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.

‘A clear-​eyed reminder that meaningful leadership starts on the inside.’ Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

‘Connects lean thinking with self-​awareness in a clear, human way that helps leaders spot their own waste, reset their thinking, and lead with more calm and purpose.’ – Ryan Tierney, author of Lean Made Simple

‘A highly practical and logical guide that helps leaders first lead themselves, and then build more fulfilled individuals and more successful teams.’ – Martin Tierney, MD, Seating Matters

Foreword xiii

Introduction 1

Part 1 Phase 1: Foundation

1 Step 1: Self-stories 13

2 Step 2: Self-care 31

3 Step 3: Self- awareness 49

Part 2 Phase 2: Direction

4 Step 4: Self-purpose 77

5 Step 5: Self-strategy 93

Part 3 Phase 3: Implementation

6 Step 6: Self-systems 113

7 Step 7: Self-sustained success 129

Conclusion 145

Acknowledgements 147

About the author 149

Bibliography 151

Index 153

FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP

Hardback / 9781788609630 / June 30, 2026 / £25.99

Paperback / 9781788609647 / June 30, 2026 / £15.99

Ebook / 9781788609654 / June 29, 2026 / £7.99

Paperback and eBook Bundle / £17.99

Caroline McKenna

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.