Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Gold series, Andy Lopata discusses the critical topic of overwhelm and burnout in today's fast-paced world. Joined by esteemed guests Dr. Katherine Semler and Dr. Amy Bradley, authors of the book "Running on Empty," the conversation explores the profound impact of excessive workload on individuals and organisations. Dr. Amy Bradley reflects on a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when she recognised she was overwhelmed, noting similar patterns among peers. Dr. Katherine Semler highlights challenges in balancing well-being amid demanding work environments. Andy, Amy and Katherine discuss the role of technology, particularly the ubiquitous use of platforms like Zoom, which has led to the phenomenon of "Zoom fatigue." Andy underscores the importance of reevaluating scheduling practices to prevent back-to-back meetings and allow for essential breaks between engagements. There is a need for proactive measures to address burnout, both at an individual and an orga

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Tendai Wileman. Tendai is Chief of Staff and Director of Organisational Change at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust, the largest NHS organisation in the country. She has worked in healthcare for 20 years in various corporate and operational roles. Tendai shares her unexpected journey into the NHS and reflects on the pivotal role mentoring played in guiding her career path. Despite initial doubts about her potential, Tendai discusses how mentoring helped rebuild her confidence and shape her pathway into leadership. The conversation examines the importance of mentoring and supporting others, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Tendai shares insights into navigating the "minority tax" and balancing her role as a mentor while fulfilling her professional responsibilities. She emphasises the value of providing guidance while allowing individuals the autonomy to chart their own paths. Andy and Tendai also explore the ong

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast, hosted by Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy welcomes Antoinette Dale Henderson, an expert in leadership communications and author of "Leading with Gravitas." Antoinette is an executive coach and global keynote speaker with over 25 years’ experience in leadership communications. She specializes in strategically-driven, results-oriented masterclasses that make a powerful difference to executives, boards, and top teams in the UK and internationally. She’s a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and the Global Speakers Federation and is the outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees for BelEve, a charity that inspires and empowers girls aged 8 to 18 to become leaders of their world. In today's fast-paced and dynamic business world, effective leadership requires more than just authority and expertise. It demands authenticity, connection, and a commanding presence that inspires trust and respect. Andy and Antoinette discuss the intricacies of leadership gravitas.

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Dr Andy Cope, a specialist in positive psychology. After 12 years of hard academic labour, he gained a Loughborough University PhD and became the UK’s first ever ‘Doctor of Happiness’. Dr Cope shares his journey from traditional psychology to becoming more interested in the effects of positive psychology and happiness. He explains how positive psychology focuses on wellness rather than just illness, seeking to understand what makes already happy people flourish and how others can learn from them. Dr Cope discusses the importance of intentional strategies and learned behaviours in achieving and maintaining happiness. He emphasises the significance of understanding one's own mental health and well-being, especially in today's fast-paced and challenging world. Andy and Dr Cope also examine the concept of "mental wealth" and the role of positive psychology in equipping individuals with the skills to take care of their own mental health. T

In this episode of The Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata engages in a riveting conversation with Dawn Wray, co-founder of the Listening Collective, an organisation developed from a deeply held belief that when people thrive, then their organisations do too. Dawn is a former VP of a $1 billion financial institution and an experienced senior leader. In 2018, she trained as a relational gestalt psychotherapist. She values real and honest conversation and talks candidly about her personal experience and how she believes her psychotherapy training is vital to how we think about leadership, employee satisfaction and well-being, retention, and company culture. Andy and Dawn look into the essence of connection, exploring how we can bridge gaps and foster genuine understanding between individuals. Dawn emphasises the importance of being present and attuned to what's happening in the moment, both within us and in our interactions with others. Dawn discusses the power of active listening and the importance of be

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes David Hyner, a researcher and speaker with a passion for helping people set and achieve massive goals. David shares insights from his extensive experience working with diverse groups, from school kids to senior business leaders, and emphasises the importance of having fun in all endeavours. Andy and David discuss the concept of goal setting, challenging the widely accepted notion of SMART goals, emphasising setting realistic and achievable steps for big projects. Drawing from his research and interviews with over 258 top achievers, David highlights that successful individuals prioritise setting and achieving massive goals over SMART goals. He highlights the importance of combining effective goal-setting processes with the right mindset and behaviours. David talks about his personal journey, including his struggles with education and his transformation into a purpose-driven speaker. He shares heartwarming anecdotes of former students rea

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata hosts Hannah Wunsch, author of "The Autumn Ghost: How the Battle Against a Polio Epidemic Revolutionised Modern Medical Care," which was recommended by his colleague and co-author, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Despite his initial curiosity about the book's relevance to connected leadership, Lopata found himself engrossed in Wunsch's narrative about collaboration and competition during the polio epidemic in 1952. Hannah Wunsch, a critical care physician, Professor of Anesthesiology, and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, shares insights into her book's focus on the pivotal moment in medical history when anesthesiologist Bjorn Ibsen suggested a groundbreaking intervention to save polio patients. This discussion leads to reflections on the cultural differences in medical practices between Scandinavia and the United States, which Ibsen experienced during his training at Massachusetts General Hospital. Hannah e

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast with Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy’s guest is Professor Daniel Druckman, a distinguished expert in negotiation, conflict management, and international affairs. Daniel Druckman is Professor Emeritus at George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government and an Honorary Professor at Macquarie University in Sydney and at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia. His work focuses on negotiation, nationalism, group identity and conflict resolution among other topics. He is the recipient of five lifetime achievement awards and his most recent books, published this year, are ‘Negotiation, Identify, and Justice: Pathways to Agreement’ and “When Peacekeeping Missions Collide: Balancing Multiple Roles in Peace Operations. Andy starts the podcast by asking Daniel to share insights into his unique career path, transitioning from experimental social psychology to macro-level political science. Daniel recounts three significant consulting assignments, illustratin

Andy Lopata welcomes Sally Helgeson, an expert with 35 years’ experience in women's leadership and inclusivity. Sally's latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace explores the creation of a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Sally Helgesen, cited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership, is an internationally best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame, which honours those whose ideas have shaped the field of leadership worldwide. She is ranked number 3 among the world’s thought leaders by Global Gurus. Andy and Sally discuss the significance of diversity and inclusion and Sally explains the distinction between diversity and inclusion, emphasising the importance of inclusive practices in recognising individuals outside the leadership mainstream. The conversation explores the pivotal role of professional relationships and looks at the challenges and opportunities in

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast with Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy welcomes John Fisher, a constructivist psychologist and coach with 25 years of experience in change management, personal development, and coaching. John has a rich professional background, working with organisations such as BPP, Training 2000 Ltd., Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions and BAe Systems. His experience spans designing and delivering leadership and personal development courses, coaching, and project management. John is the author of six books, including "Putting the I into Change," and joins Andy to explore the intricacies of navigating change from an individual's perspective. Andy and John examine the emotional and psychological issues people face during major life changes. John shares insights from his experience and introduces the Fisher curve (see link below). The Fisher curve maps the journey individuals undertake during change, considering the impact on identity and emotional well-being. Andy and John discuss th

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast, hosted by Andy Lopata. Our first guest for 2024 is Dr Amy Edmondson, a professor of leadership at Harvard Business School and author of seven books. Renowned for her expertise in psychological safety, Dr Edmondson explores this crucial topic in her latest award-winning book, "The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well." Winner of the prestigious Financial Times and Schroeder's Business Book of the Year award for 2023, her work is recognised globally. Andy and Amy examine the intricacies of failure, learning, and innovation within organizations. Dr. Edmondson shares her insights on the importance of creating a culture that encourages learning from failure, distinguishing between good and bad failure, and the concept of "intelligent failure." They discuss the challenges of balancing short-term results with long-term investments, especially in corporate environments driven by quarterly financial goals. Surprisingly, Amy’s research reveals that teams with str

Welcome to Connected Leadership Gold where Andy revisits a compelling conversation from May 2021 with Paul McGee, the renowned author and speaker widely recognised as the "Sumo Guy." Paul is celebrated for his motivational and practical approach, notably showcased in his book "Sumo: Shut Up, Move On." Paul's shares insights from his upcoming book, "The Happiness Revolution," co-authored with Dr. Andy Cope, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion. Andy and Paul examine the profound impact of the last 15 months on happiness. They look at the influence of technology and particularly of social media on well-being. Paul shares insights into the addictive nature of social platforms and the challenges posed by social perfectionism, where individuals often compare their lives to carefully curated online personas. Education emerges as a pivotal force in promoting holistic well-being, with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions. Paul advocates for equipping individuals, especiall

In this episode of Connected Leadership Podcast Gold, Andy Lopata explores the influence of Oxford University and the Oxford Union on the British political landscape with guest Simon Kuper, Financial Times columnist and author of Chums: How a Tiny Caste of Oxford Tories Took Over the UK. The conversation looks into the historical ties between British prime ministers and Oxford University, specifically the Oxford Union, emphasising the prevalence of individuals from similar backgrounds in political leadership. Simon Kuper, a contemporary of Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Michael Gove and others at Oxford in the 1980s, sheds light in his observations and insights into the dynamics of this establishment, extending beyond politics into various aspects of life. Simon’s book, Chums, highlights the rise of a group of individuals, primarily educated at Oxford, groomed from a young age to rule the UK. Andy and Simon examine the dominance of Oxford in shaping the top echelons of political life, the role of the PPE degre

On Christmas Day, Connected Leadership Gold explores the role of humour in business. Andy Lopata’s guests are Jeremy Nicholas, keynote speaker and news/sports presenter, and Tim Gard well-known US speaker and MC. Andy explores the personal journeys of Jeremy and Tim, highlighting the pivotal role humour has played throughout their careers. Both guests emphasise that humour serves as the foundation of their work, consistently seeking the humorous angle in all aspects of life. They discuss incorporating humour into presentations, considering the audience, applying filters, and leveraging individual strengths. Jeremy and Tim clearly distinguish between the stand-up comic and their approach, emphasising that humour should enhance rather than diminish. They explore the application of comedic principles in business, where humour effectively diffuses conflict and reduces stress. The conversation examines the transferability of the rules of comedy, including structural elements, elevating speeches, incorporating ever

In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata interviews Pat Nevin, former professional footballer turned media personality and author of the bestseller, "The Accidental Footballer." Pat shares insights from his illustrious career, emphasising a unique perspective on life, career, and relationships. Pat discusses his book, highlighting the absence of antagonism. Despite potential conflicts with players and managers, Pat emphasises his commitment to living life on his terms. The conversation delves into Pat's early days with Chelsea, where he became a football icon. His love for the game, coupled with a commitment to maintaining a safety net beyond football, shaped his mindset. Pat's mantra, "Being a footballer is what I do, not who I am," reflects his approach to the sport. Pat's emphasis on playing with joy and creativity, rather than fear, allowed him to excel on the pitch. This mindset extended beyond football, influencing his media career and his role as PFA chairman. He addresses the dangers of modern bu

In the last live Connected Leadership podcast episode of 2023, Andy Lopata interviews Dr. Kirstin Ferguson, an acclaimed Australian leadership expert and award-winning author. They explore her notable career, her new book "Head and Heart Leadership," and her journey. Kirstin, a recipient of the international Thinkers50 Distinguished Award for Leadership is among the top 50 global thinkers. With a PhD in leadership and culture and honours degrees in Law and History, she advises international brands on modern leadership. Kirstin is also an Adjunct Professor at the QUT Business School and a Sir Winston Churchill Fellow. Kirstin shared insights from thirty years of leadership experience including her time in the Royal Australian Air Force, leading a global consulting firm, and serving on the board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). She expressed gratitude for the experiences that shaped her leadership style and informed her idea of what it means to be a "modern leader", capable of reading situation

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata’s special guest is Dr. Michelle K. Johnston, a management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert from Loyola University in New Orleans and author of the Amazon bestseller, "The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection." She shares her insights about the shifting nature of leadership, discussing a shift from a perfection-oriented, command-control cultural approach towards a more relatable, connected style of leadership. Exploring personal experiences that led to these observations, Michelle believes that the old authoritarian and aggressive leadership styles are becoming increasingly obsolete.  Michelle explains how effective leadership today is rooted in meaningful relationships and team connections. She particularly highlights the importance of allowing for vulnerability in the workplace, noting that authenticity can foster a safe, inclusive environment conducive to innovation. Andy and Michelle also prob

In this episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata hosts Jodie Rogers, author and founder of Symbia. They discuss ways to help leaders guide their teams through uncertain times. With 20 years of experience in understanding human behaviour, Jodie's mission is to enhance engagement, empowerment, and productivity in individuals. As a human behaviour consultant, learning expert, and facilitator, Jodie founded Symbia to build teams of emotionally intelligent problem solvers who are agile in the face of change. Symbia collaborates with global corporations like Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Barclays, and L'Oréal for leadership and professional development, promoting 'Mental Fitness' as a catalyst for growth. In a world where change is constant and uncertainty high, leaders are being called to take their teams forward through these challenges. The importance of personal relationships moving into professional relationships is highlighted, especially when working together on a programme like ‘The Edge’. J

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Steph Auping. Steph is a co-founder and the Chief Learning Officer at Leadership & Co. a firm dedicated to preparing leaders to excel in today's complex business environment. Her focus lies in nurturing skillsets and amplifying the leadership impact of participants. In this episode, Steph emphasises the importance of nurturing curiosity in individuals and organizations. She highlights that this core trait is a competitive advantage that enhances productivity, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and adaptability in the workplace. She identifies three types of curiosity: cognitive curiosity, which involves hunting for knowledge and problem-solving; social curiosity, which involves seeking to understand and engage with others; and reflective curiosity, which involves introspection of personal beliefs and values. All three contribute significantly to personal growth and relationship-building in professional environments. She discusses the pot

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata hosts Jennifer Sunberg, a former Ernst & Young London Entrepreneur of the Year and the Co-CEO of Board Intelligence. Her new book, co-authored with Pippa Begg, "Collective Intelligence: Build a Business That's Smarter Than You," encourages incorporating greater collective intelligence in businesses. Theconversation revolves around how businesses can promote intelligence and innovative thinking, not just from the business leaders but from everyone involved. Jennifer points out that many leaders assume their intelligence and ideas are solely responsible for business success, forgetting the power that lies in the team's collective brainpower. Being overly reliant on a superstar leader can hinder real progress. These leaders might be amazing, but their brilliance doesn't necessarily mean the business's success is solely dependent on them. Jennifer cites well-established organisations like Apple and Amazon as examples, revealing that some of their ga