Explore every episode of the podcast Leadership Actually

Join Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney, with guest Jo Carlin an experienced Chief people Officer. They explore the realities of leading transformation, managing change, and maintaining human connection in complex organisational environments. Discover insights on navigating messy moments, the importance of humility, and the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

leadership, transformation, change management, organisational psychology, leadership development, emotional intelligence, future of work, leadership lessons, organisational change, leadership insights

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In this episode, Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney explore leadership, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity through candid conversations with Rob Regan. Rob shares his journey from electrician to CEO, the messy moments that shaped him, and his mission to transform Welsh Rugby Union.

In this episode Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney sit down with guest Naomi Dake. They explore a systemic approach to wellbeing. The value it has for organisations and the multi-dimension approach that can be taken to unleash it's true potential. What wellbeing is and what it is not. Naomi shares examples of when it is done well in organisations.

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In this insightful interview, Laoishe MacCana, a global executive communication coach and broadcaster, shares her journey, expertise, and practical tips for leaders to communicate with clarity and confidence under pressure. Discover how her sports background, coaching techniques, and real-world experiences can transform your leadership communication skills.

Trailer for full episode

Join us as Spencer Fearn shares his inspiring leadership journey, lessons from football and business, and insights on coaching, resilience, and creating brighter futures.

Short of @leadershipactually full episode

In this episode, Lee Rogers and Lisa Pound explore neurodiversity, leadership, and personal growth with Daniel Armitage of NeuroSparks. Discover insights on supporting neurodivergent individuals, fostering inclusive workplaces, and embracing authenticity.

Daniel's snippet view of neuro-divergence

In this episode, Dave Scholes shares his inspiring journey from creative industries to pioneering mental health initiatives through 'Powered By Mates'. Discover how authentic leadership, community engagement, and innovative conversations are transforming workplace culture and mental health support.

NB There is a brief mention of suicide

It's about relationships

In this episode, Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney explore leadership, culture, and personal growth with Steve Warburton, MD of Zen Internet. They discuss building trust, maintaining culture during growth, overcoming challenges, and the importance of gut instinct and work-life balance.

Leadership, Leadership Development, Trust, Growth, Culture

In this episode, Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy, OBE, shares insights on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and the parallels between elite sports and business. Discover lessons from his cycling career, the importance of clarity, purpose, and collaboration, and how to apply these principles to everyday performance.

Leadership, Teamwork, Resilience, Sports Psychology, Cycling, Performance, Motivation, Success, Failure, Personal Growth

This episode reviews a series of inspiring leadership interviews, highlighting key insights from industry leaders across HR, business, and culture change. Discover lessons on authentic leadership, diversity, resilience, and purpose-driven impact.

Leadership Actually, is the leadership podcast that deals with the messy moments, the human moments as well as the successes. What a series. What a selection of guests with incredible leadership experience, covering multi decades in multiple industries.

In this episode, we explore the hidden dangers of conformity in the workplace and its impact on authentic leadership. Discover how adhering to norms can stifle creativity and hinder personal growth. We delve into real-life stories and expert insights, offering strategies to break free from conformity's grip. Learn how embracing your unique leadership style can drive innovation and foster a more dynamic work environment. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to enhance their authenticity and effectiveness.

In this inspiring interview, Penny Ferguson shares her remarkable journey from personal struggles to becoming a leading advocate for personal and leadership development. Discover practical insights on leadership, the importance of mindset, and how to transform lives through simple yet powerful strategies.

In this episode of @leadershipactually, Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a heartfelt conversation with Joan Jones, a remarkable figure in the manufacturing industry. Joan shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in a male-dominated field. The discussion highlights themes of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the workplace. Joan's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and the necessity of giving others a chance to succeed.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney welcome Zoe Thompson, a former police leader and founder of Phoenix Coaching. The conversation explores the complexities of leadership, the importance of intentionality, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Zoe shares her journey from police leadership to coaching, emphasising the need for effective communication and the ability to adapt to change. The discussion also touches on the significance of setting clear goals and understanding one's priorities in both leadership and personal life.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a lively conversation with Lee Chambers, a psychologist and advocate for gender equity. They explore themes of allyship, identity, and the importance of listening in leadership. Chambers shares his journey from a principled child to a professional troublemaker, emphasising the need for humility and curiosity in allyship. The discussion also touches on the significance of partnerships in driving collective change and the challenges of navigating trust and information in today's society. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking and self-awareness in effective leadership.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a heartfelt conversation with Amanda Chadwick, exploring themes of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. Amanda shares her journey from aspiring actress to HR expert, detailing the challenges she faced, including trauma and personal struggles. The discussion emphasises the power of storytelling, the need for empathy in leadership, and the significance of building connections within teams. Amanda's mission is to empower others by making complex employment law accessible and relatable, while also encouraging leaders to embrace their authentic selves and foster community in the workplace.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a heartfelt conversation with Wayne Clark, a leadership expert who runs the World Class Manager program in 40 countries. They discuss the importance of leadership, personal reflections on vulnerability, and the unexpected human moments that shape leaders. Wayne shares his backstory, the evolution of the manager's role, and insights into what makes a world-class manager. The conversation also touches on time management, the significance of one-on-one conversations, and the impact of understanding individual stories. Ultimately, they explore the global impact of effective leadership and the importance of personal development in the workplace.

In this episode of "Leadership Actually," hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a lively conversation about leadership, personal growth, and the importance of human connection in the workplace with Gillian Drakeford MBE.

They reflect on their experiences, particularly Gillian's journey from a senior leader at IKEA to a coach and mentor. Gillian shares her insights on the significance of understanding people and their backgrounds, emphasising that leadership is not just about titles but about fostering relationships and creating inclusive environments. The discussion also touches on the value of meditation and mindfulness in leadership, highlighting how these practices can enhance clarity and decision-making.

As they delve deeper, Gillian recounts her early career experiences, the challenges she faced in hierarchical environments, and how her curiosity about people has shaped her leadership style. The conversation underscores the importance of connecting with individuals on a personal level, understanding cultural differences, and the role of purpose in driving organisational success. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that effective leadership is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to uplift others.

In this conversation, Nigel Sullivan discusses the evolution of leadership styles from traditional command and control to a more supportive and empowering approach. He emphasises the importance of being approachable and focusing on the well-being and development of team members.

Lee and Lisa, give an honest and feel review of the series. They discuss what inspired them, what the stand out moments were from each guest and as you would expect, what were some of the messy moments. In this series there have been moments of laughter and joy, moments of being in awe and real tears that have flowed.

Lee and Lisa discuss the common themes coming out from the series and a nod to what Series 3 has in store. There is also an announcement of an epic charity challenge in 2026.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a deep conversation with Laura Pomfret CEO and Co-founder of Financielle and financial expert on BBC Morning Live about the intersection of leadership, financial empowerment, and the importance of community support. They explore the complexities of financial conversations, the gender pay and pension gap, and the role of employers in fostering financial wellbeing. The discussion emphasises the emotional aspects of money management and the need for financial education to empower individuals, particularly women, to take control of their financial futures. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their financial habits and consider how they can make positive changes in their lives.

Summary

In this conversation, Lee Rogers, Lisa Powney and John Shiels discuss the importance of leadership in education and youth development. They explore themes such as resilience, social mobility, and the role of purposeful leadership in creating opportunities for young people. John shares insights from his experience at the Manchester United Foundation, emphasising the need for engagement, support, and listening to youth voices. The discussion also highlights the significance of building a strong team culture and the future skills needed for effective leadership.

In this insightful episode of Leadership Actually, JonDutton OBE provides a refreshing perspective on leadership in the sports sector. His experiences remind us that leadership is not just about titles or accolades butabout embracing our humanity, learning from our mistakes, and focusing on making a positive impact in our communities.

Discover the journey of Chris Knight, a leader who transformed from a reluctant manager to an authentic leader. In this episode, Chris shares his insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing vulnerability, and leading with integrity.

In this engaging conversation, Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney welcome Uchenna Forjoe, who shares her unique journey from hairdressing to project management. The discussion delves into the complexities of leadership, the importance of building relationships, and the challenges of navigating matrix management. Uchenna emphasises the significance of asking questions, understanding team dynamics, and the need for strategic thinking in leadership roles. As she reflects on her experiences, she also shares insights on personal growth and the importance of enjoying the journey, especially during transitional phases in one's career.

Uchenna shares her experiiences as a hairdresser and how that has impacted her leadership journey.

In this episode the conversation explores the themes of change and resilience, emphasizing the importance of adapting to constant change while maintaining organisational objectives and personal wellbeing. It highlights the need for leaders to develop skills that enable them to guide their teams through transitions effectively.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage with Brendan, a leader who has transitioned from sailing to leadership coaching. Brendan shares his journey of becoming a skipper in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, emphasising the importance of team culture, self-reflection, and learning from crisis moments. The conversation explores grounding practices for leaders, the preparation required for leadership roles, and the significance of empowering teams. Brendan reflects on his experiences, the challenges faced during the race, and the lessons learned that can be applied to leadership in various contexts.

In this episode of "Leadership Actually," Baroness Dido Harding shares her remarkable journey through leadership, offering insights that resonate deeply with senior executives. Known for her courage and authenticity, Dido reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career, from her early days at McKinsey to leading major organisations like TalkTalk and NHS Test and Trace. She emphasises the importance of being true to oneself and fostering diverse teams, highlighting how these principles have guided her through challenges such as the TalkTalk cyber attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dido's leadership style, rooted in trust and inclusivity, serves as a powerful example for executives aiming to navigate complex environments. Her story is a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the strength found in embracing one's unique path.

This is a powerful episode that challenges peoples perceptions of norms that occur in the workplace due to generational differences. Alison shares her views that have appeared on her TedX Talk in Northwich.

What are the misconceptions that you held as firm beliefs?

In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth. They discuss how injecting fun into leadership can enhance team performance, the significance of building trust within teams, and the lessons learned from coaching world champions. The conversation emphasises the value of accountability, integrity, and consistency in leadership, as well as the need for ambitious goal-setting and the role of discipline in achieving success. Ultimately, the speakers highlight that culture often outweighs talent in determining team success, and finding balance in life is crucial for personal fulfillment.

In this reflective episode of 'Leadership Actually', hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney review their journey through the first season, discussing memorable moments with guests, lessons learned, and the importance of connection and relationships in leadership. They share personal insights and growth experienced throughout the series, while also teasing exciting developments for the upcoming second season.

Leadership Development is an ongoing project. It does not stop. It is continuous.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, Lee Rogers and LisaPowney engage in a deep conversation with Paul Stobart about the nuances of leadership, particularly at the senior management level. They explore the challenges of transitioning to executive roles, the importance of listening and appreciation, and the impact of incisive questioning. Paul shares his insights on driving cultural change within organisations and the critical role of boardsin fostering effective leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to build relationships, listen actively, and appreciate their teams to create a thriving organisational culture.

A snippet of what you can hear from Paul in the full episode.

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What if the strongest thing a leader can do… is care?

In this episode, we chat with the brilliant Cat Hakki about leading with empathy in a world that often rewards ego. We explore how leaders can stay grounded, human, and connected — even in high-pressure, fast-changing environments.

If you're navigating complexity and want to lead with more heart (and still deliver results), this one's for you.

In this episode we explore the importance of leader understanding the financial fundamentals of an organisation. The role of finance business partners in larger organisations and the core components for smaller organisations. Mark helps us examine the messy class of finance.

In this episode we explore identifying issues, thinking of solutions and seeing it through. Wayne shares some of the highs and lows of his journey as the founder of My New Term, a recruitment platform in education that is revolutionising the market.

In this episode we discuss leadership, gender equity and courage.

Stacey Copeland has represented her country in two sports, Football and Boxing. She made history to become the first female British Commonwealth Boxing Gold medalist. Stacey is a freelance broadcaster, presenter and commentator for BBC, Fight Zone and Sky. She also also done two Ted talks. Stacey founded Pave The Way charity that aims to challenge stereotypes of girls, boys, women and men.

The messy class on change. Our expert Business Psychologist, Rebecca Stevens, shares her views on the role positive psychology has to play in any type of organisational change.

This episode is packed with leadership gold, no fluff, no ego, just straight-talking wisdom from someone who’s led with impact at every level.

Tune in to feel challenged, encouraged, and a little more human as a leader.

Exploring how to navigate squiggly careers in a VUCA environment and much more beside.