382. Swashbuckling Inspiring Leadership and Wellbeing with Damian McKinney CEO Dioni Life

🌍 Vishal Dalal – Leading Global Change Through InnovationFrom McKinsey to Citibank to Barclays, and now as Global CEO of Pismo, Vishal Dalal has built a career at the forefront of digital finance and tech transformation. With over 25 years of experience in core banking and card systems, Vishal brings deep expertise and a truly global perspective to modern leadership.Based in London and newly appointed in May 2025, Vishal shares how purpose-driven leadership, cross-cultural insight, and constant innovation are shaping the future of fintech and financial inclusion. 💡Tune in now to hear how a leader grounded in both engineering and empathy is helping redefine what global leadership looks like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ New Episode: Leadership with Purpose – Colonel Simon Hutchinson MBEFrom front-line deployments in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, and Afghanistan to strategic roles at the Pentagon and the City of London, Simon Hutchinson MBE has lived a life of leadership, service, and resilience. In this episode, Simon shares the powerful principles that have shaped his journey — from his Quaker-inspired leadership values to commanding signal regiments, advising on billion-dollar defence programs, and supporting charitable governance at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company.His story is a masterclass in humility, integrity, and putting people first. 💡Tune in now to hear why, after all the accolades, Simon’s greatest success is still: “Sandra and the boys.” 🎧 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Damian McKinney – Leading with a Commando MindsetFrom elite military missions to boardroom transformations, Damian McKinney brings a rare blend of leadership, grit, and global business insight. After an 18-year career with the UK Royal Marine Commandos—earning an MBE and rising to Lieutenant Colonel by age 35—Damian transitioned into the corporate world, founding the global consultancy McKinney Rogers. He’s since led major transformations for world-class brands like Walmart, Diageo, Pfizer, and Stoli Group.Now, as Founder and CEO of DioniLife, Damian is on a mission to revolutionize the beverage industry with a bold, non-alcoholic portfolio. His bestselling books Commando Way and Commando Entrepreneur capture his results-driven leadership philosophy, forged under fire and proven in business.🔥 Don’t miss this powerful episode on resilience, innovation, and building success under pressure.Tune in now and get inspired! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ On this episode of the Inspiring Leadership Podcast, we’re honoured to welcome The Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable — economist, author, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.From his early days in the Kenya Treasury and the Foreign Office to advising on global trade, climate policy, and sustainable development, Sir Vince’s career has spanned diplomacy, academia, business, and politics. 📚He reflects on leadership in government and global institutions, the future of economic policy, and how his experiences — from Shell to the House of Commons — shaped his views on resilience, reform, and responsibility. We also discuss his prolific writing career, including his upcoming book Eclipsing the West.🌍 With wisdom from decades at the intersection of politics, economics, and global affairs, this is a conversation not to be missed.🎧 Tune in now for insight, candour, and inspiration from one of Britain’s most influential public thinkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode of the Inspiring Leadership Podcast, we speak with Chris Piehota, a retired FBI executive who spent nearly 25 years leading high-stakes global security operations at the highest levels of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence.As one of only eight senior executives in the FBI, Chris led complex national security programs and oversaw cutting-edge technical operations — often under intense pressure and scrutiny. Today, through his firm YF5 Solutions, LLC, he brings that same strategic mindset and calm leadership to organizations worldwide, helping them strengthen performance, leadership, and long-term success.With a doctorate in Human Performance Improvement, Chris shares powerful insights on navigating risk, leading through crisis, and building resilient teams — whether in national security or in the corporate boardroom.🎧 Tune in to discover what true leadership looks like when lives are on the line, and how those lessons can drive excellence in any organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ New episode alert from the Inspiring Leadership PodcastThis week, we're joined by Anthony Scaramucci — founder of SkyBridge Capital and SALT, co-host of The Rest Is Politics US and Open Book, and author of six books including The Little Book of Bitcoin.From his early days at Goldman Sachs to founding Oscar Capital and serving briefly as White House Communications Director, Anthony's journey spans finance, politics, and crypto innovation. Ranked among the top influencers in blockchain and recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, his story is one of bold leadership and constant reinvention.💼 A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a powerful voice in global finance, Anthony brings sharp insights and candid reflections on what it means to lead with resilience.Tune in now for an unmissable conversation! 🎧 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zsuzsanna Recsey is a dynamic executive leader with a proven track record of driving transformation and growth across global corporations and purpose-led businesses. As CEO of Standing on Giants, she has tripled the company’s revenue, expanded its services, and grown the team from 25 to over 70 — all while fostering an inclusive culture of innovation and collaboration 🚀.With senior roles at Barclays and Citibank, Zsuzsanna brings deep expertise in strategic development, corporate governance, and stakeholder management. A passionate advocate for B Corp principles, she led Standing on Giants to full certification — reflecting her commitment to ethical, sustainable business practices 🌍.Armed with an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Zsuzsanna is also known for her impactful coaching and mentoring, empowering teams to reach their full potential. Off the clock, she recharges through squash, theatre, and travel, embracing a well-rounded approach to leadership and life.🎧 Tune in now to hear Zsuzsanna’s inspiring journey, leadership insights, and her vision for purpose-driven business on The Inspiring Leadership Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ In this powerful episode of the Inspiring Leadership Podcast, we welcome Sam Smith — trailblazing entrepreneur, board advisor, and the founding CEO of finnCap, the City’s first female-led stockbroking firm.Over 24 years, Sam built what is now Cavendish Financial into a £50m+ investment bank, backing hundreds of high-growth companies. Her leadership journey is defined by empathy, inclusion, and purpose-driven governance — themes she explores in her bestselling book The Secret Sauce.Sam reflects on what it takes to scale a business while staying true to your values, the mindset behind lasting success, and how to navigate critical pivot points with resilience. She shares the vision behind The SuperScalers, a global initiative she co-founded to help underrepresented founders grow their businesses from £1m to £50m+, and how this movement is shifting the narrative of who gets to build big.As a respected non-executive director across multiple sectors and a passionate advocate for equity in entrepreneurship, Sam is also championing a campaign to bring entrepreneurship into the school curriculum — ensuring every young person, regardless of background, has the tools to shape their own future.🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom from one of the UK’s most impactful business leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎖️ Major Scotty Mills is a former Royal Marines Commando Officer and Head of Performance for all 6,500 of Britain’s elite Green Berets. From the backstreets of South London to leading battlefield missions alongside US Navy SEALs, Scotty’s life is a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and human potential.As Commanding Officer, he led recovery teams transforming the lives of injured and traumatised service personnel across the UK’s Armed Forces. A world record holder and London 2012 Olympic Flag Bearer, he later became a trusted advisor to elite sports teams—most notably helping Gareth Southgate and the England Football Team forge a winning culture under pressure ⚽.Named the most inspirational serviceman in the UK, Scotty is now a globally sought-after motivational speaker, performance coach, and author of Never Give In: 12 Commando Rules for Life. His mission? To help people and teams around the world unlock the courage to achieve their impossible dreams.🎧 Tune in now to hear Scotty’s incredible journey—from combat zones to coaching world champions—and discover the leadership lessons that will change how you show up in life and work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

✈️ Emma Henderson MBE is a transformative speaker, award-winning CEO, and one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide.With over 30 years of aviation experience, she brings powerful, real-world lessons on resilient leadership, high-stakes decision-making, and leading teams through turbulence—both literal and figurative.From flying aircraft at 37,000 feet to founding the celebrated Project Wingman during the pandemic, Emma has become a trusted voice in developing authentic, human-centric leadership cultures. Her "captain's mindset" equips leaders to make fast, confident decisions, build trust, and adapt in high-pressure environments.Her bestselling book GROUNDED distills these lessons into a practical framework for success in business and life. As an Aviation Ambassador and MBE honouree for services to charity, she’s inspired top organisations like NatWest, EDF, Boeing, and the NHS.🚀 Tune in now to hear how Emma turns cockpit wisdom into boardroom brilliance—and walk away with the tools to lead with clarity, courage, and resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.