Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Malcolm Palmer on making Making Your Business Less Dependent On You. Andy and Malcolm discuss the challenges of business ownership, stress management, and the importance of strong professional relationships. Andy shares his personal journey of learning to cope with stress, highlighting the need to recognise both conscious and unconscious stress signals. Andy also emphasises the importance of vulnerable leadership, sharing experiences that led to him writing his book "Just Ask." He stresses the need for balance between work and personal life, incorporating hobbies and healthy activities into his schedule as part of his job.  Complacency is a major enemy of productivity, and the key to overcoming it is to build habits and find strategic ways of working. Andy also mentions the importance of strategic thinking, taking time to work on big projects, and being mindful. Andy and Malcolm also explore the concept of "catastrophising"

In this episode, Andy Lopata revisits his guest interview with Melina Palmer on The Brainy Business Podcast, to explore the power of connected leadership. Andy, a master of networking, discusses his approach to building genuine, helpful relationships for both career advancement and business growth. He emphasises emphasizes that executive success depends on the network one builds, which goes beyond surface-level contacts. Andy shares insights on fostering "connected leadership" by surrounding yourself with people who can both offer help, want to help and know how to help. He explains that these elements are tied to performance, image, and exposure, a concept that can supercharge one's career. He reveals that people are more likely to support you not just because they're told to or see a personal gain, but because they genuinely like and trust you, making it important to nurture relationships by connecting on a human level. Andy further discusses how to move past fears of being seen as vulnerable when asking fo

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes features a revisit of Andy's conversation with Melva Lajoy Legrand, a leading event planner. Andy and Melva discuss the art of creating authentic connections, not just at large-scale events but also within teams and with individual relationships. Melva emphasises the importance of designing experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and heard. She shares practical strategies for event organisers, including using icebreakers that encourage storytelling, and creating spaces catering to diverse personality types (introverts and extroverts). The conversation then extends beyond event planning, exploring how to foster authentic connections in the workplace and personal life. Melva reveals the significance of vulnerability and humility in building genuine relationships, both professionally and personally. They also touch upon the evolving landscape of events, with an emphasis on interactive experiences over traditional lecture formats, and pre-event engagement strateg

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Lisa Fane, CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, and her colleague Michelle Hancock interview Andy Lopata. They discuss the importance of professional relationships, networking, and mentoring. Focusing on building authentic connections, understanding the difference between networking and professional relationships, and the concept of a personal board of advisors. Andy shares strategies for maintaining professional networks, the role of vulnerability in mentorship and the impact of remote work on mentoring and professional relationships. He emphasises the importance of consistency and frequency in building connections and offers insights into evolving mentoring practices in the modern workplace.   Key Takeaways Reframing Networking: Shifting the perception of "networking" to "professional relationship strategy." Focus on building genuine, long-term relationships based on mutual respect and trust. The Power of Personal Boards of Advisors (Mastermind Grou

In this month’s premiere episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata interviews David Avrin. David is one of the most in-demand Customer Experience speakers and consultants in the world today, He has shared his content-rich, entertaining and actionable presentations with enthusiastic audiences across North America and in 24 countries around the world. David helps organisations better understand and connect with their customers and clients to help future-proof their businesses.  David's insights have been featured on thousands of media outlets around the world. He is also the author of seven books including the acclaimed: It's Not Who You Know, It's Who Knows You! Why Customers Leave (and How to Win Them Back), The Morning Huddle, and his newest book, Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With.  Andy and David explore the crucial differences between customer service and customer experience, highlighting that while good service is essential, it's the overall experience that truly drives customer loyalty

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, we feature Andy Lopata’s guest interview on the Authority Podcast with Ross Romano. Andy is a specialist speaker on professional relationships and co-author with Dr Ruth Gotian, of the Financial Times Guide to Mentoring. Mentoring in its various forms and benefits for both mentors and mentees is discussed. Andy explains that mentoring isn't just a hierarchical senior-junior relationship; it can be reverse mentoring (junior mentoring senior), peer-to-peer and formal/informal approaches. He emphasises the importance of having a "mentoring team," drawing support from various individuals. Andy and Ross agree that the qualifications for being a mentor are experience and expertise rather than formal qualifications. Andy explains the distinctions between mentoring, coaching, role models, and sponsors. The podcast also discusses what mentors should expect from mentees (commitment, accountability, openness to challenge) and vice versa. Andy also advocates for an abund

This week, Connected Leadership Bytes dives into a conversation with Paul McGee, author and speaker known for his book “SUMO (Shut Up, Move On) and his latest release “The Happiness Revolution”. Andy and Paul explore the complexities of happiness in a world filled with technological advancements and social media pressures. Paul emphasises that happiness is not a destination but a byproduct of living life well, embracing challenges, and fostering meaningful connections. He highlights the importance of embracing a holistic approach to well-being, taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health. Social media, while offering connection, can also contribute to aims of social perfectionism and unrealistic comparisons, leading to unhappiness. Paul advocates for a mindful approach to social media, using it as a tool for connection and inspiration while recognising its potential pitfalls. There is a tendency to postpone happiness until we achieve certain goals. Paul suggests finding happiness in the present

Get ready to raise a glass... of sparkling water! In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his episode with Janey Lee Grace, a familiar voice from BBC Radio 2 and a passionate advocate for alcohol-free living. Janey shares her personal journey from pop star to radio presenter, revealing how she navigated a world obsessed with alcohol and ultimately decided to embrace a sober lifestyle. She discusses how alcohol is deeply ingrained in our culture, and the challenges of politely declining a drink without feeling like you're missing out. Janey and Andy discuss the crucial role of connection in overcoming addiction, highlighting the power of community and finding a sense of belonging. She talks about the Sober Club, a space she created to support individuals on their alcohol-free journeys, and emphasises the importance of having people you can connect with and rely on as you navigate a sober life. Andy and Janey conclude with a call to action, urging listeners and leaders to challenge t

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, host Andy Lopata welcomes Nathan Farrugia, leader of the Vistage Group. Nathan is an experienced business coach with more than 20 years’ experience across technology, construction, healthcare, education, and hospitality, as well as a TEDx speaker, philanthropist and record-breaking adventurer. Nathan's impressive resume includes setting a world record for running 27 marathons in 27 countries in 27 days. Andy and Nathan examine the art of asking tough questions, a skill vital for leaders. Nathan believes many leaders, particularly those grappling with burnout and change, are not being asked the crucial question, "Is what you're doing aligned with your purpose in life?" This existential query, often avoided in everyday interactions, becomes a cornerstone of Nathan's coaching approach, prompting introspection and reflection. Exploring the delicate balance between assertiveness and vulnerability in coaching, Nathan emphasises the importance of earning trust bef

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes examines the concept of lateral mentoring, a powerful yet often overlooked form of support. Deborah Heiser, PhD, founder of The Mentor Project, introduces the idea that mentoring doesn't always have to be hierarchical. It can be a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience between peers, even those in different departments or industries. Deborah emphasises the importance of embracing vulnerability and asking for help, even from unexpected sources. She shares real-life examples of how individuals have leveraged lateral mentoring to achieve breakthroughs and launch their careers. Andy and Deborah highlight the benefits of both formal and informal mentoring relationships and how they can complement each other. She also sheds light on the critical role of reverse mentoring, where younger generations mentor older individuals on emerging trends and technologies. Deborah underscores the need for organisations to embrace cross-company and cross-sector mentoring, fostering

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview featuring Chelsey Baker, founder of National Mentoring Day. Andy and Chelsey discuss the importance of mentoring and the difference between mentoring and coaching, pointing out that mentoring is about providing answers and sharing expertise, while coaching focuses on specific skills and goals. They explore the benefits of mentoring across all levels, from startups and young entrepreneurs to C-suite executives and students. Chelsey highlights the essential role mentoring plays in fostering confidence, connectedness, and a sense of belonging, especially during times of uncertainty. Andy and Chelsey consider the dynamics of mentor-mentee relationships, discussing the various forms mentoring can take – formal, informal, one-on-one, peer-to-peer, and reverse mentoring. Chelsey stresses the importance of finding the right mentor who can provide both guidance and support. The conversation then shifts to National Mentoring Day, its ori

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, originally featured as a guest interview on the Kwame Christian podcast "Negotiate Anything," features Andy Lopata, professional relationship strategist, author of "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," and host of the Connected Leadership" podcast. Andy shares his insights on the importance of building and leveraging professional relationships, and particularly the role of mentoring. Andy argues that building a strong network of mentors is essential for career growth, citing research that shows performance accounts for only 10% of promotion decisions, while image and exposure account for 30% and 60% respectively. He defines mentoring as a relationship where someone with experience and expertise in a particular area helps guide another individual towards their goals. He explores the different types of mentoring relationships, including formal and informal, traditional, reverse, and peer-to-peer. Andy emphasises the importance of both formal and informal mentoring

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast Andy Lopata features Derrick Noble. Dr. Derrick has spent the past two decades helping business leaders elevate their leadership and communication skills. Overcoming a severe stutter and speech impediment in his youth, Derrick defied the odds to become an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx speaker, speech coach, and trainer. Known for his humor, he often says, "At first, I couldn’t talk, and now they can’t shut me up!" He works with leaders from various sectors, including business, non-profits, and government agencies, with clients including the U.S.A.F, Navy, Forestry Service, FBI, and the City of Los Angeles. Derrick shares how his fifth-grade principal, Lionel Ward, helped him conquer his stammering fear by encouraging him to read school announcements over the intercom. This experience instilled in him the belief that "leaders are made, not born." Andy and Derrick discuss his passion for helping individuals who are often overlooked or underestim

Andy Lopata recalls his conversation with workplace communication expert Antoni Licanai In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes. They examine the concept of how internal workplace culture influences external engagement, with Antoni arguing that treating colleagues poorly leads to poorer customer service. Antoni argues that the responsibility for fostering a positive workplace culture lies with leadership. He shares several examples of how poor leadership created toxic environments that negatively impacted employee engagement and, subsequently, customer service. Andy and Antoni discuss strategies for addressing toxic workplace cultures, emphasising the importance of leading by example and building trust through predictability and empathy. Antoni further emphasises the importance of fostering a "servant" mindset, where employees are encouraged to help each other, leading to a more positive culture that benefits both internal and external stakeholders. He also challenges the idea of internal competitio

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interviews with Todd Cherches, an academic from New York who specialises in visual leadership. They discuss the concept of visual leadership, exploring how it goes beyond simply incorporating pictures into presentations. Cherches argues that visual leadership is about how we see the world and how that shapes our vision as leaders. He emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping our vision, highlighting that different perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions. Andy and Todd look at the power of metaphors, storytelling, visual imagery and models as tools for effective communication and engagement. Todd provides practical advice on how to incorporate visual elements like drawings and models, even for those who consider themselves artistically challenged. Humor in leadership can be a powerful tool for engaging and connecting with people. Todd shares insights on how to find humor in everyday life and use it effe

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Renee Lee Rosenberg, a talent development coach, trainer and international speaker. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating a multi-generational workforce. Andy and Renee explore the characteristics of five distinct generations: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, highlighting their differences in values, communication styles, and expectations. Renee shares anecdotes from her own experiences to illustrate the challenges of bridging these generational divides, including a humorous encounter with a multitasking Google employee. She emphasises the importance of understanding and acknowledging these differences, advocating for open communication, and creating a culture that respects and values each generation's unique contributions. The conversation looks at the benefits of both traditional and reverse mentoring, demonstrating how learning and growth can happen across age

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Bruce Y Lee, a writer, journalist, and professor whose ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in an engaging way is truly remarkable. They discuss the art of balancing gravitas and humor in writing, with Bruce sharing his experience of being challenged for writing about topics like vibrating yoga pants. He argues that using humor doesn't diminish the seriousness of an issue, but rather makes it more memorable and accessible. Andy and Bruce examine Bruce's writing process and he emphasises the importance of finding a "news peg" – a relatable story that hooks the reader's attention. He uses an example to illustrate how a seemingly mundane topic can be turned into an engaging narrative that raises awareness of an issue. Bruce also points out the importance of considering the reader's perspective and using humor to connect with them. He highlights the power of opening conversations with a disarming approach that

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast investigates the world of catalysts, those individuals who possess an unstoppable drive to create change. Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas, co-founders and co-CEOs of Catalyst Constellations, share their insights on identifying, nurturing, and harnessing the power of these change-makers within organisations. The conversation begins by defining what it means to be a catalyst, going beyond the chemical definition to highlight the key attributes of these individuals: their rapid information processing, ability to synthesise ideas, visionary thinking, inherent drive towards action, experimentation mindset, and the perception they give others as risk-takers and perceptive individuals. Andy, Tracey, and Shannon then explore the challenges catalysts face in navigating relationships, particularly in conservative environments where their drive for change might be perceived as disruptive or even toxic. Tracey and Shannon emphasise the importance of cultivating self-aware

Get ready to level up your communication skills and master the art of negotiation with Kwame Christian, a leading negotiation expert, two-time best-selling author, keynote speaker, business lawyer and CEO of The American Negotiation Institute and host of the top-rated "Negotiate Anything" podcast. In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata has a captivating conversation with Kwame, exploring how negotiation isn't just a transactional process, but a fundamental skill for everyday conversations, particularly in building strong professional relationships. Kwame urges us to reframe our understanding of negotiation, moving away from the "win or lose" mindset and embracing a more strategic approach that focuses on advancing our position. He outlines a powerful three-pronged approach to negotiation, encompassing offensive, defensive, and relational strategies. One key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of strategic vulnerability. Kwame emphasises that sharing information thoughtfu

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata reconnects with Apurva Purohit, an author and advocate for gender diversity. Apurva Purohit is a prominent Indian businesswoman with over three decades of experience in the corporate world, where she has successfully built and transformed diverse businesses. She recently launched Aazol Ventures Pvt. Ltd., connecting women self-help groups and micro-entrepreneurs producing traditional, local food products with health-conscious consumers. Apurva also serves as an independent director at Marico Ltd., LTI Mindtree Ltd., L&T Technology Services Ltd. and Navin Fluorine International Ltd. She is the author of two national bestselling books and has been recognised as one of the most powerful women in business by India Today Group and Fortune India. Apurva is a Distinguished Alumni Awardee from IIM Bangalore and was also a state-level hockey player for Tamil Nadu. Andy looks into Apurva's impressive career journey, exploring her insights on risk-taking,