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How To Build an AI Team Without Losing Your Human Culture
29 Oct 2026
00:44:29
How do you pivot a business overnight, and lead a team of AI agents without losing your human culture? Pip Jamieson, Founder and CEO of The Dots, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast to talk about courageous pivots, kindness as a real strategy, and what it’s like to lead AI agents every day.
When Covid wiped out 80% of The Dots’ revenue in a single week, Pip found the “gift from the gods” pivot that saved the company. She shares why she treats kindness as a strategic choice, how being open about her dyslexia and ADHD shaped her leadership, and why she now runs a “company brain” of AI agents she manages much like people. If you’re navigating change, building culture, or figuring out where AI fits in a human business, this one’s essential. What We Cover:
00:00 Trailer 00:53 The three lenses of courageous leadership 01:32 How Covid wiped out 80% of revenue in a week 02:43 The pivot that saved The Dots 04:44 Advice for founders who have to let go of their vision 06:35 Why kindness is a genuine business strategy 09:20 Being open about dyslexia and ADHD as a leader 14:43 Why kindness still has its limits 21:38 Living in the matrix and using nature to switch off 23:23 Why she leads more AI agents than people 25:51 Building a company brain to scale the business 34:12 How she onboards and leads AI agents like people 37:06 Why real life connection matters more in the age of AI 38:06 Why the breakdown of community worries her 42:22 What the future holds for Pip and The Dots
Key Leadership Insights: • Why a forced pivot can become the best thing that ever happens to a business • Why you never lose the assets you’ve built: network, team, and learnings • Why kindness and “no politics” can be a genuine competitive strategy • Why one bad apple can’t be allowed to rot the barrel, even in a kind culture • How being open about dyslexia and ADHD can make you a stronger leader • Why leading AI agents works best when you manage them like people • Why real-life connection becomes more valuable, not less, in the age of AI
🎧 Listen to the full episode for the best practical leadership coaching: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B0U13S37tjpy9ZYZJcZb4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-courageous-leaders-podcast/id1594924295 All episodes: https://thecourageousleaderspodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Connect with Pip: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipjamieson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pip_jamieson_/ The Dots: https://the-dots.com/white-label-app
🚀 Ready to elevate your team and leadership? Book time for transformative coaching and training: Website: https://www.thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ 👍 Stay inspired – subscribe, leave a comment, and help us build a community of courageous leaders. → Want honest leadership insights in your inbox? 👉 Sign up to the newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54 #AILeadership #BusinessPivot #TheDots #CompanyCulture #CourageousLeaders
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How do you lead with instinct in a world obsessed with data? Katie Jackson, Chief Audience & Marketing Officer at Channel 4, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast to make the case for gut, presence, and energy as leadership superpowers - the things no dashboard can measure.
Katie stepped into her CMO role in a non-traditional way, and she's led with instinct ever since. We talk about why gut instinct beats an over-reliance on data, why being "change ready" matters more than fearing change, how a leader's presence and energy shape whether a team thrives, and why choosing not to be grumpy is a genuine act of leadership. Honest, warm, and full of practical wisdom for anyone who leads people.
What We Cover: 00:00 Where Katie has needed courage as a leader 02:40 Why courage and vulnerability go hand in hand 03:04 Why gut instinct matters more in a data-obsessed world 04:34 The instinct-led career moves that looked "strange" on paper 05:40 When instinct becomes a dangerous certainty 07:36 Reacting in the moment vs planning for the future 10:16 Why "change readiness" beats change fatiguev 11:25 The "what if" experiment: signing off an idea in 24 hours 14:10 Why presence is a leader's most underrated skill 16:06 How your energy shapes the whole team 20:29 "Give control and you attract leaders": rethinking control 23:55 Why "silly little rules" can be healthy rules 26:13 Self-armour, perception, and setting clear boundaries 29:42 Why one person's energy can shift an entire room 32:15 "I definitely wake up as a grump": choosing your energy daily 34:59 How critical thinking sharpens leadership 35:55 The PowerPoint problem: effort vs real value 44:00 Where Katie wants to be more courageous next
Key Leadership Insights: - Why gut instinct is a strength, until it hardens into certainty - Why "change readiness" is now a core leadership skill - Why not everything needs to be planned before it goes into the world - Why presence, being seen and available, is central to leadership - Why a leader's energy can make a whole team feel great or awful - Why giving away control attracts leaders, while taking control only attracts followers - Why simple isn't the same as wrong
🎧 Listen to the full episode for the best practical leadership coaching: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B0U13S37tjpy9ZYZJcZb4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-courageous-leaders-podcast/id1594924295 All episodes: https://thecourageousleaderspodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Connect with Katie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiejackson2/ Instagram: @k_jackson_01
🚀 Ready to elevate your team and leadership? Book time for transformative coaching and training: Website: https://www.thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/
👍 Stay inspired – subscribe, leave a comment, and help us build a community of courageous leaders.
→ Want honest leadership insights in your inbox? 👉 Sign up to the newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Career Advice For People Who Feel Lost | Career Panel Discussion
01 Oct 2026
00:51:40
Do you feel lost in your career? Been made redundant, or thinking about changing jobs or starting something new? In this special panel episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with three experts to challenge the biggest myths about work and share how to build a career that actually fits your life.
I'm joined by Andrew Bloch, founder of Andrew Bloch & Associates, long-term publicist to Lord Alan Sugar of The Apprentice, and one of the world's most influential PR entrepreneurs; Lydia Amoah FRSA, CEO of Backlight, author of the Black Pound Report, and Entrepreneur of the Year 2026; and Lauren Spearman, Careers Creator and social media consultant known for championing salary transparency and better hiring. Together, we get honest about ambition, success, redundancy, and reinvention. If you've ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure what "success" even means anymore, this conversation is for you.
What We Cover: 00:00 Trailer 01:02 The biggest lie we’ve been told about careers 01:29 Can ambition be a trap? 05:36 Redefining success: money, time, and independence 08:15 How small attempts build real confidence 11:55 Why “is this fun?” is a serious career question 13:33 Advice if you feel lost but still want to be employed 19:56 “Choicefulness”: why you’re less trapped than you think 27:21 Why your network matters more than you realise 34:10 What “careering” really means, and building a personal brand 36:15 Facing the fear of redundancy 38:28 How to reinvent yourself or change direction 42:08 Andrew’s wake-up call 46:40 What to do first if you’ve just been made redundant 49:09 How will you know you “careered” well?
Key Career Insights:
• Why the biggest lie is that everyone else has it figured out
• Why a sideways or backward move can be the best career decision you make
• How to redefine success around time, values, and independence, not just title and salary
• Why confidence is built through small attempts, not waiting to feel ready
• Why your network, not just your CV, opens the next door
• What to actually do in the first days after redundancy
• Why courage, not confidence, is what careers really require
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Formula E CMO: How Do You Drive Change Without Causing Chaos?
17 Sep 2026
00:47:43
Can you challenge everything without breaking it? Ellie Norman, Chief Marketing Officer of Formula E, calls herself a “safe rebel,” and in this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast she explains what that really means for anyone trying to drive change without blowing things up.
With over 25 years shaping some of the world’s biggest brands, including Formula 1 under Liberty Media and Manchester United, Ellie shares how to challenge assumptions while protecting what works, why she measures her worth by curiosity rather than titles, and how she quietened the “what will people think?” voice when she left F1 for Formula E.If you lead through change, wrestle with feeling “good enough,” or want to modernise something built on legacy, this conversation is full of practical wisdom.
What We Cover: 00:00 Trailer 01:04 What Ellie means by being a “safe rebel” 03:45 Why you can be safe and a rebel at the same time 04:12 The childhood that made her curious and fearless 06:39 How to lead people who are too afraid to try 07:57 The 70/20/10 framework for safe experimentation 11:24 The “good girl” people-pleaser, and its hidden cost 15:05 The difference between being liked and being respected 17:31 Where her “not feeling good enough” comes from 18:37 Proving yourself vs knowing you’re already enough 21:13 Why we shouldn’t need to “stack evidence” to feel enough 23:21 Why confidence is a journey, not a fixed state 27:04 Her process for reframing when thoughts spiral 28:30 Protecting time and space to think clearly 30:46 The underlying courage beneath the self-doubt 33:00 Leaving Formula 1 for Formula E: “What will people think?” 34:31 The two traits leaders ignore: discipline and self-accountability 40:42 How her team keeps up with her pace 43:46 Why constraints drive innovation for a challenger brand 45:08 How she sets clear expectations about the way she works
Key Leadership Insights: • How to challenge assumptions without knocking the whole house down • Why a leader’s job isn’t to have the answers, but to create the environment for better ones • The 70/20/10 rule: protect what works, optimise the next slice, experiment with the rest • Why being kind means being clear, even in hard conversations • How to reframe “proving yourself” into “what can I learn here?” • Why courage plus discipline, not confidence, is what carries big career leaps • Why the moment you feel comfortable is the most dangerous place to be
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Can fathers build a successful career and be fully present at home? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Anna Machin, a world-renowned evolutionary anthropologist and fatherhood researcher, and Steve Cardwell, founder of Deliberate Dad and coach to ambitious fathers, to explore one of the biggest challenges men never talk about: how becoming a father changes you, and what workplaces get wrong about it.
We get into the “supercharged dad brain” and the real hormonal and psychological changes new fathers go through, why the first three months back at work are a make-or-break retention risk, why paternity support has to be built specifically for men, and the practical steps both leaders and dads can take. If you lead a team, manage new fathers, or are becoming one yourself, this conversation will change how you see the role.
What We Cover:
00:00 Trailer
01:13 The biggest problem facing fathers at work today
03:13 Why the first three months back at work are so critical
04:18 What’s changed: dual-income homes, and dads stepping up
06:56 Why Steve left a seven-figure business to become “Deliberate Dad”
08:23 What being a “deliberate” dad actually means
10:18 The “supercharged dad brain”: how fatherhood boosts performance
13:09 Three things a CEO should do when a new dad returns
15:01 The fears that stop dads from speaking up at work
19:11 Dads’ guilt, and the hidden risk of paternal depression
21:14 Why supporting fathers has to start at the top
24:43 How real change happens: dads speaking up, not just policy
26:08 The conference moment that bonded a room full of fathers
29:12 Three tips for dads to succeed at work and at home
31:05 Managing expectations and the “parenting confidence gap”
36:31 Advice for mums: how to support a new dad
40:12 Busting the myth that dads “come back to work for a break”
43:26 The questions to ask a new dad who might be struggling
46:51 What courageous leadership means for fathers at work
Key Leadership Insights:
• Why new fathers return to work as more focused, decisive, and empathetic leaders
• Why the first three months back are a make-or-break retention window
• Why paternity support must be designed for men, not repurposed from maternity programmes
• Why cultural change starts with senior leaders taking their full paternity leave
• How one honest question (“how are you really doing?”) can change everything
• Why fathers are essential from day one, not just once the baby is older
🎧 Listen to the full episode for the best practical leadership coaching:
👍 Stay inspired – subscribe, leave a comment, and help us build a community of courageous leaders.
→ Want honest leadership insights in your inbox?
👉 Sign up to the newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Ogilvy CEO: Why Creative Leaders Need A Culture Of Disrespect | James Murphy
20 Aug 2026
01:05:59
James Murphy, CEO of Ogilvy Group UK and co-founder of New Commercial Arts, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast for an honest conversation about building creative cultures that don’t rely on hierarchy. James co-founded adam&eve, which became one of the most awarded agencies in history, and he has spent decades proving that great leadership starts with bold ideas and the right environment to grow them.
We talk about why he encourages a “culture of disrespect” where the best idea wins no matter who it comes from, why hierarchy and process quietly kill creative energy, why leaders aren’t there just to make people happy, and why momentum beats the paralysis of perfection. If you want to build a culture where great work actually happens, this conversation is full of hard-won lessons.
What We Cover: 00:00 Trailer 00:57 What courageous leadership means to James 04:26 His relationship with fear and decision-making 05:47 Why a strong culture needs both trust and high standards 06:37 Why hierarchy and process kill creativity 09:57 The “culture of disrespect”: letting the best idea win, whoever it comes from 16:53 How to change a hierarchical agency, starting with your next brief 24:29 The pressure clients are under, and why problems are inevitable 25:54 Why problems should be surfaced, not hidden 27:17 What an F1 team taught him about blame and accountability 30:30 Why the best creatives don’t always make the best leaders 37:50 Is the advertising industry ageist? James’s honest answer 40:50 Why fewer people want to be leaders now 46:06 The job rejection that told him he “wasn’t ruthless enough” 49:50 What a leader needs before they can be courageous 53:17 Why stepping back from work felt dangerous to him 57:07 James’s three pieces of advice for leaders 1:00:21 From wine-delivery van driver to a job at Ogilvy
Key Leadership Insights: • Why momentum and course-correction beat waiting for the perfect answer • Why a strong culture needs both openness and clear standards • How a “culture of disrespect” frees the best ideas from hierarchy • Why surfacing problems openly is a strength, not a weakness • Why you should measure and reward the team, not the individual • The difference between a brilliant practitioner and a brilliant leader • Why perseverance, not ruthlessness, is what success actually requires
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How to build one culture across 100 companies and 40 countries
06 Aug 2026
01:00:08
Sergio Lopez Ferrero, Global CEO of Omnicom Production, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast for an honest conversation about leading global transformation and what it really costs the person at the top. Sergio leads the global production portfolio for Omnicom Group, with over 20 years in the industry and more than 400 awards to his name, including 73 Cannes Lions.
We talk about what it takes to transform businesses spanning 100 companies and 40 countries, why leaders are humans, not superheroes, the moment he realised he'd stopped doing the work he loved, and how he separates smart failure from negligence. If you lead through change, pressure, or uncertainty, this conversation is full of hard-won lessons from someone doing it at a global scale.
What We Cover:
00:00 Trailer
00:54 Leading global transformation in a changing industry
03:19 The pressure of being a CEO: leaders are human, not superheroes
05:54 The leadership skills Sergio had to learn the hard way
08:15 Why every leader must understand the financials first
11:29 How to build one culture across 100 companies and 40 countries
13:03 Making tough decisions when people resist change
16:07 Separating who you are from the role you have to play
21:40 Moving from hands-on creative work to leading the businesS
29:14 Smart failure vs negligence: when it’s okay to fail
32:30 How to navigate uncertainty as a leader
35:13 Systems thinking and giving teams freedom within a framework
45:16 Where courage has carried Sergio through his career
48:05 Sergio’s three pieces of advice for future leaders
50:22 The eight things every CEO must be willing to do
52:03 Why you never fully switch off at the top
53:43 Ego, money, and the career trap nobody talks about
55:44 Building the team that covers your weaknesses
58:02 The real rewards of being a CEO
Key Leadership Insights:
• Why transformation today means rebuilding the plane while flying i
• Why understanding the money is the first job of any leader
• How to set a vision simple enough to align 40 countries
• Why separating smart failure from negligence changes how teams take risks
• How “freedom within the framework” keeps creative people creative
• Why the leader’s mood sets the temperature for the whole company
• Why knowing yourself matters more than knowing the playbook
🎧 Listen to the full episode for the best practical leadership coaching:
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
5 Bad Leadership Behaviours Every Leader Should Avoid
23 Jul 2026
00:05:29
What are the bad leadership habits that quietly hold a team back? In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share the five leadership behaviours driving me crazy right now, and what to do instead if you want to lead well over the next few years.
Consider it a rant with a purpose. From leaders who struggle to manage stress to the ones avoiding hard conversations, burning out and calling it “high performance,” or making everything about themselves, I break down why each habit damages a team and the honest shift each one needs. If you lead people, this is a wake-up call worth five minutes.
What We Cover:
00:00 The five leadership behaviours driving me crazy 00:06 No self-management: reacting and offloading stress onto your team 01:01 Avoiding difficult conversations (and the time it wastes) 01:33 Not looking after yourself, and what “high performance” really means 02:42 Getting a coach but doing none of the work 03:32 Being too self-focused, and why that isn’t leadership 04:08 Why leadership needs empathy and compassion 04:20 Leadership takes daily effort, not just a title
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Is Ruthlessness the Price of Reaching the Top? | A Leaders' Panel Discussion
09 Jul 2026
00:51:26
What’s the one toxic leadership behaviour you’d banish forever? In this special Leadership Room 101 episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, three industry leaders each argue to banish one leadership behaviour for good: busyness, fear-based leadership, or pay-to-play culture. I’m joined by Katy Wright (Chief Client & Business Officer, AMV BBDO), Sergio Lopez Ferrero (Global CEO, Omnicom Production), and Sachini Imbuldeniya (Co-Founder & CEO, House of Oddities).
Each leader gets around ten minutes to make their case, and at the end I pick just one to send into Room 101. The debate is honest, funny, and at times a little controversial, and each argument says something real about how leadership and the creative industry work today.
What We Cover: 00:00 Trailer 00:50 The Leadership Room 101 concept, and meet the three leaders 01:50 Katy's nomination: Busyness as a badge of honour 06:20 Is being "busy" really pride, or is it fear? 10:20 The fear of not looking busy enough 12:50 The link between rest, sleep, and real creativity 19:50 Sergio's nomination: Fear-based leadership 21:50 Why blaming an unnamed "head office" erodes trust 24:50 Can a little fear actually be healthy in leadership? 27:20 Why "alpha" leadership is over, and vulnerability is rising 27:50 The uncomfortable debate: do CEOs have psychopathic tendencies? 40:50 Sachini's nomination: Why pay-to-play is rigging the industry 45:50 Awards and access: is success bought or earned? 47:50 How pay-to-play shuts out great creative work 48:50 My verdict: which behaviour goes into Leadership Room 101
Key Leadership Insights: Why “busy” has become a status symbol, and what it often hides How to hear what your team are really telling you when they say they’re busy Why a small amount of healthy fear can sharpen accountability Why vulnerability now makes leaders more followable, not less How pay-to-play systems in awards and pitching hold the industry back Why fixing fairness at the top can change a whole company culture
Part debate, part masterclass, and a lot of fun. By the end you’ll be deciding which leadership behaviour you’d banish too.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Why It's Okay to Upset People When You Lead | Joanna Howes
25 Jun 2026
00:05:18
Why is avoidance the biggest killer of performance in teams?
In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I explain why it’s okay to upset people, and why giving honest feedback without fear is a skill every leader needs.
Most leaders tiptoe around their teams, scared of upsetting someone. But avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect people, it holds them back. I share why we waste so much energy “mind reading” how others will react, how that robs them of the chance to grow, and how to deliver tough feedback while staying calm, present, and human, even when someone gets upset.
What We Cover: 00:00 Why it's okay to upset people 00:40 You can't control how someone reacts (the "mind reading" trap) 01:30 Why avoiding it is really about protecting yourself 02:00 My personal story: the feedback that changed everything 02:55 How to give feedback without it feeling like an attack 03:25 How to stay present when someone cries or gets angry 04:19 Why backtracking is the worst thing you can do 04:38 Show up for them, even when it's uncomfortable
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Esther Marshall on Grief, High Achievement, Emotional Resilience & Holding It All Together
11 Jun 2026
00:57:19
Some people don’t just achieve, they achieve as though their life depends on it. In this deeply honest episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Esther Marshall, former global gender diversity leader at Unilever and founder of Sophie Says, to ask a question so many of us avoid: who are you when achievement isn’t enough?
This is a conversation about grief, high achievement, emotional resilience, and the pressure of holding everything together when life refuses to cooperate. Esther shares her story with extraordinary openness: losing her sister Rebecca to suicide, caring for grandparents through Alzheimer’s, a miscarriage during IVF, and losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, all while building a business and refusing to stop proving herself. It is also the story of the breakthrough that finally let her stop failing quietly and start succeeding loudly. If you have ever tied your worth to what you achieve, this one will stay with you.
If you or someone you know is affected by anything discussed in this episode, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7, on 116 123 or at samaritans.org.
What We Cover: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Why "High Achiever" Can Tip Into "Never Enough" 04:41 Climbing the Ladder at Unilever, and Being "Hard to Manage" 10:14 Leading a Team When Your Standards Are Sky High 11:37 The Maternity Leave Project That Became Sophie Says 14:29 Losing Rebecca to Suicide 16:34 The Book Written the Night She Passed Away 20:21 The Rainbow, and Learning to Let People In 21:29 Carrying a Legacy, and the Weight That Comes With It 23:08 Alzheimer's, and Grief That Wouldn't Stop 24:18 IVF, Miscarriage, and Learning to Keep Going 25:48 The "Miracle" Baby, and a Mother's Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis 30:13 Why She Chose to Run a Marathon the Day Her Mum Died 34:52 The Therapy Breakthrough That Changed Everything 38:46 "I'm Failing Quietly, but I Want to Succeed Loudly" 41:00 Building Sophie Says Into a Movement for Generational Change 48:53 Learning to Walk Before Running Again 50:13 A Message for Anyone Sitting in Fear, Ready to Begin 51:40 What Courage Really Means to Esther
Key Reflections: • Why high achievement can quietly become a form of self-harm • Why grief isn't something you "get over," and why returning to normal too quickly often makes healing harder • How to separate your self-worth from your achievements and results • Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness • How changing the way you frame a failure can completely reshape your life • Why children need emotionally safe parents, not perfect ones
Esther’s honesty is a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of pain, it’s getting up and showing up through it. If this episode moves you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway in the comments.
Find out more about Sophie Says: https://www.sophiesaysofficial.com/ Follow Esther Masrshall: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiesaysofficial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrievingfounder
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Why a ‘C’ in your Title Doesn’t Automatically Make You an Executive Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
04 Jun 2026
00:04:26
Why are so many executive teams underperforming?
In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I break down the biggest leadership mistakes I see inside executive teams today, from social loafing and siloed thinking to oversized leadership teams and “Game of Thrones” behaviour at the top of organisations. I explore why executive leadership is about far more than titles, why leadership teams must operate collectively instead of protecting departments, and why CEOs need the courage to reshape teams when they are no longer serving the business. If your leadership team feels political, disconnected, slow, or overly comfortable, this episode will challenge how you think about executive leadership.
What We Cover: 00:00 – Why executive teams lose effectiveness 00:52 – Why titles do not equal executive leadership 01:24 – The danger of oversized executive teams 02:24 – Executive teams acting like working groups 02:42 – “Game of Thrones” leadership behaviour explained 03:07 – Why the executive team must become the first team 03:52 – Why CEOs need the courage to challenge comfort
Key Leadership Insights • Executive teams shape what becomes acceptable in company culture • Leadership titles do not automatically create leadership capability • High-performing executive teams think collectively, not territorially • Oversized leadership teams slow down decision-making and accountability • CEOs must be willing to challenge comfort and restructure leadership teams • The behaviour at the top becomes the standard for the entire company
Reflection Questions for Leaders • Is my executive team truly operating as one team? • Where are politics or silos damaging decision-making? • Have titles become more important than impact? • What difficult leadership change am I avoiding right now?
🎧 Listen to the full episode for the best practical leadership coaching: https://thecourageousleaderspodcast.buzzsprout.com/
🚀 Ready to elevate your team and leadership? Book time for transformative coaching and training: Website: https://www.thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/
👍 Stay inspired – subscribe, leave a comment, and help us build a community of courageous leaders across the UK. → Want honest leadership insights in your inbox? 👉 Sign up to the newsletter: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Rory Sutherland on Leadership, Courage & Unconventional Thinking
21 May 2026
00:56:55
We often hear the ideas of great thinkers, but rarely get to understand how they actually think or who they are as people.
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Rory Sutherland, President Emeritus of Ogilvy UK, best-selling author, and one of the most influential voices in advertising, behavioural science, and decision-making.
If you’ve ever wondered why some ideas take off and others die fast, why the little things in business matter more than you think, or how to rethink productivity for your team, you’ll find something practical and eye-opening in this conversation. We cut through business theory and get honest about human behaviour, team culture, and leadership decisions that work in the real world.
You’ll come away with new ways to look at decision-making, organisational performance, and what it takes to lead bravely in uncertain times, especially with the rise of AI, complexity, and shifting workplace cultures.
What We Cover:
00:00 Intro 01:41 Dare to Be Trivial: Why Small Things Matter 13:23 Leadership, Influence & The Power of Great Teachers 14:50 Why Business Is Learned Through Real Experience 18:03 Time, Stress & How Rory Thinks About Control 24:12 Creativity, Uncertainty & Not Knowing Yet 28:00 What Leaders Miss in Strategy & Collective Thinking 30:17 Why Human Businesses May Win in an AI World 34:51 Why Teams Fail & The Problem with Over-Measuring 35:45 The Disappearance of PAs & What It Means for Leaders 36:55 Redundancies & The Danger of Short-Term Thinking 40:34 How Rory’s Mind Works & Why He Avoids Talking About Himself 49:45 The Influence of His Mum & Understanding Human Behaviour 51:22 Neurodiversity Is a Feature, Not a Bug 54:24 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts
Key Leadership Insights
• Why great leaders focus on influence, not control • How creativity comes from being comfortable with uncertainty • Why measuring individuals destroys team performance • The hidden cost of short-term thinking in leadership • How silos quietly break organisations from within • Why neurodiversity is a competitive advantage, not a weakness • The courage required to back ideas others doubt • Why founder-led businesses often outperform corporates
If you want to lead better, think differently, and understand how great leaders actually operate, this episode will challenge how you see leadership.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
The Challenge & Care Framework for Better Leadership & Culture | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
14 May 2026
00:04:38
Is your company culture too nice to perform?
In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I break down the Challenge & Care Framework and why many teams are stuck in cultures that feel good on the surface but quietly damage standards, accountability, and results.
I explore the four zones every workplace can fall into: apathy, comfort, fear, and courage, and how the best teams combine high care with high challenge. Because great leadership is not about being nice or being tough. It is about creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and clear on what excellence looks like.
If your team avoids hard conversations, lacks accountability, or feels stuck, this episode will help you identify why and what to change next.
What We Cover: 00:00 – Is your culture too nice to perform? 00:23 – The Challenge & Care Framework explained 00:33 – The Apathy Zone: low care, low challenge 00:50 – The Comfort Zone: high care, low challenge 01:46 – The Fear Zone: high challenge, low care 02:24 – The Courage Zone: where high performance lives 02:58 – What true high performance actually means 03:31 – Compassionate feedback as the key skill 03:44 – Start with your leadership team first 04:04 – Your current zone explains your results
Reflection Questions for Leaders • Where am I over-helping instead of empowering? • What am I still controlling that I should let go? • Which conversation am I avoiding right now? • Where have I been indirect instead of honest?
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Why We Need to Talk About Death, Sex & Money More Than Ever | Charlotte Pearce
07 May 2026
00:54:34
Why do we avoid talking about sex, death, and money when they shape so much of our lives?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Charlotte Pearce, an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO & Founder of Inkpact, who is reinventing direct mail into a future-facing medium rooted in human connection and behavioural science.
From leading 150 people at just 19 to building a business through uncertainty, motherhood, loss, and reinvention, Charlotte’s journey is a powerful lesson in leadership and life.
In this conversation, we explore growth, confidence, self-expression, and why even the strongest leaders need support. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and turning life’s biggest challenges into opportunities for growth.
We Cover: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Charlotte’s early influences and entrepreneurial mindset 05:20 – Leading 150 people at 19 years old 09:00 – Building Inkpact and creating a new category 10:30 – Leadership lessons, humility, and evolving as a founder 12:00 – Why every leader needs coaches, mentors, and support 13:50 – Crisis year: motherhood, business pressure, and cashflow stress 16:00 – Family loss, grief, and holding everything together 20:20 – Why we need to talk more about death 21:30 – Why sex, money, and hard conversations matter 24:40 – Sexuality, confidence, and female self-expression 28:50 – Money mindset, ambition, and owning success 32:30 – The surrender experiment and letting go of control 36:00 – Burnout, stress, and protecting your energy 39:00 – Comparison, identity, and success on your own terms 45:00 – Courage to be yourself and change direction 48:00 – Letting go, having fun again, and final reflections
If you are navigating change, building something meaningful, or ready to stop shrinking yourself, this conversation will stay with you.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How to Know If You Are Emotionally Fit as a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
30 Apr 2026
00:07:27
Most leaders are never trained in how to manage their emotions.
In this solo episode, I break down emotional fitness and why it plays a critical role in leadership, decision-making, and performance. When emotions take over, we react instead of respond, avoid difficult conversations, and make decisions driven by fear rather than values.
I explore the difference between emotionally fit and emotionally unfit leadership, along with practical ways to build awareness, regulate emotions, and lead with clarity under pressure.
If you want to improve how you show up as a leader, this is a skill you can’t afford to ignore.
What We Cover:
00:00 Introduction: The skill leaders aren’t trained in 01:00 Why emotions override logic 01:30 What emotional fitness really means 02:10 Emotionally fit vs unfit leaders 03:00 Reacting vs responding 03:40 Common emotional patterns (fear, defensiveness) 04:20 Making decisions from values vs emotions 05:10 Building awareness and catching reactions 05:40 Labelling emotions and shifting state 06:10 Practical tools to regulate emotions 06:40 Emotional fitness and leadership under pressure 07:00 Final takeaway
Reflection Questions for Leaders
• Where am I reacting instead of responding? • What emotion is driving my recent decisions? • Where am I avoiding tension instead of addressing it? • What would it look like to lead from my values instead of fear?
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How Narcissistic Traits Show Up in Leaders (And Why It Matters) - Kathleen Saxton
23 Apr 2026
01:07:40
What if the way you understand people is incomplete?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Kathleen Saxton, Psychotherapist, Executive Coach, and Best-Selling Author, to explore the psychology behind behaviour, leadership, and one of the most misunderstood traits, narcissism.
This conversation goes beyond labels.
From how narcissism actually shows up in men and women, to identity, emotional patterns, and leadership blind spots, this episode challenges how we interpret people, power, and performance.
Because often, what we think is happening is not the full picture.
If you want to better understand human behaviour, navigate complex personalities, and become more self-aware as a leader, this episode will shift your perspective.
What We Cover:
00:00 – Trailer 02:00 – The Courage to Walk Away from Toxic Situations 04:10 – Why People Stay in Toxic Jobs & Relationships 07:30 – Trauma, Therapy & Personal Backstory 10:15 – Narcissistic Relationships & Validation Trap 12:00 – What Narcissism Really Looks Like 14:10 – Narcissism: Traits vs Personality Disorder 18:00 – How Narcissists Manipulate & Control You 21:10 – The Dark Triad Explained 22:30 – Why Narcissists Become Leaders 26:15 – Why Companies Protect Toxic High Performers 31:40 – How to Handle a Narcissistic Boss 43:20 – Covert vs Grandiose Narcissists 47:10 – Can Narcissists Change? 50:10 – Are Narcissists Good Leaders? 58:00 – Character vs Performance in Leadership 01:05:00 – Final Advice: Protect Yourself & Your Integrity
This is not just about understanding others. It is about understanding how you lead and show up.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Power Moves You Must Know As a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
16 Apr 2026
00:08:36
Power is always present in leadership… whether you realise it or not.
In my work with leadership teams, I see how often power shows up in ways people don’t talk about.
Not in obvious or intentional ways, but in the small moments. Who speaks first. Whose opinion carries weight. What gets challenged… and what gets left unsaid.
In this episode, I break down the four ways power shows up inside executive teams, and how these patterns can quietly shape your culture, your decisions, and your results.
From dominance and control, to holding back and avoiding challenge, these dynamics are happening in every team… whether you’re aware of them or not.
This isn’t about removing power. It’s about understanding how you’re using it.
Because the moment you can see it, you can change it.
00:00 How power shows up in your leadership 00:33 Where power shows up in executive teams 01:00 Why avoiding power creates problems 01:40 Power over when control takes over 02:35 The impact of shutting down discussion 03:23 When performance hides poor behaviour 03:46 Power under when leaders stop speaking up 04:38 The illusion of alignment in teams 05:06 Power with working as a collective 05:34 Power within building self trust as a leader 06:01 How pressure shifts leadership behaviour 06:26 Why people stop speaking up across the business 06:50 Three shifts to change how power is used 07:42 Why strong teams don’t avoid tension 08:08 Final reflection on how power is really being used
This Episode Explores
• Power dynamics in leadership teams • Executive team behaviour and decision making • Psychological safety and speaking up • Leadership self awareness • Managing dominance and control • Building stronger team alignment • Creating healthier leadership cultures
Reflection Questions for Leaders
• Where might I be using control instead of creating space for others • When do I hold back instead of speaking up • How do I react when I’m challenged • What is the impact of my behaviour on the team
If this episode makes you pause or reflect, that’s where the real work starts.
Leadership isn’t about removing pressure or power. It’s about understanding how you show up within it.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Elite Leadership Lessons from Former Military Leaders | Military Leaders Panel Edition
09 Apr 2026
00:51:43
What does leadership look like when everything is on the line?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by three extraordinary leaders, Mandy Hickson, former RAF fast jet pilot, Mark Fetters, Bomb Disposal Squadron Commander, and Rob Keeping, former military professional turned Managing Director.
From being shot at mid-air, to leading bomb disposal missions, to making high-stakes decisions under extreme pressure, this is leadership in its rawest form.
This isn’t theory. This is what leadership looks like when failure isn’t an option.
We explore what courage really means, why fear is part of the process, how elite teams are built, and what modern leaders are getting wrong when it comes to burnout, performance, and growth.
If you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating uncertainty, this conversation will challenge how you think, act, and show up.
What We Cover:
00:00 – Trailer 01:07 – Why This Military Leadership Panel Is Different 01:28 – What Courage REALLY Means (Not What You Think) 03:32 – Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear 05:26 – Bomb Disposal Mindset: Confidence vs Caution 08:02 – Fear of Failure: Military vs Corporate Reality 11:46 – Leading a War Mission as a Junior 13:07 – Shot at by a Missile… Then the Mission Changed 16:24 – “Only Do What Only You Can Do” 19:00 – Why Relying on an A-Team Will Kill Your Company 25:22 – The 80% Rule (Peak Performance Without Burnout) 27:05 – Burnout, Stress & Why Leaders Are Breaking Today 34:03 – Failure, Rejection & Becoming a Fighter Pilot 45:30 – Final Reflections & Leadership Takeaways 51:30 – Final Message & Closing Thoughts
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about how you show up when it matters most.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Are You a Toxic Leader Without Realising? | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
02 Apr 2026
00:05:55
Are you leading your team… or unknowingly holding them back?
In my work as a leadership coach, I’ve seen how easy it is for well-intentioned leaders to fall into toxic patterns, without even realising it.
In this episode, I break down the subtle behaviours that quietly build into toxic leadership. The ones that don’t look harmful on the surface, but over time, create dependency, frustration, and disengagement within your team.
From being the “fixer” to micromanaging, avoiding conflict, or slipping into passive aggression, these are patterns I’ve seen in countless leaders… and ones I’ve had to confront in myself too.
This is not about blame. It’s about awareness.
Because the moment you can see it, you can change it.
00:00 – Are you a toxic leader without realising it? 00:40 – The toxic leadership pyramid explained 01:10 – The “fixer” trap: helping vs control 02:00 – Why micromanagement limits your team 02:50 – Avoiding conflict and the need to be liked 03:40 – Passive aggression and emotional awareness 04:30 – When toxicity turns into bullying 05:00 – How to recognise and shift these behaviours
This Episode Explores:
• Toxic leadership behaviours • Micromanagement and control patterns • Emotional intelligence in leadership • Workplace bullying awareness • Leadership self-awareness • Building empowered teams • Breaking unconscious habits
Reflection Questions for Leaders
• Where am I over-helping instead of empowering? • What am I still controlling that I should let go? • Which conversation am I avoiding right now? • Where have I been indirect instead of honest?
If this episode feels uncomfortable, that’s a sign you’re paying attention.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware enough to do better.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
This isn’t about overnight success or glossy highlight reels. It’s about the struggle to shift your identity, let go of old job titles, handle fear of judgement, and actually put in the work when things get tough. We dive deep into what makes bold change possible, and why being true to yourself matters more than anything.
Whether you’re thinking about leaving your job, starting something new, or just need a bit more resilience, this conversation will help you see what courage really means, from losing people to building your own path.
We cover: 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – What it takes to make real change 02:41 – Shifting your identity and asking for help 03:04 – Launching a business and finding courage 05:21 – The moment you decide to go for it 07:27 – What pushes people to make big changes 11:05 – Facing your biggest fears 12:49 – Dealing with judgement and self-worth 15:16 – Losing your identity and finding what’s next 19:03 – The price of happiness vs material comfort 21:02 – Keeping confidence going during tough times 23:28 – Visualising the future and being true to yourself 25:32 – Why failing isn’t really failure 27:26 – Action, liminal spaces, and getting through anxiety 29:19 – The reality of hard work in entrepreneurship 33:38 – Balancing rest, joy and burnout 45:55 – The grief and loss that comes with change 49:09 – How midlife gives us ‘no tolerance for bullshit’ 51:54 – Building visible strength and confidence 55:06 – Physical strength as mental strength 58:27 – Introvert myths and running a business 01:01:08 – Would you change anything? No regrets
Don’t miss this honest and practical conversation about courage, change, and finding your own way.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
The Experimental Mindset Every Leader Needs - Anne-Laure Le Cunff
05 Mar 2026
00:50:13
How do you lead when certainty disappears?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Neuroscientist and Author of Tiny Experiments.
This conversation genuinely changed how I think about leadership, productivity, burnout and decision-making.
We talk about what happens when your identity is tied to your job. And how an experimental mindset can change your life What procrastination is really trying to tell you. Why goal setting is broken.
If you’re a leader who feels stuck and tired of pushing harder but not seeing better results… Stay to the end.
Anne-Laure shares a practical way to replace the illusion of certainty with curiosity. And it’s something you can apply immediately in your workplace, your team, and your own internal world.
We cover: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Leaving Google and the wake-up call that changed everything 04:00 – Identity, external validation and starting again 06:00 – Why our brains hate uncertainty 08:30 – The illusion of control and compensatory control 11:00 – Why leaders feel trapped (and how tiny experiments create agency) 14:40 – Linear goals vs experimental loops 17:00 – How to build a culture of experimentation in your team 22:00 – Procrastination is not laziness (head, heart or hand?) 30:00 – Fear, psychological safety in the workplace and uncertainty 34:30 – Time anxiety and why we make our worlds smaller as adults 38:50 – Better decision making: internal vs external signals 44:00 – Self anthropology and how to observe your burnout patterns
This episode explores: • Tiny experiments in leadership • How to stop procrastinating at work • Leadership under uncertainty • Psychological safety in the workplace • Decision making under uncertainty • Burnout recovery and time anxiety • Overcoming imposter syndrome • Curiosity in leadership • Profound insights into personal growth and self improvement
If you’ve ever felt pressure to have all the answers as a leader, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Breaking the UK’s ‘That’ll Never Work’ Mindset with Cano Water's Josh White
19 Feb 2026
00:49:15
Struggling to break free from the UK’s “play it safe” mindset?
In this explosive episode, Josh White, founder of Cano Water, gets real about why British culture is stuck in a cycle of skepticism, lack of support, and shutting down bold ideas before they can breathe.
He shares raw truths about growing up with ADHD, battling addiction, and constantly being underestimated.
He exposes how our resistance to backing innovators and celebrating success holds the UK back, while the US supercharges visionaries. If you know you’re meant for more, but keep hitting a wall of doubt and gatekeeping, this conversation will hopefully inspire you and give you the resilience to keep going.
We Cover:
01:08 – How growing up as the underdog shaped his drive 03:03 – The moment ADHD was diagnosed and what changed 06:18 – Understanding the link between ADHD and addiction 09:09 – How addiction masked deeper struggles (and why sobriety mattered) 12:06 – What it’s actually like to live and work with ADHD 16:00 – How to build a company without ‘fitting in’ 20:18 – Creating Cano Water when nobody believed in it 25:10 – Why being different matters, and the truth about risk 28:12 – The real problem with the United Kingdom mindset and backing new ideas 33:07 – Fixed mindset vs growth mindset: what’s holding us back 37:43 – Small things any of us can do to build a more supportive culture 40:20 – Nurturing belief and creativity, why it starts young 44:13 – The courage to show up and keep leading (even when it’s hard)
Don’t miss this emotive and thought-provoking episode packed with practical ideas for ambitious leaders, creative thinkers, and anyone who’s ever felt underestimated.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
The Three Intelligence Centres EVERY Leader Needs - with Leadership Coach, Joanna Howes
05 Feb 2026
00:07:43
Why do so many successful leaders still feel stuck, disconnected, or self doubt, even when things look good on paper?
In this solo episode, I explore how senior leaders, founders, and leadership teams can build self-trust by listening to their three intelligence centres: head, heart, and gut, especially when making difficult decisions or designing a life that truly fits.
This reflection draws on my work with CEOs and leadership teams, alongside my own journey of learning to trust myself beyond logic, external validation, and “what I should do.”
This episode is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with the internal signals that guide brave leadership, aligned decision-making, and sustainable success, so you can lead, decide, and live with more courage and clarity.
00:00 – Why so many successful leaders still feel disconnected 02:15 – Courage starts with listening, not confidence 05:10 – The three intelligence centres every leader has 08:30 – The Head: clarity, logic, and the overthinking trap 12:40 – The Heart: values, emotion, and what really matters 17:20 – The Gut: instinct, timing, and quiet courage 22:10 – What happens when one centre dominates your leadership 26:30 – Designing a life that actually feels like yours 30:40 – Simple questions to build self-trust in decisions 35:10 – A closing reflection on choosing courage differently
Reflection Questions for Leaders • Which intelligence centre do I default to under pressure? • What has my gut been trying to tell me that I’ve rationalised away? • Where am I living a version of success that looks right — but feels wrong? • What would a 10% more courageous decision look like right now?
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode which can help your leadership and personal development.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
What Change Really Demands From a CEO with Simon Cook
22 Jan 2026
00:40:19
How do you lead with conviction when everything is changing around you?
It’s the big question for every UK leader right now and exactly why I invited Simon Cook, CEO of Cannes Lions, onto the podcast.
In this episode, we get honest about what it really takes to let go of control, build true trust in your team, and stay resilient even when things don’t go as planned.
We dive into: • When to keep going, and when to let go • The link between conviction and coordination in leadership • Why control feels safe – but stops growth • Managing failure without losing momentum • Leading through mergers and high-stakes change • How to stay calm and mentally fit (even when your diary explodes)
It’s practical, candid, and focuses on what UK leaders need now: leading bravely, staying relevant, and keeping your energy focused.
00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Why leading with conviction can become a weakness 04:21 – Building a smarter team and learning to trust 07:11 – The role of failure in leadership 09:37 – Conviction and coordination: the keys to change 10:33 – How Simon navigated a 500-person business through a major acquisition 12:29 – Staying confident when you actually feel uncertain 14:01 – The importance of staying grounded and calm for your team 15:51 – Learning from mergers, culture shifts, and tough decisions 17:26 – Evolving your leadership style as everything changes 19:00 – What’s really happening in the UK marketing industry right now 22:40 – Where UK creativity is heading next 24:06 – The advice Simon would give every agency CEO 28:17 – Protecting your brand and your time under pressure 33:02 – Practical ways to help leaders prioritise, focus, and say no 35:19 – Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever 36:22 – Leading through failure, and making learning collective 37:23 – Being bolder, more disciplined, and mentally fit for the future
Don’t miss this down-to-earth, actionable conversation. If you’re navigating organisational change, agency mergers, or just struggling to keep your team steady, this episode gives you the kind of real, UK-focused leadership advice we all need.
In a world of constant strategic change, this conversation focuses on how to manage change effectively within your business, emphasising practical management techniques for organisational design and personal development.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
When Your Company No Longer Fits You - Sedge Beswick on Identity, Fear and Hard Decisions
08 Jan 2026
00:51:14
How do you know when it’s time to walk away - even from something you’ve built yourself?
Sedge Beswick, consultant, advisor, speaker, and founder, digs deep into what it really takes to make bold career moves, step back as a CEO, and create space for what matters most.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance ambition with family, deal with overwhelm, and lead with honesty, this episode is for you.
We cover: 00:00 – Introduction 01:28 – The courage to change 02:51 – Breaking the “hamster wheel” cycle 05:49 – Building success without a rulebook 07:55 – Childhood confidence and workplace impact 11:31 – The blunt reality of being direct at work 13:38 – Managing people older than you 16:32 – ASOS culture and handling growing pains 18:00 – When opportunity changes your course 19:35 – The power of community for business growth 21:52 – Courage to step down as CEO 22:27 – Mistakes made during maternity leave 23:15 – Hard lessons from deal fatigue 24:43 – Watching someone else lead your business 25:57 – Selling shares and choosing a new path 28:35 – Creating a life with more presence 29:22 – Letting go of identity and titles 32:38 – Pivoting your career with purpose 36:46 – The challenge of saying no and setting boundaries 39:45 – Building a portfolio career and helping others 42:42 – Managing overwhelm and keeping priorities straight 44:01 – Finding headspace as a working parent 45:04 – Do ambition and family ever truly integrate? 48:30 – Advice your future self would give now 50:01 – The power of pausing before big decisions
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode on entrepreneurship, business growth, motherhood and more!
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How to FIND THE COURAGE TO CHANGE in 2026 with Joanna Howes
18 Dec 2025
00:16:11
How do you find the courage to change, even when it feels uncomfortable?
I’m closing out the year on the Courageous Leaders Podcast with one of our most honest and practical episodes yet. Leaders everywhere are feeling the pressure to adapt quicker than ever before, and it’s easy to worry you’re not keeping up.
In this episode, I share the real conversations I’ve had with guests who’ve faced huge decisions, dealt with self-doubt, and taken bold leaps without always having a perfect plan. We get into letting go of old ways of working, saying the hard things, dealing with uncertainty, and what it really takes to lead high performing teams.
If you want practical advice on leading through change (and those leadership development skills that actually stick), you’re in the right place.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – Why change is faster (and scarier) than ever
03:02 – Dave Buonaguidi: How to define your true purpose at work
04:35 – Lauren Spearman: Why courage comes before confidence
06:39 – Karen Martin: The untold challenges of confident leaders
07:44 – Kerry Collinge: Directness as a leadership superpower
08:28 – The risk (and reward) of no longer fitting in
09:05 – When growth feels disruptive and what to do next
10:02 – Xavier Reeves: Making bold moves when you feel safe
11:34 – Kerttu Inkeroinen: Quitting without a backup plan: is it ever right?
12:29 – Facing risks (and what you actually regret)
13:09 – Building high performance teams starts with you
14:42 – Why you need to act even if it scares you
Don’t miss this honest look at what it really takes to lead yourself and others through the messiness of change.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Unmasking the Future: Lee Chambers on Identity, AI, and the Evolution of Leadership
11 Dec 2025
01:02:05
How do you build real allyship and create cultural change that actually sticks?
This episode is one every leader should spend time with. Not because it’s “nice to know,” but because the future of your culture depends on it.
Lee Chambers, Founder & CEO of Male Allies UK, brings the kind of clarity and challenge most workplaces avoid. We talk about what it really takes to:
Redefine outdated masculine stereotypes
Build workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and able to thrive
Lead in a way that strengthens culture rather than protects ego
It’s a conversation that will stretch your thinking, spark uncomfortable-but-important questions, and give you practical ways to lead with more intention and courage.
We also dig into Lee’s research on young people, AI companionship, and how boys today are making sense of identity, relationships, and society. Some of it is hopeful. Some of it is confronting. All of it matters, especially if you’re a parent or you lead the next generation.
We cover:
00:00 – Introduction
01:02 - What courage looks like for leaders today
02:31 – Why quiet courage matters as much as big gestures
03:49 – The tough decision to break with convention
06:06 – How stepping into new spaces changes your perspective
08:08 – The power of career “squiggles” and non-conformity
10:05 – Shedding old identities and building new ones as a leader
12:14 – What do boys really think about society? Surprising research findings
16:07 – Why boys care deeply but struggle to know how to help
20:08 – The decline of physical spaces for social connection
21:24 – Boys, girls and the challenges of communicating across gender
23:33 – Judgment vs. curiosity - what’s holding us back?
27:20 – Navigating polarisation and building empathy at work
34:08 – Can younger and older generations find common ground?
43:50 – The rise of AI companions and what it means for young people
52:23 – Everyday bravery and the value of small changes over time
54:43 – How to focus on influence and control in uncertain times
Don’t miss this thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone working in leadership or looking to create real change at work.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Why Belonging, Representation, and Self-Belief Matter: Insights from Molly and Rosie Kmita
27 Nov 2025
01:02:06
Former professional footballers Mollie and Rosie Kmita and now founders of The Powerhouse Project join me for one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve had on the podcast.
This episode is packed with real leadership stories you rarely hear: the setbacks, the identity shifts, the emotional toll, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when things don’t go your way.
Mollie and Rosie openly share:
What it took to succeed in a male dominated world
How to lead through failure after two businesses didn’t work out
How they learnt to slow down without losing ambition
How they have evolved their identity from footballers to business owners
The impact people-pleasing had on their leadership decisions
How they have had to learn to lean into conflict
Mollie and Rosie show what success after repeated failure actually looks like - the mindset resets, and the quiet self-belief you need to keep going.
These are everyday leadership stories delivered with humour, honesty and heart, the kind that remind you anything is possible when you focus, put the work in, and back yourself.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – Growing up in boys’ football and learning to belong
05:04 – Why young women in sport need better pathways
09:31 – Finding confidence in environments not built for you
14:42 – How childhood trauma shapes your drive
20:50 – Coping with loss while still showing up
26:19 – When resilience turns into survival mode
33:08 – The guilt behind always saying yes
38:12 – “We haven’t sat still for 16 years”
46:54 – Rebuilding identity beyond football
52:33 – Learning to slow down without losing ambition
58:48 – What leaders can do to create real change
01:00:31 – A message for leaders and organisations that want to make real change
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
The Hidden System Protecting Workplace Abuse with Zelda Perkins
13 Nov 2025
01:07:02
What would you risk to do the right thing?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Zelda Perkins, Co-Founder of Can’t Buy My Silence and the first woman to break an NDA with Harvey Weinstein.
Zelda’s story isn’t just about one man. It’s about the system that silences victims and protects abuse. She speaks openly about how she fought back, how breaking her NDA changed UK law, and what leaders and businesses must do now to stop misconduct being hidden behind confidentiality.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – Why Zelda broke her NDA after years of silence
03:37 – What really happens when you speak up against power
05:18 – The moment the system, not the perpetrator, broke her trust
09:23 – How signing an NDA changed her life overnight
12:54 – Taking her story to Parliament and pushing for legal reform
17:09 – What it really took to start Can’t Buy My Silence
24:43 – When she realised she was self-bullying
28:57 – Why speaking up must be seen as normal, not “brave”
33:11 – Creating safer, more transparent workplaces
40:57 – How the new UK legislation will protect victims and change culture
56:26 – Zelda’s advice to anyone ready to start their own fight for change
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
What happens when imposter syndrome holds you back? - with Carly Aveneer
30 Oct 2025
00:41:11
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Carly Avener, CEO of Leo Burnett UK, about why vulnerability is essential to leadership and how sharing your story builds real trust.
Carly opens up about imposter syndrome, insomnia, and the pressure of returning to work as a parent. She also shares the practical steps she’s taken to reframe anxiety, create supportive environments for working parents, and build a culture of openness that allows both people and creativity to thrive.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction 01:26 – Becoming CEO and choosing to lead with vulnerability 03:34 – Sharing her background and story to inspire others 04:59 – The impact of opening up about imposter syndrome 08:23 – How comparison held her back in her career 10:59 – Finding support and using coaching to rebuild confidence 13:20 – Why reframing imposter syndrome can fuel growth 15:25 – The dangers of constant comparison and how to stop it 17:15 – Practical tools to help build confidence at work 19:29 – How to give feedback without damaging confidence 21:45 – Focusing on what you can control in uncertain times 26:31 – Living with anxiety and insomnia as a leader 32:35 – Building Parent Land to support working parents 38:36 – Gender equality and why it benefits everyone 39:48 – What her future self would remind her today 40:47 – Why knowing yourself is the key to leading others
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
What’s Killing Creative Leadership Today? - with Dave Buonaguidi
23 Oct 2025
00:47:17
What happens when you put three top creatives in Leadership Room 101?
In this special Creatives edition of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Dave Buonaguidi (Co-founder of St. Luke’s, 4Creative, and Karmarama), Trevor Robinson OBE (Founder and ECD of Quiet Storm), and Kevin Howes (Freelance Creative Director, Porsche, Sony, Hotels.com) for a sharp, honest, and funny deep dive into the biggest frustrations in creative leadership and what they’d like to banish forever.
From corruption to open-plan offices to phones in meetings, nothing was off the table. The conversation turned into an unfiltered look at what’s broken in modern leadership and how we can make work better.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction 01:28 – Dave Buonaguidi on corruption in business and creative leadership 07:28 – Trevor Robinson on sexism, bullying, and why integrity matters 14:53 – HR under fire: protecting culture or protecting bad behaviour? 20:30 – Trevor on open-plan offices and how they stifle creativity 24:30 – The tension between collaboration and individual space for ideas 29:34 – Why toxic competition still damages creative teams today 33:26 – Kevin Howes on phones in meetings and respect for attention 37:22 – How technology addiction is undermining focus and connection 41:14 – Which frustration deserves to be banished into Room 101? 46:20 – Final reflections
Don’t miss out on this powerful and entertaining episode.
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Why Inclusive Marketing Outperforms AI (and Boosts Sales)
16 Oct 2025
00:41:30
The ROI of Inclusion – Why Diverse Voices Drive Better Business
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Ali Hanan, Founder and Executive Director of Creative Equals, an award-winning organisation helping brands like PepsiCo, Mars, and McDonald’s put inclusion at the heart of marketing.
We dig into why inclusive advertising isn’t just a social good but also one of the smartest business investments you can make. Ali shares how bias still shapes the work we see on screen, the data behind why diversity drives growth, and the small, intentional steps leaders can take every day to create lasting change.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – What it takes to start and scale a business as a creative
05:21 – Why operations are the hidden engine of growth
07:51 – Collecting data to prove the need for change
11:40 – Winning funding to launch programmes
13:57 – Supporting disabled creatives and removing barriers to entry
15:26 – Why female creative directors are still underrepresented
17:44 – Bias in redundancy processes and hybrid working
19:27 – How brands influence diversity across supply chains
20:10 – The way adverts still stereotype women and men in 2025
24:02 – Racism, homophobia, and harmful portrayals in advertising
25:37 – Why inclusive marketing outperforms AI hype
31:20 – Keeping a team motivated through tough times
32:49 – Where leaders need more courage in tackling bias
37:38 – The freedom of caring less about judgment as you get older
40:08 – How expanding your network can shift your perspective
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
In this solo episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share how to turn 121 from dull status updates into your most strategic leadership tool.
This episode is packed with research, practical tips, and actionable questions, and will help you build trust, drive performance, and create a genuine human connection with your team.
We Cover: 00:59 – Why 121 team meetings are your most strategic leadership tool
01:45 – Three ways to instantly improve the quality of your meetings
02:19 – Why walking meetings boost openness and insight
02:44 – How often should you really be doing 121?
03:20 – Five tips to make your 121 transformative
03:49 – Creating psychological safety and why it matters
04:22 – Asking better questions that open up real conversation
04:59 – Making feedback a two-way street
05:28 – Why you shouldn’t leave the meeting with their actions
05:56 – One challenge to implement straight away
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
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A health expert's answer to “I just don’t have time to exercise.”
Walk.
That’s it.
No gym. No gear. No excuses.
In this week’s Fast & Curious, Cameron Harris, Managing Director at Truth Fitness, keeps it simple and honest in the hot seat.
Find out:
⚡ Why ‘just breathe’ is his ultimate daily tip ⚡ Where he’d take Bob Marley (and Henry VIII!) for a workout ⚡ What he really thinks about beer and burnout ⚡ And the marriage advice that could save your weekend
It’s fast, funny, and packed with little truths you didn’t see coming.
📺 Cameron’s full Fast & Curious episode is now live on YouTube. Don’t forget to check out their full Courageous Leaders interview while you’re there.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Why health is the most overlooked key to leadership performance
02 Oct 2025
00:39:48
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Cameron Harris, Managing Director of Truth Fitness, about why so many senior leaders and entrepreneurs let their health slide, and what it's costing them.
From burnout and hospital beds to redefining success beyond the boardroom, Cameron shares the powerful shift that helped him rebuild his business and his body.
This episode is a wake-up call for leaders prioritising output over their own wellbeing.
We cover: 01:00 – The tipping point: when health becomes non-negotiable
03:46 – Why flexibility matters more than motivation
04:35 – Are entrepreneurs just bad at self-care?
05:51 – The ripple effect of healthy leadership
06:33 – Why work stress is silently stealing your future
08:49 – The hidden costs of waiting too long to act
10:17 – Autopilot vs. conscious habits
12:20 – What “health and wealth” really means
19:32 – Small daily shifts that change everything
22:27 – Morning routines that reset your energy
23:31 – Your habits affect more than just you
24:24 – The motivation no parent wants to hear
26:50 – Why death has been a driver for Cameron
28:20 – “Don’t wait for the punch in the face”
29:51 – What we lose when fitness becomes about aesthetics
32:23 – The real meaning of performance
34:14 – Headbutting the horizon: the patience problem
35:51 – The pressure of artificial life timelines
37:39 – What you can change tomorrow morning
38:55 – Where to find Cameron and Truth Fitness
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
And it set the tone for Boots’ campaigns for the next four years. In this week’s Fast & Curious, the Boots’ Former CMO shares quick-fire insights, 80s nostalgia, and a surprising talent for product jingles.
Find out: ⚡ What he loves (and hates) about marketing ⚡ The celeb life he wants ⚡ The risky ad move that paid off big ⚡ His wild 80s music party trick
It’s fast, fun, and full of unexpected gems from one of the UK’s most respected marketing leaders.
📺 Pete’s full Fast & Curious episode is now live on YouTube. Don’t forget to check out his full Courageous Leaders interview while you’re there.
→ Join our newsletter for leadership insights: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54
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How do you lead with kindness – and still drive high performance?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Pete Markey, Former Chief Marketing Officer at Boots UK, and one of the most respected marketing leaders in the country.
Pete shares his story, from early knockbacks to board-level leadership, and explains why kindness, vulnerability, and clarity have become his most powerful leadership tools.
We Cover: 01:18 – Starting out in finance and how it shaped his leadership
04:15 – Making the leap into marketing
07:40 – Rejection, resilience and bouncing back
11:29 – His first big step into leadership
14:32 – Why “clarity” became his North Star
17:46 – Bringing kindness and vulnerability into the boardroom
22:05 – The toughest feedback he’s ever received
25:59 – Why storytelling is a superpower for marketers
31:02 – The Boots campaign that proved creativity still works
34:48 – Keeping your values strong under pressure
39:30 – Pete’s advice to the next generation of marketing leaders
Don’t miss this generous and eye-opening conversation.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Are you midlife and feel like it’s too late to start over?
Jane Evans has just two words for you…
In this week’s Fast & Curious, Jane Evans brings unapologetic honesty, razor-sharp wit, and just the right amount of “don’t-mess-with-me” energy:
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find: ⚡ The one book that turned her approach to leadership upside down ⚡ Why post‑menopause might be the best phase of life ⚡ Dogs, 80s nostalgia, and the quickest way to kill a brilliant idea ⚡ Her brutally honest response when a midlife woman says, “It’s too late for me”
It’s not just fun and fast—it’s fearless, relatable, and perfectly timed.
📺 Jane’s full Fast & Curious episode is now live on YouTube. While you’re there, be sure to check out her full Courageous Leaders interview too.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
The Harsh Truth About Ageism in the Workplace | Jane Evans
18 Sep 2025
01:00:15
What happens when you’re told your career’s over at 50?
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Jane Evans, award-winning creative director and founder of The 7th Tribe and one of her generation’s most successful female creatives.
From being the first woman in multiple creative departments to launching a global movement to fight midlife invisibility, Jane’s story is raw, inspiring, and a wake-up call for how we treat women over 50 in the workplace.
We Cover: 01:10 – Getting harassed on day two of art school
03:08 – What it really took to survive as a woman in advertising
06:22 – The line that doubled her salary overnight
09:17 – The career highs and the shocking fall that followed
13:29 – Why she started a business from a warehouse with her kids upstairs
18:04 – How her partner erased her financial future
21:58 – Being ignored for jobs and told she was “too old”
25:45 – The tweet that launched a global campaign
28:56 – From ad legend to food bank queue and what she did next
33:19 – Why she says this is a national emergency
36:12 – The one mindset that’s helped her survive it all
41:08 – What brands miss by ignoring older audiences
46:35 – How to stop fear from keeping you small
52:42 – Jane’s advice for women ready to do work that matters
59:10 – Where she still wants to be more courageous in her life
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
In this week’s Fast & Curious, the Neverland London CEO brings wit, warmth, and the occasional swear word (thanks to his toddler).
Find out: ⚡ For Josh, what would instantly rule someone out in an interview? ⚡ Who he would love to swap roles with for the day in his office ⚡ And the brand collab he’s dreaming of
It’s quick, honest, and packed with moments every leader (and parent) will relate to.
📺 Josh’s full Fast & Curious episode is now live on YouTube. Don’t forget to check out his full Courageous Leaders interview while you’re there.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How do you become one of 2025’s Best Places to Work? | Josh Harris
11 Sep 2025
00:45:05
Have you ever wondered if the best move in your career might be walking away? On this week’s episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Josh Harris, CEO of Neverland London. Josh made the bold decision to step away from the security of corporate life and it turned out to be the best thing he could have done.
We talk about the emotional weight of leadership, the pressure to protect people, and the challenge of building a business that looks after purpose, people and profits together. Creating a culture that helped Neverland earn a spot as one of Campaign’s Best Places to Work 2024 and 2025.
We Cover: 01:15 – Leaving a stable job with a newborn during COVID
03:22 – Two breaking points that made walking away the only option
06:42 – Returning to work with new clarity on culture and fit
09:35 – The unexpected loneliness of becoming CEO
12:04 – Why investing in junior talent powers the whole business
15:45 – Protecting people first: cutting costs without cutting jobs
17:41 – Leading without a set path and keeping creativity at the core
21:35 – Why emotional intelligence is Josh’s most valuable leadership tool
28:02 – Balancing control with trust and creating psychological safety
31:19 – Working with founders without the ego clashes
36:46 – The challenges and freedom of an all-new leadership team
39:34 – “Ask forgiveness, not permission”
40:47 – The advice Josh’s future self would give him today
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Ever made a decision under pressure that you instantly regretted?
Maybe it was to avoid conflict, keep the peace, or just make the discomfort stop.
I’ve been there and it nearly cost me my confidence as a leader.
In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I open up about how pressure is the real test of your leadership.
We Cover: 01:14 – The two ways leaders make decisions under pressure
02:22 – The personal story that changed how I lead
03:51 – What actually triggers your pressure
04:53 – Reframing pressure as a privilege, not a burden
05:33 – The perspective trick every overwhelmed leader needs
06:43 – The biggest mistake leaders make when pressure hits
07:22 – Why trusting your gut can save you from costly decisions
07:37 – Quick recap of all four pressure-handling tools
08:00 – Why pressure makes you wiser, not weaker
08:35 – A message for every leader who’s navigating the hard days
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
How much content would survive? We put Elisabetta Torretti, in the hot seat to find out, 🌍 The best and worst thing about starting over in a new country 📊 Her blunt advice for anyone tying self-worth to metrics 📱 The habit she tells others to break… but can’t break herself 💌 And the weirdest DM she’s ever received
Watch the clip now and don’t miss the full episode for more curious moments.
📺 Elisabetta’s full Fast & Curious episode drops today on YouTube. Don’t forget to also check out her full Courageous Leaders interview while you’re there.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Should you have a personal brand as a leader? | Elisabetta Torretti
28 Aug 2025
00:46:50
How do you turn personal struggles into a platform that changes lives?
In this episode of Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Elisabetta Torretti, founder and CEO of Mint and Lemon, who helps founders and teams show up online with clarity and confidence. From moving to London at 25 without speaking English, and overcoming an eating disorder, to growing 100k LinkedIn followers in a year, Elisabetta’s story is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and building a personal brand that opens doors.
We Cover: 01:21 – Moving to London without English or connections
03:23 – The three teenage dreams that shaped her leap into the unknown
06:10 – From insecurity and imposter syndrome to starting self-belief work
09:29 – Discovering and confronting binge eating disorder
13:30 – Lessons from therapy and how they built her resilience
17:27 – From corporate to 100k LinkedIn followers and why visibility matters
22:18 – Navigating overwhelm, boundaries, and criticism online
26:12 – Why trolls are a sign of success and how to handle them
28:27 – Everyone has a personal brand and here’s how to start building yours
36:54 – One piece of advice for anyone scared to post online
39:30 – Where she still wants to be more courageous and why self-belief matters
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
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That’s just one of the things you’ll discover in this week’s The Fast & The Curious with Matt & Check, Co-Founders of Ada Ventures.
From parenting lessons to the startup ‘rules’ they ignored, this is the side of two highly successful founders you won’t find on Google.
🎧 Take a listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-courageous-leaders-podcast/id1594924295
📺 Watch now on YouTube, full Courageous Leaders Podcast episode also live.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
What happens when two unlikely co-founders challenge everything about the venture capital world?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Check Warner and Matt Penneycard, the duo behind Ada Ventures. They open up about money, stress, parenthood, relentless rejection and what it takes to build a business from nothing but trust and audacity.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start a company with zero roadmap, navigate co-founder friction, or fundraise against the odds this one’s for you.
We Cover: 01:40 – Check’s bold career pivot into VC with no finance background
04:46 – Matt’s courageous leap despite the financial and family strain
06:18 – Why Check didn’t believe Matt was “real” (and how that changed everything)
08:40 – Equal partnership: how they split everything 50/50 from day one
11:54 – Building Ada Ventures with no salary, no certainty, just vision
13:13 – How trust and shared risk carried them through tough times
15:25 – The first moment of friction (and the awkward feedback conversation)
18:35 – Leading with inclusivity, especially when no one else was doing this
29:47 – Did they ever think about quitting? Yes. Here’s how they didn’t.
32:10 – The viral “privilege” article and why Check had to speak up
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
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What do penis pens, naked yoga and an erotic platform...
All have in common?
Lauren Spearman reveals in her The Fast & The Curious episode.
Cannes chaos to 9pm bedtimes
This one moves fast and nothing is off limits.
🙃 What did her family buy her that left her speechless? 💸 Why have none of her invoices been paid this month? 🍷 What’s her go-to hobby that involves wine and a fancy tablecloth? 👀 And which platform would she love to collab with purely for fun?
You’ll laugh. You’ll raise an eyebrow. You’ll question your own morning routine.
📺 Full episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast now live on YouTube.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ
Waiting for Confidence? Stop. Do This Instead - Lauren Spearman
14 Aug 2025
00:44:11
How to keep showing up and challenging yourself even when you have no confidence?
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Lauren Spearman, a Social Media consultant and content creator, about the raw and real journey of building confidence. From leaving a steady job with no plan B to showing up online at her lowest point, Lauren shares what it’s really like to let go of control, show up when you're unsure, and embrace uncertainty.
Whether you're stuck in your career, struggling to speak up, or just tired of waiting for confidence to arrive, this one's for you.
We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – The TikTok that changed her career trajectory 03:20 – A lifelong battle with self-worth and body image 05:00 – Why confidence is a wave you ride 08:00 – Quitting without a plan and what changed her mindset 10:30 – Confidence isn’t having all the answers 12:00 – You have to act first 14:00 – Raising standards changed everything 16:00 – Building a portfolio career by following energy 20:00 – Designing a dream lifestyle, not a dream job 34:30 – Getting curious and asking better questions
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode.
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What’s stronger, self-discipline or self-awareness?
Which one would you choose?
We put Ross Anderson in the hot seat for The Fast & The Curious.
From topless butler to mindset mentor,
He’s got stories, surprises, and a serious take on growth that’ll make you stop scrolling.
🧠 What’s the one tool he swears by for instant stress relief?
📺 Which guilty pleasure TV show does he watch on loop?
🏆 Which Guinness World Record does he want to break next?
🧊 And why ice baths don’t work for him.
📺 Watch Ross Anderson’s full Fast & The Curious episode now on The Courageous Leaders Podcast.
👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ