From Tech CEO to Stay-at-Home Dad: Powering Practical Allyship

Guest: Lee Chambers — award-winning business psychologist, author of Momentum, and founder of Male Allies UK. He’s worked with brands like UBS, IKEA and Oracle, and is recognised for making allyship practical, well-being strategic and inclusion something people feel, not just hear.

Episode Summary

Lee Chambers’ story bends every stereotype. He grew up in Bolton, the first in his extended family to attend university, dropped out during a mental health wobble, returned to graduate, and saw his graduate banking role collapse in the 2008 crisis — prompting him to build a fast-growing e-commerce company from a spare room. He later lost the ability to walk and learned to walk again, which reset his valuaes and ultimately led him to step away from the CEO seat to become a stay-at-home dad — a leadership masterclass in disguise. Listening to women at a local toddler group opened his eyes to everyday inequities at work and sparked his mission: help men build the skills of allyship and redesign systems so everyone belongs and performs. He now equips leaders and teams to move beyond slogans to evidence-based, everyday behaviours that compound into culture change.

What You’ll Learn

• What “allyship” really means: working effectively across difference, not grand gestures.
• Why inclusion fails without foundations — and how to build them.
• Tactics any leader can use to make meetings fairer (and more productive).
• How resilience, neurodiversity and identity can shape courageous leadership.
• The surprising leadership lessons of being a stay-at-home parent.
• Why men often hesitate to engage — and what helps them step in.
• How allyship improves retention, applications and survey scores.
• A first step any SME owner can take this week.

Practical Plays You Can Use Tomorrow

• Add a no-interruptions rule in meetings and nominate a rotating chair to enforce it.
• Ask three colleagues: “What’s it really like working here?” Listen, capture themes, act on one item.
• Audit one process (promotions, project allocation, networking invites) for hidden barriers; change one rule.
• Bring frontline voices (depots, logistics, ops) into inclusion design — not just head office.

Memorable Lines

• “Discomfort is where the growth is.”
• “Inclusion isn’t a plug-in; it’s foundations tied to real outcomes.”
• “Allyship isn’t a stunt; it’s micro-moments that add up.”
• “Your comfort zone is a padded jail cell.”

Guest Picks

• Book: Invisible Women — Caroline Criado Perez.
• Music: “Harvest for the World” — The Isley Brothers.
• Tool/Framework: The Boston Matrix (applied with modern nuance).

Connect with Lee Chambers

• LinkedIn: Lee Chambers
• Website: Lee Chambers
• Book: Momentum — leadership and change lessons for uncertain times....

In 2020, Audrey was falsely accused after a catastrophic motorway incident that led to her mother’s death. Eighteen months later, the case was dropped. She rebuilt—leaving a senior banking role, launching Smart Perspective, and shaping a practical, human approach to leading through crisis. This episode is about returning to work, redefining value, and starting again with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Returning after crisis: choose confidants intentionally; accept support without letting it define you.
• Redefine value: today’s recognition is about adaptability, communication and collaboration—not just deliverables.
• Lead in public: own mistakes, apologise if needed, don’t hide; save your energy for the people who matter.
• Boundaries: every “no” protects a better “yes”.
• Reinvention: it’s not all-or-nothing—blend what you keep with what you change.

Tool / Book / Music

• Framework (Tool): 3i Framework — Intention · Influence · Impact (clarify purpose, understand others’ context, land 1–3 key messages and one action).
• Book: The Answer Is a Question — on using inquiry to think and lead better.
• Music: “Panama” — The Avener (Audrey’s pre-session energy lift).

Memorable Quotes

• “Success is a team sport.”
• “People are immune to pain—be thoughtful about where you share yours.”
• “Every time you say no, you say yes to something else.”
• “Make values a destination, not a cage.”
• “You’re okay. Be you—for you.”

Connect with Audrey

LinkedIN

Website

Official Bio:

Audrey Daumain is an internationally recognised Executive Performance Coach and Corporate

Communication Strategist with over 20 years of leadership experience across finance, energy, and

luxury sectors. French-born and globally minded, she began her career in London’s financial district in

1998 before holding senior leadership roles at Barclays Private Bank, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi,

and Edmond de Rothschild.

In 2010, she founded Smart Perspective, a consultancy trusted by global leaders to navigate strategic

transformations with clarity, confidence, and candour. Audrey combines expertise in organisational

design, NLP, and Non-Violent Communication to create environments where leadership is human,

impactful, and sustainable.

Her personal journey—marked by resilience, trauma recovery, and thriving in male-dominated

industries—fuels her mission: to bring authenticity and humanity back to leadership

conversations. In April 2025, Audrey was recognised by Sarah, Duchess of York at the Women

Changing the World Awards for her work in transforming leadership cultures on a global scale.

Audrey is also a key contributor to the CLAFG Women Leadership Academy, a new program under

CLAFG (Centre de Liaison des Associations Féminines Genevoises)—Geneva’s umbrella network of

women’s associations. The Academy is piloting a leadership certification endorsed by FEDE (European

Federation of Schools), an international NGO with participatory status at the Council of Europe that

accredits educational programs...

In this episode of the Leading Boldly Podcast, Matt and Jenny sit down with Ryan Hudson — a true human (and humour) maverick. From being diagnosed with dyslexia at 16, to stumbling into sales and discovering it as his lifeline, Ryan went on to build and lead multiple multi-million-pound businesses. His story is one of resilience, bold decisions, and the power of enthusiasm.

Ryan shares openly about burnout, overcoming self-doubt, and how he learned to act boldly rather than overthink. He reveals the lessons from turning around teams, the importance of mentorship for young people, and his transformative experience at Warrior Camp.

Packed with energy, humour, and practical wisdom, this conversation will inspire anyone looking to lead with courage, connect authentically, and keep climbing — even with a “rucksack full of bricks.”

What you’ll learn in this episode:

· How Ryan went from dyslexia and broken football dreams to top sales success

· Why “sales is a transfer of enthusiasm” and how it shaped his leadership style

· Lessons from building teams in Cyprus and beyond

· Advice for young people on mentorship, mindset, and creativity

· Breakthrough moments from Warrior Camp: fear, vulnerability, and growth

· Why time and love are the most important currencies in leadership

· Ryan’s favourite books, music, and frameworks that shaped his journey

Song - James – Sit down. “If I hadn’t seen such riches I could live with being poor”

Book - Magic of thinking big - David Schwartz

Quote – “To conduct an orchestra you have to turn your back on the crowd”

Tool/Framework - Plan Do Check Review

Restaurant – Simon Rogan https://www.lenclume.co.uk/

Socials:

Ryan Hudson LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hudson-4a328861/

RGH LI https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rgh-group/

RGH IG https://www.instagram.com/thergh_group/

RGH YT https://www.youtube.com/@TheRGHGroup

RGH FB https://www.facebook.com/TheRGHGroup

RGH X https://x.com/TheRGHGroup

Ryan RGH TT https://www.tiktok.com/@therghgroup

Rybeda LI https://www.linkedin.com/company/rybeda-group/

Rybeda IG https://www.instagram.com/rybedagroup/

Rybeda TT https://www.tiktok.com/@rybeda

Rybeda FB https://www.facebook.com/RYBEDAGroup/

Rybeda...

In this episode of Leading Boldly, Matt and Jenny sit down with Mark Saxby, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and social media consultant. Mark shares his journey from journalism to becoming a leader in the social media space. He discusses the evolution of his businesses, including Status Social, Positive Social, and Be More Colin, and dives deep into the impact of social media on business, mental health, and productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark’s Early Career & Life Lessons – From his childhood as an army brat, moving between countries, to his early career in journalism, Mark reflects on the lessons learned through constant reinvention.
• The Power of Digital Storytelling – Mark shares how social media has transformed the way businesses communicate and connect, emphasizing the need for authenticity and engagement in digital storytelling.
• Mental Health & Social Media – As the founder of Positive Social, Mark talks about the emotional toll social media can have, especially on young people, and how his charity is helping students reclaim their well-being by making smarter choices online.
• Be More Colin: Improving Work-Life Balance – Mark discusses his initiative, Be More Colin, aimed at helping businesses and individuals be more productive and focused by reducing phone distractions and fostering better relationships within teams.
• The Future of Social Media & AI – Mark weighs in on the role of AI in social media marketing, highlighting its potential but stressing the importance of human touch in building relationships.
• Leadership & Business Philosophy – Mark believes that business should be about more than profits. He discusses his core mission to positively impact the lives of everyone he comes in contact with, whether through social media consultancy or community initiatives.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Status Social – A social media consultancy that has helped businesses thrive online.
• Positive Social – A charity that helps young people and families understand the emotional impact of social media.
• Be More Colin – A movement encouraging teams and individuals to be less distracted by phones and more focused on building meaningful relationships.

Books, Music, and Tools/Frameworks:

• Book: The Bible
• Music: Pink Floyd
• Tool/Framework: Mark’s favourite tool is his bike.

Connect with Mark:

LinkedIn

Positive Social Website

Status Social Website

Be More Colin

_____________________________________________

ABOUT

LEADING BOLDLY PODCAST:

Ready

to take your business to the next level? Dive deep into the minds of successful

SME

leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs who have blazed trails and built thriving

brands.

Join

hosts...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Gary Parsons, an entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and founder of the “Selfish Leadership” framework.

Gary shares his inspiring journey of overcoming personal and professional struggles, from his childhood entrepreneurial spirit to facing the challenges of Bell’s palsy, and ultimately building a successful business before experiencing a mental health breakdown. He now dedicates his life to helping leaders prioritise their mental health while still achieving professional success.

In this episode, Gary discusses:

· The impact of Bell’s palsy on his life, self-image, and social interactions, and how he navigated these challenges for over 20 years.

· Building and scaling a multi-award-winning business, how he became consumed by the pursuit of success, and the toll it took on his mental health.

· The importance of vulnerability in leadership and the moment that led him to create the “Selfish Leadership” framework to help leaders maintain balance and well-being.

· Sharing his personal story on the TV show "Love My Face" and how opening up about his visible difference connected him with others facing mental health struggles.

Key Takeaways:

· Selfish Leadership is about prioritising your own well-being to be a more effective and authentic leader.

· Being vulnerable as a leader can break down barriers and create deeper connections with your team and community.

· Mental health is critical to leadership success. Leaders who focus on their well-being lead with greater intention and impact.

Books & Resources Mentioned:

Burnout Survival Kit by Imogen Dall

Music:

Savage Garden - Animal Song

Tool/Framework Mentioned:

· Selfish Leadership – Gary’s unique framework for leaders to set boundaries, elevate their well-being, and lead with intention. The four pillars of this framework focus on self-care, balance, resilience, and authenticity.

Research Report:

The untold Toll of stress on Founders and Leaders

Follow Gary Parsons:

Gary Parsons – Selfish Leadership: Website

LinkedIn: Gary Parsons

Stay tuned for more insights on leadership, mental health, and personal development in future episodes of Leading Boldly.

_____________________________________________

ABOUT LEADING BOLDLY PODCAST:

Ready to take your business to the next level? Dive deep into the minds of successful

SME leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs who have blazed trails and built thriving brands.

Join hosts Jenny Jarvis, a seasoned NLP practitioner and Certified Personal

Performance and Relationship coach, and Matt Clutterham, a brand and transformation

strategist with a knack for elevating businesses of all sizes.

Join Jenny on Linkedin Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-jarvis/

Join Matt on Linkedin Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattclutterham/

In this dynamic podcast, we unpack the stories, strategies, and mindset hacks that

fuel success in today's competitive landscape....

In today’s episode, we’re joined by James and Enas Fleming, the powerhouse duo behind The Power Within Training. Since 2017, they’ve revolutionised leadership with Motivational Intelligence (MQ)—a powerful blend of neuroscience and psychology. Their innovative approach has earned top rankings in the UK construction sector and is transforming leaders across industries.

James and Enas share their journey from diverse international careers to launching a business that champions leadership development and empowerment. With a focus on growth, resilience, and emotional intelligence, they’ve helped leaders and teams thrive worldwide.

In this episode, they discuss:

· The power of Motivational Intelligence and its four pillars: Vision, Belief in Potential, Adaptability, and Responsibility.

· Their journey as a husband-and-wife team, balancing work and personal life while building a business together.

· Empowering women in leadership, and how MQ breaks down barriers.

· The importance of values, storytelling, and creating lasting business growth.

James and Enas also reveal the transformative impact of MQ on their clients, including businesses that have seen life-changing leadership results.

Key Takeaways:

· MQ empowers leaders to unlock their potential, build resilience, and overcome self-limiting beliefs.

· Partnership and values are essential for growing a business, especially when working as a couple.

· Empowering women and breaking down barriers in leadership is at the core of their mission.

Books & Resources Mentioned:

· Grit by Angela Duckworth – A game-changing book on perseverance and resilience, key traits in Motivational Intelligence.

· The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – A transformative book that challenged Enas’s thinking on what truly matters in leadership and life.

Music Mentioned:

· "Lessons in Love" – An impactful song that reminds James of the importance of love and connection in both leadership and life.

· "You Are My Sunshine" – A personal favourite of Enas, this song is also special to her as James sings it to her, making it a sentimental tune for their family.

Tool/Framework Mentioned:

· Motivational Intelligence (MQ) – The four pillars of MQ that James and Enas live and breathe in both their business and personal lives:

1. Vision

2. Belief in Potential

3. Adaptability

4. Responsibility (Accountability)

These pillars form the foundation of their leadership training and the core of their business model, helping leaders at all levels overcome self-limiting beliefs and achieve their goals.

Follow James and Enas Fleming:

• Website: The Power Within Training
• LinkedIn:...

In this episode of the Leading Boldly Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Anthony Clark, a resilient leader who has transformed personal and professional setbacks into a powerful mission to support small businesses. Anthony shares his story of overcoming devastating personal loss, business challenges, and even involvement in a fraudulent situation, all while discovering a renewed sense of purpose through his work with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Tune in as Anthony discusses how resilience, innovation, and bold leadership can help small businesses thrive in today's competitive world. He also shares insights on leveraging AI technology to drive growth, the importance of standing out in a crowded market, and how to navigate personal adversity with strength and self-reflection.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming Personal Setbacks: Anthony reflects on the challenges of losing close family members and the emotional toll it took on him, as well as how he found strength in helping others.

• The FSB’s Role in Small Business Success: Learn about the Federation of Small Businesses and the vital support it offers to small businesses across the UK, from legal resources to networking opportunities.

• AI for Small Business: Discover how small businesses can harness AI technology to save time, reduce costs, and improve their operations.

• The Power of Resilience: Anthony shares his journey of personal growth and how focusing on self-improvement and supporting others has been central to his healing.

• Standing Out in Business: Anthony discusses the importance of bold communication and finding your unique value, even in a saturated market.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book – Atomic Habits.

Briefly Perfectly Human

• Music – Sabotage Beatie Boys, The whole of the moon

• Framework – podcast Gary John Bishop

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB):

• Upcoming FSB Event on June 25th in Nottingham

Connect with Anthony: LinkedIn

In this episode of Leading BOLDLY, Matt and Jenny sit down with Jonathan Armes, a leadership psychologist and founder of Capital Shift, to explore the unseen force shaping how we lead: the mind.

Jonathan shares his story—from a childhood filled with introspective conversations to a career dedicated to understanding the human condition. With clarity and humility, he explains why so many leaders unknowingly operate from a place of misperception—and how a deeper awareness of our thinking can radically transform how we show up in the world.

From rewiring how we experience uncertainty to unlocking innate problem-solving abilities, this conversation is a powerful reminder that bold leadership doesn’t begin with strategy—it begins with self.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why we’re not passive recipients of life—but creators of our experience

• How leaders can tap into their innate creativity and clarity under pressure

• The core idea behind Thought Intelligence—and how it’s changing leadership

• Why the most powerful tool for navigating uncertainty is understanding your own mind

• Jonathan’s recommended books, frameworks, and music that fuel bold thinking

This episode is an invitation to lead from within—and to see leadership not as something we do, but something we are.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Capital Shift – Website

• Book: Do You Know a Secret? by Marie Arymar

• Book: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

• Music: Jacob Collier Little Blue

• Framework: Transactional Analysis (PAC Model)

• Thought Intelligence Program

_____________________________________________

ABOUT

LEADING BOLDLY PODCAST:

Ready

to take your business to the next level? Dive deep into the minds of successful

SME leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs who have blazed trails and built

thriving brands.

Join

hosts Jenny Jarvis, a seasoned NLP practitioner and Certified Personal

Performance and Relationship coach, and Matt Clutterham, a brand and

transformation strategist with a knack for elevating businesses of all sizes.

Join

Jenny on Linkedin Here:

/ jenny-jarvis-26892622

Join

Matt on Linkedin Here: