The Leadership Enigma

Leaders are rushing into AI—but many treat it like another IT program. In this episode, Sam Burman, Global Managing Partner for Frontier Tech at Heidrick & Struggles, shares practical steps to activate AI without losing the human system at the heart of every organization. We cover why the CEO must be the sponsor (not the expert), how to align the exec team on investment, governance, adoption, and operating models, and when to build vs buy vs partner. We discuss the rise of the Chief AI Officer (strategist + storyteller), the power of tying AI to core strategic drivers, and why fast followers are winning by doing something now. Looking ahead—from enterprise GenAI adoption to AGI scenarios—boards will choose: multiply your people, or chase marginal gains. Top takeaways 🌟CEO sponsors; exec team owns 🌟Align on strategy, governance, adoption 🌟Consider a CAIO with commercial + storytelling capabilities 🌟Build for top line; buy for process; partner for speed 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & SHARE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr James Hewitt is a Human Performance Scientist, speaker, and author. James combines first-hand experience as a full-time racing cyclist with ground-breaking work and research, proven on Formula 1 tracks and with Fortune 500 companies, to provide actionable, inspiring, science-backed insights at the intersection of leadership, wellbeing, peak performance, and the future of work. In this Leadership Enigma conversation, Dr James Hewitt unpacks what sustainable high performance really looks like in an always-on world. We explore how leaders can raise the bar without raising everyone’s blood pressure—by designing work around human needs, protecting recovery, and building cultures that get sharper under stress. You’ll hear why sleep is a leadership skill (not a luxury), how psychological safety with standards turns candour into results, and why the smartest teams aim beyond resilience toward robustness and antifragility. Expect evidence, practical tools, and the invitations leaders need to hear right now. Key Learning Points (for Leaders) 🌟Performance follows wellbeing: Discretionary effort is your quickest culture health check—protect energy to unlock it. 🌟Defeat “always-on” creep: After-hours nudges from leaders compound into real extra work and hidden stress tax. Sleep drives leadership quality: Restricted sleep → more “surface acting,” less authenticity and inspiration. 🌟Design for A-C-R: Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness—bake them into role design, rituals, and feedback loops. 🌟Psychological safety ≠ niceness: Pair candour and risk-taking with clear commitments and accountability. 🌟Beyond resilience: Build robust systems (buffers, premortems) and antifragile habits (small, reversible experiments). 🌟Leaders set the weather: Your habits—communication timing, recovery signals, attention—cascade through the team. Why this episode matters 🌟Modern work punishes attention and recovery. James connects the science to simple leadership moves—so your team can switch off well and switch on better, consistently. Standout Ideas & Quotes “The truest measure of employee wellbeing is discretionary effort.” “Humans aren’t machines—hustle culture quietly taxes your team.” “Leaders reproduce who they are—model the recovery you expect.” “Psychological safety is not about being nice; it’s about learning at speed.” Try This Week (Leader Playbook) 🌟Delay-send after 6pm and publish your “no-ping” window. 🌟Run a 10-minute “unblock me” clinic to boost competence and momentum. 🌟Open meetings with: “What risk do we need to take today?” 🌟Do a premortem on one initiative; add explicit buffers. 🌟Ask your team: “What do I do that unintentionally creates extra work?” 📕Book: https://a.co/d/j3o0ufW 💻Website: https://drjameshewitt.com 💻LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesphewitt/ 📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesphewitt/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Anne Chow — former CEO of AT&T Business, Independent Board Director, author of Lead Bigger, and one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business — shares her extraordinary journey and lessons on leadership, transformation, and purpose. Listeners will learn: Why the “power of difference” fuels creativity, innovation, and belonging. How to lead through chaos by focusing on values, purpose, and what you can control. The transition from being “the boss and the student” to governing with curiosity. Why wellbeing, inclusion, and the future of work remain critical boardroom topics. How to “lead bigger” by widening your perspective and becoming a Purposefully Impactful Person. Anne’s story — from the daughter of immigrants to leading a $35bn enterprise — is a masterclass in humility, resilience, and people-first leadership. www.theannechow.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, I am joined by Dr. Khairunnisa Mohamedali, a social scientist with over ten years of experience in organisational culture, innovation and human-centred design. Together, they uncover why anthropology — the study of people in their contexts — is one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for modern leaders. 💡 Key Learnings You’ll Take Away from This Episode: The Power of the Outsider: Like a fish that doesn’t notice the water it swims in, leaders often miss the environment they operate in. Outsiders challenge assumptions, spot hidden patterns, and reveal the “invisible” forces shaping culture. Observation Over Assumption: Leaders are often so busy doing that they rarely stop to observe. Anthropology teaches the value of participant observation — stepping back to watch, listen, and sense the weak signals before they become problems. Diversity as an Advantage: True innovation comes when leaders create space for diverse voices and perspectives, rather than falling into the echo chamber of “this is how we’ve always done it.” Empathy in a Polarised World: With AI and social media amplifying echo chambers, leaders must practise empathy — valuing different perspectives and treating people as experts of their own lived experiences. The Human System Comes First: In 2025 and beyond, strategy and targets mean little if leaders cannot align their people around shared behaviours, belonging, and purpose. The human system is the priority — everything else flows from it. Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower: We are wired for stories. Leaders who can connect strategy, purpose, and people through storytelling build trust, belonging, and emotional engagement. 👉 Whether you’re leading a global organisation or a small team, this episode will challenge you to think differently, to see differently, and to lead with a deeper understanding of the human system at the heart of every business. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on why anthropology just might be the leadership skill you never knew you needed. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share The Leadership Enigma for more inspiring insights from global experts. ❓ Looking to learn more about The Smarty Train and their human-centered approach to solutions, insights and research? ➡️ Connect with Khairunnisa: www.linkedin.com/in/khairunnisa-mohamedali-phd ➡️ What we do: thesmartytrain.com/what-we-do/ ➡️ Workplace insights: https://thesmartytrain.com/insights/ ➡️ 2025 Early Careers Trends Report: https://eco.thesmartytrain.com/early-careers-trends-report Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Karen who is Founder & CEO of Fyma www.vorboss.com www.fyma.ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Michelle who is the Founder of Meeesh Unlimited Limited. www.vorboss.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Katerina who is Head of Bizops, Encode Club. www.vorboss.com www.hub.encode.club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Tobias who is dad & Founder, CEO of Making Moves www.vorboss.com www.makingmoveslondon.co.uk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Paul who is head of Sales for Voip Unlimited www.vorboss.com www.voip-unlimited.net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Rob who is the co-founder of Bramwell Brown Clocks. www.vorboss.com www.bramwellbrown.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Jose who is the Head of Operations for Streetscope www.vorboss.com www.streetscope.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Ben who is the Founder of Fully Charged www.vorboss.com www.fullycharged.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Sarah who is the Founder and Managing Director of Flourish www.vorboss.com www.helloflourish.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I chat to Diptesh who is the Founder and CEO of UBDS www.vorboss.com www.ubdsdigital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode of The Leadership Enigma, I am joined by Iris Loew-Friedrich, former Chief Medical Officer at UCB and current global board advisor, for a deeply human and honest conversation about leadership in an uncertain, fast-moving world. Iris flew to London specially for this conversation — and it shows. Her insights are raw, real, and full of wisdom earned across decades of experience in global healthcare. From her early days growing up in post-war Germany to leading at the highest levels of the pharmaceutical world, Iris shares how human-centred leadership is not just nice to have — it’s essential. With humility, empathy, and purpose, she shows how putting people and patients first can be the most powerful business strategy of all. 🧠 Topics Covered: Leading through uncertainty & imperfection Building psychological safety and trust in teams Making ethical decisions in pharma Staying curious and becoming an enterprise leader The power of feedback and self-awareness Life after the C-suite — finding meaning in the next chapter 🔑 Key Takeaway: True leadership is not about perfection — it's about presence, people, and purpose. 💬 What resonated with you most? Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. #Leadership #HumanCentredLeadership #IrisLoewFriedrich #PharmaLeadership #TheLeadershipEnigma #AdamPacifico #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PsychologicalSafety Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to raise a football star while staying grounded in love, learning and loyalty? In this powerful and personal episode, I sit down with Marcia Lewis, proud mum and agent to Myles Lewis-Skelly—Arsenal and England’s 18-year-old sensation and one of the most talked-about young players in football today. But this conversation isn’t about hype. It’s about humanity. Marcia shares the real journey behind the headlines—from getting her first agent call when Myles was just 11, to juggling grassroots joy with elite-level pressure. As the spotlight on Myles grew, so did Marcia’s determination to understand the system—and protect her son within it. So, she studied football business. Became a licensed agent. And created No.1 Fan Club, the UK’s first parent-led platform offering support, guidance, and community to parents navigating the intense world of youth football. We talk candidly about safeguarding wellbeing, making tough decisions, managing expectations, and the emotional rollercoaster of academy life. We also reflect on the good old days, like when Myles and my son Sam played together at Aldenham School—under the brilliant Mr Cornock. Whether you’re a parent, coach, fan or just curious about the world behind the beautiful game, this is a story of fierce love, big dreams, and the power of staying grounded—no matter how high the stakes. And yes, I do ask Marcia what her proudest moment has been so far… but you’ll have to listen to find out. www.no1fan.club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when John Cleese personally selects you to play Basil Fawlty in the West End revival of one of the most iconic sitcoms in TV history? If you're Adam Jackson-Smith, you say yes… and then quietly panic. In this special episode of The Leadership Enigma, we go behind the curtain with the man trusted to resurrect Basil on stage. Adam shares the rollercoaster ride from virtual auditions (complete with tweed jacket and moustache) to 300+ physically demanding performances that quite literally sweated the weight off him. From Zoom auditions with Cleese himself to hilarious backstage stories (including what Jonny Vaughan whispered before curtain up), Adam lifts the lid on the resilience, leadership, and full-body slapstick needed to become a comedy legend — without simply mimicking one. 🎬 Hear about: The surreal moment John Cleese said, “You’re my Basil.” Why preview night made every nerve jangle. The hidden pressures of leading a West End cast. And why his most stressful performance wasn’t opening night. Whether you're a fan of Fawlty Towers, the theatre, or just love a tale of high-stakes transformation, this episode is a brilliantly funny and deeply human story about legacy, leadership, and living up to legends. 📺 Hit play, don't mention the war, and definitely don’t miss this one. #LeadershipEnigma #FawltyTowers #JohnCleese #BasilFawlty #WestEnd #ActingLife #BehindTheScenes #comedylegends This episode was powered by "Where The Evidence Takes Us" is available from Amazon Connect with Kevin O'Leary (Red Leadership) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevoleary/ https://www.redleadership.co.uk/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and timely episode, Adam sits down with Olivier Award-winning director-turned-writer Mark Rosenblatt, the creative force behind Giant, the searing and sensational play that explores the genius and the darkness of Roald Dahl. Starring the legendary John Lithgow—who also took home an Olivier for Best Actor—Giant dives deep into the tangled web of brilliance, grief, controversy, and antisemitism that surrounded one of the world’s most beloved and most complicated authors. Recorded in front of a live audience in central London to mark the 20th anniversary of The Heart Cells Foundation, this episode celebrates creativity, courage, and the quiet revolution of stepping into your truth. Just three days before filming, Mark received his own Olivier at the Royal Albert Hall, presented by Ewan McGregor and Elizabeth Debicki. In an emotional and honest conversation, he shares what it felt like to be recognised for his first-ever play and the journey that took him from self-doubt to centre stage. Mark reveals how the seed for Giant was planted when Sir Nicholas Hytner casually suggested he might try writing—an idea that sat dormant until lockdown gave him the space to bring it to life. Inspired by his own childhood love of Dahl’s stories, and compelled by the writer’s antisemitic remarks during the Lebanon War era, Mark began to unpick the moral complexity of Dahl’s legacy. Rather than cancelling Dahl, Mark chose to examine him—with empathy, intellectual honesty, and a dramatic lens that lets the audience grapple with their own beliefs. We talk about the emotional weight of writing as a British Jew exploring antisemitism, the tension of launching a controversial play amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, and how Dahl’s personal tragedies—from his daughter’s death to his son’s life-altering accident—informed both his work and Giant itself. With John Lithgow perfectly cast as Dahl (thanks to Hytner’s inspired suggestion) and Elliot Levey winning Best Supporting Actor, Giant has become one of the most talked-about plays in the West End. A Broadway transfer is on the cards. This episode is a tribute to the healing power of art, the bravery of reinvention, and the impact of asking bold questions in a world that often demands easy answers. Special thanks to The Heart Cells Foundation for their incredible work and for hosting this unforgettable live event. www.heartcellsfoundation.com admin@heartcellsfoundation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I am joined by Tom Stevenson – Investment Director at Fidelity, respected columnist, and broadcaster – for a wide-ranging and brutally honest look at the global economic storm we’re all trying to navigate. From tariffs and Trump to inflation, war, and AI-driven disruption, Tom unpacks why we’re entering a new era of unpredictability – one where the calm of the past few decades has well and truly ended. For leaders and organisations, the message is clear: adapt fast or risk irrelevance. Tom shares three critical strategies every leader should focus on: 1. Plan for every scenario – hope is not a strategy. 2. Diversify everything – from supply chains to markets. 3. Maintain financial flexibility – cash is still king. We also explore: • The true cost of tariffs (spoiler: growth and inflation take a hit). • The dual nature of AI – a once-in-a-generation opportunity and a massive systemic risk. • Why ESG, infrastructure, and tangible assets like gold and land are gaining renewed attention. • What a second Trump term might really mean for global trade and China. • The growing concern over digital currencies in a fragile, outage-prone world. Above all, Tom reminds us that in a world out of our control, humility, emotional intelligence, and long-term thinking are more valuable than ever. "Where The Evidence Takes Us" is available from Amazon Connect with Kevin O'Leary (Red Leadership) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevoleary/ https://www.redleadership.co.uk/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, I welcome Spencer Gore, the dynamic CEO of Gorely Group and owner of Chelmsford City FC. A serial entrepreneur with seven ventures under his belt, Spencer shares the raw truths of leadership, innovation, and purpose-led business. 💡 Key takeaways for leaders and entrepreneurs: Turn Neurodiversity into a Superpower: Spencer opens up about discovering his dyslexia later in life—and how it’s become his secret weapon in spotting opportunities and hiring diverse thinkers. Leading Through Vulnerability: Why saying “I don’t know” can be a leader’s most powerful phrase—and how Spencer leans into strengths while hiring for his weaknesses. Build Culture Around Values, Not CVs: Discover the bold and refreshingly honest values that define the Gorely Group—E-M-G—(Entire Buy In - Make Sure You Look After Your Own Shit - Go The Extra Mile) and how they act as both the glue and the freedom for his teams. From Boardroom to Football Pitch: Spencer’s journey from dreaming of owning a football club to rebuilding Chelmsford City FC is a masterclass in vision, grit, and aligning business with passion. Lift Others to Win Gold: Spencer’s mission? Create an environment where everyone can be their best—whether in healthcare, startups, or football. Expect insight, inspiration, and a few surprises from a leader who's not afraid to admit what he doesn’t know—and who’s built a career on passion, people, and purpose. Connect with Spencer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencergore/ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampacifico/ "Where The Evidence Takes Us" is available from Amazon Connect with Kevin O'Leary (Red Leadership) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevoleary/ https://www.redleadership.co.uk/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.