The Courageous Leaders Podcast

What happens when you’re told your career’s over at 50?

In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Jane Evans, award-winning creative director and founder of The 7th Tribe and one of her generation’s most successful female creatives.

From being the first woman in multiple creative departments to launching a global movement to fight midlife invisibility, Jane’s story is raw, inspiring, and a wake-up call for how we treat women over 50 in the workplace.

We Cover:
01:10 – Getting harassed on day two of art school

03:08...

What’s the biggest myth about being a CEO?

Josh Harris shares all.

In this week’s Fast & Curious, the Neverland London CEO brings wit, warmth, and the occasional swear word (thanks to his toddler).

Find out:
⚡ For Josh, what would instantly rule someone out in an interview?
⚡ Who he would love to swap roles with for the day in his office
⚡ And the brand collab he’s dreaming of

It’s quick, honest, and packed with moments every leader (and parent) will relate to.

📺 Josh’s full Fast & Curio...

Have you ever wondered if the best move in your career might be walking away?
On this week’s episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Josh Harris, CEO of Neverland London. Josh made the bold decision to step away from the security of corporate life and it turned out to be the best thing he could have done.

We talk about the emotional weight of leadership, the pressure to protect people, and the challenge of building a business that looks after purpose, people and profits together. Creating a culture that helped Neverland ea...

Ever made a decision under pressure that you instantly regretted?

Maybe it was to avoid conflict, keep the peace, or just make the discomfort stop.

I’ve been there and it nearly cost me my confidence as a leader.

In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I open up about how pressure is the real test of your leadership.

We Cover:
01:14 – The two ways leaders make decisions under pressure

02:22 – The personal story that changed how I lead

03:51 – What actually triggers your pressure

04...

If LinkedIn had a no-fluff filter…
 
How much content would survive?
We put Elisabetta Torretti, in the hot seat to find out,
🌍 The best and worst thing about starting over in a new country  
📊 Her blunt advice for anyone tying self-worth to metrics
📱  The habit she tells others to break… but can’t break herself
💌 And the weirdest DM she’s ever received

Watch the clip now and don’t miss the full episode for more curious moments.

📺 Elisabetta’s full Fast & Curious episode drops today on YouTube. Don’t forget to also check out...

How do you turn personal struggles into a platform that changes lives?

In this episode of Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Elisabetta Torretti, founder and CEO of Mint and Lemon, who helps founders and teams show up online with clarity and confidence. From moving to London at 25 without speaking English, and overcoming an eating disorder, to growing 100k LinkedIn followers in a year, Elisabetta’s story is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and building a personal brand that opens doors.

We Cover:
01:21 – Moving to London without English or connections

03:2...

⏰ 6:07am. Twice a week.

That’s when Check Warner sets her alarm.

Why so precise? 👀

That’s just one of the things you’ll discover in this week’s The Fast & The Curious with Matt & Check, Co-Founders of Ada Ventures.

From parenting lessons to the startup ‘rules’ they ignored, this is the side of two highly successful founders you won’t find on Google.

🎧 Take a listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-courageous-leaders-podcast/id1594924295

📺 Watch now on YouTube, full Courageous Leaders Podcast episode also live.

👍 Stay inspired by j...

What happens when two unlikely co-founders challenge everything about the venture capital world?

In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Check Warner and Matt Penneycard, the duo behind Ada Ventures. They open up about money, stress, parenthood, relentless rejection and what it takes to build a business from nothing but trust and audacity.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start a company with zero roadmap, navigate co-founder friction, or fundraise against the odds this one’s for you.

We Cover: 
01:40 – Check’s bold career pivot into VC with n...

What do penis pens, naked yoga and an erotic platform...

All have in common?

Lauren Spearman reveals in her The Fast & The Curious episode.

Cannes chaos to 9pm bedtimes

This one moves fast and nothing is off limits.

🙃 What did her family buy her that left her speechless?
 💸 Why have none of her invoices been paid this month?
 🍷 What’s her go-to hobby that involves wine and a fancy tablecloth?
 👀 And which platform would she love to collab with purely for fun?

You’ll...

How to keep showing up and challenging yourself even when you have no confidence?

In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Lauren Spearman, a Social Media consultant and content creator, about the raw and real journey of building confidence. From leaving a steady job with no plan B to showing up online at her lowest point, Lauren shares what it’s really like to let go of control, show up when you're unsure, and embrace uncertainty. 

Whether you're stuck in your career, struggling to speak up, or just tired of waiting for...

What’s stronger, self-discipline or self-awareness?

Which one would you choose?

We put Ross Anderson in the hot seat for The Fast & The Curious.

From topless butler to mindset mentor,

He’s got stories, surprises, and a serious take on growth that’ll make you stop scrolling.

🧠 What’s the one tool he swears by for instant stress relief?

📺 Which guilty pleasure TV show does he watch on loop?

🏆 Which Guinness World Record does he want to break next?

🧊 And why ice baths don’t work for him.<...

What if your worst life chapters could become your greatest teachers? 

In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Ross Anderson, psychologist, founder of Beyond Baseline, and someone who turned chaos into clarity. Ross shares the pivotal moments that forced him to choose between staying broken or building something better.

We talk about the courage it takes to rewrite your identity, to walk away from the life you were handed, and to chase a version of yourself that doesn't yet exist. If you've ever felt stuck in your past or unsure o...

Does Ryan Gosling look like Rodney Trotter?

This is a debate I never thought I’d be having.

I love doing The Fast & The Curious with my guests…

But answering the questions myself? 
Way harder. And way more fun.

With my husband Kev firing the questions, I had nowhere to hide, just honest, candid, and occasionally ridiculous answers.

This teaser clip is just a taste of what we got into…

Watch the full episode on YouTube to find out:

😴 Do I snore?

🧠 Which leaders...

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your voice, or your path, this episode is for you.

For the first time on The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m not the one asking the questions. This time, it’s my husband Kevin behind the mic with myself in the ‘guest’ chair.

We unpack the moments that defined how I lead today: grief, pressure, burnout, and what it really takes to rebuild after walking away from a version of ‘success’ that wasn’t serving me.

We Cover:
00:00 – Introduction - Jo in the guest seat with he...

What's the most unhumble thing you have done?

And what rule would you break? 

We put Stefanie Sword-Williams, founder of F*ck Being Humble, in the hot seat for our latest episode of The Fast & The Curious and let’s just say, her answers were as bold as her brand.

In just a few minutes, we found out:

👀 The rule she’d break if no one could stop her
📧 What she’s done saying sorry for
🎶 Her go-to confidence anthem before a big moment

This was a lot of fun to do...

What does it really take to step into your purpose, even when it scares you?

In this episode, I’m joined by Stefanie Sword-Williams, the fearless founder of F*ck Being Humble. She opens up about her journey from advertising to creating a global movement, what drives her, and why she’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. We explore courage, burnout, and how to find meaning when life throws you off track.

We Cover:
01:51 – How starting Fuck Being Humble was Stefanie’s boldest move

06:43 – Why she created her own stage...

Danny Dyer or Peter Crouch?

Negroni or Yorkshire Tea?

We put Leah Spears in the hot seat for our latest episode of The Fast & The Curious.

And her answers never disappoint 🔥

From bold picks to unexpected truths...

This one moves fast, and nothing is off limits...

👀 What would she name her racehorse?

🍽 Why would she say yes to being on First Dates?

🤯 What’s harder: being a mum or managing creatives?

🙋‍♀️ And what advice does she give to the next wave of bold women in busine...

What happens when you stay true to yourself even when the world tells you to change?

In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Leah Spears, Head of Brand Strategy at Paddy Power. She shares the personal moments that shaped her leadership, from navigating judgement based on appearance to stepping into bold, visible roles. We explore confidence, curiosity, and what it takes to lead with integrity in an industry that doesn’t always make it easy.

We Cover:
01:22 – Why Leah joined Paddy Power and how she knew it was th...

In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share one of the hardest chapters of my leadership journey, being excluded, questioned, and broken down by the very people I was meant to lead alongside. I reveal the five lessons that helped me survive it and rebuild stronger. If you're stuck in a toxic dynamic, this episode is for you.

We Cover:
01:00 – The moment I realised I wasn’t wanted on the team

01:44 – What it feels like to be excluded and humiliated by peers

02:18 – The self-doubt spiral that nearly broke me

Is your team's growth being silently blocked by toxic positivity, hidden politics, or a culture of avoidance? 

What if you could banish just one of these frustrations to unlock everyone's true potential?

I put that exact challenge to three brilliant leaders in a special 'Leadership Room 101' debate. I welcomed Nishma Patel Robb (Founder, Glittersphere) , Ete Davies (EMEA EVP, Dentsu Creative) , and Natalie Winford (Chief Solutions Officer, Jellyfish) to each nominate the one leadership flaw they believe does the most damage in business today. 

The resulting discussion is a masterclass in identifying the ro...

In this powerful episode, I sat down with Abi Wright and Jen Toll, the inspiring founders behind Festival of The Girl. What started as a grassroots idea is now a powerful movement helping girls step into their power and challenge gender stereotypes from childhood.

We talked about how courage can grow from anger, why shrinking starts in childhood, and how both boys and girls benefit when we reframe what confidence, risk-taking and visibility really mean. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise or lead with more intention, this episode will change how you see the next ge...

“What’s the biggest bullshit in leadership?”

Chris Hirst answers without blinking. 

But you’ll have to watch to hear what he says.

In this Fast & The Curious episode,Chris, former Global CEO of Havas Creative goes from sharp insight to guilty pleasures in under six minutes.

☕ A very strong opinion on herbal tea

🎸 A Nickelback moment he didn’t see coming

🧦 And the one workplace trend he’d cancel forever

It’s short. It’s sharp. And it’s leadership with a side of dry humour.

📺 Watch n...

What happens when you’ve spent years inside a failing business, then asked to take over as CEO and turn it around?
For Chris Hirst, it wasn’t just a step up. It was a defining challenge that forced him to rethink everything he knew about leadership.
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by leadership expert, award-winning author, and former Global CEO of Havas Creative, Chris Hirst. Known for transforming struggling companies from within, Chris shares what it really takes to lead under pressure and why clarity, courage, and conviction matter more than e...

Many leaders still see empathy as a weakness.

This is shortsighted as empathy is one of the most powerful skills to drive trust, performance, and real connection.

In this episode, I explain what it means to lead with empathy and share three practical ways to integrate it into your leadership today. You’ll learn how empathy shifts behaviour, strengthens accountability, and builds a culture where people feel seen, safe, and motivated to give their best


We Cover: 
01:03 – What empathy in leadership really means

01:39 – Real story: How one CEO shifted outcome...

What can a grizzly bear in a denim jacket teach us about leadership?

More than you’d think.

In this week’s Fast & The Curious, Dave takes us from Hackney to Hollywood (almost) with his usual cheeky, sweary brilliance.

⚡ What leadership advice does he swear by?
⚡ Why pink paint is his power colour
⚡ And how he ended up designing a jacket for an 8-foot bear

It’s fast, funny, and full of the kind of wisdom only a rebellious artist can serve.

📺 Dave’s full Fast & Curious episode drops tod...

Naughty, and unfiltered – Dave Buonaguidi, ex-adman turned full-time artist, shares how he blew up a 35-year career, lost everything, and finally found joy. From co-founding iconic agencies like St. Luke’s and Karmarama to walking away from the industry (and his marriage) at 50, Dave tells it like it is – with plenty of swearing, sharp wit, and hard-won wisdom.

If you’ve ever wanted to throw out the rulebook and build life on your own damn terms, this episode is for you.

We Cover:
01:40 – “I just rebooted my life at 55” – The moment Dave walked away from...

Can three top leaders agree on what’s killing modern leadership?

What happens when you bring together a CEO, a president, and a CCO to tackle what’s dragging teams down and how to fix it?

In this special 'Leadership Room 101' edition of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Jessica Tamsedge (CEO, Dentsu Creative), Josh Green (CCO, House 337), and Conrad Persons (President, Grey London) for a sharp, honest, and funny deep dive into the biggest leadership traps and what they’d like to banish into Leadership Room 101.

We Cover: 
00:00 – Introduct...

What if you had to pick one emoji…

to sum up your entire personality?

Chloe Davies didn’t flinch.

In the latest episode of The Fast & The Curious, Chloe brought the same energy she brings to every room.

Bold, brilliant, and a little bit cheeky.

🎯 Watch the full F&TC episode to find out:

⚡ What would Chloe do as Prime Minister for the day?

⚡ What music track sums up her life?

⚡ What food she would eat EVERY day forever?

It’s fast, fun, and...

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your purpose or your place in this world, this episode will light the way forward.

Chloe Davies, Founder & CEO of It Takes A Village Collective, shares how she rebuilt her life and leadership after betrayal, burnout, and breakdown. From surviving mental health crises to winning Rock Star of the Year at the ADCOLOR Awards, Chloe’s story is raw, real and radically inspiring.

We Cover:
01:10 – Hitting rock bottom: “There’s nowhere to go but up”

03:30 – The betrayal that broke Chloe and how she rebuilt 
<...

Is your leadership team quietly falling apart?

Lack of trust is the silent killer of leadership teams that can contribute to eroding alignment, sparking burnout, and fuelling poor decisions.

In this episode, I reveal why even the best leaders lose trust over time and share some practical, proven strategies to rebuild it. We cover the hidden traps weakening your team and the exact steps you can take today to restore clarity, vulnerability, and alignment at the top.

We Cover:

00:46 – How trust breaks down over time 

01:27 – Trust Killer #1: Silos...

Sir John Hegarty or Jon Evans?

What if you had to pick between two of your closest industry friends… 

..on camera?

That’s exactly the dilemma we threw at Orlando Wood, CIO at System1, in his Fast & The Curious.

🎯 From neuroscience to Love Island, here’s what went down:

⚡ Would he rather be invisible or read minds?
⚡ Which side of his brain would he keep, left or right?
⚡ Would he really go on Love Island?
⚡ And how an aggressive dog gave him creative inspirati...

Why modern marketing is broken and how you can fix it, as a leader.

Orlando Wood, Chief Innovation Officer at System1 and author of Lemon, Look Out, and Advertising Principles Explained, reveals why advertising has lost its soul and how the shift from right-brain to left-brain thinking is hurting creativity, leadership, and human connection. If you’ve felt that marketing is becoming more mechanical, and leadership more rigid this episode will make it click.

We Cover:
00:46 – Why today’s marketing is losing impact

01:04 – The bold idea behind Lemon and why it shock...

Courageous Leaders vs Uncensored CMO Podcast

You’ve got to upset one person…

Your boss OR your friend?

Who do you choose?

That was just one of the fun dilemmas we threw at Kerry Collinge, Managing Director of The Uncensored CMO, in her round of The Fast & The Curious - and trust us, she didn’t hold back.

🎥 Catch the full episode on YouTube to find out:

🪩 Whether she’d rather listen to our podcast or her boss’s
🪩 What happened when she Googled herself
🪩 Which superpower she’d...

Kerry Collinge, Managing Director of The Uncensored CMO, shares her bold journey from big brands to brave moves, and what it really means to lead without conforming.

From being told she was “too much” to redefining success on her own terms, Kerry’s story is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and staying true to who you are.

We Cover:
02:22 – Kerry’s most courageous move (and why she never looked back)

04:50 – What your gut knows before your head catches up

10:46 – When conformity kills creativity: The cost of safe leadership

14:08 – W...

This isn’t your typical leadership Q&A.

It’s fast. It’s curious.

And Scott Morrison brings the boom, with energy, honesty, and a few unexpected curveballs.

(Yes, including Will Smith... and toes-for-fingers.)

Yes, it gets funnier.

But in between the laughs, Scott dropped some real wisdom:

⚡The #1 skill every leader should master (it’s not what you think)

⚡ The mindset trap too many leaders fall into

⚡ Why he’d trade lives with Martin Luther King for a day

⚡ His 3-word leadership p...

Scott Morrison, Founder of The Boom! and former Marketing Director at Levi’s and Diesel, shares how to unblock, unlock, and unleash leadership potential by blending commercial creativity with bold action. From reframing pressure as fuel to challenging complexity in leadership, Scott’s insights will inspire you to move from strategy to impact fast.

We Cover:
01:04 – What it means to be an unshackled leader

03:20 – The boom moment: When Scott knew he had to break free

13:06 – How to help teams move faster by creating safety

16:41 – The problem with over-complicating leadership<...

Have we forgotten how to think as leaders?

This is the question I’ve been exploring in nearly every coaching session lately.
In this solo episode, I’m diving into why deep thinking has gone missing in modern leadership and how the addiction to busyness is holding us and our teams back. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or constantly relied upon, this episode is your call to reset.

We Cover:
01:05 – What constant busyness is really costing you

01:45 – Reacting ≠ Leading: Where we’re getting it wrong

02:30 – Why stillness feels...

What happens when you put a high-velocity leader in the hot seat?

Unexpected insights...

Surprising confessions...

We fired off rapid-fire questions at Sophie Devonshire, and she didn’t hold back:

⚡️The best piece of career advice she ever received (and why it still guides her today)

⚡️ Morning meetings or late-night strategy? She’s got a strong opinion.

⚡️If she could add an 8th step to her book, what would it be?

It’s fast. It’s curious. And it’s seriously fun.

🎥 Full episode of Fast and Curio...

The best leaders don’t just manage time; they master energy and here’s how.

Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society, shares the mindset shifts, leadership habits, and bold strategies that drive high-velocity success. Discover how to make faster decisions, embrace rejection, and lead with impact. If you want to step up as a leader, this episode is a game-changer.

We Cover:
00:34 – Overcoming self-doubt: The role of coaching & self-trust
05:11 – How top leaders use mentors (and why you should too)
10:30 – Big career moves: How to make the right decision faster
16:19...

Paul Coxhill, Chief Operating Officer, LIONS & President, LIONS Intelligence, shares how taking bold leaps, navigating uncertainty, and embracing creativity shaped his leadership journey. From saying ‘yes’ to an unexpected opportunity in South Africa to driving innovation at WARC and LIONS, Paul’s insights offer a masterclass in adaptability, leadership, and business growth.

We Cover: 

01:04 – The career-defining power of saying ‘yes’ (even when unsure)

05:13 – How moving to South Africa reshaped his leadership & view on inclusion

13:10 – Leading through change: Why over-communication is non-negotiable

20:02 – Five years of growth at WARC: The strate...