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In this episode of The Secret Life of Great Leaders, host Michael Bunting sits down with Michaela Wortley, EY’s Head of Internal Coaching and Teaming, to explore the hidden side of leadership growth. Drawing on Michaela’s 25 years inside one of the world’s largest professional services firms, they unpack the fear of being “found out,” the discomfort of true self-awareness, and why vulnerability is the starting point for meaningful change in leaders and organisations.
What You’ll Learn
- Why “being found out” is the secret fear that drives so many leaders and how to disarm it
- How defensiveness quietly damages teams and erodes trust (and what to do instead)
- Why seeing your own patterns is the hardest part of growth and the key to changing them
- The hidden link between vulnerability, performance, and psychological safety at work
- How Michaela balances her own imperfections as a coach and leader and what that means for others doing the work
Michaela Wortley is EY Oceania’s Coaching, Teaming, and Mediation Leader, with more than 18 years of experience in leadership development, executive coaching, and change management. She has shaped EY’s leadership agenda for over a decade, designing and delivering programmes that foster a values-based, inclusive leadership culture where people can thrive. In her current role, Michaela leads a team of 40 internal coaches, drives EY’s teaming strategy, and supports senior leaders in navigating the personal and professional challenges of growth. A certified mediator and coach supervisor, she brings a unique blend of strategic insight, curiosity, and deep coaching expertise, helping leaders confront their blind spots, embrace vulnerability, and create lasting impact.
Episode Highlights
- [00:00] Intro
- [01:23] The Real Barrier to Growth in Big Organisations
- [03:02] The Fear Every Leader Has But Rarely Admits
- [06:33] Why “Seeing It” Is the Hardest Step in Growth
- [09:23] Imposter Syndrome at the Highest Levels
- [12:44] The Hidden Cost of Protective Behaviours
- [16:30] Michaela on Confronting Her Own Shadows
- [21:32] Why Perfectionism Breeds Defensiveness
- [24:14] Where Leaders Should Begin Their Own Growth Journey
- [27:29] Closing Reflections/Outro
Episode Resources
- Michaela Wortley on LinkedIn
- EY (Ernst & Young) Website and LinkedIn
- Michael Bunting on LinkedIn
- TripleGoal Website and LinkedIn
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