If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at office buzzwords or cringed at a “bad boss” moment (we’ve all been there), meet Kate Waterfall Hill. Leadership coach, TikTok star with over 100m views, and now author of the no-nonsense How to Lead, Kate is the mastermind behind the viral “Linda, The Bad Manager” series – a hilarious guide to what not to do as a boss.

How to Lead is packed with straight-talking tips on everything from “how to actually delegate” (no more dumping) to “handling awkward conversations without wanting to hide.” Whether you’re fresh to leadership or a seasoned pro, Kate’s got the game plan for career success in 2025 (minus the fluff and corporate jargon). Here, we pick her brain on how to lead with confidence, inspire your team, and make 2025 the year you smash your career goals

What’s the #1 career move we should ditch in 2025 if we want to level up?

Forget trying to be perfect. So many people are still hung up on ticking every box before they even think about stepping up in their careers. In 2025, it’s about potential, not perfection. You don’t need every skill listed on a job description, and you definitely don’t need to be flawless – what you need is the guts to grow on the job, the self-awareness to know where you can improve, and the strength to ask for help in areas you could improve.

“Linda, The Bad Manager” is so painfully relatable, what’s the most Linda thing people need to stop doing at work?

It’s got to be micromanaging. Linda’s the classic over-the-shoulder type, checking in every few minutes because she thinks her keeping a close eye on everything equals results – and if she looks away nothing will be done. And people love her because this management style is rife unfortunately. Because in reality, this approach drains everyone’s morale and confidence. Managers need to start trusting their teams. I support my clients in creating ways to explain the outcome they’re looking for, give the team the information and skills they need to achieve it, then let them find their way. No more ‘pop-bys’ or endless check-ins. Trust breeds better work and better productivity.

With hybrid working still a thing, how can we make our mark without being the office ghost or, worse, the “always online” workaholic?

Hybrid work is tricky because the temptation for many of us – especially us people pleasers – is to be constantly online to ‘prove’ you’re working. My advice is to be ‘strategically visible’. It’s not about quantity, but the quality of your interactions. Make each email, message, or video call impactful. Share insights, ask the right questions, and don’t shy away from contributing in group chats or team meetings, even a quick comment can make a mark. But be authentic, don’t force something out that doesn’t reflect who you are.

Spill the tea! What’s the “it” skill we all need to snag a promotion?

If there’s one skill for 2025, I believe it’s empathy. It might sound a bit fluffy, but it’s the foundation of every strong team. The best leaders don’t just know their stuff – they are emotionally intelligent and they know their people. Understanding what drives your team, their challenges, their strengths, and using that insight to lead thoughtfully is the new superpower for anyone wanting to rise up the ranks at work.

How do we survive the office cast of characters (we see you, micromanagers and glory-grabbers!) and still come out as career heroes?

It’s all about boundaries and self-respect. Don’t let yourself be steamrolled by the glory-grabbers or the office peacocks. If you find yourself in one of those classic office ‘power plays’, keep calm, be assertive, and make your value known. I tell my clients that the way to survive, and thrive, is to maintain grace under pressure and not stooping to their level. This can be really hard to do when tensions are running high, and ‘making space’ is really important.

Don’t send that email in anger, don’t respond defensively in the moment – take the time you need to calm yourself and your nervous system, before you make your move. Handle interactions with these characters with curiosity, not judgement. Try to uncover the cause of the behaviour by asking open questions: “I noticed that you kept asking me for updates on the project. What would give you comfort that I’m getting along fine? I’ll come to you with any questions and an update when there’s something to say.” You might find that by getting to know the person better, you help them self-reflect and make a change for the better.

Is work-life balance in 2025 a cute myth, or do you have the secret sauce for nailing it without burnout?

I prefer the term work/home harmony, because we have to live and work at the same time, so it’s about finding a rhythm and a melody that enables us to be at our best for both our home life and our work life. The essence is about being clear on our boundaries, and sticking to them. This coupled with  ruthless prioritisation is what makes for a great harmonious life. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing what really matters well. It’s also about setting time to switch off. This needs to be non-negotiable. I advise my clients to pick non-work time slots each day and honour them like meetings with the CEO. No excuses.

For anyone who feels like their career’s gone a bit stale, what’s a quick shake-up trick to get back in the spotlight?

Ask yourself, “What do I want to be known for?” particularly when you look back on your career. Then, think of one thing you can do to own that space – whether it’s initiating a new project, speaking up in meetings, or mentoring a more junior colleague. Even a small action that aligns with your values and goals can shift the way you’re seen by others and reignite your enthusiasm.

Name one game-changing leadership tip that everyone can use right now?

Make space for your team to shine. Sometimes leaders fall into the trap of needing to have all the answers, but the best leaders create an environment where their team feels empowered to contribute. Here’s something all you managers can do in their next team meeting: listen more than you talk – and encourage someone else’s ideas. It’s a powerful habit that transforms teams.

How to Lead by Kate Waterfall Hill is out now