What does it actually take to get media coverage without a PR agency, a big budget, or knowing the right people? Gloria Chou found out the hard way. After applying to a thousand PR jobs and getting rejected from every single one, she cold-called newsrooms with shaking hands, got phones slammed in her face, and reverse-engineered what actually works. She built the CPR pitching method from scratch. It's now trained into AI models. But this conversation goes somewhere deeper than PR. Because Gloria hit the numbers. The seven-figure milestone, the growing team, the influence. And felt nothing. Dead in the eyes. When she finally traced it back to the root, it led her to her mother, to years of unresolved resentment, and to a plant medicine ceremony that changed everything. In this episode, Sope and Gloria get into why traditional PR and SEO are losing ground to AI visibility, how ChatGPT is becoming the new discovery engine for your audience, why your business will only rise to the level of problems you can solve, how unresolved anger quietly shows up as micromanaging and burnout, and the one question that now drives every decision Gloria makes. If you have hit your goals and still feel like something is off, this one is for you.

Why Your Best Leaders Are Burning Out (And What to Do About It) | Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Workplace Burnout Your leadership development budget might be making things worse. Not because the programmes are bad. But because we're solving the wrong problem. Most leaders don't lack capability. They lack access to what they already know when pressure is highest - what I call The Intention Gap. And it's driving leadership burnout across organisations. In this episode on leadership burnout and intentional leadership, you'll discover: Why traditional leadership training creates exhaustion instead of preventing it The Intention Gap: why talented executives default to reactive leadership under pressure Real stories from C-suite leaders who've lost themselves climbing the corporate ladder The Unlearn, Unlock, Unleash framework for sustainable leadership A practical exercise to shift from reactive to intentional decision-making before your next meeting Perfect for: Startup founders, senior leaders, executive coaches, HR directors, and anyone in leadership development wondering why capable leaders struggle to apply what they know. Key Insights: "The problem isn't that leaders lack capability. The problem is they can't access it when it matters most." "What got you to director doesn't get you to VP. What got you to VP doesn't get you to the C-suite. And what got you to the C-suite absolutely will not sustain you while you're there." "When you can't access your intention, when you're operating from reaction instead of purpose, that gap opens up. Maybe not as dramatically as the twisties, but it shows up." "You don't close the intention gap by adding more. You close it by removing what no longer serves you." "The world doesn't need more perfect leaders. It needs more real ones." This isn't about adding more leadership skills. It's about removing what blocks your access to authentic leadership when it matters most. We explore burnout prevention through intentional leadership practices, drawing on executive coaching insights and real transformation stories - including lessons from Simone Biles on recognising when performance pressure creates dangerous gaps. Free Resource: Take the Intention Gap Scorecard to assess where you're operating from reaction versus intention across six leadership dimensions.

Avril Grant’s story is one of audacity, healing, and radical self-belief. She shares how her experiences of racial violence and rejection became the roots of her life’s mission to empower others to rise above their circumstances and believe again in what’s possible.

This conversation explores the intersection of pain and purpose, motherhood and leadership, survival and success. Avril opens up about how she found her calling, built her first empowerment programme from scratch, and took it into prisons where she continues to change lives today.

🎙 In this episode:

• The night Avril’s family faced racial violence and how it shaped her view of justice and resilience
• Becoming a single mum at 19 and finding the courage to rebuild
• The moment she left accountancy to follow her purpose
• Writing her first empowerment programme in two and a half hours
• How Avision grew from community halls to 36 prisons across the UK
• What true rehabilitation and leadership really look like
• Why we’re all capable of transformation no matter our past

💡 Key insight:

“Your past doesn’t define your future your mindset does.”

“Purpose often hides inside your pain.”

“People are not their conviction. Their behaviour isn’t their identity.”

Connect with Avril

• Website
• Instagram 
• Linkedln
• Email - avril@a-vision.co.uk

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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Mac is the CEO and Founder of the Equal Group, a consultancy service based in the Midlands which provides businesses with the tools and support to optimise their equality, diversity and inclusive efforts. Equal Group works alongside organisations delivering data-driven transformational initiatives across many sectors, with clients including Thames Water, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Greater London Authority. He also serves as a Trustee and sits on the Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee.

In this conversation, Mac and Sope discuss topics such as:

?? Being disillusioned with school

??The energy sector not being love at first sight and the importance of pushing through and sitting in discomfort.

??Choosing not to play the game and how this hindered his career progression

??Changing the perception of DEI, being data-led, data-driven and overlaying theories of change

??The continual journey of learning as a leader and organisation as you scale and grow

??How to measure success personally and professionally

??Being deeply introverted yet sitting on panels, facilitating workshops and speaking on stage.

Connect with Mac

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayokunalonge/

The Equal Group - http://www.theequalgroup.com/

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website - http://www.mindsetshift.co.uk

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sopeagbelusi/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sopeagbelusi/

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/sopeagbelusi

• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

• Watch the episodes on YouTube

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Marilyn has worked as Chief Marketing Officer of EMAAR, one of the biggest real estate companies in the world as well as Head of Dubai Opera and in this episode, we talk about how confidence, not competence, has put her in such prestigious positions.

Marilyn Zakhour is the founder and CEO of Cosmic Centaurs, a consulting, training, insights, and technology company helping organizations build and reimagine the future of work and learning. She has experience in organizations of all sizes and knows how to bring the agility of small startups to big corporations and is also the host of the award-winning Who Run The World podcast.

In this conversation, Marilyn and Sope discuss topics such as:

?? Her mum being a pioneer and a role model in Lebanon

??Mistakes from her leadership journey and why middle management is the key to scaling

??If There's No Solution, Then There's No Problem

??Moving away from hyper specialisation and pulling inspiration from multiple spaces and places

??Creating personal rules for dealing with failure and regret

??Why emotions are messengers that need to be listened to, not suppressed

??What "bicycle face" and "imposter syndrome" have in common

Connect with Marilyn

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynzakhour/?originalSubdomain=ae

Cosmic Centaurs - http://www.cosmiccentaurs.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/permanenthunger/?hl=en

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website - http://www.mindsetshift.co.uk

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sopeagbelusi/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sopeagbelusi/

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/sopeagbelusi

• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

• Watch the episodes on YouTube

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this episode, my guest is Dan Braithwaite, an award-winning Managing Director within the UKs largest independent recruitment group of companies Pertemps Network Group which is a massive accomplishment.

In this compelling episode of Everyday Leadership, we delve deep into the

A Leap from Arts to the Professional World:** Discover how our guest transitioned from the world of performing arts to the corporate landscape, using his theatrical background to create a unique impact and bring a touch of showmanship to the workplace.

The Power of Advocacy:** Hear the moving story of a mentor who risked her own reputation to support our guests career, a testament to the transformative power of belief and advocacy in leadership.

The Pressure Cooker of Recruitment:** Delve into his unexpected journey into the world of recruitment, exploring the intense pressures he faced to perform and deliver. This will resonate with anyone facing the daily demands of performance-driven industries.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit:** Understand how an entrepreneurial mindset has been a game-changer for him, empowering him to tackle any task fearlessly. He offers valuable insights on fostering this mindset within your professional life.

The Art of Likability:** Our guest shares why likability or rapport-building isn't just a 'nice-to-have' but an essential skill in leadership and how it can open doors in your career.

Accountability Kick-started by a Child:** Learn how a promise he made to his daughters led to an unexpected journey into kickboxing

Serving, not Commanding:** He shares his leadership mantra of serving his team, a refreshing take on leadership that highlights the importance of creating a supportive and engaging environment.

Connect with Dan and his organisation

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website \ Instagram \ LinkedIn </span>Twitter \ YouTube

• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this episode, my guest is Lola Oyelayo-Pearson, a digital design and product strategist who works strategically in organisations, helping executive teams build the right cultures, practices and capabilities for their digital ambitions. With over 16 years of experience building digital products, Lola passionately advocates for user-centred thinking and design, even in the most complex technological environments.
In this compelling episode of Everyday Leadership, we delve deep into the intriguing crossroads of blockchain technology, decentralization, and how it changes ownership structures. We also bring you an honest discussion on the experience of being the dumbest person in the room. Far too often, you hear the quote, but you dont hear how it actually feels, which Lola shares and why it is not only an opportunity for growth but a necessity for leaders to be the dumbest person in this room.
Our conversation further dissects the two types of failureconceptual and executionilluminating practical steps to navigate failure and the benefits of exposing your thought process to encourage collaboration and achieve superior outcomes.
We focus on the delicate balance leaders must strike, managing the downside while incessantly striving for the upside. A critical conversation follows on transforming leadership landscapes to empower underrepresented groups, advocating the need to build 'staircases' for continuous support rather than 'ladders' of temporary opportunities. Lastly, we tackle 'the curse of the competent'the propensity for capable individuals to be overburdened with tasks. We provide actionable steps to assert boundaries, ensuring that tasks serve your purpose, not just those of others.
In this episode, we explore:

• [00:04:37] Blockchain technology enables decentralized ownership and more representation.
• [00:22:29] Exposing your thinking and how that helps create the best outcome.
• [00:28:08] Transforming the warrior mentality into an intentional alchemist
• [00:35:53] Quitting her investment banking role and choosing her values and peace of mind
• [00:46:13] Building staircases, not ladders, to combat inequality in tech
• [00:56:27] Curse of the competent
• [01:03:31] Lost in Tech podcast - a human and diverse perspective on the tech industry.
• [01:07:39] Leadership Definition

Connect with Lola and listen to the Lost In Tech Podcast
If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.
Connect with Me

• Website \ Instagram \ LinkedIn <a href="https://twitter.com/sopeagbelusi">Twitter \ YouTube
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Shaara Roman is the award-winning founder and CEO of The Silverene Group, a culture consulting firm that aligns people, strategy, and culture to optimize organizational performance. Shaara uses her global experience to craft and improve public, private, and non-profit workplace culture. Shaara held executive leadership positions in some of the areas largest organizations, including CGI, Fannie Mae, NRECA, and Visa and is also an adjunct professor.

In this engaging podcast episode, our guest shares her unique journey, marked by a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and a diverse educational background. She discusses her transition from a successful career in Human Resources (HR) to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to seek fulfilling roles beyond job titles and monetary rewards.

Her experiences, from learning to negotiate in Lagos markets to failing in her first entrepreneurial venture, serve as valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own professional paths.

The episode also delves into the critical aspects of corporate culture and leadership. The guest emphasizes the need for companies to be intentional about their culture, stay connected with their employees, and constantly reassess their direction.

She cites Chobani as an example of a company that embodies these principles, offering insights that listeners can apply in their own workplaces. The discussion underscores the importance of modelling the right behaviour and holding people accountable, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the often overlooked aspects of corporate culture.

Curious to know what habits are taking up your time? Take our free quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6307e572efea8a001872a188

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• YouTube

Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Introduction:

The world we live in is constantly changing, leaving us feeling powerless and anxious. In this episode, join Sope Agbelusi as he explores the concept of living with intention and how it can empower us to align our actions with our values and goals. Discover how living a life of intentionality can help you regain control and transform your life.

Curious to know what habits are taking up your time? Take our free quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6307e572efea8a001872a188

Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6883723564390850560

Discussion Topics:

1. Living with intention: Aligning actions with values and authenticity

- Explore the importance of making choices that resonate with your true self.

- Learn how living with intention can liberate you from reactive behavior.

2. Overcoming powerlessness: Finding control through intention

- Discover how intention provides a solid foundation and helps you focus on what you can control.

- Learn how to shift your mindset from external circumstances to internal empowerment.

3. The process of intentional living: Defining desires and taking action

- Understand how beliefs shape thoughts, actions, values, and ultimately, your destiny.

- Discover practical steps to live intentionally by defining your desires and taking purposeful action.

4. Shaping life through conscious choices and values alignment

- Reflect on your actions and assess whether they align with your values and goals.

- Recognize the power in decision-making and the ability to shape your own life.

5. Embracing change: Responding to inevitable changes and finding opportunities

- Learn strategies to choose empowering responses in the face of change.

- Overcome fear, explore new possibilities, and take control of shaping your life.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Today, we welcome Michelle Raymond, a versatile professional in HR, leadership, diversity, and inclusion. Michelle's experience spans 20+ years, working with Amazon, the Ministry of Justice, Comic Relief, Lloyd's Banking Group, and Deloitte.

She partners with change-driven organisations, lectures at UCL, runs a leadership program, and coaches executives. Michelle's singing talent shines at events, while her confidence stems from her upbringing and faith. Despite challenges, including a tough marriage, she remains committed to empowering others. Driven by purpose, Michelle is more than determined to make a meaningful impact.

Discussion Topics:

• 
  Michelle reflects on her impulsive past and cautious present, desiring to enter the business without marketing or planning. She examines how ambition and risk influence success, weighing their pros and cons.
• Michelle shares her journey of overcoming challenges, including her former husband's crimes, and finding purpose. She explores resilience, self-reflection, and finding meaning in difficult situations.
• Michelle's commitment to empowering others and giving a voice to the overlooked and silenced.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  Balancing ambition and risk is vital; consider potential risks and plan strategically for business success.
• Purpose and mindset are powerful in overcoming challenges; a positive mindset, self-reflection, and finding meaning enable growth.
• Empowering marginalised individuals and amplifying their voices fosters diversity, equality, and innovation in inclusive environments.

In conclusion, Michelle highlighted balancing ambition and risk, the power of purpose, and empowering marginalised individuals. Her expertise provided valuable insights. Her journey inspired others to find their voice and power. Key takeaways stressed strategic planning, a purpose-driven mindset, and inclusivity for success.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this episode, Sope introduces career coach Julia Rock, who specialises in helping athletes and job seekers transition into high-paying careers. Julia shares her finance background, experience in Buenos Aires, and co-authorship of "The Six-Figure Athlete" book. She discusses her personal journey and passion for helping marginalized individuals in career transitions.

Julia Rock is an experienced career coach and founder of Rock Career Development with 15+ years of expertise. Julia's journey in career coaching began in 2006 and became more formalised in 2013. As a co-author of "The Six Figure Athlete," she empowers athletes to monetize their skills and find opportunities.

Discussion Topics

• 
  Transitioning from a sports career to adulthood: Julia explores the challenges athletes face transitioning from sports to adulthood. It delves into questions of identity, purpose, and personal values, and discusses strategies to navigate this transition successfully.
• Overcoming the loss of identity: Julia examines the psychological impact of losing one's identity, especially for athletes, and offers methods to overcome it.
• Choosing the right coach: Julia emphasises the importance of selecting a supportive coach for effective career transition guidance. It discusses the value of both experience and a shared understanding of the individual's background and goals. It explores the qualities to look for in a coach and how their background can influence the coaching process.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  Successful navigation of this transition requires self-reflection, exploring new interests and goals, and seeking support from mentors or professionals.
• Losing one's identity after a sports career or injuries has a significant psychological impact, especially for athletes. It is essential to acknowledge and process the emotions associated with the loss, such as grief, frustration, and confusion.
• Selecting a coach who can effectively support and guide individuals through career transitions is crucial.

Conclusion

Dont miss this episode as Julia Rock shares valuable insights and strategies for athletes and transitioning job seekers. She emphasises the importance of self-reflection, seeking support, and exploring new interests when transitioning from a sports career to adulthood. Julia addresses the psychological impact of identity loss, providing methods to overcome and rebuild one's sense of self. Additionally, she highlights the significance of selecting a coach who can effectively guide individuals through career transitions. The key takeaways include self-reflection, processing emotions, and choosing the right support system.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this episode, Sope introduces his guest Denise Myers, the Founder and CEO of Evenfields Careers and the Black Talent Awards. Denise has over 2 decades of experience as a specialist Recruiter. Partnering with various companies of varying scales and fields. She is passionate about people's development and placing them in the most suitable positions.

In this conversation, Denise shares her journey and experiences. She provides insights into recruiting, people growth, and finding the right people for organisations. Her passion for promoting black talent and diversity in the workplace is a significant aspect of the conversation.

Discussion Topics:

• 
  Denise shares her experience of starting her own recruitment agency and the fear she had about the business side of it. We discuss how she overcame that fear and what motivated her to take the risk.
• Overcoming disappointment and building resilience. She discusses how disappointments and let-downs, particularly for people of colour, have helped her to build resilience and work around barriers.
• Trust and accountability in entrepreneurship. Denise acknowledges that trust and accountability are essential elements when running a business, especially as an entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  Resilience and having inner strength is key to overcome challenges in entrepreneurship. .
• Faith can be a source of strength and encouragement. Having the belief that someone or something is guiding you through life can be a source of comfort and help you navigate through tough times.
• Creating the Black Talent Awards was a decision made to highlight and celebrate black talent and to provide a platform for those who may not have had the same opportunities.

.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Introduction: In this episode, Sope introduces his guest, Chichi, a leadership coach and creator. They delve into the topic of decoupling one's identity from job titles and accolades, and instead focus on personal values and passions. Chichi shares her experiences from her teenage years, where she was a curious and entrepreneurial child who loved learning and had a goal of attending university as a first-generation immigrant. The conversation emphasises the significance of defining oneself beyond external validation and pursuing personal interests and values.

Guest Interview:

Chichi is an experienced executive coach and leadership consultant who helps individuals and organisations develop strong and effective leaders.With over 12 years of experience, she understands the unique challenges and obstacles that can stand in the way of reaching leadership goals. Her coaching approach is holistic, addressing both the professional and personal aspects of leadership.

She has worked with some of the biggest organisations and fast-growing startups, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to support and guide leaders to be confident and effective.

Discussion Topics:

• 
  Chichi started her career at HSBC in commercial banking but she found that she loved helping people and solving problems, which eventually led her to marketing. She emphasises the importance of self-discovery and going out to do something to learn more about oneself. After working on the Apple Pay project, she decided to pursue marketing and start her own business after becoming pregnant and finding it difficult to commute to work.
• She spoke about how the skills she had learned while running her own business helped her transition to a coaching career. In addition, she discussed the challenges of burnout and struggling to keep up with the demands of running a business. She reflected on her decision to return to paid employment and the struggle of feeling like a failure. She also emphasised the importance of recognising seasons and chapters in life and being able to move on from things that no longer serve a purpose. Chichi believed that this realisation was crucial for her growth, and it helped her accept that it was time to move on to a new chapter in her life.

• 
  She talked about how the pandemic has given her more time and space to do things she enjoys, such as reading and writing. She reflects on her past experiences as a director and how titles and job roles can become too closely tied to one's identity. She advises people not to define themselves solely by their job titles, as titles are temporary and do not define who they are as a person. She also talks about the challenges she faced when stepping away from her director position and how they had to decouple their value from their title.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-discovery is crucial for personal and professional growth. Chichi's experience demonstrates the importance of exploring different paths and trying new things to learn more about oneself and find fulfilling work.

• It's important not to define oneself solely by job titles. Chichi's experience highlights the risks of tying one's identity too closely to one's job title, as titles are temporary and do not define who a person is as a whole.

• Recognising seasons and chapters in life is important for personal and professional development. Chichi's experience illustrates the importance of being able to move on from things that no longer serve a purpose, and to recognise when it's time to transition to a new chapter in one's life.

Conclusion: The importance of defining oneself beyond job titles and external validation, and instead focusing on personal values and passions is crucial. Chichi Eruchalu, a leadership coach and consultant, shares her experiences and highlights the significance of self-discovery, recognising seasons and chapters in life, and not tying one's identity too closely to job titles. The key takeaway is that personal and professional growth requires exploration and a focus on one's values and interests beyond job titles. Take time for self-discovery and recognise when it's time to transition to a new chapter in your life. Say goodbye to feeling invisible and hello to making a meaningful impact!

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this conversation with award-winning entrepreneur and founder Vanessa Sanyauke, we explore the highs and lows of building a career and movement that changes lives.

You’ll hear:

• How an 8-year-old Vanessa found inspiration in Oprah.
• The story of how a recruiter told her she wasn’t good enough yet she landed her dream role at Standard Chartered through vision boarding and persistence.
• The emotional toll of building Girls Talk London and why success often hides unseen struggles.
• Why virality doesn’t equal value, and what really builds long-term influence.
• How Vanessa shifted from perfectionism to consistency to relaunch her podcast and brand.
• Her honest reflections on burnout, rest, and redefining what leadership means.

About Vanessa Sanyauke
Vanessa is the founder and CEO of Girls Talk London, operating across 37 countries and connecting over 60,000 women to global industries. She has been recognised as one of the most inspiring women in the UK, featured in The Guardian, Financial Times, and as a visiting lecturer at the London School of Economics.

Connect with Vanessa:

• LinkedIn
• Girls Talk London
• The Hill App

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Quote

"I recognise my worth, and I refuse to let others dictate my value. I have learned that I must defend myself and articulate when something is not right. As a black woman, I know that sometimes there may not be support or defense from others, so I must build my internal resources. I have learned to find spaces where I can articulate my voice, gain support, and bring that confidence into other environments. It's about recognising that my worth is not determined by my circumstances, but by the choices I make and the actions I take to create change within myself and in the world around me." - Ngozi Cadmus

Who is Ngozi Cadmus?

Introducing Ngozi, a powerhouse in the field of Mental Health & Leadership. As a renowned Psychotherapist, Business Coach, and CEO & Founder of Frontline Coaching and Frontline Therapist, Ngozi is making waves in tackling the stigma of mental health in the black community, improving access to therapy, and empowering black women in leadership.

Her companies provide cutting-edge, data-driven EDI and well-being solutions that shape business strategies, policies, and decision-making practices.

Ngozi's dedication to inclusivity is further evident in her affordable and accessible culturally sensitive online counselling services for Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Individuals and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. But Ngozi's impact doesn't stop there. She is also a trailblazer in coaching women of faith to become leaders in their respective industries, helping them build and scale up their coaching and wellness businesses.

Her groundbreaking doctoral research on the success factors of Black women leaders in British companies, using a critical realist and intersectional lens, is pushing the boundaries of knowledge. With testimonials lauding her impactful workshops, strong well-being culture, and unwavering support for black women in tech, Ngozi is a force to be reckoned with.

Get ready to be inspired by her unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ngozi's Journey to Self-discovery

Ngozi's journey of self-discovery has been nothing short of inspiring. She has come to realize her worth and has shed the need for validation from others. No longer caring about what others think of her, she has learned to stand up for herself and articulate her thoughts with unwavering confidence when faced with disrespect.

Through her experiences, Ngozi has also come to acknowledge the lack of support for black women in dealing with racial bullying and the challenges of communicating in different environments. She understands the struggle to find one's voice, whether it be in a work situation or in other areas of life. But she doesn't stop there.

Ngozi is a firm believer in finding spaces where one can express their voice and gain support, and then using the skills and resources from those spaces to articulate oneself in other environments. She recognizes the importance of agency and the need for both internal and external work in finding and using one's voice.

Ngozi's definition of leadership goes beyond the traditional notions of it. She sees leadership in three dimensions: self-leadership, organisational leadership, and people leadership. For her, self-leadership involves intrinsic qualities and emotional intelligence, while organisational leadership is about strategic direction and problem-solving skills. People leadership, on the other hand, is all about collaboration and fostering an inclusive environment for employees to thrive.

But what truly sets Ngozi apart is her unwavering commitment to serving others. She believes that a true leader is a servant, and she takes pride in making a difference in underserved communities, particularly in the field of mental health for black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals.

As our conversation delves deeper, Ngozi emphasises the importance of being authentic and real, of overcoming fears and insecurities, and of inspiring others to do the same. Her unwavering passion and determination to make a positive impact in the world is truly awe-inspiring, and her journey is a testament to the power of recognising one's worth and finding one's voice.

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00;03;17;09 - Ngozi's Childhood

00;09;13;19 - Ngozi's Struggles as a Student

00;14;43;19 - Attending College in South London

00;17;49;21 - Something She Can't Tell Her Parents!

00;21;13;04 - The Protector of the Weak

00;23;53;06 - Her Underlying Resilience

00;26;37;17 - Finding Her Life's Purpose

00;28;27;11 - Dealing ADHD

00;31;44;10 - Dealing with Bullies - Story #1

00;33;07;27 - Dealing with Bullies - Story #2

00;37;40;02 - Defending Herself is the Priority

00;41;51;17 - Practical Tips to Find One's Voice

00;46;23;18 - Evidence Based Affirmations is the KEY

00;47;30;22 - Understanding Thyself

00;50;20;22 - How Ngozi Defines Leadership

00;54;03;12 - Her Life's Proudest Moments

Ngozis links:

LinkedIn

Website

Podcast

Instagram

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Quote

I believe that success is not only measured by the highs but also by how we navigate through the lows. Whenever something is hard, it often means it's the right thing to do. During my toughest times, my leadership superpower was my empathy, team connection skills, and willingness to step out of my comfort zone. I have learned that it's not just about doing, but also about being. And for those who may be facing additional challenges as minorities, my advice is to remain resilient, trust in your unique perspective, and always strive towards your dreams. - Shimona Mehta

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the remarkable life and career of Shimona, an inspiring leader who has achieved great success through her authentic leadership. This two-part series takes a comprehensive look at Shimona's journey from her childhood to her current professional accomplishments, examining her experiences in various corporate jobs and the obstacles she faced in toxic work environments. We also explore the brave choices Shimona made to take control of her career and pave her own path to success.

Shimona shares her journey through the highs and lows of her career at Shopify. We learn about her hardest times building a sales team and the lessons she learned from those challenges. Shimona shares her experience transitioning to a new role in a hybrid virtual work environment and how she uses her leadership superpower to navigate that space. She offers valuable insights into hiring the right people and building team connections, as well as her own definition of leadership.

Shimona encourages us to get out of our comfort zones and to focus on both doing and being in achieving success. Finally, she shares tips for minorities in the workplace and reflects on life after Shopify. This episode is filled with valuable lessons and inspiring stories that will resonate with anyone looking to grow and thrive in their career.

Who is Shimona Mehta?

Shimona Mehta is the former Managing Director EMEA at Shopify. She has been recognised as one of the UK's most influential retail leaders, and her expertise in the industry has made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader.

She is a pioneer in tech where shes built Shopifys European presence nearly from scratch. Shopify is the top eCommerce platform that enables high-growth and high-volume brands, such as Gymshark, Emma Bridgewater, AllBirds and Heinz, as well as independent businesses.

Before Shopify, Shimona held senior roles at various software, FMCG and consumer research companies in Canada and Europe

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:03:00:00 - The Highs and Lows of Shimona's Shopify Career

00:08:49:04 - If it is HARD, then it is RIGHT!

00:12:36:06 - Hardest Times in Building Her Sales Team

00:15:00:00 - Shimona's New Role!

00:18:48:13 - Lowest Points of Her Career

00:21:30:09 - Leadership in the Hybrid Virtual Work

00:26:38:18 - Key Interview Questions for Hiring People

00:31:35:08 - Her Leadership Superpower

00:34:15:17 - Her Greatest Leadership Lessons

00:36:55:00 - Building Team Connections

00:39:08:00 - Her Definition of Leadership

00:44:47:08 - Getting Out of Her Comfort Zones

00:46:11:16 - Her Life After Shopify!

00:49:35:00 - Doing vs. Being

00:50:42:00 - Shimona's Tips for the Minority

Shimonas links:

LinkedIn

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If youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Quote

"Every experience in my life, from my childhood to my corporate job, has taught me valuable lessons that have shaped my career path. Taking ownership of my career, weathering through toxic work environments, and making tough decisions have been critical to my success. Each step, from my transition from marketing to sales to my first leadership exposure, has led me to where I am today. " - Shimona Mehta.

Welcome to an inspiring episode where we take a deep dive into the life and career of Shimona, a remarkable leader who has risen to great heights through her authentic leadership. In this two-part episode, we explore Shimona's journey from her childhood to her current success as a professional, delving into her experiences in corporate jobs, her challenges with toxic work environments, and her courageous decisions to take ownership of her career.

Join us as we follow Shimona's ups and downs, including her transition from marketing to sales, her first exposure to leadership, and her bold choice to leave stability for the sake of learning and growth. We'll also uncover her prelude to working with Shopify and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Through Shimona's story, you'll be inspired by her unwavering determination, resilience, and authenticity in her leadership approach. Discover how she has overcome challenges, navigated career transitions, and built global teams while staying true to her authentic self. This episode will provide valuable insights for aspiring leaders and leave you motivated and empowered to pursue your own path to success. Join us on this captivating journey with Shimona, and get ready to be inspired!

Who is Shimona Mehta?

Shimona Mehta is the former Managing Director EMEA at Shopify. She has been recognised as one of the UK's most influential retail leaders, and her expertise in the industry has made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader.

She is a pioneer in tech where shes built Shopifys European presence nearly from scratch. Shopify id the top eccomerce platform that enables high-growth and high-volume brands, such as Gymshark, Emma Bridgewater, AllBirds and Heinz, as well as independent businesses.

Before Shopify, Shimona held senior roles at various software, FMCG and consumer research companies in Canada and Europe

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:06:30:12-Feeling Lost

00:09:13:12-Lessons in Her Corporate Job

00:13:07:20-Taking Ownership of Her Career

00:17:29:03-Slow Career Progression

00:19:12:09-Problems of a Fast-Learner

00:21:55:12-Shimona's Leap of Faith

00:28:21:14-Her First Leadership Exposure

00:33:22:18-Turning Point in Her Career as a Leader

00:43:15:08- Leaving Stability

00:51:19:15- Benefits Of A Cool and Fun Working Culture

00:54:50:22-She Can't Believe This Happened!

00:59:08:19-Prelude to Working with Shopify

Shimonas links:

LinkedIn

Follow the podcast

If youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Quote

Parenting in a different culture is like being in a training ground, shaping us to become better versions of ourselves. It challenges us to let go of what we thought was acceptable and embrace new perspectives. It's a lesson we may sometimes wish to skip, but it's one that ultimately leads to growth and transformation. - Alice Evans

Sope is joined by his good friend, Alice Evans, a Brit living in Amsterdam, a parent of two teenagers, and an upcoming host of the podcast Pleasuring Myself. Alice has a rich and unique background, having worked as a team coach and a visiting fellow at Oxford University's Skoll Center for Social Innovation. But most importantly, she is someone who is trying to enjoy life. In this conversation, we dive deep into her past, exploring what made her who she is today. Alice shares her childhood experiences, including the loss of her mother at nine years old, and how they shaped her perception of uncertainty and complexity. We also learn about her teenage years, including her first clubbing experience at 13 and the moment when she could have gone down the wrong path but made a conscious decision not to. Throughout it all, Alice demonstrates her wit and humor, making this conversation both informative and entertaining. So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the life of Alice.

Who is Alice Evans?

Alice is a passionate and experienced systems coach with a deep commitment to social justice and climate change. With her extensive background in leading efforts to bring about systems change and equity, Alice is a skilled facilitator and coach to top teams. Her focus is on creating spaces for individuals, teams, and organisations to explore the visible and invisible forces that shape their behavior and impact. With her systems thinking, design thinking, and power and equity-informed processes, Alice can gently and compassionately guide individuals and teams toward the change they need. Whether working with executives or frontline staff, Alice's approach is non-judgmental and inclusive. When she's not working, you can find Alice swimming or paddleboarding with her children in the beautiful lakes and canals near her home in Amsterdam.

Alice Evans correlation of joy and pleasure

Alice believes that sometimes we overlook the small things that bring us joy and pleasure, and instead focus on big extraordinary events. On her upcoming podcast, Alice asks her guests to list 50 things that they enjoy doing every day, as a way of reframing how we view everyday things. She also shares a personal moment with her spouse where they simply looked out at the snow together and enjoyed each other's company, without doing anything else. She emphasizes the power of reflection and being present in the moment, and how it can bring a sense of calm and gratitude. Alice mentions the importance of connecting with our bodies and slowing down, as it can have transformative effects on our well-being.

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:03:42:07 Going Back to a Younger Alice

00:08:17:02 Alices Dream as a Kid

00:10:02:11 Dealing with Arrogance

00:11:45:12 What Shaped Alices Way of Thinking

00:14:02:17 Alices Take on Equity and Equality

00:14:47:16 Lessons and Learnings

00:16:39:00 Everyone Has a Voice!

00:18:39:08 Helping Shape Other People

00:24:12:12 Living with Risk of Cancer

00:26:28:13 Alices Upcoming Podcast

00:30:22:18 The Smallest Things Matter!

00:36:32:15 Turning Point in Alices Career

00:38:55:04 Her Joy Barometer

00:41:03:06 Why Improv?

00:46:26:00 Improve Techniques Used in Leading Teams

00:48:44:21 Correlation of Joy and Pleasure

00:50:28:15 Alices Parenting Approach

00:53:25:16 Moving to the Netherlands!

00:55:58:04Definition of Leadership

00:58:08:09 Alices Ultimate Joy

Alices links:

LinkedIn

Follow the podcast

If youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website
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• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Quote

Leadership is not about managing others, its about leading, guiding and mentoring wholeheartedly. - Alex Holmes

Who is Alex Holmes?

Alex is an award-winning podcaster and journalist, a millennial man of Caribbean descent, born and raised in London. He spent most of his early twenties traveling, which helped him to approach life with curiosity and taught him valuable lessons. However, upon returning to the UK, Alex found himself lacking friends, having to move back in with his parents and starting a new career as a journalist. He experienced covert racism in his job and felt alienated, which affected his confidence and self-esteem. Feeling lonely and depressed, Alex went to therapy and learned to rewrite his narrative and become his own friend.

Alex worked as a journalist for five years before training as a health coach and then as a therapist to help others with their emotional well-being. He is an avid Harry Potter fan and uses its themes in his therapeutic work. His interest in psychology comes from his experience as a Black man in the UK navigating complex relationships. Alex started the Mindful Man Podcast and founded The Mindful Man to communicate his ideas about mental and physical health and emotional well-being. He invites others to join him on this journey and to meet him where they are.

Alex Holmes Journey to Self-Discovery

Alexs work aims to help men overcome the societal expectations and myths surrounding masculinity, which can hinder emotional connection. He is the author of "Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging, and Connection" and hosts the You Should Probably Read This podcast which suggests books to improve mental health.

His approach involves existential philosophy, which emphasizes personal agency, freedom, and authenticity. Bibliotherapy and mindfulness techniques are also used to help clients reconnect with their true selves, improve emotional intelligence, and achieve a sense of purpose.

Alexs work has been featured in various media outlets, including British GQ, The Metro, Happiful, The Guardian, and The Good Men Project.

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:02:53:17 - Alex's Childhood

00:08:32:11 - Alex's Aha Moment

00:11:46:10- Alex Breaking the Status Quo!

00:14:55:15 - Definition of Masculinity

00:20:26:03 - Andrew Tate/Jordan Peterson

00:22:20:09 - Pain Points of Men

00:27:26:09- Men and relationship with Shame

00:32:02:08 - Expectations vs Realities of Men

00:39:16:23 - Navigating Being Black in Journalism

00:45:16:03 - Self-Doubt Brewed by Toxic Environment

00:49:54:16 - Pivotal Moment in Alex's Career

00:55:15:11 - Imperfection & Worthiness of Men

01:03:55:16 - Understanding Men's Internal Struggles

01:13:21:10 - Definition of Leadership

Alexs links:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Time to Talk book

Website

Podcast

Follow the podcast

If youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website
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• LinkedIn
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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

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Quote

Typically, boredom does not lead to highly rewarding moments, and we tend to invest a lot of effort in avoiding fear. However, it is often when we face our fears that we experience significant turning points in our lives. - Stacey Philpot

Who is Stacey Philpot?

Dr Stacey Philpot has built an impressive career as a leadership development advisor, helping some of the world's most successful companies navigate through disruptive times and inspire culture change. Her extensive experience has brought her to advise top-notch companies such as Apple, Nike, and Johnson & Johnson on matters of talent assessment, leadership development, succession planning, and inclusion.

Stacey's success as a coach comes from her background as a licensed psychologist and executive, which has allowed her to guide CEOs of Fortune 500 companies in developing their executive committees and managing complex board dynamics. In addition to her coaching, Stacey is a renowned speaker at conferences and executive retreats and has authored several articles on topics related to leadership development.

Stacey graduated with honours from Dickinson College and holds a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from Rutgers University. She has lived and studied in London, England and Osaka, Japan.

Stacey Philpots shift from Corporate to Consulting

Stacey was the head of Deloittes Leadership Consulting practice where she guided the firms work with clients on matters of succession, talent assessment, leadership development, and inclusion. While there she increased revenue for her practice by over 250% and tripled the size of her organisation in under three years. Prior to Deloitte, Stacey worked as Managing Partner for a high-growth boutique consultancy where she was responsible for setting the firms strategy and market positioning.

Stacey seamlessly integrates her skills as a licensed psychologist and executive in her work and places great importance on using a deliberate and data-driven approach to the hiring process.

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:03:19:08 Young Girl with Big Dreams

00:05:14:18- Stacey's Inquisitive Mind

00:08:34:14 - Stacey's Pushy Attitude

00:10:30:09- Working with Different Cultures

00:13:57:06 - Leadership Questions Unanswered

00:15:46:23 - 3 Problems CEOs Have

00:16:58:10 - Credibility does Matter!

00:18:34:19 - The Shift from Corporate to Consulting

00:23:13:21 - Fear = Life Turning Point - Scene #2

00:25:08:03 - Eradicating Fear in Workplaces

00:29:36:15- Leadership in the Modern Era

00:35:03:01- Creating a Competency Model

00:37:23:04- Leadership Questions - For the Future!

00:41:04:00- The Most Successful CEOs

00:42:32:17- 3 Questions to Ask People Around CEOs

00:43:28:06- Stacey's Biggest Lessons

00:46:12:17- Perfection is Boring!

00:48:33:20- Stacey's Pivotal Moments

00:51:03:10- Relationships are Real Foundations

00:52:48:15- Psychological Safety

00:53:15:17- Meaning of Leadership

Staceys links:

LinkedIn

Website

Follow the podcast

If youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

• Website
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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Quote

Attempting to fit myself into a mold that did not suit me was my greatest mistake. I failed to recognize my strengths and where I found the most joy, which delayed my realization of how to optimize my success and happiness. Gaining a better understanding of myself was necessary. - Matt Hoffman

Who is Matt Hoffman?

Matt Hoffman, the Head of Talent and a Partner at M13, shares his experience in building startups and emphasized the role of high-performing teams in elevating individuals.

Matt brings a wealth of experience and expertise to high-growth start-up organizations, with a passion for building innovative and authentic cultures that can scale with the business. By empowering and inspiring employees to do their best work through the best People Ops strategies, Matt can help your business create an environment where talent thrives and innovation flourishes.

He is a certified Hudson executive coach, which further enhances his ability to develop talent and build amazing companies by focusing on the talented humans who make them great. With his skills and dedication, Matt is poised to make a significant impact in any startup organization he works with.

Matt previously built and led the People functions at DigitalOcean and Return Path (#1 Best Place to Work in NYC and #2 in the US, respectively).

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:03:11:14 - Keys to a Great Place to Work!

00:04:19:16 - Leadership in Fast-Paced Environments

00:05:59:19 - Going Back to a Teenage Matt

00:08:06:04 - Creating His Own Firm

00:08:59:18 - Changes in Matt's Perspective

00:10:08:00 - A Father of 3 Daughters

00:12:01:01 - Work-Life Balance - A Myth?

00:13:56:21 - Tensions - Remote Work vs. In-Person

00:16:07:09 - Challenges in Remote Work

00:18:20:16 - College Degree - Not a Good Financial Investment?

00:20:45:07 - Hiring People Without College Degrees

00:23:57:22 - Coping With Mistakes

00:27:00:13 - Trying Out New Things!

00:28:18:02 - AI vs People

00:30:40:03 - The Shift to Remote Work

00:32:56:17 - Companies Should Invest in Development!

00:35:39:19 - Understanding Development for Executives

00:37:58:23 - Establishing Company DNA!

00:40:11:15 - Setbacks in Leadership Conversations

00:42:12:14 - Matt's Super Team

00:44:34:07 - Matt's Biggest Mistake

00:45:56:17 - Matt's Proudest Career Moments

00:48:18:00 - Definition of Leadership

00:49:31:04 - Thanks For Listening to Everyday Leadership Podcast!

Matts links:

LinkedIn

Website

Follow the podcast

If youve just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Quote

Dont waste your valuable energy on things you cant control!- Vanessa Belleau

Who is Vanessa Belleau?

Vanessa Belleau is a slasher Millennial, she is proud to be contributing positively to the world through her work as an EMCC Accredited Executive Coach, Diversity + Inclusion & Belonging Consultant, future-focussed Researcher, Brand Consultant, Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, and Marketing & Branding Consultant. Vanessas purpose is crystal clear: She wants to help people and brands focus on what really matters. To do this, she draws on both her maths and magic approaches to insights, strategy, and storytelling to provide clients with powerful, validated insights and spark them with passion and humour.

To date, she has worked with over 60 different brands, including Gymshark, the LVMH Fashion Group, smaller businesses, charities, and individuals. Additionally, she set up her own company, @Highfifteen ltd, in order to collaborate with more brands on exciting projects, specifically helping create more diverse workplaces and inclusive business strategies that ensure all employees and consumers feel they belong.

She was born in Paris as a Black French Caribbean woman and has been living in London for over 15 years. Through her work, shes been able to use both of the languages she speaks fluently - French and English - on projects in over 20 countries.

Vanessa Belleaus High Fifteen journey

Before launching Highfifteen, Vanessa had the privilege of working at the Walt Disney Company for EMEA as the Head of Fashion + Home Shopper Trade Marketing. During this time, she created and managed marketing programs with some incredible partners such as Adidas, Primark, C&A, H&M, Loewe, Pandora, and more. Additionally, during her 18 months there, she co-founded and co-chaired the first Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities affinity group in the UK & IRL.

Vanessa created High Fifteen to address a key business need: combining strategy, insights, enthusiasm, and practicality while keeping people as the central focus. By developing meaningful and genuine relationships based on trust, curiosity, excellent communication, and empathy, She is able to effectively use her resourcefulness, knowledge, energy, and positive outlook to inspire others to recognise their own strengths and find new strategic opportunities.

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00:00:00 - Intro

04:58:00 - Born With 12 Fingers? No Problem!

07:55:21 - Showing True Self = Showing Power!

09:45:00 - The Middle Child Syndrome

18:34:00 - Why Vanessa Left for the UK

26:00:14 - Self-Discovery of Identity!

27:43:21 - Rise in The Corporate World

33:44:23 - Measurement of Success

37:50:11 - Joy vs. Happiness

43:11:00 - Joy Brings Clarity!

47:49:16 - Leaders in Adversity

52:01:00 - Vanessa's Definition of Leadership

53:35:00 - Proudest Moments of Her LIFE!

59:25:00 - My I Really Does Matter

01:00:06:04 - Thanks For Listening to the Everyday Leadership Podcast

01:00:06:30 - Next Episode Preview

Vanessas links:

LinkedIn

Instagram

High-Fifteen

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Leadership is about setting an example and leading people to a goal without making excuses. As an assistant head teacher, I have to be one of the best teachers in the school and set a great example for others. But it is also about being unapologetic in following your vision, even if not everyone believes in or understands it. It's important to convince people that what you're trying to achieve is worth pursuing, and not to expect everyone to be your friend in the process. I believe leadership is so much more than just how you speak to people; it's about taking action and leading people to the greater good.- Emmanuel Awoyelu

Who is Emmanuel Awoyelu?

Emmanuel is a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and an assistant headteacher at Eastbury Community School. He has worked in education for 9 years, whilst developing youth programmes across London. Emmanuel is a frequent speaker, trainer and writer on educational topics particularly around the topics of inclusive practice, pastoral care and behavior.

He is passionate about changing the narrative for disadvantaged young people and he's a big part of helping The Reach Out Project achieve its objective. The Reach Out Project is a mentoring programme for inner-city London boys. Their vision is to open up London as a city of opportunity for our youth and help each young person we support to realise their potential regardless of their background/circumstance.

Emmanuel Awoyelus Journey as a Teacher

Having suffered negative experiences early on in his education journey, including two school exclusions, the first in year 5 and another in year 10, Emmanuel felt that teaching would be the last thing he would ever do.

However, many years later an opportunity came up at a school where he used to deliver sessions as a football coach, and what started out as filling in for someone for two weeks ended up being five months and at the end of it, he realised that the education space is where he was meant to be.

He initially trained as a teaching assistant and later as a SENCO and then grew into the position he is in now. Today, as a black leader in the profession, Emmanuel is acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with his role. He understands that his presence and influence could potentially have an effect on children, staff and community members who were previously excluded. It is an honour for him to be able to represent his community and to be part of such a small yet powerful group of black senior educators. People are often surprised to hear about his role, and feel like he is a rarity or 'unicorn' - something that you wouldn't easily find anywhere else. Representation matters deeply, and he takes on the role with pride.

Emmanuels Experience with Grief

At the age of 17, Emmanuel lost three of his closest friends in a tragic accident. This would later lead him into depression, but also marked a turning point in his life as he came to the realisation that he had to live his life differently in order to build a legacy.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Being a dad is a role that we play, we are people first. A dad is something that I have become but I'm a man first. To look at it from what kind of dad you want to be without looking at what kind of man you want to become is the wrong way around. You need to define what kind of man you want to be first and that translates to parenting.- Elliott Rae

Who is Elliott Rae?

Elliott Rae is one of the UKs most prominent speakers on fatherhood, masculinity and mens mental health. He is the founder of the parenting platform MusicFootballFatherhood, called the Mumsnet for Dads by the BBC. MusicFootballFatherhood is the UKs most exciting parenting and lifestyle platform for men. MFF is all about open conversations surrounding fatherhood, work-life balance, mental health, raising healthy and well-rounded children, money management, relationships and of course music and football.

He previously worked in the Civil Service where he held senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion roles and his last role was as the Head of D&I delivery at HM Treasury.

Hes been heavily involved in many research projects relating to fathers in the workplace, notably the 2018 Equal Lives report by Business in the Community and the Fathers in the Workplace toolkit by the University of Birmingham where he spoke at both of the launches. He was recognised by the United Nations for his work engaging men in gender equality and was awarded the UN Women UKs #HeForShe Changemaker of the Year award in 2019.

Elliot Raes DAD journey

Elliott founded the MFF platform as a self-therapy after being diagnosed with PTSD as a new dad after the traumatic birth of his daughter.

In his new book DAD, an Amazon Top 10 bestseller, Elliott and 19 other dads shared their stories that represent the diversity of modern fatherhood and challenge the traditional ideas of masculinity.

In January 2022, Elliott presented the seminal and primetime BBC One documentary Becoming Dad. This was the first show of its kind to bring issues around dads mental health and work-life balance to the mainstream.

Elliott as a speaker, author and social changemaker

Elliott specialises in helping organisations support fathers, improve mens mental health and engage men in conversations around gender equality.

If you are trying to encourage more open conversations about masculinity and allyship and engage more men in your DEI activities, Elliot can help you. Connect here with Elliott.

Key Leadership learning moments (timestamps)

02:35 - Elliott Rae is not Fond of Introductions

03:18 - Elliott's Philosophy - Keep On Putting the Work!

05:16 - Elliott's Young Competitive Spirit

06:39 - Elliott the Biggest Fan of Football Stars

10:31 - His Biggest Supporters, His Parents

16:13 - Elliot's Dad Tips for a Happy Marriage

19:13 - How to Deal with Ego Effectively as a Man?

22:06 - Hurdles in Unleashing Elliott's Full Potential

26:01 - Elliott's Journey as a Modern-Day Father

27:44 - What it Takes to Be a Good Man?

30:22 - Being a Man vs. Being a Dad

35:19 - Elliot's Traumatic Experiences

39:48 - Mental Health Problems Surfacing - Elliott's Plight

46:29 - MFF Origin Story

56:07 - The Grit and Determination to Continue Against All Odds

01:01:57 - The Numbers Game vs. The Influencer Game

01:06:28 - Sope's Key Take Aways On Elliott's Interview

01:09:36 - Elliott's Definition of Leadership

Elliotts links:

LinkedIn

Dad Book

Website

Follow the podcast

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I sit down with Chris Clark, Founder & Managing Director of InHarmony Consulting Group. From being called a “young preacher” as a child, to leading culture at global giants like Google, ESPN, and Soho House, Chris’s story is a masterclass in communication, resilience, and intentional leadership.

We talk about:

• Growing up between church sermons and basketball courts.
• Why structure transforms ERGs from event planners into culture shapers.
• The weight of leading through COVID at Soho House.
• Taking the leap from corporate into entrepreneurship.
• Redefining success as harmony, not balance.

This conversation is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who want practical insights on culture, resilience, and authentic leadership.

Chris shows that leadership isn’t about titles or control — it’s about helping others achieve their own definition of success, and using communication as the bridge.

Connect with Chris:
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram 
Email: chris@inharmonyconsulting.com

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Anything that's worth it takes time.

"My children now as you say, young adults, they've had more than enough of that, with me telling to them, just be patient. For all the progress that we make, the younger generation, whether it be millennials or anything else, they want stuff today." - Rob Neil OBE

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Rob Neil?

Rob was born and raised in the London Borough of Brent and began his career in 1983 at Willesden County Court for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

During his time there, he advanced to Deputy Court Manager before joining the South Eastern I.T. Team.

In 1998, he acquired his dream job with MoJ's Corporate HR as a Development Trainer.

During his two years of study at the Civil Service College, he earned a Certificate in Training Practice (CTP) and is now a member of CIPD.

In 2001, Rob was one of the first people to join the Ministry of Justice's BAME Staff network, referred to as P.R.O.U.D.

He then went on to become the first elected Chair of the CSREN (now known as the Civil Service Race Forum) that same year.

The Civil Service Race Forum was established then.

Rob Neil's legacy in civil service

Rob developed his career in the civil service at the MoJ in HR and became a founding member of the Employee Engagement Team.

He was in charge of creating the Engagement Champions Network in the year 2008.

He was also responsible for the growth of the Employee Engagement Champions across the MoJ, eventually reaching 1000 people in Courts, Tribunals and Legal Aid Agency.

He's worked with other Government departments to help them set up their own EECs, including HMRC, DWP, and MoD.

In the summer of2015, Rob was responsible for steering the Diversity & Inclusion Department at the Ministry of Justice.

He was instrumental in achieving essential goals, such as the implementation of the Civil Service Talent Action Plan [T.A.P.] and re-negotiating arrangements with all of the Department's Diversity Staff Networks.

In April of2016 Rob was noted as one of the 50 influential figures of BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) background in the public sector, as part of the 'New View 50'

You can see the list here.

About Krystal Alliance

The Krystal Alliance team consists of incredibly talented and devoted members who strive to collaborate with committed entities that desire to promote equity in the workplace, encourage and motivate others.

The individuals of Krystal Alliance are all specialists in their field, whether devising plans to foster transformation in culture, running interactive sessions to promote inclusive leadership, or imagining ways to build a stronger sense of community.

So how did Rob come to get involved with creating this powerhouse team? You'll need to listen to find out!

What are you waiting for?

Click play, and immerse yourself in another fascinating conversation with another wonderful guest on the Everyday Leadership podcast.

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

• 0:00 - Intro
• 03:55 - The importance of offering our best
• 08:47 - Career in policing
• 16:44 - The power of working alongside others
• 21:28 - What's good for one...
• 25:53 - Letting go of the civil service
• 33:11 - What is 'cultural intelligence'?
• 37:32 - Linking with people who want to be more inclusive
• 42:33 - Becoming a granddad
• 46:55 - Rob's Definition of Leadership

Rob's links:

LinkedIn

Krystal Alliance

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

The employee voice is becoming much louder.

"We might have been expected to do photocopying, and make coffee for the first, you know, year of your employment. But that isn't that isn't the case anymore. And that certainly isn't what younger generations are going to stand for." - Abigail Wilmore

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Abigail Wilmore?

Abigail Wilmore is a Chief People Officer and certified Executive/ Performance Success Coach.

She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and specialises in heart-centred, kind leadership promotion, sustainability and values-led people strategy creation.

She's all about diversity and equality, culture and engagement, positive energy networking, global change and organisation design.

Along with that, she's also instrumental in talent and leadership development and performance-driven wellbeing strategy.

She's a strategic executive committee member, and animal welfare campaigner.

What is Dr Barbara Sturm?

Dr Barbara Sturm is a renowned cosmetic doctor and skincare expert based in Germany.

She's known for her innovative and natural approach to skincare and has developed an extensive line of products that focus on the skin's needs while using minimal ingredients.

The range includes creams, serums, face oils, and masks that are specifically formulated to protect and nourish the skin, making them suitable for all skin types.

In addition to her products, Dr Barbara offers a variety of treatments including laser treatments, injections, and chemical peels.

What does this have to do with Abigail? Well, our guest for this episode is the Chief People Officer at the company.

And it's her responsibility to define and implement the people strategy, bringing the ethical, sustainable and responsible elements of what the brand stands for into their people and culture agenda.

Abigail Wilmore's story

Abigail Wilmore had a childhood that was full of love, but was also unconventional.

Her mother was an artist and makeup artist in the film industry, while her father was a mathematician and teacher.

Growing up, Abigail and her sister were encouraged to be themselves and speak up for what they believed in.

And then there was the ballet and fashion which followed.

So to learn more about Abigail, you're going to need to listen to the episode.

What are you waiting for?

Click play, and immerse yourself in another fascinating conversation with another wonderful guest on the Everyday Leadership podcast.

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

• 0:00 - Intro
• 06:32 - Abigail's Shift from Ballet to the Fashion Career
• 10:27 - Creating Your Own Path: Sope's Thoughts
• 12:42 - Skills that Helped Abigail in Her Career
• 18:20 - Interviewing with Gucci Group
• 26:00 - Abigail's Definition of Human Resources
• 27:16 - Tips to Create a Great Working Culture
• 34:33 - How Abigail Deals with Frustrations in the Current HR System
• 40:00 - What is Heart-Centered Leadership?
• 41:48 - Leadership in the Modern Working Culture
• 44:48 - Changes Needed to be Made in Leading Teams
• 48:12 - Abigail's Biggest Leadership Lessons
• 51:16 - Abigail's Definition of Leadership

Abigail's links:

LinkedIn

The Henley Collective

Dr Barbara Sturm

Stella McCartney

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

The financial goal or gain is the secondary element

"Sometimes people have a mixed view of money. But everything we want to do in this world requires money. Take care of family, give to your church or religious organisation, be able to further the education of your kids and family. They all require money." - Donald Thompson

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Donald Thompson?

Donald has 20 years of experience in business growth and is often referred to as a CEO, speaker, investor, advisor, entrepreneur and executive coach.

His background is rooted in the values of teamwork, strategy and success that he learned from his father who was a football coach.

He has an optimistic outlook and is a competitive learner who assists executives with the application of new tools and thinking to enable them to quickly acquire improved management skills and capabilities for the changing business environment.

As a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Donald currently serves as CEO & Co-founder of The Diversity Movement where he focuses on uniting DEI objectives with business objectives while pushing organisational boundaries towards cultural transformation with positive outcomes for both employees and shareholders.

What is The Diversity Movement?

TDM disrupts the diversity training industry with its innovative approach to DEI.

Launched in 2019 as an eLearning organisation, TDM has quickly transformed into a full-service consultancy, helping over 100 clients turn DEI into a business growth strategy.

Donald Thompson's story

Donald's journey so far has been diverse and guided by his mother's advice to always ask why and that he can do anything he dreams of with hard work and determination.

He developed a sense of direction by wanting to have choices and financial independence.

He also had a background in sports, which taught him teamwork, perseverance, and being agile.

He didn't have a clear path, but he was motivated by having enough financial wealth, having friends from all walks of life, and learning from his experiences in college football.

He pivoted from sports to business, but the lessons he learned from athletics stayed with him.

And when it comes to his definition of what 'enough' financial wealth is? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out!...

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

01m24s: Young Donald and his mother's two big lessons.

11m25s: Donald's order of prioritisation.

23m37s: Sports and communication.

31m46s: Showing commitment to change.

43m07s: Putting things into context.

55m33s: How Donald defines leadership?

Donald's links:

Website

Book

LinkedIn

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Helping creators to create

"You know, being a creator is not easy. So hats off to creators, for sure. It's a tough, tough space." - Sean Kim

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Sean Kim?

Sean Kim is President and Chief Product Officer at Kajabi, and was theex-head of product at TikTok in the US.

He's also been involved with the TV show Shark Tank, and boasts Jeff Bezos - yes THAT Jeff Bezos - among his former colleagues.

It's not hard to understand how he would have such roles, when you consider he had such an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

He would sell things at school, collect cans for money and even buy bulk socks from Korea to resell at school for a profit.

When he moved to New York, he had to find other ways to make money and one of them was nothing short of a moment of absolute genius involving food and his school mates.

What is Kajabi?

Kajabi is a website and marketing platform designed to help individuals and businesses create and sell online courses, coaching programs, and digital products.

It provides a range of tools and features to help users create a professional-looking website, create and manage online courses, process payments and handle customer data, and market their products through various channels, such as email marketing, webinars, and social media.

Kajabi also includes analytics and reporting tools to help users track their sales and customer engagement.

It's considered to be something of an all-in-one platform that allows users to create, market and sell digital products and online courses without the need for any other tools or services.

When you hear Sean describe his mission, you'll quickly understand how his influence has really spilled into the product.

Sean Kim's professional journey

Sean Kim had a variety of experiences with start ups.

He started with a version of Yelp, where he built the website and went door to door to local restaurants to get them to participate.

He also had website start ups that offered website and CMS solutions for local businesses, as well as apps he's worked on.

He learned to code and design and used that knowledge to help other local businesses and restaurants with their websites.

Despite not being scalable, he found the journey to be valuable, and he shares why in this episode.

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

01m43s: Young Sean Kim and his history selling food and socks.

05m09s: Why Sean went corporate rather than entrepreneur.

11m52s: Knowing when to go somewhere new.

20m16s: Sean's experience with creating.

25m24s: Sean's time at Amazon working with Jeff Bezos.

31m44s: Embracing the failure.

38m15s: Sean's long term vision for the creator economy.

54m50s: The importance of family?

48m07s: How Sean defines leadership?

Sean's links:

Kajabi

Twitter

LinkedIn

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Getting out of the topic and into the age of action...

"It's just more... like I use the thing, like, you know Weinstein's? These are all Weinsteins. I can't have it. What if one of these people were my daughter?" - Kevin Withane

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Kevin Withane?

Meet Kevin, the Founder and Managing Partner of Diversity X.

Diversity X is a community and venture capital firm that supports underestimated founders who are solving real-world problems and making a positive impact in their communities and the world.

He has worked around the world over the last two decades, including at private practice law firms, quasi-governmental organisations, SMEs, and most recently at a FTSE 250 company.

Kevin is a passionate advocate for building a sustainable world and for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Listen to this fascinating conversation in which I, Sope, learn more about Kevin's journey and the work that Diversity X is doing to support underestimated founders in the tech industry.

What is 'Diversity X'?

Diversity X is a community and venture capital firm that aims to support underrepresented founders and start ups.

The firm focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to investing in companies that are working on solving real-world problems and making a positive impact in their communities and the world.

Under Kevin's leadership, 'Diversity X' believes in the power of diverse teams to drive innovation and create sustainable solutions.

They provide not only financial support but also mentorship, resources, and connections to help these founders succeed.

They also actively engage with the community and create a space for conversations around diversity and inclusion in the start-up ecosystem.

This episode features another lawyer inspired by "LA Law"!

"I used to be found sneaking down the stairs to watch it while my parents were watching it. It looked glamorous. It looked cool!"

Listen to learn of the other iconic TV lawyers that Kevin wanted to follow in the footsteps of when he was a younger man!

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

01m43s: Young Kevin and his fortune with friends.

06m00s: Kevin's entrepreneurial origins with shampoo and penny sweets.

11m16s: Kevin Withane's inspiration for getting into law.

19m48s: Life and work after corporate.

34m06s: The idea behind 'Diversity X'

39m52s: Walking the talk and being intentional.

45m56s: Challenges of building the community

54m50s: The importance of family?

57m52s: How Kevin Withane defines leadership?

Kevin's links:

Twitter

LinkedIn

Substack newsletter

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Helping young people change their lives and avoid jail, death or deportation...

"I think my inspiration came from wanting to help young people, particularly young men, at the time - that grew up in the same way that I grew up - see an alternative way out. I didn't think there was anything at the time, that could help those individuals that were in the thick of it.... everything else was always going to tell them to go back to school, and to start again, start afresh" - Duro Oye

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Duro Oye?

Duro Oye is a social entrepreneur and award-winning CEO who is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the UK workforce.

As the head of 2020 Change, a leading social enterprise, Duro uses training programs, mentorship, and career support to empower young black professionals and help them succeed in their careers.

His passion for community and commitment to excellence drive him to bring about real and sustained change for these young professionals.

In addition to his work with 2020 Change, Duro is a skilled storyteller who uses the power of documentary film to give a voice to marginalized youth.

Since creating his first independent film project in 2013, he has worked with major broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 5 to bring important stories to life.

As a qualified mind-set coach with a degree in Graphics and Advertising and a diploma in Documentary Filmmaking, Duro brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work. He is also a fellow at the Acumen Academy, where he continues to develop his skills and knowledge.

What is 2020 Change?

2020 Change is a social enterprise that is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the UK workforce.

The organisation works to empower young black professionals by providing them with training programs, mentorship, and career support.

Through these efforts, 2020 Change aims to bring about clear and sustained change for these young professionals and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the UK.

One of the key programs offered by 2020 Change is the "I AM CHANGE" program, a 12-week course that focuses on developing young people in four key areas: self-awareness, vision, persistence, and dignity.

The program also covers topics such as financial literacy, digital skills, and mindfulness that are not taught in schools.

In addition to its training programs, 2020 Change is also committed to transparency and excellence in all of its work.

The organisation's dedication to these values has earned it numerous awards and recognition as a leader in the field of diversity and inclusion.

Duro's origins in acting!

Duro Oye originally wanted to be an actor and had an agent that was going to help him pursue that dream.

He took his drama GCSE very seriously in secondary school and was determined to succeed in the subject.

However, his mother was not supportive of his dream and called a family meeting to try and persuade him to go to university instead.

As is a common theme with many of our guests that regular listeners to Everyday Leadership will recognise!

Listen to the episode to learn whether Duro's mother got her wish or not.

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

01m40s: Young Duro and his acting aspirations.

05m15s: What was it about acting that drew Duro in?

20m32s: What was the importance of telling transformational stories?

25m20s: Overcoming the fear

32m06s: More on building the foundations of change

40m08s: "Why would they listen to me?"

46m15s: Major lessons taught by young people

54m47s: What does leadership mean to Duro Oye?

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Make sure you're 'doing it scared' as you start 2023

"How do you triumph over something? You step into it, you face it, you do something about it. Far too often, it's very easy to talk about what you're going to do to plan for what you're going to do and yet not do what you said you're going to do." - Sope Agbelusi

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

What is this episode all about?

Sope is reflecting on not only the previous 12 months but his whole origin story, including that of his family.

As he thought back on where he came from, he's understood that there was a common theme with every decision he made in business and in his home life.

He learned to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

How to do it scared.

There's a famous Nelson Mandela quote about the value in facing fear

As you begin a new year, it's natural to feel scared and uncertain.

But don't let fear hold you back.

The only way to overcome fear is to face it head on.

Many people try to avoid fear and pain, but often it's by going through these experiences that we realize they weren't as scary as we thought.

So don't be afraid to tackle your fears and embrace the unknown.

Overcome any obstacle by taking bold action!

Triumph over any challenge by taking action and facing it head on.

It's easy to make plans and talk about what you'll do, but true learning and growth comes from actually doing what you set out to do.

Don't let your fears hold you back from taking action and achieving your goals.

Key leadership learning moments (timestamps)

00m50s: Sope reflects on how he had to do it scared.

04m20s: "I was scared!"

08m10s: What is it that YOU want to do?

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Fostering leadership growth in our listeners by revisiting some of the powerful moments from 2022

What is this episode all about?

We decided to do something a little bit different this week.

At the time of publishing, it's currently the festive season, and many of our guests will be going about their lives spending time with their families.

We felt like this is a good time to reflect on the show's impact on 2022, taking in the fact we released the 100th episode a few months ago.

Choosing 13 past guests to revisit specific leadership lessons that we hope will empower listeners

It goes without saying we've immensely enjoyed speaking with ALL of our guests since we started this podcast.

But I wanted to check back in with 13 of the guests from this past year, to refresh our memories on their lessons.

Particularly as this is a time of year that many people use to reflect and refocus, ahead of working towards goals for the coming year.

Understanding the importance of good, solid leadership

Good leadership is important because it can have a significant impact on the success and effectiveness of a team or organisation.

When leaders are competent, fair, and supportive, they can create a positive and productive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth.

On the other hand, poor leadership can lead to a toxic culture, low morale, and poor performance.

Episode clips that we feel back up this point

We obviously couldn't include everybody that we'd like to for a revisit, or we'd be releasing an episode that would take almost three solid days of continuous listening to get through.

But we think you'll agree that these are some great episodes for revisiting.

Key leadership learning moments

Lori and Louise from LVL London

02m02s 06m21s Making the hardest decisions as a leader

Ayo Akunu

06m25s 09m45s Substance vs appearances

Dr Grant Tate

09m49s 15m41s Understanding influence isn't always hierarchical

Daniella Genas

15m46s 25m28s Being 'unemployable' and embracing it

Aggie Matuma

25m38s 32m56s Titles blind us - what does a title create?

Terence Channer

33m00s 39m47s Responding in 'those moments' (obvious racism)

Leon Mann

46m16s 46m20s Building networks.

Dr Selina Stone

46m22s 57m13s Navigating the balance between justice and silence

Rani Puranik

57m21s 1h04m59s Overcoming challenges over not leaning into entitlement

Akasha Sanders

1h05m09s 1h15m13s Saying 'yes' to yourself first

Tru Powell

1h15m20s 1h25m55s Key lessons including patience

Chenelle Ansah

1h26m00s 1h31m00s Big Audacious Goals and dealing with the overwhelm

Alec Grant

1h31m05s 1h38m51s Letting life happen rather than designing it

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Follow the podcast

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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What does living a life with values look like to you?

" Values can be told to somebody or they can be embodied. If you would have checked in on me, like, four years into the military, I would have been like, yeah, that's the values. I'm supposed to be doing these things. Really?. - John Spencer

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is John Spencer?

Our guest this week, John Spencer, is a retired United States army officer, researcher of urban warfare, and author on the same subject.

He's also a podcaster, with his own show the Urban Warfare Project which you can find on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

During the Russia invasion of Ukraine, John became notorious for his selfless act of offering advice to those impacted by the event.

John explains more about this during the episode.

John Spencer's military experience and how it speaks about leadership

John Spencer's spent a large chunk of his life dealing with the military.

Even though he's now retired from active duty, the military is still very much a part of his life due to his wife being in active service.

This leaves John with the responsibility of being almost like a pseudo lone parent.

John explains how he's had to find stoicism as part of that parental journey.

Understanding wider identity after being a soldier

During his conversation with Sope, John shares how a lot of soldiers struggle with identity in life after service in the armed forces.

He explains how important his kids have become when it comes to his own identity.

There's also some real vulnerability shared around the role that the military played when it came to his own paternal needs.

The importance of values in John's story

Obviously, given the title, this episode is all about values.

And values play a very central role in John Spencer's story.

Not only with his origin story of joining the military and following their values around leadership.

But also the joining of his wife and her values, and applying those values to their children.

He shares how ultimately, family values and military values are not that different both in terms of their impact and their importance.

Key leadership learning moments

01m37s - John's start in the military

05m12s - Identity outside of the military

09m22s - The military's part in teaching fatherhood

15m40s - Technology and its connection with the military

19m17s - Growing as a leader within the military frameworks

24m14s - The military's version of 'hybrid working'?

29m25s - Developing self-actualisation and self-awareness

35m18s - The process of writing a book

44m03s - Staying grounded outside of the military

50m00s - Growth and development in the face of adversity

51m01s - John's definition of leadership

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

John Spencer's website

John Spencer's LinkedIn

John Spencer's Twitter

Flow - The Psychology of Happiness on Amazon

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

How resilient could you be when tragedy strikes?

"As much as the initial impact of my wife passing away was significant, one thing was really clear in my mind, and that thing was in order for me to do the best of my boys, I need to get myself into the best place that I possibly can... - Alec Grant

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Alec Grant?

As founder of Resilience Cubed, Alec has become something of an expert on the topic.

Having lost his wife shortly after childbirth, Alec has had to face the challenge of raising his boys alone.

This has meant having to be there for them no matter what.

Essentially, Alec has lived and breathed the very definition of resilience.

Alec's experience with resilience

Alec's dealt with resilience on a lot of levels in his life.

In his youth, dealing with peer pressure when it came to the consumption of alcohol or experimenting with cigarettes.

More recently, experiencing having to be strong for his boys and bringing them up with the values and opportunities he felt were important for them to live with.

And in the workplace, dealing with boundary stomping bosses who didn't respect his free time and made unreasonable demands.

Designing life that works for the individual

What comes across very obviously in this chat with Sope, is Alec's core value system and his partnership with his wife when it came to working together to design the desired life for their family.

He describes how differently things could have been, had they not worked together in the interests of their boys, prepping their future years for resilience.

Creating space to grieve together

The story is a very emotional one, and the way that Alec tells it is equal parts heart-breaking and inspiring. From his revelations around how others tried to impart their unsolicited advice, through to his very clear insistence that he wanted to create a safe space for the family to grieve in whatever way they felt they needed.

Resilience continues throughout their family legacy.

Key leadership learning moments

01m13s - Young Alec and his first experience with resilience

15m54s - Taking active steps towards corporate resilience

23m52s - Letting life happen rather than designing it

31m15s - Clarity in the moment

38m33s - Raising the kids with freedom to express their grief

45m23s - What others could do to be more helpful in this kind of situation?

55m25s - How Alec defines resilience

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Resilience Cubed - Twitter

Alec's LinkedIn (with future updates on Resilience Cubed)

Winston's Wish

Widowed and Young

Tiny Habits from BJ Fogg

Atomic Habits

The 1 Thing

Follow the podcast

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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We have been taught that the key to success is more. More meetings. More goals. More hustle. But neuroscience, psychology, and lived leadership experience all say the opposite: less is more.

In this episode, I break down:

• The 5 biggest lies leaders believe about “more”
• 10 powerful reasons why doing less leads to greater clarity, creativity, and influence
• Real-world lessons from Warren Buffett, Serena Williams, Indra Nooyi, Steve Jobs, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and African proverbs
• How scripture reminds us of the power of stillness, focus, and legacy

If you are a busy executive, founder, or a leader navigating complexity, this conversation will challenge the way you think about productivity and impact.

Because leadership is not about doing everything.
It is about doing the right things, deeply, consistently, and with conviction.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

As long as you turn up and work hard, life is going to be ok!

"If your goal doesn't completely drown you, it's probably not big enough and definitely like mine completely floors me in the fact that what I'm trying to do is move the market and change what the future should look like... - Chenelle Ansah

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Chenelle Ansah?

As an investor and consultant, Chenelle is passionate about ensuring founders of diverse backgrounds have access to capital.

As Partner at Cornerstone Partners with a mission focused on investing in black founders from the UK, she works hard every day making sure they are leading the charge when it comes time for new Fintech opportunities or bank M&As (mergers and acquisitions) across Europe.

In addition to serving as Founder/MD of Nell Consulting where her expertise includes strategy work related specifically around financial disruption plus scaling operations within companies experiencing growth.

From fashion and dancing to finance and investing

Young Chenelle started out as the family entertainment, dancing for friends and visitors on demand.

But, as is common with our guests on the "Everyday Leadership" podcast, it wasn't long before THAT chat with a parent came up, and the focus began.

A career in finance beckoned, and as it goes, it was quite the path.

Neo banks and Chenelle's cornering of that expertise

The emergence of neo banking was a big deal for businesses in the UK. And Chenelle was right in the thick of it.

She explains how she developed a reputation for expertise in the space, and how working with these banks helped her understand how to systemise these businesses.

The ordered steps at the centre of Chenelle's faith

It becomes abundantly clear in this chat that like Sope, Chenelle's faith is at the heart of all she does.

She explains how she feels that her life is already decided and she's just showing up and continuing along the path.

And as she explains, that belief, when you have it, enables you to live a life that others can only dream of...

Key leadership learning moments

01m15s - Young Chenelle and the dancing

04m31s - The fascination with fashion

09m01s - Moving into business finance and investments

18m00s - Chenelle's faith in her preordained path

35m00s - Bridging the gap as a life mission

37m15s - Big Audacious Goals and dealing with the overwhelm

41m50s - The journey with Cornerstone Partners

47m29s - What's next?

48m39s - How Chenelle defines leadership

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Cornerstone's website

Chenelle's LinkedIn

Chenelle's page on TechInvest

Nell Consulting

Follow the podcast

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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You need to understand your pillars before you can build your personal brand...

"I'm no longer going to prioritise other people's needs, want and desires over mine. I'm no longer going to allow people's voices to be heard when they're speaking their rubbish and crap about feeling attacked and me silence mine when that wasn't the case. - Tru Powell

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Tru Powell?

In his own words, Tru is a multi-award winning creative entrepreneur, publicity coach and personal brand strategist passionate about supporting entrepreneurs cultivate their personal brands through the power of press and PR.

Tru is also a proud father and husband whose family very much comes as a package deal in his brand.

He's an activist as well as an advocate for the performing arts, and prides himself on helping others to reach their full potential.

Tru speaks to the process of personal branding

When it comes to personal branding, many don't truly understand what it actually means.

Tru talks us through it in great detail, sharing his own experience with growing a strong personal brand, and the benefits of ensuring you do it the correct way, using authenticity at your core.

After listening, you'll undoubtedly have a better understanding of how you should approach your brand, and what pillars you want to be known for!

The importance of understanding the difference between friends and acquaintances

At one point in this conversation, Tru shares with Sope a story about a moment in which he learned who his true friends were.

It's a story that many of us will probably find very relatable.

After listening to it, you'll most likely feel more empowered to continue to lean into your truth, and the difference it can make for the wider community you're serving.

Key leadership learning moments

01m30s - The come up as one of seven in Birmingham poverty

08m30s - Making a choice to overcome struggles

12m00s - Key lessons including patience

22m07s - How Tru's personal brand came to be

27m15s - Dealing with judgement

32m32s - Tru's advice on personal branding

38m23s - Tru's work in awards

41m44s - Platforming others

48m30s - Young kids and personal brands

51m31s - The status of the current singing career

52m54s - How Tru defines leadership

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Tru's website

Tru's Twitter

Marcus Rashford mural

Key Person of Influence

Follow the podcast

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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  Instagram
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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

You have to say yes to yourself before you say to yes to others...

"Like, self love, self leadership, self observation, self value, self empowerment and it might sound like a lot of self, it kind of is, but it's really... I promise you, that is really not the ego. Well, the ego is involved in some ways. But I don't mean it in the sense of, like, be full of yourself. Although I do kind of mean it in the sense of being full of yourself, maybe capital S, self or soul or something that's synonymous with God or universe. But be full of that. Be full of that and lead yourself from that place.. - Akasha Saunders

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Akasha Saunders?

In his own words, Akasha is a pilgrim, educator and coach who has over 10 years of professional experience.

He brings a constructive developmental approach to fostering diversity in organizations as he works with them on increasing awareness for inclusion among all people of all genders.

And especially among those from underprivileged backgrounds or whose voices haven't been heard before.

Akasha shares his views on applying love and values in the leadership journey

From listening to this conversation, you'll understand how important Akasha's immediate family has always been to him.

From his childhood years growing up with his granny, and all the wisdom he learned from her and how she taught him all about manifestation and prayer.

And then through his 'false start' accepting a career of working in a bank which didn't sit right with his values.

Interestingly, this was one of the main catalysts for his launch into leadership training.

Right up until meeting one of his most impactful ever teachers - his own teenager.

This is a conversation that educates and inspires.

Oh, and an explanation all around Sawubona! - I see you!

Akasha says it's not 'one way or the highway'

What's apparent in this conversation is Akasha's approach to cultivating leadership and talent, while respecting existing cultures.

He demonstrates awareness of the differing approaches to challenges and how there is not one mould that must set the template for things.

Key leadership learning moments

02m28s - Young Akasha

06m04s - Culture and differences

16m24s - Saying 'yes' to yourself first

26m03s - Akasha's thoughts on approach to work and theory

30m36s - Steve Jobs and the five year old Akasha

34m26s - How parenting helped Akasha grow

49m08s - Future Akasha and what matters to him

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Akasha's website

Akasha's LinkedIn

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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• 
  Instagram
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  LinkedIn
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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

The core fundamental that threads through Rani everyday... love.

" ... you're the daughter of the owner of this company. You don't even have to work. What is your problem? I said, oh my goodness, look at how the world is. The world is already putting these notions on me that I'm supposed to be entitled. I'm supposed to piggyback off of somebody else's credit even though he's my dad. But what about me? What about the sense that I have earned a position or earned a level of earning or just to be proud of what skills and talents I may be given.. - Rani Puranik

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Rani Puranik?

A selfless, caring and hard-working woman who inspires others with her dedication to making the world better one step at a time.

Revati Puranik - or Rani as she's known in India - is an absolute entrepreneur success story.

Yet she also knows how important it can be for underprivileged kids to have access to education too, so they don't fall behind their peers.

It can be challenging when society sees them only coming from disadvantaged homes due lack of resources, and has nothing to do with talent!

Rani shares her honest thoughts as someone who turned her back on entitlement

As you will hear from the conversation, Rani didn't have to do any of the things she's done in her life and career.

She was set.

But her determination to turn her back on entitlement makes her such a strong powerful force in the world.

And it's little wonder she's so admired and respected.

Rani's book "7 Letters To My Daughters" is literally a book of lessons around love, leadership and legacy.

You can buy the book here:

https://www.ranipuranik.com/seven-letters-to-my-daughters-book/

In this episode, you'll get a real taster of the book's contents as Rani talks all about her experience moving between Houston and India.

She shares some impactful wisdom around culture, why Winnie The Pooh is a 'Zen master' and even some advice on how to demonstrate empathetic leadership.

Key leadership learning moments

01m17s - Rani's story

11m09s - Younger Rani between the US and India

18m10s - Rani's return to the US and her reinvention

24m29s - Rani's biggest test - letting go

28m31s - How Rani manages to stay focused on her journey

34m16s - The challenges Rani's had to navigate around people and cultures

45m06s - Overcoming challenges over not leaning into entitlement

52m56s - How Rani defines leadership

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Rani's book

Rani's website

Worldwide Oilfield Machine website

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

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We've decided to turn the tables a bit...

"I felt God saying to me, this is not it. Like, this is not what you been called in to do. What is that skill set that you've had? What is the thing that you do that others find difficult? What do you find easy? What is that thing? And for me, it was coaching.. - Sope Agbelusi

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Sope Agbelusi?

Leadership coaching for 15 years has been a passion of Sope's.

He coaches leaders who want to make an impact on the lives and mindsets of those they lead, helping them improve personal growth while positively impacting company culture with innovative ideas that increase collaboration across departments.

This purpose takes him and his clients on a journey of growth and awareness that centres around people rather than their titles and positions.

The purpose of this episode... sharing purpose and reflecting on 99 lessons of leadership!

Sope Agbelusi lives and breathes authentic leadership.

And he demonstrates that fully by handing over the microphone to the person who is best qualified at holding him to account over his authenticity - his wife.

Shirine Agbelusi (previous guest in episode 50) sits down with her husband and spends an hour getting inside the mindset of the man behind Mindsetshift.

During the conversation he shares his views on family, faith and misappropriation when it comes to modern language.

He shares his key takeaways from working in the leadership space, and his thoughts on where things need to go moving forward, including the opportunity presented by future generations.

Key leadership learning moments

03m39s - Who is Sope Agbelusi?

12m26s - Faith in professional conversations

16m08s - Sope's journey

24m54s - What sets Sope apart as a coach

31m16s - How Sope leads himself outside of work life

39m46s - Stepping out of the comfort zone

44m13s - Things that frustrate Sope... and the ones that excite him

Useful links and shout outs in the episode

Masibu at TranslateCulture

Alex Holmes, author and podcaster

Sope Agbelusi's website

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Leading the change within church

"I was excited by how can I lead, but not in the church space? It felt limiting. It felt like it was repetitive. I was kind of interested and excited by the world, which in my tradition was painted as quite a dangerous place. But I found it quite exciting. - Dr Selina Stone

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Dr Selina Stone?

As a Lecturer in Theology at St Mellitus College, Dr Selina Stone brings together theology and religious studies with an emphasis on liberation through her work as part-time freelance researcher.

She's currently leading the team undertaking research for a project about wellbeing among BAME/UKME Clergy within Church of England institutions.

She was a Christian from a very young age and she grew up with that being reinforced in all areas of her life.

She had a very strong connection to God.

Dr Selina's transition from church leader to community leader

As you will hear in the episode, Dr Selina had a lot of awareness when she was getting more involved in the church.

She knew it wasn't perfect and that things had to be different if she was going to get on with it. And it didn't initially excite her.

But as we always say on this podcast, leadership starts with self.

And Dr Selina is a great example of a leader starting the leadership journey with self.

Particularly when it comes to leaning into that responsibility that we know we have to take to help others first.

For Dr Selina, the theological work that she does around helping people think critically about faith is very much intertwined with these concerns about social justice and having a kind of nuanced understanding life.

The politics/theology works together in all aspects when it comes to defending or discovering more equality for everyone; not just those who are Christian-based but also followers from other religions as well!

The importance here lies within exploring one's own identity while still being committed towards improving society at large - something which can be seen through every aspect including how we approach jobs like hers where there often isn't much room left to manoeuvre.

Key leadership learning moments

01m26s - Dr Selina's backstory

05m59s - Having the courage to see things differently

15m33s - What it was like for Dr Selina being a leader

26m10s - Navigating the balance between justice and silence

36m24s - How Selina makes time for herself

46m34s - Coping when prayer doesn't 'work' immediately

56m36s - How Dr Selina Stone defines leadership

Useful links

Dr Selina Stone on LinkedIn

Dr Selina Stone's podcast "Sunday School for misfits"

Dr Selina Stone's page on the University of Birmingham website

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Leading the change when it comes to racism in sport

"If someone's doing it, I'm the first to go, they're doing it. Support what they're doing. But there was a space that was completely empty and open. I just thought, it feels like a good idea and it feels like we should be doing something. - Leon Mann

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Leon Mann?

Leon is a highly experienced content producer with a background in the media production industry.

He's a skilled screenwriter and film producer.

He's a highly influential character when it comes to the campaign to erase racism in sport, and has been regarded as an influencer in that space.

He's also an esteemed voice in the newspaper of the same name.

Leon's revelations around racism in football

Rodney Hinds from The Voice newspaper played a huge part in Leon's campaign against whitewashing in football.

In this episode, Leon explains how the idea of the Football 'Blacklist' came to be.

You'll be absolutely blown away when you learn how much of UK Premier League football owes its existence to the black community (and when you learn how little it's represented at board level!)

And that's just the tip of the iceberg of a conversation we have for you this week.

You'll learn about how Leon uses leadership in his wider campaign of telling stories through his filmmaking.

Key leadership learning moments

02m02s - Young Leon's aspirations

04m32s - How did Leon adopt his philosophy?

10m24s - How did Leon get into journalism?

14m32s - Building networks.

20m31s - Leon's 'driver'

36m34s - Dealing with the frustration

42m31s - Which area Leon enjoys the most

46m55s - Leon's views on racism in football

54m11s - How does Leon define leadership?

Useful links

Leon Mann on LinkedIn

Leon's website

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If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

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Our society still has much to achieve when it comes to eradicating institutional racism...

"You have to be professional to be able to do a good job for your clients. It's no good to my client if I am unable to do a good job because I'm so vexed, I've taken my off the ball.

That's not to say I, I can't be vexed. - Terence Channer.

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Terence Channer?

Terence is a lawyer who specialises in actions against the police.

He's a senior solicitor at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates.

He's also a columnist for the newspaper "The Voice".

Terence's stories around police stop and search.

It seems that there's still a lot of work to do to eradicate racism within the British police force.

Terence has first hand experience through his clients of some of the problematic powers they're in possession of when it comes to individuals on the street.

Clearly, the world as a whole was massively impacted by cases like the George Floyd incident in America.

Yet, there are echoes of that same racist energy in the UK, and Terence is very intentional with his drive to shine a light on them.

In this episode of the Everyday Leadership podcast, Terence shares some of these stories, and explains how he came to grow into his impactful role in bridging the gap between the police and the individuals he vows to protect.

And he doesn't hold back when it comes to holding the problematic police force to account on this still very troubling issue of some elements of the British police and their attitudes to stop and search.

Key leadership learning moments

02m07s - Young Terence

05m48s - Navigating from the streets

14m49s - What does it feel like to be a black lawyer?

23m39s - Staying 'sane' when hearing the various injustices.

30m34s - Using the patois

34m41s - Responding in 'those moments' (obvious racism)

40m37s - Leaning in to the role he's there to play

Useful links

Terence Channer on LinkedIn

Terence's page on the website

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Leading with love and light

"My purpose, as I understand it, is to spread love and light" - Aggie Mutuma.

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Aggie Mutuma?

Aggie is the CEO and lead consulting director of Mahogany Inclusion Partners

Aggie is a passionate Inclusion and Anti-Racism expert, Executive Coach and engaging speaker who excels at partnering organisations to build cultures where everyone can thrive.

Her recent accolades include being voted a top 20 Most influential HR thinker in 2022 by fellow people professionals.

What is "Mahogany Inclusion Partners"?

Essentially, they're about helping organisations to get, and stay, inclusive.

"We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive in life. We are actively passionate about playing our part to get the world closer to this place; one organisation at a time."

The story behind why love and light are so important to Aggie.

Aggie believes we are all made of a mix of 'stuff' as she calls it.

Sometimes the stuff is nastiness.

But hidden beneath it can be love.

In this episode of the Everyday Leadership podcast, Aggie explains to us what her own upbringing taught her about humans and kindness, and how she applies that learning to find it in others.

And where it's already present, to nurture it.

Key leadership learning moments

01m25s - Aggie's origin story - playground unkindness

04m27s - Leading with love

14m33s - Titles blind us - what does a title create?

21m48s - Balancing work success with parenting success

29m41s - 'Sitting with yourself'...

33m08s - Celebrating yourself as much as you cheerlead others

44m18s - How does Aggie Mutuma define leadership?

Useful links

Aggie Mutuma LinkedIn

Aggie Mutuma on the website

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Are you 'unemployable' like Daniella Genas?

"And my dad in particular was always of this kind of idea that you should create your own ways of generating revenues that are not reliant on having a boss."

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Daniella Genas BA, MA, MBA?

Daniella Genas is a transformative business coach and consultant with experience in helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses across all industries.

She adds significant value to solopreneurs, mid-size companies and large enterprises with multi-million pound turnover.

She has accelerated the growth of many six figure earners by leveraging her sharp wit combined with strategic prowess and authority when it comes managing people or making decisions about key aspects such as marketing strategies etc..

What is "She's the Boss"?

The STBVISSA (Shes the Boss) Model for Business Growth and Sustainability is Daniellas powerful framework within which she helps entrepreneurs to be more successful in their businesses.

The model has been developed after many years of consulting with SMEs, which are crucial when it comes to growing your company's profits long-term success.

It works by implementing these five key components: strategy building; operations & leadership development ; marketing automation systems and processes improvement.

With this comprehensive approach you can gain control over all aspects related specifically around growth!

The story behind why Daniella claims she's 'unemployable' and wears that like a badge of honour!

Daniella's story is fascinating and takes us on a journey through starting a pop group, going on a hip hop talent show, becoming the UK's Oprah and starting two businesses.

Among all that, there's theft, tribunals, and nagging parents.

This is a real 'show the scars not the injuries' packed episode, with some inspiring conversation around knowing thyself, and accepting our place in the world when it comes to being employable or otherwise.

Key leadership learning moments

01m42s - Hopes and dreams - from pop star to UK Oprah

11m36s - Being 'unemployable' and embracing it

20m53s - Being sued and selling the business

25m55s - Succeeding outwardly but being 'alone' internally (the BBC Women's Hour drama)

37m20s - Feeling like you've 'made it'

41m13s - The importance of impact

49m46s - How does Daniella Genas define leadership?

Useful links

Daniella Genas Instagram

Daniella GenasLinkedIn

Daniella Genas She's The Boss

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

You’ve been taught to outwork it.
To push through.
To earn rest.

But what if rest isn’t the reward — what if it’s the strategy?

In this solo episode, I share a deeply personal story of almost burning. I also discuss how I ignored the warning signs, pursued clarity through effort, and what ultimately led me to stop.

We dive into:

• The hidden cost of overperformance
• Why your best thinking happens when you're doing nothing
• The neuroscience of rest and the default mode network
• How leaders like Bill Gates and Tricia Hersey reframe rest as power
• What happened when a founder I coached took her first weekend off in over a year

This episode is a call to pause.
Not because you're weak.
But because you're wise enough to lead differently.

Plus, I share why I’m taking a short break from the podcast — and why maybe, you should too.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Are you doing what you're called to do?

"My grandmother told me, this is my father's mother. If you have a talent and you're not using it, it's a sin. She went to a small country church, so that set the bar really high."

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Dr Grant Tate?

Trusted advisor and business expert, Dr. Grant Tate has written a book to help people find freedom in their careers: "Hand on the Shoulder: Finding Freedom in the Confluence of Love and Career"

It's the story of his life experiences as an entrepreneur with over two decades worth or operational experience at top levels across organisations from small businesses all way up through multinational corporations and even politicians.

The stories all combine seamlessly into this memoir which provides insights not only about what it means be successful, but also, how do you get there?

What are you called to do?

That's a core theme of this episode, as Sope delves deeply into the mind of this inspirational leader.

And it turns out, the book is quite central to that question.

"About a year ago, publisher called and said, hey, I've seen some of your writing out there. Have you ever thought of writing a book? And I said, well, sure, everybody has. Then that person and I had three different meetings... and I finally decided I didn't want to write the 50,001st business business book because that's how many are published every year. But let's examine my experiences. And then that got reinforced because I asked a lot of my friends and contacts, if I'm writing a book, what would you like to see? And they said, how did you get to where you are?"

Surrounding yourself with the right people - an important part of leadership

It's not just strictly business in this conversation.

As usual, Sope uses his expert leadership skills to guide Dr Grant Tate through his vulnerability and share some of his less favourable personal experiences, and the lessons gleaned from them.

The topic of friends and relationships carries an impactful insight punch.

All in all, this is one of our most important episodes for anybody wanting to get a grasp on the role leadership can play when it comes to family and relationships.

Key leadership learning moments

01m31s - Stepping out of your comfort zone and the questions Dr Grant Tate asked that led to the book

04m50s - Key lessons from being the little kid in class

07m20s - Family responsibilities

12m50s - Criticism over IBM choices and the recession

20m45s - Avoiding meeting fatigue and using the time

24m29s - The willingness to unlearn and relearn

33m56s - Understanding influence isn't always hierarchical

39m10s - What is Dr Grant Tate called to do? And the explanation of leverage.

41m48s - The impact of career on personal relationships

45m28s - Identifying the person who can do what you need

48m19s - How does Dr Grant Tate define leadership?

Useful links

Dr Grant Tate's book

Dr Grant Tate's LinkedIn

Follow the podcast

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

What do you prioritise?

"Sometimes how we phrase or the language we use can really throw us off when it comes to what it means to prioritise..."

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who is Ayo?

Ayokunu Oduniyi is the founder of 4:12 Men. Its vision is to see men gather and grow together as they navigate what it means to be a Godly man in today's society.

Ayo is a leader who transposes many avenues, with his eye in the camera viewfinder and his hands on helping his fellow man.

In this episode, we will discuss the importance of prioritising and how Ayokunu Oduniyi applies this principle in his work with 4:12 Men.

Totally 'on brand', 4:12 MEN derives its name from the bible:

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Do you prioritise?

Ayokunu Oduniyi is a leader who understands the importance of prioritising.

In his work with 4:12 Men, he focuses on doing the harder things first.

This principle can be applied to many areas of life, including our personal lives, our work lives, and even our spiritual lives.

In our personal lives, we often find ourselves putting off the things that we should be doing first.

We procrastinate on our health, our relationships, and even our own happiness.

We tell ourselves that we'll start tomorrow, or next week, or next month.

But the truth is, if we don't start today, we may never start at all.

And, in our spiritual lives, we often find ourselves putting off the things that God is asking us to do.

We tell ourselves that we're not ready, or that we don't have enough faith.

But if we don't take action on what God is asking us to do, we will never experience the fullness of His plan for our lives.

In this episode, Ayo speaks to this.

Loudly.

Key leadership learning moments

01m13s - What's in a name?

07m00s - The plan when Ayo was younger

10m20s - The photographic eye

30m25s - The biggest thing that helped build trust and safety

34m20s - Substance vs appearances

36m30s - The biggest lessons from marriage

44m56s - What kind of father does he want to be? And his thoughts on what leadership means

If you've just stumbled across this podcast episode by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Are you being yourself?

"A lot of times, even when I was in the corporate world, we'd get people reaching out about opportunities, but they didn't necessarily know how to build personal connections or relationships...

...We know how to connect with people based on what's interesting to them, not just, what's interesting to us..."

(Want to read a full written for reading transcript version of this episode? Download it here.)

Who are the LVL London ladies?

The three sisters from Derbyshire each pursued their own career paths in luxury retail and fashion, but they have finally found success in working together.

These Powell sisters always had an entrepreneurial spirit.

When they were younger, they would make trips to shopping malls and fashion shows and it was clear from a young age that they had a passion for fashion.

After high school, they went their separate ways for a while.

Louise found herself in London, working her way up to a key role in Harrods.

Lori soon followed her sister and joined her at the luxury retail giant.

And after working in various high-end fashion houses, the sisters decided to team up and start their own luxury retail consultancy, LVL London.

The company provides training and leadership development programs for luxury retail brands.

Leadership in luxury retail

In this episode, Lori and Louise share with Sope just how important good leadership is to them as individuals, as well as in their roles.

They share stories of hirings, firings, and mentorings.

And all within the focus of applying good leadership to ensure smooth and empathic results.

There's also a lot of discussion around faith, and why that's so incredibly important to Louise.

And if you're someone who does business on a scooter... well this episode might just offer you a bit of much needed validation.

Listen in to hear some incredible insights and leadership lessons from the luxury retail world with LVL London.

Brands and people mentioned in this episode

Harrods

LVMH

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen's The Row

Victoria Beckham

House of Fraser

French Connection

Miss Sixty

How to contact Lori and Louise from LVL London

Follow them on Instagram

Lori Powell on LinkedIn

Louise Powell on LinkedIn

Key leadership learning moments

01m35s - Childhood

07m10s - The move to London

10m10s - Their insatiable drive - Sope wonders if they ever held back

13m45s - Second guessing decisions to 'go it alone'

18m20s - Major goals they both had

20m40s - Showing that you care as a leader

23m45s - Their personal strengths as a leader

27m20s - Making the hardest decisions as a leader

31m40s - Sope pondering on the impact a leader can have on a wider number of people

36m50s - The dynamic of three sisters working in leadership together

38m52s - Humility and PR - and how they're handling that balance

41m55s - Their favourite personal brands

45m20s - What was a professional woman previously and what is one now? (Sope references LVMH)

49m10s - Faith in business and its importance

51m24s - How do Lori and Louise define leadership

If you've just stumbled across this podcast by chance, please do click here to follow it so you never miss a future episode.

If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the below links.

Connect with Me

• Website
• 
  Instagram
• 
  LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me an email at https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk