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Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential
A USA TODAY bestseller.
Your mindset may be the only thing standing between you and your potential. Break free from the beliefs that hold you back.
As a leader, do you find yourself frustrated, wondering why employees don't meet expectations, peers are slow to act, or pressure from your boss falls unfairly on your shoulders? It's easy to point a finger at others and double down on getting results. But have you ever considered that the problem might not be them—that it might be you?
Through countless hours coaching executives over the past twenty years, C-suite adviser Muriel M. Wilkins has pinpointed the biggest reason behind these common leadership hidden blockers. These unconscious beliefs can actively stall progress if leaders aren't aware of their existence, preventing them from seeing a situation clearly, solving problems effectively, and advancing their careers.
In Leadership Unblocked, Wilkins reveals seven key beliefs that hold leaders back, from "I know I'm right" to "I need to be involved" to "I don't belong here." Combining illustrative and powerful coaching conversations and research from the fields of neuroscience, leadership, and adult development theory, Wilkins offers a self-coaching guide for identifying, unpacking, and breaking through these barriers.
By using the practical advice in this book, leaders and aspiring leaders alike can cultivate the mindset to achieve their goals and finally become the leaders they want to be.
Your mindset may be the only thing standing between you and your potential. Break free from the beliefs that hold you back.
As a leader, do you find yourself frustrated, wondering why employees don't meet expectations, peers are slow to act, or pressure from your boss falls unfairly on your shoulders? It's easy to point a finger at others and double down on getting results. But have you ever considered that the problem might not be them—that it might be you?
Through countless hours coaching executives over the past twenty years, C-suite adviser Muriel M. Wilkins has pinpointed the biggest reason behind these common leadership hidden blockers. These unconscious beliefs can actively stall progress if leaders aren't aware of their existence, preventing them from seeing a situation clearly, solving problems effectively, and advancing their careers.
In Leadership Unblocked, Wilkins reveals seven key beliefs that hold leaders back, from "I know I'm right" to "I need to be involved" to "I don't belong here." Combining illustrative and powerful coaching conversations and research from the fields of neuroscience, leadership, and adult development theory, Wilkins offers a self-coaching guide for identifying, unpacking, and breaking through these barriers.
By using the practical advice in this book, leaders and aspiring leaders alike can cultivate the mindset to achieve their goals and finally become the leaders they want to be.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
85 people are currently reading
1922 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 11, 2026
Best and practical book on leadership thus far!
December 9, 2025
This book helped me spot the hidden beliefs holding me back (for a very long time) as a leader. Practical, honest, and immediately useful.
August 14, 2025
A big shoutout to #HBR Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for allowing me to review an advance copy of the book Leadership Unblocked by Muriel Maignan Wilkins. I have been a big fan of Muriel’s podcast Coaching Real Leaders for a while now. It fascinated me how she was able to get us a unfiltered peek into a coach and coachee’s conversations and lead the listener through the process of helping solve problems. I have also recommended her podcast on LinkedIn and shared to my contacts who are coaches themselves.
I had absolutely no clue that she was coming out with a book - until I read her LinkedIn post about leaders who are caught in this belief of having to do everything “now” (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-yo...) that I learnt she was sharing some of her top learnings from years of coaching executive leaders. I immediately ran to netgalley to check if they had her book listed for review - and thank god it was! (Prices in India for books are sometimes too steep for a freelanceer like me). I requested for a digital copy - and was reasonably confident since all my previous requests to HBRP have been approved. In a few hours I had the book in my iPad for review.
I started the same eagerly and given the captivating way of telling the stories and the learnings, I was done with it in a couple of days!! Here is my look at the book:
Muriel weaves the idea of coaching executives starting from her own story of being blocked due to deeply held assumptions (hidden blockers) sometimes needing a coach (or in her case her partner Arden who ‘coached’ her), to unravel and deal with them. With her personal tale setting the context of the rest of the book, she then takes apart seven top blockers based on her coaching experience - such as “I need to be involved”, “I know I am right” to “I don’t belong here”. In each of these blockers she uses a coachee’s struggles at work to run us through the process of helping them unblock themselves (this is important as she guides but does not feed solutions to them). She beautifully presents the background of the coachee and why they came into the coaching (or were suggested by the organization) and the various meetings she has with them to run through the process of helping them 1) realize they have a blocker 2) label that blocked 3) understand why the blocker came into being and finally 4) reframe that belief to take action. The details she provides are sufficient enough to know the coachee’s problems while not going too much towards boring the reader (though I hope Muriel will come up with v2, v3 etc of this book!). This keeps the chapters very light and digestible. She further summarizes the key learnings for each chapter as a Coach Yourself section to help you if you believe you have a similar blocker in your life.
As I read through the seven blockers I could identify leaders in my life who had the same symptoms as the coachee she wrote about - if only someone had helped them realize their blockers and guided them (goes to show how important executive coaching is!). I also saw parts of my own blockers showing up in some of the stories. They were very revealing and helped me realize that I too need to reflect of some of the concepts from the book!
In summary I believe this is a must read for anyone in leadership positions (for sure) and those interested in coaching as a profession, and to anyone who wants to learn and improve themselves at work.
I had absolutely no clue that she was coming out with a book - until I read her LinkedIn post about leaders who are caught in this belief of having to do everything “now” (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-yo...) that I learnt she was sharing some of her top learnings from years of coaching executive leaders. I immediately ran to netgalley to check if they had her book listed for review - and thank god it was! (Prices in India for books are sometimes too steep for a freelanceer like me). I requested for a digital copy - and was reasonably confident since all my previous requests to HBRP have been approved. In a few hours I had the book in my iPad for review.
I started the same eagerly and given the captivating way of telling the stories and the learnings, I was done with it in a couple of days!! Here is my look at the book:
Muriel weaves the idea of coaching executives starting from her own story of being blocked due to deeply held assumptions (hidden blockers) sometimes needing a coach (or in her case her partner Arden who ‘coached’ her), to unravel and deal with them. With her personal tale setting the context of the rest of the book, she then takes apart seven top blockers based on her coaching experience - such as “I need to be involved”, “I know I am right” to “I don’t belong here”. In each of these blockers she uses a coachee’s struggles at work to run us through the process of helping them unblock themselves (this is important as she guides but does not feed solutions to them). She beautifully presents the background of the coachee and why they came into the coaching (or were suggested by the organization) and the various meetings she has with them to run through the process of helping them 1) realize they have a blocker 2) label that blocked 3) understand why the blocker came into being and finally 4) reframe that belief to take action. The details she provides are sufficient enough to know the coachee’s problems while not going too much towards boring the reader (though I hope Muriel will come up with v2, v3 etc of this book!). This keeps the chapters very light and digestible. She further summarizes the key learnings for each chapter as a Coach Yourself section to help you if you believe you have a similar blocker in your life.
As I read through the seven blockers I could identify leaders in my life who had the same symptoms as the coachee she wrote about - if only someone had helped them realize their blockers and guided them (goes to show how important executive coaching is!). I also saw parts of my own blockers showing up in some of the stories. They were very revealing and helped me realize that I too need to reflect of some of the concepts from the book!
In summary I believe this is a must read for anyone in leadership positions (for sure) and those interested in coaching as a profession, and to anyone who wants to learn and improve themselves at work.
January 11, 2026
This book is a revelation for anyone who's ever felt stuck in their leadership journey despite working harder than ever. Drawing on two decades of executive coaching experience, Wilkins doesn't offer quick fixes or superficial strategies. Instead, she courageously invites leaders to look inward at the unconscious beliefs sabotaging their success.
What makes this book exceptional is its blend of real coaching conversations, neuroscience research, and practical self-assessment tools. Wilkins writes with clarity and compassion, making it safe to examine our blind spots without judgment. The book feels like having a world-class executive coach in your corner, asking the tough questions that unlock breakthrough insights.
5 Key Learning Points:
Your beliefs create your reality. The seven hidden blockers Wilkins identifies—from "I know I'm right" to "I don't belong here"—operate unconsciously, shaping how you interpret situations and respond to challenges. Recognition is the first step to freedom.
Leadership frustration often signals internal work needed. When you repeatedly face the same challenges with your team or organization, the common denominator is you. This isn't about blame but about taking ownership of the one thing you can truly control: your mindset.
Self-coaching is a learnable skill. Wilkins provides a practical framework for identifying which blocker is active in any given situation, then guides you through unpacking and releasing it. This creates sustainable change beyond the book itself.
Imposter syndrome has deeper roots than we think. The "I don't belong here" blocker reveals how feelings of not being enough can drive overwork, perfectionism, and burnout—common traps for high-achieving leaders.
Letting go of control amplifies your impact. The "I need to be involved" blocker shows how micromanagement stems from unconscious beliefs about trust and competence, ultimately limiting both your capacity and your team's development.
Tips for Getting the Most from This Book:
Keep a journal while reading to track which blockers resonate most strongly with your current challenges
Use the self-coaching questions at the end of each chapter immediately with a real leadership situation you're facing
Share relevant chapters with trusted colleagues or a mentor to gain external perspective on your blind spots
Revisit the book quarterly as different blockers may emerge at different career stages
Create an accountability system to practice new mindsets consistently over time
Leadership Unblocked is essential reading for ambitious leaders ready to stop working harder and start working wiser.
What makes this book exceptional is its blend of real coaching conversations, neuroscience research, and practical self-assessment tools. Wilkins writes with clarity and compassion, making it safe to examine our blind spots without judgment. The book feels like having a world-class executive coach in your corner, asking the tough questions that unlock breakthrough insights.
5 Key Learning Points:
Your beliefs create your reality. The seven hidden blockers Wilkins identifies—from "I know I'm right" to "I don't belong here"—operate unconsciously, shaping how you interpret situations and respond to challenges. Recognition is the first step to freedom.
Leadership frustration often signals internal work needed. When you repeatedly face the same challenges with your team or organization, the common denominator is you. This isn't about blame but about taking ownership of the one thing you can truly control: your mindset.
Self-coaching is a learnable skill. Wilkins provides a practical framework for identifying which blocker is active in any given situation, then guides you through unpacking and releasing it. This creates sustainable change beyond the book itself.
Imposter syndrome has deeper roots than we think. The "I don't belong here" blocker reveals how feelings of not being enough can drive overwork, perfectionism, and burnout—common traps for high-achieving leaders.
Letting go of control amplifies your impact. The "I need to be involved" blocker shows how micromanagement stems from unconscious beliefs about trust and competence, ultimately limiting both your capacity and your team's development.
Tips for Getting the Most from This Book:
Keep a journal while reading to track which blockers resonate most strongly with your current challenges
Use the self-coaching questions at the end of each chapter immediately with a real leadership situation you're facing
Share relevant chapters with trusted colleagues or a mentor to gain external perspective on your blind spots
Revisit the book quarterly as different blockers may emerge at different career stages
Create an accountability system to practice new mindsets consistently over time
Leadership Unblocked is essential reading for ambitious leaders ready to stop working harder and start working wiser.
October 28, 2025
I was excited to dive into “Leadership Unblocked” and see if the book was something I could use to help coach myself and other leaders. I’ve read my share of leadership books over the years, and I’ve long admired Muriel Wilkins from her Coaching Real Leaders podcast. I cruised through the first few chapters being appreciative of the Uncover-Unpack-Unblock framework and feeling slightly smug as I thought to myself “Glad I’ve already dealt with those blockers long ago.”
Midway through the book, one chapter hit uncomfortably close to home. A “blocker” I thought I had resolved years ago peeked around a corner. This time it was more subtle, but just as powerful. In that moment, Wilkins’ method did what the best coaching does. It didn’t just inform me, it disarmed me.
That’s the brilliance of this book. It isn’t an academic framework or checklist. Each chapter invites you into a real coaching conversation, where a leader confronts the belief that’s limiting their impact. As the dialogue unfolds, you don’t just observe the transformation. You feel it happening in yourself.
Wilkins distills decades of coaching experience into seven common “blocking beliefs,” each explored through story and reflection. The combination of narrative, insight, and practical framing makes the learning stick. I found myself cheering the fictional leaders on as if their breakthroughs were my own.
By the end, Leadership Unblocked had shifted from a book I was evaluating to one I’ll keep close. The book has become a mirror into which I will gaze regularly. Thankfully, Wilkins gives us the tools to coach ourselves through the patterns that hold us back and, in turn, to help others do the same.
I’m adding Leadership Unblocked to the short list of books I revisit regularly. These are the ones that remind me how to lead better, live clearer, and stay open to the growth that never really ends.
Midway through the book, one chapter hit uncomfortably close to home. A “blocker” I thought I had resolved years ago peeked around a corner. This time it was more subtle, but just as powerful. In that moment, Wilkins’ method did what the best coaching does. It didn’t just inform me, it disarmed me.
That’s the brilliance of this book. It isn’t an academic framework or checklist. Each chapter invites you into a real coaching conversation, where a leader confronts the belief that’s limiting their impact. As the dialogue unfolds, you don’t just observe the transformation. You feel it happening in yourself.
Wilkins distills decades of coaching experience into seven common “blocking beliefs,” each explored through story and reflection. The combination of narrative, insight, and practical framing makes the learning stick. I found myself cheering the fictional leaders on as if their breakthroughs were my own.
By the end, Leadership Unblocked had shifted from a book I was evaluating to one I’ll keep close. The book has become a mirror into which I will gaze regularly. Thankfully, Wilkins gives us the tools to coach ourselves through the patterns that hold us back and, in turn, to help others do the same.
I’m adding Leadership Unblocked to the short list of books I revisit regularly. These are the ones that remind me how to lead better, live clearer, and stay open to the growth that never really ends.
October 12, 2025
In Leadership Unblocked, Muriel M. Wilkins explored the beliefs that are blocking us and preventing us from reaching our full potential. She begins the book by sharing how she had just taken a new job at a failing division. She was given 18 months to turn it around and make it profitable. She had always been a high achiever and she created a plan which they all disagreed with. She admits to breaking down and crying in her office because they wouldn’t listen to her. She discussed it with her partner and her man basically asked her if she was the problem and not them. It took her time until she got his words and then she realized that she was playing into the drama. She did end up quitting but has since become an executive coaching. She explored our beliefs and how we can uncover our interior monologue and discover the clatter going around in our heads. We need to realize what is limiting us and stopping us from moving forward. She shared how she believed that she had to succeed and had a reinforced belief that she had to do her best. If she did, she would be accepted and praised. She looked at hidden blockers such as, “I need it done right now, I’m right, I can’t make a mistake, I can’t say no”, and much more. She covered all of these in extreme detail throughout the chapters.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to get unblocked from their hindering beliefs. I loved how she included special sessions about coaching ourselves from blocked to unblocked and to action. There are also helpful charts showing the signs that we have this hidden blocker. She touched on potential costs of the hidden blocker. At the end of the book, there is a coach yourself worksheet in the appendix.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to get unblocked from their hindering beliefs. I loved how she included special sessions about coaching ourselves from blocked to unblocked and to action. There are also helpful charts showing the signs that we have this hidden blocker. She touched on potential costs of the hidden blocker. At the end of the book, there is a coach yourself worksheet in the appendix.
October 28, 2025
When I finished this book, I searched online for the "canon of leadership books." Although Beyonce’s internet did not have a definitive list, I saw classics like Good to Great by Jim Collins, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, and The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. I was curious because, to me, Leadership Unblocked deserves to be on that list. Its insights will resonate with a wide range of readers, from mid-career professionals to recent business school graduates and even seasoned executives. This book stands out for its practical approach. More than any leadership assessment, 360 exercise, or manager's informal feedback, the seven hidden blockers in this book challenge leaders to crack open a can of self-awareness. It doesn’t assess your leadership; it pushes you to confront, as Muriel calls them, unconscious beliefs that hold leaders back. After all, who knows you better than you? And I promise it is not painful like those self-assessments you are forced to write as part of your annual performance review. Instead of leaving you with self-reflection alone, the book provides helpful tools to coach yourself in addressing these personal blockers and growing as a leader.
Leadership Unblocked is a book that people will read for years to come. It should be read in business schools, internship programs, coaching programs, bootcamps for entrepreneurs, and in some of those executive leadership programs, too! What a gift to be led to discover how the hidden beliefs, quiet thoughts, secret mindsets, and things you tell yourself get in the way of you bringing your very best self to a leadership role.
Leadership Unblocked is a book that people will read for years to come. It should be read in business schools, internship programs, coaching programs, bootcamps for entrepreneurs, and in some of those executive leadership programs, too! What a gift to be led to discover how the hidden beliefs, quiet thoughts, secret mindsets, and things you tell yourself get in the way of you bringing your very best self to a leadership role.
October 28, 2025
Leadership Unblocked names what so many high-achievers struggle to see: that sometimes we ourselves are the problem. And dare I say, that can be powerfully liberating! Drawing on real stories and research, author Muriel Wilkins surfaces seven “hidden blockers” including the beliefs “I need to be involved” and “I know I’m right,” and walks us through a simple, repeatable roadmap to become unstuck and truly thrive in even the most challenging leadership dynamics. Providing a clear-eyed mirror with practicality and unflinching candor while remaining deeply empathetic, Wilkins’ vulnerability and willingness to own her own missteps is as inspiring as insightful. The reader comes to quickly trust that the practices are not only doable, but also come from someone who truly walks their talk. Written with compelling clarity, this real-world book contains concrete reflection prompts and hands-on strategies that are directly applicable whether you are a frontline manager or senior level executive. If you are tired of hitting the leadership wall — mentally, emotionally and physically —with only diminishing returns, this book offers a way out to increase your impact while preserving valuable energy and focus.
October 28, 2025
Leadership Unblocked is relatable and relevant for today’s executives.
Author, advisor and executive coach Muriel Maignan Wilkins provides a clear framework and toolkit for leaders across all industries and organizations of all sizes. Making this book even more compelling, Muriel is a masterful communicator and storyteller, drawing you in by sharing the experiences of real leaders and her own personal experiences. You can’t help but visualize the leaders, conversations and scenarios in this book.
What’s more, Leadership Unblocked is timeless. As I explored the frameworks and stories, I reflected on my own experience- 30+ years leading and transforming businesses in the largest and smallest tech companies. Business is business, and business is personal. Have I had blockers that impacted myself and others? Of course. Have I experienced the impact of others’ blockers? You bet. Do I know the potential impact of reflection and a growth mindset. Yes! Can I imagine this book serving as the portable coach for future generations of leaders? Definitely!
Author, advisor and executive coach Muriel Maignan Wilkins provides a clear framework and toolkit for leaders across all industries and organizations of all sizes. Making this book even more compelling, Muriel is a masterful communicator and storyteller, drawing you in by sharing the experiences of real leaders and her own personal experiences. You can’t help but visualize the leaders, conversations and scenarios in this book.
What’s more, Leadership Unblocked is timeless. As I explored the frameworks and stories, I reflected on my own experience- 30+ years leading and transforming businesses in the largest and smallest tech companies. Business is business, and business is personal. Have I had blockers that impacted myself and others? Of course. Have I experienced the impact of others’ blockers? You bet. Do I know the potential impact of reflection and a growth mindset. Yes! Can I imagine this book serving as the portable coach for future generations of leaders? Definitely!
December 28, 2025
As an avid listener of Muriel Wilkins’s podcast through Harvard Business Review, I was excited to get to listen to an even longer form version from her and the book didn’t disappoint. The only thing I wish is that she had done the full audio recording herself, rather than just the introduction.
Wilkins provides several different types of blocks that leaders may experience based on her background as a leadership and executive coach. The assessments of different types of blocks and personality traits/experiences that contribute to those blocks are accurate and relevant and her advice for overcoming the challenges associated with them is practical and simple, if not necessarily easy to put into practice. Any leader or coach would benefit from her book and her podcast both for personal application and for helping others push through their own blocks.
Wilkins provides several different types of blocks that leaders may experience based on her background as a leadership and executive coach. The assessments of different types of blocks and personality traits/experiences that contribute to those blocks are accurate and relevant and her advice for overcoming the challenges associated with them is practical and simple, if not necessarily easy to put into practice. Any leader or coach would benefit from her book and her podcast both for personal application and for helping others push through their own blocks.
November 19, 2025
This is the best leadership book I've read in a while!
"Leadership Unblocked" clearly lands in my Top 10 list of books on leadership. Muriel Wilkins offers a fresh perspective on the concept of limiting beliefs and how to reframe them. This book is insightful without being overly complex. It's an enjoyable read with practical advice. Reading "Leadership Unblocked" felt like getting guidance from a wise and trusted colleague.
Muriel is a gifted storyteller. The scenarios are engaging, the characters are relatable, and the challenges are relevant for anyone in a leadership role. Like Muriel's podcast and online community, "Coaching Real Leaders," this book is an incredible resource for both leaders and coaches.
"Leadership Unblocked" clearly lands in my Top 10 list of books on leadership. Muriel Wilkins offers a fresh perspective on the concept of limiting beliefs and how to reframe them. This book is insightful without being overly complex. It's an enjoyable read with practical advice. Reading "Leadership Unblocked" felt like getting guidance from a wise and trusted colleague.
Muriel is a gifted storyteller. The scenarios are engaging, the characters are relatable, and the challenges are relevant for anyone in a leadership role. Like Muriel's podcast and online community, "Coaching Real Leaders," this book is an incredible resource for both leaders and coaches.
October 28, 2025
Leadership Unblocked should be required reading in every business school program. I found myself connecting to each of the hidden blockers which revealed how even as an executive coach, there's still so much self-awareness to gain every day on the journey of becoming better leaders. Muriel not only offers a simple, yet powerful framework, the 'Blocked to Unblocked Roadmap', but she also brings to life each hidden blocker with relatable stories and actionable advice. Whether you are just starting out in your career or have led for decades, Leadership Unblocked will help you identify what's holding you back to get to that next level of greatness.
October 28, 2025
Reading Leadership Unblocked felt like having a trusted coach guide me through the quiet stories I tell myself about leadership and success. Wilkins distills decades of coaching wisdom into a clear, practical framework that helps us readers to expand beyond the subtle beliefs that can quietly stall and derail even the most capable of leaders. The book is both a jumpstart and a roadmap for stepping into new possibilities. It's thoughtful, deeply resonant, and immediately useful. It's the kind of leadership guide you read slowly, keep on your desk, and return to often.
October 28, 2025
Muriel identifies the top mindset blockers that might prevent you or your clients from maximizing your leadership potential. For coaches and leaders, this book will provide you with the map to identifying your limiting beliefs, owning them, and then strategies for moving beyond them. I highly recommend Leadership Unblocked.
October 28, 2025
Muriel Wilkins’ brilliance shines through in the practical guide to identifying what may be limiting achieving your full potential. Using real world examples in a well structured layout makes for easy reading of some challenging topics. If you’re a fan of Muriel Wilkins’ podcast, “Coaching Real Leaders”, you are certain to enjoy this modern leadership classic.
October 28, 2025
This book is for all of us, not just for those in a leadership role. It is the right mix of the practical, science, self-reflection and action guide — an essential read no matter your field or work life stage (beginning, mid-career, and executive). The writing style is clear, engaging and accessible and chocked full of gems!
November 23, 2025
gentle and firm mirror
I like the way the author leads the way to look deeper, the power of questions, the power of form and kindness, and still keeping the baton on your side. It is uncomfortable and promising at the same time. It's up to me to respond and take next step. Thank you for writing the book.
I like the way the author leads the way to look deeper, the power of questions, the power of form and kindness, and still keeping the baton on your side. It is uncomfortable and promising at the same time. It's up to me to respond and take next step. Thank you for writing the book.
January 2, 2026
It's been a while I did not read a good self-development book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews