The Life and Leadership Podcast

In this episode continuing our conversation with Nicolina Andall, we go deeper into the mindset, motivation, and values that have shaped her extraordinary leadership journey. Nicolina shares what drives her commitment to giving back, the profound influence of her Windrush parents, and the resilience required not just to survive, but to truly thrive in spaces where you may feel unseen or unwelcome....

We kick off Season 3 of the Life and Leadership Podcast with an inspiring conversation with Nicolina Andall, a Portfolio Non-Executive Director, Judicial Appointments Commissioner, and former C-Suite General Counsel. With over two decades of leadership across law, governance, and public appointments, Nicolina shares her journey of rising through spaces not always designed for her, how she dealt wi...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dawn George, we explore the powerful link between employee wellbeing, engagement, and productivity — and what leaders can do to truly nurture thriving, open cultures. Dawn shares practical, experience-backed tips for creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work. She also reveals her number one leadership tip and the li...

In this powerful episode, Dawn George — a highly accomplished HR executive known for supporting others — opens up about the burnout that forced her to walk away from a role she loved.  We discuss:  The hidden mental health struggle behind high-performance leadership The question — who supports the ones supporting everyone else? Practical strategies for achieving work-life balance — including her b...

In Part 2 of our very insightful conversation with Stephanie Ezechukwu , Head of Prosecutions and Quality at the DVSA, we explore how vulnerability can be one of a leader’s greatest strengths. Stephanie shares how her authenticity and willingness to lead with vulnerability not only made her the obvious choice for the extremely difficult task, of breaking the news of the sad passing of a colleague...

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity? In this inspiring episode, Stephanie Ezechukwu , Head of Prosecutions and Quality at the DVSA, takes us through her extraordinary journey—from starting as a 23-year-old court clerk to now leading three teams handling some of the UK government's most critical prosecution work. Stephanie shares how humility, character, competence and compassio...

In this powerful conclusion to our conversation with Dr. Ibilola Amao, Principal Consultant at Lonadek Global Services, we dive deeper into what fuels her extraordinary journey. Dr. Amao shares how she turns obstacles into opportunities—not only to rise above challenges but to create lasting, positive impact for others. Her leadership mindset can only be described as one of transformation, legacy-...

Dr Ibilola Amao’s journey is one of breaking barriers and defying odds. From navigating challenges as a black woman in a male-dominated industry to building a thriving engineering consultancy, in this episode, she reveals the bold strategies and leadership mindset that has fueled her success, how taking what many would see as a demotion and drastic pay cut became a game-changer for her career and...

In the final part of our conversation with Michael Wood FIH on Leadership and Work-Life Balance, Michael reveals his top three traits of an effective leader, how he navigates moments of failure, and the single most important piece of advice he has ever received. Plus, he shares what every new leader must embrace to truly succeed. Prepare to be both inspired and empowered by Michael's profound...

In the 24/7 world of hospitality, achieving work-life balance might seem impossible, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Safe to say if the elusive work-life balance can be achieved in the industry, it is achievable in any industry.  In this episode of the Life and Leadership podcast, we delve into this crucial topic with Michael Wood FIH, General Manager of Hempstead House Hotel in Kent,...

In this episode of the Life and Leadership podcast, Zachary Jones, Security Advisory Director at CNA Financial Corporation in Chicago, underscores the importance of perspective for leaders, emphasizing that the process of achieving objectives is far more crucial than achieving the objectives themselves. Zach explains that reaching a goal at the expense of trust, relationships, and employee enthusi...

Trust is the foundation of team success and a vital asset for any leader. In this episode, Zachary Jones Security Advisory Director at CNA, a Financial Corporation based in Chicago explains why trust is so crucial and how its absence can hinder productivity and progress.   Zach highlights the key differences between low-trust and high-trust cultures, offers insights on identifying where your organ...

In this episode , Scott Brown, UK Director of Sales for Melia Hotels International,  delves into the profound lessons he’s learned from exceptional leaders and mentors throughout his career. He emphasizes the critical role of continuous learning and development for leaders and recounts how he transformed a ‘failure’ into a career-launching opportunity. Scott also discusses the transformative power...

Get ready to be inspired as we reflect on the critical role of empathy in leadership and its profound impact on team dynamics and performance with Scott Brown, UK Director of Sales at Melia Hotels International.  From his humble beginnings at Marriott Hotels in Manchester to being part of a team managing large-scale events like the Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth, Scott's storytelling...

In part 2 of our insightful conversation with Ben Steel, Global Head of HR Operations at FTSE100 company Informa, Ben shares his framework for decision-making, highlighting that stagnation is often worse than making the wrong choice and emphasising the importance of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.  The conversation then shifts to the significance of cultivating an engaging organizati...

In this episode of the Life and Leadership podcast with Ben Steel, Global Head of HR Operations at Informa, we explore keys to building trust within your team, the critical role of effective communication and integrity in fostering trust, as well as what genuine communication entails.  Ben also delves into the advantages of empowering your team to leverage their strengths and unleash their creativ...

In the second part of our enthralling conversation, Kellie Rixon shares insights into the enduring impact of the tragic accident that forever altered her son's life, shedding light on the unexpected ways it continues to influence her leadershi p journey. We also delve into the essence of courageous leadership, unravel some of the reasons many individuals struggle in their first leadership pos...

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into Kellie Rixon's remarkable journey. From her upbringing in a council estate in Liverpool in the UK, to her current role as Chair of the Institute of Hospitality, holding numerous directorship positions along the way, receiving an MBE, and establishing her own successful consultancy business.  Kellie candidly discusses her experiences with impo...

We delve deeper into our discussion with James McComas as he shares profound insights derived from his leadership journey.  Additionally, James underscores the essential role of high emotional intelligence and the necessity for emotional stability in leadership. He imparts valuable, practical advice for individuals embarking on their leadership journey, offering excellent guidance for success. Sub...

In this compelling conversation, James McComas offers profound insights drawn from his leadership journey, illuminating the correlation between possessing and effectively communicating a clear vision and fostering robust leadership. Delving into the crucial dynamics of the relationship between leaders and team members, James emphasizes the pivotal role of trust, providing practical strategies for...

Chuks Uwaechia delves into the compelling narrative of his unexpected journey into entrepreneurship after a well-intentioned plan to garner support from his employers took an unforeseen turn.  He shares his challenges forging an entrepreneurial mindset, navigating the dissolution of a 6-year business partnership, and rising to the occasion when thrust into a leadership role. He also candidly refle...

Jo Wimble-Groves shares her story of how she dropped out of sixth form to start a business with her brother, aged just 16, why it is important to embrace failure, the power in putting your hand up and seizing opportunities that come your way, and some great tips on how to achieve work-life harmony and staff buy-in. Subscribe here to be notified of new episodes Jo Wimble-Groves is the co-owner of A...

Robert Richardson shares his inspiring career journey with us and talks about the power of Inclusive Leadership, the importance of working collaboratively with staff, the place of mentorship in career development and why he adopts the motto of "one impossible thing at a time"  Subscribe here to be notified of new episodes Robert Richardson FIH MI is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ins...

Sarah Powell talks about how embracing values based leadership not only helped Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons  successfully navigate the challenges presented by the covid 19 pandemic, but continues to help the business overcome the continuing challenges of staff shortage, flexible and remote working. She also shares some secrets of her success and how a trip made to Reunion Island in Mauritius ov...

Stefano Cuomo talks about the critical roles of shared vision, creating space for people's aspirations to be realised and having what he refers to as “magnetic centres” that allows everything else to flow round it in supporting business growth and effectiveness, particular family businesses. Stefano also shares frankly about failure and how he overcome it to continue moving the business forwa...