Culture of Leadership

Brendan Rogers

An interview style video and audio podcast where business and sporting leaders share their knowledge & experience to help create confident leaders. I also take the opportunity to offer my perspective on the guests' ideas by closing each episode with 3 key takeaways to create confident leaders based on my reflection from the interview. If you are a business owner who wants to lead with confidence so that you can maximise your performance, your team's performance and your business's performance, this podcast is for you! read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

124. From Battleground to Boardroom: Navigating Leadership, Discipline, and Resilience
1w ago
124. From Battleground to Boardroom: Navigating Leadership, Discipline, and Resilience
As a seasoned leader with a remarkable journey through the realms of football, military service, and the corporate world, our guest this week has garnered invaluable wisdom from commanding teams on the field and in the boardroom. His candid storytelling transports us from the disciplined lessons of the Marine Corps to the challenges of adapting to the digital landscape in his current mission—coaching aspiring leaders. With his Stronger U program, he sheds light on the pressing need for tailored leadership development, revealing how the character and actions of leaders deeply influence organizational culture. It’s a conversation that unpacks the uncomfortable truth that many leaders fall short of embodying their company’s values, and how fear and a deficiency in formal training contribute to this shortfall. Throughout the episode, we peel back the layers of leadership, examining its simplicity yet profound impact on decision-making and talent management. Our guest emphasizes the potency of discipline and character—forged in his early years and honed through experiences in martial arts and military service—in shaping one’s approach to both business and personal growth. We navigate the complexities of instilling these qualities, reflecting on how a leader’s clarity and transparency can simplify strategies, and why nurturing self-trust is essential to embodying one’s values amid organizational pressures. Closing out our enlightening dialogue, we tackle the resilience necessary to lead through crises, an aspect our guest knows all too well from his leadership during the tumultuous times of COVID-19 cutbacks. He shares the poignant challenges faced by war veterans and the dire need for support systems paralleling those provided by St. Jude’s for children. Concluding with insights on mentoring and building confidence, our guest leaves us not only with strategies for climbing our own leadership mountains but also with the profound realization that shaping the leaders of tomorrow is a commitment that extends well beyond the boardroom.
123. Transforming Recruitment: Aligning Accountability and Authenticity in Talent Acquisition
26-02-2024
123. Transforming Recruitment: Aligning Accountability and Authenticity in Talent Acquisition
Check out the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6NX40v5IPY.   Have you ever wondered what lurks behind the glossy veneer of recruitment ads and smooth-talking headhunters? Join us as Marnie Jones and I unravel the ethical conundrums of the recruitment industry, shedding light on the commission-based models that might just prioritize cash over compatibility. Marnie Jones of TalentX, is flipping the script, putting a premium on retention and role performance, ensuring that the recruiter’s success is intrinsically linked to the candidate’s thrive and the client’s satisfaction. Crafting job advertisements is an art form she has mastered, one that invites truly passionate candidates to step into roles that challenge and excite them. Moving beyond listing benefits to spotlighting opportunities that tap into the candidate’s drive for problem-solving and growth. In the same vein, Marnie’s approach to hiring is about precision—a meticulous process that evaluates potential hires on every front, from knowledge to personality, leaving no stone unturned and no client dissatisfied. Finally, she tackles the nitty-gritty of reference checks, a step too often glossed over but pivotal in the quest for authentic talent representation. It’s a dance of connecting the dots, understanding past performances, and projecting future success. Our conversation is candid, our approach is unyielding, and our results speak for themselves—confidence in our recommendations is paramount. Each story shared, each strategy discussed, is a step toward redefining recruitment where integrity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation.
112. A Business Strategy - Inclusion in the Workplace
15-10-2023
112. A Business Strategy - Inclusion in the Workplace
In this episode, renowned diversity and equity expert Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey discusses the concept of inclusion and its importance in the business environment. The conversation dives into the challenges organizations face regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Brendan and Jonathan examine the pitfalls of superficial initiatives and underscore the need for evidence-based inclusion. Jonathan focuses on data-driven inclusion strategies, and shares his insights on fostering a more inclusive culture. The episode concludes with an exploration of the Lindy effect and the importance of moving beyond generic solutions to achieve a truly inclusive organization. Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey is the world authority on Evidence-Based Inclusion, featured in the FT, Bloomberg and BBC. He is the host of The Element of Inclusion podcast, a weekly podcast that informs and educates using applied research and thought leadership. Clients include Aviva Insurance, Sony Pictures, Conde Nast, John Lewis, Natwest Bank, and Meta. He is on a mission to help a million people to make their workplace inclusive through his writing, courses and other resources. Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership  Discussion Points What is the definition of inclusion?Defining diversity, equity, and inclusion Common misconceptions about diversity and inclusionPitfalls of superficial initiatives in organizationsEvidence-based inclusion Data-driven inclusion strategiesTime-tested practices and the Lindy effect Importance of specificity in creating an inclusive environmentChallenges of focusing on trivial vs. real issuesThe power of gap analysis in inclusionThe concept of racism and its perception in societyRe-thinking best practices and creating unique inclusion strategiesDiscussion on the Lindy effect and cultural artifact creationPower of giving and data-driven inclusion3 Key Takeaways: Confident leaders create an environment where everyone can performConfident leaders create an environment where everyone can belongConfident leaders creat an environment where everyone can reach their potential
111. Navigating Change in the Workplace
01-10-2023
111. Navigating Change in the Workplace
In this episode, former naval warship captain and current change consultant, Dr. Karuna Ramanatha, provides valuable insights on how leaders can better manage transitions in their organizations. Drawing parallels between military 'fog of war' strategies and change leadership, Karuna emphasizes the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect. The conversation further explores the role of empathy in leadership, the concept of adaptive leadership, the intricacies of change management, and the differences between military and organizational attitudes toward change. The discussion highlights how cultural differences can affect change adaptation and the significance of confident leadership in navigating organizational change, using a 'cheat sheet', and role-playing as methods to handle these conversations.  Dr. Ramanathan is a transformational leadership expert with nearly three decades of experience in supporting senior leaders and organizations through difficult transformations. Karuna is currently the Principal Consultant for KR Konsulting, bringing with him deep experience gained from designing and facilitating more than 2500 sessions. He is a Marshall Goldsmith Global Certified Coach, Global Coach Group Certified Leadership Coach, and a trained Erikson Executive Coach. Dr. Ramanathan spearheads key leadership development projects including Action Learning Process, Organisational Storytelling, Thinking Skills, Building Adaptive Leader and Team Learning and Team Building. He has been featured as “Top 10 Organisation Development Consultants 2023” by the Asia Business Outlook and nominated by the CEO Insights ASIA, a business magazine, as one of “Asian Leaders & Achievers-2023”. Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership  Discussion Points Karuna Ramanatha background and introImportance of empathy, emotional intelligence in managing transitions Military 'fog of war' type strategies in change leadership The role of empathy in leadership and creating connectionsAdaptive leadership and influencing others The Adaptive Leader Program for transitioning managers Complexities of change management and understanding team capacitiesDifferentiating between military and organizational attitudes towards change Exploring cultural differences affecting change adaptation Characteristics of a confident leader navigating organizational change Biases, prejudices and stereotypesDeveloping empathy and emotional intelligence Pace vs. flow in change management
109. Mastering Tough Conversations
03-09-2023
109. Mastering Tough Conversations
Most leaders avoid having ‘tough conversations.’ If they were easy, everyone would be addressing challenging issues with people in their lives. In this episode, David Wood, founder of Focus CEO, shares his experiences with difficult conversations and how he turned them into opportunities for growth and connection. From a devastating childhood trauma that shut down his emotions, to relationships, to his later professional life, David had to get vulnerable and be okay with risking everything to approach many challenging interactions with confidence. The episode explores the power of 'eating the frog' first thing in the morning, using a 'cheat sheet', and role-playing as methods to handle these conversations.  After life as a consulting actuary to Fortune 100 Companies, David built the world’s largest coaching business, becoming #1 on Google for “life coaching”. He believes the tough conversations we avoid are our doorways to confidence, success and even love -in both work and life. David coaches high performing entrepreneurs, executives and teams - and even prison inmates - to amazing results AND connection. One conversation at a time. Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership  Discussion Points David’s lifelong trauma response due to a childhood tragedyCoaching and the process of fixing your past traumasTools to approach difficult conversationsConfronting old bully through tough conversationTackling challenging tasks early in the dayNavigating difficult discussions in lifeUsing a 'cheat sheet' and role-playing for preparationHow difficult conversations can build trust and connectionThe daunting nature of tough conversations and facing themEarning back trust from an old girlfriendSaying ‘I love you’ to his parents for the first timeMaking difficult conversations more productiveManaging emotions when someone reacts negativelyThe value of mastering difficult conversations.3 Key Takeaways: Confident leaders address uncomfortable truthsConfident leaders have the right tough conversation Confident leaders practice their courage
108. Life Purpose vs Work Purpose
20-08-2023
108. Life Purpose vs Work Purpose
In this episode, my guest is Elizabeth Rosenberg, Founder of the Good Advice Company. Elizabeth uses her own experiences of intertwining her corporate career with her mediumship, and shares her unique perspectives on the concept of purpose. Rather than focusing on achieving predetermined outcomes, she encourages living with intentionality. She discusses the influence of personal brand and childhood trauma on shaping our purpose, and how comparison culture and ego play roles in our pursuit of purpose. Elizabeth delves into the power of feedback in aligning life and work purpose, and shares how her own story has become an inspiration for her clients, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and intentionality. At one point in the interview, Elizabeth gives me a reading on my own life and work purpose. An entrepreneur at her core, Elizabeth's true passion lies in working with new or reimagined, cutting-edge brands that are bringing consumers products and tools that make life more enjoyable, accessible, and healthy. Based in Los Angeles, Elizabeth is also currently working on her book and speaking about her health and wellness journey while maintaining a high-profile position working with some of the best known and innovative brands in the world. She truly believes there is a future where wellness, intuition and the corporate world collide. Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership  Discussion Points Why is this topic so important?How Elizabeth found this workFinding and aligning life and work purposeLiving with intentionality Impact of personal brand and childhood trauma Ego and comparison cultureTools for aligning life and work Authenticity and intentionality Retaining joy while balancing work-lifeRosenberg's journey - aligning her life and work purposePurpose beyond typical definitionsPersonal branding Role of childhood trauma in shaping one's purpose Inspiring others to find their purposeClosing discussion on the power of feedback in aligning life and work purpose3 Key Takeaways: Confident leaders align their life and work purposeConfident leaders embrace their stories
107. What drives our decisions, behaviours and results?
06-08-2023
107. What drives our decisions, behaviours and results?
In this episode, Brendan speaks with Ashkan Tashvir, the founder and CEO of Engenesis, a subsidiary aimed at actively collaborating with, and supporting, carefully chosen businesses. Ashkan is not only a philosopher and a 2x best-selling author but possesses a strong background as a technologist, venture builder, and investor.  Ashkan delves into his writing process, his transition from non-fiction to fiction, and the impact of Persian and Russian literature on his work. The discussion also explores the human skills that subtly contribute to success, the complexities of social constructs, and the crucial role of authentic awareness. The themes of Ashkan's latest book, "Becoming: The Emergence of Being," are also unpacked. The episode offers insights into the dynamics of perception, reality, and the philosophy of achievement. Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership  Discussion Points Ashkan Tashvir and his literary journeyThe process of creating books and charactersInfluence of Persian and Russian literature Transition from non-fiction to fiction Human skills that contribute to successDifferent perceptions of reality and their importanceUnpacking the themes of 'Becoming’Gender as a complex social constructChallenges faced by leaders and teamsImportance of authentic awareness The role of compassion in business growth The philosophy of achievement Impact of environment on awareness and authenticityAshkan's new book and its relevance to readersInsights and closing remarks3 Key Takeaways: Confident leaders take control over their lifeConfident leaders have a healthy relationship with realityConfident leaders work on their blind spots Feel free to leave your feedback about the show  Resources: Ashkan Tashvir LinkedIn Books by Ashkan:
106. Empowering Employees: Unveiling the Profit Share Plan
23-07-2023
106. Empowering Employees: Unveiling the Profit Share Plan
In this episode, Brendan speaks with Rob Buffington, seasoned consultant and entrepreneur, and CEO of Gordian Staffing. Gordian Staffing provides small and medium businesses with affordable, high-quality, remote team members for open positions.  Rob discusses his innovative business model that combines profit sharing and philanthropy. Early on, Rob had aspirations to be a pastor, but transitioned into a successful business leader, integrating his values of balance, fairness, and transparency into his company operations. The conversation delves into his experience with setting up an employee profit sharing model, managing potential drawbacks, maintaining transparency, and setting eligibility criteria. Buffington also shares his passion for philanthropy and his vision of self-sustaining charities, demonstrating how his philanthropic work has positively influenced his business. The discussion provides valuable insights for leaders looking to incentivize their employees and create a positive impact through their business practices. Tune in and subscribe to future episodes of The Culture of Leadership  Discussion Points Rob Buffington shares his innovative business model of profit sharingThe mechanics and implications of an employee profit-sharing modelFrom aspiring pastor to successful business mogul Setting eligibility criteria for profit sharingEffects of profit sharing on Rob’s workforce Philanthropy is key as a business ownerSelf-sustaining charities and positive influence on businessKey learnings - developing confident leadershipHow profit sharing increases trust and confidence Potential drawbacks of profit sharing3 Key Takeaways: Confident leaders believe in stewardshipConfident leaders balance generosity and prudenceConfident leaders foster a sense of ownership and teamwork Feel free to leave your feedback about the show   Resources: Free Confident Leader Workbook Download  Rob Buffington LinkedIn Rob Buffington FB Gordian Staffi