233 Say It Skillfully® – Jamie Ramsden, A Journey from Music to Leadership

Jamie Ramsden’s journey begins in Devon, England, surrounded by music, creativity, and a family of trailblazers. His parents were professional musicians connected to the British Invasion, but Jamie ultimately followed a different path—one that took him across Europe, into international business, and eventually to the CEO role at just 33 years old.  In this episode of Say It Skillfully, Jamie joins Molly Tschang to share how he helped transform a struggling automotive supplier from the bottom five percent of the industry into an award-winning partner, why leaders must create environments where people feel empowered to challenge them, and how his experiences shaped his transition from chief executive to elite executive coach.  Jamie also opens up about the mistakes that taught him the most, the importance of experimentation and self-awareness, and the unforgettable night when he spoke up—perhaps not skillfully, but courageously—to a powerful CEO. Throughout the conversation, he offers a people-first approach to leadership grounded in belonging, meaning, purpose, and his memorable reminder: “Feed your people or lose your throne.”  Listen in for an honest and inspiring conversation about finding your voice, leading with humanity, and building a life and career on your own terms.  CHAPTERS  00:00 Welcome and introduction to Jamie Ramsden  02:37 Growing up in a family of professional musicians  05:54 Music, education, and lessons from Jamie’s parents  07:31 What sports taught Jamie about teamwork and discipline  08:43 Falling in love with France  09:51 An unconventional path into international business  12:18 Taking his first job in a foreign country  14:52 Moving to America and pursuing an interesting life  16:05 Transforming a struggling automotive business  19:39 Becoming a CEO at 33  20:52 From chief executive to executive coach  23:40 Learning through mistakes and experimentation  26:21 When leaders overwhelm their teams  28:24 Creating a culture where people can speak honestly  30:34 “Feed your people or lose your throne”  34:53 The pressures and competing demands of leadership  37:19 Developing self-awareness and a strong sense of self  39:21 A time Jamie did not say it skillfully  42:41 Family, hobbies, and life outside of work  45:13 The one thing Jamie wishes he could change  46:43 Rapid-fire questions: astronaut, pirate, and “Rambo”  48:15 Jamie’s top takeaway  49:10 Reflecting on sharing his journey  50:03 Closing thoughts from Molly