Neurodiversity, Core Drivers, and the Recipe for True Teamwork with Michelle Mills-Porter

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a gem-filled conversation from the archives with Phil Jones, Managing Director of Brother UK, and Sam Rathling, founder of Pipeline 44. They discuss why it is crucial for modern leaders to actively engage on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Phil Jones shares his personal journey of leveraging platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to build his personal brand, attract talent, and connect with customers. He argues that being active on social media is a necessary competency for today's leaders, sending a powerful message about the modernity and responsiveness of their organisation. Sam Rathling provides expert insights on how leaders can effectively build their digital reputation. She emphasises the power of authentic, original content and consistent engagement, which doesn't have to consume more than 10-15 minutes a day. The conversation covers practical tips on content creation, the importance of a human touch, and how to balance professional and personal insights. This episode is a compelling guide for any leader looking to understand the strategic importance of social media and how to make it an integral, yet manageable, part of their role. Key Takeaways Social Media is a Core Leadership Competency: Being active on social media is no longer optional for senior leaders; it's an essential skill for modern leadership, influencing talent acquisition, customer perception, and personal reputation. Time Commitment is Minimal: A significant impact can be made in just 10-15 minutes per day, covering both content creation and engagement. Authenticity and Personalisation are Crucial: Leaders should write their own content to maintain an authentic voice. Sharing personal stories that include a professional lesson helps build a human connection. Engagement Drives Visibility: Actively commenting on others' posts and responding to comments on your own is critical for extending the reach of your content and building relationships. Actionable Insights Implement the 10-Minute Challenge: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to LinkedIn. Use this time to scroll through your newsfeed, engage with posts from your network by liking and commenting, and post your own original content three times a week. Audit Your LinkedIn Profile: Look at your profile from the perspective of a potential customer, a top-tier job candidate, and a business partner. Assess if it represents the best version of you and your company's brand. Find Your Content Lanes: Identify 2-3 areas of expertise or passion related to your professional life (e.g., leadership, sales, company culture). Focus your content creation on sharing unique knowledge and insights within these fields to build a reputation as a thought leader. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Sam Rathling: Website |LinkedIn | Connect with Phil Jones: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 137 Featuring Sam Rathling and Phil Jones

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Alisa Cohn, executive coach and author of From Startup to Grown Up. Alisa Cohn, named the Top Startup Coach in the World, shares her insights on the crucial role of professional relationships at various stages of a leader's journey. Andy and Alisa discuss the concept of "champions" in one's network and emphasise nurturing relationships authentically rather than for a specific purpose. Alisa provides strategies for leaders at different stages and they look at adapting networking strategies in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the value of virtual connections and creativity. Alisa also stresses that leaders must "find a way" to build relationships, as it is essential for career growth. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of leadership, such as managing self-talk, and offers practical advice for co-founder dynamics and navigating difficult conversations with scripts Alisa provides in her book. Key Takeaways: Networking is Non-Negotiable: Building and nurturing relationships is essential for your career, and you must always find a way to connect with others, regardless of external circumstances. Strategic Relationship Building: The key people you need in your network evolve as your career progresses; be strategic about connecting with mentors, investors, peers, or customers depending on your current stage. Authenticity Over Transaction: The most powerful relationships are nurtured naturally over time. Concentrate on being helpful and authentic, and you will reap the benefits. Lead Yourself First: Your self-image and internal dialogue directly impact your ability to build relationships. Managing your own mindset is the first step to effective leadership. Communication is Foundational: Clear communication, especially around expectations and values, is critical for preventing conflict and building strong partnerships. Actionable Insights: Map Your Network Needs: Identify what career stage you are in (startup, scale-up, or established leader) and list the three types of connections that would be most valuable to you right now. Then, devise a strategy to meet people in those categories. Practice Positive Outreach: The next time you reach out to someone new, do your research first. Reference something specific you admire about their work, explain the mutual value in connecting, and if possible, mention a shared contact with context. Develop a "Co-founder Prenup": If you have a business partner, set aside time to discuss and align on core values, long-term vision, and how you will handle disagreements. This proactive conversation can prevent future conflicts.  SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Alisa Cohnr: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 135 Featuring Alisa Cohn

What if a single, catastrophic event could completely reshape your understanding of human connection? For Michelle Mills-Porter, surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami did just that, turning personal tragedy into a profound mission to understand the core of effective collaboration. In this wide ranging episode, Andy Lopata is joined by Michelle Mills-Porter, an award-winning business owner and human behaviour expert, for a powerful conversation that journeys from the shores of Sri Lanka to the heart of professional relationships. Michelle recounts her harrowing experience and how the community that formed in its aftermath became the bedrock of her life's work. She explains the crucial difference between simple cooperation and true collaboration, offering listeners her "golden rules" through a memorable "collaboration pie" analogy. Andy and Michelle look deeper into the personal dynamics that underpin successful teamwork. Michelle speaks with vulnerability and insight about her own neurodivergence, explaining how her ADHD diagnosis brought clarity to her life and career. She provides practical guidance on how leaders can navigate different personality styles, manage conflict, and understand the deep-seated "core drivers" that shape our interactions. This episode is an essential guide to building stronger, more resilient, and genuinely collaborative relationships. What we discussed: From Tsunami Survivor to Collaboration Expert: How can the most extreme adversity reveal the secrets to human connection and the "magnificence of humanity"? The Collaboration Pie: Are you and your team truly collaborating, or just cooperating? Learn the vital difference and the rules for ensuring everyone contributes and benefits equally. The Neurodivergent Advantage: How can understanding different ways of thinking, such as ADHD, become a superpower for building innovative and effective teams? Beyond Personality Clashes: What are the subconscious "core drivers" that dictate our relationships, and how can we navigate them to foster understanding instead of conflict? The Sting of Rejection: Discover what Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is and how this powerful emotional response can secretly impact your team's dynamics and your own. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Michelle Mills-Porter: Website |LinkedIn | X The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

Welcome back to Connected Leadership Bytes where this week, we look back at a powerful conversation with personal branding expert Lesley Everett. Andy and Lesley explore why simply "doing a good job" is no longer enough for career advancement. Lesley introduces the crucial concept of the 'entrepreneurial mindset' for leaders within large organisations. This involves being more visionary, visible, and connected; moving beyond your job description to see the bigger picture. Their discussion looks into the importance of authentic visibility, emphasising that it's not about being the loudest person in the room but about strategically and genuinely making your expertise known. Lesley provides practical advice on uncovering your core values to guide your authentic brand and shares research highlighting that exposure and image—not just performance—are the primary drivers of promotion. This episode is a masterclass in building a memorable and effective personal brand that truly differentiates you, proving that your personality is the most powerful part of your brand. Key Takeaways Good Work is a Prerequisite, Not a Differentiator: Excelling at your job is the baseline expectation; it won't get you promoted on its own. Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Leaders must be visionary, build connections, and understand how their role fits into the larger strategic objectives. Visibility Drives Advancement: Research shows that exposure (who knows you and what they know about you) is far more critical for career progression than performance alone. Authenticity is Your Compass: Your personal brand must be rooted in who you truly are. Understanding your core values is fundamental to acting with consistency and authenticity. People are the Brand: An organisation's brand personality is built by its people. Your individual brand contributes directly to how the company is perceived. Actionable Insights Uncover Your Values Through Frustration: Identify things that consistently frustrate or anger you. Flip that negative emotion to discover the underlying positive value you hold (e.g. frustration with lateness reveals a value for respecting others' time). Practice Strategic Storytelling: Incorporate relevant personal stories into your presentations and team interactions. This makes your message more memorable and reveals your personality, helping you connect with others on a deeper level. Focus on Your Impact: Before communicating, shift your focus from what you want to say to the impact you want to have. Ask: "What do I want my audience to think, feel, or do after hearing this?" This will make your communication more effective. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Lesley Everett: Website |Twitter / X | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 129 Featuring Lesley Everett

In this special edition of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with thought leadership experts Mindy Gibbins-Klein and Daniel Priestley. Andy, Mindy and Daniel examine the art and science of becoming an influential voice in your field. Mindy introduces the concept of 'thoughtful leadership,' defining it as the courage to share new, exciting ideas widely and respectfully. She challenges leaders to discover their passion and legacy. Daniel Priestley explores the shift from geographical to ideological communities in the digital age, explaining why sharing ideas is now essential for creating alignment and attracting talent, customers, and investors. Together, they discuss the practicalities of cutting through online noise, the delicate balance of authenticity, and how to handle changing your mind publicly. This episode is a masterclass for any leader looking to build influence, shape conversations, and create a lasting impact in a crowded world, reminding us that true leadership begins with the courage to think differently and share that thinking with others. Key Takeaways Thought leadership isn't a title; it's the result of having the courage to share exciting, new, and original ideas widely and well. We now live in ideological neighbourhoods. In the digital age, people align based on ideas, not just geography. If you aren’t sharing your ideas, you can’t create alignment. Respect is non-negotiable. To be a ‘thoughtful’ leader, your ideas must be shared with respect, acknowledging you don't have all the answers and being open to conversation. Authenticity requires rising to the moment. While being true to yourself is key, leadership also means delivering the message your audience needs to hear. Relationships are your testing ground. Use your trusted network to "lock horns" and strengthen your ideas in a safe environment before sharing them with a wider audience. Actionable Insights Start with your "why," not the title. Instead of aiming to "become a thought leader," identify a passion, a problem you want to solve, or a legacy you want to leave. Your message will be more powerful when it comes from a place of conviction. Narrow your focus. To build confidence and reduce risk, stick to topics you are truly knowledgeable about. Don't feel pressured to have an opinion on every trending topic; master your lane. Practice the "power of the un." To avoid information overload and create mental space for deep thinking, actively unfollow, unsubscribe, and unplug from sources that create noise rather than value. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Daniel Priestley: Website |LinkedIn | Connect with Mindy Gibbins-Klein:Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 125 Featuring Daniel Priestley and Mindy Gibbins-Klein

In this edition of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata reminds us of the powerful and popular conversation he had with researcher and speaker, David Hyner. Prepare to have your conventional wisdom on goal-setting completely shattered as David dismantles the myth of SMART goals. He reveals why this widely accepted principle is misquoted and misinterpreted, advocating instead for setting 'Massive Goals with Smart Steps'—a strategy resulting from his extensive research with over 250 top achievers. The discussion goes beyond theory, exploring David's personal journey and the profound parallels he draws between insecure schoolchildren and senior executives. He shares why leaders must connect with younger generations to prepare for a 'tsunami of change' in the workplace. From learning to 'Go Rhino' on your toughest tasks to the critical role of accountability and mastermind groups, this episode is a masterclass in shifting your mindset, embracing audacious ambition, and achieving more than you thought possible. Key Takeaways Rethink SMART Goals: The concept is widely misquoted. Top achievers don't set 'realistic' goals; they set massive goals and break them down into smart, attainable, and relevant steps. Serve, Don't Seek Approval: True impact comes not from seeking applause but from focusing entirely on serving your audience, team, or clients to the best of your ability. Leaders and Kids Aren't So Different: Senior leaders often suffer from the same insecurities, imposter syndrome, and doubts as young students. Leaders can learn from the fearless, unfiltered perspective of young people. Tackle the Hardest Task First: Adopt the 'Go Rhino' mindset. By dedicating just 5-10 minutes a day to your most difficult task first, you build momentum and your day only gets easier. Accountability is Strength: Going it alone is arrogance. The most successful people actively seek support and accountability, often through mastermind groups, to ensure they follow through on their commitments. Actionable Insights What if the universally accepted SMART goal framework is actually holding you back? Discover the simple, two-part structure top achievers use to pursue massive, world-changing ambitions instead. How could a tiny, 10-minute shift in your morning routine completely change the trajectory of your biggest projects? Learn the 'Go Rhino' principle and why tackling the scariest task first makes everything else easier. Why might the most valuable insights for your company's future not come from a boardroom, but from a classroom? Hear why one of Europe's top entrepreneurs regularly consulted with high school students to generate his best ideas. Selected Links from the Episode Connect with Andy Lopata Website Connect with Professor David Hyner Website Youtube How to set up & run a successful mastermind group by David Hyner The Quick Reference Guide to Mastermind Groups by Andy Lopata

Ever found yourself pushing a crucial task to a mythical, more productive “tomorrow”? You’re not alone. In this fascinating episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata is joined by Melina Palmer. Melina is CEO of The Brainy Business, she has written three bestselling books and hosts The Brainy Business podcast, which has more than 1 million downloads in over 170 countries. A consultant and keynote speaker, she also teaches applied behavioural economics and she has been featured in many outlets, including Inc. and Psychology Today. Inspired by her TEDx Talk, "There's Nothing Magical About Monday," Melina describes four cognitive biases. She reveals why our brains are wired to see our future self as a different, more capable person (an effect called time discounting) and why we consistently underestimate how long tasks will take (the optimism bias and planning fallacy). Andy and Melina explore the concept of "bike shedding," a form of productive procrastination where we focus on trivial activities to avoid tackling the bigger, more intimidating goals. They discuss the difference between being busy and being effective, questioning whether we should measure our days by hours worked or by outcomes achieved. Discover practical strategies to reclaim your focus, from Cal Newport's "Deep Work" and the Pomodoro Technique to the simple yet powerful mindset shift of saying "not yet" to distractions. Finally, Andy and Melina discuss the power of connection, exploring how accountability partners, mentors, and making your goals public can provide the external structure and motivation needed to achieve your ambitions. Tune in for a master class in understanding your own mind to become more focused, effective, and connected in your work. What we discussed: 1.     Why does your brain treat your "future self" like a completely different person, making it easy to commit to tasks you’ll later avoid? 2.     What is "bike shedding," and how could focusing on a seemingly productive but trivial task be derailing your most important projects? 3.     Are you measuring your productivity in hours or in achievements? Discover why shifting your perspective could be a game-changer for your effectiveness. 4.     What is the "hard streak" effect, and why could interspersing difficult and easy tasks be the secret to avoiding burnout and feeling better at the end of the day? 5.      Beyond individual discipline, how can leveraging your professional relationships be your secret weapon against procrastination? SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Melina Palmer: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Podcast: There's Nothing Magical About Monday with Melina Palmer

In this edition of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a powerful conversation from the archives with Rebecca Robins, Global Chief Learning and Culture Officer at global branding agency Interbrand. This episode explores how to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders. The central focus is Interbrand’s innovative "Horizon Board"—a shadow board of aspiring talent under 30 who work alongside the executive team. Rebecca explains how this initiative provides invaluable experience and mentorship for rising stars while injecting fresh perspectives into top-level decision-making. The discussion examines the critical shift from dismissing "soft skills" to championing empathy, curiosity, and collaboration as essential leadership competencies. Andy and Rebecca also cover the practical mechanics of creating a successful two-way mentoring program, fostering vulnerability between senior and junior talent, and embedding a culture where bold ideas can thrive without causing disruptive conflict. This episode is a masterclass in building a truly connected, cross-generational leadership pipeline that future-proofs the entire organisation. Key Takeaways Soft Skills Are the Hard Skills: Skills like empathy, generosity, and curiosity are not optional extras; they are the fundamental drivers of high-performing, collaborative teams and are more critical than ever in a hybrid world. Establish a Next-Generation Board: Creating a formal platform like a "Horizon Board" gives young talent direct access to leadership, providing them with experience while ensuring senior executives stay connected to new, vital perspectives. Mentoring Must Be a Two-Way Street: Effective mentoring is a value exchange. Senior leaders have as much to learn from the insights of junior talent as the other way around, creating a richer, more dynamic relationship.  SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Rebecca Robins: LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 132 Featuring Rebecca Robins

We're dipping into the archives for one of our most popular episodes! Andy Lopata revisits his fascinating conversation with Dr. Beam Maue, co-founder of AFWERX, the innovation mission within the US Air Force. How do you build a forward-thinking, agile community within one of the world's most hierarchical organisations? Dr. Brian shares the incredible story of how AFWERX grew from just five people into an award-winning ecosystem that connected with over 700 new small businesses, many of whom had never worked with the government before. This episode is a masterclass in leading change from within. Dr. Brian explains his philosophy of "going to war with the army you've got," empowering the team you have rather than wishing for another. He shares powerful stories, from a pig farmer's innovative soap to navigating Pentagon red tape, illustrating how to manage the environment for innovation, not the innovation itself. Tune in to learn how to foster experimentation, build momentum through short-term wins, and lead with a "faeces umbrella" to protect your team. Key Takeaways Lead the Team You Have: You must work with the people and resources available, not the ones you wish you had. The key is to identify and play to their existing strengths. Manage the Environment, Not the Innovation: A leader’s role isn’t to direct every innovative step but to create a safe environment where experimentation, learning, and even small-scale failures are encouraged. Empower Your Experts: Trust the experts on your team. Instead of dictating their goals, give them the space to define the strategy and tell you what’s needed for success. Stories and Short-Term Wins Build Momentum: Data is forgettable, but stories stick. Highlight short-term wins to prove the value of your mission, build belief, and attract support from sceptical stakeholders. Flow Like Water Around Bureaucracy: When facing bureaucratic obstacles, seek out allies who interpret rules with an "if it's not illegal" mindset. Don't waste energy on pockets of resistance; pivot to where there is less friction. Actionable Insights What can a pig farmer’s special soap teach a high-tech military organisation about the true source of innovation? How can you transform a team that’s been told “there are no additional personnel” into a globally-ranked best place to work for innovators? What does it mean to be a "faeces umbrella" for your team, and why is it one of a leader's most critical (and unglamorous) roles? Tune in to learn more.   SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter YouTube Connect with Daniela Landher: LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 121 Featuring Dr. Beam

In this episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his insightful conversation with the ultimate super-connector, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Andy introduces the concept of the “Gottian Sphere” to explore Ruth's phenomenal generosity with her network and why she believes in an abundance mentality. They examine the principle of "know, like, and trust," stressing that genuine relationships are never transactional—you must give long before you ever consider taking. Ruth explains how shared experiences and vulnerability can rapidly deepen connections, even in a virtual world. Discover the mindset of an extreme high-achiever who has built a world-class network not by hoarding contacts, but by thoughtfully and generously sharing them. This episode is a masterclass in building authentic, lasting professional relationships that open doors for everyone involved. 5 Key Takeaways The "Know, Like, and Trust" Principle is Non-Negotiable: Introductions carry weight. Dr. Gotian only connects people she genuinely knows, likes, and trusts, creating "associated trust" that gives the new relationship a strong foundation. Give Before You Take: A strong network is built on generosity, not transactions. Offer value and build the relationship over a long period before ever thinking of asking for something in return. Shared Vulnerability Accelerates Connection: The deepest bonds are often formed when the professional mask drops. As seen in her "shared misery" pandemic group, being authentic and vulnerable builds trust faster than any formal networking event. Deep Connections Don't Require Physical Presence: Meaningful, trusting relationships can be built entirely online. Consistency, shared values, and genuine interest are more important than meeting in person. Turn a Request into an Offer: When asking for an introduction, phrase it to benefit the person you're asking. Frame it as an opportunity for their contact 3 Actionable Insights When you make an introduction, your reputation is on the line. Are you making your connections feel safe by giving them an "out" and asking permission before connecting them? Dr. Gotian found a clever, non-demanding reason to initiate contact with a respected peer. What's the overlooked "hook" you could use to start a genuine conversation with someone you admire? Everyone wants an introduction to a key person, but most ask in a way that gets them ignored. What if you could reframe your request so it’s focused entirely on the other person’s interests, making it almost impossible for them to say no? SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Dr. Ruth Gotian: Website |LinkedIn | Navigating the Gotiansphere with Ruth Gotian The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring