Confessions Of A Successful Leader

What does it take to lead high-performing teams without losing sight of your values? In this episode, I speak with Satendra Singh , an accomplished engineering leader whose journey from a small village in India to the C-suite reveals how failure, feedback and self-awareness can fuel authentic leadership. With over 20 years of experience leading complex organizations, Satendra shares how he reshape...

What does it take to lead with integrity in one of the world’s fastest-moving industries? In this episode, I speak with Hendrik Lesser , game producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Remote Control Productions , about how self-reflection, moral clarity, and curiosity have guided his leadership journey in the gaming world. Raised in a multicultural environment and now leading a network of game studio...

How do you lead with clarity in a complex, regulated industry - while staying true to yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Dominic Grinstead , CEO of MetLife UK , to explore how his early struggles with dyslexia, a multicultural upbringing, and a non-linear path shaped his leadership style - and why authenticity became his greatest asset. Dominic shares how he moved away from mimicking tradi...

What does it take to scale 15 ventures without burning out - or losing control? In this episode, I speak with Ashwin Bhadri , serial entrepreneur and CEO of Equinox Labs , whose businesses span India and the U.S. Ashwin breaks down how he evolved from a controlling founder to a systems-driven mentor, and how that shift unlocked sustainable growth. We dive into the real mechanics of leadership, hir...

What does it take to lead 70,000 people across 55 countries - and know when it's time to walk away? In this rare and timely conversation, Alistair Dormer shares hard-won insights from a career that spans naval command, aerospace innovation, and global corporate leadership. From managing culture clashes to navigating billion-dollar integrations, Alistair's journey is an unfiltered look at leadershi...

How do you lead when you’ve never quite fit the mold? In this episode, I sit down with Francesca Lagerberg , CEO of Baker Tilly International, for a brilliant, funny, and deeply honest conversation about identity, leadership, and rewriting your own script. From being the fourth child in a bustling household with “no defined role,” to leading a top 10 global accounting firm, Francesca shares the un...

What happens when your childhood pain becomes your leadership fuel? In this episode, I sit down with Guy Wolstencroft - entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and unapologetically optimistic leader - for an energetic and deeply moving conversation about resilience, legacy, and self-leadership. From growing up without a father to finishing the Tour de France and building multiple businesses, Guy shares h...

How do you lead with clarity when your past is full of chaos? In this episode, I sit down with Rich Goldfarb , a veteran media executive and entrepreneur, for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, leadership, and redefining success. From his early days as a musician to leading media ventures alongside figures like Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch, Rich shares how personal adversity shaped his leade...

What does it take to lead with creativity, resilience, and bold self-expression? In this episode, I speak with Lotus (Sarah) Harkness , a tech veteran and founder of a creative agency, who built a career at the intersection of art and technology while navigating personal adversity and major industry shifts. From performing on theater stages to shaping the future of companies like GitLab and Dropbo...

In this episode, I speak with Alex Rodriguez , CEO of Diversity DCG Public Affairs , about how early adversity shaped his path to becoming a trusted leader in both business and community. Raised in a single-parent household and once a boy with a stutter, Alex shares how key moments - from mentorship by strong women to the discipline of martial arts - helped him build clarity, confidence, and purpo...

Are you ready to explore the power of adaptable leadership in today's ever-changing business landscape? Join me for an enlightening conversation with Sarah Walker-Smith , CEO of AMPA and Chair of the Eden Project in Morecambe, as we uncover the secrets to authentic leadership and personal growth. In this candid discussion, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a tr...

Are you seeking inspiration to create a lasting impact through conscious leadership? This enlightening conversation with Sarah McArthur , a distinguished editor and documentarian, offers a unique perspective on embracing global awareness, fostering inclusivity, and cultivating a legacy of humility, love, and service. With a diverse background spanning international travel, publishing, and collabor...

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? In this episode, I sit down with Marshall Goldsmith - legendary executive coach, bestselling author, and one of the world’s top leadership thinkers.  With over four decades of experience coaching Fortune 500 CEOs, Marshall shares powerful lessons on growth, self-awareness, and what it truly takes to lead with impact. 👉 In this episode, you’ll learn...

Are you an entrepreneur seeking to build a thriving online business while maintaining freedom and balance in your life? This enlightening conversation with Lauren Tickner , a trailblazing online business strategist, offers invaluable insights on achieving professional success without sacrificing personal fulfillment. With over a decade of experience in the online coaching and consulting space, Lau...

Are you ready to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and leave the corporate world behind? This inspiring conversation with Dave Sanderson , survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson and renowned speaker, offers a transformative perspective on seizing opportunities and living life with purpose. With over 37 years of sales experience and a life-altering event that reshaped his outlook, Dave shares his j...

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders? In this eye-opening conversation with Simon Squibb , a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate advocate for youth empowerment, we explore the vital importance of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams. Simon, with his 16 million followers and half a billion monthly content views, shares his remarkable journey from hom...

Are you ready to explore the power of curiosity and continuous learning in business leadership? This enlightening conversation with Sharad Mathur, a seasoned executive in the Indian insurance industry, offers valuable insights on cultivating a growth mindset and making a meaningful impact. With extensive experience in corporate India, Sharad shares his journey from a curious child to a visionary l...

Learning Unlearning Relearning The Key to Staying Relevant A Journey of Resilience and Growth Alvin's story begins with his early struggles and the profound influence of his father. Despite initial setbacks, including a failed business venture that led to depression, Alvin's resilience shines through as he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership. Lessons from the Tech Frontier...

Are you ready to explore how early life experiences shape leadership styles? In this enlightening conversation with Sue Musson , a seasoned leadership expert with over 30 years of experience, we uncover the profound impact of childhood and education on professional development. Sue's journey from a free-spirited primary school to the competitive halls of Columbia University offers valuable insight...

Are you ready to be inspired by a story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination? This powerful conversation with Nick Clarke , founder of Stroke Information , offers a fresh perspective on overcoming life-altering challenges and finding purpose through helping others. In September 2012, Nick's life changed forever when he suffered a stroke at the age of 42. Rather than letting this...

Are you a driven leader struggling to find balance between professional success and personal fulfillment? This enlightening conversation with Matt Wragg , CEO of Gattaca PLC , offers valuable insights on navigating the challenges of leadership while maintaining a sense of purpose and well-being. With over two decades of experience in the STEM talent industry, Matt shares his journey from a family-...

Are you ready to explore the world of sustainable technology leadership with a seasoned executive who's navigated diverse industries and cultures? Join me as I sit down with John Lewis , CEO of char.gy , an innovative electric vehicle charging company. In this captivating conversation, John shares his unique journey from a globetrotting childhood to leading a scale-up in the rapidly evolving EV se...

Are you ready to explore the powerful intersection of technology and human rights? In this eye-opening conversation with Sam (Sharmila) Wijeyakumar , we delve into the world of anti-human trafficking and the innovative ways technology is being used to combat this global crisis. Sam's journey from a successful career in business intelligence to becoming a passionate advocate for trafficking survivo...

Are you ready to explore the profound impact of diverse work cultures on leadership and personal growth? In this enlightening conversation with Jeremy Fish , CEO of Ardent Hire Solutions , we uncover valuable insights on navigating different organizational environments and fostering authentic leadership. With over two decades of experience across various industries and global markets, Jeremy share...

Are you ready to explore the delicate balance between success, pressure, and fearlessness in leadership? Join me as I sit down with Chris Farnath , founder of Service Instinct , for a candid conversation about his remarkable journey from customer-focused leadership to entrepreneurship. With over two decades of experience across five industries and 34 countries, Chris shares invaluable insights on:...