In todays profound episode, Sarah is joined by Richard Barrett, renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Barrett Values Centre and the Barrett Academy. Together, they explore the deep connections between personal transformation, organisational culture, and soul-based leadership.

Richard shares his extraordinary journey from a civil engineering career at the World Bank to becoming a globally recognised pioneer in human values, leadership development, and cultural transformation. With wisdom gathered from decades of work with CEOs and governments worldwide, Richard explains why knowing yourself is the foundation of impactful leadership, how “beliefs divide and values unite,” and why the soul is the true driver of purpose, joy, and contribution.

This conversation covers everything from the seven stages of psychological development and the dangers of ego-led leadership to practical ways leaders can reduce cultural entropy and shift workplace culture, even on a budget.

You’ll hear about:

• Richard’s transformation from transportation engineer to transformation pioneer
• Why self-knowledge is the starting point for leadership
• How culture is a mirror of leadership consciousness
• The importance of soul expression and values-driven purpose
• Cultural entropy, trust matrices, and how to truly transform an organisation
• Why caring for your children might be the most powerful leadership act of all

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Richard’s work: https://www.barrettacademy.com
• Explore the Humanity Awareness Initiative: https://www.humanityawarenessinitiative.org
• Books by Richard Barrett: Amazon Author Page

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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What does it really take to perform at the highest level – and how do you keep pushing forward when no one else is watching?

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Sally Gunnell OBE. The only woman ever to hold the Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles simultaneously, Sally shares her journey from growing up on a farm to standing on the world’s biggest sporting stages – and the lessons that shaped her life beyond athletics.

Together, we explore:

• How resilience is built through adversity, not in spite of it
• Why high performance is 70% mental – and how to train your mind like an Olympian
• The power of visualisation, goal setting and healthy habits in leadership and life
• How to stay motivated, manage burnout and take care of your well-being without guilt
• The small 1% shifts that make the biggest difference over time
• Why building a great support team is essential (and why none of us succeed alone)
• Sally’s inspiring new work with Life’s Hurdles, supporting professional women in building strength, confidence and resilience

Sally’s honesty, warmth and practical wisdom offer a masterclass in leadership, personal growth and living with purpose.

Resources mentioned:

• Find out more about Life’s Hurdle: https://www.lifeshurdle.com/
• Sally’s books: Running Tall, Ten Hurdles of Life, Be Your Best, and more
• Connect with Sally: https://www.sallygunnell.com/

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/

☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

Why do we trust complete strangers? How can leaders build emotionally resilient teams without micromanaging? And what role does oxytocin really play in the workplace?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Zak - a leading behavioural neuroscientist, four-time tech founder, and author of Immersion: The Science of Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness.

Together, we explore the science of trust, emotional fitness, and the simple, powerful behaviours that help leaders create connected, high-performing cultures.

Paul shares eye-opening insights from two decades of research (and some very memorable stories), including:

• Why trust drives business outcomes - and how to measure it without drawing blood
• What high-trust cultures actually look like, and why hierarchy often stands in the way
• The surprising link between oxytocin, empathy, and everyday leadership behaviours
• How emotional fitness fuels performance, and how Paul’s free app SIX can help you track it
• Why being vulnerable at work isn’t just brave — it’s strategic

If you’re a leader navigating complexity, juggling competing demands, or looking for more meaning in your work, this episode offers a fresh, evidence-backed perspective on what really matters.

Resources and links mentioned:

• Download Paul’s free emotional fitness app: SIX
• Explore the science behind Immersion: getimmersion.com
• Visit Paul’s research lab: neuroeconomicstudies.org
• Paul’s upcoming book The Little Book of Happiness — out May 6

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/