Everyday Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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

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

🎙 In this episode:

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

💡 Key insight:

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

“Purpose often hides inside your pain.”

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

Connect with Avril

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

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

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

?? Being disillusioned with school

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

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

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

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

??How to measure success personally and professionally

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

Connect with Mac

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

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

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

Connect with Me

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

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

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

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

• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

• Watch the episodes on YouTube

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

??Creating personal rules for dealing with failure and regret

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

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

Connect with Marilyn

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

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

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

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

Connect with Me

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

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

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

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

• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

• Watch the episodes on YouTube

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Dan and his organisation

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

Connect with Me

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

• Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Me

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• YouTube

Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

 

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

Introduction:

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

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

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

Discussion Topics:

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

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

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

2. Overcoming powerlessness: Finding control through intention

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

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

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

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

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

4. Shaping life through conscious choices and values alignment

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

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

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

Discussion Topics:

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

 

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