Paul Downing, my dad, is back! With 40 years of experience working in hotels internationally, Paul once again brings us lots of colourful stories about how he’s successfully handled cultural differences around the globe. There’s ice cream served in the desert from Lawrence of Arabia’s train, a goat stew brings a team together, and a manager must agree to hold meetings again, 25 years after the revolution*.

What should companies be doing to prepare their managers to lead in new territories? What’s the key to assimilating into a culture (hint: we’ve talked about it before!) We also discuss how to build and maintain company culture and just what effect it has on recruitment and retaining of staff.

*Which revolution? You’re going to have to tune in to find out.

"The Lead Story" episodes 1-5 are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

I had so much fun talking about positivity with Tiffany Bradbury and had to find out a little more. This bonus segment gets a few more insights into how she keeps positivity in her life: with coffee, gratitude, 90’s grunge music and a whole lotta glitter.

"The Lead Story" episodes 1-5 are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

Who’s the most positive member of your leadership team? Ever think about the steel that’s supporting all that sunshine and smiles? We’re exploring *positive* leadership so it’s time to get down to the details and look at positivity. It’s a conscious way to approach the day, the attitude with which to tackle a challenge, the thing you can be known for. But how do you sustain the energy to always be the one bringing positivity into the workplace? How do you remain positive during challenging times? And are there times when perhaps a positive attitude is the last thing a person wants to face? If you’re bringing the glitter and unicorns to the table, are you being seen as soft or weak?

I explore all that and more with one of the most positive people I know: Tiffany Bradbury. She was one of my very first managers and lead with a big smile and an even bigger heart. But that didn’t mean she was a pushover. So how has she brought that positivity and leadership to the fore every day, whether it be directing the evening news, teaching kids fire safety, or helping a community navigate a global pandemic?

We discuss how important kindness is today not only in the workplace but in all aspects of our lives, how different people may want their kudos, why asking for help can show strength, and just how to fill that positivity bucket that everyone draws from. As always there are stories, laughter, and some really good advice.

"The Lead Story" episodes 1-5 are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and other podcast platforms.