Everyday Leadership

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi speaks with Kameka McLean, Group Head of HR at Walker Crips. Her story starts in Jamaica and stretches across more than forty countries where she has led major transformation projects, built teams, shaped organisational culture, and held firm to her values in rooms where many would stay silent. Kameka talks about the realities of arriving in the UK at sixteen, facing barriers she never expected, and building a career without a roadmap or role models. She opens up about finding her place in HR, managing pressure at senior levels, navigating global change programmes, raising standards inside organisations, and the personal mindsets that helped her grow. This conversation is about leadership identity, integrity, resilience, family motivation, culture, transformation, and the courage to stand firm when it counts. It is direct, honest, and full of insight for anyone who leads or wants to lead. What We Cover • The early experiences in Jamaica that shaped her drive and purpose • Moving to the UK as a teenager and dealing with unexpected barriers • How she built a career in HR without role models or guidance • The moment she had to integrate six thousand employees across twelve locations • How she handles organisational politics and senior pressure • Why integrity guides every decision she makes • The weight of being the only one in the room and how she navigates it • The importance of family, identity, and personal values • What she had to unlearn in order to grow as a leader Key Quotes “I felt out of place, but I never let that stop me.” “I will not do anything that goes against my integrity.” “Sometimes you need to pause before you respond. It saves you trouble.” About Kameka McLean Kameka McLean is the Group Head of HR at Walker Crips. She has led global transformation and integration programmes across multiple regions and sectors. Her work spans people strategy, organisational design, culture, talent, employment law, and senior leadership advisory. She is known for her clarity, honesty, and ability to bring humanity into high pressure environments.

What does calm look like when everything is on fire? Seb Sheppard has lived leadership at every level — from flying Sea King helicopters in the Royal Navy to leading over 150 engineers at Alpine Formula 1, where milliseconds decide success or failure. In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Seb joins Sope Agbelusi to explore what it really means to lead under pressure. He shares the unseen side of Formula 1, the discipline he learned in the military, and the mindset that keeps teams composed when chaos hits. If you’ve ever faced high stakes, tight deadlines, or the weight of responsibility, this conversation will challenge how you think about control, composure, and courage.

We often talk about growth like it’s a finish line, something to achieve or complete. But real growth never ends. You don’t arrive. You evolve. In this episode, Sope Agbelusi explores why the very version of you that brought success may be the same one holding you back. Through stories from marriage, neuroscience, and leadership, he reveals how to unlearn what no longer serves you and make space for who you’re becoming. From the transformation of Howard Schultz at Starbucks to the metaphor of the cocoon, this conversation challenges you to rethink success, identity, and the meaning of evolution. Because what got you here won’t get you there, and that’s not a warning. It’s an invitation. You’ll learn: Why growth is a lifelong process, not a destination How to evolve without abandoning your past success The neuroscience behind resistance to change Why unlearning is essential for authentic leadership Perfect for: Leaders, founders, and ambitious professionals who are ready to evolve, not just achieve. Quote from the episode: “Metamorphosis looks like dying before it looks like flying. Most people quit in the cocoon.”

Tolulope Oke's journey is a masterclass in courage, intentionality, and backing yourself when the world tells you to settle. From being the only Black woman at Cambridge's oldest college to becoming a Global Head of Inclusion at Amazon and now CEO of The Inclusive Experience Group, Tolu shares the raw truth about what it takes to lead while Black in corporate spaces that weren't built for you. This conversation unpacks the real cost of excellence, why imposter syndrome is a scam designed to keep women doubting themselves, and how she learned to negotiate like a white man while staying true to her purpose. Tonulope opens up about the cycles of burnout, the disillusionment with DEI work, and why she still chooses to do this work despite everything. 🎙 In this episode: Growing up as a quadruplet and finding identity outside of being "one of four" The moment at Cambridge when she was referred to as "that Black girl" - and what she did about it Why your 70% might be someone else's 100% - and the dangerous trap that creates Walking away from roles on principle and demanding 40-50% pay rises The hidden cost of leading while Black: from self-abandonment to mental health Why "grateful for crumbs" mentality stops you from getting your bread How chaos creates opportunity to set order in the DEI space 💡 Key insights: "Life is a game based on how many cards you have in your hand. Some people are born with more cards, others with a full deck." "Imposter syndrome is a scam to keep women doubting themselves." "What would a white man do? Do that, but proceed with caution." "You're learning a new job and the job is learning you - give yourself grace." Connect with Tonulope Okay The Inclusive Experience Group LinkedIn Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories that will inspire you to live authentically and courageously. REACH OUT & CONNECT: 🌐 Website - https://mindsetshift.co.uk/ 💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sopeagbelusi/ 🎬 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sopeagbelusi/ 📖 100 Day Devotional - https://100daydevotional.com/ ✉️ Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Avril Grant’s story is one of audacity, healing, and radical self-belief. She shares how her experiences of racial violence and rejection became the roots of her life’s mission to empower others to rise above their circumstances and believe again in what’s possible.This conversation explores the intersection of pain and purpose, motherhood and leadership, survival and success. Avril opens up about how she found her calling, built her first empowerment programme from scratch, and took it into prisons where she continues to change lives today.🎙 In this episode:The night Avril’s family faced racial violence and how it shaped her view of justice and resilienceBecoming a single mum at 19 and finding the courage to rebuildThe moment she left accountancy to follow her purposeWriting her first empowerment programme in two and a half hoursHow Avision grew from community halls to 36 prisons across the UKWhat true rehabilitation and leadership really look likeWhy we’re all capable of transformation no matter our past💡 Key insight:“Your past doesn’t define your future your mindset does.”“Purpose often hides inside your pain.”“People are not their conviction. Their behaviour isn’t their identity.”Connect with AvrilWebsiteInstagram LinkedlnEmail - avril@a-vision.co.uk Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this conversation with award-winning entrepreneur and founder Vanessa Sanyauke, we explore the highs and lows of building a career and movement that changes lives.You’ll hear:How an 8-year-old Vanessa found inspiration in Oprah.The story of how a recruiter told her she wasn’t good enough yet she landed her dream role at Standard Chartered through vision boarding and persistence.The emotional toll of building Girls Talk London and why success often hides unseen struggles.Why virality doesn’t equal value, and what really builds long-term influence.How Vanessa shifted from perfectionism to consistency to relaunch her podcast and brand.Her honest reflections on burnout, rest, and redefining what leadership means.About Vanessa SanyaukeVanessa is the founder and CEO of Girls Talk London, operating across 37 countries and connecting over 60,000 women to global industries. She has been recognised as one of the most inspiring women in the UK, featured in The Guardian, Financial Times, and as a visiting lecturer at the London School of Economics.Connect with Vanessa:LinkedInGirls Talk LondonThe Hill App Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I sit down with Chris Clark, Founder & Managing Director of InHarmony Consulting Group. From being called a “young preacher” as a child, to leading culture at global giants like Google, ESPN, and Soho House, Chris’s story is a masterclass in communication, resilience, and intentional leadership.We talk about:Growing up between church sermons and basketball courts.Why structure transforms ERGs from event planners into culture shapers.The weight of leading through COVID at Soho House.Taking the leap from corporate into entrepreneurship.Redefining success as harmony, not balance.This conversation is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who want practical insights on culture, resilience, and authentic leadership.Chris shows that leadership isn’t about titles or control — it’s about helping others achieve their own definition of success, and using communication as the bridge.Connect with Chris:LinkedInWebsiteInstagram Email: chris@inharmonyconsulting.com Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

We have been taught that the key to success is more. More meetings. More goals. More hustle. But neuroscience, psychology, and lived leadership experience all say the opposite: less is more.In this episode, I break down:The 5 biggest lies leaders believe about “more”10 powerful reasons why doing less leads to greater clarity, creativity, and influenceReal-world lessons from Warren Buffett, Serena Williams, Indra Nooyi, Steve Jobs, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and African proverbsHow scripture reminds us of the power of stillness, focus, and legacyIf you are a busy executive, founder, or a leader navigating complexity, this conversation will challenge the way you think about productivity and impact.Because leadership is not about doing everything.It is about doing the right things, deeply, consistently, and with conviction. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

You’ve been taught to outwork it.To push through.To earn rest.But what if rest isn’t the reward — what if it’s the strategy?In this solo episode, I share a deeply personal story of almost burning. I also discuss how I ignored the warning signs, pursued clarity through effort, and what ultimately led me to stop.We dive into:The hidden cost of overperformanceWhy your best thinking happens when you're doing nothingThe neuroscience of rest and the default mode networkHow leaders like Bill Gates and Tricia Hersey reframe rest as powerWhat happened when a founder I coached took her first weekend off in over a yearThis episode is a call to pause.Not because you're weak.But because you're wise enough to lead differently.Plus, I share why I’m taking a short break from the podcast — and why maybe, you should too. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this powerful conversation, Robin Daniels, former CMO and current Chief Business & Product Officer at Zensai, shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Denmark to leading at some of the world’s most iconic tech companies.We dive deep into:How childhood adversity shaped his grit and optimismThe power of storytelling and energy in leadershipWhy clarity, not certainty, is a leader’s best toolLearning to lean into discomfort and do "epic things"The myth of work-life balance and what truly mattersHow to stay grounded while scaling companies and teams globallyThe mindset shift from chasing titles to chasing impactLessons in authenticity, impostor syndrome, and redefining successRobin opens up about his personal evolution, his intentional approach to life and leadership, and the hard truths leaders need to hear, especially in today’s AI-fuelled, high-pressure world.Whether you're a founder, executive, or emerging leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

his week on Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi challenges the belief that failure is our biggest barrier. Instead, he explores the more uncomfortable truth: fear of success. Whether it's fear of being seen, fear of criticism, or fear of outgrowing the people around you, many high-performers are quietly self-sabotaging their next level.Sope shares how redefining success shaped his own path, the mindset shift that helped him stop performing for validation, and the practical steps you can take to build a personal brand rooted in truth, not pressure.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re shrinking to stay safe.What you'll learn:How to spot the fear of success in your life or leadershipWhy traditional definitions of success often lead to burnoutThe difference between alignment and performanceWhat it means to lead from the inside outWhy Black professionals, especially those raised in the West, face an added layer of fear when stepping into visibilityHow to rewire your thinking so success feels safe, not scary🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who’s capable of more but stuck playing small. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

This isn't just for entrepreneurs or influencers. It’s for every founder, every corporate leader, every individual who wants to lead with impact and clarity.Sope unpacks the difference between reputation and personal brand, the hidden cost of being passive, and why doing great work is no longer enough. He shares a pivotal story about how a quiet, intentional moment in corporate years ago opened the door to leading a major turnaround project, a reminder that your brand is working in rooms you haven’t entered yet.You’ll also learn practical steps to start shaping a brand that reflects your value, attracts the right opportunities, and keeps you in rooms long after you’ve left them.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why your personal brand already existsThe crucial difference between reputation and brandHow Sope’s quiet leadership got him a role he never applied forWhy people buy into you before they buy into your ideasFour simple, powerful steps to build an authentic personal brandHow your brand becomes your leadership tool, not just a marketing tactic“You can be a world-class singer, but if no one hears your voice, you're just performing in an empty arena.” Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this episode of Everyday Leadership I have the pleasure of chatting with Tope Chiedozie a creative curator, trainer and the voice behind The Sit Down UK. Together we trace his path from drawing in his bedroom and surviving a strict Nigerian upbringing to co-founding gospel-grime outfit Commission, touring the UK youth-event circuit and finally parking the music to create a live platform where artists swap highlight reels for raw honesty.Tope shares:How church mentors drilled purpose into him and why he now perfumes venues, checks the chairs and insists every guest can inspire his audience.The unseen side of success—from sickle-cell battles to label headaches and why “breaking the illusion” matters more than clicks.Practical rituals for balancing confidence and humility, including his 30-minute pre-show walk and digital “praise folder”.Parenthood, imposter syndrome and the simple rule he now follows: let his daughter become who she already is.If you’re searching for a fresh way to lead, tell stories or keep your ego in check, this conversation will give you plenty to chew on.Listen in and learn how grounded purpose can power bold creativity and why the best leaders stay students of their own journey.Connect with TopeInstagram: https://instagram.com/topechiedozieThe Sit Down UK: https://instagram.com/thesitdownuk Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Tash isn’t just about networking – she’s about removing barriers, building trust, and turning relationships into real results. Whether she’s navigating the depths of government departments or supporting high-stakes business deals, Tash shows up with clarity, boldness and unmatched intuition.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in a Caribbean Pentecostal household and what dance taught her about presenceHer first taste of activism in a mostly white school and how it shaped her leadership voiceThe power of proximity and why going underground (literally) changed the way she worksWhy she builds relationships with PAs, cleaners, and security guards before directorsThe story behind her “multi-award-winning tea drinker” titleLiving with MS and how her faith sustains her through the toughest challengesThe time she was hit by a car and walked away with nothing but bruises – and a clearer sense of purposeWe also talk about the art of rest, knowing your greatness, and what leadership really means when you're called to stand in the gap for others.Connect with TashLinkedin  Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

This week's episode gets raw and real.Sope shares his personal experiences of business setbacks in 2025, the global rollback of DEI initiatives, the collapse of so-called "safe" investments, and the harsh reality of an unstable world.He explains why staying stuck in bitterness will only hold you back and how reclaiming ownership of your mindset is the only way forward.You’ll learn the neuroscience behind resilience and why your greatest asset isn’t the economy, your job, or the market.It’s you.Key Topics:The harsh truth of 2025’s business landscapeWhy DEI rollbacks are costing brilliant people opportunitiesThe stock market crash and the illusion of financial "safety nets"The neuroscience of taking ownership and building resilienceWhy no one owes you anything and why that's empowering Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

We dive into Lilah's journey from growing up as the youngest of 11 children to leading at some of the world’s biggest tech companies like Microsoft, Oracle and now Google. But what stood out most to me was her raw honesty about burnout, worthiness, and the powerful transformation she experienced through creating silence in her life.We explore how that one decision to prioritise stillness led to her first personal offsite and later, a global retreat that’s helping other women do the same. This conversation is full of real talk on identity, ego, values and what it actually takes to hear your own voice again.If you’re feeling stretched thin, disconnected from yourself or just ready to move differently this one’s for you.💡 What You’ll Learn:How to create intentional space for stillness and clarityWhy worthiness is the foundation of personal powerWhat it means to partner with your ego instead of letting it run the showHow to run your own personal offsite to reset your lifeThe difference between joy and happiness and why it mattersHow to align your life with your values not someone else’sWhat it really looks like to lead from the inside out🔗 Resources & Links:Connect with Lilah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilahjones/Learn more about her Mexico retreat (May 1–4): https://www.lilahjones.com/retreatLearn more about my work and how I help leaders like you: https://www.lilahjones.com/ Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

🔥Quotable Moment: “I really struggle with the word ‘entrepreneur’. When I go to networking events, I see how people introduce themselves with this glee when they say entrepreneur, but it’s actually just a grind. It’s just tough.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Tola Alade, serial Founder and a creative maverick with deep experience in founding and scaling businesses across multiple industries. Currently, Tola is building a next-gen digital media company, Marmalade Ventures, on a mission to build a new mainstream audience shaped by Africa’s culture, stories and emerging brands. In this episode, we explore his path as a creative entrepreneur and the moments that shaped his career, from securing $2M in VC funding to launching the world’s first rum infused with natural plantains, after an April Fools joke went viral. Episode chapters: ✅ The complexity of the entrepreneur's identity ✅ From Nigeria to the UK ✅ Changing the perception of Africa through creativity ✅ Losing the joy of what you’re building ✅ Being creative vs being commercial ✅ From a social media joke to a new brand ✅ The Alpha Reset ✅ Start by leading yourself  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with TolaLinkedIn | Marmalade Ventures | DÒDÒ Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

In this conversation, Bolaji opens up about growing up in a Nigerian household where hierarchy shaped his early mindset — and how he slowly dismantled those internal limits. We explore the tension between creativity and conformity, surviving 18 years in corporate while holding onto purpose, and how faith, failure, and fierce vision kept him grounded.You’ll hear how he used music, events and ministry as an early training ground for leadership — long before stepping into business. Now, as the founder of Altitude AI, Bolaji is building tools that empower entrepreneurs to scale using smart, accessible tech.We unpack:🔥 The journey from subservient to self-led🔥 Why AI is a tool to unlock potential — not replace it🔥 Faith, failure, and staying power in entrepreneurship🔥 How to unlearn cultural norms that keep you playing small🔥 The mindset shift from challenger to championExpect real talk about leadership, tech, identity, staying power… and why the world doesn’t need more safe goals — it needs people who dare to try.Whether you’re navigating corporate life, exploring entrepreneurship, or trying to reconnect with your purpose — this episode will inspire you to break your own limits and step into your next level. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Chasing work-life balance is not only impossible—it's damaging your happiness, fueling guilt, anxiety, and burnout. In this powerful episode, Sope Agbelusi dismantles the myth of balance, revealing how the pursuit of an impossible ideal sets us up for constant stress and dissatisfaction.Inspired by Jay-Z's orchestral performance at Radio City Music Hall, Sope introduces the transformative concept of work-life harmony—a beautiful integration rather than rigid separation of life's roles.You'll discover:Why the concept of balance inherently creates guilt and stress.Real-life examples showing the pitfalls of strict balance and the freedom found in harmony.Proven research from organisational and positive psychology supporting work-life integration.Practical strategies to shift from exhausting balance to energising harmony.Stop chasing balance. Start orchestrating harmony.Key highlights:The three ways balance sets you up to fail.Powerful real-world stories illustrating harmony.Actionable steps to achieve resonance in your life.Join the conversation: What does harmony look like for you?Remember: Balance is the beautiful lie; harmony is your achievable truth. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

🔥 Quotable Moment: “My positionality had to change from believing that I could stop this to can I reduce this? Because I now know I can reduce instead of stop, it enables me to sleep at night. If I can save one young buck other there, then I’m a good man.”In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Craig Pinkney, Criminologist, Urban Youth Specialist and Chief Executive of SOLVE: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict. Craig has over 20 years of experience as an outreach worker, transformational speaker, international gang exit strategist, training facilitator, mentor and filmmaker. He is internationally known for working with some of the country’s most challenging young people, potential high-risk offenders, victims of gang violence and youth who are deemed most hard to reach. In today’s episode, we learn more about Craig’s journey from his upbringing, being diagnosed with dyslexia and autism during his undergraduate degree to his important work as a youth worker and building SOLVE. Episode chapters: ✅ Being diagnosed with dyslexia and autism at university ✅ Childhood reflections & influences ✅ From no GCSEs to completing his PHD ✅ The crucial role of mentorship ✅ Bridging the Gap between academia & the street ✅ The ethics of research ✅ Navigating Trauma & self-care ✅ Understanding privilege ✅ Challenging hyper-masculinity & building community Don’t forget to connect: Connect with CraigLinkedIn| SOLVE Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at hello@mindsetshift.co.uk