Leadership BITES

In this episode of Leadership Bites, I interview Guido Palazzo, Professor of Business Ethics,  University of Lausanne, who explores the dark side of corporate behaviour and the systemic issues that lead to ethical failures. We discuss Guido's background, the concept of his brilliant book 'The Dark Pattern: The Hidden Dynamics of Corporate Scandals' in corporate scandals, and the importance of understanding the systems and cultures that allow unethical behaviour to thrive. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of corporate culture, the slippery slope of ethical compromise, and the need for organisations to create environments that promote ethical decision-making. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of awareness and proactive measures to prevent ethical failures in business.TakeawaysGuido focuses on the absence of ethics in business.Corporate scandals often involve good people making bad decisions.Systems, not just individuals, drive unethical behaviour.Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping organisational culture.Group dynamics can lead to conformity and ethical blindness.The slippery slope of compromise can lead to significant ethical failures.Survival instincts can overshadow ethical considerations in the workplace.Creating a 'bright pattern' can help organisations avoid ethical pitfalls.Awareness and proactive measures are essential for ethical business practices.The importance of having a court jester to provide honest feedback in organisations.Key Moments & Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ethics and Corporate Responsibility03:03 Guido's Background and Academic Journey05:37 Understanding Ethics in Business08:49 The Role of Systems in Ethical Failures11:45 Exploring Corporate Scandals and Dark Patterns14:35 The Impact of Leadership on Organizational Culture17:41 Group Dynamics and Ethical Decision Making20:30 The Combination of Dark Patterns in Corporations23:28 Survival and Ethical Compromise in Business26:12 Conclusion: The Human Element in Corporate Ethics26:42 The Dark Patterns of Corporate Culture29:39 The Slippery Slope of Compromise33:16 The Illusion of the Messiah in Leadership40:13 The Disconnect Between Leadership and Reality44:11 Finding the Bright Pattern in Dark TimesTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, host Guy Bloom engages with Peter Cappilla & Ranya Nehmeh, authors of 'In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work.' They discuss the evolving dynamics of work in the post-pandemic world, exploring the challenges and benefits of remote and hybrid work models. The conversation delves into the importance of social interactions, the generational divide in workplace culture, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these changes.The episode emphasises the need for organisations to adapt and find a balance between remote flexibility and the inherent value of in-person collaboration.TakeawaysThe pandemic forced a massive experiment in remote work.Social interactions are crucial for innovation and collaboration.There is a generational divide in workplace culture.Employees value flexibility but also miss in-person connections.Leadership must model the behaviors they want to see.The media often exaggerates the tension between employees and employers.Organizations need to create intentional connections in the office.Remote work can lead to social isolation and stress.Measuring productivity in remote work is complex and nuanced.The future of work requires a balance between remote and office environments.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership Bytes02:55 Meet the Guests: Peter and Ranya05:54 The Concept of Office Work08:54 The Impact of the Pandemic on Work Dynamics11:41 Challenges of Remote Work14:29 The Generational Divide in Workplace Culture17:48 The Tug of War: Employees vs Employers20:40 The Role of Leadership in Hybrid Work23:34 The Importance of Social Interactions26:39 Measuring Innovation and Collaboration29:41 The Future of Work: Balancing Remote and Office32:28 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

This with Jeanne Hardacre conversation explores Jeanne's book The Culture Trap the profound impact of emotions on behavior change, emphasizing that while knowledge and beliefs are important, it is ultimately our feelings that drive transformation. The discussion delves into how understanding behavior and the role of emotions can lead to more effective change strategies. TakeawaysWhat we think and know is important, but actually the change comes from what we feel.Emotion is the energy that leads to behavior change.Feelings are crucial for transformation.Understanding behavior is key to change.Knowledge alone isn't enough for change.Belief shapes our actions and reactions.Energy from emotions fuels our decisions.Transformation requires emotional engagement.Our emotion drives our actions.The interplay of emotion and knowledge is vital for effective change.00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Power Dynamics02:52 Jeanne's Journey: From Baby Manager to Independent Consultant06:12 Challenging Authority: The Cost of Speaking Truth to Power09:08 The Shift to Independence: Embracing Freedom in Consultancy11:59 Patterns of Power: Perpetuation vs. Interruption14:54 The Courage to Change: Self-Reflection and Accountability17:56 The Role of Culture in Leadership20:54 Learning from Experience: The Importance of Humility23:54 Martial Arts and Leadership: The Art of Letting Go33:49 The Humility of Martial Arts and Leadership37:45 The Culture Trap: Understanding Workplace Dynamics46:28 The HUMAN Approach: Transforming Organizational Culture55:54 Invitational Change: Empowering Teams to Evolve01:02:55 Emotional Connection: The Key to Behavioral ChangeTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode I sit down with author, entrepreneur and thought-leader Margaret Heffernan to explore two of her seminal ideas: the hidden dangers of conforming to systems that blind us to obvious truths (from her book Willful Blindness) and the vital importance of embracing uncertainty, especially through the lens of writers, artists and creatives (from her latest work Embracing Uncertainty). We talk about how organisations and individuals get stuck in the comfort of predictability, why innovation is not merely incremental improvement, what creative people can teach business leaders about sensing the future and navigating chaos, and the critical role of agency, curiosity and courage even when outcomes are uncertain. It’s a conversation designed for senior leaders, coaches, team-effectiveness practitioners and anyone who wants to see beyond the status quo.  00:00 Introduction & technical note 02:15 Who is Margaret Heffernan: career, context and influences 08:45 Exploring Willful Blindness: what it means, in business and culture 17:20 Why systems and institutions encourage willful blindness 23:30 The trigger for the next book: from Uncharted to Embracing Uncertainty 29:08 Join to second recording – framing the shift to artists, music, creativity 31:00 What does “embracing uncertainty” really mean in today’s world 38:40 COVID, anticipation and why the future unsettled so many organisations 45:50 Creatives, artists and the ability to sense the future ahead of others 52:12 Divergent thinking vs incremental improvement: defining “innovation” 56:22 Leadership and agency when certainty is not possible 01:03:15 How context, character and culture interact in enabling creative agency 01:10:00 Practical take-aways for senior leaders and coaches 01:15:30 Closing thoughts: system change, individual mindsets, human skills To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Mita Mallick shares her journey from being a bullied child to becoming a champion for inclusion in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving success and discusses how creating inclusive cultures starts at home. Mita highlights the need for respectful conversations in the workplace and the role of leaders in fostering psychological safety. She also introduces her new book, 'The Devil Emails at Midnight,' which explores the archetypes of bad bosses and encourages self-reflection among leaders.TakeawaysMita is on a mission to fix what's broken in workplaces.Consistency and discipline are key to success.Everyone has experienced a time when they didn't belong.Creating inclusive cultures starts at home.We need to disagree with kindness and respect.Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations.Leaders must take ownership of their impact on others.Understanding intent versus impact is vital in communication.Self-reflection is necessary for effective leadership.Mita's new book explores bad boss archetypes and encourages growth.Sound bites"I'm on a mission to fix what's broken.""Consistency is my underrated superpower.""We all have one toxic habit."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:58 The Importance of Consistency and Discipline05:53 Mita's Origin Story and Journey09:03 Creating Inclusive Cultures Starts at Home11:52 The Hijacking of Inclusion Conversations14:38 The Need for Kind and Respectful Conversations17:40 Psychological Safety in Conversations20:20 The Role of Leaders in Inclusion23:19 Understanding Intent vs. Impact26:24 Mita's New Book: The Devil Emails at Midnight29:27 Exploring Bad Boss Archetypes32:26 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership35:30 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

Guy Bloom interviews Kate Atkin, a speaker, facilitator, author, and author of The Imposter Phenomenon. They explore Kate's journey from a farming background to becoming an expert in the field, discussing the differences between the imposter phenomenon and imposter syndrome, the role of external validation, and the impact of societal expectations. Kate shares insights from her research on coping strategies and emphasizes the importance of psychological courage in overcoming imposter feelings. The conversation concludes with practical advice for leaders on how to support their teams in recognizing their worth and capabilities.TakeawaysThe imposter phenomenon is not limited to women.It's important to differentiate between a phenomenon and a syndrome.External validation can be both helpful and harmful.Coping strategies can sometimes be maladaptive.Normalizing failure can help reduce imposter feelings.Psychological courage is necessary to accept one's abilities.The environment can influence feelings of belonging.Parenting styles can impact self-perception and imposter feelings.Self-handicapping behaviors can serve as excuses for underperformance.Leaders should provide evidence of why their team members are amazing, not just accolades. 👉 Kate’s book The Imposter Phenomenon is available on Amazon 👉 Find Kate at https://kateatkin.com 👉 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateatkin/🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leading thinkers on leadership, confidence, and personal growth. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Imposter Phenomenon04:45 Kate's Origin Story and Journey09:53 Understanding the Imposter Phenomenon vs. Syndrome19:42 The Role of Internal and External Validation24:36 The Impact of Environment on Imposter Feelings29:25 Dunning-Kruger Effect vs. Imposter Feelings32:01 The Psychological Roots of Imposter Feelings44:04 Coping Strategies and Moving Forward50:19 The Role of Courage in Overcoming Imposter Feelings56:26 Final Thoughts on Leadership and ValidationTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Erin Lee, the CEO of Flow Neuroscience, a company that has developed a wearable headset designed to treat depression through mild electrical stimulation of the brain. Erin shares her journey into the healthcare sector, the science behind the headset, and the promising results from clinical trials. The conversation explores the integration of Flow's technology with traditional treatments, the challenges faced in the medical community, and the potential future applications of this innovative approach to mental health. Erin emphasizes the importance of accessibility and affordability in mental health treatments, and the episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to explore Flow Neuroscience's offerings.TakeawaysErin Lee runs a neuroscience company that treats depression with electricity.The Flow headset is a wearable device that stimulates the brain.Clinical trials have shown a 75% drop in suicidal ideation.Erin's background includes experience in healthcare and tech companies.The headset works for 50-70% of users in treating depression.Flow can be used alongside traditional antidepressants.The technology aims to be accessible and affordable for all.Primary care clinicians are increasingly open to using Flow.The future of mental health treatment may include more personalized approaches.Flow is exploring applications for conditions like autism and ADHD.Sound Bites"We saw a 75% drop in suicidal ideation.""We can fit into a treatment for you that works.""We’re not anti-drug, we’re anti-depression."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Flow Neuroscience02:55 The Science Behind the Headset06:05 Erin's Journey to Flow Neuroscience08:48 The Founders and Their Vision12:03 Understanding the Technology14:49 Integration with Traditional Treatments17:46 The Future of Mental Health Treatment20:45 Educating Healthcare Professionals24:09 Strategic Targeting and Clinician Response26:53 Challenges in Primary Care vs Psychiatry29:50 The Role of Data in Treatment Effectiveness31:45 Exploring Applications in Autism and Neurodivergence34:01 The Future of Technology in Mental Health35:57 Understanding the Use of Flow for Well Individuals38:46 Integrating EEG for Personalized Treatment42:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Rod Cartwright, a crisis management expert, who shares insights on the importance of crisis preparedness, the role of human systems, and the impact of social media on crises. Rod discusses his background in public relations, the significance of leadership in crisis situations, and the need for organizations to focus on character and culture. He also highlights the importance of crisis simulations and training, and the findings from his recent Reputation Risk and Resilience Report.TakeawaysCrisis management involves preparing for major moments that threaten reputation.Organizations often seek help too late, when crises occur.Crisis preparedness should be embedded in organizational culture.Human systems are crucial for effective crisis management.Crisis simulations help organizations prepare for real-life scenarios.Character and culture are as important as operational capability.Social media can amplify crises beyond control.Crisis training should create a safe space for learning.Organizations must focus on relationships, not just reputation.Crisis management requires a long-term perspective. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Crisis Management02:54 Rod's Background and Experience06:11 Understanding Crisis Preparedness08:44 The Importance of Human Systems in Crisis11:47 Case Study: Coldplay CEO Crisis14:45 Character vs. Capability in Crisis Management17:44 Crisis Simulations and Training20:41 The Role of Leadership in Crisis23:48 The Future of Crisis Management26:42 The Impact of Social Media on Crises29:26 The 2025 Reputation Risk and Resilience Report32:25 Long-term vs. Short-term Thinking in Organizations35:14 Conclusion and Future DirectionsTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Radhika Dutt discusses her journey as a product leader and speaker consultant, focusing on the importance of transformative products and the pitfalls of traditional goal-setting methods. She introduces her new book, 'Escaping the Performance Trap,' which critiques the use of goals and targets in organizations and proposes a new framework called OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings) to foster innovation and adaptability. Radhika emphasizes the need for meaningful vision statements, the role of leadership in product development, and the importance of psychological safety in fostering a culture of experimentation and learning.TakeawaysGoals and targets can backfire, leading to performative behavior.Organizations need to prioritize experimentation and reflection.Vision statements should be clear and meaningful, not vague.A strong vision can guide organizational alignment and decision-making.Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering innovation.Puzzle setting and solving can replace traditional goal-setting methods.OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings) provide a new framework for teams.Understanding wicked problems is essential for effective problem-solving.Psychological safety is key to encouraging open dialogue and innovation.To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Francesca Donnellan the CEO of 29 London and Global Talent Network Group shares her entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of running her PR and marketing businesses. She emphasizes the importance of discipline, time management, and the need for authenticity in branding. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of PR, the impact of AI, and the significance of building strong client relationships. Francesca highlights the long-term value of PR in marketing strategies and the necessity of understanding brand narratives to effectively connect with audiences.TakeawaysFrancesca runs two successful businesses in PR and marketing.Entrepreneurship requires grit, determination, and discipline.Time management is crucial for success in business.Procrastination can hinder productivity and progress.Building relationships is key to successful PR and marketing.Authenticity is essential in branding and marketing.AI is changing the landscape of PR and marketing.Client relationships should be nurtured for long-term success.PR is a long-term strategy that builds brand awareness.Understanding brand narratives is vital for effective marketing.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:18The Journey of Entrepreneurship06:16Time Management and Discipline09:22The Reality of Entrepreneurship12:18Building a Business and Self-Motivation15:15The Role of PR in Marketing18:20Navigating Industry Changes and Authenticity25:44The Rise of Influencers and Authenticity30:44Building Relationships in Business36:34Understanding Brand Narratives42:52The Impact of AI on Branding and PR49:16The Long Game of PR and MarketingTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingbrave.com