In this episode of Leading the ScaleUp, I’m joined by Peter Cohan - author of Scaling Your Startup, lecturer at Babson College, and advisor to hundreds of early-stage and high-growth companies. Together, we dive into the four essential stages of scaling and why skipping just one of them can derail even the most promising business. Peter shares candid insights on how successful scale-ups intentionally build culture, the dangers of cognitive lock-in among senior leaders, and why intellectual humility is a core leadership trait for those who last the distance. This is not just a conversation about business mechanics; it’s a conversation about the mindsets and moments that shape enduring leadership. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The four stages of scaling — and the hidden risks of skipping the second Why culture doesn’t need to be defined early — and when it absolutely must be How founders can avoid poisoning their culture with the wrong hires The difference between cognitive hunger and cognitive lock-in Why the best leaders are the ones still learning Whether you're leading a fast-growing team or preparing your business for its next chapter, Peter’s experience and clarity will help you lead more deliberately through scale. Resources & Links Mentioned: Peter’s Book: Scaling Your Startup Peter’s Latest Book: Brain Rush: How to Invest and Compete in the Real World of Generative AI Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Next Steps: If you're looking for tailored executive coaching or leadership development training to support yourself or your team through a scale-up journey, I’d love to hear from you. Just drop me an email at ben@ben-morton.com.
In this episode of Leading the Scale-Up, I sit down with Lord Mark Price — the former Managing Director of Waitrose, Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership, and UK Trade Minister — to explore why happiness might just be the most underrated leadership strategy of our time. With four decades of leadership experience and as the founder of WorkL, Mark has dedicated his career to proving a powerful point: happy employees aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential for performance. Together, we unpack: What really drives engagement (it’s not pay… and it’s not ping pong tables) The six drivers of workplace happiness — and how they directly improve performance How Waitrose doubled store count without losing its values Why leaders must stop chasing the ball and start playing their position What to do when values and commercial decisions collide (hint: they don’t have to) I also add my own lens as a leadership coach working with scale-up organisations, reflecting on the deep connection between feeling valued and leading effectively. You’ll also hear one of the simplest, most powerful boardroom strategies I’ve ever come across for getting tough decisions right — while keeping the team aligned and engaged.
In this episode, Ben Morton sits down with Georgia Aubrey, Co-Founder and Partnerships Director at Love To Visit, the UK’s first digital platform for discovering and booking attractions and experiences. From a print marketing background to building a tech platform with over 3.2 million users and 2,700+ live experiences, Georgia shares the remarkable scale-up journey she’s taken alongside her twin sister and co-founder, Alice. They’ve raised over £3.2M in funding, built strategic partnerships with iconic UK venues, and are now gearing up for international expansion. What makes this episode stand out is Georgia’s refreshingly candid approach to leadership. She opens up about learning to be a “straight talker,” the emotional challenge of letting go of favourite parts of the business, and the deeply human impact of leading a values-driven team. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why holding on to a startup mindset fuels their scale-up success How Georgia navigates decision-making and leadership with her identical twin sister The role AI plays in enabling scale without sacrificing the human touch Why “getting the right people on the bus” is still central to their growth What Georgia’s favourite failure taught her about transparency and resilience Whether you’re scaling a business or leading through complex growth, Georgia’s story is a rich source of practical wisdom, humility, and real-world insight. Leadership Capability Scorecard If you’re leading a growing business or team, take five minutes to complete the Leadership Capability Scorecard. It’s a free diagnostic tool designed to help you assess your organisation’s leadership strengths and gaps across nine essential areas. You can access it here. It might just spark your next leadership breakthrough!
In part two of our conversation, we shift gears from nutrition to the leadership journey behind Huel’s explosive growth — and the personal toll that comes with building something big. As someone who coaches leaders through the challenges of scale, I’ve long believed that mental fitness is as critical as strategy. James’ openness about his own struggles, recovery, and mindset shifts is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about driving performance… it’s also about sustaining yourself. In this episode, we explore: How Huel scaled with pace, purpose and resilience James’ personal mental health journey — and how he supports others at Huel The fine balance between stoicism and vulnerability in leadership Practical ways to protect your team’s well-being during intense growth What authentic, modern leadership really looks like — beyond the buzzwords This one goes beneath the surface. It’s a raw, reflective conversation for any leader who’s ever felt the emotional weight of the role — and wondered how to carry it well. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Scaling a business demands more than commercial strategy — it requires emotional stamina Great leadership teams aren’t just skilled — they’re self-aware, values-led and resilient Sharing personal struggles, when done thoughtfully, builds psychological safety in teams Mental health support shouldn’t be a nice-to-have — it’s a cultural foundation for high performance True leadership is balancing vulnerability with strength, and honesty with hope Free Resource for Listeners Scaling a business takes more than ambition — it takes leadership. But how strong is your leadership team, really? Take the free Leadership Capability Scorecard to discover how your leaders perform across nine key areas — and where the hidden risks lie. Complete your scorecard now and gain instant clarity. About the Book – Well Fed James is also the author of Well Fed: How modern diets are failing us (and what we can do about it) — a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complex relationship between food, health, mental performance, the environment, and animal welfare. It’s not a preachy nutrition guide — it’s a smart, balanced, science-backed exploration of what really drives our food choices, and how we can do better… individually and collectively. Buy it on Amazon.
In the first of this two-part series, I’m joined by James Collier, Registered Nutritionist and Co-Founder of Huel, to challenge some long-held assumptions about nutrition and performance. As someone who works closely with CEOs and scale-up leaders, I’ve seen first-hand how often nutrition is overlooked — even by those obsessed with productivity hacks and peak performance. So in this episode, James and I explore what really fuels consistent leadership energy… and what drains it. Together, we cover: Why fibre and protein might be your secret weapons for focus and decision-making The real cost of poor food choices for leaders in high-pressure role Why food cravings = mental distractions How under-fuelling leads to underperforming — and what to do about it The growing danger of “dietology” — and how to cut through nutrition misinformation This episode is essential listening for anyone leading through high stakes, high pressure and long days. Because the way you fuel your body shapes the way you show up as a leader. Key Takeaways for Leaders: You can’t out-hack a poor diet — get the fundamentals right first Fibre and protein are your allies for focus, energy and decision-making “Food noise” is real — and it’s a major distraction for high-stakes leaders Forget diet fads — a structured, plant-rich diet helps build long-term mental performance Your midday meal can make or break your 3 pm boardroom brainpower Free Resource for Listeners Scaling a business takes more than ambition — it takes leadership. But how strong is your leadership team, really? Take the free Leadership Capability Scorecard to discover how your leaders perform across nine key areas — and where the hidden risks lie. Complete your scorecard now and gain instant clarity. About the Book – Well Fed James is also the author of Well Fed: How modern diets are failing us (and what we can do about it) — a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complex relationship between food, health, mental performance, the environment, and animal welfare. It’s not a preachy nutrition guide — it’s a smart, balanced, science-backed exploration of what really drives our food choices, and how we can do better… individually and collectively. Buy it on Amazon.
In this powerful and refreshingly candid conversation, Ben Morton welcomes back Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio, to reflect on the scale-up phase of building one of the UK’s leading sharing economy apps. From their $43 million Series B raise to restructuring through a turbulent 2023, Tessa takes us inside the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and cultural priorities that have defined Olio 3.0. For leaders navigating the messy middle between startup energy and operational maturity, this episode is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and culture-first decision-making. Why this episode matters: Scaling a business often comes with the risk of losing what made it special in the first place. Tessa shares how Olio kept its startup spirit alive, even while hiring a C-suite and overhauling internal systems, without letting bureaucracy creep in or values drift. What You’ll Learn: How to evolve from "scrappy startup" to a mature organisation without killing agility. The importance of ‘mission obsession’ in hiring, onboarding, and performance. The surprising downside of hiring too many “brilliant” people too quickly. Why founders shouldn’t always let go of product ownership, and how to decide. How gender bias affects female founders during fundraising, and how Tessa navigated it. Ben’s Standout Moments: Tessa’s “Uniquely Me” document—a weekly discipline to focus on what only she could do as CEO. Her approach to maintaining trust and culture in a growing team. The candid admission of being “too idealistic for too long”—and what changed her thinking. Want to Assess Your Own Leadership Readiness? Discover how your organisation scores across nine core capabilities with Ben’s Leadership Capability Scorecard. https://ben-darwj4ma.scoreapp.com It’s a practical, free tool designed to help you lead with confidence through growth and change. Resources & Mentions: Dana Kanze TED Talk – The Real Reason Female Entrepreneurs Get Less Funding The Lean Startup by Eric RiesOlio App
Welcome to the very first episode of Leading the Scale-Up — the new podcast series from Ben Morton, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and host of The Leader’s Kitbag. This show isn’t about leadership theory. It’s about the real-world challenge of scaling a start-up or growing a business within a business — and what it takes to lead through the chaos. In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Mattes, award-winning thought leader and creator of the Lean Scaleup framework. With over 20 years of experience helping companies like Airbus, BASF, and Allianz scale innovation into commercial success, Frank shares the hard truths and actionable tactics behind building new business models within corporate settings. In this episode, we explore: The four stages of the scaling journey — from discovery to profitable growth. Why 29 out of 30 corporate start-up initiatives fail, and how to shift the odds in your favour. The friction between ‘Red Shirt’ operators and ‘Blue Shirt’ innovators — and how to build the bridge. Why culture isn’t an afterthought but a non-negotiable foundation for scaling. What makes a great “ambidextrous leader” — and how to find or develop them inside your org. You’ll also hear powerful corporate stories, including: The real story behind Kodak’s collapse (and how Fujifilm quietly succeeded). How Amazon’s early leadership principles laid the groundwork for global innovation Whether you’re an MD, CEO, or newly tasked scale-up leader, this episode is essential listening. Your Key Takeaways: How to spot the difference between innovation theatre and meaningful transformation When and how to protect the core business while launching something new The leadership mindsets and structures that make scale-ups succeed Discover the Strength of Your Leadership Team Scaling a business isn’t just about systems and strategies — it’s about leadership. If you're wondering whether your organisation truly has the leadership capability to scale, take the FREE Leadership Capability Scorecard. In under 10 minutes, you'll get a tailored report showing how your team performs across nine essential dimensions of leadership — and where to focus next. Complete the Scorecard Now Gain instant clarity on your organisation’s leadership strengths — and what might be holding you back. Learn More About Frank Mattes Explore the Lean Scaleup framework and grab a free chapter of his book at: www.leanscaleup.com/book Lead the Change — Share This Episode If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps others find the show — and ensures more leaders scale with success, not stress.
Introduction In this final episode of Season 11 of the show, I’ve hand-picked five of my favourite moments from the last thirteen episodes. These end-of-season highlight episodes allow me to expand upon the original episodes, adding even more insights to help you on your leadership journey. I’ve also got some BIG news about the future of the podcast. Highlight Clip One – The Best Way to Get Promoted Highlight Clip Two – Using Empathy to Hit Your Numbers Highlight Clip Three – Using Philanthropy as a Motivational ToolHighlight Clip Four – Using Empathy to Make Tough Calls.Highlight Clip Five – Knowing When to Quit Chapter Makers (04:54) Struggling to impress without getting noticed. (09:41) Why leadership lacking in empathy impacts company culture negatively. (13:12) How the Maine Beer Co. uses 1% of revenues for philanthropy. (16:33) Motivating employees through planet-friendly initiatives and empathy. (19:26) Time management and conflict resolution tools. (23:10) Understanding and empathy are crucial in resolving conflicts. (24:45) Leading with empathy avoids negative impact on others. Hire Ben to Develop Your Leadership Capability Learn more about how Ben can support you and your team via the links below and then email him via chat@ben-morton.com to book a call. Leadership Training – find out more here. Executive Coaching - find out more here. Keynote Speaking - find out more here. Join Ben’s Mailing List Join Ben’s mailing list here for a two-weekly shot of leadership inspiration and practical tools.
IntroductionIn this episode, we are talking with Anna Eliatamby, a clinical psychologist and workplace well-being expert who has helped the UN and global organisations develop mental health and well-being strategies and tackle toxic behaviours in the workplace. In this episode we are discussing the practical tools and strategies she lays out in her new book, Healing-Self Care for Leaders and their Teams. One thing to say straight away that I’m sure will pique your interest is that very early on in that book, she says that we – leaders – should be selfish. Listen on...to lead on. Episode Highlights Understanding & Managing Your Stress Response Emotional Regulation, Control & Suppression Sharing Feedback: Is it about them or us? Chapter Makers(03:44) What you need to know about Anna to understand what she has to share. (05:40) It’s ok to be selfish (09:19) Building and maintaining your identity (10:03) Understanding your stress response (13:19) Managing your stress response at work & home (15:56) Emotional regulation, control & suppression (26:30) Feedback; is it about them or you? (29:31) The importance of reflection for leaders Engage Ben to Train Your Leaders and ManagersFind out more about Ben’s high-impact leadership and management training programmes here and then email to set up a call. Buy Anna’s Book on AmazonClick here to get a copy of Anna’s book. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission for qualifying purchases. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free Resource Please go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Anna EliatambyAnna is the Director of Healthy Leadership CIC, a collective whose aim is to encourage ourselves and others to be more decent by looking at our positives and negatives and then working to make positive changes to ourselves and our organisations. Anna is a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and organisational well-being expert with a wealth of academic and experiential knowledge. She has worked with and provided guidance to multiple global initiatives, including responsible leadership for the NHS, International Red Cross and Red Crescent, and PwC. Anna has helped to develop mental health and well-being strategies for UN agencies, including the International Organization for Migration and was a member of the UN’s peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Sudan, and Afghanistan. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Anna co-authors a new book with Grazia Lomonte: Healing-Self Care for Leaders and their...
IntroductionIn this episode, we are talking with Kate Sikora, the Managing Director of Noble Studios in the UK (United Kingdom). In this episode, we are focussing in on what to do when stepping into a more senior role in order to be successful, engage our team and stay fit and healthy ourselves. Listen on...to lead on. Episode Highlights How to Lead People with More Experience Than You Using Empathy to Make Tough Decisions Advice for Aspiring MDs and CEOs Tips for Maintaining Your Energy and Motivation Chapter Makers (03:34) How to lead & influence people with more experience than you. (07:43) What it actually means to lead with empathy (09:29) ‘Love languages’ and leadership (12:55) Leading people who are resistant to change (14:39) Using empathy to make difficult decisions (16:49) Overcoming the fear of delegation (21:16) The biggest surprise about becoming an MD (27:29) How to maintain your energy and motivation (31:43) The best mistake Kate ever made Book Ben to Speak at Your Next Event What does it take to become the type of leader that people would do anything for? Why would two soldiers risk their lives in the most heinous way imaginable without hesitation when asked to do so? Book Ben to speak at your next event on ‘Why Connection Is the True Currency of Leadership’ and learn the answer to both of these questions, plus lots more. Find out more here. Delegation Mastery Course Sign up for Ben’s Online Delegation Course with discount code ‘pod30’ here. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free ResourcePlease go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Kate SikoraKate Sikora is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Noble Performs, a digital performance marketing agency based in Bristol renowned for helping organisations achieve remarkable results. Highly commended as the Institute of Directors, Director of the Year 2023 and serving as a Taan European Governor, Kate is committed to driving excellence and innovation in the digital marketing landscape. Beyond her professional endeavours, Kate finds joy in family life, practising yoga, and exploring new culinary creations in the kitchen.
IntroductionIn this episode, we are talking with Debra and Ken Corey, co-authors of the book Bad Bosses Ruin Lives, The Building Blocks for Being a Great Boss. After my first scan of the book, I thought that the people who would most need to read it, were going to be the least likely to do so. But as I read it more deeply, and started to talk with Debra and Ken, I realised it’s a book for anyone who wants to be a great leader or boss. Why? Because we all have bad boss tendencies inside of us and can fall into the bad boss traps so easily. Listen on...to lead on. Episode Highlights The Shocking Statistics About Bad Bosses The Bad Boss Traps and How to Avoid Them The Ten Types of Bad Boss How to be a Great Boss Chapter Makers (03:06) How bad bosses can ruin lives (05:45) The shocking statistics about bad bosses (08:40) How and why, we can all be a bad boss (09:58) The most common bad boss traps (19:18) The ten types of bad boss (26:01) Being a great boss (32:03) The statistics about feedback (37:37) Advice for when you have a bad boss Engage Ben to Train Your Managers to Be Great Bosses Find out more about Ben’s high-impact leadership and management training programmes here and then email chat@ben-morton.com to set up a call. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free ResourcePlease go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Debra and Ken Corey Debra Corey is a highly experienced and award-winning HR consultant, world-class speaker, and six-time author who has been named as one of the top 101 global employee engagement influencers numerous times. After over 20 years as an HR Leader, she now acts as the Chief Pay It Forward Officer at DebCo HR, where she inspires and works with others to drive cultural and business change through employee engagement and leadership.Ken Corey is a seasoned Engineering Leader and a trailblazer in fostering innovative solutions, being at the forefront of cultivating high-performance teams, driving complex project deliveries and advancing cutting-edge engineering practices in companies ranging from startups to large enterprises.Ken's leadership ethos is rooted deeply in people development, always striving to propel his team members' careers to new heights while ensuring utmost customer satisfaction. Buy the book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4bg3m9H. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small fee for every sale.
IntroductionIn this episode, we are talking with Darren Cassidy, the Managing Director for Xerox UK & Ireland and senior vice president for the Global Document Services business across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA).With an incredible 33 years at Xerox, he knows the business inside out, yet seems as hungry to grow and open to new thinking as the company's newest team member. Episode HighlightsLeading Stars and MavericksThe Benefits and Risks of Long TenureLead for Tomorrow Instead of Managing TodayUnderstanding How to Play the Game of Business How to Step Off the Hamster Wheel and Find Time to ThinkChapter Makers (03:39) Darren’s first leadership experience (09:14) Teamwork and the risks associated with ‘star’ performers (13:15) Leading a ‘Brilliant Jerk’ (17:00) Managing pp (18:00) The risks and benefits of long tenure (19:18) How to maintain an external perspective as a leader (25:15) Why leaders must be looking ahead (26:00) The link between sport and business at Xerox (34:41) Darren’s 3Ds of leadership (35:20) How to step off the busyness ‘hamster wheel’ (38:09) The difference between responding and reacting Book Ben to Speak at Your Next Event Book Ben to speak at your and unleash the leadership potential across your entire organisation. Find out more here. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free Resource Please go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Darren Cassidy Darren Cassidy is the managing director for Xerox UK & Ireland and senior vice president for the Global Document Services business across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA).With 33 years of experience at Xerox, he has held various roles across Xerox Europe and Global, including direct sales management, channel leadership, learning and development. Darren's expertise lies in delivering document services and digital transformation solutions.He is a sports enthusiast, having played national league rugby and semi-professional football, and in recent years, he has embraced Transcendental Meditation (TM) as a practitioner.Darren has won many awards within Xerox, including multiple CEO awards, and has been recognised externally for channel and services leadership.
Introduction In this episode, we are talking with Lisa Wimberger, the founder of the Neurosculpting® Institute and co-founder of the NeuroPraxis App, about how we can change our own brains to become even better leaders. Episode Highlights Busting the Myth of “I’m Too Old to Change”How Self-Protection is Limiting Your Leadership Potential Learning How to Learn & Create Change The Importance of Leading from Principles and ValuesWhy Great Leadership Need Not Be ComplicatedChapter Makers(02:19) What is ‘Neuro-sculpting’ (05:48) Neuroplasticity – why we can all change regardless of age (12:11) How our environment is shaping our brain (16:25) Emotional Contagion and Leadership (17:03) The difference between neuro-sculpting and mediation (20:39) The practical application of neuro-sculpting (28:38) Why we must focus on understanding the principles, not just the tactic (33:42) The benefits of creating a ‘happy culture’ (41:14) The best mistake Lisa ever made Book Ben to Speak at Your Next Event You just heard Ben and Lisa talking about the very human need to be seen, heard and feel part of a community in this episode. These needs sit at the heart of great leadership and is something Ben learned through leading soldiers on two deployments to Iraq. His soldiers didn’t follow him because and put their lives on the line he screamed and shouted at them. They followed him because he had invested time in building relationships and getting to know them. Book Ben to speak at your and unleash the leadership potential across your entire organisation. Find out more here. Further Resources Listen to General James Everard explaining why he focussed on happiness in his role as Deptuy Supreme Allied Commander for NATO in Europe. Listen here.Visit Lisa’s website here and learn more about her work and courses. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free Resource Please go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Lisa Wimberger Lisa Wimberger is the founder of the Neurosculpting® Institute and co-founder of the NeuroPraxis App.She holds a Masters Degree in Education, a Foundations Certification in NeuroLeadership, and Certificates in Medical Neuroscience, Visual Perception, and the Brain, and Neurobiology.She is the author of seven books on neuroplasticity and stress management, including NEW BELIEFS, NEW BRAIN: Free Yourself from Stress and Fear, and NEUROSCULPTING: A Whole-Brain Approach to Heal Trauma, Rewrite Limiting Beliefs, and Find Wholeness.She runs multiple companies, and has over 60 international franchises. Lisa still runs a private meditation coaching practice teaching clients who suffer from emotional blocks, stress disorders, and self-imposed limitations.She is a keynote speaker and a faculty member of Kripalu Yoga and Meditation Center, the Law Enforcement Survival Institute, Omega Institute, and 1440 Multiversity.
Introduction In this episode, we are talking with Jeff Webster, a Forbes 30 under 30 recognised co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of ancestrally inspired lifestyle brand Hunter & Gather.Episode Highlights Big Corporation to Start-Up to Big CorporationViewing Balance as a PendulumThe Entrepreneurs JourneyDeciding When to Keep Going and When to QuitThe Importance of Purpose Chapter Makers (02:48) The benefits of having a great mentor(06:11) Culture = what people say when they go home (07:25) Building a leader’s mindset & overcoming imposter syndrome (12:53) Why ‘balance’ is a pendulum not a seesaw. (14:24) Using personal values to manage work-life balance (17:22) Escaping the cult of the average (24:08) Knowing when to push on & when to quit. (30:11) Should we hire for skills or alignment with the purpose (34:48) The benefits of being really curious Book Ben to Speak at Your Next Event What does it take to become the type of leader that people would do anything for? Why would two soldiers risk their lives in the most heinous way imaginable without hesitation when asked to do so? Book Ben to speak at your next event on ‘Why Connection Is the True Currency of Leadership’ and learn the answer to both of these questions, plus lots more. Find out more here. Hire Ben to Help You and Your Team Optimize Your StrengthsLearn more about the Strengthscope Profiling tool here, and then contact Ben to explore how you and your team can use this to achieve your personal and commercial goals. Further ResourcesListen to Erika Sinner (Episode 167) talking about empathetic leadership and culture here. Watch the Happiness Advantage TED Talk here. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free ResourcePlease go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Jeff Webster and Hunter & GatherHaving launched Hunter & Gather in 2017 with his partner Amy, they have led the business to a team of 20 (and growing); with products across multiple categories, including mayonnaise, sauces, supplements, electrolytes and coffee.Today Hunter & Gather are stocked in Tesco, Ocado, Selfridges, Whole Foods Market + many more; and have generated revenues of £18m since launching with forecasted revenues of £11m+ in 2024 alone.Hunter & Gather provides customers with the tools to thrive for life, through their range of real food products that are always free from refined sugars, grains and seed oils, alongside a thriving community and education that encourages and guides them to be the best version of themselves.
Introduction This episode is a genuine leadership masterclass. Join me and Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, as we explore many of the obvious, and not so obvious, foundational aspects of leadership. If you consistently apply just a few of the tools and tactics we discuss, I guarantee it will have a dramatic effect on your leadership capability. Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global organisation that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. 1% for the Planet’s global network of thousands of businesses and individuals have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to vetted environmental partners to date. And as for me, I’m a leadership trainer, keynote speaker and executive coach, 11 years into my third career. The first was ten years in the British Army with multiple deployments to Iraq. My second career was working for some of Europe's largest organisations in senior HR and L&D roles, before founding Ben Morton Leadership back in 2013. So, between me and my guests, you are in great hands if you want to be a great leader. Episode Highlights Leadership: It’s Absolutely Not About YouThe Best Example of a Company Purpose, EverThe Motivational Tool CEOs and Senior Leaders Have Been Searching ForHow To Create a High-Performance CultureWhy Your Personal Experience May Make Your Team More Stressed Chapter Makers (04:22)Lessons from Kate’s first leadership experience (07:45) Proof that leaders don’t need to have all the answers (13:36) The risk of leading by example (15:41) The history and future of 1% for the Planet (20:17) The best example of a ‘company purpose’ in practice (23:26) Using philanthropy as a lever for performance and profitability (33:11) The risk and cure for burnout in purpose-driven organisations (38:00) Balancing long and short-term goals as a leader (40:44) Changing your leadership approach as the organisations grows (42:14) Creating a self-aware, feedback-rich culture (44:36) Managing stress and why your experience means you may not notice how stress is affecting your team Book Ben to Speak at Your Next Event What does it take to become the type of leader that people would do anything for? Why would two soldiers risk their lives in the most heinous way imaginable without hesitation when asked to do so? Book Ben to speak at your next event on ‘Why Connection Is the True Currency of Leadership’ and learn the answer to both of these questions, plus lots more. Find out more here. Hire Ben to Help You and Your Team Optimize Your Strengths Learn more about the Strengthscope Profiling tool here, and then contact Ben to explore how you and your team can use this to achieve your personal and commercial goals. Further ResourcesJoin Ben and Kate as a member of the ‘1% for the Planet’ movement
IntroductionIn this episode, you will learn about the dangers of your hidden deaf and dumb spots, plus a series of tips and techniques for making better decisions in a noisy, complex world from Nuala Walsh and myself.Nuala is an award-winning non-executive director, behavioural scientist, TEDx speaker and author. She was named among the 100 Most Influential Women in Finance and spent three decades in investment management at Blackrock, Merrill Lynch and Standard Life Aberdeen as Chief Marketing Officer.And as for me, I’m a leadership trainer, keynote speaker and executive coach, 11 years into my third career. The first was ten years in the British Army with multiple deployments to Iraq. My second career was working for some of Europe's largest organisations in senior HR and L&D roles, before founding Ben Morton Leadership back in 2013.So, between me and my guests, you are in great hands if you want to be a great leader. Episode Highlights The Missing Step in Your Decision-Making Uncovering Your Blind, Deaf and Dumb Spots The Dangers of Asking for Just the Headlines Why Every Business Problem is a Behavioural Problem How to Choose the Right Voices to Listen To Chapter Makers(03:50) The important & neglected step between listening and decision-making. (08:28) What happens when context and cognition collide? (09:04) The lure and dangers of quick decision-making (11:39) Improving your decision-making with a three-second pause. (17:57) Discovering your hidden deaf and dumb spots. (21:15) Intentional deafness and unconscious bias. (26:32) Why we shouldn’t say ‘Just give me the headlines.’(31:21) Why every business problem is really a behavioural problem?(32:59) Why we see what we want to see.(38:29) Identifying the right voices to tune in to. (39:38) How we’re all being manipulated without realising. Book Ben to Speak at Your Next EventIf you want your leaders to deliver incredible results and for your people to look forward to coming to work on Monday morning, book me to speak at your next event on ‘Why Connection Is the True Currency of Leadership’. Find out more here. Further Resources Watch Nuala’s TEDx Talk here. Buy her book, ‘Tune In,’ here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small fee on qualifying purchases. How You Can Say Thank You for This Free Resource Please go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Nuala WalshNuala holds multiple appointments industrywide, she is non-executive director at British & Irish Lions, President of Harvard Club of Ireland, Chair of the Innocence Project London, Council Member at The Football Association, Advisor at World Athletics and former Vice-chair at UN Women UK.Published in Forbes, Inc, Psychology Today and the Harvard Business Review, her insights feature in the Financial Times, Fox Business and BBC.She also holds first-class master's degrees in Behavioural Science and Business Studies alongside a degree in philosophy and is a visiting lecturer at INSEAD and the London School of Economics.
Introduction In this episode we are exploring the tangible outcomes and benefits of creating an empathetic work culture with Erika Sinner.Erika Sinner isn’t just the CEO of Directorie; she's a catalyst for change in the realm of empathy at work. Her background, rooted in humble beginnings and marked by hard work, instilled in her the grit and tenacity that propelled her to entrepreneurial success.She founded Directorie, a company dedicated to supporting small-to-medium-size life science organisations in delivering essential medications to patients who need them most.In this episode, she shares some of her most powerful lessons. Episode Highlights The True Impact of Unemphatic Leadership. Leadership Tips for Building a High-Performing, Empathetic Culture. Does What Gets Measured Really Get Done? The Important Distinction Between Empathy and Compassion. Compassionate Policies and Being Taken Advantage Of. Chapter Makers(03:03) Erika’s most memorable leadership lesson (07:28) The importance of empathy in leadership (10:46) The impact of unempathetic leadership (12:34) How not to handle redundancies (19:08) Leadership tips for building an empathetic culture (22:12) Engaging those resistant to change (25:24) Is it enough to lead by example? (27:36) Does what gets measured get done? (29:19) Does empathy help you hit the numbers? (30:13) The important difference between empathy and compassion (36:54) Ben’s uncomfortable realisation about compassionate policies and pet bereavement (41:43) Creating policies for the positive majority instead of the negative minority (44:35) The best mistake Erika ever made Book Ben to Speak at Your Next Event If you want your leaders to deliver incredible results and for your people to look forward to coming to work on Monday morning, book me to speak at your next event on ‘Why Connection Is the True Currency of Leadership’. Find out more here. Further Resources If You Loved This Episode Check out episode 52 with Debbie Cohen & Kate Roeske-Zummer on “Why Humanity Works Better”. Debbie and Kate are on a mission to help leaders chart a new path forward, one that brings humanity to the workplace through awareness, choice, and courage. Listen here. A small request from Ben: Please go and hit the ‘Follow’ button on your podcast player right so that we can grow the show and bring you more great interviews with leaders and global thought leaders. More About Erika Sinner: Erika's unique moment that mattered occurred in the summer of 2023 when she faced the loss of her beloved Shar Pei, Kingston, and her other dog Edmond’s cancer diagnosis just weeks later. This profound grief inspired her to lead more vulnerable and advocate for pet bereavement leave in organizations. Her book, Pets Are Family serves as a first step in raising awareness about the necessity of such leave. Erika's mission extends beyond policy updates; it's about bringing more empathy into the workplace, recognizing the shared human experiences that unite us all.
Introduction:Welcome back to "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast"! Join me as we explore the topic of leadership transitions with Andy Lightfoot, CEO at Space NK.Andy brings a wealth of retail expertise, offering unique insights into navigating team dynamics during periods of growth and transformation. Here's what you will learn from this episode: Tips on getting your first CEO role.How to get your next promotion and build a great reputation.Strategies for making tough decisions.How to be lucky.Why you should not do the things you want to do.Plus lots more. Work With Ben:If this episode has convinced you that working with a coach or mentor is an investment you’re interested in making, find out more about how we can work together here, and then book a free Discovery Call with me via this link . Further Resources If You Loved This Episode:Check out the third-most listened-to episode (episode #57) of The Ben Morton Leadership podcast, in which General David Petraeus, former Director of the CIA and US Army General, discusses the misnomer of having a defined leadership style. Listen here. Listen to episode 156 featuring Michael Watkins, author of “The First 90 Days”, here. Buy the book, ‘The Four Disciplines of Execution’ here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small fee on qualifying purchases. More About Andy Lightfoot:Andy Lightfoot is a modern CEO with extensive retail experience across traditional and digital platforms.His leadership journey spans global organisations and private equity SMEs, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of business management complexities.Andy's analytical and creative approaches have guided companies through successes and setbacks, shaping his distinctive perspective on effective leadership strategies.Thank you for tuning in to another episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Please hit the subscribe button on your podcast player for more empowering conversations with industry leaders and experts.
IntroductionWelcome back to another empowering episode of The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast! In today's conversation, we delve into the dynamic world of strategy, transformational leadership, and leaving a lasting legacy with our, Alex Brueckmann. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episodeHow to have a positive impact as a leader.What to do when people do not support the strategyHow to make strategic choices about what not to do.Whether culture really does ‘eat strategy for breakfast’. How the best mistake Alex ever made can help you be a better leaderPlus, lots more. Chapter Markers (approx times) (07:00) Overcoming the fear of not having all the answers and appearing ‘weak’ as a leader. (10:15) The human impact of good and bad strategy. (15:00) Defining strategy and agreeing what important words mean within your team. (18:00) Deciding what not to do and asking the opposite question (to the obvious one). (23:30) Does ‘culture eat strategy for breakfast?’ (30:00) The risk of creating a culture and set of values that do not support the strategy. (34:12) Deciding which ’waves to surf’ (38:30) Can you future-proof an organisation, and will Amazon ever go bankrupt? (44:00) The best mistake Alex Brueckmann ever made. Work With BenClick here to find out more about the transformational leadership development programmes Ben delivers and hire him to work with your team or organisation.Want to hire Ben as your coach or mentor? Click here to learn more. Further Resources If You Loved This Episode Episode 166 with Andy Lightfoot, CEO of Space NK – released on 16th May 2024. Listen here. Alex Brueckmann’s Book - The Strategy Legacy – Buy it here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small fee on qualifying purchases.Visit Alex Brueckmann’s website here. More About Alex BrueckmannAlex Brueckmann is an executive thought partner, strategy facilitator, speaker, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.With his extensive expertise in strategy and leadership, Alex has made a profound impact on businesses around the world, from established corporations to burgeoning startups.He is the author of "THE STRATEGY LEGACY" and "SECRETS OF NEXT LEVEL ENTREPRENEURS," two seminal works that offer invaluable insights into thriving in business while maintaining balance in life.Alex's journey, marked by his dedication to continuous learning and development, is a testament to his commitment to empowering others to achieve their full potential.
Introduction Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Today, we explore the critical topic of sleep with Dr. Bijoy John and uncover strategies for achieving restful sleep and overcoming insomnia. About Dr. John Dr. Bijoy John, a board-certified sleep physician and founder of the Sleep Center of Greater Pittsburgh, shares his expertise in promoting optimal sleep health. In this episode, you will learn: How you can overcome the factors contributing to poor sleep, such as stress and technology, shedding light on the epidemic of sleep deprivation. The consequences of sacrificing sleep, from cognitive impairment to increased health risks. Whether it’s worth using wearable tech to track and measure sleep. Seven proven strategies for better sleep The truth about tech before bed and the impact of ‘blue light’ Get A Great Night’s Sleep With Ben’s Timeline Download my Optimal Sleep Timeline to help you get a great night’s sleep when you really need it. Further Resources If You Loved This Episode Explore more insights and actionable ideas around sleep, exercise and nutrition with Professor Greg Wells in episode 47. For more sleep tips and insights, check out Dr. Bijoy John's book, “Nobody’s Sleeping” (Amazon affiliate link). Thank you for tuning in to another episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Please hit the subscribe button on your podcast player for more empowering conversations with industry leaders and experts.