The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast

Ben Morton

What does it take to be a transformational leader? Ben Morton, leadership coach, believes the job of a leader is to deliver the results you are responsible for AND look after those you have the privilege to lead. Each week, Ben chats with senior leaders from around the globe to deconstruct what it takes to be a highly effective leader in the modern world. These inspiring conversations share tactics, tools, and philosophies that you can implement today. Are you ready to become the very best, most authentic leader that you can be? read less
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Finishing the Year Strong
23-11-2023
Finishing the Year Strong
In this solo episode, your host, Ben Morton, explores the crucial concept of "Finishing the Year Strong." As the year draws to a close, it's essential for leaders to prioritize tasks, prevent burnout, and achieve their highest-priority objectives. Ben provides valuable insights and ten practical tips to help leaders wrap up the year on a successful note.   Episode Highlights   1. Defining "Finishing the Year Strong In this episode, Ben Morton defines what it means to "Finish the Year Strong." He emphasizes the importance of achieving your highest-priority tasks and avoiding the all-too-common burnout that occurs when leaders suddenly stop work for the Christmas holidays.   2. The Productivity Paradox Ben draws inspiration from Oliver Burkeman's book, '4000 Weeks,' and discusses the productivity paradox. He explores the idea that, despite the belief that we "should" be able to get everything done, we have a finite amount of time. Ben encourages leaders to embrace the reality that they won't be able to accomplish everything and must make strategic choices about their priorities.   3. John Adair's Task, Team, and Individual Model Ben organises his ten tips for finishing the year strong under the three main categories of John Adair's Task, Team, and Individual Model. These tips cover a range of leadership strategies and approaches to help leaders navigate the challenges of year-end tasks and goals.   These 10 tips include ideas such as;  The Ripple Effect  The Appreciation Factor  The Adaptive Leader  Ruthless Prioritisation, plus lots more.  In this episode, Ben Morton provides a wealth of insights and practical advice to guide leaders in achieving their highest-priority tasks and finishing the year strong.  Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, these tips will help you maintain focus, prevent burnout, and accomplish your year-end objectives.  Episode Resources Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://mailchi.mp/ben-morton.com/dm Visit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/  If you find value in this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Ben Morton Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.  Share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you.   Connect with Ben Morton on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.  Mentioned in this episode:The FREE 10-4-10 CourseSign up today and sharpen your skills on, keeping your team motivated, effective delegation, planning and prioritization, handling Imposter Syndrome, and much more. It's my FREE online coaching course to help you become the leader that people want to follow.Click here for the 10-4-10 Coaching
Leading Through Change and Uncertainty – A Medley of Insights
16-11-2023
Leading Through Change and Uncertainty – A Medley of Insights
We've all heard the clichés and metaphors about change, but what does it truly mean to lead effectively in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world? We'll explore insights from five highly successful leaders with diverse backgrounds and conclude with some thoughts on building resilience in uncertain times.  Episode Highlights   1. General James Everard First up is General James Everard, who shares his valuable advice on leading in a VUCA world. General Everard's insights provide a foundation for navigating the complexities of the modern leadership landscape.   2. Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Ampa Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Ampa, offers her perspective on leading through change and shares her experiences in adapting to an evolving business environment. This segment comes from a recent episode.  3. Annabel Berry, Founder of The Lamplight Annabel Berry, founder of The Lamplight and former CEO of Sapphire, provides tips on leading through uncertainty and change. Her wisdom offers guidance for leaders seeking to thrive amid uncertainty.    4. Philippa McNamara, Managing Director at Kinn Philippa McNamara, who was the Managing Director at Kinn, part of the Wilko Group, shares her experiences in leading during uncertain times. Her insights shed light on effective strategies for managing change.  5. Stephanie Sirr MBE, Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse Stephanie Sirr MBE is an accomplished leader with a diverse career spanning from acting and stage management to her current role as Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse. She offers unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of leadership in today's ever-changing world.   6. Ben Morton's Reflection on Resilience Ben Morton wraps up the episode with his thoughts on resilience in leadership. He challenges the notion that leadership is a lonely, constant struggle and instead encourages leaders to embrace resilience as a dynamic equilibrium. Learn how to manage your energy efficiently and lead with greater clarity and effectiveness.In a world defined by change and uncertainty, this medley episode provides a wealth of insights and practical advice from seasoned leaders. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, you'll find valuable takeaways to help you navigate the challenges of leadership in a VUCA world.  Episode Resources  Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://mailchi.mp/ben-morton.com/dm Visit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/  If you find value in this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Ben Morton Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.  Share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you.  Connect with Ben Morton on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmorton1/) to continue the conversation.   Links to full episodes: General Sir James Rupert Everard, Former Senior British Army Officer
Empowering Girls in Education and Leadership with Cheryl Giovannoni
09-11-2023
Empowering Girls in Education and Leadership with Cheryl Giovannoni
In this episode, we are honoured to host Cheryl Giovannoni, CEO of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). Cheryl brings a wealth of leadership and industry experience to the podcast. Born and raised in South Africa, her impressive career includes leading some of the world's largest companies in the advertising and creative industries within the WPP Group.     About Cheryl Giovannoni  Cheryl's journey through the corporate world is remarkable. She has held key leadership roles, including being the CEO of boutique design agency Coley Porter Bell, European President of global brand consulting firm Landor Associates, and UK CEO of advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather London. Throughout her career, Cheryl has been a strong advocate for women in the workplace, actively supporting and mentoring individuals from various backgrounds. Her passion lies in the transformative power of education and the critical role that women play in creating a more equal and better world.     Episode Highlights     1. Early Leadership Experiences  Cheryl shares her early leadership experiences that have significantly shaped her as a leader. Discover the key moments and insights that influenced her leadership style and her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion.     2. Being of Service as a Leader  Cheryl emphasizes the importance of being of service as a leader, differentiating it from being subservient. Learn how to strike a balance between serving the organisation's mission and values while maintaining effective leadership.     3. Connecting Everyone to Purpose, Vision, and Values  Cheryl discusses strategies for connecting every organisation member to the purpose, vision, and values. Explore practical methods for aligning the team with the organization's mission to drive collective success.     4. Managing a 'Brilliant Jerk'  Cheryl delves into the challenge of managing a 'brilliant jerk' – an individual who delivers exceptional results but may clash with the organization's culture. Discover how to address this issue and find solutions that maintain harmony and productivity.     5. Unique Challenges and Opportunities for Women  Cheryl highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for women in the future. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of leadership, gender diversity, and the role women play in shaping a more equitable world.     This episode provides an intimate look into Cheryl Giovannoni's inspiring journey, her commitment to empowering women and girls, and the transformative power of education. Whether you're a leader, educator, or someone passionate about making a positive impact, Cheryl's insights will inspire and inform your own leadership path.    Episode Resources    Find out more about Ben’s new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://mailchi.mp/ben-morton.com/dm    Buy 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: https://amzn.to/3shNbZ5     Visit Ben’s website:...
Mastering Delegation for Effective Leadership
02-11-2023
Mastering Delegation for Effective Leadership
Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." I'm your host, Ben Morton, and in this solo episode, we'll dive deep into the essential leadership skill of delegation.    Delegation is a critical aspect of effective leadership, and today, we'll explore what the research says about it, the common false beliefs and fears that hinder leaders, and practical tactics to overcome these obstacles.    Episode Highlights     1. Research Insights on Delegation Capability    We'll start by examining what research reveals about the delegation capabilities of leaders and managers. Discover the impact of effective delegation on organizational success and leadership effectiveness.     2. Unmasking False Beliefs and Fears    Many leaders struggle with delegation due to false beliefs and fears. We'll uncover these common misconceptions and anxieties that can hold you back from empowering your team.     3. The Five Main Fears    I'll outline the five main fears that often plague leaders when it comes to delegation. Understanding these fears is the first step in conquering them.     4. Simple Tactics for Overcoming Delegation Fears    Delegation doesn't have to be intimidating. I'll share practical tactics and strategies to help you overcome these fears and become a more effective leader. Learn how to delegate with confidence and clarity.     Whether you're a seasoned leader looking to enhance your delegation skills or an aspiring manager looking to build a strong foundation, this episode will provide valuable insights and actionable advice to help you master delegation.     Remember, effective delegation is not just about getting tasks off your plate; it's about empowering your team, fostering growth, and achieving better results. Tune in to this episode and take the first step toward becoming a more impactful leader through delegation.    Episode Resources    Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://mailchi.mp/ben-morton.com/dm    Visit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/    If you find value in this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Ben Morton Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.    Share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you.   Mentioned in this episode:The FREE 10-4-10 CourseSign up today and sharpen your skills on, keeping your team motivated, effective delegation, planning and prioritization, handling Imposter Syndrome, and much more. It's my FREE online coaching course to help you become the leader that people want to follow.Click here for the 10-4-10 Coaching
Leading with Purpose and Adaptability: Insights from Stephanie Sirr
26-10-2023
Leading with Purpose and Adaptability: Insights from Stephanie Sirr
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Stephanie Sirr MBE, an accomplished leader with a diverse career spanning from acting and stage management to her current role as Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse. Stephanie's remarkable journey reflects her adaptability and leadership acumen, which has earned her a well-deserved MBE. Her extensive experience in the arts and cultural sector, combined with her commitment to diversity, ethics, and the future impact of AI, makes her a valuable source of wisdom for aspiring leaders. Episode Highlights: Shaping Leadership Through Varied Careers: Stephanie shares how her diverse career experiences, from acting to stage management and cultural leadership, have influenced her leadership style and approach. Navigating Change and Uncertainty: Learn from Stephanie's insights on leading through periods of significant change and uncertainty. Discover strategies for managing transformation effectively. Ethical Decision-Making in Leadership: Stephanie discusses the importance of making morally and ethically sound decisions as a leader and shares her approach to ethical leadership. The Impact of AI on the Arts: Explore Stephanie's perspective on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the arts. Discover why she emphasizes keeping 'purpose' at the forefront when delegating tasks to AI. Balancing Hands-On and External Leadership: Stephanie provides valuable insights into striking the right balance between being a hands-on leader and maintaining an outward-looking perspective, particularly in leadership roles. Authenticity vs. Acting as a Leader: Delve into the nuanced discussion of authenticity in leadership. Stephanie shares her thoughts on being authentic while recognizing the need for strategic 'acting' as a leader. Join me for a thought-provoking conversation with Stephanie Sirr as we explore the multifaceted aspects of leadership, ethics, AI, and authenticity. If you found value in this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Ben Morton Leadership podcast on your preferred podcast platform. We encourage you to share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you. Episode Resources Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all: https://benmortonleadership.thinkific.com/courses/delegation-masteryVisit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-sirr-mbe-948a157/) to learn more about her remarkable leadership journey
Mastering Impromptu Speaking: Insights with Matt Abrahams
19-10-2023
Mastering Impromptu Speaking: Insights with Matt Abrahams
In this episode, we're joined by Matt Abrahams, a renowned communication expert, Stanford lecturer and author of "Think Faster, Talk Smarter."   Matt's research and expertise focus on helping individuals conquer the fear of public speaking and excel when speaking spontaneously. With his engaging insights and practical advice, Matt empowers leaders to communicate with confidence in any situation.   Episode Highlights:   1. Demystifying Speaking Anxiety:   Matt reveals the research findings about the prevalence of speaking anxiety, shedding light on just how many people experience this common fear in both planned and spontaneous speaking scenarios.   2. Onions and Emotional Reactions:   Discover a unique and personal story as Matt shares an experience where an onion evoked a particularly strong emotional reaction and the lessons learned from that moment.    3. Unmasking Speaking Anxiety:   Explore the three primary ways speaking anxiety manifests and learn effective strategies for tackling each manifestation head-on.    4. Catering to Different Thinkers:   Matt and I share our combined insights into how both internal and external thinkers can navigate impromptu speaking situations effectively, ensuring their messages resonate with their audience.   5. Making Decisions on the Spot:   Gain practical tips and tactics for making quick, well-informed decisions and knowing what to say when faced with unexpected questions or situations.   6. The Self-Interview Question:   Matt shares the insightful questions he would ask if he were interviewing himself, providing a unique perspective on his expertise and experiences.   Join me for an illuminating conversation with Matt Abrahams as we explore the art of mastering impromptu speaking. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to greatness, Matt's insights will help you communicate with confidence in any situation.   Episode Resources  Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://mailchi.mp/ben-morton.com/dm  Visit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/   Find Matt’s podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ll0MwobDt1JW9gYaOONEo?si=ba9a0fe59ba844ee    Buy Matt’s book here: https://amzn.to/48pB0tA       If you find value in this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Ben Morton Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.   Share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you.
Revolutionizing Telecoms and Leadership Insights with Tim Creswick
12-10-2023
Revolutionizing Telecoms and Leadership Insights with Tim Creswick
In this episode, we sit down with Tim Creswick, a visionary leader who is the CEO and founder of Vorboss, London's only dedicated business fibre network and internet service provider.Tim's journey is nothing short of remarkable.He initially launched Vorboss as a software consultancy and managed service provider in 2006. However, it was in 2019 that he recognized the limitations of London's existing internet providers and infrastructure in the business district. This realization propelled him to transform the telecoms sector.Since 2020, Vorboss, now a part of the Fern Trading Group, has invested over £300 million into a full-fibre network, providing businesses with direct access to essential fibre infrastructure, accompanied by transparent pricing. The company has laid over 500km of fibre optic cable, connecting all commercial buildings in Central London, creating an unrivalled network in terms of both scale and quality. Episode Highlights 1. Defining LeadershipTim Creswick shares his perspective on what leadership means to him, drawing from his journey as the CEO of Vorboss and a transformative figure in the telecoms industry. 2. Growth and Leadership DevelopmentExplore how Tim has grown and evolved as a leader throughout his career. Discover the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped his leadership style.3. Navigating Loneliness as the HelmTim opens up about the challenges and emotions associated with being the ultimate leader. Learn how he copes with the unique isolation that comes with the role.4. Scaling a Company: From 25 to 400 EmployeesDelve into the remarkable journey of scaling Vorboss from a modest team to a workforce of over 400 employees in just two years. Tim shares the strategies and insights that fuelled this rapid growth. 5. Culture Building and Maintenance Building and maintaining the right company culture is crucial. Tim discusses his approach to fostering and preserving a culture that aligns with Vorboss's business objectives and values. Join us for an insightful conversation with Tim Creswick as we explore his leadership journey and the remarkable transformation of Vorboss in the telecoms sector. Whether you're an experienced leader or aspiring to greatness, Tim's experiences and insights will inspire and inform your own leadership path. Episode Resources Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://benmortonleadership.thinkific.com/courses/delegation-mastery Visit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/ Find out more about Vorboss here: https://vorboss.com/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Ben Morton Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.Share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you.
Defining Leadership and Success with Philippa McNamara
05-10-2023
Defining Leadership and Success with Philippa McNamara
Philippa McNamara is a seasoned business leader renowned for her commercial acumen, marketing expertise, and brand leadership in both retail and wholesale sectors.  Philippa is a dynamic change agent with a portfolio spanning business startups, brand management, product development, B2C and B2B sales and marketing, sourcing, and distribution.   She also boasts a wealth of experience as an executive and non-executive director, with a unique role as the Governor of a prestigious independent day school that transitioned to co-education after 500 years, where she serves as the first woman chair of the school committee.  Philippa's leadership journey includes her former role as a founding director of Kin, a part of the Wilko group of companies. At Kin, she spearheaded transformative initiatives that empowered hardworking families to enhance their homes and gardens using sustainable products crafted by an in-house team of award-winning product designers.  Episode Highlights:  1. Defining Leadership and Success:  Philippa McNamara shares her perspective on leadership, what it means to her, and the key traits that have propelled her to success in her diverse career.  2. The Power of Listening in Leadership:  Discover the significance of active listening in leadership, a skill that Philippa highlights as invaluable for fostering effective collaboration and informed decision-making.  3. Navigating Challenges and Learning from Them:  Philippa reflects on her most significant leadership challenges and the invaluable lessons she has gleaned from these experiences.  4. Balancing Collaboration and Decision-Making:  Gain insights into the delicate art of balancing collaboration with decisive leadership. Philippa explores strategies for making well-informed decisions while involving others in the process.  5. Trust and Gut Instinct:  Explore the nuanced aspects of trust and gut instinct in leadership. Philippa offers her perspective on how these elements can guide leaders to make impactful choices.  Join us for an enriching conversation with Philippa McNamara, as we delve into the multifaceted world of leadership, brand management, and sustainable transformation.      If you found value in this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Ben Morton Leadership podcast on your preferred podcast platform. We encourage you to share this episode with your network and leave a review to help us reach more leaders like you.  Episode Resources  Find out more about Ben’s all-new, Delegation Mastery course and master this skill once and for all. https://benmortonleadership.thinkific.com/courses/delegation-mastery  Visit Ben’s website: https://www.ben-morton.com/online-courses/  Connect with Philippa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-mcnamara-82b8a16/
Delegation Skills for Leaders | Medley Episode
28-09-2023
Delegation Skills for Leaders | Medley Episode
Delegation is a critical leadership skill, yet it’s one that many leaders struggle to master. The truth of the matter is, there are some managers that don’t manage, and there are plenty of leaders that don’t lead.  Instead, these ‘sudo’ leaders and managers try to do everything themselves by working a little longer, harder and faster than they did prior to getting their last promotion. But this approach never works because there will always be too many tasks and not enough time. In contrast, Leaders and managers who delegate have more time to focus on high-impact tasks, thereby maximizing their own effectiveness. And assigning work to staff members also increases the output and value of the entire team, as it allows concurrent activity. You're about to hear from six highly successful leaders who have all previously appeared on the show, sharing their first-hand, hard-won tips for effective delegation: You will hear from: Sophie Hooper, CEO and Founder of Secret Saviours Rob Moore, property investor, businessman, author, speaker and pilot Craig Moody, Managing Partner at the Verdis Group Luke Doherty, Managing Director at Mindful Peak Performance Garik Tate, AI Futurist, Serial Entrepreneur, and Product Development Coach Lisa Bragg, Founder and CEO of MediaFace and author Delegation Mastery: https://benmortonleadership.thinkific.com/courses/delegation-mastery Links to full episodes mentioned in this episode: Leading from Within: Nurturing Success and Kindness with Sophie Hooper: https://www.ben-morton.com/leading-from-within-nurturing-success-and-kindness-with-sophie-hooper/ Mastering Risk and Leadership with Rob Moore: https://www.ben-morton.com/mastering-risk-and-leadership-with-rob-moore/ Fostering an Environment of Healthy Challenge with Craig Moody: https://www.ben-morton.com/fostering-an-environment-of-healthy-challenge-with-craig-moody/ Mindfulness Unleashed: Transforming Performance and Leadership with Luke Doherty: https://www.alive-projects.com/ben-morton-5/podcast/mindfulness-unleashed-transforming-performance-and-leadership-with-luke-doherty/ The AI Revolution: Insights and Perspectives with Garik Tate: https://www.ben-morton.com/the-ai-revolution-insights-and-perspectives-with-garik-tate/ Purposeful Self-Promotion with Lisa Bragg: https://www.ben-morton.com/purposeful-self-promotion-with-lisa-bragg/