losing empathy.
Together, they explore how strengths-based leadership can help leaders better understand themselves, build more resilient teams, and respond more effectively to pressure.
Russell explains why empathy can sometimes become a liability for leaders, how people-pleasing quietly erodes authority, and what it takes to shift from surviving leadership stress to leading with confidence and clarity.
The conversation also dives into practical frameworks like strengths-based leadership and tools such as StrengthsFinder and Working Genius, offering leaders concrete ways to understand how they show up under pressure.
Learn More About Russell Harvey:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresiliencecoach/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelltheresiliencecoach/
- Website:https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk/
Mentioned in this Episode:
- StrengthsFinder / CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
- Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/
- Strengthscope – Strengths-based leadership development tool
The AGN Group
Produced by: The AGN Group
Host: Angela Gill Nelms
Producer: Katie Hart
Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.
Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
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Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2
Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
The discussion also tackles questions…
- How do you deal with workplace bullying as a leader?
- Why do people-pleasing tendencies hurt leadership effectiveness?
- Can empathy become a weakness in leadership?
- How do resilient leaders respond to pressure and conflict?
- What does strengths-based leadership actually look like in practice?
- How can leaders use tools like StrengthsFinder or Working Genius to understand their leadership style?
- How do you assert boundaries at work without damaging relationships?
- What are the early warning signs of leadership burnout or emotional strain?
- How can leaders turn difficult career experiences into growth?
Themes:
- Leadership resilience
- People-pleasing in leadership
- Workplace bullying and difficult professional dynamics
- Strengths-based leadership
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Assertiveness and boundary-setting
- Self-awareness in leadership development
- Leadership growth through adversity
- Psychological safety and healthy workplace cultures
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is a founder, board leader, podcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning SaaS, medical devices, biotech, and clinical research. She builds high-impact teams and organizations rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic execution—helping innovators move ideas from lab to market and leaders grow with intention. She hosts three podcasts that reflect her mission to elevate leadership and accelerate biomedical innovation: Badass Leaders Podcast, Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, and Recovery Advocate Network: Coffee & Conversation. Across each show, Angela creates space for honest conversations that drive impact, reduce stigma, and shape the future of leadership and health. A Georgia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni honoree and INC 500 award recipient, Angela serves on multiple boards across innovation and mental health ecosystems. Outside of work, she’s beekeeping, blacksmithing, turning wood, or training—6× IRONMAN and lifelong advocate for humans being human.
Producer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, where she leads podcast production, brand strategy, and client experience from concept to launch. Equal parts creative and operational powerhouse, she guides clients through branding, recording, and distribution while ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Known as a customer experience magician, Katie is passionate about making every client and guest feel seen, supported, and celebrated—delivering a five-star experience that amplifies bold stories and builds meaningful impact.
