Authentic Connections with Melva Lajoy Legrand

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 |

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

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

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 |

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

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist and executive coach based in Silicon Valley. Dr. Adam Dorsay works with high-achieving adults (including professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes). Adam is the host of SuperPsyched, an award-winning podcast, and he has given two highly regarded TEDx Talks: one about men and their emotions and the other about friendship in adulthood. His book on the topic of the four ways people connect will be available later this year.  Andy and Adam discuss the importance of genuine connection, sharing personal stories and insights. Andy reflects on his initial meeting with Adam, highlighting the power of shared interests and human connection. They discuss the impact of empathy and enthusiasm in building relationships, emphasising the need to look beyond job titles and surface-level conversations. The conversation touches on cultural differences, with Andy providing a British perspective on reserved behavior versus American enthusiasm. They explore how values play a crucial role in forming meaningful connections, for example in bridging gaps between people with vastly different backgrounds. The discussion also delves into the challenges of feigned interest and how to navigate conversations when interests don't align. Adam stress the importance of authenticity and creating inclusive environments where people feel comfortable being themselves. Andy and Adam explore the essence of genuine connection and its impact on our lives. They emphasise the importance of curiosity, listening, and learning as fundamental aspects of meaningful relationships. Adam highlights the power of engaging with others authentically, even when discussing topics one may not initially find interesting. He also shares insights on loneliness and the value of feeling useful, suggesting that volunteering and engaging in purposeful activities can combat feelings of isolation. The role of technology in connection is also touched on, with both speakers agreeing on the disruptive nature of smartphones and the importance of being present in interactions. They also discuss the concept of connection in various forms, including connection to oneself, others, the world and spirituality; highlighting how these connections contribute to our overall well-being and sense of purpose. Andy and Adam conclude the episode with a lighthearted exchange, showcasing their rapport and the natural connection that can develop through genuine conversation.  Overall, the episode highlights the transformative power of genuine connection, showing that by focusing on shared values and interests, we can foster deeper, more meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Dr. Adam Dorsay: Facebook | LinkedIn |

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Dr. Stacy Moore, a practitioner psychologist specialising in organisational well-being and performance. Stacy has a wealth of expertise in training design and staff wellbeing support and is a member of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA). She has spoken on the main stage at the Insuretech Insights conference 2023 and most recently provided the closing keynote for CX BFSI UK in March 2024. She shares practical recommendations from psychology on how to positively impact the employee and customer experience. Andy and Stacy explore the role of empathy in the workplace and its impact on building strong professional relationships and enhancing organisational performance. Stacey distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, emphasising that empathy involves genuine connection and understanding without judgement, whereas sympathy often carries a sense of pity or superiority. She stresses the importance of empathy in leadership, customer service, and sales; highlighting its role in fostering trust and loyalty. Andy and Stacey discuss the impact of empathy on recruitment and retention. Stacey emphasises the need for organisations to recognise the human element in their employees and provide support and understanding for life events and challenges. They also explore the balance between efficiency and empathy, noting that while efficiency is important, organisations must prioritise empathy to build lasting relationships with both customers and employees. Stacey shares examples of companies that have successfully integrated empathy into their customer service and sales strategies, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Andy and Stacy examine the significance of empathy in the workplace, emphasising its proactive nature. While empathy is often seen as reacting to others' challenges, Stacy highlights the importance of anticipating these challenges and implementing support systems beforehand. This proactive approach, she argues, is vital not only for employees but also for customer relations. Andy and Dr. Stacy also explore the relationship between empathy and personality styles, noting that while some individuals may naturally be more empathetic, empathy can be learned and should be a priority for managers. Stacy suggests that organisations should prioritise empathy in their cultures and incorporate it into training programmes, particularly for managers who may lack interpersonal skills. She advocates for a structured approach to empathy, breaking it down into steps to make it more accessible and actionable for all individuals. The conversation concludes with a discussion on creating psychologically safe spaces for empathetic conversations and the importance of follow-up and reflection after such interactions. This episode highlights the critical role of empathy in organisational success and encourages listeners to consider how they can cultivate empathy within themselves and their teams. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Dr. Stacy Moore: Website | LinkedIn |  Ben Afia Episode: Evergreen| Spotify|

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst, a NY-based nonprofit focused on accelerating progress for women in the workplace. Andy and Jennifer discuss issues of gender equality, professional relationships, and ally ship in the workplace. Jennifer McCollum is on a mission to create better leaders and workplaces by advancing women and promoting inclusivity. She’s an accomplished CEO, speaker, and consultant, and the author of the new book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO." Using data and personal stories Jennifer sheds light on the unique challenges women face on their journey to leadership and providie actionable insights for aspiring leaders and organisations. Jennifer was the first female CEO at Linkage, a global leadership development firm dedicated to "Changing the Face of Leadership." Jennifer also shares insights from her journey to CEO, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in the corporate world, including pay inequity and the internalisation of external biases. She emphasises the importance of recognising one's value, advocating for oneself, and making bold requests to advance in leadership roles. The conversation examines the concept of ally ship, highlighting the role of sponsors in supporting women's advancement. Jennifer explains that while mentorship provides guidance and advice, sponsorship goes further by leveraging influence and networks to create opportunities for advancement. Andy and Jennifer explore the nuances of ally ship, emphasising the need for men to actively support women in the workplace. They discuss the importance of men recognising and amplifying women's contributions, as well as stepping up as sponsors and advocates. The importance of surrounding oneself with diverse talents and viewpoints to expand opportunities is another important area for discussion.  Andy and Jennifer emphasise the importance of creating a culture of inclusion and equity, measuring and ensuring fairness in talent systems, and gaining executive commitment to sponsorship and ally ship. Jennifer emphasises that these efforts not only benefit marginalised groups but also enhance the organisation as a whole. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of transparency and accessibility in formal sponsorship programmes, integrating them into the organisation's DNA for meaningful impact. Jennifer stresses the mutually beneficial nature of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, enriching not only the organisation but also the individuals involved. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Jennifer Mccollum: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Podcast: Navigating Imposter Syndrome With Sajna Rahman and Caroline Flanagan Book: Business Networking and Sex: Not What You Think Book: Beyond the Boys' Club: Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male Dominated Field

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata explores the theme of career development and unleashing one's full potential with guest Asad Hussain, a seasoned HR professional and author of "Careers Unleashed." Asad is a 4-time CHRO with a background in leading blue-chip companies like Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Dun & Bradstreet, and Del Monte. His strategic HR achievements have not only driven the success of these companies but also positioned him as a key voice in discussions on the future of workspaces and employee engagement. Asad inspires professionals at all levels, offering guidance to CEOs, CHROs, senior managers, and HR leaders. His expertise in talent management and high-performance culture has been recognised in publications like Forbes and Big Think, where he provides actionable strategies for career advancement and emphasises the importance of taking ownership of one's career. In this episode, Asad shares insights from his extensive experience, showing the importance of aligning passion, talent, and market demand in one's career choice. He highlights the need for continuous learning, describing it as essential to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. The conversation examines the concept of career paths no longer being linear, with individuals expected to navigate multiple job changes and industries over their working lives. Asad stresses the value of having a learning strategy and making learning a habit, rather than a separate chore, to stay ahead in one's career. He suggests practical approaches, such as reflecting on learning opportunities from past experiences and incorporating micro-learning techniques into daily routines. Andy and Asad discuss the role of mentors in career development, emphasising the need for mentors at all stages of one's career. The conversation touches on the "PI" model of promotion decisions, where performance, image, and exposure play key roles. Asad provides insights into building a strong professional image and gaining exposure to decision-makers through impactful contributions. Andy and Asad also discuss the importance of being relevant and understanding your value in career development. Asad emphasised the need for individuals to recognise and communicate their value, rather than letting their worth be defined solely by external factors like job titles or performance reviews. One key takeaway was the value of transparent conversations with leaders about career aspirations and restlessness in a role. Asad advises approaching these discussions with a mindset of inquiry and learning, rather than demand. Overall, the episode underscores the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in today's evolving job market, where portfolio careers and continual growth are becoming the norm. This episode is packed with nuggets for leaders to think proactively about their careers, seek diverse experiences, and build strong professional relationships to unleash their full career potential. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Asad Husain : Website | LinkedIn

Andy Lopata welcomes Telly Leung to the Connected Leadership podcast. Telly is a versatile Broadway performer with an impressive list of credits, including roles in "Aladdin," "In Transit," "Allegiance," "Godspell," "Rent," "Wicked," "Pacific Overtures," and "Flower Drum Song." He has appeared on television in shows like "Warrior," "Glee," "Instinct," and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent." He is also an educator, teaching master classes at universities and drama programmes worldwide. Telly is the co-author of the "Empathy eBook: Empathy in the Workplace and Workforce," which explores the role of empathy in professional environments. Telly's work extends beyond the stage, as he has collaborated with top CEO Coaches to bring his unique perspectives as an artist and thought leader to CEOs and top executives at various organisations. In this episode Telly discusses his background growing up in Brooklyn in a traditional Chinese home. He describes his parents' escape from Communist China and their pursuit of the American dream, which initially involved high expectations for Telly to pursue a traditional career. Despite his parents' hopes, Telly followed his passion for the arts, eventually finding success on Broadway. He emphasises the importance of belonging and highlights the diverse roles within the theatre community, noting that everyone involved plays a vital part in creating a production. Telly acknowledges his parents' initial concerns about his career choice but explains that they eventually came to support him, proud of his achievements over the years. He reflects on the immigrant experience and the formation of supportive communities like Chinatowns, drawing parallels with the inclusive nature of the theatre community. Andy and Telly discuss the impact of cultural background on career choices, the challenges faced in pursuing non-traditional paths, and the value of perseverance in achieving personal and professional success. They also examine the importance of relationships in Telly's career and the impact of directors on his growth as an artist. Telly highlights how every opportunity he's had in the industry has come from building relationships on previous projects. He emphasises the value of personal connections in every industry. Telly also shares his approach to directing, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting the different roles and perspectives within a production team and the collaborative nature of theatre, where each person's contribution is essential to creating a successful show. Andy and Telly conclude with the upcoming show in London at Crazy Coq, where Telly will be performing with a jazz trio on 28th April, 2024. Telly invited listeners to join him for an evening of Broadway songs, pop tunes, and backstage stories. The conversation reflects Telly's deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of the arts and the importance of building and nurturing relationships throughout his career. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter |YouTube Connect with Telly Leung: Website | Facebook | YouTube |IMDB