The Connected Leadership Podcast
The Connected Leadership Podcast is hosted by Andy Lopata, a speaker and author who focuses on professional relationships. Each episode features conversations with experts and high achievers from around the world. The show explores how strong connections can drive leadership, career growth, and personal success. Listeners get practical insights into networking, relationship-building, and the value of a connected approach to work and life.
Episodes
The Art of Caring Deeply with Emmy-Nominated Director Annetta Marion
What does it take to direct cultural icons like Oprah Winfrey and produce ground-breaking films like Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie?In this inspiring archive episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with primetime Emmy-nominated director and producer Annetta Marion. Annetta shares her radical career leap—walking away from a secure corporate engineering career and a company-s
The Surprising Science of "Decision Intelligence" With Simon Hill
Is your organisation actually innovating, or are you just participating in "innovation theater"? In this deeply analytical episode, Andy Lopata sits down with Simon Hill, CEO of Wazoku, to explore how leaders can close the gap between looking innovative and actually delivering measurable, future-proof value.Simon challenges the common wisdom of separating innovation from the core of the
The Human Truth About Sales Relationships With John Maguire
Most salespeople shudder at the mention of CRM software. Why? Because too many platforms are implemented as administrative surveillance rather than tools that empower human connection.In this practical archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with John Maguire, Regional VP of Sales at SugarCRM. John demystifies the real purpose of Customer Relationship Management, compa
Creativity, Chemistry & Collaboration with an Emmy-Winning Comedy Writer Beth Sherman
Ever wondered what it takes to write comedy for Hollywood’s biggest stars five nights a week?In this lively archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with seven-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and stand-up comedian Beth Sherman (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Oscars).Beth pulls back the curtain on late-night televisi
Why "Winging It" Is Killing Your Leadership with Neil Mullarkey
Think great leaders have every conversation and presentation scripted to perfection? Think again.
In this dynamic archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata welcomes back comedy legend and author Neil Mullarkey (In The Moment). Neil dismantles the dangerous myth of "winging it"—revealing that panicking in the wings because you haven't prepared is the exact opposite of true improvis
Courage Over Confidence with Charlie Whyman
How do you successfully transition into leading a highly regulated, technical industry like aviation with zero sector experience? In this wide-ranging and deeply personal episode, host Andy Lopata is joined by Charlie Whyman, Managing Director of aviation consultancy TGIS Aviation, to explore the reality of non-traditional leadership.
Charlie shares how she used pure curiosity and relationship-bui
The Influence Gap: How to Get On with Anyone with Catherine Stothart
Why do our best intentions so often backfire in communication? You enter a meeting with a positive goal, yet leave colleagues feeling micromanaged, disempowered, or completely misunderstood.
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata has a conversation with leadership coach and author Catherine Stothart (How to Get On with Anyone). Catherine breaks down why personality models shouldn't be used
Beyond Rank: Why Connection Beats Hierarchy with Neil Jurd OBE
Think military leadership is all about barking orders and rigid command structures? Think again.
In this archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with former British Army officer and Sandhurst instructor Neil Jurd OBE. Neil dismantles the myth of the authoritarian leader, explaining why positional power is actually the most fragile form of influence you can have.
Drawin
Networking Mastery with Gil Petersil
We all know networking is important, but how often do you use "I don't have time" as an excuse for failing to build your professional relationships?
In this archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with global entrepreneur and networking expert Gil Petersil. Gil challenges the traditional, polite rules of networking, offering a blunt and radical approach to managing you
Reverse Engineering Education with Zafra Lerman
How do you teach the structure of an atom to inner-city kids who have been told science is harmful? And how do you smuggle scientific journals to dissidents in the Soviet Union without getting caught?
In this extraordinary episode from the archive, Andy Lopata has a conversation with the legendary Dr. Zafra Lerman—chemist, human rights activist, and five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Zafra shar
Mastering AI, Human Connection, and the New World of Work with JR Lowry
The traditional corporate ladder—with its promise of a "job for life" and a gold watch at retirement—is fundamentally broken. Andy Lopata is joined by JR Lowry, founder of PathWise, to discuss how professionals can successfully navigate a career landscape defined by restructuring, layoffs, and rapid change.
Drawing from his own multi-faceted career journey (now on "Version 4.0"), JR shares practic
How to Survive a Merger Without Losing Your Team with Jennifer Fondrevay
Mergers and acquisitions look great on a spreadsheet, but they are often disastrous for the people involved. The moment a deal is announced, the corporate culture you’ve built can vanish, replaced by tribalism, fear, and a fierce battle over "turf."
In this insightful episode from the archive, Andy Lopata sits down with Jennifer Fondrevay, known as the "M&A Whisperer." Having navigated three m
Flexibility vs. Adaptability: Why Going "Back to Normal" is a Trap with Tom Sligting
Over the last few years, we've all patted ourselves on the back for being incredibly "flexible" during times of change. During the pandemic we worked from home, mastered Zoom, and kept the lights on. But are we actually adaptable?
In this archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with global speaker and comedian Tom Sligting to explore the critical difference betwe
Why Top-Down Culture Always Fails with Steve Head
How do you unite a team of elite athletes who all have full-time day jobs, zero financial incentive, and have just endured a pandemic-delayed tournament cycle? And more importantly, how do you do it in a way that actually wins a World Cup?
In this inspiring archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with inspirational speaker and performance coach Steve Head. Steve was th
The Fourth Bottom Line with Paul Hargreaves
What happens when you strip away the assumption that success is measured solely by profit?
In this deeply authentic conversation, Andy Lopata is joined by Paul Hargreaves to explore how commercial businesses can thrive by putting people and the planet at the centre of their operations.
Paul opens up about his non-traditional path to business—from spending over a decade doing inner-city charity w
The Toxic Positivity Trap with Paul McGee
Does your pursuit of happiness actually make you miserable? In a world obsessed with Instagram-perfect lives and self-help gurus promising a "magic bullet," it's easy to feel like you are failing if you aren't constantly happy.
In this refreshing and deeply honest archive episode, Andy Lopata speaks with Paul McGee (aka "The SUMO Guy"), author of The Happiness Revolution. Bringing his trademark "M
The Mentor, The Coach, and The Sponsor with Vanessa Vallely OBE & Kerrie Dorman
Are you trying to advance your career, but unsure who to ask for help? Have you ever wondered if you need a mentor, a coach, or a sponsor—and what the difference actually is?
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata sits down with two giants of the mentoring world: Vanessa Vallely OBE (founder of WeAreTheCity) and Kerrie Dorman (founder of the Association of Business Mentors). Together, they
A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out with Nigel Kershaw OBE
When The Big Issue launched in 1991, it didn't just introduce a new publication; it fundamentally changed the face of homelessness. By offering a "hand up, not a hand out," it turned vulnerable individuals into micro-entrepreneurs and challenged the traditional charity model.
In this inspiring episode from the archive, Andy Lopata speaks with Nigel Kershaw, Chairman of The Big Issue Group, about t
How to Lead When the Rules Keep Changing with Nikki Bush
When the pandemic hit, the instruction was simple: "Go home." But returning to a hybrid model? That's a complex, messy experiment full of grey areas.
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata chats to human potential expert Nikki Bush, dialing in from Johannesburg. They explore why the return to hybrid work is causing so much stress for both leaders and teams, and why standardising rules acros
Mastering Your Emotional Responses with Vicky O'Farrell
Have you ever let a bad commute ruin a crucial meeting? Or sent a hasty, frustrated reply to a message you misunderstood? In this highly relatable episode, Andy Lopata sits down with Vicky O'Farrell, known as the "Queen of Behaviours," to unpack how the minor inconveniences of our day can hijack our brains, alter our moods, and ultimately sabotage our professional relationships.
Andy and Vicky div
The Secret to Leading Under Pressure with Martin Laschkolnig
Inflation, recession, global conflict, and post-pandemic exhaustion. Leaders today are operating under unprecedented levels of pressure, and many are finding that their own—and their team's—"fuses are getting shorter and shorter."
In this archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with international speaker and serenity expert Martin Laschkolnig to discuss how leaders ca
Connecting With Authenticity with Roxanne Derhodge
Connecting With Authenticity With Roxanne Derhodge
We hear the word "authenticity" constantly in leadership circles, but what does it actually mean beyond just "removing the mask"? In this thought-provoking episode from the archive, Andy Lopata explores a radically different definition of authenticity with psychotherapist and author Roxanne Derhodge.
Roxanne reveals that true authenticity doesn’t
Are You Running on Empty? Navigating the Burnout Trap Dr. Amy Bradley and Dr. Katherine Semler
Does your daily schedule look like a solid wall of back-to-back video calls? Do you find yourself constantly saying, "I just have to get through this week"? If so, you might be driving straight toward burnout.
In this vital archive episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with leadership experts Dr. Amy Bradley and Dr. Katherine Semler to explore the hidden mechanics of exh
The Power of In-Person Connection with Gary Gamp
In a business world dominated by back-to-back screen time, have we forgotten the profound impact of physical presence? In this thought-provoking episode, Andy Lopata talks to seasoned change leader and executive coach Gary Gamp to explore why getting out from behind the screen—and out of the formal boardroom—can dramatically alter the trajectory of your professional relationships.
Andy and Gary de
From Full-Time to Fulfilled: The Secret to Jumping Ship with Matt Crabtree
Are you tired of the corporate grind but terrified to leave the "security" of a full-time salary? You aren’t alone. In this high-impact archive episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata sits down with Matt Crabtree—the man who meets CEOs and shows them how to successfully jump ship.
Matt shares the raw, honest truth about his transition from a senior role at Barclays to building a multi-
Happiness Makes Money: The Real Secret to Employee Engagement with Scott Friedman & Paul ter Wal
Is your leadership style costing you a fortune? In this high-energy episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits a global conversation with employee engagement specialists Scott Friedman and Paul ter Wal. They challenge the outdated "command and control" hierarchy, replacing it with a radical yet profitable philosophy: Happiness makes money.
Engagement isn't just a corporate program or a ping-po
Are You Working With "Idiots"... Or Are YOU The Problem? with Zena Everett
We all have that one co-worker. The one who microwaves smoked mackerel in the breakroom, doesn’t pull their weight on group projects, or simply drives you up the wall. It’s easy to look around the office (or the Zoom screen) and think, "I am surrounded by idiots."
But before you vent to your work bestie... what if they aren't the problem? What if the real issue is the environment? Or worse... what
Character Over Ability: Lessons from the Red Arrows with Dan Lowes
What does it take to lead a team where the margin for error is measured in centimeters and the consequences of a mistake are devastating?
In this high-flying episode from the archive, Andy Lopata sits down with Dan Lowes, a former RAF fighter pilot and Executive Officer of the world-renowned Red Arrows. Dan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and maintain an elite, high-perform
Why Perfectionism is a Leadership Problem with James Cleverly
Is admitting a mistake a sign of weakness or a leadership superpower? In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata reaches into the archive to share a fascinating conversation with James Cleverly MP.
Cleverly explores the "artificiality" of politics—a world where a simple "I’ll check those figures and get back to you" can be framed as a lack of credibility, and any change of course i
The Secret to High-Performing Teams: Psychological Safety with Rebecca Morgan
What is the single most important factor that separates the highest-performing teams from the rest? When Google launched "Project Aristotle" to answer this exact question, they assumed the answer would be a mix of education, experience, and demographics. They were wrong.
The number one element of a successful team, according to Google's massive study, is psychological safety.
In this episode from
The Power of Simple Messaging with Ben Brabyn
Welcome back to The Connected Leadership Bytes. In today’s archive episode, Andy is joined by Ben Brabyn, a former Captain in the Royal Marines, former CEO of the renowned London tech company Level39, and a pioneer who helped build one of the world's first crowdfunding platforms.
Drawing from his unique career journey—spanning military service, investment banking at JP Morgan, and tech entrepreneu
The Cost of Executive Lonliness with Ray McGrath
The higher you climb, the lonelier it gets. It’s a well-worn cliché, but what is the raw, human reality behind it? What happens when the pressure to be a "dealer in optimism" becomes an unbearable weight?
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with former senior executive and leadership coach, Ray McGrath. Ray shares the deeply personal and powerful stories behind
What Lost Tapes from the 1970s Reveal About Today's Youth with Alexis Redding
Are today's young adults really that different from previous generations? In this fascinating episode, Andy Lopata sits down with Alexis Redding, who shares the incredible story of a Harvard study where she unearthed a lost trove of college student interviews from the 1970s and tracked down the participants 50 years later to play back their tapes.
Through this unique "time capsule" research—and b
The Leader's Job is the Easy Part with Anna Wardley
What does it take to swim across the world’s most dangerous stretches of water with no wetsuit? For record-breaking endurance swimmer Anna
Wardley, the answer isn’t just physical grit—it’s the power of her invisible
team.
In this week's episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits
his episode with Anna Wardley, who went from being a novice swimmer in her 30s to conquering the Englis
Welcome to The Nowhere Office with Julia Hobsbawm OBE
The battle over the office is raging. Leaders like Elon Musk and Alan Sugar are demanding a full return, calling remote workers lazy. But are they fighting a losing battle against the biggest shift in work in 100 years?
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with author and thinker Julia Hobsbawm OBE about her game-changing concept: "The Nowhere Office." This isn't
A Masterclass in Humour with the "Headliners" Jeremy Nicholas & Tim Gard
What happens when a joke bombs in the boardroom? In this episode from the archives on humour, Andy Lopata brings in the headliners: two of the world's funniest keynote speakers, Jeremy Nicholas from the UK and Tim Gard from the US.
This isn't just about telling jokes; it's a masterclass in the strategic use of humour to enhance leadership. Discover why the most successful leaders aren't afraid to
Engineering Luck & Leading with Curiosity with Marianne Abib-Pech
In this captivating episode, Andy Lopata sits down with the remarkable Marianne Abib-Pech. A dynamic leader, Marianne transitioned from a highly successful corporate finance career—culminating as CFO of Shell Aviation at just 34—to launching an M&A advisory practice for frontier markets in 2014. In 2022, she co-founded Transitions First, an international industrial venture fund dedicated to sc
The Network Playbook for Your Next Career Move with Luca Signoretti
Are you feeling stuck? Have the last few years left you with itchy feet, questioning your career path and wondering what's next? You are not alone. Many professionals are currently re-evaluating their futures, but making a major career pivot is terrifying and fraught with risk.
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by his regular guest Luca Signoretti to provide a practical playb
What's Your Bad Boss's Currency? with Andrew Bryant
As a leader, your instinct is to be nice. You avoid tough conversations to keep the peace and offer vague praise to maintain morale. But what if this well-intentioned kindness is the single most damaging thing you can do for your team?
In this thought provoking episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by self-leadership expert and author of The New Leadership Playbook, Andrew Bryant. Andrew
Erasing the Line Between Personal & Professional Self with Bernard Savage
Is the strict, invisible line between your ‘work self’ and your ‘real self’ the biggest thing holding your career back? In a world obsessed with maintaining a polished, professional veneer, being truly authentic can feel like a massive risk. But what if it’s your greatest asset?
In this fascinating episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by Bernard Savage, a business development expert who
The Art of Ethical Persuasion with Paul du Toit
How do you change someone's mind without being manipulative? In a
world where influence is a key leadership currency, the line between ethical persuasion and unethical manipulation can seem blurry.
To navigate this complex territory, Andy Lopata is joined by an expert in the art of communication, Paul du Toit. Paul is a 27-year speaking veteran, Africa’s first Certified speaking professional this
The Crisis Leader Trap with Heather Wright
Is there a time and a place for command and control leadership Absolutely. But what happens when the leaders we promote for their
crisis-management skills start treating every single day like an emergency?
In this fascinating episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by neuropsychologist and leadership expert Heather Wright to dissect the
critical difference between a "crisis leader" and a "
You Don't Have to Be Funny, You Have to Be Likable with Athena Kugblenu
What happens when a leader faces a heckler? In the high-stakes world of stand-up comedy, your reputation is made or broken in the seconds it takes to respond. The same is true in the boardroom.
In this special Christmas week episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with rising comedy star Athena Kugblenu (Mock the Week, The News Quiz) to uncover the surprising leadership lesson
Is Command & Control Finally Dead? with Myles Downey
The age of the top-down, "do as I say" leader is obsolete. We all know it, yet many organisations are still clinging to the old command and control model. Why? Because most leaders are terrified of what comes next. The fear of relinquishing control is real, and a vague "coaching culture" isn't a strong enough replacement.
In this powerful episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by globally
The Art of Being Ridiculously Easy to Do Business featuring David Avrin
You believe your biggest competitive advantage is the quality of your work. You’re wrong. In today’s fast-paced world, your customers have
quietly started to care about something else far more.
In this sharp and eye-opening episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with customer experience expert David Avrin, who drops a bombshell: for the first time in history, convenience h
Why 'Man Up' is Bad for Business with Stephen Whitton and Moe Carrick
What does masculinity mean in today's workplace?
This episode moves beyond outdated stereotypes to explore the powerful dynamic of masculine and feminine energies—and why a healthy balance is crucial for modern leadership.
Andy Lopata is joined by Stephen Whitton, a leader from the UK
automotive industry, and DEI practitioner Moe Carrick. Together, they redefine masculine energy as the drive for
How to Become the Go-To Person in Your Industry with Jane Bayler
Are you the best-kept secret in your organisation? You work hard, you deliver results, but when it comes to promotions and opportunities, you're
consistently overlooked. The hard truth is: in today's crowded world, just
doing a good job is no longer enough to get ahead.
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits a powerful
conversation with brand identity expert Jane Bayler, a veteran
Mastering Crisis Management with Alan Stevens
What happens when a leader's reputation crumbles in the public eye? Can trust ever be rebuilt?
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata returns to the archive to for a timely and critical conversation with reputation expert and media coach, Alan Stevens.
Using the political firestorm of "Partygate" when Boris Johnson was Prime Minister as a case study, they dissect the catastrop
The Hard Work of Inclusion with Andy Woodfield & Dr. Heather Melville OBE
Welcome to Connected Leadership Bytes. This week Andy Lopata looks back into the archive for a conversation from October 2020. This episode features Andy Woodfield and Dr. Heather Melville OBE and explores the practical, unfiltered realities of building truly diverse and inclusive teams.
Andy Woodfield shares the story behind his mission to build one of PwC's most diverse leadership teams in just
The Subtle Art of Upgrading Your Relationships with Jake Thompson
Are the people you spend time with making you better or holding you back? This episode examines Jim Rohn's famous idea that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
Jake Thompson, a leadership performance coach and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, joins the show to unpack this powerful concept. He has spent over a decade working with leaders
at orga
The Alpha Male's Paradox with Luke Ambler and Dion Jensen
What happens when two traditional "alpha males"—a former rugby league champion and an ex-infantryman—sit down for a raw, unfiltered
conversation about modern masculinity? Prepare to be challenged.
In this powerful episode from the archives, host Andy Lopata brings together Luke Ambler, founder of the transformative men’s support network Andy’s Man Club, and Dion Jensen, a New Zealand special force
Moving Beyond "Bananas in the Canteen" with Geoff McDonald and Perry Burton
Are your strongest, most energetic leaders secretly drowning? In this powerful episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy goes into the
archives for a conversation that is more relevant today than ever before. He revisits the very first episode of the podcast, featuring two senior corporate leaders who appeared to have it all—until they didn't.
This isn't just another talk on mental health; it's
Leadership Lessons from the Frontlines of Conflict with Danny Gal
In a world fractured by tribalism and conflict, can the lessons learned from the frontlines of the Israeli-Palestinian divide transform how we lead? This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a raw, powerful, and profoundly human exploration of connection in the face of unimaginable division.
Andy Lopata is joined by Danny Gal; Danny Gal is the author of The Belonging Paradox: How to Solve the G
Mentoring the CEO with Patrice Gordon
Ready to flip the entire leadership hierarchy on its head?
In this powerful episode, Andy sits down with Patrice Gordon, the
trailblazer who became Virgin Atlantic's first-ever reverse mentor, ultimately mentoring the CEO and starting an organisational movement.
If you think leadership wisdom only flows from the top down, this conversation will make you think again. Patrice unpacks the tactical p
3 From 300
In this landmark celebration of the 300th episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata reflects on his original aim to explore the power of professional relationships and executive success. 300
extraordinary conversations; unforgettable stories of resilience, achievements and humanity, all linked to relationships. It has been humbling, inspiring and often moving.
How to celebrate 300 c
The Olympian's Playbook for Leading High-Performing Teams with Goldie Sayers
In this edition of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata returns to the archives for a classic conversation with Goldie Sayers, Olympic bronze medalist and former Team GB Captain. Goldie draws powerful parallels between the high-stakes world of elite sport and the challenges of corporate leadership.
She explains the necessity of creating a support team where every expert understands their role i
The 15-Minute Social Leader with Phil Jones and Sam Rathling
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 LinkedI
Why Your Mindset is Your Greatest Networking Asset with Alisa Cohn
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 empha
Neurodiversity, Core Drivers, and the Recipe for True Teamwork with Michelle Mills-Porter
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 huma
How to Stand Out and Lead Authentically With Lesley Everett
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,
The Art of Thought Leadership With Daniel Priestley and Mindy Gibbins-Klein
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 respe
How to 'Go Rhino' and Achieve Massive Ambitions with David Hyner
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 'Massiv
There's Nothing Magical About Monday with Melina Palmer
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 consultan
Connecting with the Next Generation of Talent With Rebecca Robins
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
Go to War With the Army You've Got With Dr. Brian EA “Beam” Maue
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
The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian
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
The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu
In a world where disrespect and division are increasingly normalised,
how can leaders navigate difficult conversations and transform conflict into connection? This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast tackles this critical challenge head-on as Andy Lopata welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu.
A dynamic speaker and author, Justin guides individuals and organisations to their peak potential through me
The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett
Are you constantly drowning in a sea of emails, back-to-back meetings, and an endless to-do list? Do you end the day feeling exhausted but
not truly productive? You're not just busy; you're caught in the "crazy
busy" trap—and it's costing you the relationships that fuel long-term
success.
In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by leadership coach and author of The Crazy Busy Cure,
How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg
Your career success depends on more than just your skills—it's built on the strength of your relationships.
In this classic episode from the archives, Andy Lopata and MIT instructor Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, break down the art of
strategic networking inside your organisation.
Discover why your internal connections are your greatest asset for unlocking hidden opportunities, ga
The Power of Storytelling, Humour and Human Connection with Dr Bob Lefkowitz
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata goes back to the archive to his interview with Nobel Laureate Dr Bob Lefkowitz where they discussed the power of storytelling and humour in science,
mentorship, and leadership.
Drawing from his memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, Bob shares captivating anecdotes, including the unforgettable moment his daughter got enga
How Storytelling Shapes Culture and Connection with Lee Cockrell
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his episode with Lee Cockrell, former Executive Vice President of Operations at Disney World. Andy and Lee discuss the power of storytelling in leadership.
Drawing from his extensive experience at Disney, Lee highlights how
storytelling is deeply embedded in Disney’s culture, shaping everything from guest experiences to employee
Connecting Through Pitching with Jenna Dominique
In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes guest Jenna Dominique, a pitch and communication expert, working with over 2,000 teams and individuals to become influential, high impact communicators. After starting her career as a broadcast journalist, Jenna’s dynamic background has led her to work with ambitious entrepreneurs to boards of directors, startups to global
c
Gender Equity, Authenticity and Systemic Change in Leadership with Jennifer McCollum
In this episode, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst and author of In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO.
Their conversation explores the unique challenges women face in advancing their careers, emphasising the critical role of sponsorship over mentorship. Jennifer shares personal and professional insights on how external biases often become internalise
Building Human-Centric Teams in a Virtual Age with Nikki Bush
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, we go back to the archive to revisit a conversation with human potential expert Nikki Bush who joined Andy Lopata to explore the challenges and opportunities of leading in a hybrid world.
Nikki highlights how leaders often fall into the trap of over-scheduling meetings, leading to burnout and reduced productivity. She emphasises the importance of high
How Communication, Trust, and Fun Shape Leadership Culture with Neil Wilkie
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata looks back at his podcast episode with Neil Wilkie, a former successful businessman turned psychotherapist and relationship coach.
Neil shares his journey from chasing financial success to prioritising purpose after realising material achievements left him unfulfilled. He introduces his Relationship Paradigm, a framework identifying six e
"Turning Resistance into Buy-In - Managing Key Relationships Across A Project" with Rory Murray
In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Rory Murray, Rory has more than 25 years’ experience across Europe, Middle East, Africa, plus the US, Canada and India. He has worked with some of the world's largest companies, delivering change and transformation projects in multiple sectors including Government, Telecoms, Power, Internet, Oil and Gas. Andy and Rory explo
Building Resilient Leaders for Today's Challenges with Jodie Rogers
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata talks to Jodie Rogers, founder of Symbia and author of The Hidden Edge. With two decades of expertise in human behaviour, Jodie shares how leaders can navigate uncertainty and build emotionally intelligent, agile teams. She emphasises the value of emotional and social intelligence, strong professional relationships and mental fitness in dr
Embracing AI, Hybrid Work, and Skills Development With Peter Brown
Welcome to another exciting episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, where we are exploring the future of work, the role of leadership in navigating these changes, and how to seize futureopportunities instead of fearing them. Our guest this week is PwC's Global Workforce Leader, Peter Brown. Pete leads a team of over 10,000 professionals supporting businesses with their workforce challenges. He has
Build a Business That is Smarter Than You with Jennifer Sundberg
In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interviews with Jennifer Sundberg, Co-CEO of Board Intelligence and author of Collective Intelligence: Build a Business That's Smarter Than You. Jennifer advocates for leveraging the collective brainpower of teams rather than relying solely on superstar leaders. She sites examples from Apple and Amazon, where groundbreaking id
Into the Blue: Building Meaningful Workplaces With Ikigai featuring Sri Chellappa
In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Sri Chellappa, President and Co-Founder of Engagedly, a performance management software company, and also a passionate entrepreneur, filmmaker, musician, and people leader. He is the host of"The People Strategy Leaders" podcast, discussing the concept of ikigai and its application in creating meaningful workplaces. Ikigai, a
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