About this epsiode:

In this powerful episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper speaks with Brian Gallagher – former CEO of United Way Worldwide and current Founder of the Leargas Group – about one of today’s most pressing questions: Is capitalism good?

Drawing on a life journey from humble beginnings in a steel town to leading one of the world’s most influential non-profits, they discuss insights on inequality, planetary health, and the urgent need to rebuild social capital in our digital age.

With deep experience in systems thinking, impact investing, and philanthropy, Brian offers a rare, honest perspective on how we can realign economic models to serve both people and planet.

This conversation isn’t just about business – it’s about humanity, purpose, and the kind of future we want to co-create.

Essential listening for leaders, changemakers, and anyone committed to meaningful change.

More about Brian Gallagher:

Brian Gallagher is the Founder and CEO of the Leargas Group, an economic and social impact firm focused on creating social capital using digital technology, racial justice and equity, and impact investing.

Gallagher co-founded the Abundance Circle. Working with a group of partners, the Abundance Circle led a design process to create a multi-sector approach to impact investing. The Abundance Circle is an initiative with the purpose of developing a true multi-stakeholder approach to collective impact, through systems thinking, using conscious capital, through a biomimicry lens, and putting people and planet at the center.

Gallagher also co-founded Donorful. Donorful is a company working with commercial donor advised funds and wealth advisors and their clients to match their philanthropy with results-oriented non-profits and initiatives through an effective and trusted “Smart Network” of local United Ways and Community Foundations.

Gallagher had a long career with United Way. He served as the United Way Worldwide CEO for 19 years. He is responsible for several advancements at United Way. He established new membership standards that required internal consistency and public transparency in financial reporting. Under Gallagher’s leadership United Way became the largest privately supported non-profit in the world, and one of the non-profit sectors’ most valuable brands. United Way is now active in 40 countries around the world as a single brand.

About this episode:

In this uplifting episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper is joined by Luke Ketterhagen—yoga teacher, wellness guide, blueberry farmer, and faculty member at the Himalayan Institute.

From a childhood in rural Wisconsin to studying under a Himalayan master, Luke has spent over two decades teaching yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques around the world.

Chris and Luke explore how simple daily practices can transform anxiety into purposeful action, and why now—more than ever—we must tap into our innate tools to regulate our nervous systems, expand awareness, and contribute to a better world.

Expect practical wisdom, experiential breathing, and reflections on community, culture, and the joy of picking blueberries. A heartfelt conversation on human potential and amplifying good.

More about Luke Ketterhagen:

Luke was raised in rural WI by his parents - a couple of ex hippies – an educator and a nurse. Their home was imbued with a passion for spirituality and wellness, driven by a longing to create a community of like-minded people.

This love of knowledge and all things natural was a catalyst for Luke. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical sciences from Marquette University, Luke immersed himself in the studies and practices of the Himalayan Tradition. He spent seven years in residence at the Himalayan Institute to study with his teacher, yoga and meditation master Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. This fueled Luke’s passion to share this powerful knowledge with others. Trained in the yoga teacher program in August of 1999, Luke became part of the teaching faculty at the Himalayan Institute.

Luke and his wife, Kourtney proceeded to open yoga studios in Dallas, TX, the Hudson Valley in NY, and in Venice, CA, where they hosted traditional fire offerings (havan) to support the propagation of benevolent forces throughout the world. Luke continued to travel and train teachers internationally, from the Grand Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic to Brussels and the UK. Inspired by his first visit to India during the Maha Kumbha Mela, Luke founded Experience India, a cultural and spiritual excursion to help others to see outside of their world, expand their view, and create an understanding of the connection we have with people all over the world. A founding teacher on the platform, Luke has created content for YogaInternational.com since 2007 and has amassed a library of 100+ yoga classes, guided relaxations and meditations and workshops.

In addition to leading retreats at the Himalayan Institute, Luke facilitates yoga teacher training programs to help studios build community. His website, www.LukeKetterhagen.com has a relaxation you can download for free.

Luke and his wife Kourtney live on their organic blueberry farm in southwest Michigan. Each summer they help continue the family's 57 year legacy of delivering “little drops of blue medicine” to the world while their two young adult children attend college and strive towards their dreams.

About this episode:

In this episode, Chris Cooper sits down with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to revolutionise the sportswear industry by becoming the most sustainable brand in the world.

With over a decade of experience in sports and entertainment across the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Rory has built an impressive career specializing in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation.

He has worked with some of the biggest names in global sports, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, STC, and Red Bull.

Before launching Reflo, Rory played a key role in developing the Icons Series, an innovative golf concept featuring some of the most legendary athletes on the planet.

Beyond business, Rory is a passionate sports fan with a love for cricket, football, padel, and golf. A devoted supporter of Southampton FC and Sussex CCC, he finds his ultimate place of zen on the golf course.

Join us as we dive into Rory’s journey, the inspiration behind Reflo, and how he’s transforming discarded plastic bottles into high-performance sportswear.

We’ll also discuss the challenges of sustainability in the apparel industry, the future of eco-friendly sports gear, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose in today’s market.

More about Rory MacFadyen:

Rory is the co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to change the sportswear game, by becoming the most sustainable sportswear brand in the world. Rory is a seasoned professional in the sports and entertainment industry, with a career spanning over a decade

in the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia. His expertise lies in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has collaborated with prestigious rightsholders such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, and global brands like STC and Red Bull. Before starting Reflo, Rory was instrumental in developing the Icons Series, a new golf concept played by some of the most iconic athletes on the planet.

As a passionate sports enthusiast, Rory has a deep love for cricket, football, padel, and golf, and proudly support Southampton FC and Sussex CCC. His ultimate place of zen is the golf course, where he finds true relaxation.

About this episode:

In this landmark 600th edition of The Business Elevation Show, celebrated author and reputation strategist Mike Mooney steps in as guest host to interview the show’s founder and long-time host Chris Cooper.

Since launching the show in 2011, Chris has built The Business Elevation Show into one of the longest-running podcasts in the world, with a global audience in over 50 countries and a legacy of 600 purpose-driven conversations. Over 14 years, Chris has interviewed some of the world’s most inspiring business minds, social innovators, and changemakers—creating a unique archive of insight and transformation.

In this special episode, Chris steps out from behind the mic to share:

• The most powerful lessons from 600 interviews with global leaders
• How the show has shaped his own views on leadership, energy, and purpose
• His journey from corporate boardrooms to becoming a strategic coach, speaker and connector
• The story behind The Elevation Collective, an exclusive community of wise, heart-led leaders dedicated to amplifying good in the world
• What it takes to sustain a meaningful platform for over a decade—and why now is the time for business to be a force for good

Warm, reflective and rich with insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable leadership, cultural impact, and creating a legacy that lifts others.

More about Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper is a highly respected behavioural strategist, mentor, facilitator, speaker and connector dedicated to elevating business success by developing leaders, empowering teams, and creating highly engaged business cultures.

Passionate about people, he founded ‘Chris Cooper Business Elevation’ which has helped organisations, from international brands like Diageo, Carlsberg, Barclays and KP Foods to over 40 companies in the insurance, financial services and hospitality sectors.

Since 2011, Chris has hosted the weekly Business Elevation Show on Voice America building an extensive network of global connections and a loyal audience spanning over 50 countries. It is of the longest running business podcasts in the world.

He also founded The Elevation Collective—an exclusive, invitation-only community of wise, heart-led international leaders and changemakers committed to doing more good in the world. Chris is a sought-after speaker and media contributor, frequently addressing topics such as ‘Elevating Leadership’ and ‘Elevating Energy in Business’.

He has co-authored two books, ‘The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It or Not)’, published by Penguin Random House (New York) and international best seller ‘Play the Game’.

With a career that began at global brands such as Mars, United Biscuits, and Punch—where he rose to board-level roles—Chris brings significant expertise and strategic insight to his work.

He lives in Leicestershire, England with his wife Ruth a GP and two teenage boys.

More about Mike Mooney

Mike Mooney developed a trusted reputation over 25 years in senior-leadership posts in the fast-paced and high-profile world of motorsports where he delivered dynamic business results and – more importantly to him – nurtured long-standing relationships.

Having led numerous crisis and reputation management efforts over his career, Mike is a go-to resource for those in repair mode, but also those wanting proactive-branding and business-driving strategies.

Mike’s experiences in motorsports led him to write the acclaimed book Reputation Shift – 5 High-Performance Truths for Success. The book delivers actionable strategies and step-by-step plans for readers to protect, harness, and strengthen one of their most valuable and precious assets – their reputations!

Mike is a graduate of Elon University where he earned a degree in Corporate Communications and where he was lucky enough to meet his future wife.

He, his wife and three children live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

About this episode:

Join us for this Special Encore episoe, as we explore the heart of kindness as we discuss by stepping up and being an angel with Molly Bedingfield, Founder and CEO of the Global Angels Foundation.

Molly exemplifies how leading with kindness can revolutionise our approach to personal growth, stakeholder engagement, and community support. With her extensive background in business management, leadership development and charitable contribution, we will discuss invaluable insights into practicing kindness and its ripple effect on creating transformative change.

As a mother to four, talented singer/songwriters, including globally recognised talents Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, Molly understands the importance of love and kindness.

This episode will delve into Molly’s philosophy that fostering kindness within can extend outwards, enhancing relationships with stakeholders and fostering strong community change which all contribute to a better world where all can flourish.

Join us for a conversation that promises not just to inspire, but also to provide practical guidance on how kindness can be the most potent tool in your arsenal for positive impact.

Don’t miss the chance to learn from a leader who’s living a life dedicated to empowering others with kindness, compassion, and care.

More about Molly Bedingfield:

Molly Bedingfield is the Founder and CEO of Global Angels Foundation and their International Project Director, founding Global Angels in 2004.

Over the course of a career spanning more than 35 years, Molly has been involved in business management, leadership development and mentoring; experiences that enable her to tailor her business-critical messages in a relevant way which can be practically applied by any organisation.

Molly is also a social entrepreneur, executive coach and inspirational speaker, who helps audiences to practically navigate periods of transition and transformation in order to improve their personal and professional lives, create greater levels of impact and access their game-changing potential. Her perspective on transformational leadership and talent development is based firmly on real-life, practical experience, and communicated with charisma, passion and immense warmth through her inspirational keynote speeches.

For many years she was practicing as a professional counsellor, psychotherapist and executive coach, working within the business and charity sectors. In the 1990’s she was head teacher of two inner city schools working on pilot programs, reproducible in any culture. She worked closely with children, parents and teachers, experimenting with new models of education.

Molly is the mother of four, talented singer/songwriters. International pop stars Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield have established successful solo careers, Nikola is an EMI Award nominee.

More about this Special Encore episode:

Join us for a dive into effective branding and marketing with Barnaby Wynter, author of Become the GO TO BRAND and renowned strategic brand expert.

With over 457 brands under his belt and as the creator of the transformative Brand Bucket® Programme, Barnaby has dedicated his career to helping businesses stand out in crowded markets. From his swift rise to the youngest Managing Director of a top UK advertising agency in London to his international success with both corporates and SMEs, Barnaby’s journey is packed with insights for businesses aiming to solidify their market presence.

In this Special Encore episode, Barnaby shares how his unique marketing methodology—fine-tuned since 2010—can help you create meaningful customer connections and build an impactful brand.

We also discuss his journey from branding to social initiatives, including his Community Interest Company supporting Black entrepreneurs and a school project in Uganda.

Get ready for actionable strategies as Barnaby breaks down the pillars of becoming a trusted brand, prepping for growth or exit, and crafting customer experiences that help you to become the GO TO BRAND.

Whether you're a C-Suite leader, entrepreneur, or just curious about what makes a brand thrive, join us and learn from Barnaby Wynter—a mentor, global speaker, branding visionary and from my own experience one of businesses good guys!

More about Barnaby Wynter:

Barnaby Wynter is a strategic brand expert with over 457 brands to his name, known for helping businesses become the go-to brand in their markets. Entering the marketing industry in 1987, he quickly rose to become the youngest Managing Director of a UK Top 200 advertising agency in London. Over a decade, he developed the Brand Bucket® Programme to maximize marketing effectiveness in the knowledge economy.

Since 2010, Barnaby has embedded this approach globally across corporates and SMEs, leading a fully outsourced business communications agency. In 2021, he co-founded a Community Interest Company (CIC) to support Black business owners facing mental health challenges and raised funds for a school in Uganda, set for 2024.

Currently enjoying a portfolio career, Barnaby is a published author, global speaker, mentor, NED, and marketing expert. As a Founder Freeman of The Company of Entrepreneurs, he leads sponsorships to help it achieve full Livery Company status in the City of London.

Married to the Medical Director of one of the UK's largest GP services and a father of three, he’s also a DIY enthusiast and a Chelsea FC season ticket holder.

Working with C-Suite teams, Barnaby ensures marketing-led strategies that define value propositions, identify target audiences, and align operations to foster long-term commercial relationships. His approach often includes preparing businesses for fundraises or exits and creating seamless customer experiences.

Specialising in finance, professional services, education, technology, and charity, Barnaby favours organisations with positive social impact. His mentoring style focuses on skills transfer to internal teams, leaving them with a Brand Bucket® manual for ongoing success.

About this episode:

In this insightful conversation, I sit down with Tracey Jones a highly respected Mind Management coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert, to explore how we can better prepare young adults for the realities of adult life. With over 14 years of coaching experience and having empowered more than 4,500 individuals through her Language Alchemy™ methodology, Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

We will discuss Tracey’s PAL (Preparing For Adult Life) programme and why self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development are critical foundations for success in today’s world. We will discuss prac strategies for helping young adults cultivate deeper self-awareness, enhance interpersonal skills, and build the resilience needed to thrive personally and professionally.

Drawing on her extensive work with leaders in media, politics, sports, and business — as well as her contributions to government sectors — we dill explore how small, consistent changes can lead to transformative 1% marginal gains. Expect inspiring stories, actionable tips, and the importance of coaching young people to unlock their full potential and confidently navigate the challenges of adult life.

Whether you're a parent, educator, mentor, or young person yourself, this conversation will leave you equipped and inspired to approach the journey into adulthood with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

More about Tracey Jones:

Tracey is a highly respected Mind Management coach and trusted confidante in the highest circles of media, politics, sports and business and is often called upon to share her knowledge and insights to government sectors.

A passionate advocate for self-leadership, Tracey empowers individuals to gain deeper self-awareness, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. This focus on personal development is key to achieving that critical 1% marginal gain.

Her company specialising in the human aspect of leadership. Focusing on the interpersonal skills through developing a person’s Emotional Intelligence and coaching skills.

As a global keynote speaker, she harnesses the transformative power of language, delivering impactful talks and workshops that challenge conventional thinking and drive meaningful change in team performance. Tracey inspires individuals to embark on introspective journeys, unlocking their full potential and elevating their contributions to their teams and organisations.

Tracey has spent over 14 years within the coaching and mentoring space and has delivered her programmes and methodologies in her own Language Alchemy brand of Coaching ™ to over 4500 individuals. Tracey holds the ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching qualification, is a NLP Master Practitioner and Coach along with being a Peak Flow Performance and Transformational Coach. Tracey also holds numerous qualifications including a BA Ed Batchelor of Education degree and Management Diploma.

Having won numerous awards for her efforts over the years including, but not limited to, UK Female Entrepreneur Finalist 2023, FL National Leadership Summit Award Finalist 2023 and UK Inspirational Story Award 2023. She is a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and her coaching practice is compliant with the Global Code of Ethics of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). Her leadership programmes have been endorsed at the highest levels within Wales and are IOL accredited.

Her favourite pastimes include hiking and traveling, which fuel her adventurous spirit. She cherishes moments spent with her nephew. When in the UK, she enjoys riding her motorbike through the stunning Welsh countryside.