In this episode of "Leadership Actually," Baroness Dido Harding shares her remarkable journey through leadership, offering insights that resonate deeply with senior executives. Known for her courage and authenticity, Dido reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career, from her early days at McKinsey to leading major organisations like TalkTalk and NHS Test and Trace. She emphasises the importance of being true to oneself and fostering diverse teams, highlighting how these principles have guided her through challenges such as the TalkTalk cyber attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dido's leadership style, rooted in trust and inclusivity, serves as a powerful example for executives aiming to navigate complex environments. Her story is a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the strength found in embracing one's unique path.

In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth. They discuss how injecting fun into leadership can enhance team performance, the significance of building trust within teams, and the lessons learned from coaching world champions. The conversation emphasises the value of accountability, integrity, and consistency in leadership, as well as the need for ambitious goal-setting and the role of discipline in achieving success. Ultimately, the speakers highlight that culture often outweighs talent in determining team success, and finding balance in life is crucial for personal fulfillment.

In this reflective episode of 'Leadership Actually', hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney review their journey through the first season, discussing memorable moments with guests, lessons learned, and the importance of connection and relationships in leadership. They share personal insights and growth experienced throughout the series, while also teasing exciting developments for the upcoming second season.

Leadership Development is an ongoing project. It does not stop. It is continuous.

In this episode of Leadership Actually, Lee Rogers and LisaPowney engage in a deep conversation with Paul Stobart about the nuances of leadership, particularly at the senior management level. They explore the challenges of transitioning to executive roles, the importance of listening and appreciation, and the impact of incisive questioning. Paul shares his insights on driving cultural change within organisations and the critical role of boardsin fostering effective leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to build relationships, listen actively, and appreciate their teams to create a thriving organisational culture.

A snippet of what you can hear from Paul in the full episode.

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What if the strongest thing a leader can do… is care?

In this episode, we chat with the brilliant Cat Hakki about leading with empathy in a world that often rewards ego. We explore how leaders can stay grounded, human, and connected — even in high-pressure, fast-changing environments.

If you're navigating complexity and want to lead with more heart (and still deliver results), this one's for you.