The Courageous Leaders Club

002 AJ Coyne: Stepping out from the norm and stop waiting for permission to lead authentically

November 18, 2021 Joanna Howes Season 1 Episode 2
The Courageous Leaders Club
002 AJ Coyne: Stepping out from the norm and stop waiting for permission to lead authentically
Show Notes

AJ is Head of Marketing at Klarna UK and one of Campaigns Power 100.


In this episode AJ shares how It takes courage to step out and away from the 'norm' of the 'old' 'usual' way of doing things and trust yourself to disrupt for future success.


How you need to identify and understand what your contribution is and be okay that you won't know it all but trust that you bring value. By being confident in the value you bring this will remove the fear and anxiety that comes from fear of failure.


How to use the ‘Human First’ approach to build relationships, connections and be comfortable in your own skin.


So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.


Prior to his current role, AJ led marketing for The Lion's Share (United Nations Development Program) and was instrumental in both its creation and success, helping secure: Gucci, Mars Inc, Cartier, and other partners.


AJ has also held senior roles in creative agencies across BBDO, McCann and Ogilvy, most recently as General Manager at BBDO Australia where he led the Mars business. His experience spans through FinTech, FMCG, Music, Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Fashion. 


Topics covered include:

  • Listening & trusting your gut instinct
  • How to gain clarity of thought
  • Why it’s courageous to step out from the ‘norm’ 
  • Understanding your contribution
  • Self-belief
  • Finding a mission bigger than you 
  • Human first leadership
  • Difficult conversations
  • Giving your team autonomy 
  • How to build relationships to inspire risk and creativity 
  • Being accountable 
  • Learning from mistakes 


Follow Joanna Howes
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/
The Change Creators - https://thechangecreators.com/