The 7 Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back with Muriel Wilkins 8|2

2026-02-11

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Why do so many leaders work hard to change — only to end up in the same place months later? What if the problem isn’t effort, but the beliefs running in the background? In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim Scott and Amy Sandler are joined by Muriel Wilkins — executive coach, C-suite advisor, host of Coaching Real Leaders, and author of Leadership Unblocked. Together, they unpack why high performers default to action, how action bias can backfire when internal beliefs stay the same, and what it takes to create sustainable leadership growt...

Why do so many leaders work hard to change — only to end up in the same place months later? What if the problem isn’t effort, but the beliefs running in the background?

In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim Scott and Amy Sandler are joined by Muriel Wilkins — executive coach, C-suite advisor, host of Coaching Real Leaders, and author of Leadership Unblocked. Together, they unpack why high performers default to action, how action bias can backfire when internal beliefs stay the same, and what it takes to create sustainable leadership growth.

Muriel introduces seven common “hidden blockers,” including I need it done now, I can’t say no, and I don’t belong here, and explains how these beliefs drive behavior that feels productive in the short term but creates dissonance over time. The conversation also explores how leaders can build the muscle of noticing what’s happening internally, ask better coaching questions without attachment, and reduce unnecessary suffering by changing how they respond to challenges.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I keep ending up here again?” this episode offers a grounded, practical way forward.

Connect:

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Resources for show notes:

Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential book
The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back Harvard Business Review article
Coaching Real Leaders podcast
Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence book
Muriel Wilkins website
Muriel Wilkins on Radical Candor podcast

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction + Muriel Returns

(01:20) Why Muriel Wrote Leadership Unblocked

(01:50) Action Bias: Why Change Doesn’t Stick

(03:00) Actions vs. Your Internal Operating System

(04:04) The Fix-It Reflex in Work and Life

(06:01) Discomfort, Control, and the Urge to Solve

(09:25) Hidden Blockers: What They Are and Why They’re Hidden

(10:57) The 7 Hidden Blockers (Overview)

(11:48) “I Need It Done Now” and Reframing Time

(17:03) Building the Noticing Muscle

(39:58) Coaching Yourself Before Coaching Others

(53:33) Conclusion