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Lead Self First
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30 June 2026

It starts with you.
Ever noticed that it’s when you’re on the brink of next-level growth that the inner unrest surfaces? It shows up in different ways. Maybe you can’t seem to get out of the day-to-day work to focus on strategic activities. Or you doubt your ability to take your growing SME to the next level. Or maybe you realise you’re so addicted to working that you feel guilty when you invest in self-care.
But the truth is that this inner unrest costs you and your business dear: it creates hidden buckets of waste that can stop you – and your team – from achieving and enjoying next-level growth.
The good news is that it all starts with you. The 7-step ‘Lead Self First’ framework will support you to take control by leading yourself first, and gives your team a structure they can use too, so you can navigate the challenges of growth with confidence and get from where you are to where you want to be.
Caroline McKenna is an accredited executive coach and founder of the award-winning Lead Self Coaching and Development, with 20 years’ experience working in growing SMEs, leading and developing teams. She coaches global business leaders and supports scaling SME leaders to navigate the challenges of pursuing ambitious goals. She developed the Lead Self First Model from her experience of working with Ireland's top entrepreneurs to unlock next-level growth.
Caroline McKenna is an accredited executive coach and founder of Lead Self Coaching and Development, with 20 years’ experience working in growing SMEs, leading and developing teams. She coaches global business leaders, and supports scaling SME leaders to navigate the challenges of pursuing ambitious goals. Caroline runs her award-winning business from Northern Ireland. She developed the Lean Self First Model from her experience of working with Ireland's top entrepreneurs to unlock next-level growth
Acknowledgements / testimonials
Foreword by Ryan Tierney - Lean Made Simple
Preface
Part 1: Foundation
Chapter 1: Identify Your Stories (Self-Limiting Beliefs)
Chapter 2: Increase Your Self Awareness
Chapter 3: Prioritise Self Care
Part 2: Direction
Chapter 4: Know Your Self Purpose
Chapter 5: Get Clear on What You Want and How You Are Going to Get There - Strategic Planning
Part 3: Implementation
Chapter 6: Challenge Your Habits and Behaviours - Systems for Success
Chapter 7: How to Achieve Sustained Success
Conclusion
Bibliography
Foreword 6
Introduction 7
Even ambitious leaders who are forging ahead, feel the strain 9
How Unrest Creates Waste 9
The Model Explained 10
Getting The Most From This Book 11
Let’s Begin 12
Chapter 1 - Step 1: Self-Stories 13 Understanding Self Stories 13 Where Your Stories Come From and How They Hold You Back 15 Standard Operating Procedure 19 Impact of Stories on Team 22 Actions Checklist: 22 Value Unlocked 23
Chapter 2 - Step 2: Self-Care 24 The Leader Self-Care Mindset Shift 24 High Performance Through Refuel and Recovery 26 The Cost of Neglecting What Matters Most 27 Removing The Blocks to Self-Care 29 Lean Tools for Personal Wellbeing 30 Protecting Your Energy 32 Impact of Self-Care on Teams 36 Actions Checklist: 36 Value Unlocked 37 Freedom Frame 37
Chapter 3 - Step 3: Self-Awareness 37 Start with Your Thinking 38 Lean Into Your Strengths and Know Your Weaknesses 41 Strengths 41 Understanding Your Waste Behaviours 47 Treat Triggers As Gold 48 Identity, Self-Worth and Resilience 51 Impact of Self-Awareness on Teams: 55 Actions Checklist: 56 Value Unlocked 56 Freedom Frame 57
Chapter 4 - Step 4: Self-Purpose 57 Why Purpose Matters 57 Purpose Creates Pull, Flow and Energy 58 How to Discover Your Purpose 61 Purpose As a Leadership Compass 63 Aligning Purpose With Business and Leading Others 64 Checklist 65 Value Unlocked 66 Freedom Frame 66
Chapter 5 Step 5: Self-Strategy 66 Understanding Strategy 66 Creating Your Vision 68 Turning Vision Into Strategy 69 Aligning and Empowering the Team 73 Staying Connected to the Strategy 75 Impact on Self-Strategy on Team 78 Checklist 79 Value Unlocked 79 Freedom Frame 80
Chapter 6: Step 6: Self-Systems 80 Understanding What Gets In Your Way 81 Building Habits That Support Your Next Level 82 Enhancing Your Focus and Time Systems 85 Support Systems That Strengthen Your Success 87 Impact of Self-Systems on Team 88 Checklist 89 Value Unlocked 89
Chapter 7 - Step 7: Self-Sustained Success 90
Conclusion 101
Acknowledgements 103
About the Author 104
Bibliography 105