The Connected Leadership Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata looks back at his interview with Kevin Gaskell, serial entrepreneur, author, and adventurer. Kevin discusses his record-breaking row across the Atlantic, focusing on the lessons learnt that are applicable to business, particularly how smaller businesses can compete with larger giants. Kevin shares how his initial reluctance to row tran...

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits the episode with LaTonya Kilpatrick, Worldwide Director of Technology Research and Innovation at Colgate Palmolive. LaTonya, a chemist by training, discusses the critical role of strong partnerships, both internal and external, in her work to develop better oral care solutions. She emphasises that effective partnerships begin with...

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Michael Roderick, host of the "Access to Anyone" podcast, exploring the dynamics of recommendations and referrals. Michael, who transitioned from a high school teacher to a Broadway producer, shares his insights on how to build a personal brand that encourages people to recommend you. Andy and Michael note that...

Welcome back to the Connected Leadership Podcast! We kick off 2025 with a returning guest, commercial mediator Jane Gunn, who joins Andy Lopata to discuss her new book, "The Mole and the Mountain." This parable explores the journey of overcoming obstacles and finding personal fulfillment, offering valuable insights for goal setting and personal growth in the New Year. Jane explains the two key pri...

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Malcolm Palmer on making Making Your Business Less Dependent On You. Andy and Malcolm discuss the challenges of business ownership, stress management, and the importance of strong professional relationships. Andy shares his personal journey of learning to cope with stress, highlighting the need to recognise both...

In this episode, Andy Lopata revisits his guest interview with Melina Palmer on The Brainy Business Podcast, to explore the power of connected leadership. Andy, a master of networking, discusses his approach to building genuine, helpful relationships for both career advancement and business growth. He emphasises emphasizes that executive success depends on the network one builds, which goes beyond...

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes features a revisit of Andy's conversation with Melva Lajoy Legrand, a leading event planner. Andy and Melva discuss the art of creating authentic connections, not just at large-scale events but also within teams and with individual relationships. Melva emphasises the importance of designing experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and heard. She sh...

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Lisa Fane, CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, and her colleague Michelle Hancock interview Andy Lopata. They discuss the importance of professional relationships, networking, and mentoring. Focusing on building authentic connections, understanding the difference between networking and professional relationships, and the concept of a personal...

In this month’s premiere episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata interviews David Avrin. David is one of the most in-demand Customer Experience speakers and consultants in the world today, He has shared his content-rich, entertaining and actionable presentations with enthusiastic audiences across North America and in 24 countries around the world. David helps organisations better...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, we feature Andy Lopata’s guest interview on the Authority Podcast with Ross Romano. Andy is a specialist speaker on professional relationships and co-author with Dr Ruth Gotian, of the Financial Times Guide to Mentoring. Mentoring in its various forms and benefits for both mentors and mentees is discussed. Andy explains that mentoring isn't just a...

This week, Connected Leadership Bytes dives into a conversation with Paul McGee, author and speaker known for his book “SUMO (Shut Up, Move On) and his latest release “The Happiness Revolution”. Andy and Paul explore the complexities of happiness in a world filled with technological advancements and social media pressures. Paul emphasises that happiness is not a destination but a byproduct of livi...

Get ready to raise a glass... of sparkling water! In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his episode with Janey Lee Grace, a familiar voice from BBC Radio 2 and a passionate advocate for alcohol-free living. Janey shares her personal journey from pop star to radio presenter, revealing how she navigated a world obsessed with alcohol and ultimately decided to embrace a s...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, host Andy Lopata welcomes Nathan Farrugia, leader of the Vistage Group. Nathan is an experienced business coach with more than 20 years’ experience across technology, construction, healthcare, education, and hospitality, as well as a TEDx speaker, philanthropist and record-breaking adventurer. Nathan's impressive resume includes setting a world...

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes examines the concept of lateral mentoring, a powerful yet often overlooked form of support. Deborah Heiser, PhD, founder of The Mentor Project, introduces the idea that mentoring doesn't always have to be hierarchical. It can be a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience between peers, even those in different departments or industries. Deborah emphasi...

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview featuring Chelsey Baker, founder of National Mentoring Day. Andy and Chelsey discuss the importance of mentoring and the difference between mentoring and coaching, pointing out that mentoring is about providing answers and sharing expertise, while coaching focuses on specific skills and goals. They explore the benefi...

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, originally featured as a guest interview on the Kwame Christian podcast "Negotiate Anything," features Andy Lopata, professional relationship strategist, author of "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," and host of the Connected Leadership" podcast. Andy shares his insights on the importance of building and leveraging professional relationships, and p...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast Andy Lopata features Derrick Noble. Dr. Derrick has spent the past two decades helping business leaders elevate their leadership and communication skills. Overcoming a severe stutter and speech impediment in his youth, Derrick defied the odds to become an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx speaker, speech coach, and trainer. Known for h...

Andy Lopata recalls his conversation with workplace communication expert Antoni Licanai In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes. They examine the concept of how internal workplace culture influences external engagement, with Antoni arguing that treating colleagues poorly leads to poorer customer service. Antoni argues that the responsibility for fostering a positive workplace culture lie...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interviews with Todd Cherches, an academic from New York who specialises in visual leadership. They discuss the concept of visual leadership, exploring how it goes beyond simply incorporating pictures into presentations. Cherches argues that visual leadership is about how we see the world and how that shapes our vision as...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Renee Lee Rosenberg, a talent development coach, trainer and international speaker. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating a multi-generational workforce. Andy and Renee explore the characteristics of five distinct generations: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Bruce Y Lee, a writer, journalist, and professor whose ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in an engaging way is truly remarkable. They discuss the art of balancing gravitas and humor in writing, with Bruce sharing his experience of being challenged for writing about topics like vibrating yoga...

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast investigates the world of catalysts, those individuals who possess an unstoppable drive to create change. Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas, co-founders and co-CEOs of Catalyst Constellations, share their insights on identifying, nurturing, and harnessing the power of these change-makers within organisations. The conversation begins by defining what...

Get ready to level up your communication skills and master the art of negotiation with Kwame Christian, a leading negotiation expert, two-time best-selling author, keynote speaker, business lawyer and CEO of The American Negotiation Institute and host of the top-rated "Negotiate Anything" podcast. In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata has a captivating conversation with...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata reconnects with Apurva Purohit, an author and advocate for gender diversity. Apurva Purohit is a prominent Indian businesswoman with over three decades of experience in the corporate world, where she has successfully built and transformed diverse businesses. She recently launched Aazol Ventures Pvt. Ltd., connecting women self-help g...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast Olympic mini-series, Andy Lopata welcomes Aaron Phipps, MBE. Aaron is a Great Britain wheelchair rugby athlete and Paralympic gold medalist. After losing his legs and most of his fingers to meningitis at age 15, Aaron began his athletic journey with a 10-kilometre fundraising wheelchair race. He competed in two London Marathons, finishing fourth...