Explore every episode of the podcast The Courageous Leaders Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Courageous Leaders Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Patrick Jeffrey: How To Embrace The Unknown With Confidence
29 Aug 2024
00:34:28
Feeling lost or low on confidence?
Patrick Jeffery, MD of Contagious, shares his journey of overcoming self-doubt and embracing the power of being a generalist.
Patrick reveals how he turned his fear of failure into a driving force for success, drawing inspiration from sports legend Roger Federer on the importance of resetting and letting go.
Whether you're at a career crossroads or looking to boost your confidence, Patrick's story will inspire you to embrace your unique path and find strength in your versatility.
02:07 The risk of driving change too quickly
07:32 Becoming a ‘specialist generalist’ leader.
10:20 Soft skills being a leaders superpower
15:15 How to make lots of decisions
17:40 The ability to build confidence
23:44 Being terrified of failure and how to navigate this
26:26 Imposter syndrome as a positive
31:01 Letting go of ‘what if’s’ and focusing on controllables
👍 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 episode, we sit down with Alex Grieve, CCO at BBH, who shares his transformative journey from a creative role to a leadership position.
Alex opens up about the challenges he faced in his early career, navigating a highly competitive and alpha-male dominated industry.
He discusses the immense pressure to constantly prove himself and deliver exceptional creative work, which often led to self-doubt and burnout.
Alex also reflects on his initial reluctance to step into leadership and his experiences of learning from failures as a new leader. He reveals how he found his flow, leading with calm, clarity, and conciseness.
00:00 Getting out of bed even on the difficult days
04:16 The challenge of working in an elite performance culture
09:35 Finding a collaborative environment at AMV
12:01 Reluctant transition from creative to leadership
16:14 Learning from early failures
19:43 Importance of rest in combating burnout.
22:21 Learning to be calm, enjoying the process and letting go of the outcome.
25:00 Kindness and support in leadership is crucial
29:28 Learning to be honest and candid with people.
33:50 Gratitude for teamwork is crucial in 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
Have you fully stepped into your leadership identity?
In this episode, I delve into the common challenge faced by leaders struggling to empower themselves and embrace their evolving identity.
I share key insights from Check Warner and Harjot Singh, who were part of our panel at Courageous Leaders LIVE, and inspired a whole room to back themselves.
Key Discussion Points:
Understanding the identity walls that can hinder personal growth.
Freeing yourself to embody the person you aspire to be.
Exploring how high performers continuously shape their evolving identities.
Reflecting on the labels we allow to define us.
Leveraging evidence to propel yourself forward in your leadership journey.
Let's empower your leadership journey together! 🌟
Content Overview 00:00 Leaders evolving through organizational transitions and self-identity.
05:49 Nurture positive thoughts for self-empowerment and success.
06:39 Nurture the positive wolf for personal success.
09:49 Prioritizing personal boundaries, speaking truth, and building trust.
👍 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
Anna Louise Gladwell: Changing the Definition of Leadership
08 Jun 2022
00:37:12
Anna led Analog Folk in accelerating and developing effective digital strategies for brands; and they were recognised by Contagious Pioneers as one of the best and bravest agencies of 2022 - what an accolade to have!
In this episode we chat about the future of leadership and what is required for that vision to happen; as well as the incredible work that Anna has been involved in around helping women in leadership to self promote themselves with impact.
Key takeaways include:
Why we all need to take brave leaps
How to learn important leadership lessons, much quicker
How to create a culture that de-risks, risk taking
The importance of showing humility as a leader
How feminine and masculine energy show up in leadership
Why the future of leadership needs more feminine energy
A new tool that helps women speak with confidence
Why you need to show compassion to yourself
Why you should spend time on supercharging your strengths
👍 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
Harjot Singh: Why We Need to Stop Protecting the Myth That We Have It All Together
01 Jun 2022
00:36:26
Over the last few decades Harjot has held senior regional and global strategy leadership roles in Europe, UK, North America, China and Asia. He joined McCann New York in 2011, and prior to being named global CSO of McCann, he served as CSO McCann EMEA, leading it to be the number one most creatively effective Agency Network for five years! This led to the 2020 CSO of the year for Campaign.
This is such a feel-good episode, and you are guaranteed to come away feeling better! Harjot speaks beautifully about how he learned what it was like to not be friends with his inner voice, the importance of gratitude and starting with thanks and why we need to stop protecting the myth that we have it all together.
Key takeaways include:
How the absence of fear creates courage
How to stop self-sabotaging
Why it’s ok to change the label you are given
Why feedback isn’t always fact
The importance of gratitude and starting with thanks
How you can Marie Kondo your life and your leadership
The lessons from the pandemic that we need to take forward in our 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
Steve Bell: ‘The Truth Behind Building a Culture That Works Globally’
25 May 2022
00:35:56
Steve Bell is the Global CEO of Iris
Steve oversees Iris’ 17 offices and 1,000 employees within the network. In the 25 years that he has worked in the marketing and communications industry, he has worked with some of the most innovative, ambitious and creatively driven businesses in the automotive, sports, FMCG, beer, retail spirits, and Telco sectors.
In this episode ‘The truth behind building a culture that works globally’, Steve shares so much wisdom that you will find helpful. He talks openly and honestly about the lessons he has learned throughout his career, and in particular, from setting up Iris to achieve the success it has today.
Key takeaways include:
the value of bringing your authentic self
the difference between leadership and management
how Iris created clear lines of responsibility
how to evolve a culture in global organisation
the need to feel good about what you’re doing as a leader
how to value your time, to be an effective leader
knowing when to lead from the front and when to step back
👍 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
Laura Jordan Bambach is the President and Chief Creative Officer at Grey
In this episode Laura talks about how to have difficult conversations as a leader, and the importance of working as a collective, and not doing it all on your own.
She also shares her I Am Enough challenge, that she does daily to help her focus on the good, and all that she has achieved.
Laura has enhanced the advertising industry through her fresh pioneering spirit, combining technical skill with her innate human understanding and passion for storytelling.
She is also part of the OKO community, where mentors and mentees are supported to find their path to success. To find out more about how OKO can support your business, check out their website: Weareoko.com
She is recognised globally as an innovator and industry leader, has been twice named one of Britain's most influential people with a Debrett's 500 annual list, and was recognised as Individual of the Year at the Dadi awards.
Laura is also honoured in campaign UK female frontier awards for championing change. And as a true champion of diversity, Laura is co-founder of The Great British Diversity Experiment, and co-founder of SheSays, the world famous volunteer network that works to encourage more women into the creative industry.
In a nutshell - you want to listen to this episode, learn from her insights, and be inspired by her energy!
Topics Covered Include:
The value of having difficult conversations
How we’re all set at a dial
We’re not here by accident
The ‘I am enough’ challenge
You don’t have to do it on your own, we are a collective
👍 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
Brie Stewart: Recognising High Functioning Depression and Ways to Cope
11 May 2022
00:31:12
Brie Stewart is a Creative Director, formerly at Wunderman Thompson
In this episode Brie talks openly about her experience with high functioning depression, the importance of talking about it, and the support she received from the industry when she did.
She also shares how she became a better leader by no longer trying to be a hero, unlearning past behaviours and saying no.
Brie is an award winning Creative Director with over 13 years experience including working at esteemed Public Relations Agency Edelman, and the advertising agencies Ogilvy, Clemenger BBDO, and most recently Wunderman Thompson.
This episode is filled with so much wisdom, insights and important messages, and really is a must listen for all creative leaders.
👍 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
Nils Leonard is Founder of Uncommon Creative Studio
In this episode Nils shares his wealth of experience and some powerful insights into how to remove fear from your leadership.
He also talks candidly about why we need to differentiate between being in a client services business and the creativity business, the importance of having a view of the world, to really create impact and make your work matter and why you need to let go of the need to be dependent on other people to achieve your dreams.
Just in case there is anyone out there who doesn’t know who Nils is, he is the Co-Founder of the fastest growing startup in advertising history, Uncommon Creative Studio.
He also spent time as Chief Creative Officer of Grey LDN, where he oversaw the most profitable and awarded years in the agency’s 52 years history and became one of the youngest agency chairmen in the world leading its brands globally and locally.
He was voted into the Ad Age creativity 50 and named the most creative person in advertising globally by Business insider, is on the advisory group for the Royal Academy, and is listed as one of Sunday Times 500 Most Influential People in the UK.
Topics covered include:
Embracing change
Converting frustration into success
The importance of conviction
The courage to be your authentic self
Need for change
Standing by your values
How being open about company standards provides clarity of expectations
👍 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
Luke D’Arcy: The biggest lesson for a leader: It’s not about you!
07 Apr 2022
00:33:22
Luke D'Arcy is the EMEA Growth Officer at Momentum Worldwide
In this episode Luke gives us an insight into how he felt being in a room with Astronauts and Generals who have served in Afghanistan and yet all had the same fears and beliefs about being good enough and what a humbling experience this was.
Luke shares that the minute you think you have nailed it as a leader you are at a loss. He explains that you can’t know all the answers. We are human beings and a lot of people forget that.
Luke explains that accepting that leadership is not about one’s self, is a valuable lesson he has learnt and one that continues to shape him and his leadership style.
Luke runs Momentum UK, the most awarded global experiential advertising agency in the world, working for clients such as American Express, Microsoft, SAP and Samsung.
Under Luke’s guidance, in 2020, Momentum UK won The Drum’s Marketing Agency of the Year and Creativepool’s Best Agency to Work for. Previously, the agency has won 18 x Cannes Lions amongst many other awards.
Named one of their Global Agency Innovators of the Year by Internationalist Magazine, Luke is also a Harvard Business School Alumni, has worked across numerous global networks and independents and is a Trustee of military charity Walking With The Wounded.
👍 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
Carina McLeod: Leading as your true self through uncertain times
31 Mar 2022
00:33:53
Carina McLeod is the Founder and CEO of eCommerce Nurse.
In this episode Carina shares with us that being a courageous leader means being able to make bold decisions and fully embrace who you are and what you stand for.
She tells us that although it took time and a lot of work, she defied the expectations that were set before her as a leader, and accepted that leading as her true self, trusting her gut instinct works to her advantage.
Carina is passionate about helping retail brands succeed in the online world. She has 18 years of experience working in retail, with 7 years working in vendor management at Amazon and the last 8 years working with start-ups and multinational brands guiding them on how to be successful in eCommerce. In 2017, Carina founded an Amazon-focused consulting and marketing agency eCommerce Nurse where she leads a remote, global team of eCommerce experts who help brands reach their potential on the Amazon platform across North America and Europe.
👍 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 episode Rob shares with us how creating an empowering environment creates a highly motivated, supported and courageous team.
Lee explains that trusting your gut instinct takes courage and determination to follow through with your decisions. It is this defining leadership style that they believe empowers their team and has led them to their company success.
Lee Tan started out at KesselsKramer and Mother, before an 8 year stint at iconic agency HHCL - and infamous work for Tango and Pot Noodle. He went on to create award-winning work for Skittles at TBWA before becoming McCann’s Executive Creative Director on Coca-Cola brands. In 2020, he co-founded the creative shop, Motel.
Rob Smith is an experienced senior client and agency leader with over 25 years experience working on major brands and campaigns including Unilever, Daimler-Chrysler, Heinz, Guinness, Harley-Davidson, IKEA, The Co-operative Bank, lastminute.com, COI (Government), The Guardian, Ford, MasterCard, Microsoft and Xbox. Prior to launching Motel he was Chief Client Officer for McCann Worldgroup UK, CEO of Farm, Managing Director at O&M, and led the Scottish Referendum No campaign team at M&C Saatchi.
👍 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
Victoria Fox: Why we need to embrace diversity of thought to lead courageously into the future
17 Mar 2022
00:33:11
Victoria Fox is the CEO of AAR
In this episode Victoria shares how being a courageous leader means creating a safe space for your teams where people feel comfortable being themselves, where diversity thrives and everyone is encouraged to use their authentic voice.
Victoria strongly believes in creating a company culture based on strong company values where diversity, inclusion and using our authentic voices are key.
Victoria was appointed as CEO of AAR in April 2019. Having had a successful 20 year career agency side, she brings a wealth of experience of running agencies across a number of disciplines to this role - most recently as CEO of LIDA, M&C Saatchi’s global customer engagement agency.
In her career, Victoria has had stints in digital, advertising, shopper marketing and CRM agencies
In her last two years at M&C Saatchi, Victoria took on the role of global sponsor for Diversity and Inclusion across the network. Victoria is very active in this space and sits on the WACL (Women in Advertising and Communications London) Executive committee and is Chair of the WACL Future Leaders Award.
Victoria is also honoured to have been named a Global Champion of Women in Business by the Financial Times two years in a row, in both 2017 & 2018.
👍 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
Claire Humphris: Navigating Public Visibility: Perspectives from a CEO
13 Jun 2024
00:34:58
In this week’s episode, I get to talk to the brilliant Claire Humphris, CEO of Iris Worldwide.
Claire was one of the founders of Iris and she openly shares the highs and lows of running an agency over the last 25 years.
We explore Claire's initial resistance to becoming CEO and the challenges of putting yourself out there for all to see.
Key discussion points:
The challenge of stepping up as CEO after being used to being part of a leadership team
The importance of letting go of the need to be liked
The perspective of sport and business in resilience and endurance
Why character is so important when hiring and building a team
The fear of judgment that comes with being in the public eye
The mental strength needed and how business and sport have helped to develop this
Being able to rely on yourself and reframe problems
Insights on when to take the lead and when to challenge
This was our first episode since moving to video recordings and I’m grateful to Claire for making it such an easy transition.
👍 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
Jordan Adams: The courage to lead your way and not follow the norm
10 Mar 2022
00:41:45
Jordan Adams is Founder, Investor and Managing Director of Oneninefive.
In this episode Jordan talks us through why putting people first has had a positive impact on his business and within his teams. Jordan shares with us how leaders often forget that they are vulnerable humans while creating a courageous environment for their teams. He advocates for maintaining authenticity as a focus when delivering messages, and when building a platform for people to be able to access their confidence.
Jordan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, founder and director of several businesses. In addition he is a trustee of the PKD charity.
Having had a successful early career in B2B publishing sales, he has subsequently gone on to building a reputation as an accomplished motivational speaker, having spoken at events around the world.
Jordan started life as a DJ, whilst running an award-winning record shop in London. Now married with one child, he plays golf, is an avid reader and a huge fan of Aston Villa.
👍 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
Imogen Tazzyman: Accessing the courage to be authentic, stand up for what you believe in and have your voice heard
03 Mar 2022
00:31:40
Imogen is the Executive Creative Director at McCann Manchester.
In this episode Imogen explains about the courage required to make difficult decisions in an industry that is always striving to find something new, something that has never been done before. She shares how she found the courage to remain authentic to herself, stand up for what she believed in and have her voice heard.
Imogen bravely shares the fear she experienced when she became a leader. She questioned whether she would be the weakest link, but accessed her stubbornness and competitiveness to help her embrace her new role and build a confident team she led to success.
Imogen began her career at McCann Manchester, before heading down to McCann London. There, Imogen worked with brands such as Subway, Bisto and MasterCard before moving over to Karmarama to create some of the most awarded, talked about and effective work in the UK for The British Army.
Her work has been recognised at all the major award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Creative Circle, Campaign Big, IPA Effectiveness and the DMAs. She also sits on the Global Creative Council for Snapchat, and was a recipient of Campaign’s Female Frontiers award for Conquering Creativity in 2020.
Imogen finally came full circle this year, returning to McCann Manchester to head up the creative department.
👍 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
Diya Hofman: Becoming your own leader first and turning weaknesses into opportunities
24 Feb 2022
00:37:20
Diya Hofman is the Head of Project Management at BBC Creative.
In this episode Diya shares with us the obstacles she faced during the development of her career, after becoming a mother for the first time. Diya explains that it was like a ‘switch went off in her head’, she finally learned to back herself and pursue her career in places where she was given the opportunity of growth.
She demonstrates how courage can have an incredible impact on our future and how becoming our own leader first, empowers us to take on bigger and better challenges. She also shares her strengths which she now realises are vulnerability, openness, adaptivity, standing by her beliefs and turning her weaknesses into opportunities.
Diya has had an incredibly successful journey working with the best advertising agencies in the world: Adam and Eve DDB, Saatchi, McCann, Mother and now courageously leading and elevating the project management team at BBC Creative.
👍 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
Sergio Lopez: Embracing the fear of change and how imposter syndrome affects all leaders
17 Feb 2022
00:42:54
Sergio Lopez is EVP. Global Head of Production at Publicis Groupe. Previous to this he was the Chief Production Officer at McCann Worldgroup and CEO of Craft UK & EMEA
In this episode Sergio shares that although he started off very young and inexperienced, by continuously surrounding himself with the right people and amazing mentors, his success now spreads across 17 countries.
Despite his achievements, like many of us Sergio also struggles with Impostor syndrome. Sergio had to use creative thinking to prove not only to others but also to himself, that he can succeed in this industry and lead his team to success.
He explains how change can be a scary phenomenon in business, and how the fear of change can create resistance within teams. He talks us through his journey where he had to embrace courage himself, in order to be able to bring that courage into his team and help them step out of their comfort zone.
Lopez has spearheaded six years of continued growth and the unification of production operations and studios (TV, Art Buy, Print, Digital, Studio) driving creative success, organic expansion of production and content creation capabilities across the agency network at scale.
Topics covered include:
Impostor Syndrome
Creative thinking
Perseverance
Resistance towards Change
The importance of Vision in a company
Learning from getting it wrong
Evolving thinking
The ability to separate oneself from the role they are playing in the business world
👍 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 episode Rania shares more on how stepping out of your comfort zone and being vulnerable is the key to leadership growth and success. As well as acknowledging when you don’t have the answers, accepting your failures and recognising when you need help are key to self-growth and development.
She is passionate about challenging how we define leadership and what it means to feel fulfilled in a leadership role.
Rania Robinson came to the UK from Egypt at the age of three and started school not speaking a word of English. Her early experiences sparked a life-long passion for forming connections and meaningful communication. Having spent most of her career in non-traditional agencies in both account leadership and strategic roles, she has worked with some of the world's best-known brands, including: Haribo, Mercedes, Virgin, Google and Coca Cola.
Since joining Quiet Storm nine years ago, she has brought a 360° perspective and new energy to the agency, helping extend its service offer and broaden its sector experience. A passionate exponent of empowering women in the workplace, she is Vice President of WACL (an organisation whose purpose is to accelerate gender equality in the advertising and communication industry). Quiet Storm currently work with the Women's Equality Party pro bono. Rania is an active diversity champion and in 2020 relaunched Create Not Hate, Quiet Storm's initiative to get under-represented young people into the creative industries by unlocking their creative potential to tackle social issues that they live with every day. Rania is an active participant in D&I initiatives across the industry and a regular commentator on BBC Radio. She features in Campaign's A List of the most influential industry figures, sits on the IPA's Commercial Leadership Group, and is on AdAge’s Leading Women list of 2021.
👍 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
Mark Stringer: Making uncomfortable choices, being held accountable and becoming the kindest agency
20 Jan 2022
00:34:03
Mark is Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of SKOOT
In this episode Mark shares how he believes courageous leadership is being able to make uncomfortable choices. He has a passion for learning and his drive to believe there is always a better way keeps him and his team progressing. He shares more on how his company deal with accountability, culture and values and why his aim is to be the kindest agency.
Mark Stringer (aka Strings) is a marketing specialist having spent nearly 30 years Agency and Client-side working for numerous world renowned brands. With a passion and love of start-ups, launching brands and developing campaigns that create a strong emotional connection, alongside driving sales.
Mark founded PrettyGreen In 2008 when Red Bull asked if they could give him Wiings. With an original vision for PrettyGreen to be an integrated Communications Agency alongside being a business that helped start-ups, with the Agency based out of Red Bull’s office for the first six months.
The Agency focuses on delivering “Less Ordinary” Comms, having worked with the likes of Red Bull (including 4 years on the Stratos Project), Snapchat, LEGO, Three, Under Armour, John Lewis, Nintendo, and Nando’s to name but a few.
Mark is now Chair of comms Agency group, PrettyGreen (PrettyGreen (PR) The Producers (Events) and What They Said (Influencer).
Mark plays an active part in the marketing industry, judging numerous Awards, writing and commenting for various publications. He sat on PRCA Council a number of times and spent 6 years on the Channel 4 Britdoc Film Foundation as a Non Executive Board Director.
Mark is co-founder of Metropolitan Spirits, which has a portfolio of Absinthe’s, La Maison Fontaine. Distributed globally through 5* and premium bars and has created the world's most Awarded blanche Absinthe.
Topics covered include:
Doing what you love and identifying that
Difficult decisions
Building a diverse team
Learning from others
Self drive and ambition
Thirst for knowledge
Building a safe environment for people to do their best 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
Sarah Hesz: Your authenticity is your power and why mistakes are necessary to keep growing
13 Jan 2022
00:33:35
Sarah Hesz - CCO of Bubble Childcare - helping working parents.
In this episode Sarah shares how she believes the most powerful attribute as a leader is to be authentic and true to yourself. She's a huge advocate for making mistakes and believes if you’re not making them then you're not being creative enough and playing too safe.
We discuss how all decisions you make will not always be right, but they will guide you to a better place, how to trust and back yourself, navigate emotion resourcefully and how courage is in the small moments that add up.
Sarah worked in advertising for a decade but after baby 2 entered the world of start-ups and hasn't looked back. She has built teams from scratch and now leads the growth team at Bubble, an app connecting parents to babysitters and nannies that their friends already know, use and trust. Sarah is passionate about getting more women into leadership positions and feels that childcare is integral to this. She has a particular interest in the transition women go through when they become a mother and has a TEDx talk and book on this subject.
Topics covered include:
The importance of clarity
Self confidence
The evolution of leadership
Being humble
Difficult conversations
Courage in the small moments, doesn't always have to be big gestures
👍 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
Sam Garrity: Why generating belief is more important than strategy and how to align with your team
06 Jan 2022
00:37:15
Sam Garrity is Co-Founder and CEO of RocketMill.
In this episode Sam shares how during Covid his company grew 41% which he believes is due to putting his people first, over profit. He explains that by looking through the lens of your people you understand how they see, think and feel and therefore you can align with them making them feel understood and build a stronger culture and sense of unity.
He agrees leadership can be terrifying but if you lead as a human you allow people to see you and you are more accepted and received and achieve more effectively together.
Over the past decade, Sam has successfully led his team from being a self-funded start-up serving micro-businesses, to being one of the largest independent UK digital marketing agencies, working with ambitious SMEs and global brands. One of the keys to RocketMill's success has been nurturing a famous employer brand, embedding a people-first philosophy, which sees them regularly placed towards the top of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, and recently become an employee-owned company.
Topics covered include:
Scaling during Covid
People over profit
Creating culture
Leading as a human
Giving safety, security and certainty increases performance
👍 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
Chad Warner: How to access your truth as a leader to better serve your team
16 Dec 2021
00:31:11
Chad Warner is the founder of WeVee and most recently Creative Director at 72 and Sunny.
In this episode Chad shares how he believes the better you know yourself as a leader, the better you can serve your team and why vulnerability and transparency are key skills in leadership. He shares openly with his team which allows them to access their truth and increases trust, communication and ultimately performance.
We discuss the need to set boundaries and how we create and manage them, why micro achievements are far more freeing and how to bring playfulness and joy to the workplace.
Chad’s one of the most modern, integrated, experienced, awarded, egoless, passionate creatives you’ll meet. He has a deep love for how creativity, strategy, culture and modern media collide to build brands that continually adapt and thrive.
He’s been an executive creative at RAPP London, Partner at CHI&Partners (the&Partnership) and Integrated CD at McCann London. He’s won over 200 awards and worked on some incredible projects like Lexus Slide, Xbox Survival Billboard and L’Oréal’s Vogue Non-Issue.
Chad even raised over £2 million to start a new brand focused on helping everyone switch to electric cars – just so he could go through the process of building a business from the ground-up. All with the aim of eventually returning to agency life with a deeper understanding of how to help agencies, creatives and clients navigate every layer of brand building and advertising today.
Topics covered include:
Human leadership
Vulnerability
Transparency
Setting and managing boundaries
Why creatives will always give more
How to resourcefully share your fears and pressures
👍 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
Jessica Mullen: Creating happy, healthy teams and being an introverted leader
09 Dec 2021
00:31:31
Jessica is Managing Partner and co-founder of CreateFuture.
In this episode Jessica shares more on how leaders come in all shapes, sizes and flavours and considers herself an introverted leader. Her passion was to build her own company as it allowed her to live out her values and build a culture she wanted to be a part of. She explains that culture takes focus, energy and effort especially in a scaling company and how leadership is all about consistency, sometimes boring but necessary.
Her most courageous moment was taking some time out of the business and she explains courage doesn't have to mean impulsive and big, courage can mean different things.
CreateFuture is an innovation & design company that puts creativity to work, driving sustainable growth through brand, proposition and experience design. Based in the UK, they work with international brands such as adidas, Expedia, and Penguin Random House.
Jessica has successfully run multi-million pound digital and technology projects, accounts and agencies during her 20-year career. She co-chairs the BIMA Scotland Council and actively supports the wider digital community including Girl Geek Scotland, Ladies Wine Design and Agencynomics. Jessica is active and passionate in the building of happy, healthy teams in the creative industry and the empowerment of women to believe in themselves.
She also loves Nike trainers, Michelin star meals in glamorous locations and her cat Missy.
Topics covered include:
Values
Creating a culture your proud of
Responsibility
People over profit
Setting boundaries
Calculated risks
Scaling a company
Burnout
Accepting when people dont fit and how to move forward
👍 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
Joanna Howes: Are your team relying on you too much?
06 Jun 2024
00:15:09
In today's episode, we delve into a common pattern observed in leadership roles.
Many leaders find themselves overly involved in their team's activities, often due to a natural desire for control and involvement.
However, effective leadership requires recognising when to step back and empower your team to reach their full potential.
Join us as we explore the pitfalls of reliant leadership and provide actionable steps to foster a more independent and capable team.
Key discussion points:
Creating reliance between you and your team
Understanding how it’s easy and normal to fall into this trap
The consequences of being a reliant leader
How to identify if this is what you are doing
The empowerment to grow your team’s potential
The actions you can take to encourage ownership and initiative from your team
Breaking the pattern of reliant leadership is crucial for both personal growth as a leader and the professional development of your team.
We would love to know your thoughts on this subject! Please leave us a comment to keep the conversation going.
👍 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 episode Neil shares more on how he believes courage is pushing yourself and others to a place that’s better for both.
We chat about taking risks, being brave and setting a believable vision that you give a realistic timeframe to. Neil is also passionate about reskilling his team and investing in education and training to show that they matter, as he believes this is the heart and core of leadership.
HeyHuman was launched in 2014, believing that the relationships between people and brands had changed, and so brands and agencies had to as well.
Since 2014, HeyHuman has won awards such as Business Transformation Agency (The Drum), Gold at the Campaign Experience awards, and a finalist for CEO of the Year (The Drum). It has also grown its work with creatively driven brands such as Guinness and Smirnoff globally.
Previously, Neil has led, launched and re-positioned advertising agencies in the UK and Europe. He has an MA in Creative Writing and recently completed an MBA at Warwick Business School.
👍 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
Metz Bryan-Fasano: Making bold moves and why showing vulnerability builds connection
25 Nov 2021
00:36:09
Metz Bryan-Fasano is the Co-Founder and Production lead at theOr (Part of the Mother family).
In this episode Metz shares how she discovered the courage to stand up for what she believed in and how one bold move created her next opportunity. Metz believes strongly in transparency and vulnerability as a leader using emotional intelligence to influence the creative process and connect with people to make the best work possible.
We also talk about why it’s important to find your voice, back yourself, keep listening and learning and enjoy life!
So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.
Metz has worked at award-winning agencies including adam&eveDDB and McCann London, and most recently at BBC Creative where she was responsible for establishing processes and building their Project Management department.
Topics covered include:
Showing vulnerability
Leading by example
Taking risks & trusting yourself
Standing up for what you believe in
Making bold moves
The importance of open mindedness
Not having all the answers
Connecting to your team to get results
Leadership is a two-way street - you can learn from your team
👍 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
AJ Coyne: Stepping out from the norm and stop waiting for permission to lead authentically
18 Nov 2021
00:34:24
AJ is Head of Marketing at Klarna UK and one of Campaigns Power 100.
In this episode AJ shares how It takes courage to step out and away from the 'norm' of the 'old' 'usual' way of doing things and trust yourself to disrupt for future success.
How you need to identify and understand what your contribution is and be okay that you won't know it all but trust that you bring value. By being confident in the value you bring this will remove the fear and anxiety that comes from fear of failure.
How to use the ‘Human First’ approach to build relationships, connections and be comfortable in your own skin.
So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.
Prior to his current role, AJ led marketing for The Lion's Share (United Nations Development Program) and was instrumental in both its creation and success, helping secure: Gucci, Mars Inc, Cartier, and other partners.
AJ has also held senior roles in creative agencies across BBDO, McCann and Ogilvy, most recently as General Manager at BBDO Australia where he led the Mars business. His experience spans through FinTech, FMCG, Music, Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Fashion.
Topics covered include:
Listening & trusting your gut instinct
How to gain clarity of thought
Why it’s courageous to step out from the ‘norm’
Understanding your contribution
Self-belief
Finding a mission bigger than you
Human first leadership
Difficult conversations
Giving your team autonomy
How to build relationships to inspire risk and creativity
👍 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
Nicky Bullard: How to overcome imposter syndrome and love being you
18 Nov 2021
00:32:37
In this episode Nicky shares how she navigated her way through imposter syndrome to become one of the most successful creative leaders in her industry.
How becoming a mum changed her perspective for drive and success.
We also explore how creative people have all the skills to run businesses yet there are not many taking on this role and what could be stopping this.
So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.
Nicky was the first creative woman to become chair of a UK marketing agency, that being the multi award-winning MRM in London, and has just been promoted to Chair of MRM Europe. Creatively recognized across nearly all the major shows, Nicky thinks she’s probably worked across every media and sector - but direct and digital are where her heart lies. She’s been writing professionally for 30 years and despite running a huge operation, she also keeps her hand in writing and ideating as often as she can. She is a fierce champion of the customer and believes insight is all. She is also hugely passionate about effectiveness - it’s only great work if it works.
Nicky says that the campaign of her career is the one we’re all living right now, the campaign for equality.
Topics covered include:
Imposter Syndrome
Why it’s good to speak out when things don’t feel right
Why leaders to think about the long game
Making tough decisions
Creating the right environment for courageous action
How we all feel fear whatever our level
How ridiculous can be genius and to nurture that in the workplace
Understanding human beings
Why it doesn't matter if you have a degree or not
Finding your motivation
Finding your sunshine to grow authentically and fully
Why comparing yourself to yourself is where true growth lies
👍 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 Courageous Leaders Club podcast aims to inspire leaders to step into their courageous zone, be the leader they know they can be and discover the mindset skills and behaviours to take their leadership to the next level.
So listen in, get inspired on how you can grow your leadership impact. Leave a legacy you can be proud of, and build an environment for future leaders to thrive.
The Courageous Leaders Club podcast is hosted by Joanna Howes.
Who is Joanna Howes? Joanna Howes is an award-winning international coach, behavioural expert, specialising in leadership and performance coaching and No 1 best selling international co-author.
Her focus is to help individuals and teams activate their full potential, so they can step into their courageous zone to maximise their influence, build their resilience and take the action needed to become high performers and future-ready leaders.
Joanna is a unique phenomenon within her industry, with over 20 years’ experience working internationally with some of the world's most awarded advertising agencies and leading them to operational and leadership success.
Her blend of both innovative operational and transformative change solutions empowers organisations to create environments that are supportive and fearless for their employees.
👍 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
I’m so grateful to Michelle Booth, Head of Growth and Innovation at Lloyds Bank for her bravery in sharing her story of seemingly having it all yet feeling deeply unhappy and suicidal.
To discover what was important to her and not conforming to what society says you ‘should do and have’.
Michelle's story is a testament to the importance of authenticity and self-discovery in the pursuit of genuine fulfilment.
Key discussion points:
Emotions are not a weakness; understanding and expressing them appropriately can strengthen leadership and team cohesion
Concerns about the potential misuse of emotions to avoid critical feedback
Acknowledging that Psychological safety is an input, not an output
How stand-up comedy and a clowning course helped to overcome failure
the essential components required to drive innovation and creativity within organisations
The importance of giving and receiving feedback effectively - it's not the leader's job to manage people's feelings but to maintain a space where emotions and feedback can coexist
The power of humour and resilience
The illusion of certainty and embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation and growth
This episode serves as a powerful reminder to follow your own path and do what is right for you.
Let us know your thoughts! Please leave us a comment to keep the conversation going.
👍 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
Karen Boswell: Navigating the Corporate Maze: Overcoming Self-Doubt, Bias, and Profit-Driven Pressures
23 May 2024
00:40:31
In this week’s episode, I talk with the brilliant Karen Boswell. Join us as we delve deep into the vital significance of purpose in both individual and business success.
I am so grateful for Karen’s transparency in sharing her career highs and lows and shedding light on topics often hidden behind a facade of success.
Key discussion points:
Overcoming feeling excluded and having self-doubt following a merger announcement
Rebuilding confidence after losing personal purpose
Blind recruiting to mitigate biases and promote inclusivity
Building trust through vulnerability and transparency
When to push for change or move on in leadership
From profit-centric to purpose-driven business, the necessity to adapt or face decline
Flip the traditional meeting agenda to prioritise people's issues
The challenges of a large company's complexities and hierarchies
Strategies on how to build a culture virtually
Do things for you, rather than seeking external validation
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative effects of leading with purpose, the resilience required to enact change, and the personal fulfilment that comes from aligning with one's true values.
Stay courageous and connected to your purpose!
👍 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
Joanna Howes: Breaking Free: Overcoming The Grip Fear Can Have On You
15 May 2024
00:16:40
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m going all in on fear.
How do we get to a place where we can manage our fear versus letting fear manage us? In this episode, join me as I discuss this topic and how you can begin to allow yourself to be free from fear as a leader.
I also discuss the importance of self-awareness and recognizing the barriers in your life that might be holding you back.
Key takeaways include:
● The power of shifting focus towards outcomes to drive action despite emotions ● Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for accelerated personal growth ● Understanding the physical manifestations of fear and using them as cues for action ● Leveraging lessons from others' experiences to tackle challenges head-on
Check out the article mentioned in the episode here: https://humanparts.medium.com/finding-my-fighting-words-how-i-learned-to-have-uncomfortable-conversations-9c0bb09c50c
👍 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
Polly McMorrow: Fearless Leadership: Navigating the Path to CEO
08 May 2024
00:39:06
In episode 102 of the podcast, I speak with Polly McMorrow, CEO of McCann London.
Join us as we discuss the amount of pressure many leaders put on themselves to succeed and the delicate balance of self-imposed pressure against the backdrop of industry expectations.
We also discuss the contagious nature of fearless leadership and why it’s so important for CEOs to have patience, positivity, and transparency.
Key takeaways include:
● The initial hesitation around the opportunity to become CEO ● The impact of adapting to different professional environments ● The importance of encouraging a culture where employees can be themselves ● The transition to CEO and instilling change while respecting the existing culture ● Being promoted for potential ● The vitality of knowing oneself to build genuine connections and lead with integrity
Polly joined McCann London in 2022 after a successful 14-year tenure as MD of BBH, where she drove significant growth for brands like Audi and VW and won back-to-back IPA Effectiveness Awards. Passionate about client business, she fosters high-performing teams, and mentors, and is active in various industry associations.
👍 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
Joanna Howes: Achiever vs. Performer: Unpacking the Key Differences for Effective Leadership
01 May 2024
00:22:34
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m covering the difference between an achiever and a performer, a topic I often cover in my self-leadership trainings, which tends to resonate with many people.
Join me as I explore the key differences between being an achiever and being a performer, and what you need to understand about these roles to become an effective leader.
I also discuss the importance of authenticity and deep self-awareness in leadership. Key takeaways include:
● The impact being an achiever can have on your leadership and long-term success ● How the drive for success can stem from a feeling of inadequacy ● The quality of work and outcomes that come from different mentalities
👍 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
Ian Millner: Visionary Leadership: Moving Beyond Caution and Control
24 Apr 2024
00:33:51
In episode 100 of the podcast, I speak with Ian Millner, Co-founder and Chair of Iris.
Join us whilst we discuss the importance of culture and having an employee brand that is exciting and visceral and that makes employees feel like they are a valuable part of the organisation.
Ian also shares the 3 pillars of effective leadership and what it means to lean into these principles as leaders.
Key takeaways include:
● The frustration of seeing leaders being too cautious in their leadership ● Why you need to invest in an Employee Value proposition and care about your culture ● The opportunity to be a leader who can create and share their vision ● Why you should start by giving trust and not waiting for it to be earned ● Employing a moral compass, especially in high-stress situations ● Empowering people to make decisions, even if it leads to mistakes ● The significance of resilience, determination, and rational decision-making based on firm purpose and values
Ian Millner is the co-founder and global Chair of Iris Worldwide, leading expansion into 17 countries with a focus on diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to challenge the status quo.
👍 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
Joanna Howes: Building Confidence: The Journey to Backing Yourself as a Leader
17 Apr 2024
00:26:07
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m talking about the art of backing yourself as a leader. This is a topic that is very close to my heart and I wanted to spend some time discussing it today.
I’m debunking the myths surrounding self-assurance and arrogance and why backing yourself isn’t arrogance, it’s actually caring for yourself, celebrating what you're able to do, and loving who you are.
I also discuss why you have to learn to empower yourself through investing in you and building that trust with yourself and what you’re capable of.
Key takeaways include:
● Sharing my personal journey with low self-confidence ● Exploring the craving for external validation and its implications ● Embracing the highs and lows of confidence in leadership roles ● Recognising the tendencies of leaders lacking self-backing ● Encouraging personal growth through stepping out of comfort zones ● Elevating performance by setting higher standards for oneself
👍 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
Emma Harris: From Near-Death to Transformative Leadership
15 Aug 2024
00:39:18
In this episode, Emma Harris, CEO of Glow London, shares how a life threatening cardiac arrest transformed her perspective.
After being saved by three nearby doctors, she moved from a mindset of constantly needing to ‘have more’, ‘be more’, and ‘earn more’ to prioritising what truly matters and preserving her energy to be present.
Key timestamps 00:00 - Leaving a successful career at Eurostar.
04:05 - Overcoming frustration with company changes and finding a new path.
08:53 - Unconscious behaviours have a greater impact on communication than we realise.
12:33 - The value of authentic leadership and creating genuine connections with your team.
16:10 - Recognising and listening to inner voices for guidance.
17:50 - The positive influence of a Jewish mother’s voice with loving intentions.
20:35 - A near-death experience prompts deep reflection on life’s priorities.
23:04 - Focusing on what truly matters and fiercely protecting it.
26:18 - Leading by example: your actions speak louder than words, so be mindful.
29:54 - Shifting from decisions driven by FOMO to those that bring joy.
34:27 - Posting a variety of content while being mindful of its influence.
35:55 - The importance of self-acceptance and avoiding comparisons
Join us for an inspiring conversation on slowing down, trusting the journey, and leading a more intentional and present 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
Conrad Persons: Leap of Leadership: Ensuring Your Team Jumps with You
10 Apr 2024
00:35:03
In episode 98 of the podcast, I speak with Conrad Persons, President of Grey, London.
Join us as we discuss the importance of sharing your ideas with your team first to make sure they’re on the same page as you and want to jump out of the “plane” alongside you. He also shares the hard lessons learned from when your team stays on the plane instead of following you.
Conrad also discusses how we spend our time as leaders and the necessity for candid reflection and prioritisation when managing our time.
Key takeaways include:
● The power of focusing on the smaller interactions instead of grand gestures to motivate people ● Dealing with defensiveness when ideas are contested ● Why you need to separate personal identity from ideas ● Managing your emotions and having strategic patience ● The danger of overplanning when stepping into a new role ● Understanding both individual and group mindsets ● The impact of your daily decisions on productivity
Conrad is an entrepreneur and current President of Grey, London. Conrad leads the flagship London studio, which is home to award-winning work, partnering with iconic clients P&G, Haleon, Kellogg, and Arla.
👍 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
Joanna Howes: A Closer Look at the Hidden Dangers of Excessive Resilience
03 Apr 2024
00:21:20
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m going solo to discuss the topic of excessive resilience—a challenge I've personally grappled with, nearly breaking me in the process.
Join me as I delve into the seven components of resilience and offer some helpful insights into cultivating resilience for yourself or your team members.
I'll also be sharing my own experiences of placing immense pressure on myself to be the hero in others' lives, and how this has influenced my perspective as a leader.
Key takeaways include:
● The impact of excessive resilience on personal health ● Experiencing false hope syndrome and its impact ● The impact of worrying about what other people think ● Toxic work environments with public humiliation ● Recognising if you are reaching for unattainable goals
👍 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
Melissa Chapman: Courageous Leadership: Breaking Norms, Shaping the Future
28 Mar 2024
00:33:37
In episode 96 of the podcast, I speak with Melissa Chapman, CEO of Jungle Creations.
Join us as we discuss how to effectively overcome resistance to change within your organisation by approaching it in a way that makes people feel like you are all in it together.
Melissa also discusses the challenges of having ADHD when it came to her habits as a leader and why giving herself permission to be her authentic self allowed her to fully embrace who she is as a leader.
Key takeaways include:
● How courage is being willing to break the norms and focus on the future ● The blend of courage and guardian leadership in an organisation ● The pros and cons of transitioning from Co-CEO to CEO ● Practicing patience and valuing different working styles within the team ● Utilising stress and challenge as a catalyst for growth ● The importance of saying no and managing expectations with the team ● Why we need a balance of optimism and pessimism to grow ● Managing measured risk and the importance of timely decision-making ● The fine line between resilience and recognising when to let go ● Why you must recognise your worth and ask for what you feel you deserve
Melissa Chapman is CEO at Jungle Creations, a leading social publisher and agency, where she sets the overall business vision and growth strategy. Melissa was Jungle's first employee in 2014 and since has scaled Jungle's owned audiences from 1M to 140M+, working with clients including MLB, PepsiCo, and Red Bull.
👍 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
Joanna Howes: People Power: Unlocking Potential Through Understanding
21 Mar 2024
00:15:29
In episode 95 of the podcast, I am diving into the need to understand other people.
Have you ever found yourself getting frustrated with others for not understanding what you’re trying to say? It may make perfect sense to you but they just aren’t getting it. This is because we all think differently and the way you understand things isn’t necessarily the way other members of your team do.
When we take the time to not just know each other, but really understand each other, we can achieve deeper connection and increased performance.
Key takeaways include:
● The key to a successful team ● The impact of ego on team connection ● How you can enter the world of others to improve performance ● How too many assumptions are being wrongly made due to a lack of understanding ● The fastest way to build trust with those around 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
Sarat Pediredla: Navigating Acquisitions and Downturns: Building a Resilient C-Suite and Making Unpopular Decisions with Purpose
14 Mar 2024
00:40:45
In episode 94 of the podcast, I speak with Sarat Pediredla, CEO of hedgehog lab.
Join us as we discuss the importance of recognising that everyone has their strengths, but some people are just not right for your company. While it can be tempting to people please and get curious about how you can fix poor performance from team members, investing in the wrong people can inevitably be a risk to your organisation.
We also delve into the power of building a culture of psychological safety amongst your team and why this is an important measure of the team’s overall success.
Key takeaways include:
● The challenges of navigating the acquisition of a company and building a new C-suite with a 20% downturn ● The realities of having at least 50% of the current decisions being unpopular and how to respond to this ● Being challenged over focusing on culture at the expense of business ● The key to creating a strong leadership team is knowing and understanding each other in and outside of work ● The danger of believing that asking for help is a weakness and how much time that can cost you ● Surrounding yourself with the right people is the best way to navigate challenges. Sarat, once bound to be a brain surgeon, shifted to software engineering and moved to the UK.
With hedgehog lab, he aspires to lead the world’s biggest and best digital product consultancy.
👍 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
Joanna Howes: Putting the Right Part of You In Charge of Your Leadership
07 Mar 2024
00:20:29
In episode 93 of the podcast, I’m exploring how you can make sure that you are putting the right part of you in charge of your business and leadership.
This idea comes from Internal Family Systems, which was created by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It’s the idea that we as humans are all made up of a system of protected parts that we can manage and use when needed. Think of it like your own internal leadership team.
It’s risky not to have the right part of you in charge, so join me as I explore how you can make sure you have the right part in the driver’s seat of your leadership.
Key takeaways include:
● Understanding your internal world in order to self-lead ● How to identify the different parts of you ● Tips for managing your own internal board of directors ● How G.I. Jo and Hippie Jo help champion me
👍 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
Flavilla Fongang: Empowering Impact: Balancing Business and Legacy, Empowering Black Women in Tech, and the Entrepreneurial Mindset Explored
29 Feb 2024
00:49:07
In episode 92 of the podcast, I speak with Flavilla Fongang, the Founder and CEO of Black Rise.
Join us as we discuss why as leaders, we need to stop focusing only on financial outcomes and also look at the greater impact we are making on the community and even the planet. In the era of cancel culture, we have to be more socially responsible if we want our organisation to succeed.
We also discussed why it is so important to invest in protecting your peace. There is power in getting comfortable saying no without explanation, and it is something that we all need to embrace more, particularly as leaders.
Key takeaways include:
● The importance of empowering black women in technology ● Why it’s not okay to be the only woman in the room ● What an entrepreneurial mindset really is ● The balance of business impact and leaving a legacy ● Knowing how much money you need to be happy ● Developing a solution mindset so that you can solve any problem ● Why you can’t let the naysayers stop you, and you should always trust your gut ● How the first step to climbing the pyramid is just taking the first step
Flavilla Fongang is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and an international keynote speaker. She is the author of “99 Strategies to Get Customers”. She is also the founder of Global Tech Advocates – Black Women in Tech, the largest organisation of black professional women in tech.
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Joanna Howes: The Impact of Feeling Like You Don’t Belong
22 Feb 2024
00:13:46
In episode 91 of the podcast, I’m focusing on the feeling of not belonging and how important it is as leaders to create belonging and connection amongst our teams.
In the last episode with Jake Brody, he shared something with me that gave me goosebumps. It was so simple, yet it completely reshaped my perspective on my responsibility regarding this topic and what I can do about it.
Join me as I share my own personal experience of feeling like I didn’t fit in and how I learned to overcome it.
Key takeaways include:
● The 3 universal fears we all have ● How to identify if you are a leader who creates belonging ● What you can do to enhance team connection and foster a sense of belonging
👍 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
Jake Brody: Beyond Words: The Transformative Force of Intention and Representation in Leadership
15 Feb 2024
00:39:22
In episode 90 of the podcast, I speak with Jake Brody, Senior Managing Director of Accenture Song.
Have you ever wondered how you can make a big company feel small? Jake shares his insights into how he does this by celebrating good news and having an open-door policy so that the people in his company don’t feel like they are just a number. They feel like they are part of something bigger.
He also discusses the power of having the courage to speak up, even in a senior position. Your words matter, and that is an important thing to remember, no matter your position.
Key takeaways include:
● Choosing to belong and not trying to fit in ● The mantra of ‘having fun’ and how to truly live it ● Understanding FUD and helping people navigate fear, uncertainty, and doubt ● The teachings of being with a company for 26 years ● Why intention, representations, and stewardship is key to courageous leadership ● Knowing you have something to offer, making it happen, and getting a seat at the table ● The importance of remembering that clients are human beings and have the same fears, worries, and aspirations that we do
Jake Brody is a Senior Managing Director and the lead for Accenture Song in the US South Market Unit where he and his team deliver relevant, creative, and growth-focused solutions for clients across all industries and sectors.
👍 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
Joanna Howes: The Perfection Trap: Finding Freedom By Learning to Let Go
08 Feb 2024
00:20:02
In episode 89, I’m discussing something that many people struggle with - perfectionism. This includes myself and my husband and I share our personal stories of how we manage this.
How can we start to embrace imperfection? Perfectionism is a personality trait that's characterised by a relentless pursuit of flawless standards, often accompanied by critical self-evaluations and a fear of making mistakes. In this episode, I’m sharing the two sides of perfection and why we as a society struggle to let go.
I’m also discussing the traits of perfectionism and why they are ultimately just signs of procrastination. The fear of failure, for instance, can really hold you back from doing what you really want to accomplish.
Key takeaways include:
● The risk of setting your standards too high ● Identifying control patterns ● Seeking external validation to feel worthy ● Experimenting with imperfection and my personal story of doing this ● Steps to begin to let go and free yourself from perfectionism
👍 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
Arran Cruickshanks: Taking Rugby Into the Workplace
08 Aug 2024
00:36:51
In this episode, we dive into the parallels between rugby and the workplace to uncover how competitive spirit and teamwork in sports can drive exceptional performance in professional settings.
I was joined by the brilliant Arran Cruickshanks, Managing Director at mccglc and former professional rugby player, to explore these concepts in depth.
Key Questions Discussed:
How can we use the competitive spirit of sport to drive performance in teams?
How can we understand team motivation to achieve the vision, akin to how rugby players are motivated to win?
Rugby players have nutritionists, coaches, physios and a complete plan for their week, how important is structure to succeed?
We also discuss:
Have companies become too accommodating when dealing with people challenges
Setting the expectations that there are going to be tough days and how to navigate them
Why a vision needs to be clear and to check everyone is aligned to have a seat on the bus
Exploring how far into the future it is practical to set a vision in today's rapidly changing world.
The difference between being on the Rugby pitch and in training on how the team works together
Being the final decision maker and taking on that responsibility
The perception of having it all together but inside you don’t
Being okay to reach out for help
00:00 Importance of leaders maintaining consistent vision despite changes.
05:18 Scheduled days challenged motivation and leadership style.
09:09 Competition drives improvement and identifies reliable players.
11:39 Merit-based promotions ensure employee growth and fairness.
14:06 Balancing work commitments with communication and understanding.
18:28 Put feelings aside, buy into the vision.
22:43 Transitioned from project management to client relations.
26:38 Workplace stress and expectations need to change.
27:29 Balancing owner's needs and protecting the team.
32:49 Regret over risk aversion, need for change.
34:25 Motivating staff to find job satisfaction.
👍 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
Neisha Tweed: Leadership Lessons from a 5-Year-Old Neurodiverse Mind: Crafting Visions, Asking Hard Questions, and Embracing Imperfect Presence
01 Feb 2024
00:46:06
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I speak with Neisha Tweed, Executive Creative Director, Inclusive Creative Strategist, and DEI Leader and Speaker.
Neisha discusses the power of bringing situational leadership, adaptability, and flexibility to the work environment in order to create a space in which you can focus on the individual and bring out the best in your people.
She also shares the powerful lessons in leadership that she has learned from her 5-year-old, neurodiverse son which has changed how she approaches providing support for the people on her team. There is power in just listening to what people need instead of assuming you already know, and Neisha shares her thoughts on that.
Key takeaways include:
● How to arrive at your vision and take action to make it happen ● Tips for asking the hard questions and managing the responses ● Learning to stop waiting to be ready and go for it ● You don’t need to be perfect you need to be present ● The questions to ask if you want to drive a real conversation ● Stop assuming you know what the other person needs, let them tell you
Neisha Tweed Bell is a creative visionary who seamlessly intertwines creativity, inclusion, and authenticity, leaving an indelible mark on both the professional landscape and the lives she touches.
👍 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