Helping Organisations Thrive with Julian Roberts

In this inspiring episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Julian sits down with keynote speaker, author, and Art of Brilliance trainer Hannah Knowles to explore what it really means to become the best version of yourself. Hannah shares her remarkable journey from primary school teacher to wellbeing expert, revealing how her passion for helping young people rediscover confidence and joy after the pandemic led her to a career dedicated to resilience, positive psychology, and personal growth. Together, they discuss why being fully present is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others, and how small, intentional habits can transform the way we experience work and life. The conversation is packed with practical strategies for building resilience without falling into the trap of toxic positivity. Hannah introduces the powerful concept of "glimmers", the small moments of joy and gratitude that help rewire our brains away from negativity and explains how self-compassion, consistent action, and simple daily practices can create lasting change. Whether you're a leader looking to bring your best self to your team or someone seeking more happiness and balance in everyday life, this episode offers actionable insights and uplifting inspiration to help you thrive.   Connect with Hannah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-knowles2988/ Website:  https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/meet-the-team/hannah-knowles/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In a world where AI is transforming how we work and communicate, are we at risk of losing the very thing that makes leadership effective, that is genuine human connection? In this episode, Julian is joined by Victoria Rennoldson, award-winning cultural intelligence and communication coach and founder of Culture Cuppa, to explore what human leadership really means in practice. Victoria shares why the skills once dismissed as "soft" are now the most critical capabilities a leader can develop, and introduces the concept of the "human differentiating factor". The idea that in an AI-enabled world, it's the people who can truly connect, build trust and communicate with authenticity who will stand out. Drawing on over a decade of working with leaders and teams across cultures, Victoria offers practical strategies for navigating the overwhelm of modern communication, from being intentional about one-to-one time to agreeing team norms that reduce friction and noise. She explains why leaders need to "slow down to speed up," how cultural intelligence helps teams understand each other at a deeper level, and why simply copying and pasting AI-generated communication risks stripping away the very tone and personality that builds real relationships. Whether you're leading a global team or a local one, this conversation is a timely reminder that the human side of leadership isn't a nice-to-have but it's the whole point.   Connect with Victoria: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson/ Website:  https://culturecuppa.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

Caroline Elliott is the first British woman to join the French fire rescue specialist mountain rescue unit and the only British woman to qualify in all disciplines of French ski patrol rescue including avalanche dog handling. In this episode, she shares the mindset and strategies she's developed working in one of the most high-pressure environments imaginable, from managing fear on an avalanche callout to keeping a rescue dog calm when every second counts. We explore what breath work, situational awareness, and the discipline to pause before acting look like in the field and what leaders in business can take directly from those lessons. Caroline's message is clear: no ego, stay humble, stay approachable, and lead yourself before you try to lead others.   Connect with Caroline: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-elliott-aabb8117/ Website:  https://carolineelliott.me/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this episode, Julian is joined by Justin Fitzpatrick, former Irish international rugby player turned business CEO and creator of the Resilient Leaders Playbook. With 26 caps for Ireland and a Heineken Cup winner's medal with Ulster in 1999, Justin shares the hard-won lessons from his playing career and how they translate into building resilient teams in business. From handling the brutal highs and lows of professional sport to navigating his forced retirement through injury in 2010, Justin offers candid insights on what it really takes to bounce back — including his favourite Churchill quote: "If it's not fatal, it's not final." The conversation explores the power of pre-mortems over post-mortems, why feedback is simply "a vehicle to improve," and how psychological safety isn't about being soft — it's about creating environments where people can challenge each other and grow together. Justin also reflects on his transition from player to coach to CEO, building a professional rugby franchise in Houston from scratch, and why doing things that "make your heart sing" has been the thread running through every chapter of his career. Whether you lead a sports team or a business team, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on resilience, identity, and what it means to keep contributing when things go wrong.   Connect with Justin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-m-fitzpatrick-ba116316/ Website:  https://aedelhard.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this episode, Julian welcomes Anne Unsworth, founding director of Clear Path Success and certified trainer of NLP and hypnosis. Anne shares her fascinating journey into the world of NLP, which began during a challenging period in her life following the collapse of a family business. What started as a personal development need evolved into a passion, leading her through practitioner, master practitioner, and trainer certifications - including completing her initial training just days before the first COVID lockdown. Anne brings a unique perspective, combining her extensive FMCG corporate background with deep expertise in how we communicate, think, and create our version of reality. The conversation explores why communication remains one of the biggest challenges in organisations, despite being something we do constantly. Anne explains the NLP communication model, revealing that only 7% of our communication comes from the words we use, with the rest driven by body language and tone. She shares practical tools like the hierarchy of ideas, which helps people shift between detailed and strategic thinking, and discusses how understanding someone's "model of the world" can transform workplace relationships. Whether you're a leader wanting to connect more effectively with your team or simply curious about why emails so often get misread, this episode offers valuable insights into the art and science of communication.   Connect with Anne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-unsworth-3474992/ Website:  https://clearpathsuccess.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this episode, Julian sits down with Professor Antonina Pereira, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Chichester, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in higher education. Antonina shares her powerful "constant gardener" metaphor for leadership—the daily work of pruning, planting, and tending that never stops. She discusses the mounting complexities facing universities today, from frozen tuition fees that haven't kept pace with costs to the shift in student expectations since fees were introduced in 2012. Despite financial pressures that have seen fees remain largely static while operational costs have soared, Antonina emphasises that her non-negotiable remains putting people at the center of every decision, whether that's supporting staff development or ensuring students receive a transformative education rather than simply a transactional degree. Throughout the conversation, Antonina reveals what makes the University of Chichester special—its unapologetically small size that allows leaders to know students by name at graduation, and its commitment to helping every student thrive regardless of their entry grades. She discusses the importance of developing leadership capabilities in higher education, as many academics step into management roles without formal training. Looking ahead with hope despite sector challenges, Antonina shares her vision for 2027 and beyond, grounded in understanding what makes Chichester unique: a cathedral group university that develops programmes in collaboration with industry, provides exceptional levels of support, and ensures students exit with far more than a degree—they leave with a well-rounded education prepared for the challenges of the world. Her passion for enabling people to achieve their goals, whether students or staff, shines through as the driving force behind her leadership approach.   Connect with Antonina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-antonina-pereira-94468b95/ Website:  https://www.chi.ac.uk/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this engaging conversation, global PR expert and executive coach Marjie Hadad reveals why every leader needs to adopt a "PR mindset" – and it's not what you think. Moving beyond the stereotypes of spin and press releases, Marjie reframes PR as strategic communication that helps us achieve our goals and solve problems in every area of life. Through vivid real-world examples – from handling an unresponsive waitress to inspiring frustrated team members – she demonstrates how intentional communication, clear goal-setting, and empathetic delivery can transform outcomes in both professional and personal contexts. Marjie shares her practical framework for effective communication: reverse engineer from your desired outcome, understand your audience's mindset, and deliver your message with the right words, tone, and timing. She emphasises the power of listening over talking, the importance of body language, and her favourite Irish proverb: "Keep your eye on the donut, not on the hole." Whether you're leading a team, preparing for a presentation, or simply trying to get your dry cleaning done faster, Marjie's insights offer a refreshing approach to communication that prioritises win-win outcomes, authenticity, and strategic thinking.    Connect with Marjie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjiehadad/ Website:  https://marjiehadad.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In March 2020, a seemingly routine walk turned into a fight for survival when Laurence Penn, a West Sussex businessman became one of the UK's first COVID-19 patients. Rushed to Worthing Hospital, he was placed in an induced coma in Bed Number One—and didn't wake up for 29 days. When he finally regained consciousness, he faced a devastating reality: he'd lost 25 kilograms of muscle mass, couldn't walk unaided, had developed a drop foot and speech impediment, and was told recovery would take 18 months. But rather than accept this prognosis, he chose a different path—one built on discipline, breaking down impossible goals into small wins, and celebrating every milestone, no matter how minor. This episode explores an extraordinary journey of resilience and mental toughness, from learning to stand five times in a row to cycling 106 miles along the South Downs Way exactly one year after being put into a coma. Discover how daily discipline, controlling what you can control, and seeking perspective from others can transform adversity into strength. Whether you're facing business challenges, health struggles, or personal setbacks, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building resilience, maintaining focus, and finding purpose in the darkest moments. The conversation also touches on how this life-changing experience reshaped his approach to business, leading him to create a leaner, more intentional way of working that prioritises what truly matters.   Connect with Laurence: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencepenn/ Website:  https://www.bednumberone.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

We're living through one of only four times in human history when everything fundamentally changes. Just as the printing press didn't just make books faster, it sparked the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment. AI isn't just making our work more efficient. It's reshaping how we think, lead, and connect. In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, I sit down with Vincent Murphy, an AI strategist who helps leaders shift from linear thinking to exponential mindsets. Vincent explores why traditional leadership approaches fall short in the face of exponential change, and why the best leaders today are more like ship captains navigating uncharted waters than experts with all the answers. Discover why radical honesty, not certainty, is the new currency of leadership and how AI might just free us to do what humans do best: care for each other.   Connect with Vincent: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainstormvince/ Website:  https://www.vincentmurphy.co.uk/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this insightful episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Julian sits down with Mary Kemp, award-winning founder of AI Potential, to explore the human side of AI implementation in the workplace. Mary challenges the common narrative around AI job displacement, delivering the powerful insight that "people worry that AI is going to replace their jobs and it will not—people using AI will replace their jobs." She emphasises that AI should be viewed as a skill rather than a tool, requiring intentional development and organisational support. The conversation reveals that the real challenge isn't the technology itself, but managing the unprecedented uncertainty that comes with this transformation, making it fundamentally about people, not tech. Mary shares practical strategies for organisations looking to build an "AI culture," including her five stages of AI adoption (indifference, fear, cheating, confidence, and transformation) and explains why skeptics—whom she calls "meerkats"—can become an organisation's biggest AI champions when properly supported. Drawing from real-world examples ranging from council tutors to plumbing firms, she demonstrates how AI can solve repetitive tasks and unlock human potential when implemented thoughtfully. The discussion also addresses critical concerns around data security, the rise of "shadow AI" in organisations, and the World Economic Forum's prediction that 40% of current job skills will be replaced over the next five years—while simultaneously creating 78 million new jobs we can't yet imagine.   Connect with Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-kemp-ai/ Website:  https://aipotential.ai/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [email protected]   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########