About this episode:

In this highly compelling episode, we’re joined by David Bickford CB, a former senior intelligence official who served as Legal Director and Under-Secretary of State at both MI5 and MI6. David played a key role in shaping the UK's counter-terrorism and intelligence laws, creating the legal pathways that enabled operational intelligence to be used in court—revolutionising the intelligence community's ability to act and protect.

Now a bestselling author, David brings decades of real-life espionage experience into his critically acclaimed Katyathriller series, co-written with his wife Cary. His fiction is celebrated for its authenticity, moral complexity, and international scope—taking readers from Arctic missions to Cold War Berlin.

In this conversation, David reflects on his extraordinary career, the moral challenges of intelligence work, leadership lessons and how he continues to explore global intrigue through his writing.

Expect sharp insights, fascinating stories, and powerful reflections on leadership, loyalty, and the real world of espionage.

More about David Bickford:

About this episode:

In this inspiring Special Encore conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Zoe Holland MBE, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Fletchers Group, legal entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for heart-led leadership.

With a leadership mantra of “there is no room for ego,” Zoe champions authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership, empowering leaders to create meaningful change.

Together, Zoe and Chris explore the power of self-leadership, invitational communication, and leading with care.

They also discuss Zoe’s journey, her commitment to using ‘law for good’, and her mission to uplift underrepresented groups.

From neurodiversity coaching to fostering a culture of authentic leadership, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders who want to lead with both heart and impact.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership that truly makes a difference.

More about Zoe Holland MBE:

Zoe Holland MBE is an entrepreneurial, C-Suite leader (Fletchers Group Chief Commercial Officer), NED, Trustee, experienced Executive Coach, Neurodiversity Coach and motivational speaker. Zoe has a passion for heart-led leadership, championing authenticity, ambition, inclusivity, invitational communication and care. Zoe’s leadership mantra – ‘there is no room for ego’. Zoe has a mission to empower leaders to make a positive impact on individuals, organisations, and the community.

A thought leader on women’s leadership with a specific focus on ‘Leader of Self’ – understanding our life journey, our purpose, passion and presence as a powerful tool to positively reflect upon our leadership impact on organisations, culture, and community. Zoe was awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours in June 2023 – testament to a career-long commitment to use ‘law for good’.

About this episode:

Join us for this inspiring Special Encore episode of The Business Elevation Show, where Chris sits down with Dr. John Stahl-Wert, Founder of the Center for Serving Leadership.

With three decades of experience in pioneering training solutions and working with organizations worldwide, John has helped businesses achieve outstanding results by investing in their people.

In this interview, John shares insights from his international best-sellers, The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses, and discusses his coaching experiences with top-tier companies like Progress Rail (a Caterpillar Company), Pan Pacific Hotel Group (Singapore), and Honda’s North American Lean Network.

Learn about John's passion for leadership, his approach to fostering growth and excellence, and his personal journey of forty-two years of marriage with his business partner Milonica.

Tune in for a conversation that promises to offer valuable lessons on serving leadership and creating thriving, people-focused organisations.

More about John Stahl-Wert:

Dr. John Stahl-Wert is the Founder of Center for Serving Leadership. He has pioneered training solutions for thirty years, working with organizations around the world that want to produce outstanding results by investing in their people. He has written eight books, including the international best-sellers, The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses.

John has coached executives in Progress Rail (a Caterpillar Company), Pan Pacific Hotel Group (Singapore), Honda’s North American Lean Network, the Veterans Administration, hundreds of other businesses in the U.S., Singapore, and Hong Kong.

For eighteen years, John served as president and CEO of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, founded the International Training Institute for Leadership Foundations, Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience, Amachi Pittsburgh, City as Parish, and The Union Project.

John is married for 42 years to Milonica, his business partner. They love designing and building things, traveling, going to church, and spending time with their daughters, son-in-law, and grandson.