Episodes

  • Creating a Culture of Transformation with Richard Gerver

    Creating a Culture of Transformation with Richard Gerver
    Jul 15 2024
    This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast features a fascinating conversation with Richard Gerver, Andy’s guest this week. Richard came to prominence when, as a head teacher, he turned around a failing school in the UK in under two years. Winning plaudits globally, Richard was labelled The Walt Disney of the Classroom by the UK media and went on to win a multitude of international awards, including a UNESCO award for leadership and innovation, the Global Gurus Top 30 Thinkers, and the National Teaching Awards Head Teacher of the Year. Using his unique experience and insight, Richard has become one of the world’s most influential experts on change and leadership. Richard shares his journey to becoming the head teacher of a school that had been struggling for a decade. He emphasises the importance of human connection and building trust, describing how he fell in love with the school's community. He understood that the staff, despite being repeatedly told they were failing, were passionate and deeply cared about their students and community. They were simply disenfranchised and lacked a sense of purpose. Richard explains how he re-engaged the staff by focusing on their values and vision and asking them what they wanted their students to be like when they left the school. This simple question sparked a powerful conversation and allowed the staff to reclaim their ownership and drive. Richard highlights the urgency of education, emphasising that children only get one chance and that a single year can be deeply formative. Andy and Richard explore motivation and disengagement, with Richard criticising traditional education systems for fostering assumed incompetence, stifling curiosity and engagement. He advocates for cultures that encourage active participation, trust, and belief in individual potential. Richard underscores the crucial role of trust in positive change, comparing it to the political landscape, where mistrust fuels division. Building trust, he argues, requires genuine listening, authentic communication, and responsive action, including vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and showing genuine care for others' wellbeing. The podcast also touches on the impact of negative reinforcement and how to give constructive feedback effectively. Richard cautions against constantly telling people they are failing, as it can lead to a sense of hopelessness and undermine their self-worth. Instead, he emphasises the importance of understanding the context and reasons behind underperformance and supporting individuals to overcome their challenges. Andy and Richard conclude by examining the importance of consistency in leadership, drawing parallels to the constant turnover of managers in professional football. Richard argues that regardless of tenure length, it's crucial for leaders to demonstrate genuine care and commitment to their team. They must be present during both the highs and lows, holding themselves accountable and building authentic relationships. This episode provides valuable insights into the power of human connection, authenticity, and trust in driving positive change. It serves as a reminder that effective leadership requires more than just technical skills; it demands a deep understanding of the human condition and a commitment to empowering and supporting individuals. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter| Youtube Connect with Richard Gerver: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook |Youtube The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    50 mins
  • Sorry, not Sorry with Victoria McLean

    Sorry, not Sorry with Victoria McLean
    Jul 8 2024
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV and Hanover Talent Solutions. Victoria transformed recruitment strategy at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. She founded City CV in 2009, growing it into an international business. She serves on multiple boards, including Hanover Group and Rainbow Trust, and holds memberships in professional organisations like the Institute of Directors. Andy and Victoria discuss the importance of refraining from excessive apologies and the strategic power of saying "no." Victoria begins by highlighting the ubiquitous nature of apologies in everyday life, pointing out how people often apologise for things they haven't done wrong. She emphasises that over-apologising can damage our confidence and lead to a negative feedback loop where we feel increasingly inadequate. Andy questions whether the over-apologetic tendencies of Brits are a cultural trait. Victoria confirms this, citing statistics that show a significantly higher percentage of Brits apologising for minor inconveniences compared to Americans. She also points out a gender difference, suggesting that women are more likely to apologise than men, perhaps stemming from traditional upbringing and societal expectations. The conversation then delves into the impact of upbringing and trauma on our tendency to over-apologise. Victoria suggests that traumatic experiences might make individuals more sensitive to relationships going wrong and, therefore, more prone to apologising. Andy challenges the potential for over-apologising to become a vicious cycle, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy. Victoria agrees, emphasising that breaking this cycle is crucial for personal growth and confidence. Shifting gears, Andy asks how to recognise and break the habit of saying "yes" to everything. Victoria argues that strategically saying "no" allows us to focus on our priorities and say "yes" to the things that truly matter. Victoria also emphasises the importance of saying "no" to protect our mental and emotional well-being, suggesting that overextending ourselves can damage our relationships and our ability to perform at our best. Andy asks how to navigate saying "no" without damaging relationships. Victoria recommends a combination of clear communication and boundaries, ensuring that we're consistent in our actions. She advises against feeling compelled to soften our language or make unnecessary apologies when declining requests. Victoria shares her insights on how saying "no" and having a more thoughtful approach to apologies can positively impact career development and transitions. She introduces the "Goldilocks dilemma," where individuals who are too accommodating or too assertive might struggle to advance in their careers. Finally, Andy seeks advice on how to change these habits, especially for those who have been over-apologising or saying "yes" for years. Victoria encourages self-reflection, practicing saying "no" assertively and replacing apologies with expressions of gratitude. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter| Youtube Connect with Victora Mclean: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn| The Financial Times Guideto Mentoring
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    40 mins
  • Being Coachable with Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane

    Being Coachable with Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane
    Jul 1 2024
    Andy Lopata hosts Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane, founders of the Hundred Coaches Agency and co-authors of "Being Coachable." They explore the crucial elements of building trust, strong professional relationships and creating a coachable environment. This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast emphasises the "relationship-first philosophy" adopted by Scott and Jacquelyn, where building genuine connections takes precedence over completing transactions. This approach fosters a shift from a zero-sum mindset to an "infinite game" perspective, liberating them to prioritise relationships over efficiency. Scott and Jacquelyn highlight the paramount importance of listening in building trust and rapport. They emphasise that great leaders must learn to listen deeply to gather the information they need to make effective decisions. This is facilitated by cultivating genuine curiosity, which is achieved by taking yourself out of the equation and focusing solely on the other person. This involves asking open-ended questions and providing space for the other person to share their thoughts. Building trust, according to Scott and Jacquelyn, requires more than just competence and honesty. Demonstrating genuine goodwill towards the other person—genuinely wanting the best for them and putting their needs first—is crucial. Andy then explores the concept of being coachable and Jacquelyn emphasises the willingness to be open to feedback, even when challenging. Scott adds that it's about recognising that there's great potential for growth beyond what you're currently doing, and a coach can help unlock that potential. The conversation explores the leader's role in fostering a coachable culture, emphasising the importance of setting an example by embracing coaching and sharing the benefits they've experienced. This demonstrates that coaching is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Scott and Jacquelyn offer practical advice, encouraging listeners to prioritise building genuine connections, cultivating deep listening, embracing curiosity, demonstrating goodwill, creating space for vulnerability, and embracing feedback as a gift. They emphasise that leaders should lead by example, demonstrating the benefits of coaching and encouraging others to embrace this powerful tool. This episode highlights the importance of building strong relationships and creating a coachable environment. As Andy mentioned, the themes of listening, curiosity, and creating space for others are crucial for success in leadership and beyond. By putting these principles into practice, we can foster a more collaborative and impactful world. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Scott Osman: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Connect with Jacquelyn Lane: Website | LinkedIn |
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    42 mins
  • WHAT IF.......? with Stephen Bailey

    WHAT IF.......? with Stephen Bailey
    Jun 24 2024
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, host Andy Lopata investigates the power of asking "what if?" with guest Stephen Bailey. Stephen is an entrepreneur, leadership and workforce expert, and co-founder of Exec Online the pioneer of online leadership development for enterprises. He oversees the organisation’s strategic vision and broader efforts to connect all leaders to their future potential through online learning and coaching. Stephen graduated from Yale Law School, and is on the boards of the Truman Center for National Policy, Match Group, Ibotta, and Prospects Schools, a charter school network in New York City. The discussion explores how Stephen's journey from corporate lawyer to entrepreneur was fueled by a profound desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, a desire that led him to choose the path of risk and innovation over the perceived safety of a traditional career. Stephen shares his experience of leaving the security of a Yale law degree and a lucrative law firm to join a startup. His decision was not driven by a fear of failure, but rather a fear of regret – a powerful insight that resonates with the podcast's theme. He reflects on the importance of fostering a "what if?" mindset, not just within organisations but also among external partners. Stephen emphasises the need for leaders to create a culture of boldness, curiosity, and purpose, where individuals are encouraged to embrace discomfort and push boundaries, leading to innovation and continuous improvement. Andy and Stephen examine how this mindset impacts Exec Online's approach to leadership development, highlighting their transition from traditional in-person programmes to a more dynamic, online-centric model. Stephen shares the challenges and lessons learned during this evolution, emphasising the iterative process of experimentation, adaptation, and learning from failures. The podcast concludes with Stephen reflecting on the impact of this "what if?" mindset on his personal and professional life. He acknowledges that while this approach can be stressful, it ultimately leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and the ability to make a positive difference in the world. This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast offers valuable insights into the power of embracing a "what if?" mindset for leaders and entrepreneurs alike. It encourages listeners to consider their own desires to contribute and make an impact, and to embrace risk and innovation as essential components of personal and professional growth. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Stephen Bailey: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn |
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    41 mins
  • Authentic Connections with Melva Lajoy Legrand

    Authentic Connections with Melva Lajoy Legrand
    Jun 17 2024
    Andy Lopata welcomes Melva Lajoy Legrand to this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast. Melva and Andy explore the concept of authentic connection. Melva is one of the leading event planners in the United States. Recognised nationally for her thought leadership, she is a six-time award-winning CEO who has used her social impact on the stages of IMEX Frankfurt (2024) and IMEX America (2023), the One Women’s Summit (2022), IBTM Americas (2022), four cities for BizBash’s Connect Conference (2022), and the Tide Risers Summit (2021). She has been featured in Forbes, Authority Magazine, The Washingtonian, The Black Wall Street Times, HQ The Association and more. Speaking on issues including the gender pay gap, redefining what success looks like for mature women, navigating career changes and being an ally for black women in the workplace. Based in Washington, DC, Melva produces events for audiences ranging from ten to 60,000 people, with the theme of connection being central to her work. Together, Andy and Melva explore the creation of authentic connections, not just for themselves but for others as well. Melva shares her approach to organising events, emphasising the importance of designing experiences that cater to the unique needs of everyone involved, including speakers, sponsors, general attendees, and volunteers. She believes that making people feel seen, valued, and heard is crucial for fostering genuine connections. This philosophy applies not only to event attendees but also to her team. Andy and Melva discuss the importance of understanding the 'why' behind people’s involvement, whether they are team members or clients. Melva values character and authenticity over a perfect resume, seeking individuals who are comfortable with their true selves and can see the bigger picture. This resonates with Andy's emphasis on vulnerability and sharing personal challenges to build deeper connections. Melva highlights the importance of community building in event design, noting that people want genuine, unstructured networking opportunities. She believes that successful leaders share knowledge freely and mentor others, fostering an environment of mutual growth and authentic connection. Andy emphasises the value of pre- and post-event engagement to create lasting connections. Melva agrees, pointing out that modern events should continuously evolve to meet attendees’ needs for connection and professional development. In this episode, Andy asks Melva to share a podcast episode in which she shares her personal journey. Melva recommends listening to her podcast interview with Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Melva asked her to stress, "This post contains sensitive information which is meant to heal not harm. Read with care. Consider with compassion. Protect your peace." This episode offers an examination of the art of creating authentic connections, whether through events, leadership, or everyday interactions, and provides valuable insights for anyone looking to foster genuine relationships in their personal or professional life. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Melva Lajoy Legrand: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
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    48 mins
  • Potholes and Pavements with Laura Laker

    Potholes and Pavements with Laura Laker
    Jun 10 2024
    This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast takes a unique turn, featuring Laura Laker, a prominent and well-respected travel journalist and co-host of the Streets Ahead podcast. Laura Laker has written for national and specialist titles for well over a decade. Her new book is, Potholes and Pavements: A Bumpy Ride on Britain's National Cycle Network, Laura's journey to becoming a cycling advocate is anything but straightforward. She shares her story with Andy Lopata, of navigating different career paths before discovering her passion for cycling at university. The joy she experienced cycling through London and the opportunity to improve air quality and health through active travel ignited her enthusiasm. The conversation then turns to the impact of shared interests on building and deepening relationships. Andy and Laura reflect on their own friendship, which blossomed through their shared passion for walking and later, their book releases. Laura talks about how cycling has influenced her own friendships and professional networks, emphasising that shared activities like cycling and dancing act as social lubricants, breaking down barriers and allowing individuals to be more themselves. Turning to the book's core topic, Laura explains how the National Cycle Network, despite being composed of asphalt and gravel, is ultimately about people. She highlights the crucial role of volunteers, local and national networks, and organisations like Sustrans in building and maintaining the network. Through anecdotes about the development of cycle paths and bridges, Laura showcases the importance of community involvement, place making, and collaborative efforts. The conversation shifts to the challenges facing the National Cycle Network, including underfunding and a lack of long-term planning. Laura emphasises the need for consistent funding and government leadership to prioritise cycle routes as a strategic infrastructure, akin to high-speed rail projects. The conversation then examines the delicate balance between being a journalist and building relationships with those you cover. Laura shares her approach to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and honesty in her reporting, even when challenging those she interviews. She believes that this approach builds trust and facilitates open communication, leading to constructive change. The episode concludes with a discussion about the contentious relationship between pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Laura points out the manufactured conflict that is often fueled by political actors and social media. She advocates for a more holistic approach to urban planning, emphasising the need for safe and dedicated spaces for each mode of transport to reduce conflict and improve safety and the overall quality of life. Laura's book, "Potholes and Pavements," stands as a compelling call for greater investment in active travel and a more people-centred approach to infrastructure. It serves as a reminder of the power of community, the importance of relationships, and the potential for positive change through thoughtful collaboration. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter| Youtube Connect with Lisa Laura Laker: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram
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    45 mins
  • The Hyper-Personalisation of the Employee Experience with Angela Cheng-Cimini

    The Hyper-Personalisation of the Employee Experience with Angela Cheng-Cimini
    Jun 3 2024
    Andy Lopata welcomes Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR professional, to discuss the hyper-personalisation of the employee experience and its impact on organisational success. Angela is the Senior Vice President, Talent, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Harvard Business Publishing, where she leads HR and Facilities & Administration. With 30 years of HR experience across various industries, Angela specialises in developing talent roadmaps that align with business strategies. She has a track record of transforming HR functions from administrative to strategic. Angela is also involved in several organisations, including serving on the Alumni Board of Directors for Cornell University and as a Board Director for the T. Howard Foundation. In their conversation, Angela explains that hyper-personalisation means meeting employees where they are, similar to how companies like Amazon and Netflix personalise customer experiences. She emphasises the importance of leveraging data to develop bespoke employee journeys, citing examples of data points such as skills, aspirations, and work-life balance. Angela also discusses Harvard Business Publishing's journey towards hyper-personalisation, including the development of a robust career pathing model that allows employees to choose their own adventure. Reflecting on leadership, Andy and Angela note a shift towards compassionate and vulnerable leadership styles. They also touch on the resurgence of labour unions and the increasing need for employee voice in organisations. The role of managers as key in localising the employee experience, emphasising the need for upskilling in areas like emotional intelligence and compassionate leadership, are highlighted. She shares insights into Harvard Business Publishing's approach to mentoring, including a formal in-house mentoring program that matches vice presidents with managers. Andy Lopata and Angela Cheng-Cimini reflect on the simplicity and importance of organisational values, noting that values should be easily understood and not overcomplicated. At Harvard Business Publishing, their values are not printed anywhere, yet employees can recite them and provide examples of how they embody them. The challenge of dealing with employees, who may not align with the organisational culture, is discussed, noting that this sometimes leads to reluctance to give critical feedback. Angela emphasises the need for balance, ensuring that kindness doesn't prevent the organisation from being innovative and taking risks. She acknowledges the importance of psychological safety and shares their approach to encouraging employees to find safe spaces within the organisation for conversations. Angela also talks about the role of HR in building relationships and establishing trust, ensuring that HR is seen as a partner rather than a compliance officer. She concludes by discussing the potential role of AI in HR, emphasising the importance of maintaining a balance between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, particularly in areas like talent acquisition where the human touch is essential. In closing, Angela reflects on her role at Harvard Business Publishing, emphasising the importance of values such as doing what's right, doing what's hard, and doing it with excellence. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Angela Cheng-Cimini: LinkedIn |
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    40 mins
  • Navigating a Career in Leadership with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, CEO & President, FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee

    Navigating a Career in Leadership with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, CEO & President, FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee
    May 27 2024
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, immediate past vice chairman of external affairs for Royal Caribbean Group and former CEO of Celebrity Cruises. Lisa’s vision and strategy not only propelled Celebrity Cruises to achieve transformational financial results as a brand within the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) portfolio but also dramatically increased the number of women in leadership roles throughout the Celebrity brand. Her passion for building extraordinary ships, creating unique experiences, and opening up the world through travel has brought recognition and countless awards to her and Celebrity Cruises. She is now the CEO and President of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. Lisa shares her extraordinary journey from selling cruises door-to-door in New England to leading a multi-billion-dollar global company. She recently released her memoir Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage Lisa Lutoff-Perlo which chronicles her ascent in the travel industry. Lisa's entry into the hospitality world started in her parents' coffee shops and restaurants. Despite initially studying accounting, her passion for hospitality led her to the hotel industry and eventually the cruise sector. Her story emphasises that not everyone has a clear career plan, and it's often fate and openness to opportunities that guide one's path. She advises young people to stay open to various opportunities and not feel pressured to have a definitive plan. Networking played a crucial role in Lisa's career and she emphasises the importance of networking both internally within a company and externally in the broader industry. After 39 years at Royal Caribbean Group, Lisa has transitioned to become the CEO of the FIFA 2026 Miami World Cup Host Committee. This move, despite her lack of experience in sports, showcases her ability to leverage her extensive experience in operations, logistics, and hospitality. She underscores the importance of bringing diverse perspectives and skills to new roles. Andy and Lisa also discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. She describes her journey of building credibility and turning skeptics into supporters. She highlights the necessity of proving oneself repeatedly and the added responsibility she felt as a trailblazer for other women. Lisa's efforts to promote gender balance within her company illustrate her commitment to fostering diversity and supporting the next generation of female leaders. Andy and Lisa examine the importance of building relationships before you need them. They follow Lisa’s leadership journey, particularly her experience navigating the cruise industry through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa shares valuable lessons on embracing vulnerability, adapting leadership styles, and the importance of empathy and optimism during crises. She emphasises the need for leaders to balance control with compassion and highlights the significance of learning from failures. Tune in to hear inspiring insights on resilient leadership and personal growth from Lisa’s remarkable career Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee: Website Security Centre
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    42 mins