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  • The Art of Thought Leadership With Daniel Priestley and Mindy Gibbins-Klein

    The Art of Thought Leadership With Daniel Priestley and Mindy Gibbins-Klein
    2025/08/18
    In this special edition of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with thought leadership experts Mindy Gibbins-Klein and Daniel Priestley. Andy, Mindy and Daniel examine the art and science of becoming an influential voice in your field. Mindy introduces the concept of 'thoughtful leadership,' defining it as the courage to share new, exciting ideas widely and respectfully. She challenges leaders to discover their passion and legacy. Daniel Priestley explores the shift from geographical to ideological communities in the digital age, explaining why sharing ideas is now essential for creating alignment and attracting talent, customers, and investors. Together, they discuss the practicalities of cutting through online noise, the delicate balance of authenticity, and how to handle changing your mind publicly. This episode is a masterclass for any leader looking to build influence, shape conversations, and create a lasting impact in a crowded world, reminding us that true leadership begins with the courage to think differently and share that thinking with others. Key Takeaways Thought leadership isn't a title; it's the result of having the courage to share exciting, new, and original ideas widely and well. We now live in ideological neighbourhoods. In the digital age, people align based on ideas, not just geography. If you aren’t sharing your ideas, you can’t create alignment. Respect is non-negotiable. To be a ‘thoughtful’ leader, your ideas must be shared with respect, acknowledging you don't have all the answers and being open to conversation. Authenticity requires rising to the moment. While being true to yourself is key, leadership also means delivering the message your audience needs to hear. Relationships are your testing ground. Use your trusted network to "lock horns" and strengthen your ideas in a safe environment before sharing them with a wider audience. Actionable Insights Start with your "why," not the title. Instead of aiming to "become a thought leader," identify a passion, a problem you want to solve, or a legacy you want to leave. Your message will be more powerful when it comes from a place of conviction. Narrow your focus. To build confidence and reduce risk, stick to topics you are truly knowledgeable about. Don't feel pressured to have an opinion on every trending topic; master your lane. Practice the "power of the un." To avoid information overload and create mental space for deep thinking, actively unfollow, unsubscribe, and unplug from sources that create noise rather than value. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Daniel Priestley: Website |LinkedIn | Connect with Mindy Gibbins-Klein:Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 125 Featuring Daniel Priestley and Mindy Gibbins-Klein
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    23 分
  • How to 'Go Rhino' and Achieve Massive Ambitions with David Hyner

    How to 'Go Rhino' and Achieve Massive Ambitions with David Hyner
    2025/08/11
    In this edition of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata reminds us of the powerful and popular conversation he had with researcher and speaker, David Hyner. Prepare to have your conventional wisdom on goal-setting completely shattered as David dismantles the myth of SMART goals. He reveals why this widely accepted principle is misquoted and misinterpreted, advocating instead for setting 'Massive Goals with Smart Steps'—a strategy resulting from his extensive research with over 250 top achievers. The discussion goes beyond theory, exploring David's personal journey and the profound parallels he draws between insecure schoolchildren and senior executives. He shares why leaders must connect with younger generations to prepare for a 'tsunami of change' in the workplace. From learning to 'Go Rhino' on your toughest tasks to the critical role of accountability and mastermind groups, this episode is a masterclass in shifting your mindset, embracing audacious ambition, and achieving more than you thought possible. Key Takeaways Rethink SMART Goals: The concept is widely misquoted. Top achievers don't set 'realistic' goals; they set massive goals and break them down into smart, attainable, and relevant steps. Serve, Don't Seek Approval: True impact comes not from seeking applause but from focusing entirely on serving your audience, team, or clients to the best of your ability. Leaders and Kids Aren't So Different: Senior leaders often suffer from the same insecurities, imposter syndrome, and doubts as young students. Leaders can learn from the fearless, unfiltered perspective of young people. Tackle the Hardest Task First: Adopt the 'Go Rhino' mindset. By dedicating just 5-10 minutes a day to your most difficult task first, you build momentum and your day only gets easier. Accountability is Strength: Going it alone is arrogance. The most successful people actively seek support and accountability, often through mastermind groups, to ensure they follow through on their commitments. Actionable Insights What if the universally accepted SMART goal framework is actually holding you back? Discover the simple, two-part structure top achievers use to pursue massive, world-changing ambitions instead. How could a tiny, 10-minute shift in your morning routine completely change the trajectory of your biggest projects? Learn the 'Go Rhino' principle and why tackling the scariest task first makes everything else easier. Why might the most valuable insights for your company's future not come from a boardroom, but from a classroom? Hear why one of Europe's top entrepreneurs regularly consulted with high school students to generate his best ideas. Selected Links from the Episode Connect with Andy Lopata Website Connect with Professor David Hyner Website Youtube How to set up & run a successful mastermind group by David Hyner The Quick Reference Guide to Mastermind Groups by Andy Lopata
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    21 分
  • There's Nothing Magical About Monday with Melinda Palmer

    There's Nothing Magical About Monday with Melinda Palmer
    2025/08/04
    Ever found yourself pushing a crucial task to a mythical, more productive “tomorrow”? You’re not alone. In this fascinating episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata is joined by Melinda Palmer. Melinda is CEO of The Brainy Business, she has written three bestselling books and hosts The Brainy Business podcast, which has more than 1 million downloads in over 170 countries. A consultant and keynote speaker, she also teaches applied behavioural economics and she has been featured in many outlets, including Inc. and Psychology Today. Inspired by her TEDx Talk, "There's Nothing Magical About Monday," Melinda describes four cognitive biases. She reveals why our brains are wired to see our future self as a different, more capable person (an effect called time discounting) and why we consistently underestimate how long tasks will take (the optimism bias and planning fallacy). Andy and Melinda explore the concept of "bike shedding," a form of productive procrastination where we focus on trivial activities to avoid tackling the bigger, more intimidating goals. They discuss the difference between being busy and being effective, questioning whether we should measure our days by hours worked or by outcomes achieved. Discover practical strategies to reclaim your focus, from Cal Newport's "Deep Work" and the Pomodoro Technique to the simple yet powerful mindset shift of saying "not yet" to distractions. Finally, Andy and Melinda discuss the power of connection, exploring how accountability partners, mentors, and making your goals public can provide the external structure and motivation needed to achieve your ambitions. Tune in for a master class in understanding your own mind to become more focused, effective, and connected in your work. What we discussed: 1. Why does your brain treat your "future self" like a completely different person, making it easy to commit to tasks you’ll later avoid? 2. What is "bike shedding," and how could focusing on a seemingly productive but trivial task be derailing your most important projects? 3. Are you measuring your productivity in hours or in achievements? Discover why shifting your perspective could be a game-changer for your effectiveness. 4. What is the "hard streak" effect, and why could interspersing difficult and easy tasks be the secret to avoiding burnout and feeling better at the end of the day? 5. Beyond individual discipline, how can leveraging your professional relationships be your secret weapon against procrastination? SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Melinda Palmer: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Podcast: Smart Steps To Massive Goals with David Hyner
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    52 分
  • Connecting with the Next Generation of Talent With Rebecca Robins

    Connecting with the Next Generation of Talent With Rebecca Robins
    2025/07/28
    In this edition of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a powerful conversation from the archives with Rebecca Robins, Global Chief Learning and Culture Officer at global branding agency Interbrand. This episode explores how to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders. The central focus is Interbrand’s innovative "Horizon Board"—a shadow board of aspiring talent under 30 who work alongside the executive team. Rebecca explains how this initiative provides invaluable experience and mentorship for rising stars while injecting fresh perspectives into top-level decision-making. The discussion examines the critical shift from dismissing "soft skills" to championing empathy, curiosity, and collaboration as essential leadership competencies. Andy and Rebecca also cover the practical mechanics of creating a successful two-way mentoring program, fostering vulnerability between senior and junior talent, and embedding a culture where bold ideas can thrive without causing disruptive conflict. This episode is a masterclass in building a truly connected, cross-generational leadership pipeline that future-proofs the entire organisation. Key Takeaways Soft Skills Are the Hard Skills: Skills like empathy, generosity, and curiosity are not optional extras; they are the fundamental drivers of high-performing, collaborative teams and are more critical than ever in a hybrid world. Establish a Next-Generation Board: Creating a formal platform like a "Horizon Board" gives young talent direct access to leadership, providing them with experience while ensuring senior executives stay connected to new, vital perspectives. Mentoring Must Be a Two-Way Street: Effective mentoring is a value exchange. Senior leaders have as much to learn from the insights of junior talent as the other way around, creating a richer, more dynamic relationship. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Rebecca Robins: LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 132 Featuring Rebecca Robins
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    24 分
  • Go to War With the Army You've Got With Dr. Brian EA “Beam” Maue

    Go to War With the Army You've Got With Dr. Brian EA “Beam” Maue
    2025/07/21
    We're dipping into the archives for one of our most popular episodes! Andy Lopata revisits his fascinating conversation with Dr. Beam Maue, co-founder of AFWERX, the innovation mission within the US Air Force. How do you build a forward-thinking, agile community within one of the world's most hierarchical organisations? Dr. Brian shares the incredible story of how AFWERX grew from just five people into an award-winning ecosystem that connected with over 700 new small businesses, many of whom had never worked with the government before. This episode is a masterclass in leading change from within. Dr. Brian explains his philosophy of "going to war with the army you've got," empowering the team you have rather than wishing for another. He shares powerful stories, from a pig farmer's innovative soap to navigating Pentagon red tape, illustrating how to manage the environment for innovation, not the innovation itself. Tune in to learn how to foster experimentation, build momentum through short-term wins, and lead with a "faeces umbrella" to protect your team. Key Takeaways Lead the Team You Have: You must work with the people and resources available, not the ones you wish you had. The key is to identify and play to their existing strengths. Manage the Environment, Not the Innovation: A leader’s role isn’t to direct every innovative step but to create a safe environment where experimentation, learning, and even small-scale failures are encouraged. Empower Your Experts: Trust the experts on your team. Instead of dictating their goals, give them the space to define the strategy and tell you what’s needed for success. Stories and Short-Term Wins Build Momentum: Data is forgettable, but stories stick. Highlight short-term wins to prove the value of your mission, build belief, and attract support from sceptical stakeholders. Flow Like Water Around Bureaucracy: When facing bureaucratic obstacles, seek out allies who interpret rules with an "if it's not illegal" mindset. Don't waste energy on pockets of resistance; pivot to where there is less friction. Actionable Insights What can a pig farmer’s special soap teach a high-tech military organisation about the true source of innovation? How can you transform a team that’s been told “there are no additional personnel” into a globally-ranked best place to work for innovators? What does it mean to be a "faeces umbrella" for your team, and why is it one of a leader's most critical (and unglamorous) roles? Tune in to learn more. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter YouTube Connect with Daniela Landher: LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 121 Featuring Dr. Beam
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    20 分
  • The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian

    The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian
    2025/07/14
    In this episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his insightful conversation with the ultimate super-connector, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Andy introduces the concept of the “Gottian Sphere” to explore Ruth's phenomenal generosity with her network and why she believes in an abundance mentality. They examine the principle of "know, like, and trust," stressing that genuine relationships are never transactional—you must give long before you ever consider taking. Ruth explains how shared experiences and vulnerability can rapidly deepen connections, even in a virtual world. Discover the mindset of an extreme high-achiever who has built a world-class network not by hoarding contacts, but by thoughtfully and generously sharing them. This episode is a masterclass in building authentic, lasting professional relationships that open doors for everyone involved. 5 Key Takeaways The "Know, Like, and Trust" Principle is Non-Negotiable: Introductions carry weight. Dr. Gotian only connects people she genuinely knows, likes, and trusts, creating "associated trust" that gives the new relationship a strong foundation. Give Before You Take: A strong network is built on generosity, not transactions. Offer value and build the relationship over a long period before ever thinking of asking for something in return. Shared Vulnerability Accelerates Connection: The deepest bonds are often formed when the professional mask drops. As seen in her "shared misery" pandemic group, being authentic and vulnerable builds trust faster than any formal networking event. Deep Connections Don't Require Physical Presence: Meaningful, trusting relationships can be built entirely online. Consistency, shared values, and genuine interest are more important than meeting in person. Turn a Request into an Offer: When asking for an introduction, phrase it to benefit the person you're asking. Frame it as an opportunity for their contact 3 Actionable Insights When you make an introduction, your reputation is on the line. Are you making your connections feel safe by giving them an "out" and asking permission before connecting them? Dr. Gotian found a clever, non-demanding reason to initiate contact with a respected peer. What's the overlooked "hook" you could use to start a genuine conversation with someone you admire? Everyone wants an introduction to a key person, but most ask in a way that gets them ignored. What if you could reframe your request so it’s focused entirely on the other person’s interests, making it almost impossible for them to say no? SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Dr. Ruth Gotian: Website |LinkedIn | Navigating the Gotiansphere with Ruth Gotian The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    23 分
  • The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu

    The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu
    2025/07/07
    In a world where disrespect and division are increasingly normalised, how can leaders navigate difficult conversations and transform conflict into connection? This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast tackles this critical challenge head-on as Andy Lopata welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu. A dynamic speaker and author, Justin guides individuals and organisations to their peak potential through meaningful work, inclusive mindsets, and the art of respectful disagreement. Justin argues that the "social isolation theory", amplified by social media, has seeped from our global discourse into the workplace, creating dynamics like "disrespectful agreement"—where politeness masks underlying dissent. This erodes trust and stifles innovation. The conversation explores how leaders can counteract this by proactively building psychological safety and shifting from a passive "open-door policy" to an active "out-the-door policy" to intentionally build relational capital. At the core of the discussion are Justin’s five powerful pillars for bridging divides: Challenge Your Perspective, Be the Student, Cultivate Your Curiosity, Seek the Grey, and Agree to Respect. He provides a masterclass in moving beyond a win-lose mentality, emphasising that curiosity is the engine for understanding and that finding common ground is more crucial than seeking a middle ground. From the cultural nuances of disagreement in global teams to the power of a leader's apology, this episode is packed with profound insights and practical frameworks. Discover how to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth, humanise your interactions, and build a culture where challenging conversations strengthen, rather than sever, professional relationships. What we discussed: The Echo Chamber's Invasion: What if the distance created by our screens and societal echo chambers is actively teaching us to dehumanise our colleagues? The Agreeable Dissenter: Are your team's nods of agreement hiding a culture of silent, simmering dissent known as "disrespectful agreement"? The Leader's Journey: Why is the traditional "open-door policy" a passive failure, and what is the proactive alternative that builds authentic connection? Beyond Black and White: When two sides are locked in opposition, what is the innovative "grey" space that most leaders fail to see? The Power of the Pre-Workout: How can intentionally seeking out different perspectives before a conflict arises become your most effective tool for handling it? Actionable Insights: Embark on the "Out the Door" Expedition: Discover how to transform the failed "open-door policy" into an active leadership ritual. Learn the 15-minute weekly habit that builds profound relational capital and makes your team feel truly seen. Unlock the Code for Candour: Find out the simple, powerful phrase you can use to "prime the pump" for respectful disagreement in any meeting, instantly creating the psychological safety needed for your team to share what they really think. Master the Quest for "The Grey": When stuck in a debate, learn how to escape the black-and-white battle. We reveal the technique for "Seeking the Grey" to find the hidden common ground that holds the key to innovative solutions, not just empty compromises. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube Rebel Ideas, Matthew Syed Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together, William Isaacs Fail Fast, Learn Fast With Daniela Landherr The Right Kind of Wrong with Dr Amy Edmondson The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    52 分
  • The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett

    The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett
    2025/06/30
    Are you constantly drowning in a sea of emails, back-to-back meetings, and an endless to-do list? Do you end the day feeling exhausted but not truly productive? You're not just busy; you're caught in the "crazy busy" trap—and it's costing you the relationships that fuel long-term success. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by leadership coach and author of The Crazy Busy Cure, Zena Everett, to diagnose and solve this modern epidemic. Zena breaks down why so many professionals prioritise urgent but unimportant tasks (the "field mice") over the high-impact activities that truly move the needle (the "antelopes"). This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone in a client-facing or business development role who wants to shift from a reactive state of "doing" to a proactive state of "achieving". In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The "Antelope vs Field Mice" Principle: A powerful mindset shift to help you distinguish between high-value priorities and minor distractions. · How to Schedule "Power Hours": A practical method for protecting your most productive time for deep, focused work. · The Art of Setting Boundaries: Learn how to say "no" gracefully and communicate your availability to reclaim control of your calendar. · Taming Your Digital Leash: Simple but effective techniques to minimise time wasted on unnecessary emails, notifications, and social media. · From "Busy" to "Connected": Why scheduling time for relationship-building is a non-negotiable for innovation, career growth, and business success. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Zena Everett: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 179 Featuring Daniela Landher
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    21 分