Leadership BITES

In this episode I sit down with author, entrepreneur and thought-leader Margaret Heffernan to explore two of her seminal ideas: the hidden dangers of conforming to systems that blind us to obvious truths (from her book Willful Blindness) and the vital importance of embracing uncertainty, especially through the lens of writers, artists and creatives (from her latest work Embracing Uncertainty).

 We talk about how organisations and individuals get stuck in the comfort of predictability, why innovation is not merely incremental improvement, what creative people can teach business leaders about sensing the future and navigating chaos, and the critical role of agency, curiosity and courage even when outcomes are uncertain. 

It’s a conversation designed for senior leaders, coaches, team-effectiveness practitioners and anyone who wants to see beyond the status quo. 

 00:00 Introduction & technical note
 02:15 Who is Margaret Heffernan: career, context and influences
 08:45 Exploring Willful Blindness: what it means, in business and culture
17:20 Why systems and institutions encourage willful blindness
23:30 The trigger for the next book: from Uncharted to Embracing Uncertainty
29:08 Join to second recording – framing the shift to artists, music, creativity
31:00 What does “embracing uncertainty” really mean in today’s world
38:40 COVID, anticipation and why the future unsettled so many organisations
45:50 Creatives, artists and the ability to sense the future ahead of others
52:12 Divergent thinking vs incremental improvement: defining “innovation”
56:22 Leadership and agency when certainty is not possible
01:03:15 How context, character and culture interact in enabling creative agency
01:10:00 Practical take-aways for senior leaders and coaches
01:15:30 Closing thoughts: system change, individual mindsets, human skills 

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Mita Mallick shares her journey from being a bullied child to becoming a champion for inclusion in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving success and discusses how creating inclusive cultures starts at home. Mita highlights the need for respectful conversations in the workplace and the role of leaders in fostering psychological safety. She also introduces her new book, 'The Devil Emails at Midnight,' which explores the archetypes of bad bosses and encourages self-reflection among leaders.

Takeaways

• Mita is on a mission to fix what's broken in workplaces.
• Consistency and discipline are key to success.
• Everyone has experienced a time when they didn't belong.
• Creating inclusive cultures starts at home.
• We need to disagree with kindness and respect.
• Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations.
• Leaders must take ownership of their impact on others.
• Understanding intent versus impact is vital in communication.
• Self-reflection is necessary for effective leadership.
• Mita's new book explores bad boss archetypes and encourages growth.

Sound bites

• "I'm on a mission to fix what's broken."
• "Consistency is my underrated superpower."
• "We all have one toxic habit."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:58 The Importance of Consistency and Discipline
05:53 Mita's Origin Story and Journey
09:03 Creating Inclusive Cultures Starts at Home
11:52 The Hijacking of Inclusion Conversations
14:38 The Need for Kind and Respectful Conversations
17:40 Psychological Safety in Conversations
20:20 The Role of Leaders in Inclusion
23:19 Understanding Intent vs. Impact
26:24 Mita's New Book: The Devil Emails at Midnight
29:27 Exploring Bad Boss Archetypes
32:26 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership
35:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

Guy Bloom interviews Kate Atkin, a speaker, facilitator, author, and author of The Imposter Phenomenon. They explore Kate's journey from a farming background to becoming an expert in the field, discussing the differences between the imposter phenomenon and imposter syndrome, the role of external validation, and the impact of societal expectations. Kate shares insights from her research on coping strategies and emphasizes the importance of psychological courage in overcoming imposter feelings. 

The conversation concludes with practical advice for leaders on how to support their teams in recognizing their worth and capabilities.

Takeaways

• The imposter phenomenon is not limited to women.
• It's important to differentiate between a phenomenon and a syndrome.
• External validation can be both helpful and harmful.
• Coping strategies can sometimes be maladaptive.
• Normalizing failure can help reduce imposter feelings.
• Psychological courage is necessary to accept one's abilities.
• The environment can influence feelings of belonging.
• Parenting styles can impact self-perception and imposter feelings.
• Self-handicapping behaviors can serve as excuses for underperformance.
• Leaders should provide evidence of why their team members are amazing, not just accolades.

👉 Kate’s book The Imposter Phenomenon is available on Amazon
👉 Find Kate at https://kateatkin.com
👉 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateatkin/

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leading thinkers on leadership, confidence, and personal growth. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Imposter Phenomenon
04:45 Kate's Origin Story and Journey
09:53 Understanding the Imposter Phenomenon vs. Syndrome
19:42 The Role of Internal and External Validation
24:36 The Impact of Environment on Imposter Feelings
29:25 Dunning-Kruger Effect vs. Imposter Feelings
32:01 The Psychological Roots of Imposter Feelings
44:04 Coping Strategies and Moving Forward
50:19 The Role of Courage in Overcoming Imposter Feelings
56:26 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Validation

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Erin Lee, the CEO of Flow Neuroscience, a company that has developed a wearable headset designed to treat depression through mild electrical stimulation of the brain. 

Erin shares her journey into the healthcare sector, the science behind the headset, and the promising results from clinical trials. The conversation explores the integration of Flow's technology with traditional treatments, the challenges faced in the medical community, and the potential future applications of this innovative approach to mental health. 

Erin emphasizes the importance of accessibility and affordability in mental health treatments, and the episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to explore Flow Neuroscience's offerings.

Takeaways

• Erin Lee runs a neuroscience company that treats depression with electricity.
• The Flow headset is a wearable device that stimulates the brain.
• Clinical trials have shown a 75% drop in suicidal ideation.
• Erin's background includes experience in healthcare and tech companies.
• The headset works for 50-70% of users in treating depression.
• Flow can be used alongside traditional antidepressants.
• The technology aims to be accessible and affordable for all.
• Primary care clinicians are increasingly open to using Flow.
• The future of mental health treatment may include more personalized approaches.
• Flow is exploring applications for conditions like autism and ADHD.

Sound Bites

• "We saw a 75% drop in suicidal ideation."
• "We can fit into a treatment for you that works."
• "We’re not anti-drug, we’re anti-depression."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Flow Neuroscience
02:55 The Science Behind the Headset
06:05 Erin's Journey to Flow Neuroscience
08:48 The Founders and Their Vision
12:03 Understanding the Technology
14:49 Integration with Traditional Treatments
17:46 The Future of Mental Health Treatment
20:45 Educating Healthcare Professionals
24:09 Strategic Targeting and Clinician Response
26:53 Challenges in Primary Care vs Psychiatry
29:50 The Role of Data in Treatment Effectiveness
31:45 Exploring Applications in Autism and Neurodivergence
34:01 The Future of Technology in Mental Health
35:57 Understanding the Use of Flow for Well Individuals
38:46 Integrating EEG for Personalized Treatment
42:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Rod Cartwright, a crisis management expert, who shares insights on the importance of crisis preparedness, the role of human systems, and the impact of social media on crises. Rod discusses his background in public relations, the significance of leadership in crisis situations, and the need for organizations to focus on character and culture. He also highlights the importance of crisis simulations and training, and the findings from his recent Reputation Risk and Resilience Report.

Takeaways

• Crisis management involves preparing for major moments that threaten reputation.
• Organizations often seek help too late, when crises occur.
• Crisis preparedness should be embedded in organizational culture.
• Human systems are crucial for effective crisis management.
• Crisis simulations help organizations prepare for real-life scenarios.
• Character and culture are as important as operational capability.
• Social media can amplify crises beyond control.
• Crisis training should create a safe space for learning.
• Organizations must focus on relationships, not just reputation.
• Crisis management requires a long-term perspective. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Crisis Management
02:54 Rod's Background and Experience
06:11 Understanding Crisis Preparedness
08:44 The Importance of Human Systems in Crisis
11:47 Case Study: Coldplay CEO Crisis
14:45 Character vs. Capability in Crisis Management
17:44 Crisis Simulations and Training
20:41 The Role of Leadership in Crisis
23:48 The Future of Crisis Management
26:42 The Impact of Social Media on Crises
29:26 The 2025 Reputation Risk and Resilience Report
32:25 Long-term vs. Short-term Thinking in Organizations
35:14 Conclusion and Future Directions

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Radhika Dutt discusses her journey as a product leader and speaker consultant, focusing on the importance of transformative products and the pitfalls of traditional goal-setting methods. 

She introduces her new book, 'Escaping the Performance Trap,' which critiques the use of goals and targets in organizations and proposes a new framework called OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings) to foster innovation and adaptability. Radhika emphasizes the need for meaningful vision statements, the role of leadership in product development, and the importance of psychological safety in fostering a culture of experimentation and learning.

Takeaways

• Goals and targets can backfire, leading to performative behavior.
• Organizations need to prioritize experimentation and reflection.
• Vision statements should be clear and meaningful, not vague.
• A strong vision can guide organizational alignment and decision-making.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering innovation.
• Puzzle setting and solving can replace traditional goal-setting methods.
• OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings) provide a new framework for teams.
• Understanding wicked problems is essential for effective problem-solving.
• Psychological safety is key to encouraging open dialogue and innovation.

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Francesca Donnellan the CEO of 29 London and Global Talent Network Group shares her entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of running her PR and marketing businesses. 

She emphasizes the importance of discipline, time management, and the need for authenticity in branding. 

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of PR, the impact of AI, and the significance of building strong client relationships. 

Francesca highlights the long-term value of PR in marketing strategies and the necessity of understanding brand narratives to effectively connect with audiences.

Takeaways

• Francesca runs two successful businesses in PR and marketing.
• Entrepreneurship requires grit, determination, and discipline.
• Time management is crucial for success in business.
• Procrastination can hinder productivity and progress.
• Building relationships is key to successful PR and marketing.
• Authenticity is essential in branding and marketing.
• AI is changing the landscape of PR and marketing.
• Client relationships should be nurtured for long-term success.
• PR is a long-term strategy that builds brand awareness.
• Understanding brand narratives is vital for effective marketing.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:18
The Journey of Entrepreneurship

06:16
Time Management and Discipline

09:22
The Reality of Entrepreneurship

12:18
Building a Business and Self-Motivation

15:15
The Role of PR in Marketing

18:20
Navigating Industry Changes and Authenticity

25:44
The Rise of Influencers and Authenticity

30:44
Building Relationships in Business

36:34
Understanding Brand Narratives

42:52
The Impact of AI on Branding and PR

49:16
The Long Game of PR and Marketing

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

Jack Barsky shares his extraordinary journey from being a KGB agent in East Germany to living in the United States. He discusses the complexities of his dual identity, the romanticized notions of communism, and the realities of espionage. Barsky reflects on his recruitment into the KGB, the challenges of living a double life, and the impact of ideologies on personal choices. He also shares insights on his transition to life in America, the importance of self-awareness, and his quest for redemption through positive contributions to society. In this conversation, Jack Barsky shares his extraordinary journey from being a KGB spy to living a new life in the United States. He discusses the complexities of loyalty, love, and personal growth, as well as the challenges he faced when the FBI discovered his past. Barsky reflects on the importance of family, the emotional weight of his decisions, and how he ultimately found purpose in mentoring others and sharing his story with the world.

You can read Jack's book here: Buy the book

• Jack Barsky's journey from East Germany to the US is a complex tale of identity and espionage.
• He describes the duality of his identity as both a German and an American.
• Barsky reflects on the romanticized notions of communism and the reality of its implementation.
• He discusses the recruitment process into the KGB and the subtlety involved.
• Barsky shares insights on the challenges of living a double life as a spy.
• He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth over time.
• Barsky's experiences highlight the impact of ideologies on personal choices and actions.
• He recounts the difficulties of maintaining relationships while living undercover.
• Barsky's transition to life in America was fraught with challenges, including finding work and establishing identity.
• He ultimately seeks redemption through positive contributions to society.
• Jack found camaraderie among a diverse group of colleagues.
• He experienced a shift in loyalty as he grew personally.
• The KGB's command to return home was a pivotal moment.
• Family and love played a crucial role in his decisions.
• Navigating relationships involved deception and complexity.
• He realized the depth of love beyond physical attraction.
• Rationalizing his choices involved considering family welfare.
• The FBI's discovery of him was a dramatic turning point.
• Debriefing with the FBI was a process of building trust.
• He found purpose in mentoring and sharing his story.

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom sits down with Philip Atkinson, author of "The Twelve Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive" and founder of Hive Logic. They explore the fascinating parallels between beekeeping and organizational leadership, discussing how the wisdom of the hive can inform effective team dynamics and leadership strategies.

• Philip Atkinson emphasizes the importance of effective leadership in team dynamics.
• The metaphor of beekeeping provides valuable insights into organizational behavior.
• Understanding the wisdom of the hive can enhance leadership practices.
• Endings in projects and roles are crucial for organizational learning.
• Communication lessons from bees can improve clarity in organizations.
• Sensing the system is essential for effective leadership.
• Leadership change requires careful succession planning.
• Bees adapt to threats, offering lessons for organizational resilience.
• Reflection and pausing are vital for effective leadership.
• Emotional connections to beekeeping can engage teams in learning.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Metaphors: Philip shares how beekeeping serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding complex organizational systems and dynamics.
• Communication and Alignment: Insights into how bees communicate effectively in a hive and the lessons leaders can draw for organizational communication. 
• System Thinking: The importance of viewing organizations as interconnected systems and the role of leaders in sensing and responding to changes.
• Leadership and Succession: Exploring the concept of "supercedure" in beehives and its implications for leadership succession planning in organizations. 
• Adapting to Change: How bees adapt to new threats and what organizations can learn about resilience and adaptability.

Memorable Quotes:

"Every person deserves to be led well." 

"The wisdom of the hive is about understanding culture, purpose, and patterns of behavior."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com