Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

Ready to flip the entire leadership hierarchy on its head? In this powerful episode, Andy sits down with Patrice Gordon, the trailblazer who became Virgin Atlantic's first-ever reverse mentor, ultimately mentoring the CEO and starting an organisational movement. If you think leadership wisdom only flows from the top down, this conversation will make you think again. Patrice unpacks the tactical playbook for reverse mentoring—a practice where senior leaders are guided by junior, often under-represented, colleagues to gain critical perspectives they’re missing in the boardroom. Patrice explains how they got the programme off the ground, how she navigated doing game-changing work "on the side of her desk", and the powerful way she shared her opinions to be seen as part of the solution, not the problem. This is a masterclass in closing the gap between the frontline and the head office, understanding new technology, and building a culture where everyone truly has a voice. Andy and Patrice examine the framewor

In this landmark celebration of the 300th episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata reflects on his original aim to explore the power of professional relationships and executive success. 300 extraordinary conversations; unforgettable stories of resilience, achievements and humanity, all linked to relationships. It has been humbling, inspiring and often moving. How to celebrate 300 conversations? This isn't just a look back; it's a deep dive into the essence of the show. Get ready for an episode packed with brilliant advice, profound wisdom, and unforgettable stories that capture the podcast at its very best. What do a Nobel Prize winner, two survivors of unimaginable trauma, and a British Muslim and Jew discussing the Middle East have in common? They all show us the power of connection in its most raw and impactful forms. In ThisSpecial Episode, You’ll Hear: Dr. Bob Lefkowitz on Natural Mentorship: The Nobel Laureate shares his surprisingly down-to-earth wisdom on mentoring. Discover why p

In this edition of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata returns to the archives for a classic conversation with Goldie Sayers, Olympic bronze medalist and former Team GB Captain. Goldie draws powerful parallels between the high-stakes world of elite sport and the challenges of corporate leadership. She explains the necessity of creating a support team where every expert understands their role in the service of a single, clear goal—a principle she believes many businesses overlook. Drawing on her experience captaining a team of individualistic athletes to huge success, Goldie discusses how to manage maverick talent, foster a team bond without stifling individuality, and unite everyone behind a common purpose. She also speaks candidly about navigating career-defining adversity, including the emotional impact of receiving her Olympic medal 11 years later due to a rival's doping violation. Goldie emphasises the importance of planning your next move by building a network before you need it. This episode is

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a gem-filled conversation from the archives with Phil Jones, Managing Director of Brother UK, and Sam Rathling, founder of Pipeline 44. They discuss why it is crucial for modern leaders to actively engage on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Phil Jones shares his personal journey of leveraging platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to build his personal brand, attract talent, and connect with customers. He argues that being active on social media is a necessary competency for today's leaders, sending a powerful message about the modernity and responsiveness of their organisation. Sam Rathling provides expert insights on how leaders can effectively build their digital reputation. She emphasises the power of authentic, original content and consistent engagement, which doesn't have to consume more than 10-15 minutes a day. The conversation covers practical tips on content creation, the importance of a human touch, and how to balance profession

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Alisa Cohn, executive coach and author of From Startup to Grown Up. Alisa Cohn, named the Top Startup Coach in the World, shares her insights on the crucial role of professional relationships at various stages of a leader's journey. Andy and Alisa discuss the concept of "champions" in one's network and emphasise nurturing relationships authentically rather than for a specific purpose. Alisa provides strategies for leaders at different stages and they look at adapting networking strategies in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the value of virtual connections and creativity. Alisa also stresses that leaders must "find a way" to build relationships, as it is essential for career growth. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of leadership, such as managing self-talk, and offers practical advice for co-founder dynamics and navigating difficult conversations with scripts Alisa provides in her book. Ke

What if a single, catastrophic event could completely reshape your understanding of human connection? For Michelle Mills-Porter, surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami did just that, turning personal tragedy into a profound mission to understand the core of effective collaboration. In this wide ranging episode, Andy Lopata is joined by Michelle Mills-Porter, an award-winning business owner and human behaviour expert, for a powerful conversation that journeys from the shores of Sri Lanka to the heart of professional relationships. Michelle recounts her harrowing experience and how the community that formed in its aftermath became the bedrock of her life's work. She explains the crucial difference between simple cooperation and true collaboration, offering listeners her "golden rules" through a memorable "collaboration pie" analogy. Andy and Michelle look deeper into the personal dynamics that underpin successful teamwork. Michelle speaks with vulnerability and insight about her own neurodivergence, explainin

Welcome back to Connected Leadership Bytes where this week, we look back at a powerful conversation with personal branding expert Lesley Everett. Andy and Lesley explore why simply "doing a good job" is no longer enough for career advancement. Lesley introduces the crucial concept of the 'entrepreneurial mindset' for leaders within large organisations. This involves being more visionary, visible, and connected; moving beyond your job description to see the bigger picture. Their discussion looks into the importance of authentic visibility, emphasising that it's not about being the loudest person in the room but about strategically and genuinely making your expertise known. Lesley provides practical advice on uncovering your core values to guide your authentic brand and shares research highlighting that exposure and image—not just performance—are the primary drivers of promotion. This episode is a masterclass in building a memorable and effective personal brand that truly differentiates you, proving that you

In this special edition of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with thought leadership experts Mindy Gibbins-Klein and Daniel Priestley. Andy, Mindy and Daniel examine the art and science of becoming an influential voice in your field. Mindy introduces the concept of 'thoughtful leadership,' defining it as the courage to share new, exciting ideas widely and respectfully. She challenges leaders to discover their passion and legacy. Daniel Priestley explores the shift from geographical to ideological communities in the digital age, explaining why sharing ideas is now essential for creating alignment and attracting talent, customers, and investors. Together, they discuss the practicalities of cutting through online noise, the delicate balance of authenticity, and how to handle changing your mind publicly. This episode is a masterclass for any leader looking to build influence, shape conversations, and create a lasting impact in a crowded world, reminding us that true leader

In this edition of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata reminds us of the powerful and popular conversation he had with researcher and speaker, David Hyner. Prepare to have your conventional wisdom on goal-setting completely shattered as David dismantles the myth of SMART goals. He reveals why this widely accepted principle is misquoted and misinterpreted, advocating instead for setting 'Massive Goals with Smart Steps'—a strategy resulting from his extensive research with over 250 top achievers. The discussion goes beyond theory, exploring David's personal journey and the profound parallels he draws between insecure schoolchildren and senior executives. He shares why leaders must connect with younger generations to prepare for a 'tsunami of change' in the workplace. From learning to 'Go Rhino' on your toughest tasks to the critical role of accountability and mastermind groups, this episode is a masterclass in shifting your mindset, embracing audacious ambition, and achieving more than you thought possible

Ever found yourself pushing a crucial task to a mythical, more productive “tomorrow”? You’re not alone. In this fascinating episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata is joined by Melinda Palmer. Melinda is CEO of The Brainy Business, she has written three bestselling books and hosts The Brainy Business podcast, which has more than 1 million downloads in over 170 countries. A consultant and keynote speaker, she also teaches applied behavioural economics and she has been featured in many outlets, including Inc. and Psychology Today. Inspired by her TEDx Talk, "There's Nothing Magical About Monday," Melinda describes four cognitive biases. She reveals why our brains are wired to see our future self as a different, more capable person (an effect called time discounting) and why we consistently underestimate how long tasks will take (the optimism bias and planning fallacy). Andy and Melinda explore the concept of "bike shedding," a form of productive procrastination where we focus on trivial activ

In this edition of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a powerful conversation from the archives with Rebecca Robins, Global Chief Learning and Culture Officer at global branding agency Interbrand. This episode explores how to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders. The central focus is Interbrand’s innovative "Horizon Board"—a shadow board of aspiring talent under 30 who work alongside the executive team. Rebecca explains how this initiative provides invaluable experience and mentorship for rising stars while injecting fresh perspectives into top-level decision-making. The discussion examines the critical shift from dismissing "soft skills" to championing empathy, curiosity, and collaboration as essential leadership competencies. Andy and Rebecca also cover the practical mechanics of creating a successful two-way mentoring program, fostering vulnerability between senior and junior talent, and embedding a culture where bold ideas can thrive without causing disruptive conflict. T

We're dipping into the archives for one of our most popular episodes! Andy Lopata revisits his fascinating conversation with Dr. Beam Maue, co-founder of AFWERX, the innovation mission within the US Air Force. How do you build a forward-thinking, agile community within one of the world's most hierarchical organisations? Dr. Brian shares the incredible story of how AFWERX grew from just five people into an award-winning ecosystem that connected with over 700 new small businesses, many of whom had never worked with the government before. This episode is a masterclass in leading change from within. Dr. Brian explains his philosophy of "going to war with the army you've got," empowering the team you have rather than wishing for another. He shares powerful stories, from a pig farmer's innovative soap to navigating Pentagon red tape, illustrating how to manage the environment for innovation, not the innovation itself. Tune in to learn how to foster experimentation, build momentum through short-term wins, and lead

In this episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his insightful conversation with the ultimate super-connector, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Andy introduces the concept of the “Gottian Sphere” to explore Ruth's phenomenal generosity with her network and why she believes in an abundance mentality. They examine the principle of "know, like, and trust," stressing that genuine relationships are never transactional—you must give long before you ever consider taking. Ruth explains how shared experiences and vulnerability can rapidly deepen connections, even in a virtual world. Discover the mindset of an extreme high-achiever who has built a world-class network not by hoarding contacts, but by thoughtfully and generously sharing them. This episode is a masterclass in building authentic, lasting professional relationships that open doors for everyone involved. 5 Key Takeaways The "Know, Like, and Trust" Principle is Non-Negotiable: Introductions carry weight. Dr. Gotian only connects people she genu

In a world where disrespect and division are increasingly normalised, how can leaders navigate difficult conversations and transform conflict into connection? This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast tackles this critical challenge head-on as Andy Lopata welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu. A dynamic speaker and author, Justin guides individuals and organisations to their peak potential through meaningful work, inclusive mindsets, and the art of respectful disagreement.   Justin argues that the "social isolation theory", amplified by social media, has seeped from our global discourse into the workplace, creating dynamics like "disrespectful agreement"—where politeness masks underlying dissent. This erodes trust and stifles innovation. The conversation explores how leaders can counteract this by proactively building psychological safety and shifting from a passive "open-door policy" to an active "out-the-door policy" to intentionally build relational capital.   At the core of the discussion are Justin’s fi

Are you constantly drowning in a sea of emails, back-to-back meetings, and an endless to-do list? Do you end the day feeling exhausted but not truly productive? You're not just busy; you're caught in the "crazy busy" trap—and it's costing you the relationships that fuel long-term success. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by leadership coach and author of The Crazy Busy Cure, Zena Everett, to diagnose and solve this modern epidemic. Zena breaks down why so many professionals prioritise urgent but unimportant tasks (the "field mice") over the high-impact activities that truly move the needle (the "antelopes"). This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone in a client-facing or business development role who wants to shift from a reactive state of "doing" to a proactive state of "achieving". In This Episode, You'll Learn: ·       The "Antelope vs Field Mice" Principle: A powerful mindset shift to help you distinguish between high-value priorities and minor distractio

Your career success depends on more than just your skills—it's built on the strength of your relationships. In this classic episode from the archives, Andy Lopata and MIT instructor Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, break down the art of strategic networking inside your organisation. Discover why your internal connections are your greatest asset for unlocking hidden opportunities, gaining influence, and accelerating your career path. This is a masterclass in turning everyday interactions into a powerful professional advantage. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ·      The Internal Goldmine: Why your internal network is a rich source of information, resources, and career-defining opportunities. ·      The Motivation Secret: How to achieve seamless collaboration and build influence by aligning with what truly motivates your colleagues. ·      Mastering Your Reputation: How to proactively manage the way you're perceived to build trust, authority, and credibility. ·      Authentic Advocacy: Techn

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata goes back to the archive to his interview with Nobel Laureate Dr Bob Lefkowitz where they discussed the power of storytelling and humour in science, mentorship, and leadership. Drawing from his memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, Bob shares captivating anecdotes, including the unforgettable moment his daughter got engaged at the Nobel Banquet. He emphasises how storytelling transforms raw data into compelling narratives, influencing both scientific discovery and clinical practice. Bob also explores how humour fosters creativity, strengthens relationships, and enhances communication. As a mentor to over 200 scientists, he highlights the importance of personal connection, fun, and role modelling in developing future leaders. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in humour, professional relationships, and the balance between collaboration and competition in achieving success. Key Takeaways: 1. Storytelling Shapes

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his episode with Lee Cockrell, former Executive Vice President of Operations at Disney World. Andy and Lee discuss  the power of storytelling in leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience at Disney, Lee highlights how storytelling is deeply embedded in Disney’s culture, shaping everything from guest experiences to employee training. He emphasises that storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a strategic tool that connects emotionally, conveys values, and drives engagement. Lee also shares insights on how leaders can use personal stories, including their vulnerabilities and failures, to build trust and inspire teams. He offers practical tips for incorporating storytelling into everyday communication, stressing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and visual elements. They finish with reflections on how organisations must align their actions with their stories to maintain trust and reputation in today’s digital

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes guest Jenna Dominique, a pitch and communication expert, working with over 2,000 teams and individuals to become influential, high impact communicators. After starting her career as a broadcast journalist, Jenna’s dynamic background has led her to work with ambitious entrepreneurs to boards of directors, startups to global corporations. An international speaker and event host, she uses her breadth of experience to deliver highly practical support to every audience she works with. She is also a hugely passionate adventurer and co-founder of DAT adventures, running unique retreats for ambitious individuals that want to progress personally and professionally Andy & Jenna explore the importance of pitching in various professional contexts, from sales to networking and interviews. Jenna emphasises that pitching is not limited to formal presentations but is something everyone does daily—whether introducing oneself or articulating value in a

In this episode, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst and author of In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO. Their conversation explores the unique challenges women face in advancing their careers, emphasising the critical role of sponsorship over mentorship. Jennifer shares personal and professional insights on how external biases often become internalised, holding women back from advocating for themselves. She highlights the importance of visibility, self-promotion, and making bold asks as key drivers of career progression. Andy and Jennifer discuss allyship—especially male allyship—and what it looks like at different levels of an organisation. They emphasise that allyship isn’t just about grand gestures; small actions, such as giving credit where it’s due or amplifying someone’s voice in a meeting, can make a big difference. Their conversation also touches on the “third shift” burden placed on women to lead DEI efforts and the need to share that responsibility