Leadership BITES

Jack Barsky shares his extraordinary journey from being a KGB agent in East Germany to living in the United States. He discusses the complexities of his dual identity, the romanticized notions of communism, and the realities of espionage. Barsky reflects on his recruitment into the KGB, the challenges of living a double life, and the impact of ideologies on personal choices. He also shares insights on his transition to life in America, the importance of self-awareness, and his quest for redemption through positive contributions to society. In this conversation, Jack Barsky shares his extraordinary journey from being a KGB...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom sits down with Philip Atkinson, author of "The Twelve Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive" and founder of Hive Logic. They explore the fascinating parallels between beekeeping and organizational leadership, discussing how the wisdom of the hive can inform effective team dynamics and leadership strategies.

Philip Atkinson emphasizes the importance of effective leadership in team dynamics.The metaphor of beekeeping provides valuable insights into organizational behavior.Understanding the wisdom of the hive can enhance leadership practices.Endings in projects and roles are crucial for organizational learning.Communication lessons from bees...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Paul Lambert, author of 'Alive', discussing the concept of living organizations and their importance in today's corporate landscape. 

Paul shares his personal journey, insights on leadership, and the characteristics that define a living organisation. He emphasises the need for purpose, trust, and adaptability within organizations, drawing on real-world examples, including Barack Obama's campaign, to illustrate how living organisations can thrive. 

The conversation highlights the challenges and benefits of adopting a living organization mindset, ultimately advocating for a more human-centric approach to leadership and organisational culture.

Summary

In this episode of the Leadership Bites podcast, Guy Bloom interviews Brad Englert, who shares his extensive career journey from Accenture to becoming a Chief Information Officer at the University of Texas at Austin. 

They discuss the importance of building authentic business relationships, the role of trust in influence, and strategies for effective networking. Brad emphasizes the need for intentionality in professional relationships and the significance of customer retention for business success. 

In this conversation, Brad Englert discusses the importance of understanding goals and aspirations in leadership, the significance of bu...

"A tackle gone wrong left me with a fractured vertebra in my neck and an emptiness as I was told I could no longer play the game I so loved. Feeling worthless and devoid of purpose, my attempts to fill the hole with drinking led to a three-year spiral into depression and alcoholism."

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews James Gwinnett, who shares his journey from a semi-professional rugby player to sobriety and mental fitness. James discusses his book Ready Set Life and the importance of identity, purpose, and mindfulness in overcoming life's challenges...

In this conversation, Guy Bloom discusses the importance of viewing leadership as a craft and the necessity of proactive learning for personal and professional development. He emphasizes the significance of being aware of one's learning journey, the flow state of competence, and the need for tools and techniques to navigate challenges effectively. Bloom encourages leaders to take ownership of their development and to seek resources beyond their organizations to enhance their skills.

Takeaways

Leadership should be seen as a craft.Proactive learning is essential for effective leadership.Self-funding learning opportunities can be beneficial.The...

This conversation delves into the critical topic of mental health in the workplace, featuring insights from Steve Phillip (The Jordan Legacy) and Charie Brackley. They share their personal experiences and professional backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about mental health, the impact of corporate responsibility, and the need for supportive environments. The dialogue highlights the alarming statistics surrounding suicide and mental health issues, urging companies to take meaningful action rather than merely ticking boxes. The speakers advocate for genuine engagement and training to foster a culture of care and understanding within organizations. This conversation delves into the significance...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom and Erik Korsvik Østergaard discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in the context of future trends as set out in Erik's book Anticipatory Leadership, particularly focusing on the implications of technology and AI. They explore the importance of futures literacy, emotional engagement, and the need for organizations to foster agency among their teams. The conversation emphasizes the significance of involving individuals in the planning process to create a sense of ownership and confidence, ultimately leading to a more adaptive and resilient organizational culture. In this conversation, Erik Korsvik Østergaard discusses the im...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Rob Oxley, Head of HR, UK for John Sisk and Son Ltd, talks with Guy Bloom about the journey of achieving and maintaining the Platinum Investors in People (IIP) certification. 

Rob shares insights into the importance of external validation, the role of reflection in continuous improvement, and the engagement of senior leadership in the process. He emphasises that the motivation behind pursuing IIP is not merely to obtain a badge, but to genuinely enhance the organisation's 'people and culture' strategy. 

The conversation also touches on the significance of leadership de...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Kyle McDowell shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to an author and speaker. He discusses the importance of care in leadership, the hunger for a better work environment, and the principles that guide effective leadership. The conversation delves into the significance of trust, relatability, and the concept of 'We' in fostering a positive organizational culture. Kyle also introduces the 10 We's framework, which serves as a guide for leaders to create a thriving workplace. In this conversation, Kyle McDowell discusses the foundational principles of leadership that can transform teams and organizations. He...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Ken shares his journey as a blue collar entrepreneur and the inspiration behind his book 'Blue Collar Cash'. He discusses the importance of taking action, setting timelines for goals, and challenges the traditional notion that college is the only path to success. Ken emphasizes the value of blue collar work and the entrepreneurial characteristics that can emerge from it, encouraging listeners to visualize their life's goals and take control of their futures. In this conversation, Ken Rusk discusses the importance of setting clear goals and creating actionable pathways to achieve them. He emphasizes...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown, Esq, an organizational development expert, author of The Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Culture Can Transform Your Leadership Practice about the evolving landscape of leadership, particularly in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

Joel shares his journey from corporate America to becoming a thought leader in leadership practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding the LGBTQ community's experiences in navigating a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. 

The conversation delves into the challenges and misconceptions su...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Data Coach Paul Graeve, who shares insights on the intersection of leadership and data management. Paul  emphasizes the simplicity of data, debunks myths surrounding its complexity, and discusses the critical role leaders play in fostering a data-driven culture. He highlights the importance of viewing data as an organizational asset and the challenges organizations face in managing their data effectively. The conversation also covers the significance of data warehousing and the need for intentionality in data management practices. In this conversation, Guy Bloom and Data Coach Paul discuss the importance of d...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom engages with Bob De koch and Phil Clampitt, co-authors of 'Leading with Care in a Tough World.' They discuss the critical issues in leadership today, including the alarming statistics on employee engagement, the integration of skills and beliefs in leadership practices, and the importance of recognizing different audiences in leadership development. 

The conversation also touches on the challenges of giving feedback, building confidence in teams, and the necessity of effective communication in a fast-paced environment, especially in times of uncertainty. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the c...

Roger Steare, a philosopher in business, helps people think about their purpose, values, and how to make the right decisions. He has developed a moral reasoning framework and emphasizes the importance of compassion, friendship, and fairness in ethical decision-making. He believes that integrity is demonstrated through the alignment of values and actions, and that good, simple rules are necessary to guide behaviour. Steare also discusses the impact of greed and fear in the corporate world and how they can influence decision-making. The conversation explores the themes of greed, fear, conformity, and moral leadership. Greed is described as a form...

In this conversation, Guy Bloom and Josh Fletcher delve into the complexities of stress management, exploring its dual nature as both a necessary and potentially harmful aspect of life. Josh shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and coping strategies in managing stress effectively. They discuss the physiological responses to stress, including the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn reactions, and introduce the 3Rs framework: Recognize, Reset, and Refocus. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment and the concept of 'visoring down' to maintain focus amidst external pressures. Ultimately, the discussion provides practical insights and...

In this episode of the Leadership Bites podcast, host Guy Bloom sits down with Joe Davis, MD and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and author of "The Generous Leader." Their conversation delves into the core themes of Davis's book, exploring the philosophy and practices behind generous leadership and its transformative impact on organizations.

Joe begins by defining what it means to be a generous leader, emphasizing the importance of empathy, transparency, and the genuine investment in the growth and well-being of team members. He shares insights from his extensive career at BCG, illustrating how these principles can...

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Rob Moore, a disruptive entrepreneur and author. Rob shares his background and accomplishments, including being a bestselling author and owning multiple businesses and rental units. He also discusses his personal darkness and the importance of facing and overcoming challenges. The conversation then shifts to Rob's book, Money Matrix, which exposes the banking system and provides strategies for building generational wealth. They touch on the hesitation of publishers to release the book and the concept of the matrix as discussed by Andrew Tate. In this conversation, Rob Moore discusses various topics...

Janice Omadeke, author of 'Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success', discusses the importance of mentorship and the different types of mentors one should have in their life. She emphasizes the need for clarity in what you want to work on with a mentor and the importance of building a mentor persona. Janice outlines the seven types of mentors: company insider, skill master, money-minded mentor, industry mentor, network mentor, influential ally, and peer mentor. She also provides guidance on how to approach finding mentors, including utilizing virtual communities and networking opportunities.

Becoming...

In this episode of Leadership Bytes, Guy Bloom interviews Scott Greenberg about managing hourly workers. 

They discuss the differences between hourly and salaried workers, the importance of adapting to different generations in the workplace, and the need for continuous improvement in leadership. 

Scott shares insights from his book, Stop the Shift Show, which focuses on turning struggling hourly workers into a top-performing team. 

He emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional needs of employees and creating a positive work experience. 

The conversation also touches on the 30-Second Leadership Coaching methodology and the...

In this podcast episode, Guy Bloom interviews Michael J Schwartz about his book 'Fauci's Fiction' and discusses various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 


They cover topics such as the introduction of Dr. Anthony Fauci, reactions to COVID-19, early observations and predictions, testing and data collection, mutations and strains of COVID-19, political influence on the pandemic response, public perception and polarization, the impact on influenza, and a comparison of death rates between flu and COVID-19.
 

The conversation covers topics such as the lessons learned from mass testing, the political control and suppression of information, qu...

Welcome to this episode of Leadership Bites! In today's conversation, Jennifer Sundberg, co-chief executive of Board Intelligence, delves into the transformative power of collective intelligence in decision-making within organizations.

She emphasizes the need to move away from the superstar CEO model and instead focus on empowering every member of the organization to think more and think better. The three themes of collective intelligence are critical thinking, clear communication, and focus. 

Jen explains the importance of creating a culture of questioning and normalizing behaviours that support collective intelligence. By doing so, organizations can tap into the f...

In this conversation, Anthony 'Staz' Stazicker, a former UK Special Forces operator, discusses the qualities that make Special Forces special and the rigorous selection process. 

He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and decision-making in high-pressure situations. 

Staz shares a personal experience of conflict within a team and the lessons learned from poor leadership. 

He also highlights the significance of continuous learning and the need for a humble and open mindset. 

In this conversation, Staz shares insights on leadership, self-reflection, and fatherhood. 

He emphasizes the importance of leading by examp...

Welcome to another tantalizing episode of "Leadership Bites," the podcast that serves up bite-sized leadership wisdom for leaders and enthusiasts alike. I'm your host and leadership specialist, Guy Bloom, and today, we have a true luminary in the world of leadership joining us - Dr. Joe Folkman, PhD.

Dr. Joe Folkman is not only a distinguished authority but also the co-founder and president of Zenger Folkman, a globally recognized leader in leadership research and development. With a wealth of experience and groundbreaking insights, Dr. Folkman is at the forefront of shaping the future of leadership.

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Welcome to another compelling episode of "Leadership Bites," the podcast that serves up bite-sized wisdom for leaders and aspiring leaders alike. I'm your host, Guy Bloom, a leadership specialist with a passion for exploring the hidden gems of leadership.

In this episode, we have a truly extraordinary guest joining us. Craig Harrison, the acclaimed author of "The Longest Kill," brings his unique insights to the table. Craig is not just an accomplished author; he's a decorated sniper and veteran with an incredible story of service, skill, and leadership.

We'll delve into Craig's experiences and how...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we welcome the distinguished Dr. Karolin Helbig, renowned author of "The Psychological Safety Playbook." Dr. Helbig is a leading expert in the field of psychology and workplace dynamics, and her book is a groundbreaking resource that offers practical strategies to cultivate psychological safety in organizations.

In this conversation, Dr. Helbig shares her wealth of knowledge and insights on the crucial topic of psychological safety. We explore the concepts outlined in her book and uncover actionable steps that leaders, teams, and individuals can take to create a nurturing and inclusive work...

Welcome to another episode of "Leadership Bites" the podcast where we delve deep into the world of leadership with experts who are at the forefront of their fields. I'm your host, Guy Bloom, a leadership specialist with a passion for exploring the nuances of effective leadership.

In this episode, we have not one but two distinguished guests joining us to shed light on a critical aspect of leadership - navigating tough conversations, particularly among senior business leaders. We are thrilled to be joined by Doctor Jenny King, a renowned expert in organizational psychology, and Professor David Pendleton...

Join us for an insightful and inspiring episode as we sit down with Maria Hawley, the Director of People at Fisher German LLP and the esteemed winner of the HR Leader of the Year award for 2023. Maria is not only a shining example of HR excellence but also a trailblazer in her field, recognized for her outstanding contributions to the world of human resources.

We explore her strategies, challenges, and the innovative approaches she's employed to drive organizational success and foster a thriving workplace culture.

Throughout the episode, we dive into Maria's expertise, covering topics...

In this inspiring episode, we have the privilege of hosting the remarkable Dr. Elizabeth Moran, a renowned author, and thought leader in the field of personal development and resilience. Dr. Moran is the brilliant mind behind the best-selling book "Forward," which has been transforming lives and helping individuals overcome obstacles on their path to success.

Dr. Elizabeth Moran's journey is nothing short of remarkable. From facing her own set of life challenges to achieving incredible success as a speaker, coach, and author, she's a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. In this engaging conversation...

In this thought-provoking episode of "Do I Have a Voice?" join your hosts, Professor David Pendleton and Guy Bloom, as they delve into the empowering topic of people finding their voices, expressing opinions, and embracing the courage to offer them.

In a world where information is abundant and social platforms are ubiquitous, the ability to voice one's thoughts and perspectives has never been more accessible. But do individuals truly feel empowered to speak up? How does society respond to those who dare to challenge the status quo? And what role does leadership play in fostering an environment...

Are you curious about the secrets of successful leadership and building a thriving company culture? Join us as we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Garry Ridge, the former CEO of WD-40, and a renowned culture coach. 

In this captivating episode, podcast host Guy Bloom, a distinguished Leadership Specialist, sits down with Garry Ridge to unravel the wisdom he has gained during his exceptional 35-year tenure at WD-40.

Throughout his tenure, Garry led WD-40, a global household name, to new heights of success and sustainability. This episode offers an exclusive opportunity to learn from t...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jon Riordan, a true pioneer in the world of remote work and community empowerment. With a remarkable background as Chairman of Grow Remote, Board Director/NED, Board Advisor, Mentor, and Occasional Investor, Jon brings a wealth of experience from his time at renowned companies like Shopify, Apple, and Virgin Atlantic.

Join us as we delve into Jon's journey, from his early days working with tech giants to his pivotal role in shaping the remote work landscape. As Chairman of Grow Remote, he has been instrumental in bridging the gap...

In this episode of the podcast, we speak with Dr. Richard Safeer, Chief Medical Director, Employee Health and Well-being at John Hopkins, author of "A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Organization." Dr. Safeer is a leading expert in company culture and health, and in this episode, he shares strategies and insights for creating a culture of well-being in your organization.

Drawing on his years of experience working with companies to improve their health and well-being programs, Dr. Safeer provides practical advice for leaders who want...

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the power of purposeful curiosity with Professor Costas Andriopoulos, the Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Associate Dean for Entrepreneurship and Director of Bayes X at Bayes Business School, City, University London. Costas has spent the last five years interviewing the most curious minds working today, from explorers to entrepreneurs, and his new book, "Purposeful Curiosity," focuses on successful people who have harnessed their inquisitive minds and innovative thinking to achieve great things.

Throughout the episode, Costas shares insights from his interviews with some of the most curious minds in...

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the world of business transformation with Sandeep Chennakeshu, author of the book "Your Company Is Your Castle: How to Maximize Your Company's Potential by Transforming the Organization." Sandeep is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in transforming companies and launching trailblazing products globally.

During our conversation, Sandeep shares the tenets of his book, which compares building a company to that of a medieval castle that has withstood the test of time, having weathered nature's elements and hordes of invaders. He ties eight structural elements of...