Former detective, international speaker and corporate investigator Simon Scales joins Sarah to explore truth, perception and the surprising psychology of fraud.

With stories that range from catching killers to corporate wrongdoing, Simon shares the mindset and methodology behind effective investigations - and why soft skills matter just as much as hard evidence.

They unpack the nuances of leadership, ethical courage, and why building rapport is a superpower. Simon reflects on lessons from a diverse career that spans law enforcement, global business schools and board-level advisory work, offering honest, often hilarious insight into how people behave when the stakes are high.

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Ethics and compliance pioneer Susan Divers joins Sarah to reflect on leadership, risk, resilience - and the lessons learned from a career spent doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Susan shares stories from decades at the forefront of ethics and compliance - from negotiating early anti-bribery treaties at the UN to leading award-winning programmes at AECOM and shaping global thought leadership at LRN.

They explore values-based leadership, the role of trust in ethical culture, the power of practical progress over perfection, and how to make compliance human, engaging and impactful.

The episode is full of real-world insight and grounded wisdom - essential listening for any leader navigating risk, reputation and the realities of modern business.

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Investigative journalist, screenwriter and Byline Times co-founder Peter Jukes joins Sarah to explore the ethics, agility and impact of modern journalism.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Peter shares the personal experiences that shaped his passion for truth-telling - from a complex family history and early artistic success to his shift from television drama to investigative journalism.

They discuss media monopolies, the power of storytelling, the role of integrity in leadership, and why press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. Peter opens up about exposing the phone hacking scandal, founding Byline Times, and the emotional cost of standing up to powerful interests.

The episode is a masterclass in courage, clarity and keeping it real - with lessons for any leader navigating complexity in today’s digital world.

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What does it take to lead with integrity when the pressure is on?

In this episode, Sarah Cole speaks with Scott Sullivan, former Chief Integrity and Compliance Officer of Newmont Corporation, about the human side of compliance, the power of radical transparency, and what it means to build trust across global teams.

Scott shares deeply personal stories and hard-won leadership lessons from a career spanning manufacturing, mining, and international ethics. From the value of “street cred” to the importance of knowing your red lines, this conversation explores why integrity is more than a policy - it’s a daily practice.

Whether you’re a general counsel, a CEO, or a rising leader in ethics and compliance, this episode offers practical wisdom and thoughtful reflection on what it takes to navigate complexity, make good decisions under pressure, and foster a culture people truly believe in.

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What really drives bad behaviour inside organisations, and why do so many compliance efforts fail to address it?

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Sarah Cole is joined by Professor Benjamin Van Rooij, a leading global voice on the intersection between law, behaviour, and organisational culture.

Benjamin is co-author of The Behavioral Code: The Hidden Ways the Law Makes Us Better or Worse and co-editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Compliance. He shares deep insights into how laws and compliance programmes often miss the mark, not because they are weak on rules, but because they fail to ask the right behavioural questions.

Together, Sarah and Benjamin explore:

• Why root cause analysis matters more than intervention
• The danger of focusing on why something happened instead of how
• The concept of “toxic organisations” and how structural harm becomes normalised
• What good leadership really looks like: realism, resistance, and room for critique
• How punishment can backfire, and the 13 behavioural effects it may trigger
• What Compliance 3.0 could look like, moving beyond liability management into long-term prevention

Benjamin also reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave, his desire to influence policy at the highest level, and why magical glasses that reveal future consequences might be every leader’s best survival tool.

If you are a CEO, general counsel, or senior leader grappling with culture, conduct, or compliance, this episode will challenge your thinking in the best possible way.

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What really shapes workplace culture - the glossy mission statement, or the quiet everyday decisions leaders make under pressure?

In this episode, Sarah Cole is joined by Emily Miner, Director at Ethisphere and seasoned expert in ethics, compliance, and values-driven leadership. Together, they explore the real work of building trust in organisations, where values aren't just words on a wall but are reflected in how people behave, how leaders respond, and how decisions are made.

Emily shares her personal journey from environmental policy and climate advocacy to corporate ethics - a shift that revealed just how powerful business can be in driving real change. The conversation delves into culture, psychological safety, empathy, and the practical frameworks leaders need to navigate complex societal issues without losing sight of their purpose.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The difference between performative values and lived culture
• How leaders can balance advocacy with accountability
• Why empathy, trust, and transparency are becoming non-negotiables
• And what truly belongs in a leader’s survival kit (hint: not just grit)

This is an episode for anyone who cares about shaping better organisations from the inside out.

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In this powerful episode, Sarah Cole is joined by Keith Read - award-winning expert in ethics, governance, and compliance — for a no-nonsense conversation about the heart of leadership: trust.

Keith has spent decades advising global organisations on how to build ethical cultures that actually work in practice, not just on paper. He’s seen what happens when values are ignored, and he knows what it takes to rebuild trust from the ground up.

Together, Sarah and Keith explore what ethical leadership looks like today, how to challenge toxic behaviours without losing your voice, and why leaders must do the deep inner work if they want to create truly values-driven teams.

You’ll hear:

• Why trust is a business imperative, not just a buzzword
• How to lead through uncertainty without compromising integrity
• The cost of silence in leadership — and how to speak up with courage
• How Keith navigated complex ethical dilemmas inside large corporates
• What “culture” really means in action, and why it starts at the top
• How to ask better questions that surface the truth and build accountability

This episode is essential listening for anyone in a leadership role who wants to build trust, lead with clarity, and do the right thing — even when it’s hard.

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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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