Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Become a Global Leader
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 199 - The Non-Verbal Behaviours Shaping Trust with Jude Jennison | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:32:46 | |
What are you communicating before you even say a word? In this conversation with Jude Jennison, founder of Leaders by Nature, we explore how unconscious non-verbal behaviour shapes trust, relationships and leadership impact. Jude spent 17 years at IBM before developing her methodology that uses horses to reveal the behaviours leaders may not realise they are bringing into their professional relationships. We discuss how stress, fear and past experiences can influence behaviour, especially during uncertainty, even when leaders believe they are presenting as calm and confident. She shares why horses are so powerful at revealing incongruence between what we feel and what we project, and how this can expose patterns around trust, control, compassion and clarity. Jude has coached more than 5,000 leaders, written 3 leadership books, and describes horses as the most honest feedback mechanism leaders can engage in. What you will learn:
How aware are you of what you communicate non-verbally when under pressure? Resources:
Watch the video of this Episode here:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 198 - The Human Capabilities Leaders Need Now | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:20:23 | |
What kind of leader do you need to become now? Leadership has not stood still over the last 12 months. AI is accelerating, workplace expectations are shifting and organisations are navigating growing uncertainty. So this episode explores a deeper question for ambitious professionals - not only what do you want to achieve, but who do you need to become? I reflect on why human capabilities matter even more now, especially confidence, clarity, Cultural Intelligence and challenging conversations, the four pillars at the heart of my work. Plus, in this episode, I share the latest thinking behind the audiobook edition of Become a Global Leader, including why I recorded a new bonus chapter. What you will learn in this episode:
Where do you need to experiment more? Which human capability do you most need to focus on? Resources:
Watch the video of this Episode here:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 197 - How to Influence without Authority, with Laura Sellers | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:34:44 | |
What does it really take to influence when you do not have formal authority? In this conversation with Laura Sellers, global executive and team coach for Procurement professionals, we explore why influence, confidence and relationship-building are essential leadership capabilities for professionals who want to elevate their impact across an organisation. Laura shares why introverted energy is not a barrier to influence or leadership presence, and how some of the most impactful leaders are not the loudest in the room, but those who choose their moment, build strong relationships and communicate with intention. We discuss the shift many professionals need to make as they become more senior, moving from technical expertise into relationship-based influence. This is especially important when you are influencing without authority, working across functions, collaborating remotely or navigating cultural differences. What you will learn in this episode:
How does your natural communication style help you influence, and where might it need to flex? Before you step into a difficult conversation, what role could you be playing in the relationship dynamic? What part of yourself might you be leaving behind when you communicate in a different culture, language or context? Resources:
Watch the video of this Episode here:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 196 - The Courage to Lead with Humanity, with Diana Osagie | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:39:05 | |
Courageous leadership is often misunderstood as being bold, forceful or unafraid. In this conversation with Diana Osagie, leadership coach, trainer, consultant, author and keynote speaker, we explore a much more human definition of courage at work. Diana's core idea is that courageous leadership means staying human when the situation is challenging you to become something else. Under pressure, many leaders revert to the habits that keep them safe, but those habits may not be what the team or organisation needs. She challenges us to consider whether we care enough to hold up the mirror, tell the truth and help people do excellent work, even when that may feel uncomfortable. Diana also introduces Juggernaut Thinking, her approach to helping leaders and organisations build deeper clarity around what they are for, how they behave under pressure and what they need to stop carrying. Diana is the founder of Courageous Leadership Consultancy and The Academy of Women's Leadership. With 26 years' experience leading secondary education, she brings deep practical insight into leading under pressure, alongside her work as an author of five books on leadership. What you will learn in this episode:
What habits do you default to under pressure? How comfortable are you holding your team truly accountable? What does courageous leadership look like to you? Resources:
Watch the video of this Episode here:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 195 - Why Great Work Does Not Speak For Itself | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:26:51 | |
What if your great work is not seen? Many ambitious professionals believe that if they do excellent work, deliver results and make a meaningful contribution, their impact will naturally be noticed. It is a belief that often is born from integrity, modesty and a strong work ethic, sometimes from cultural norms, yet as you move towards more senior levels, this belief can quietly hold you back. In this episode, I explore why great work is not always the same as visible impact, and why taking responsibility for your positioning is not about ego, arrogance or self-promotion. This is a challenge I see often with high-performing experienced professionals. You could be solving problems before they escalate, joining the dots across complexity, influencing behind the scenes, and using your skills to move projects forward. Yet much of that contribution can remain invisible, especially to stakeholders outside your immediate team. If you are preparing for your next promotion, stepping into a broader leadership role or aiming to be seen as more strategic, waiting to be noticed is not a strategy, visibility and positioning are both key. What you will learn in this episode:
This episode is especially relevant if you are capable but unseen, experienced but still doubting yourself, or wondering why your hard work is not creating the career momentum you hoped for. This is an important reminder that excellence needs to be visible in the right rooms, how much of your real value could sit in the work others never see, and how your hard work could need translating into visible leadership impact. Where are you still hoping your work will speak for itself? What value are you creating that people may not fully see yet? How could you make your thinking and contribution more visible this week? Resources:
Watch the video of this Episode here:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 194 - How does storytelling travel across cultures? with Ned Legaspi | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:33:08 | |
What helps a story travel across cultures? In global organisations influenced by Western communication styles, leaders often rely heavily on data, logic, evidence and carefully structured presentations to create impact. Those things matter, but they are rarely what people remember most. What people take away is the meaning they attach to your messages, and in leadership, storytelling shapes how you build trust, make ideas memorable, influence stakeholders, communicate change and help people connect with a shared purpose. Yet a story that resonates in one cultural context may not land in another if the references, humour, metaphors, assumptions or emotional signals do not translate, even if you are communicating within one organisation. In this conversation with Ned Legaspi, cultural intelligence educator, author and former media executive from the Philippines, we explore why storytelling has become such an important leadership communication skill, especially for professionals working across cultures, markets and diverse teams. Ned brings over 30 years of experience in storytelling and cross-cultural communication, including senior media leadership experience and teaching communication. He is the author of Culturally Intelligent Storytelling for Southeast Asian Creators and a CQ Fellow. Together, we explore universal human themes, but why cultural translation is vital if your stories are to land. Hope, loss, family and belonging may be universal human experiences, but the way they are expressed, interpreted and emotionally received is deeply shaped by culture. Ned shares his Bamboo Framework as a practical way to think about culturally intelligent storytelling for leaders, and has clear relevance for global professionals who need their ideas to connect across cultural boundaries. Ultimately, storytelling is about audience awareness, cultural adaptation and the ability to communicate meaning in a way others can recognise and trust. What you will learn in this episode:
This conversation offers a great reminder that global influence is about understanding the cultural context in which your message lands and shows why culturally adjusted storytelling can help you connect, build trust, and make your ideas memorable. How culturally adaptable are the stories you tell? What idioms, humour, or metaphors could be limiting how your message lands across cultures? Resources:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 193 - Neuroinclusive communication in the Workplace with Sara Bagheri | 14 Aug 2026 | 00:37:42 | |
What does neuroinclusive communication look like at work? Many leaders want to create inclusive teams, but do not always know what that means in everyday interactions and communication in meetings and conversations. It is one thing to value difference in principle, but another to understand how communication styles, meeting structures, sensory needs, processing time and psychological safety can be shaped so people feel able to speak and truly contribute. In this conversation with Sara Bagheri, Communication and Voice Consultant, we explore the intersection between communication and neuroinclusion, with a particular focus on ADHD in the workplace. Sara holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Voice Therapy and works with professionals and organisations to transform how they communicate in speaking environments such as panels, conferences, podcasts and high-stakes interviews. Together, we explore why neurodiversity is part of the wider human experience of how our brains process information, behaviour and communication differently. Sara shares how ADHD may show up in workplace communication and how behaviours can be misinterpreted. This conversation connects closely to Cultural Intelligence because both require us to question assumptions. Whether we are working across cultures, languages, generations or neurotypes, leaders need to ask- whose communication style is being rewarded, whose voice is being missed, and what conditions allow more people to contribute their ideas? Sara's insights and strategies are a valuable reminder that inclusive communication benefits everyone, and improves clarity, participation and psychological safety for the whole team. What you will learn in this episode:
This conversation is ultimately about creating workplaces where individuals have the space to communicate, contribute or lead in their own way. For leaders, this means becoming more aware of your own communication preferences, noticing the styles you may unconsciously reward, and creating spaces where different people can participate without having to mask, over-adapt or exhaust themselves to fit in. What assumptions could you be making about a team member's communication style? Whose voice is missing from your meetings? Resources:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 192 - Are you outsourcing your judgement to AI? with Rahim Hirji | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:43:06 | |
What happens to human judgement with AI? Many of you I am sure are being encouraged to use AI more, embed it fully and become even more productive. Yet there is a deeper question sitting underneath the flurry of activity and hype: are we simply outsourcing the very human skills that make us so valuable? In this conversation with Rahim Hirji, author of 'SuperSkills: The Seven Human Skills for the Age of AI' and keynote speaker on AI and human capability, we explore the specific skills to focus on as AI becomes increasingly enmeshed in our work and lives. He shares a powerful leadership tension that AI can help us move faster, but it can also quietly, and without us even noticing, weaken our judgement as we forget where our own thinking begins and ends in 'algorithmic drift', those moments when we slowly hand over our agency. This conversation is not anti-AI, in fact, Rahim talks clearly about being both pro-human and pro-AI, and argues that the real opportunity is to develop an augmented mindset, knowing when to use AI, when not to use it, and where the human needs to remain firmly in the process. Rahim co-founded the skills platform EtonX, led international growth at Quizlet across more than 60 countries, and his SuperSkills research spans more than 200 organisations in over 30 countries. He also writes 'Box of Amazing', a weekly briefing on AI, technology and human capability read by more than 25,000 leaders. What you will learn in this episode:
Where in your work are you already outsourcing more judgement to AI than you realise? How often do you pause to consider how to answer your questions, and if AI is the right channel? Resources:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 191 - The Hidden Alignment Problem in Teams | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:22:27 | |
What if the reason your assignment is stuck is that there is a lack of alignment on the issue? I speak regularly with professionals who are under constant pressure to move at pace, demonstrate progress and deliver tangible and visible solutions. Yet in that rush to act, teams can easily jump into solutions before they have properly aligned on the problem they are trying to solve. In this podcast episode, I explore why better answers start with better questions, and why problem alignment is often skipped in the move to create momentum. I look at what happens when key decision-makers appear to be discussing the same mission, but are actually working from very different assumptions about its purpose and measure of success. And this is not just a delivery issue because when stakeholders are not aligned on the problem, time is wasted, frustration builds and the team can feel as if they are looping backwards to initial phases which they thought they had completed. This becomes even more complex in global and diverse teams, where different behavioural preferences, communication styles and cultural norms can influence how people define problems in the first place, express disagreement, manage risk, and their bias for action. What you will learn in this episode:
Where might you be jumping into solutions before agreeing on the problem? How could cultural intelligence help you notice the hidden misalignment before it becomes an issue? Resources:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 190 - Encouragement is Where Courage Begins with Helen Gibson MBE | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:31:44 | |
What happens when encouragement becomes a leadership capability, not just a nice thing to do? According to Helen Gibson MBE, encouragement is not soft or superficial, it is where we get our courage from. Many leaders and ambitious professionals are navigating what Helen calls 'the porridge (oatmeal) of life', those thick, heavy moments where progress feels slow, energy is low, you're losing momentum, and the way forward is not always clear. In complex organisations and uncertain times, this can show up as pressure, decision fatigue, or simply feeling stuck. This is when encouragement is needed, as something we can practise, notice, capture and offer to others, not just receive. In this conversation with Helen Gibson MBE, award-winning global entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, coach, international business leadership expert and author of 'Go for Goosebumps', we explore how encouragement can help individuals, teams and organisations move forward through difficult moments. Helen's leadership experience spans complex transformation programmes for governments around the world, including counter-terrorism, corruption, cybercrime, health crises and justice reform. As the former CEO of her family business, she led values-driven frontline change across nearly 30 countries for clients including the UK Government, the NHS, the EU and the United Nations. Recognised with an MBE for services to international trade, Helen brings deep experience in resilience, international business, women in leadership and meaningful change. What you will learn in this episode:
Where are you currently walking through 'the porridge of life'? What signs of encouragement might you be missing? How could you encourage someone else this week? Resources:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 189 - The Hidden Reality of Senior Leadership | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:23:42 | |
What happens when senior leaders have the conversations they rarely get to have? Many senior leaders carry questions, pressures and responsibilities that are not always visible from the outside. They may be managing organisational change, complex teams, at the same time as personal and family commitments and challenges. While they juggle difficult decisions, there is the pressure to appear composed, even when they are working things out themselves. In this podcast episode, I share my reflections and observations from my first senior leader dinner, a confidential and intimate evening for women leaders to come together, put job titles and organisations aside, and have a different kind of conversation about the realities of leadership today. This was not a networking evening, a general catch up, or even a formal leadership event. It was a space for honest conversation, good food, peer connection and deeper thinking in a very special experience. Respecting the confidentiality of the room, I draw on the broad themes that emerged from the dinner, exploring why leadership and life are not separate conversations, why senior leaders need trusted spaces to share, and how behaviours, language and signalling can shape the culture experienced by the people they lead. What you will learn in this episode:
Where do you currently go to have open conversations about the realities of your leadership? What are you carrying as a leader that is invisible to others? Resources:
Read this Episode's Blog post here:
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| 188 - Leadership is an Apprenticeship with Helen Brocklebank | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:33:24 | |
What does it take to grow into leadership? Leadership can look impressive from the title, but the reality is often far more complex. It can mean making decisions without having all the insight, shouldering responsibility without certainty, holding competing stakeholder needs, and recognising when the path you once wanted is no longer the right one. In this conversation with Helen Brocklebank, Chief Executive of Walpole, the sector body for the UK's leading luxury brands, we explore leadership as an evolving apprenticeship rather than the end goal or title you finally achieve. Since becoming Chief Executive in 2017, Helen has led significant growth and transformation, strengthening Walpole's advocacy, sustainability leadership and industry influence. She spearheaded the British Luxury Sustainability Manifesto, and serves on the Board of the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Women in Business Committee. Helen shares openly how a long-held ambition to run her own business ultimately taught her that success on paper does not always mean alignment in practice. That experience became a pivotal moment in understanding her values, strengths and the kind of leadership role in which she could make her greatest contribution. Together, we explore why leadership starts with knowing yourself, why physical strength, creativity and cultural curiosity can support better decision-making, and why listening is the essential first step in communication, storytelling and stakeholder influence. A core thought that emerged from this conversation- every role, relationship and difficult experience can become part of your leadership apprenticeship if you are willing to notice what it is teaching you. What you will learn in this episode:
What is your current role teaching you as part of your 'leadership apprenticeship'? Resources:
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| 187 - Creating Clarity in Uncertainty | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:23:02 | |
What happens when leaders can no longer offer certainty? Many professionals I speak to are navigating continuous waves of change with organisational restructures, constantly shifting priorities, AI changing ways of working, economic uncertainty and changing customer expectations all part of everyday working life. For many, it feels less like steering towards a destination on the high waves, constantly adjusting course, with no chance of calm seas. In this podcast episode, I explore one of the biggest questions that I hear emerging: how do leaders create certainty for their teams when nobody can confidently predict what comes next? As teams adapt to permanent change, leadership itself is changing too. The old expectation that leaders should always have the answers is not realistic. Drawing on reflections from the recent CIPD Festival of Work conference, conversations with senior leaders and my own coaching work, I explore why your clarity has become one of the most important leadership skills in uncertain times. What you will learn in this episode:
How can you create greater clarity for your team this week? Resources:
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| 186 - Finding Your Voice with Gill McKay | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:31:01 | |
What does it mean to find your voice? Your ability to communicate confidently, influence others and share your perspective has never been more important, yet finding your voice is far more than about being a confident public speaker. It is about recognising the value of your contribution and having the confidence to share it. In this empowering conversation with Gill McKay, award-winning TEDx speaker, author and speaker coach, we explore what it means to find your voice and why so many people struggle to do so, and end up 'staying small'. With a background in neuroscience, Gill has helped hundreds of people overcome their imposter syndrome to share their ideas and stories with greater impact. She is passionate about helping people recognise that their views and messages matter, and that they can create an impetus for change through sharing their voice. Together, we explore the internal narratives that cause people to play small, the impact of dominant voices in teams, and why curiosity, confidence and a reframe on service can help people move beyond fear and self-doubt. Gill's message rings clear- your voice matters. What you will learn in this episode:
Where might you be holding back a perspective that could add value? Resources:
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| 185 - Why being Heard Starts Before you Enter the Room | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:22:02 | |
What if being heard was not about speaking more? Many professionals I work with tell me they want to be more vocal in meetings, contribute with greater confidence, and ensure their ideas are recognised. Yet beneath those goals often sits a deeper challenge. It is not a lack of expertise, experience or valuable ideas. It is the hesitation, the overthinking and the fear of judgement, and even the question of whether their perspective is good enough to share. This is the uncertainty that comes before your contribution ever surfaces. Maybe you recognise this too? In this podcast episode, I explore why being heard starts long before you enter the meeting room. We look at what creates the opportunity for others to listen to you, and why waiting for permission, certainty, or the perfect moment may be holding you back more than you realise. This is a simple but powerful shift- being heard is not about speaking more. It is about recognising the value of your contribution, trusting yourself to make it, and crafting your own conditions for your voice to have impact. What you will learn in this episode:
One of the strongest themes throughout this episode is that many professionals are already capable, experienced and knowledgeable enough to credibly share their ideas. The challenge is not capability, but permission, specifically the permission we do or do not give ourselves. Ultimately, being heard is not about waiting for the perfect moment, it is about trusting yourself enough to create it. What valuable perspective, idea or challenge might your team be missing if you remain silent? Resources:
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| 184 - Pushing through is not resilience, with Julian Roberts | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:37:45 | |
What does resilience really look like? I meet many professionals today who are navigating wave after wave of change: Reorganisations, shifting priorities, business uncertainty, technological disruption and growing pressure to do more with less have become familiar features of organisational life. Yet while resilience is frequently talked about, it is often misunderstood. In this conversation with Julian Roberts, executive coach, author and host of the Helping Organisations Thrive podcast, we explore what resilience really means for leaders and teams operating in increasingly fragmented environments. After a 20-year career in senior roles at global organisations including Heinz, Yoplait and Johnson & Johnson, Julian founded Julian Roberts Consulting, specialising in helping leaders and teams thrive under pressure. He is the creator of the Team Resilience Diagnostic Tool and author of Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams. Together, we discuss why resilience is not about simply pushing through adversity, why 'grit' can sometimes become counterproductive, and how leaders can create the conditions for individuals and teams to navigate uncertainty more effectively. At the heart of this conversation is an important shift in perspective. Resilience is not a fixed trait that some people possess and others lack. It is a capability that can be developed, strengthened and intentionally cultivated, both individually and collectively. What you will learn in this episode:
One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is that resilience is not about individual toughness. Many organisations focus on helping individuals become more resilient, but resilient teams are created through something different. Purpose, trust, psychological safety, challenge, diverse perspectives and strong relationships all play a role in helping teams perform well under pressure. Ultimately, resilience is not about avoiding storms, it is about developing the capability to navigate them with greater clarity, adaptability and confidence. When faced with uncertainty, do you tend to push through harder, or create space to learn, reflect and adapt? What practices could help you strengthen your own resilience and support the resilience of those around you? Resources:
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| 183 - Why Challenging Conversations Are Rarely About The Communication | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:22:20 | |
When people talk about challenging conversations, most assume the difficulty lies in what needs to be said. Yet in my experience, whether working with senior leaders, high-potential professionals or global teams, the real challenge often begins long before the conversation starts. Recently, while leading a workshop for a women's leadership network, I was struck by the types of conversations participants described as challenging. They were not primarily about conflict, disagreement or confrontation, instead, they centred on accountability, role clarity, priorities, influence and managing without authority. This episode explores a powerful reframe: what if challenging conversations are not fundamentally a communication problem, but a confidence, clarity and self-leadership challenge? We explore what sits beneath difficult workplace conversations and why planning how you will engage in them often matters more than the words themselves. At the heart of this episode is a simple but important insight- challenging conversations become easier when we stop focusing solely on what we want to say and start paying greater attention to how we lead ourselves before we enter the room. What you will learn in this episode:
What challenging conversation are you currently avoiding, and what might be sitting underneath that hesitation? Are you entering difficult conversations focused on your position, or focused on understanding the broader goal? What would change if you approached your next challenging conversation with greater curiosity rather than certainty? Resources
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| 182 - Generationally speaking: generations at work with Alastair Greener | 29 May 2026 | 00:35:50 | |
How can you communicate, collaborate and build trust across generations at work? This episode addresses this leadership challenge that many organisations are quietly navigating, but not always naming clearly. As workplaces become more complex, AI accelerates change, and expectations around leadership evolve, generational differences can easily become a source of misunderstanding, frustration or missed opportunity. Yet beneath the stereotypes about Gen Z, Millennials or Gen X, there is a much more nuanced conversation to have about identity, experience, communication and human connection. In this conversation with Alastair Greener, generational communication expert, founder of Present Yourself communications training, event MC, moderator, and current President of the Professional Speaking Association, we explore what really shapes generational behaviours. We examine why curiosity, not judgement, may be one of the most important leadership capabilities for the future. Alastair has worked in communications for over 30 years, with a background in TV presenting and performance, and helps organisations create stronger relationships and more cohesive workplaces through effective generational communication. His recently published book, Generationally Speaking, explores how generations communicate and what organisations need to understand to bridge differences more effectively. At the heart of this conversation is an important reminder: generational tensions are rarely only about age. They are often about expectations, upbringing, context, communication styles and the environments leaders create around people. What you will learn in this episode:
One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is the tension between stereotypes and understanding. It is easy to describe generations with labels, but these don't help us build stronger relationships. Instead, understanding comes from asking better questions and recognising the wider influences shaping how people communicate and behave. Where might assumptions about generations be influencing how you communicate with your team? Resources:
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| 181 - The Visibility Gap: Why High Performers still get Overlooked | 22 May 2026 | 00:26:26 | |
What happens when you are already doing great work, but the right people still are not fully seeing it? In this episode, I explore a challenge that I am seeing come up repeatedly when working with ambitious professionals and established leaders alike- the visibility gap. Some professionals I meet are high performers, consistently exceeding expectations and aiming for promotion, yet others continue to make progress ahead of them. Some are already operating strategically behind the scenes- influencing decisions, connecting the dots and adding real value, but are still being perceived as support, rather than leadership. At the heart of both situations is the same challenge- strategic visibility. This episode explores why visibility matters, even if you are already high performing, and how to move from being overlooked to being intentionally recognised for the value you bring- clearly communicating your positioning, impact and contribution so others understand the difference you make. What you will learn:
One of the most important ideas in this episode is that visibility is not about doing more work. In fact, many professionals I meet are already delivering at an exceptionally high level. The challenge is that their impact is not always fully understood or communicated. If you do not intentionally position yourself, others will do it for you- your reputation already exists, whether you actively shape it or not. Are you currently experiencing a visibility gap? Who are the key people who need to better understand your value and impact? What is one action you could take this week to make your contribution more visible? Resources:
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| 180 - Leading Across Difference with Trisha Carter | 15 May 2026 | 00:37:10 | |
What does it really take to lead effectively across difference? In this conversation with Trisha Carter, organisational psychologist, CQ Fellow and host of The Shift podcast, we explore why Cultural Intelligence has become such an essential leadership capability in today's global and complex world. As we discussed, many workplace frustrations are universal- teams experience friction around communication styles, hierarchy, decision-making, risk, belonging and leadership expectations. These tensions can create misunderstanding, emotional strain and disconnection if they are not navigated effectively. Trisha shares a practical and human perspective on Cultural Intelligence, explaining why it is not about memorising cultural rules or stereotypes, but instead developing the capability to work effectively with people who are different to you. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder that Cultural Intelligence is not fixed. It is a capability that can be developed through curiosity, reflection, awareness and adaptability. What you will learn:
This conversation is ultimately one of optimism. Despite growing division in many parts of society, there are also more leaders, organisations and practitioners actively working to build understanding, connection and inclusion. How comfortable are you working with people who think, communicate or lead differently to you? Are you relying too heavily on historical cultural knowledge and experience, rather than ongoing curiosity and reflection? Resources:
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| 179 - Networking: From Transactional to Genuine Connection | 08 May 2026 | 00:24:39 | |
Networking is something many people feel they should be doing more of. Whether it is for career progression, business growth, or visibility, it often comes with a sense of obligation. And when it feels like that, it becomes transactional, uncomfortable, and ultimately ineffective. In this episode, I share insights and explore how to shift your approach, from short-term, transactional networking to something more meaningful, relational, and genuinely impactful, because in today's interconnected, global environment, your ability to connect is not only useful, it is a leadership capability. What You Will Learn:
What intention could you set before your next networking conversation? How do you want people to experience you when you connect? What is one action you can take after your next interaction to build the relationship further? Next Steps: If you want to deepen your ability to build meaningful connection as a leader, this is a core part of my work helping professionals with Global Leadership Communication. You can explore this further in my book, Become a Global Leader, where in the Connection pillar, I share practical strategies to build trust and relationships. And as always, I would love to hear from you- what is one shift you are going to make in your networking approach? Reach out and continue the conversation with me on LinkedIn. Resources:
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| 178 - Unique is Better than Better, Impactful Communication with Andrea Wojnicki | 01 May 2026 | 00:32:17 | |
What does it really mean to communicate with impact? In this conversation with Andrea Wojnicki, executive communication coach and Harvard Business School PhD, we look at a topic that sits at the heart of leadership- how you communicate in a way that influences others, builds credibility and ultimately drives results. As we explored, impact is not about speaking more, but helping others think differently or take action. Whether that is contributing in a meeting, influencing a decision, or progressing your career, your communication is a critical lever. Andrea shares a clear and practical framework to understand how impact is built, and importantly, where most leaders get stuck. At the centre of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea- impact is not the starting point, it is the outcome of building strong foundations. What you will learn:
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is that many leaders are trying to jump straight to impact, without strengthening the layers beneath it. Strong communication foundations build confidence. Confidence strengthens how others perceive your credibility. Credibility then enables you to have real impact. Another important shift is moving away from trying to be a 'better' communicator and instead focusing on being 'distinct'. Your accent, your background and your experiences are not limitations, they are part of your value. And finally, effective communication is not about saying more. In fact, at senior levels, it is often about saying less, but with greater clarity and precision. Are you trying to sound like someone else, or are you leaning into what makes you unique? How confident do you feel introducing yourself? What is one way you could simplify and sharpen your communication this week? Resources:
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| 177 - The Confidence Journey: How Leaders Thrive in Uncertain Times | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:27:46 | |
Confidence is the number one challenge I am hearing from leaders right now. Whether you are stepping into your next role, leading in complexity, or already operating at a senior level, there are moments where self-doubt creeps in. And in today's environment, with constant change, pressure and uncertainty, that challenge is only increasing. In this episode, I share a practical and honest perspective on leadership confidence. Not as something you either have or do not have, but as something you build through action. I explore the misconceptions that hold leaders back, why confidence often feels elusive, and what you can actually control. Most importantly, I introduce a simple framework to help you strengthen your confidence in a way that is grounded, practical and sustainable. This is about moving forward despite the doubt, not waiting for confidence to appear first. What you will learn:
Are you waiting to feel confident before taking action, or moving forward despite the doubt? How clearly have you defined your leadership identity and strengths? What actions are you taking to build your confidence? If this resonates, start with one part of the framework. Focus on your leadership identity, your clarity of direction, or your leadership energy and actions. Choose one and begin there. And if confidence is something you want to explore more deeply, this is the theme of the next Leadership Breakfast I am hosting in London. This is a confidential space for leaders to reflect, share and gain clarity together on confidence actions. If you would like to be part of that invitation list, message me on LinkedIn and I will share more details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Resources:
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| 176 - The Meeting Mistakes that are Slowing you Down, with Mamie Kanfer Stewart | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:37:37 | |
Why aren't your meetings working? I know so many professionals I meet feel stuck in too many meetings that take too much time, that create debate and frustration, and still don't get to action and move things forward. In this latest podcast episode, I'm joined by Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast, author, executive coach and trainer who helps professionals successfully manage themselves and their teams, so everyone can be their best selves and do their best work. Mamie brings a clear and practical perspective on why meetings often don't work, and what to do differently, including defining the meeting purpose, one of the biggest mistakes leaders make in meetings, and how to reset the meeting culture. Mamie is passionate about helping people thrive at work, and this highly practical conversation is for anyone who wants meetings to feel less draining and far more productive. What you will learn:
Are you clear on the desired outcome for each of your meetings? What expectations around meetings are assumed in your team rather than made explicit? How often do your meetings end with genuine clarity on who is doing what by when? Resources:
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| 175 - Who Should Adapt? Rethinking Cultural Intelligence in Teams | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:20:38 | |
In this episode, I explore a question that comes up repeatedly in my work with global, cross-cultural teams and leaders- who should adapt? It is a deceptively simple question, but one that sits at the heart of how teams collaborate, communicate and ultimately perform. When this is unclear, it creates friction, slows progress and can even stop teams from doing their best work. Some assume that the new person should adapt, or that everyone should adapt equally, or that people should simply be authentically themselves. In reality, none of these approaches fully work. The shift is not about deciding who adapts, it is about asking a better question: How do we work smarter together? This requires moving from assumptions to intentions. It means making the invisible visible, being explicit about how you want to work, communicate and collaborate as a team to create momentum. In this latest episode, I share a practical framework based on cultural intelligence to help you do exactly that, from understanding why it matters, to diagnosing differences, to creating clear ways of working and putting them into action. Because the most effective teams do not leave this to chance, they design it intentionally. What you will learn:
When have you felt expected to adapt in a new environment, and how did that feel? Where might assumptions about adaptation be creating friction in your team today? Have you explicitly discussed how your team works together, or are you relying on assumptions? If this is a challenge you are navigating right now, do not leave it to chance. Start the conversation with your team and define how you want to work together. Test it, refine it, and make it part of how you operate. If you would like support in applying this through a cultural intelligence lens, I would love to explore this with you and your team- message me on LinkedIn or book a clarity call via the link below. Resources:
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| 174 - Storytelling in Leadership, with Yarona Boster | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:31:12 | |
In this episode, I'm joined by Yarona Boster to explore a topic many leaders ask about- how to speak in a way that truly engages and connects. We often think it is about saying more, adding more detail, or sharing all that we know. In reality, it is the opposite. The most effective communicators are not focused on what they want to say, but on what their audience needs to hear. We explore why storytelling is such a powerful leadership tool to create connection, clarity and understanding. From one-to-one conversations to large presentations, the principle remains the same. Start with the listener, not yourself. Yarona shares her perspectives on how to use storytelling in a way that feels natural and relevant. This includes using simple examples, universal experiences and metaphors, rather than long personal stories. Yarona Boster is an Advanced Certified Life Coach, Certified Speaker Coach, TEDx speaker, TEDx event moderator, and 2x international best-selling author with nearly 2 decades in human development, psychology and coaching. She helps people craft emotionally resonant messages for world stages, and empowers people to lead and connect with empathy, resilience, and purpose through transformative communication. What you'll learn
When you communicate, are you focusing more on your message or your audience? Where could you use curiosity to engage your audience more effectively? Resources:
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| 173 - Trust: The True Currency of Leadership with Michael Noonan | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:35:14 | |
In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Michael Noonan, a technology leader with deep experience in developing high-performing teams, and scaling global teams across organisations, including Microsoft, Visa, Capita and IBM. Michael shares practical lessons from a leadership journey that has spanned continents, cultures and thousands of team members. We explore what it truly takes to lead across cultures, build trust and belonging in large organisations, and develop the human leadership needed in a world that is changing rapidly through technology, AI and global uncertainty. One of the key themes in our conversation is trust, creating the conditions where people can thrive. Michael describes trust as the true currency of leadership, and explains why leaders must focus on creating environments where people feel safe, heard and able to do their best work. We also explore how leaders can remove friction from the workplace, support individuals as whole people, and encourage curiosity and adaptability as organisations navigate the evolving world of work. What you will learn:
What practical steps could you take to create more belonging in your team? Where might there be friction in your team that is preventing people from doing their best work? How are you encouraging curiosity, learning and adaptability in yourself and others? Resources:
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| 172 - Leadership is Lonely- Reflections from the Leadership Breakfast | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:19:31 | |
As I approach my 11-year anniversary in business, I find myself pausing to reflect. Not only on the milestones, but also on what I am hearing consistently across my conversations with aspiring and current leaders. The reality is that leadership can feel lonely. There are questions you cannot easily share in your organisation with peers or a line manager, and situations that feel too complex or personal to navigate alone. It is challenging to find the space and time to gain true clarity by yourself. This reflection was brought to life in my first Leadership Breakfast in London last week. Nine leaders from different industries and cultures came together around a table, not for networking or presentations, but for something far more valuable- space to think and shared conversation to connect and inspire. What stood out most is that clarity is not easy to find when you are constantly in delivery mode. Most leaders are moving from meeting to meeting, making decisions under pressure, often reacting rather than responding thoughtfully. And yet, when given the space, something shifts. Clarity rarely comes from thinking alone. It comes through conversation- through testing ideas, hearing different perspectives and ideas. This is why I created the Leadership Breakfast. A space for quality conversation, collective thinking and real clarity. What you will learn:
Where is clarity currently missing in your leadership? Who are you having honest, high-quality conversations with? How are you creating space to reflect, rather than constantly reacting to your to-do list? If this resonates, I invite you to take action. I am creating the next Leadership Breakfasts in London- small, confidential spaces designed to help leaders to have honest conversations about leadership challenges and realities, and have conversations to connect and inspire. If you would like to be part of the invite list, or explore bringing this idea to your country and city, message me on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Resources:
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| 171 - Reset Your Confidence in Seconds with Dr Cindra Kamphoff | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:33:48 | |
Confidence is one of the most important, and often misunderstood, drivers of performance in leadership and organisations. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, certified mental performance coach, keynote speaker and author, who works with elite athletes and business leaders. Drawing on her new research study on confidence, she shares why confidence is not a fixed trait, but a skill that can be developed, and why it matters far more to organisational performance than many leaders realise. The research reveals that employee confidence directly affects productivity, innovation, culture and even revenue. When confidence is low, organisations experience higher stress, greater turnover and reduced performance. Yet when confidence is actively developed, leaders see stronger decision making, better collaboration, higher retention and improved results. We also explore why many high achievers struggle with overthinking and self-doubt, and how leaders can avoid common confidence killers such as micromanagement, lack of recognition and cultures driven by fear rather than psychological safety. Cindra shares a practical tool used with elite athletes and executives alike, the' Learn, Burn, Return' method, which helps individuals move quickly beyond mistakes, protect their confidence and refocus on the present moment where performance actually happens. Confidence is not simply a personal development topic, it is a leadership responsibility and a competitive advantage. This episode will help you rethink how confidence is built, protected and encouraged, both for yourself and the people around you. Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is an award-winning keynote speaker and certified mental performance coach for leaders, athletes, and championship teams. She speaks on the topic of peak performance and how to be your best even more often. She is the author of an Amazon bestseller, Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performance Edge and the corresponding workbook. What You Will Learn:
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| 170 - Give to Gain: Recognise & Value What Women Give Every Day | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:20:44 | |
What are women already giving in leadership, often invisibly, and what do organisations gain as a result? Give to Gain- as we approach International Women's Day 2026, with this theme, I wanted to bring a slightly different perspective. Rather than focusing only on how we give more support to women, this episode reframes the conversation. I want to shine a light on what women already give every single day through their human capabilities, and what teams and organisations gain when those contributions are made visible, acknowledged and valued. In a world accelerating through AI, technological change and performance pressure, the real differentiator is not purely technical- it is human. These are not soft skills- they are commercial and leadership skills, which many women are already strong in, often without the recognition they deserve. This episode explores how making these capabilities visible can shift narratives around leadership, gender and performance, and why acknowledging what women already give is essential for teams and organisations to truly gain. What You Will Learn:
Acknowledge the human capabilities already present in your team- make them visible, celebrate them publicly, speak about them as performance drivers, not personality traits. If you are a leader, ask yourself how you are recognising and valuing confidence, clarity, connection and emotional intelligence. And if you would like to explore these human capabilities in more depth, you can find them at the heart of my book, 'Become a Global Leader', link below. Give to Gain is not about asking women to give more. It is about recognising what is already being given, and understanding just how much we gain as a result. Resources:
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| 169 - From Self-doubt to Self-trust- GRASP Confidence with Tara LaFon Gooch | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:37:07 | |
You might look at other people and see them as confident, but despite your experience and successes, you still doubt yourself at times. In this conversation with Tara LaFon Gooch, 2X bestselling author and TEDx speaker, she shares her perspective - confidence is not a personality trait, it is a practice. It is not something you are born with, it is something you build. We explore why so many capable leaders chase success, when in fact, success is the byproduct of confidence. When confidence increases, competence is perceived to increase, trust strengthens and opportunities follow. This is not about projecting arrogance. It is about building self-trust. If confidence has ever felt elusive to you, this episode will give you practical ways to start. What You Will Learn:
Confidence is not for everyone else. It is available for you too. Tara LaFon Gooch, MBA, is the CEO of Best Branding Solutions, a 2X bestselling author, international TEDx speaker, and host of the GRASP Confidence podcast, a top-ranked personal development show for leaders and high performers. Known for her GRASP Method (Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, Purpose), Tara helps leaders, speakers, and entrepreneurs build authentic confidence, expand their influence, and step boldly into their purpose. Resources:
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| 168 - When Conflict Escalates, The Spiral of Disempowerment™ | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:18:35 | |
Conflict happens. What matters is how we interpret it and how we respond. In this podcast episode, I share a powerful tool I experienced recently in training with Chloe O'Sullivan from War to Peace, that completely shifted how I think about disagreement, tension and challenging conversations. The Spiral of Disempowerment™ offers a clear, practical framework to separate observable facts from assumptions, and to recognise the role we can play in maintaining conflict. In global teams, where cultural dynamics shape how we interpret behaviour, this distinction becomes even more critical. We often move from facts to meaning at speed, and that interpretation drives our reactions. Those reactions then influence how others perceive us, creating a loop that is hard to break. This episode walks you step by step through the four stages of The Spiral of Disempowerment™ and invites you to apply it to a real situation you are currently facing. In this episode, you will learn:
When we focus only on what others are doing and how they are acting, the spiral continues as we continue to react. When we focus on what we can control, our perception and our response, the dynamic shifts. Reflection questions
Download the The Spiral of Disempowerment™ tool below and apply it to a live situation. If this episode resonates, I would genuinely love to hear what you discover. Message me on LinkedIn and share your reflections. Resources:
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| 167 - Cultural Intelligence, From Knowledge to Action, with Lucy Butters | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:31:09 | |
In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Lucy Butters, a Master Facilitator with the Cultural Intelligence Centre, a CQ Fellow- an elite CQ certification, and the author of the recently published 'Cultural Intelligence in Practi Lucy shares why adaptation and self-awareness matter as much as what you know. We talk about listening as a core leadership skill, how identity and culture shape who gets heard, and why silence, pace and the way we respond all carry meaning. Plus, why the rapid growth of AI makes Cultural Intelligence more important, not less. Lucy Butters has been working to support organisations to be more inclusive and internationally effective since founding her training and coaching company Elembee Ltd in 2010. A CIPD qualified trainer, one of Lucy's passions is working with trainers and facilitators to develop and enhance their training CQ capability. Lucy lives in Glasgow with her husband and as parents of triplet sons, they are frequently reminded of the need to adjust thinking, actions and expectations. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you want to deepen your understanding, Lucy's book offers practical insights from experts around the world. Resources:
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| 166 - Hidden Influence, How to Unlock Progress Without Pushing Harder | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:23:38 | |
Hidden influence - why it is often the missing piece when projects stall, decisions loop and stakeholder meetings go nowhere. This latest podcast episode was prompted by real conversations with clients who were doing all the right things in theory- scheduling update meetings, sharing information, seeking decisions, yet progress kept slowing down. What sat underneath was a lack of strategic influence beyond the meeting room. Hidden influence is not about doing things covertly or politically. At its core, it is about connection, trust and understanding what really drives decision-making before you ever ask for a 'yes'. I break down how to identify who truly influences outcomes, how to build the right relationships early, and how slowing down at the start can help you move faster later on. You'll learn:
Key reflection questions:
If you want to go deeper into the topic of influence, this is explored in more detail in my book Become a Global Leader, including the Influence Matrix and my Six Frames of Influence. Resources:
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| 165 - Finding Your Purpose on Your Journey With Amy Rowlinson | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:38:29 | |
Many capable, successful professionals are delivering results, staying busy and doing what is expected of them, yet quietly running on autopilot. Everything looks fine on the surface, but something feels misaligned. In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Amy Rowlinson, purpose and fulfilment coach, and author of Focus on Why, to explore why purpose is not something you discover one day, but something you actively create through your values, choices and priorities. We talk about how easily leaders slip into momentum mode, responding to obligations rather than intention, and what happens when that way of working starts to break down. Amy shares her own turning point and why burnout became a catalyst for reassessing what really mattered, not from crisis, but from clarity. Amy helps individuals and organisations live and work with purpose, clarity and deeper meaning, guiding people to align their values with their actions to create living legacies. This is a practical conversation about purpose as a core part of self-leadership, and how reconnecting with it changes how you decide, prioritise and lead. In this episode, you'll learn:
Reflection questions
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| 164 - Avoiding Cultural Pitfalls: 5 Mistakes Leaders Make | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:22:30 | |
What are the five most common cultural mistakes that leaders often make when managing diverse, multicultural teams? Drawing from my experience working with organisations and teams in Cultural Intelligence, I share the common cultural mistakes, and how these can lead to miscommunication, frustration, and even project failures. I go on to explore how to reframe these to be successful in your ways of working globally, highlighting the need to adapt for better collaboration and innovation within your teams. Learn in this episode:
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| 163 - Ego in Leadership with Mary Gregory | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:34:16 | |
In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Executive Leadership Coach, and author Mary Gregory, who specialises in human-centred leadership, confidence and gender equity. Together, we explore ego as a human defence system rather than a flaw, and how fear often sits behind leadership behaviours such as people pleasing, control and self-doubt. We look at how ego shows up differently for women, why many capable leaders hold themselves back, and what it takes to speak up and be heard without losing authenticity or falling into performative confidence. Our conversation also examines how culture, conditioning and gender dynamics shape behaviour at work, why curiosity matters more than judgement in global and diverse teams, and why confidence is not fixed but something that ebbs and flows. We reflect on why leadership grounded in self-awareness, inclusion and humanity will be increasingly essential. Mary's purpose is to create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their talent fully. Her work integrates deep psychological insight with practical leadership tools, enabling her clients to expand their thinking, navigate ego and conditioning, and take courageous, positive action. What you'll learn
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| 162 - 2026 Kick-Start: Clarity, Momentum & Bold Action | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:17:33 | |
Welcome to the first podcast episode of 2026, and we are starting with how we mean to continue with bold action. This episode is about momentum, clarity and creating a fast, intentional start to the year. This is your invitation to move from thinking to actively working and delivering on your leadership goals. Drawing on chapter one of my bestselling book, Become a Global Leader, I guide you through a series of practical exercises designed to help you think bigger, get clearer on what you want, and move from reflection into bold action. If you want to have greater impact this year, this episode will help you move beyond safe, short-term goals and reconnect you with the leadership future you dream of. We cover:
Your next steps If you want support turning this reflection into action, I am offering a limited number of 2026 Clarity Action calls. These are 20-minute focused conversations designed to help you gain perspective, identify your next steps and move forward with intention to make your goals a reality. Book by 23rd January 2026 by messaging me directly on LinkedIn, Victoria Rennoldson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Resources:
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| 161 - Raise your profile and visibility with Vanessa Dal Busco | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:27:23 | |
Leadership trends, advocating for women leaders and raising your personal profile. As we approach the start of 2026, in this podcast episode, I'm joined by Vanessa Dal Busco, Chair of the Institute of Directors Glass Ceiling Group, and a passionate advocate for women in leadership. Vanessa shares her insights on the challenges female leaders face, the importance of personal branding, and practical strategies to raise your profile, exploring how engagement, purpose, and authenticity can transform your professional presence. Plus, Vanessa also shares her perspectives on leadership trends, the role of AI and cybersecurity in shaping the future of business. What you'll learn in this episode:
Vanessa encourages anyone looking to raise their personal or company profile to take that first step and experiment, whether through LinkedIn, networking, speaking engagements, or media opportunities. How visible is your professional profile right now, and how could increasing it open up new opportunities in 2026? Resources:
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| 160 - Embracing Career Crossroads with Julia Bend | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:31:38 | |
In this latest podcast episode, I'm joined by Julia Bend, Executive Career Transition Coach and founder of Premier Coaching, and we focus on the emotional reality of organisational change, why it so often can feel personal even when it isn't, and what it truly takes to manage yourself well through transition. Julia also shares her SPEAR Framework, a clear and human approach that guides you from self-awareness through to purposeful action and thoughtful review. After 27 years in the transport and IT sector, Julia shifted into retraining and rebuilding her career. She now supports professionals to realign their work with their values and strengths, whether they are stepping into leadership or rethinking their next chapter. This is a grounded, energising and practical discussion for anyone navigating uncertainty or sensing that change is calling. What you will learn
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| 159 - Reflecting on 2025: Your Leadership Review | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:24:04 | |
As we edge towards the end of 2025, this podcast episode is your invitation to pause, reflect and look back at the year that was. Whether you've experienced exciting progress, tough challenges or a sense of being in limbo in your career, this reflection is critical to acknowledging and accepting it all, helping you close out the year and get ready for what's next. I share practical clarity exercises to support your leadership review, including insights and activations inside the first chapter of my new book, Become a Global Leader. What You Will Learn in This Episode
Today marks part 1 of a 2-part series, with January's episode focused on giving you the momentum you need for a strong start to 2026. Your Next Steps If you're ready to step into 2026 with intention and momentum, now is the perfect time to get clarity on your leadership and career strategies and actions. Here's how I can help you with that:
Thank you for listening, for connecting and for being part of this community. Resources:
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| 158 - Engaging Conversations, Leadership Spaces and Visibility with Enfys Maloney | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:29:22 | |
In today's episode, I'm joined by Enfys Maloney, business expert, speaker, and seven-time award-winning sales trainer, trusted by hundreds of ambitious businesses. At the heart of this episode is the idea that strong communication and leadership are built by design and intention, not by accident. Quality conversations happen when you approach them with curiosity, intention and a readiness to move beyond the predictable. Enfys talks honestly about what leaders need, whether they are running a business, heading up a team or building their influence. Enfys also shares why leadership can feel lonely at times, and how dedicated CEO spaces offer a vital environment for problem-solving, perspective and mutual support. Finally, we dive into visibility, a topic that resonates across every industry. Enfys talks candidly about the fear of being seen, and why visibility becomes far easier once you're anchored in your purpose. Enfys is a dynamic speaker and trusted mentor, recognised for her high-impact, confidence-led approach that helps individuals radically improve their sales, comfortably, confidently, and on repeat. What you will learn:
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| 157 - Connect with Cultural Intelligence: Pillar Four | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:14:05 | |
In this podcast episode, I'm celebrating a very special moment: my book, Become a Global Leader, launched last week and has already become a best-seller in Career Advancement and Professional Development! This episode focuses on the final and, in my view, most important pillar of my book: Connecting across Cultures with Cultural Intelligence. In today's world, AI and technical skills and fluency are of course vital, but what truly sets great global leaders apart is the ability to connect with others, communicate genuinely in conversations that show their human side, and connect in meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries. This episode explores why human connection is a superpower, the challenge in communication overload and collaboration tools, and highlights the key skills that make a real impact in connection. What you will learn in this episode:
How intentional are you with the way you connect with people? Where could cultural intelligence help you connect better with your team? If you haven't got your copy of my book, Become a Global Leader, now is the time. It's packed with practical strategies and activation exercises designed to elevate your visibility, influence, impact and connection globally. Get your copy here https://culturecuppa.com/book/ I'd also love to hear how this episode and the book resonate with you. Reach out to me on LinkedIn at Victoria Rennoldson, or leave a review on Amazon to help others discover the book. Resources:
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| 156 - Bridge Challenging Conversations: Pillar Three | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:16:08 | |
In this podcast, we continue our series exploring the pillars of my new book, Become a Global Leader. Today we focus on a capability that every global leader should master if they want real impact in their career and leadership growth: bridge challenging conversations. Challenging conversations appear in every organisation, every industry and every team. What distinguishes a global leader with strong communication skills and cultural intelligence is how to navigate these situations. In this episode, I guide you through the foundations you need before stepping onto the challenging conversation bridge, my framework to resolve conflict, including designing purposeful conversations, understanding the cultural angles in disagreements and turning up your empathy radar so you can move away from division and towards solutions. You'll also hear why openness must come first in any difficult dialogue, how to ladder up to a common goal to reduce friction and create alignment and why adopting an innovation mindset helps you move from conflict to future-focused collaboration. We then explore Listening 101, a practical approach to intelligent listening that supports better leader communication, how to refocus when you're distracted and how to get others' attention when they are not listening to you. Finally, we look at communicating boundaries, why saying no is hard and how to say it clearly and assertively without damaging relationships, especially in culturally diverse settings. In this episode:
Reflection Questions:
I always enjoy hearing what resonates with you, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and share your reflections! If you haven't yet got your copy of my new book, Become a Global Leader, you can find it at http://www.culturecuppa.com/book - plus access the free book resources that accompany the book. And if you're already reading it and finding it valuable, I would love for you to share your Amazon review- thank you! https://mybook.to/GlobalLeader Resources:
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| 155 - Become a Global Leader Discover Victoria's Book | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:29:50 | |
There are moments in every leader's journey when reflection meets action, and for me, that moment is now. Today, on publication day for my book, Become a Global Leader, I sit down with my friend, Enfys Maloney, to talk about the leadership stories and learnings behind the book, the lessons I've learned along the way, and what true leadership really looks like behind the scenes. In this podcast episode, the tables are turned, and Enfys interviews me, exploring not only the themes of the book, but also what it means to lead, to grow, and to find your voice as a global leader. We look at the skills, mindset, and strategies required to step confidently into leadership, wherever you are in your career, and what comes next after the book! What you will learn in this episode:
Your next steps: Buy your copy today, Become a Global Leader. Kindle edition at the SPECIAL LAUNCH PRICE of £1.99 for TODAY, Monday only: https://mybook.to/GlobalLeader Resources:
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| 154 - Master Your Clarity to Elevate Your Influence: Pillar Two | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:17:04 | |
In this podcast episode, I'm continuing my special mini-series in the lead-up to the launch of my book, Become a Global Leader. With only one week to go until release day on 17th November, I'm diving into the 2nd of the 4 key pillars from my book: Mastering Your Clarity to Elevate Your Influence. Clarity is one of the most powerful and often underestimated skills for aspiring global leaders. In my work, I've seen that it's not only your specialist knowledge or expertise that drives your career growth and leadership impact, but how clearly and confidently you can communicate your ideas. Whether you're presenting to senior stakeholders, leading global teams, or managing complex cultural dynamics, your ability to communicate with clarity defines how others perceive your leadership. In this episode, I share insights into why clear communication can feel so challenging, to the power of structuring your thoughts under pressure, so you can elevate your influence, manage those mental blocks and communicate like a leader. What You Will Learn:
Reflection Questions
I'd really love to hear your thoughts. Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me what resonated most from this episode and how you're applying it in your own leadership communication. We're only a week away from the global launch of my book, Become a Global Leader on Monday 17th November 2025 at 6pm GMT (London time), and I'd love for you to join me to celebrate. This online launch event is completely free and open to everyone around the world. During the session, I'll be running a masterclass on Identifying Your Unique Leadership Signature, hosting a live Q&A where you can ask me anything about leadership, cultural intelligence and communication, and of course, we'll celebrate with some fun competitions and giveaways. Get your free ticket here: https://culturecuppa.com/book-launch Resources:
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| 153 - Empower Your Confidence: Pillar One of Global Leader Communication | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:16:36 | |
Today is a very special episode as we mark the launch of my first book: Become a Global Leader, out to buy on 17th November 2025. It's been an incredible journey bringing this book to life, and I cannot wait for you to read it. Over the next four weeks, we'll be diving into the four core pillars of the book, the foundations for any ambitious global leader who wants to grow their influence, leadership presence and impact. Today, we begin with Pillar One: Empower Your Confidence. Whether you're stepping into new leadership spaces, aiming for your next promotion, or navigating a global career move, confidence isn't a "nice-to-have", it's essential. But let's be honest, it's not always easy. In fact, confidence is one of the most misunderstood elements of leadership development. In this episode, I break down the steps to sustainable confidence, and how to build it in a way that aligns with who you truly are. What You Will Learn:
Reflection Questions: Take a few minutes after listening to reflect on these questions:
Join me for the LIVE virtual book launch of Become a Global Leader on Monday, 17th November 2025 at 6PM GMT London. This event includes a live masterclass on identifying your unique leadership signature, Q&A, giveaways, and your chance to ask me your questions about leadership, career growth, and developing your communication. Register for your free ticket here: https://culturecuppa.com/book-launch/ Resources:
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| 152 - The Ripples of Authentic Connection with Laura Barber | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:43:19 | |
In this latest podcast episode, I'm joined by the straight-talking Laura Barber, founder of Ripple Impact, brand storyteller and experienced brand and insight strategist with 22+ years of experience in global multibillion-dollar businesses. We explore confidence, the evolving nature of leadership across multinational corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, and why authenticity and cultural intelligence are your greatest assets in developing meaningful communication. Laura shares practical, down-to-earth advice on pushing beyond your comfort zone, mastering the physicality of confidence, and stepping into leadership without waiting for titles or validation. We also explore the power of storytelling in leadership and the importance of empathy and connection in today's global business landscape. What you'll learn in this episode:
Reflection Questions:
Laura Barber is the founder of The Ripple Impact, advising businesses on brand strategy and insights taken from her 22+ years of experience in global multibillion-dollar businesses, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Walgreens Boots and General Mills. At The Ripple Impact, she helps ambitious brands unlock the power of their story and strategy so they can make waves in their industry. They partner with visionary founders, leaders and teams to uncover the deep insights, bold thinking, and human truths that shape how brands show up in the world. Whether you're scaling a startup, evolving your positioning, or launching something new, they help you connect the dots and create impact that lasts. She is also the host of The Ripple Impact podcast, where she goes under the surface of the human stories, those ripple moments that have created waves in business and in life. Resources:
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| 151 - Whole-Person Leadership: Empowering Women with Sarah Perugia | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:39:48 | |
Evolving your leadership today isn't only about what you achieve, it's about how you grow, how you connect, and how you show up as a whole person, both at work and in your life. In this episode, I'm joined by the dynamic and deeply insightful Sarah Perugia, Executive Leadership Master Coach, women in leadership advocate, and whole-person leadership transformation specialist. With a background in professional acting and a passion for communication, Sarah brings a bold and empowering perspective to how we develop women in leadership in a global world and create more gender equality. Together, we explore what it means to lead with your whole self, how women can overcome outdated success metrics, and how to unlock true leadership impact. Sarah shares her practical and thought-provoking ideas around redefining success, setting boundaries, and what male allies actually need to be doing to support female leadership development. What you'll learn in this episode:
Reflection Questions:
Sarah Perugia is a whole-person leadership transformation specialist and passionate Women in Leadership Master Coach, driven by the belief that true leadership encompasses more than professional success - it involves nurturing the whole person. It's about understanding and supporting the values, passions, and overall happiness of leaders so they can create incredible career success and build strong high-achieving teams. Drawing on her unique blend of professional acting and expertise in neuro-linguistic programming, Strengths and Positive Psychology, she brings a fresh approach to leadership development. She helps leaders and their teams explore what matters to them, what they are great at, and the unique value they bring with them into the room. This enables them to lead with a clear mission and result in a more profound and impactful leadership style. Resources:
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| 150 - How to Feel in Control When You Don't | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:23:15 | |
Welcome to episode 150 of Cultural Communication Confidence! It's a milestone we're celebrating- thank you so much for listening, whether this is your 1st episode or your 150th! Today's topic is something timely, relevant, and let's be honest, a little bit uncomfortable: How do you lead yourself, and others, when you feel out of control? Whether you're currently navigating uncertainty, restructures, redundancies, economic or political instability, or you're supporting others through it. Whether it's happening to you directly or to someone in your circle, this conversation is about how to take practical steps forward, have agency and create movement, even when so much feels out of your hands. We talk about how to stay resilient, visible, and effective in moments that challenge your confidence and identity. What You Will Learn:
Reflection Questions: Take a moment after the episode to reflect on these questions, or journal on them if you prefer:
Message me on LinkedIn for your free gift, a resource to strengthen your global leadership communication skills. And in celebration of 150 episodes- if this episode resonated with you, please do take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, it really helps more global leaders like you find these conversations. Resources:
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