Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others

As 2026 begins, Rich and Dave tackle a question many leaders avoid but feel deeply: How happy is my team really… and what role am I playing in that?A recent 2025 report states that just over half (51%) of UK workers are frequently happy in their jobs, a quarter (25%) often don't feel appreciated, and 22% feel undervalued at work.Moving beyond perks, incentives and short-term fixes, this conversation breaks workplace happiness down into five core leadership conditions that consistently drive engagement, wellbeing and performance: meaning, autonomy, progress, connection and fairness.Drawing on research, real leadership experience and everyday situations, Rich and Dave explore the two forces every leader can shape; the eco-systems people work in and the mindsets they bring to work, and why small leadership shifts often produce the biggest results.This is a grounded, honest and practical discussion about what it truly takes to build teams that are not only happier, but stronger, more resilient and more effective in the year ahead.Key Talking PointsWhy perks, benefits and wellbeing initiatives rarely fix disengagement, and what moves the needleThe two forces every leader can shape (whether they realise it or not): systems and mindsetMeaning and purpose: how leaders create the “golden thread” between daily work and real-world impactAutonomy without abdication: building trust, confidence and ownership without micromanagementWhy progress and mastery mean people feel they’re getting better, not just getting through.Connection and belonging, and why psychological safety is the number one predictor of team performance Fairness and recognition, people don’t need constant praise, but they do need to believe effort is noticed and they are treated fairlyPractical leadership shifts that improve happiness, engagement and performance without adding pressure in 2026

In this episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Rich and Dave explore one of the most common leadership bottlenecks in senior roles: when everything still comes back to the leader.They discuss why shared leadership, emotional intelligence, and team coaching will define high-performance teams in 2026 and beyondDrawing on research, real-world experience, and Zentano’s Connected Leadership approach, they unpack why traditional, hero-centric leadership models are no longer fit for purpose, and what replaces them. The conversation explores shared leadership as the emerging gold standard, where decision-making, ownership, and influence are distributed across the team rather than concentrated at the top.Rich and Dave discuss the role of power, emotional intelligence, and team coaching in unlocking collective intelligence, reducing blind spots, and creating teams that adapt, innovate, and perform under pressure. Practical examples and clear takeaways help leaders reflect on where they may be unintentionally acting as a bottleneck, and how to shift toward a more connected, sustainable leadership model.Key Talking PointsWhy capable leaders often become unintentional bottlenecksThe shift from heroic leadership to shared leadershipPower, hierarchy, and mindset: what really needs to changeHow shared leadership improves decision-making, agility, and ownershipThe four Connected Leadership personas and their relationship with powerWhy emotional intelligence is the “glue” that makes shared leadership workThe role of team coaching in building accountability, resilience, and performancePractical ways to start embedding shared leadership without a culture overhaul

Courage in leadership is often misunderstood. It’s not about bold speeches or dramatic decisions; it’s about the everyday choices leaders make between comfort and effectiveness.In this re-released Leadership Unscripted episode, Dave and Rich explore how experienced leaders can unknowingly drift towards comfortable leadership: avoiding difficult conversations, over-relying on familiar approaches, or choosing short-term harmony over long-term impact. Drawing on current research into psychological safety, adaptive leadership and behavioural risk, they examine why courage becomes harder, not easier, as leaders become more senior.Through the lens of Zentano’s Connected Leadership framework, they look at how true leadership courage starts internally, shows up in behaviour, and ultimately shapes trust, performance and growth in others.This conversation is for leaders who know that staying comfortable may feel easier in the moment, but comes at a much higher cost over timeKey Talking PointsWhy courage is a conscious choice, not an innate traitThe link between courage, mindset, and stepping outside your comfort zoneHow to work with, not against, your inner critical voiceThe role of reframing language and narratives (both internal and external)Cultivating confidence through competence, preparation, and humilityThe power of small, deliberate steps when facing big challengesWhy courage is a “team sport”, building your “courage network”Staying calm under pressure by managing the fight–flight–freeze response

Many capable leaders are delivering results yet quietly feeling more disconnected, from their teams, from peers, and sometimes from themselves.This isn’t a personal failing. It’s a predictable consequence of pressure, complexity and the way senior leadership roles have evolved.In this episode, we explore why disconnection is becoming more common at senior level, even among highly experienced operational leaders. Drawing on leadership psychology, current research and Zentano’s Connected Leadership framework, we unpack what disconnection really looks like, how it shows up in everyday behaviour, and the hidden costs it creates, for performance, trust and long-term impact.This conversation is for leaders who sense something isn’t quite right, even though everything looks fine on the surface, and who want to lead with greater clarity, connection and influence without simply pushing harder.Key Talking PointsDisconnection from Self – The erosion of reflection, emotional insight, and intuition.Disconnection from Others – Overreliance on transactional leadership, the myth of the heroic leader, and the undervaluing of time spent building relationships.Disconnection from Complexity – Treating organisations as machines, not ecosystems; wanting certainty and ignoring adaptive thinking.Disconnection from Purpose – Losing sight of meaning in pursuit of efficiency, and an insufficient focus on values-led leadership.Disconnection from Nature & Sustainability – Operating in extractive ways that ignore our embeddedness in larger systems.

Why Leaders Under Pressure Make Worse DecisionsAs leaders, we’re expected to make good decisions, even when we’re tired, stressed or running on empty. But what if that expectation is fundamentally flawed?In this reflective end-of-year episode, we explore a provocative truth: tired, stressed and sick people don’t make good decisions. Drawing on leadership psychology, decision-making research and lived experience, we unpack why energy, not time, is the real constraint on leadership effectiveness.As we head into Christmas, when fatigue often catches up with us, we look at why leaders are especially vulnerable to decision fatigue, how depleted energy quietly shapes judgement, and what it costs organisations when leaders “power through”.This isn’t about resilience or weakness. It’s about biology, behaviour and leadership responsibility, and how protecting energy is one of the most strategic decisions leaders can make going into the year ahead.Key Talking PointsEnergy, not effort, determines decision qualityWhen energy drops, leaders don’t just decide worse, they decide differentlyWhy leaders are uniquely vulnerable to decision fatigueEnergy management matters more than time managementProtecting decision quality requires deliberate leadership shifts

“Never give up” is a phrase often used in leadership, sport, and business. But what if that mantra sometimes does more harm than good?In this episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Rich and Dave explore the often-ignored wisdom of knowing when to quit. Drawing on recent research, real leadership experience, and cultural examples from sport and business, they challenge the idea that perseverance is always virtuous.The conversation looks at the hidden costs of relentless goal-pursuit, how fear can disguise itself as ambition, and why adaptive leaders hold goals lightly rather than gripping them at all costs. Along the way, Rich introduces a simple set of reflective questions to help leaders decide whether they are persevering wisely or persisting unhealthily.This episode is not about giving up easily. It’s about discernment, perspective, and the leadership maturity to let go of the wrong goal to make space for the right one.Why a “never give up” mentality can damage your healthThe difference between healthy ambition and fear-driven persistenceHow identity becomes unhelpfully tied to goals and achievementSurvivorship bias: why success stories distort our understanding of perseveranceWhy sporting metaphors don’t always translate well into leadershipHolding goals lightly without losing focus or directionA practical “Goal Adjustment” checklist to assess when it might be time to let goWhy quitting can be a strategic leadership decision, not a sign of failure

In this episode, Rich and Dave explore what leaders can learn from the fast, disciplined, and constantly evolving world of Formula 1. Using the pit lane as a practical metaphor, they unpack how the best teams blend precision with adaptability, and why the same mindset is essential for leaders navigating rapid change.Drawing on real F1 case studies, they examine why agility isn’t chaos, why lean isn’t about cutting jobs or removing people, and how data and intuition can work together rather than compete for air space.They also dig into four vital areas of leadership, decision making, team culture, strategy execution, and personal effectiveness, and show how agile and lean thinking combine to drive clarity, focus, and momentum.Balancing structure with flexibility lies at the heart of Connected Leadership, and this conversation brings that principle to life in a grounded, accessible way. Whether you follow F1 or not, the insights apply to every leader looking to stay responsive, purposeful, and effective in an unpredictable world. Key Talking PointsWhy F1 is a powerful (and accessible) metaphor for modern leadershipThe difference between agile and lean thinking, and why both matterHow organisations can get trapped in rigid systems, KPIs, and legacy thinkingThe danger of over-relying on data while ignoring intuition (and vice versa)Case studies: Williams, Ferrari, Mercedes, how cultures help or hinder learningHow the best F1 teams balance feedback, discipline, and flexibility in real timeFour vital leadership dimensions:Decision making: learning fast, avoiding analysis paralysisTeam culture: empowering challenge, building psychological safetyStrategy execution: evolving goals, focusing on what adds valuePersonal effectiveness: simplifying, staying self-aware, adaptingCommon leadership myths about agile and leanThree practical tools to embed agility and focus:Stop / Start / ContinueRegular retrospectivesMaking priorities actual priorities

In this episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Rich and Dave explore a leadership challenge that almost everyone recognises: the gap between being busy and adding value. Prompted by a simple question in the gym about why Dave prefers 30-minute classes, they dig into how short, deliberate pockets of time can fuel clarity, connection, creativity, and renewal.Drawing on Stephen Covey’s distinction between urgent and important work, as well as the “sharpen the saw” mindset, the conversation reframes 30-minute windows as powerful leadership levers. Across ten practical ideas, Rich and Dave show how leaders can use half an hour to build trust, develop others, widen their strategic lens, break silo thinking, reset wellbeing, and reconnect with long-term purpose.This episode offers grounded, realistic approaches that fit into busy schedules and challenges the culture of busyness as a badge of honour. Listeners are encouraged to pick one or two of the ten ideas, place them intentionally in the diary, and form new habits that make a difference.Key Talking PointsHow 30-minute blocks of time can be used for developing capability, engaging in strategic thinking, and focusing on personal renewalAvoiding the trap that “being busy = adding value” and the importance of intentional effortWhy, according to Stephen Covey, you should “Sharpen the Saw”Connection Time: building trust and psychological safety through genuine check-insMicro-Coaching: turning quick chats into developmental conversationsRecognition Rituals: using focused appreciation to reinforce culture and motivationStrategic Thinking Blocks: creating protected space to think beyond the day-to-dayCreative Sprints: idea-generation sessions done solo or with othersLearning Conversations: cross-team or cross-industry exchanges that spark innovationCustomer or Stakeholder Curiosity: intentionally understanding the world of the people you serveDeclutter & Prioritise: how to reset, clear your mind and find new energyWellbeing Resets: micro-moments that regulate the nervous system and prevent burnoutFuture Self Sessions: using a future perspective to align with purpose nowFinal challenge: pick one or two habits, schedule them, and build consistency

In this Leadership Unscripted episode, Rich and Dave dig into one of the most enduring psychological models for understanding workplace behaviour: Transactional Analysis and its Parent–Adult–Child (PAC) ego states. Using a playful PAC-Man analogy as the gateway into a deeper conversation, they explore how our internal “mini-me’s” influence tone, behaviour, decision-making, feedback conversations, and ultimately the quality of our relationships at work. Drawing on real examples and decades of leadership experience, they unpack: • how our early scripts shape present-day responses • why triggers matter more than we think • how even well-intended habits (like be the rescuer) can quietly undermine autonomy • How emotionally intelligent leaders learn to “press stop” on unhelpful patterns of behaviour and choose intentional, grounded behaviour instead. At the heart of the conversation is the Adult Mindset, the “power pellet” that enables clarity, curiosity, mutual respect and better problem solving. Whether you’re navigating tricky workplace dynamics, giving feedback, or trying to avoid slipping conflict, this episode offers practical, compassionate insight into leading with emotional intelligence.Key Talking Points • The PAC framework explained: Parent, Adult, and Child ego states in everyday leadership • How early-life scripts shape unconsciously triggered responses at work • The difference between nurturing vs controlling parent, and adaptive vs rebellious child • Why negative parent ego states often trigger negative child-like mindsets in others • The cassette-tape metaphor: noticing when your script has started playing • Adult-to-Adult communication as the foundation of emotionally intelligent leadership • Feedback conversations: spotting defensiveness, rescuing, and subtle power dynamics • Decision making, how unconscious ego states limit contribution and stifle challenge • Practical tools for shifting back into the Adult Mindset • Identifying triggers, building reflection practices, and creating shared team language

In this episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Rich and Dave explore five common communication mistakes that quietly derail leadership impact. Despite endless tools and channels, teams still point to communication as the number one problem that impacts productivity and efficiency. Why is communication so hard? And why do good intentions so often get lost in translation?Drawing on real examples from coaching, mediation, and organisational life, Rich and Dave unpack how these communication “false steps” show up in human interactions and that it is not dependent on any one personality type. From filling silence because of social anxiety to assuming shared meaning because of language shortcuts. Thery explore how leaders can become more conscious, more intentional, and ultimately more influential.The conversation offers grounded, practical guidance on listening, context-setting, adapting to different thinking styles, and handling difficult conversations. Through stories, metaphors, and honest reflection, they outline how small shifts can dramatically improve respect, trust, and positive influence in everyday leadership.This episode is a practical guide for leaders who want to build better relationships, reduce misunderstanding, and communicate with clarity and confidence.Key Talking PointsWhy communication faux pas remain common despite more tools and channelsMistake 1: Talking too much and filling silence (social anxiety, ego, or habit) Mistake 2: Not really listening (distraction, “squirrels,” and lack of intentionality)Mistake 3: Assuming shared understanding and skipping contextMistake 4: Communicating through your own thinking style rather than adapting to othersMistake 5: Avoiding difficult conversations and why we do it!

Why leadership today is about influence and connection rather than hierarchyIn this episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Dave and Rich explore what it really means to lead beyond the organisational chart. Together, they challenge traditional notions of hierarchy and shareholder-driven thinking, arguing that true leadership today means viewing your organisation as an ecosystem, one where influence, humility, and collaboration extend across a wide constellation of stakeholders.They discuss the growing movement towards stakeholder capitalism, the mindset shift from “inside-out” to “outside-in,” and how leaders can navigate this complexity through a focus on empathy, connection, and a systems-thinking approach. They discuss powerful tools like stakeholder mapping, an engaging, creative, practical tool that combines left and right brain thinking to visualise and calibrate relationships and assess the influence you need to have to create great outcomes. They introduce the principle of reciprocity as key to stakeholder focused leadership which helps leaders at all levels build trust and foster collaboration.Whether you lead a small team or an entire organisation, this episode will help you think differently about the responsible use of power, adopting a service-orientated mentality, and how to create positive impact for the many rather than the few in an interconnected world.Key Talking PointsThe evolution from shareholder to stakeholder-focused leadershipWhy hierarchy limits influence, and how to lead through connection insteadThe mindset shift from “I’m at the centre” to “I’m part of an ecosystem”Balancing healthy power: directing others vs. empowering othersThe role of humility, empathy, and collaboration in stakeholder relationshipsHow to map your stakeholder landscape visually (not in a spreadsheet!)The principle of reciprocity, understanding what others need from youUsing empathy and curiosity to rebuild spiky relationshipsWhy leadership isn’t about who reports to you, it’s about who you impact positively

How reframing challenges builds confidence, creativity, and momentum.In this episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Rich and Dave explore what it means to move from problem-centric leadership to leading with possibility. They unpack how a reactive, firefighting culture where everything is urgent and important drains energy, stifles innovation, and erodes confidence and how a solutions-focused approach can restore engagement, create empowerment and build a culture that positively impacts confidence.Drawing from coaching practice and real-world leadership experience, they share how reframing problems, asking generative questions, and focusing on small steps forward can shift culture at every level. From the “magic wand” question to scaling and strength-spotting, this episode is packed with practical tools to help leaders energize conversations, create forward momentum, and build collective capability. The possibilities are endless.Key Talking PointsWhy reactive, problem-focused leadership creates a downward spiral of disempowerment and fatigue.The mindset shift from “everything’s urgent” to “leading with possibility”How to use generative questions to unlock creativity and ownershipThe power of small steps and chunking down big tasks to build momentumHow scaling questions and strengths-based dialogue build confidenceUsing future-focused conversations to shift culture and engagementPractical tools: the Magic Wand Question, scaling, and the art of ask, don’t tellHow leaders can avoid colluding with negative narratives and reframe team stories

How RTT practitioner and former corporate leader Richard Stokes turned personal crisis into a mission to help others challenge limiting narratives and rediscover confidence.In this deeply honest Voices of Leadership episode, Dave sits down with Richard Stokes, RTT Practitioner and former senior corporate leader, to explore what happens when a successful life begins to unravel, and how it can lead to a richer, more grounded kind of leadership.Rich shares his candid story of high-pressure corporate success, burnout, and eventual rehab, and how that experience led him to retrain as a Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner. Together, he and Dave explore how uncovering and rewiring limiting beliefs can transform not only personal wellbeing but also leadership performance, confidence, and team culture.This is a conversation about humility, honesty, and rediscovering your inner cheerleader, a reminder that impactful and connected leadership starts with a healthy mindset.Key Talking Points:Richard’s corporate journey and the early mentors who ignited his passion for people developmentHow unconscious beliefs and inner narratives quietly limit performance, even among senior and experienced leadersThe moment of hitting rock bottom and the lessons from rehab that reshaped Richard’s approach to life and leadershipWhy humility and self-reflection are cornerstones of sustainable leadershipUnderstanding RTT, what it is, how it works, and how it applies in non-therapeutic, business settings“Lie, cheat and steal”: reframing self-talk and reclaiming the confidence you were born withHow reframing fear as energy can turn anxiety into purposeful action RTT’s role in building engagement, reducing presenteeism, and unblocking team potentialThe simple truth: before you can fully unleash positive impact on others, you have to quieten the inner critic and unlock yourself

In this Leadership Unscripted episode, Dave and Rich explore one of the biggest myths in leadership development: that you can “train” people into becoming better leaders.They unpack why so many leadership programmes fail to create real behavioural change and deliver a return on both investment and expectation. They introduce a different approach, a concept that does work, transformational learning.Drawing on real-world examples, including Rich’s advanced motorcycle training with IAM RoadSmart, they discuss why leadership development must go beyond tools and content to focus on mindset, reflection, and cultural alignment. You’ll hear about Zentano’s SORTed learning model, adult development theory, and what it really takes for leadership growth to stick.This is an insightful, thought-provoking conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered whether their investment in leadership development truly makes a difference.Key Talking PointsWhy leadership “training” often fails to deliver lasting resultsThe crucial difference between transactional and transformational learningWhy mindset and motivation come before methods and modelsWhat Robert Kegan’s stages of adult development teaches us about leadership maturityThe importance of reflection, feedback, and real-world practice in shaping new habitsHow Zentano’s SORTed Model (Stuff happens → Objective view → Rethink & Challenge → Take Action) turns learning into behaviour changeWhy culture and context determine whether development succeeds or stallsHow organisations can design learning journeys, not isolated learning eventsThe importance of humility and self-awareness in adult learningWhy Zentano doesn’t sell training, it develops leaders

In this Voices of Leadership conversation, Dave sits down with Daniel Walton, Founder and Managing Director of OLPRO, a certified B-Corp and one of the UK’s leading outdoor leisure brands. From growing up climbing in the Peak District to helping launch lastminute.com at the dawn of e-commerce, Daniel’s story is a rich blend of adventure, experimentation, and entrepreneurial courage.He shares how OLPRO was founded on a desire to “do things differently”, creating striking, sustainable camping gear while building a business that genuinely values people and the planet. We explore how Daniel embeds social value into everyday decisions, how staff voices shape boardroom decisions, and why humble, inclusive leadership drives stronger results than command and control ever could.A grounded, inspiring and practical conversation for leaders who want to grow their business with purpose. This is a real-life case study that demonstrates doing good and making money really can go hand in hand.Key Talking PointsHow Daniel’s childhood love of adventure and technology shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetLessons from working with Brent Hoberman and Martha Lane Fox during the early days of lastminute.comThe importance of planning ahead Action amid uncertainty: what OLPRO learned from the pandemicBuilding a purpose-driven brand and becoming a B-CorpTurning sustainability into a commercial advantageEmbedding social value through culture, education, and employee involvementWhy humility and collaboration are the true hallmarks of leadership

In this Voices of Leadership episode, Dave speaks with Karen Nolan, founder of Bid Essentials, about the power of embedding social value into business strategy. Drawing on her background in construction, housing, and public sector tenders, Karen shares how leaders can move beyond the bottom line to create ripples of lasting impact in their communities.Dave & Karen explore why social value matters for business leaders, employees, customers, and investors alike. She offers practical insights into frameworks like the TOMS measurement system, the growing influence of younger generations’ values-driven expectations, and how even small actions, like volunteer days or local partnerships, can build trust, strengthen culture, and enhance profitability.This conversation is a timely reminder that leadership legacy is not measured solely in terms of financial success, but in the positive change we leave behind.Key Talking Points:Why social value matters to leaders beyond financial reportingHow to create positive ripples that impact employees, suppliers, customers, and communitiesPractical ways to benchmark and measure social value (including the TOMS system)The role of trust, innovation, and purpose in building resilient organisationsHow younger generations are shaping expectations for business sustainability and ethicsExamples from Karen’s work, including community partnerships, food bank support, and housing initiativesOvercoming barriers: moving from mindset and money myths to embedding social value in everyday cultureLeadership legacy: what stories and impact will you leave behind?

It’s the Heartbeat of Leadership: Why Courage Changes Everything.In this Leadership Unscripted episode, Dave and Rich explore one of the most essential, yet often misunderstood, qualities of leadership: courage. Drawing inspiration from a Harvard Business Review article, they unpack what it really means to be brave in today’s fast-changing world of uncertainty, disruption, and pressure. Far from reckless risk-taking, courage is reframed as a conscious choice to act boldly in service of a meaningful purpose. Through personal stories and practical strategies, Rich and Dave bring this theme to life showing how leaders can overcome hesitation, regulate natural fear, and step forward with grounded confidence.From reframing your inner narrative to seeking connection and staying calm under pressure, this conversation provides practical takeaways for any leader wanting to build courage as a lived skill rather than a rare trait.Key Talking PointsWhy courage is a conscious choice, not an innate traitThe link between courage, mindset, and stepping outside your comfort zoneHow to work with, not against, your inner critical voiceThe role of reframing language and narratives (both internal and external)Cultivating confidence through competence, preparation, and humilityThe power of small, deliberate steps when facing big challengesWhy courage is a “team sport”, building your “courage network”Staying calm under pressure by managing the fight–flight–freeze response

How a young author’s journey with neurodiversity can help us reshape the way we think about leadership and inclusion.In this inspiring Voices of Leadership episode, Dave sits down with Daisy Merle, a young neurodiverse author and advocate, to explore what it really means to see the world differently. Daisy shares her journey of growing up with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD, and how these experiences inspired her book Pixo Escapes, a story about a neurodivergent Jack Russell terrier and his adventures.Through her candid reflections, Daisy highlights both the challenges and the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to friendships, classrooms, and workplaces. She discusses what leaders can do to support neurodiverse colleagues, why compassion and adaptability are vital traits, and how her own persistence and creativity drive her forward.This is a conversation that challenges stereotypes, normalises difference, and invites leaders to adopt a more inclusive mindset. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or business leader, Daisy’s message of acceptance and resilience offers valuable lessons for all.Key Talking Points:Daisy’s early experiences with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, and how they shaped her view of herself and the world around her.The inspiration behind Pixo Escapes and why she chose to tell her story through Pixo and his friends.The importance of recognising neurodiversity as unique to each individual, “If you know one person with neurodiversity, you know one person.”How compassion and adaptability in leadership unlock loyalty, creativity, and resilience.Why many entrepreneurs are neurodivergent and how their traits bring innovation.Daisy’s vision for bringing her books into schools to raise awareness and empathy in children, in education professionals and in parents.Practical takeaways for leaders: focus on individual strengths, offer patience, and normalise difference.

Why healthy scepticism and sense-making tools matter more than quick-fix modelsIn this Voices of Leadership conversation, Dave speaks with Stephen E. Morris, author of Leaders, Believers and Expert Deceivers, about the risks of relying on “one right way” models for leadership and organisational development. Drawing on his IT background and later research, Stephen shares how frameworks like Tuckman’s team stages, Lean-Agile methodology, and other popular models often get applied uncritically, and why leaders need to resist the temptation of finding easy answers.Instead, he argues for curiosity, context awareness, and sense-making approaches which he brings alive through practical stories, Stephen shows how investing even a little time in understanding your environment can prevent wasted effort, unlock better decisions, and build healthier leadership cultures.This is a conversation that challenges assumptions, encourages humility, and reminds us that leadership isn’t about following a script, it’s about learning to read the landscape.Key Talking Points:Why popular leadership frameworks often lack the evidence we assume they haveThe danger of “one-size-fits-all” approaches to leadership and culture changeHow context (plural!) matters more than content, and why nuance is criticalStories of organisations struggling when servant leadership or agile were applied too rigidlySense-making tools leaders can use, including Cynefin and ConfluenceThe role of curiosity, diversity of perspective, and conversation in better decision-makingWhy good leadership is more about adaptability than certainty

How Purpose-Led Leaders Create Positive RipplesIn this first Voices of Leadership episode in season 2 of “Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others”, Dave sits down with sustainability and B Corp expert Camilla Barnes, founder of Better Business, Better World to explore how purpose-led leadership can be a force for good. This thought-provoking conversation explores how businesses, particularly SMEs, can align purpose, people, and profit to drive meaningful change.Camilla shares her personal leadership journey, shaped by time in rural Spain, Latin America, and the UK development sector. Her deep-rooted passion for sustainability and justice has led her to champion the B Corp movement, not just as a certification, but as a community of companies building a more equitable and regenerative form of capitalism.Together, Dave and Camilla unpack what it means to lead regeneratively, how to involve employees in shaping company values and purpose, and why asking the right questions can unlock extraordinary innovation and impact.Whether you're leading a small business, a large team, or simply curious about how leadership and sustainability intersect, this episode offers grounded insights and real-world inspiration.Key Talking Points:Why business can be a powerful force for goodCamilla’s leadership journey: from farming in rural Spain, developing a passion for sustainable development, working in UK Research, to B-Corp consultancyWhat B Corp certification really involves, and why it’s more than just a badgeThe concept of regenerative leadership and why we need itThe importance of purpose, systems thinking, and involving your peoplePractical tips for making your business more sustainable, starting todayThe value of curiosity, courage, and humility in leadership