Everyday Leadership

What does it actually take to get media coverage without a PR agency, a big budget, or knowing the right people? Gloria Chou found out the hard way. After applying to a thousand PR jobs and getting rejected from every single one, she cold-called newsrooms with shaking hands, got phones slammed in her face, and reverse-engineered what actually works. She built the CPR pitching method from scratch. It's now trained into AI models. But this conversation goes somewhere deeper than PR. Because Gloria hit the numbers. The seven-figure milestone, the growing team, the influence. And felt nothing. Dead in the eyes. When she finally traced it back to the root, it led her to her mother, to years of unresolved resentment, and to a plant medicine ceremony that changed everything. In this episode, Sope and Gloria get into why traditional PR and SEO are losing ground to AI visibility, how ChatGPT is becoming the new discovery engine for your audience, why your business will only rise to the level of problems you can solve, how unresolved anger quietly shows up as micromanaging and burnout, and the one question that now drives every decision Gloria makes. If you have hit your goals and still feel like something is off, this one is for you.

Why Your Best Leaders Are Burning Out (And What to Do About It) | Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Workplace Burnout Your leadership development budget might be making things worse. Not because the programmes are bad. But because we're solving the wrong problem. Most leaders don't lack capability. They lack access to what they already know when pressure is highest - what I call The Intention Gap. And it's driving leadership burnout across organisations. In this episode on leadership burnout and intentional leadership, you'll discover: Why traditional leadership training creates exhaustion instead of preventing it The Intention Gap: why talented executives default to reactive leadership under pressure Real stories from C-suite leaders who've lost themselves climbing the corporate ladder The Unlearn, Unlock, Unleash framework for sustainable leadership A practical exercise to shift from reactive to intentional decision-making before your next meeting Perfect for: Startup founders, senior leaders, executive coaches, HR directors, and anyone in leadership development wondering why capable leaders struggle to apply what they know. Key Insights: "The problem isn't that leaders lack capability. The problem is they can't access it when it matters most." "What got you to director doesn't get you to VP. What got you to VP doesn't get you to the C-suite. And what got you to the C-suite absolutely will not sustain you while you're there." "When you can't access your intention, when you're operating from reaction instead of purpose, that gap opens up. Maybe not as dramatically as the twisties, but it shows up." "You don't close the intention gap by adding more. You close it by removing what no longer serves you." "The world doesn't need more perfect leaders. It needs more real ones." This isn't about adding more leadership skills. It's about removing what blocks your access to authentic leadership when it matters most. We explore burnout prevention through intentional leadership practices, drawing on executive coaching insights and real transformation stories - including lessons from Simone Biles on recognising when performance pressure creates dangerous gaps. Free Resource: Take the Intention Gap Scorecard to assess where you're operating from reaction versus intention across six leadership dimensions.

What does leadership really feel like when you step into the CEO role and realise the weight is real? In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi speaks with Fiona McKenzie, CEO of Revere, about the reality of leadership under pressure. Fiona shares her journey from Account Director to CEO, taking over from the founders, building a leadership team, scaling culture, and leading the business through a successful sale to Marketbridge. All while raising a family and navigating decisions most leaders never talk about publicly. This is an honest conversation about modern leadership, not theory. You will hear Fiona unpack • What it truly means to become a first-time CEO • The leadership habits that stop working at the top • How to let go of control without losing performance • The real process of selling a business while still leading it • Strength, vulnerability, and speaking up as a leader • Why leadership decisions often feel lonely • How to navigate identity shifts after an exit This episode is essential listening for CEOs, founders, senior leaders, and anyone stepping into bigger responsibilities who wants clarity, not clichés. Connect with Fiona McKenzie: LinkedIn | Marketbridge Connect with Sope Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

What does it really take to build something that lasts, without permission, without hype, and without losing yourself? In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Kwabz Ayim, co-founder of Mixtape Madness reflects on 15 years of shaping UK music culture from the ground up. This is a grounded conversation about responsibility, ownership, and the unseen work behind influence. We explore: How frustration turned into action Why culture often creates value without owning the outcome The responsibility that comes with platforming others Why systems and structure matter more than visibility What marriage and parenting teach you about leadership How ego quietly corrupts success if left unchecked This episode is for people who care about building with integrity, leading with intention, and creating impact without performance.

Why does innovation get rejected before it wins? In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope speaks with Pierre Paslier, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Notpla, a sustainable packaging company creating biodegradable, plastic-free alternatives to single-use plastic using seaweed. Pierre shares the full journey of building Notpla, from early fundraising rejection and financial pressure to raising £850,000 through equity crowdfunding and winning Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. Together, they explore leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build climate innovation in systems designed to resist change. This episode is for founders, leaders, and innovators navigating rejection, funding pressure, and the challenge of building something new. Connect with Pierre: Notpla Linkedln IG Connect with Sope Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

If 2025 felt like a rollercoaster you didn't buy a ticket for, you're not alone. Here's why this year broke the leadership playbook. In this episode of Everyday Leadership, we dive deep into why 2025 was fundamentally different for leaders and what 2026 demands from founders and senior executives. According to the World Economic Forum, 2025 experienced notably higher levels of global change than recent years, driven by accelerated AI adoption, intensified geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts. For SME founders and corporate leaders, this showed up as continuous waves of complexity: economic pressures, rapid technology transformation, and shifting employee expectations all converging at once. What You'll Learn: → Why 2025 hit different: the data behind unprecedented leadership challenges → The convergence problem: managing AI transformation, economic uncertainty, and human expectations simultaneously → The "unlearn" framework: why adding more leadership frameworks isn't the solution → Mindset as operating system: building psychological flexibility and resilience for continuous change → Managing the human side of AI: reskilling teams, redesigning roles, and maintaining trust during automation → What 2026 requires: purpose-led, AI-augmented leadership and personalised development → Why separating work and personal development makes you weaker, not stronger → The leadership traits that determine who thrives vs who breaks under pressure This episode is for founders running SMEs, senior corporate leaders, C-suite executives, and anyone responsible for leading teams through uncertainty. If you're exhausted from trying to outwork change, if you sense something fundamental needs to shift in your approach, this conversation is for you.

Dr Nicholas Michels grew up in comfort until one moment changed everything. At ten years old his mum walked into his room and told him his parents were getting divorced. Overnight he went from a comfortable childhood to watching his mum work three jobs just to survive. In this conversation, Nicholas shares the truth about • Using sport to escape the pain of his home life • The moment a stranger taught him compound interest and changed his future • The marriage conversations that showed him he was getting it wrong • Why he turned down 8.1 million to protect his integrity • The difference between money as blessing and money as hardship • How faith shaped the way he sees wealth • Why most people are outwardly successful and inwardly stressed • The mindset he had to unlearn to become who he is today This is a real look at money, identity, childhood, marriage and leadership. No filters, no performance, just truth. Connect with Dr Nicholas Michels - www.MichelsFamilyFinancial.com  Free Gift from Dr Michels This chapter changed my life, and thousands of others in an amazing way. We have received so many success stories about how it helped create simple, small, actionable steps to begin building an incredible life. And we want the same for you. Step 1: Go to RichByChoiceBook.com Step 2: Select the green button "Get Your Free Gift Here" Step 3: Enter your email Step 4: Select the chapter you would like. (Compounding by Choice) Step 5: Enjoy your free chapter!

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi speaks with Kameka McLean, Group Head of HR at Walker Crips. Her story starts in Jamaica and stretches across more than forty countries where she has led major transformation projects, built teams, shaped organisational culture, and held firm to her values in rooms where many would stay silent. Kameka talks about the realities of arriving in the UK at sixteen, facing barriers she never expected, and building a career without a roadmap or role models. She opens up about finding her place in HR, managing pressure at senior levels, navigating global change programmes, raising standards inside organisations, and the personal mindsets that helped her grow. This conversation is about leadership identity, integrity, resilience, family motivation, culture, transformation, and the courage to stand firm when it counts. It is direct, honest, and full of insight for anyone who leads or wants to lead. What We Cover • The early experiences in Jamaica that shaped her drive and purpose • Moving to the UK as a teenager and dealing with unexpected barriers • How she built a career in HR without role models or guidance • The moment she had to integrate six thousand employees across twelve locations • How she handles organisational politics and senior pressure • Why integrity guides every decision she makes • The weight of being the only one in the room and how she navigates it • The importance of family, identity, and personal values • What she had to unlearn in order to grow as a leader Key Quotes “I felt out of place, but I never let that stop me.” “I will not do anything that goes against my integrity.” “Sometimes you need to pause before you respond. It saves you trouble.” About Kameka McLean Kameka McLean is the Group Head of HR at Walker Crips. She has led global transformation and integration programmes across multiple regions and sectors. Her work spans people strategy, organisational design, culture, talent, employment law, and senior leadership advisory. She is known for her clarity, honesty, and ability to bring humanity into high pressure environments.

What does calm look like when everything is on fire? Seb Sheppard has lived leadership at every level — from flying Sea King helicopters in the Royal Navy to leading over 150 engineers at Alpine Formula 1, where milliseconds decide success or failure. In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Seb joins Sope Agbelusi to explore what it really means to lead under pressure. He shares the unseen side of Formula 1, the discipline he learned in the military, and the mindset that keeps teams composed when chaos hits. If you’ve ever faced high stakes, tight deadlines, or the weight of responsibility, this conversation will challenge how you think about control, composure, and courage.

We often talk about growth like it’s a finish line, something to achieve or complete. But real growth never ends. You don’t arrive. You evolve. In this episode, Sope Agbelusi explores why the very version of you that brought success may be the same one holding you back. Through stories from marriage, neuroscience, and leadership, he reveals how to unlearn what no longer serves you and make space for who you’re becoming. From the transformation of Howard Schultz at Starbucks to the metaphor of the cocoon, this conversation challenges you to rethink success, identity, and the meaning of evolution. Because what got you here won’t get you there, and that’s not a warning. It’s an invitation. You’ll learn: Why growth is a lifelong process, not a destination How to evolve without abandoning your past success The neuroscience behind resistance to change Why unlearning is essential for authentic leadership Perfect for: Leaders, founders, and ambitious professionals who are ready to evolve, not just achieve. Quote from the episode: “Metamorphosis looks like dying before it looks like flying. Most people quit in the cocoon.”

Tolulope Oke's journey is a masterclass in courage, intentionality, and backing yourself when the world tells you to settle. From being the only Black woman at Cambridge's oldest college to becoming a Global Head of Inclusion at Amazon and now CEO of The Inclusive Experience Group, Tolu shares the raw truth about what it takes to lead while Black in corporate spaces that weren't built for you. This conversation unpacks the real cost of excellence, why imposter syndrome is a scam designed to keep women doubting themselves, and how she learned to negotiate like a white man while staying true to her purpose. Tonulope opens up about the cycles of burnout, the disillusionment with DEI work, and why she still chooses to do this work despite everything. 🎙 In this episode: Growing up as a quadruplet and finding identity outside of being "one of four" The moment at Cambridge when she was referred to as "that Black girl" - and what she did about it Why your 70% might be someone else's 100% - and the dangerous trap that creates Walking away from roles on principle and demanding 40-50% pay rises The hidden cost of leading while Black: from self-abandonment to mental health Why "grateful for crumbs" mentality stops you from getting your bread How chaos creates opportunity to set order in the DEI space 💡 Key insights: "Life is a game based on how many cards you have in your hand. Some people are born with more cards, others with a full deck." "Imposter syndrome is a scam to keep women doubting themselves." "What would a white man do? Do that, but proceed with caution." "You're learning a new job and the job is learning you - give yourself grace." Connect with Tonulope Okay The Inclusive Experience Group LinkedIn Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories that will inspire you to live authentically and courageously. REACH OUT & CONNECT: 🌐 Website - https://mindsetshift.co.uk/ 💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sopeagbelusi/ 🎬 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sopeagbelusi/ 📖 100 Day Devotional - https://100daydevotional.com/ ✉️ Email: [email protected]

Avril Grant’s story is one of audacity, healing, and radical self-belief. She shares how her experiences of racial violence and rejection became the roots of her life’s mission to empower others to rise above their circumstances and believe again in what’s possible.This conversation explores the intersection of pain and purpose, motherhood and leadership, survival and success. Avril opens up about how she found her calling, built her first empowerment programme from scratch, and took it into prisons where she continues to change lives today.🎙 In this episode:The night Avril’s family faced racial violence and how it shaped her view of justice and resilienceBecoming a single mum at 19 and finding the courage to rebuildThe moment she left accountancy to follow her purposeWriting her first empowerment programme in two and a half hoursHow Avision grew from community halls to 36 prisons across the UKWhat true rehabilitation and leadership really look likeWhy we’re all capable of transformation no matter our past💡 Key insight:“Your past doesn’t define your future your mindset does.”“Purpose often hides inside your pain.”“People are not their conviction. Their behaviour isn’t their identity.”Connect with AvrilWebsiteInstagram LinkedlnEmail - [email protected] Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

In this conversation with award-winning entrepreneur and founder Vanessa Sanyauke, we explore the highs and lows of building a career and movement that changes lives.You’ll hear:How an 8-year-old Vanessa found inspiration in Oprah.The story of how a recruiter told her she wasn’t good enough yet she landed her dream role at Standard Chartered through vision boarding and persistence.The emotional toll of building Girls Talk London and why success often hides unseen struggles.Why virality doesn’t equal value, and what really builds long-term influence.How Vanessa shifted from perfectionism to consistency to relaunch her podcast and brand.Her honest reflections on burnout, rest, and redefining what leadership means.About Vanessa SanyaukeVanessa is the founder and CEO of Girls Talk London, operating across 37 countries and connecting over 60,000 women to global industries. She has been recognised as one of the most inspiring women in the UK, featured in The Guardian, Financial Times, and as a visiting lecturer at the London School of Economics.Connect with Vanessa:LinkedInGirls Talk LondonThe Hill App Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I sit down with Chris Clark, Founder & Managing Director of InHarmony Consulting Group. From being called a “young preacher” as a child, to leading culture at global giants like Google, ESPN, and Soho House, Chris’s story is a masterclass in communication, resilience, and intentional leadership.We talk about:Growing up between church sermons and basketball courts.Why structure transforms ERGs from event planners into culture shapers.The weight of leading through COVID at Soho House.Taking the leap from corporate into entrepreneurship.Redefining success as harmony, not balance.This conversation is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who want practical insights on culture, resilience, and authentic leadership.Chris shows that leadership isn’t about titles or control — it’s about helping others achieve their own definition of success, and using communication as the bridge.Connect with Chris:LinkedInWebsiteInstagram Email: [email protected] Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

We have been taught that the key to success is more. More meetings. More goals. More hustle. But neuroscience, psychology, and lived leadership experience all say the opposite: less is more.In this episode, I break down:The 5 biggest lies leaders believe about “more”10 powerful reasons why doing less leads to greater clarity, creativity, and influenceReal-world lessons from Warren Buffett, Serena Williams, Indra Nooyi, Steve Jobs, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and African proverbsHow scripture reminds us of the power of stillness, focus, and legacyIf you are a busy executive, founder, or a leader navigating complexity, this conversation will challenge the way you think about productivity and impact.Because leadership is not about doing everything.It is about doing the right things, deeply, consistently, and with conviction. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

You’ve been taught to outwork it.To push through.To earn rest.But what if rest isn’t the reward — what if it’s the strategy?In this solo episode, I share a deeply personal story of almost burning. I also discuss how I ignored the warning signs, pursued clarity through effort, and what ultimately led me to stop.We dive into:The hidden cost of overperformanceWhy your best thinking happens when you're doing nothingThe neuroscience of rest and the default mode networkHow leaders like Bill Gates and Tricia Hersey reframe rest as powerWhat happened when a founder I coached took her first weekend off in over a yearThis episode is a call to pause.Not because you're weak.But because you're wise enough to lead differently.Plus, I share why I’m taking a short break from the podcast — and why maybe, you should too. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

In this powerful conversation, Robin Daniels, former CMO and current Chief Business & Product Officer at Zensai, shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Denmark to leading at some of the world’s most iconic tech companies.We dive deep into:How childhood adversity shaped his grit and optimismThe power of storytelling and energy in leadershipWhy clarity, not certainty, is a leader’s best toolLearning to lean into discomfort and do "epic things"The myth of work-life balance and what truly mattersHow to stay grounded while scaling companies and teams globallyThe mindset shift from chasing titles to chasing impactLessons in authenticity, impostor syndrome, and redefining successRobin opens up about his personal evolution, his intentional approach to life and leadership, and the hard truths leaders need to hear, especially in today’s AI-fuelled, high-pressure world.Whether you're a founder, executive, or emerging leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

his week on Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi challenges the belief that failure is our biggest barrier. Instead, he explores the more uncomfortable truth: fear of success. Whether it's fear of being seen, fear of criticism, or fear of outgrowing the people around you, many high-performers are quietly self-sabotaging their next level.Sope shares how redefining success shaped his own path, the mindset shift that helped him stop performing for validation, and the practical steps you can take to build a personal brand rooted in truth, not pressure.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re shrinking to stay safe.What you'll learn:How to spot the fear of success in your life or leadershipWhy traditional definitions of success often lead to burnoutThe difference between alignment and performanceWhat it means to lead from the inside outWhy Black professionals, especially those raised in the West, face an added layer of fear when stepping into visibilityHow to rewire your thinking so success feels safe, not scary🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who’s capable of more but stuck playing small. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

This isn't just for entrepreneurs or influencers. It’s for every founder, every corporate leader, every individual who wants to lead with impact and clarity.Sope unpacks the difference between reputation and personal brand, the hidden cost of being passive, and why doing great work is no longer enough. He shares a pivotal story about how a quiet, intentional moment in corporate years ago opened the door to leading a major turnaround project, a reminder that your brand is working in rooms you haven’t entered yet.You’ll also learn practical steps to start shaping a brand that reflects your value, attracts the right opportunities, and keeps you in rooms long after you’ve left them.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why your personal brand already existsThe crucial difference between reputation and brandHow Sope’s quiet leadership got him a role he never applied forWhy people buy into you before they buy into your ideasFour simple, powerful steps to build an authentic personal brandHow your brand becomes your leadership tool, not just a marketing tactic“You can be a world-class singer, but if no one hears your voice, you're just performing in an empty arena.” Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

In this episode of Everyday Leadership I have the pleasure of chatting with Tope Chiedozie a creative curator, trainer and the voice behind The Sit Down UK. Together we trace his path from drawing in his bedroom and surviving a strict Nigerian upbringing to co-founding gospel-grime outfit Commission, touring the UK youth-event circuit and finally parking the music to create a live platform where artists swap highlight reels for raw honesty.Tope shares:How church mentors drilled purpose into him and why he now perfumes venues, checks the chairs and insists every guest can inspire his audience.The unseen side of success—from sickle-cell battles to label headaches and why “breaking the illusion” matters more than clicks.Practical rituals for balancing confidence and humility, including his 30-minute pre-show walk and digital “praise folder”.Parenthood, imposter syndrome and the simple rule he now follows: let his daughter become who she already is.If you’re searching for a fresh way to lead, tell stories or keep your ego in check, this conversation will give you plenty to chew on.Listen in and learn how grounded purpose can power bold creativity and why the best leaders stay students of their own journey.Connect with TopeInstagram: https://instagram.com/topechiedozieThe Sit Down UK: https://instagram.com/thesitdownuk Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

Tash isn’t just about networking – she’s about removing barriers, building trust, and turning relationships into real results. Whether she’s navigating the depths of government departments or supporting high-stakes business deals, Tash shows up with clarity, boldness and unmatched intuition.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in a Caribbean Pentecostal household and what dance taught her about presenceHer first taste of activism in a mostly white school and how it shaped her leadership voiceThe power of proximity and why going underground (literally) changed the way she worksWhy she builds relationships with PAs, cleaners, and security guards before directorsThe story behind her “multi-award-winning tea drinker” titleLiving with MS and how her faith sustains her through the toughest challengesThe time she was hit by a car and walked away with nothing but bruises – and a clearer sense of purposeWe also talk about the art of rest, knowing your greatness, and what leadership really means when you're called to stand in the gap for others.Connect with TashLinkedin  Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

This week's episode gets raw and real.Sope shares his personal experiences of business setbacks in 2025, the global rollback of DEI initiatives, the collapse of so-called "safe" investments, and the harsh reality of an unstable world.He explains why staying stuck in bitterness will only hold you back and how reclaiming ownership of your mindset is the only way forward.You’ll learn the neuroscience behind resilience and why your greatest asset isn’t the economy, your job, or the market.It’s you.Key Topics:The harsh truth of 2025’s business landscapeWhy DEI rollbacks are costing brilliant people opportunitiesThe stock market crash and the illusion of financial "safety nets"The neuroscience of taking ownership and building resilienceWhy no one owes you anything and why that's empowering Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

We dive into Lilah's journey from growing up as the youngest of 11 children to leading at some of the world’s biggest tech companies like Microsoft, Oracle and now Google. But what stood out most to me was her raw honesty about burnout, worthiness, and the powerful transformation she experienced through creating silence in her life.We explore how that one decision to prioritise stillness led to her first personal offsite and later, a global retreat that’s helping other women do the same. This conversation is full of real talk on identity, ego, values and what it actually takes to hear your own voice again.If you’re feeling stretched thin, disconnected from yourself or just ready to move differently this one’s for you.💡 What You’ll Learn:How to create intentional space for stillness and clarityWhy worthiness is the foundation of personal powerWhat it means to partner with your ego instead of letting it run the showHow to run your own personal offsite to reset your lifeThe difference between joy and happiness and why it mattersHow to align your life with your values not someone else’sWhat it really looks like to lead from the inside out🔗 Resources & Links:Connect with Lilah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilahjones/Learn more about her Mexico retreat (May 1–4): https://www.lilahjones.com/retreatLearn more about my work and how I help leaders like you: https://www.lilahjones.com/ Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥Quotable Moment: “I really struggle with the word ‘entrepreneur’. When I go to networking events, I see how people introduce themselves with this glee when they say entrepreneur, but it’s actually just a grind. It’s just tough.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Tola Alade, serial Founder and a creative maverick with deep experience in founding and scaling businesses across multiple industries. Currently, Tola is building a next-gen digital media company, Marmalade Ventures, on a mission to build a new mainstream audience shaped by Africa’s culture, stories and emerging brands. In this episode, we explore his path as a creative entrepreneur and the moments that shaped his career, from securing $2M in VC funding to launching the world’s first rum infused with natural plantains, after an April Fools joke went viral. Episode chapters: ✅ The complexity of the entrepreneur's identity ✅ From Nigeria to the UK ✅ Changing the perception of Africa through creativity ✅ Losing the joy of what you’re building ✅ Being creative vs being commercial ✅ From a social media joke to a new brand ✅ The Alpha Reset ✅ Start by leading yourself  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with TolaLinkedIn | Marmalade Ventures | DÒDÒ Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

In this conversation, Bolaji opens up about growing up in a Nigerian household where hierarchy shaped his early mindset — and how he slowly dismantled those internal limits. We explore the tension between creativity and conformity, surviving 18 years in corporate while holding onto purpose, and how faith, failure, and fierce vision kept him grounded.You’ll hear how he used music, events and ministry as an early training ground for leadership — long before stepping into business. Now, as the founder of Altitude AI, Bolaji is building tools that empower entrepreneurs to scale using smart, accessible tech.We unpack:🔥 The journey from subservient to self-led🔥 Why AI is a tool to unlock potential — not replace it🔥 Faith, failure, and staying power in entrepreneurship🔥 How to unlearn cultural norms that keep you playing small🔥 The mindset shift from challenger to championExpect real talk about leadership, tech, identity, staying power… and why the world doesn’t need more safe goals — it needs people who dare to try.Whether you’re navigating corporate life, exploring entrepreneurship, or trying to reconnect with your purpose — this episode will inspire you to break your own limits and step into your next level. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

Chasing work-life balance is not only impossible—it's damaging your happiness, fueling guilt, anxiety, and burnout. In this powerful episode, Sope Agbelusi dismantles the myth of balance, revealing how the pursuit of an impossible ideal sets us up for constant stress and dissatisfaction.Inspired by Jay-Z's orchestral performance at Radio City Music Hall, Sope introduces the transformative concept of work-life harmony—a beautiful integration rather than rigid separation of life's roles.You'll discover:Why the concept of balance inherently creates guilt and stress.Real-life examples showing the pitfalls of strict balance and the freedom found in harmony.Proven research from organisational and positive psychology supporting work-life integration.Practical strategies to shift from exhausting balance to energising harmony.Stop chasing balance. Start orchestrating harmony.Key highlights:The three ways balance sets you up to fail.Powerful real-world stories illustrating harmony.Actionable steps to achieve resonance in your life.Join the conversation: What does harmony look like for you?Remember: Balance is the beautiful lie; harmony is your achievable truth. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “My positionality had to change from believing that I could stop this to can I reduce this? Because I now know I can reduce instead of stop, it enables me to sleep at night. If I can save one young buck other there, then I’m a good man.”In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Craig Pinkney, Criminologist, Urban Youth Specialist and Chief Executive of SOLVE: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict. Craig has over 20 years of experience as an outreach worker, transformational speaker, international gang exit strategist, training facilitator, mentor and filmmaker. He is internationally known for working with some of the country’s most challenging young people, potential high-risk offenders, victims of gang violence and youth who are deemed most hard to reach. In today’s episode, we learn more about Craig’s journey from his upbringing, being diagnosed with dyslexia and autism during his undergraduate degree to his important work as a youth worker and building SOLVE. Episode chapters: ✅ Being diagnosed with dyslexia and autism at university ✅ Childhood reflections & influences ✅ From no GCSEs to completing his PHD ✅ The crucial role of mentorship ✅ Bridging the Gap between academia & the street ✅ The ethics of research ✅ Navigating Trauma & self-care ✅ Understanding privilege ✅ Challenging hyper-masculinity & building community Don’t forget to connect: Connect with CraigLinkedIn| SOLVE Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “Recovery is a journey. You haven’t failed because you’ve engaged with your behaviour once more. Every hour is the opportunity to do something that’s recovery promoting.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Emilie Faure, founder and CEO of Juniver, the science-based recovery program for disordered eating. Having struggled with an eating disorder herself, Emilie shares her personal journey from a career in the arts to starting Juniver to revolutionise the way to recovery and helping others spot the signs of eating disorders earlier. We also dive into common misconceptions about this addiction, the role of social media and technology and Emilie’s advice for practical strategies to get closer to recovery. Episode chapters: ✅ Emilie’s early career & her personal journey with eating disorders✅ The need for innovation ✅ The role of shame & self-trust in recovery ✅ Community & navigating influences on social media ✅ Gender disparities in healthcare and research ✅ Common misconceptions in eating disorders ✅ Why an eating disorder is an addiction ✅ Taking the first step in recovery ✅ Defining leadership in healthcare Don’t forget to connect: Connect with EmilieLinkedIn | Juniver | Use the discount code ‘JUNIPOD’ to get your personalised Juniver AI coach for a year.  Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “I’m just who I am. It’s authenticity - what you see is what you get with me, and I search for that in other people.”  In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Lee Anderson, founder and managing director of LeBern Property Services, founding partner of Genesis Property Network, non-executive director of Forbes Family Group, and founder of whoma.  In this conversation, we take it right back to the start from Lee’s journey as an inspiring footballer, to becoming a father and navigating the ever-changing challenges as a business owner and leader. In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ Lee’s journey from football to banking and property ✅ Navigating the financial crash ✅ Finding your core values ✅ Learning from mistakes ✅ Building deep relationships ✅ Learning to listen without ego ✅ Building an authentic personal brand ✅ Disrupting the property industry ✅ Bringing people on your journey & having influence  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with LeeLinkedIn | Instagram | LeBern Property | whoma Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “If you are living and breathing on this earth, you’ve got a mind and access to a champion mindset. It’s not a question if you have it or not. It’s whether you’re willing to go there and make it a champion mindset.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Marilyn Okoro, Olympian, Higher Education and Local Government account Lead at Equinix, Public Speaker, Life Coach and Mentor. It’s not every day I get to sit down with an Olympian, so we take a deep dive into Marilyn’s athletic career, the importance of embracing failure and what it takes to build a champion mindset. Marilyn also very candidly shares her own experience with burnout during her athletics career and her experience navigating life beyond sports. In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ Finding her identity beyond athletics ✅ The role of confidence in success ✅ Building your champion mindset & leaning into your potential ✅ Overcoming distractions & embracing failure ✅ The tough transition out of her sporting career ✅ Faith as a foundation for resilience ✅ The power of outspokenness, no matter the space you’re in Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Marilyn LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “Leaders are confronted with a myriad of challenges that are testing their ability, their adaptability and their resilience, and how you lead through it is key.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I discuss a topic that will be front of mind for many leaders today - how to navigate uncertainty. No matter whether it’s adapting to everchanging industry changes like AI, complexities of DEI or macroeconomic volatility - leaders are required more than ever before to navigate through times of change and uncertainty. But what’s important to remember, is that navigating change doesn’t mean having all the answers. In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ Navigating leadership challenges in a changing world ✅ The emotional toll of uncertainty ✅ The importance of adaptability ✅ The ALIGN framework to help you navigate change   Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “I’ve had to unlearn being afraid of difficult conversations, how to embrace conflict in a healthy way and stop putting things off that I’m afraid of, like the hard conversations and feedback.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Angelina Darrisaw, an award-winning entrepreneur, workplace inclusion champion and Founder of C-Suite Coach, dedicated to helping organizations build high-performing, inclusive and trusted destinations.  We take a deep dive into Angelina’s journey as a leader - from the lessons her mother taught her growing up, career-defining skills she picked up during pageantry competitions in New York and her journey into entrepreneurship. In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ Building confidence and overcoming internal voices and doubts ✅ Why pageantry was a masterclass in pitching ✅ The role of representation in coaching ✅ Why she still has a coach almost 10 years into her founder journey ✅ Transitioning from a comfortable corporate career to entrepreneurship ✅ The leadership traits she had to unlearn over the years✅ Sticking to her purpose & the future of DE&I ✅ Adapting to change & embracing AI  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Angelina LinkedIn | C-Suite Coach | Instagram Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “If you want to have a big impact in the world, you have to start with the world around you and work your way up.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, an award-winning financial content creator, podcaster, author and founder of Mr MoneyJar, a UK-based financial education company. While Rotimi’s work with Mr MoneyJar has been widely publicised and featured on social media platforms, the BBC, LadBible and Sky News - today’s interview goes beyond Rotimi’s work and success along the way, and dives deeper into the man behind the numbers.  In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ An exploration of identity and worthiness✅ Redefining success beyond financial wealth ✅ Understanding Information & first principles thinking ✅ The evolution of Mr MoneyJar ✅ Technology & Human connection ✅ The future of social media ✅ Setting realistic goals    Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Rotimi LinkedIn | Mr MoneyJar Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “Everything about us from the point of birth to adulthood, we are created for this constant shift, change and transformation. We don’t always lean into it, but we’re made for growth.”   In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Reverend Dr Kate Coleman, the first black woman to be accredited as a Baptist minister in the UK, Founder of Next Leadership and Author of "Metamorph - Transforming Your Life and Leadership".  With over 35 years of experience spanning across the church, charity, volunteer and business sectors, Reverend Dr Kate Coleman shares her experiences from her childhood landing in the UK as the only Black family in her school and neighbourhood, her unexpected call to ministry, and the costs associated with her faith.  In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ The complexity of identity ✅ Her unexpected call to Ministry ✅ Breaking barriers in Leadership & the power of personal transformation ✅ Discerning God’s Voice & bridging worlds in Leadership ✅ Learning the difference between Change and Transformation ✅ Discovering purpose & the importance of curiosity in Leadership  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Reverend Dr Kate Coleman LinkedIn | Next Leadership | Read Metamorph Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “I wouldn’t say it was the need to fit in, it was probably not the want to stand out. As I gained more confidence, I realised that parts of my identity are my superpower.”  In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Sebastian Wilson, accomplished Leader, property investor, serial founder, keynote speaker, model, mentor and DJ.  With such a multifaceted career and hugely successful milestones, Sebastian peels back the layers of his career so far and discusses the importance of hard work and humility and the power of authenticity and relationships.  In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ Building a multifaceted career ✅ Sebastian’s journey into music & touring with Sony  ✅ The importance of humility ✅ The role of authenticity in professional growth ✅ How a conversation in a pub led to Sebastian building his property portfolio  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Sebastian  | LinkedIn | Website Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: "23% of individuals abandon their New Year's resolutions by the end of the first week." Are you tired of the "New Year, New Me" mentality? In this episode of Everyday Leadership, your host, Sope Agbelusi, explains why that mindset doesn't work and how to make sustainable changes instead. Say goodbye to unrealistic resolutions and hello to real progress!Enjoyed today’s episode? Make sure you hit the subscribe button and leave us a review wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Or send us any feedback to [email protected] - we can’t wait to hear from you! Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

We've heard from leaders who, throughout the year, sacrificed everything to follow their calling—from giving up high-paying corporate jobs to stepping into unknown territories. Their stories remind us that true fulfilment often lies beyond our comfort zone.Walking in faith isn't always easy, as we learned from leaders who received clear callings but faced difficult choices. Like the business owner who couldn't tell her husband about starting her company because she knew God's voice was clear despite the risks.We met individuals who transformed their pain into purpose, including a former drug dealer who now gives back making sure others don't follow his path. Their journeys show us that our darkest moments can become our greatest impact sources.Most importantly, we learned that no one succeeds alone. From the HR manager who saw potential in a hoodie-wearing interviewee to the family members who supported risky business ventures, every success story is built on a foundation of community and support.Reflection Questions for Listeners:What has been your most significant personal or professional accomplishment in 2024?What challenges have you faced this year, and how have they shaped your leadership approach?If you could define 2024 in one word, what would it be and why? Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “Behind every leader, every Founder and every success story is a network of people. No one is self-made.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I discuss how a ‘fake it till you make it’ mentality will ultimately hold you and your personal growth back. Social media is notorious for making us feel like we can’t keep up. Especially around this time of the year. It's a constant stream of celebrating successes and people attending industry events and end-of-year parties which can often make you wonder: “Where was my invitation? How do I get to where everyone else is?” That’s why we need to drop the facade of perfection and lean into true authenticity and vulnerability, instead.  In today’s episode we explore: ✅ Why a facade of perfection can lead to isolation ✅ Leaning into authenticity and vulnerability✅ Building your support network for 2025  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment: “My identity isn’t a job. It’s much more than that. I’m a human being and I have certain values and principles that I live by. If I see injustice, I’ll call it out.”  In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Leonard Fom, The Chief Value Officer, Fractional CFO and Strategic Advisor.  Following a successful career in finance and operations with experience in major multinationals, financial institutions and Big 4 consulting firms, Leonard took the entrepreneurial route to set up FinOps Squad, fractional finance support with a difference.  In today’s episode, we explore: ✅ Leonard’s upbringing and the source of his ambitious spirit ✅ Navigating early parenthood ✅ Climbing the corporate ladder & facing obstacles along the way ✅ Recognising structural inequities ✅ Growing through pain and setbacks ✅ The importance of authenticity & knowing your identity beyond your job  Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Leonard  LinkedIn | Website | WhatsApp Community Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

🔥 Quotable Moment "You can't be pulled forward and pulled back at the same time because if you're pulled in both directions, you'll stay exactly where you are."After a 20-year career in dance and founding the successful platform "In The Other News," Candace has embarked on perhaps her most impactful venture yet. The Gynae Project emerged from her personal six-year struggle navigating women's healthcare, transforming frustration into innovation.💡 Key Insights:The power of curiosity in career transitions and how it led her from dance to entrepreneurshipWhy handling rejection in creative industries prepared her for business leadershipThe importance of storytelling in changing social narratives around taboo topicsHow building intimate communities can create safer spaces for difficult conversationsThe role of data and research in transforming healthcare accessibilityHow recognising when to close one chapter enables new growth opportunities.Connect with Candace Oxley | LinkedIn | Website | IG Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

“People need to feel empowered in order to propel, especially if they’re young. You need someone that’s going to empower you, show up for you, help you and accept you.” In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I am joined by Shanice Mears, a multi-faceted leader and Co-Founder and Head of Talent at leading advertising agency, The ElephantGroup. From her relationship with her older siblings, building her confidence as a Dancer and advocating for her community from a very young age to how those early experiences shaped her career in advertising and the leader she is today. Tune into this episode, to find out more about: ✅ Shanice’s drive to always “do more” ✅ Building a career in marketing through authenticity ✅ Why she turned down a huge job opportunity that looked perfect to the outside world ✅ Advice on building authentic connections and networks ✅ Learning from failures and rejection ✅ Her definition of leadership Don’t forget to connect: Connect with Shanice LinkedIn | Website | IGConnect with SopeMindsetShift | Youtube  | Instagram| LinkedIn Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

This week's episode is a masterclass in authenticity. We dive deep into the life of Tommie Edwards, a self-proclaimed introvert who transformed from managing a family business at 16 to becoming a venture-backed CEO of Tech1M but her story isn't just about business—it's about finding joy in life's simple moments while building something extraordinary.🌟 Highlights You Can't Miss:Building a 7 figure logistics empire from feeding her curiosity.Losing £400K overnight and turning that setback into a comebackManaging a business at 16 while her peers were just starting to dreamThe extraordinary story of using modelling money to fund her UK dreamsUnderstanding the crucial difference between "vitamin" and "painkiller" businessesFinding harmony between building tech empires and binge-watching Selling Sunset 🔥 Quotable Moment: "Pressure is a privilege. I'm excited to have this pressure, but every single day I have to wake up knowing that I'm carrying this." Connect with Tommie Edwards LinkedIn | Website | Tech1M Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"I'm strong but I'm emotional... I'm loud and I'm confident. I love meeting people but I'm also really introverted."This week's episode is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and mission-driven leadership.Meet Dr. Dupe Burgess: former NHS doctor, ex-BCG consultant, and now founder and CEO of Bloomfall, an AI-driven solution revolutionizing women's health.Dr. Burgess' journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and following your true calling. Her story will resonate with anyone who's ever felt trapped in a prestigious career, battled imposter syndrome, or dreamed of making a bigger impact.Key Highlights:1. The emotional toll of leaving medicine and navigating a career pivot2. Overcoming imposter syndrome as the only Black female consultant among 4003. Why health tech is one of the hardest startup sectors - and why that's exciting4. Reframing failure as an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey5. Balancing roles as a founder, mother of 3, and LinkedIn influencerWhether you're considering a career change, battling self-doubt, or looking to make a bigger impact, this episode offers invaluable wisdom and inspiration.Tune in to hear how this self-proclaimed "machine" manages it all while advocating for women's health and sharing daily wisdom on LinkedIn.Monthly Masterclass Q&A with Dupe BurgessDr Dupe Burgess is an award-winning founder, speaker and thought leader in women’s health, leadership & entrepreneurship. Dupe shares insights & knowledge from her startup journey in a free monthly Masterclass Q&A. For more information, to join the next one, or to be kept in the loop please complete this form.Connect with Dr. Burgess LinkedIn |Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"Innovation isn't a department, it's a mindset. And it's high time we started treating it that way."In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I explore the game-changing concept of intrapreneurship and how it interacts with technological advancement and AI adoption.Intrapreneurship is more than just a buzzword; it's your organisation's innovation engine. This episode challenges us to rethink how we foster creativity, harness untapped potential, and create environments where groundbreaking ideas can flourish. Whether you're a leader looking to ignite innovation in your team, an employee with entrepreneurial aspirations, or simply curious about the future of workplace dynamics, this episode will equip you with the mindset and strategies to turn challenges into opportunities for extraordinary growth and impact.I share powerful insights on: Why innovation is critical for growth, yet so few executives are satisfied with performance The cognitive abilities, people skills, and character traits of successful intrapreneurs How fostering intrapreneurship can rewire your team's brain for success The four types of potential intrapreneurs in your company and how to identify them Real-world success stories of intrapreneurship, including Sony PlayStation and Google's 20% policy The neuroscience behind innovation and its impact on motivation and engagement Five actionable steps leaders can take to cultivate a growth mindset culture My personal journey as an intrapreneur, generating over 1.5 billion in my corporate careerThis episode is a masterclass in harnessing untapped potential within your organisation. Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"Embracing your multifaceted nature isn't a distraction; it's your competitive advantage."In this episode of Everyday Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Anastacia Awad, Executive Director and Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Novartis, a powerhouse transforming the pharma industry from within.Anastacia's journey is a testament to the transformative power of adversity and the profound impact of staying true to oneself. Her story challenges us to reexamine our paths, find strength in our uniqueness, and harness our experiencesboth triumphs and tribulationsas catalysts for change. Whether you're at a crossroads in your career, facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or seeking to ignite meaningful transformation in your sphere of influence, this episode will not just inspire you - it will arm you with the mindset and strategies to turn your challenges into launchpads for extraordinary growth and impact.Anastacia shares powerful insights on: Embracing curiosity as a driving force for innovation Recognising and acting on your body's warning signals Staying true to oneself while adapting to new environments The emotional journey of pivoting from a lifelong career path How challenging environments are crucial for personal growth Valuable leadership lessons learned from her research mentor Leveraging diverse backgrounds for innovative problem-solving The importance of knowing the rules of the game you're playing Integrating DEI principles into scientific research and clinical trialsConnect with Anastacia| LinkedIn |Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"I realised that in losing myself, I had the opportunity to redefine who I truly wanted to be."Sabrina Ben Salmi, a multi-award-winning business person development consultant, public speaker, UN delegate, author, publisher, and mother of five, shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She emphasises the importance of embracing all of our talents and not hiding ourselves from the world. Sabrina discusses her childhood dreams of serving others and bridging the gap between the wealthy and less affluent. She also opens up about her experience with dyslexia and how it has shaped her perspective on intelligence and labels. Sabrina talks about the turning point in her life when she asked herself, 'Who am I to myself?' and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and purpose. Key takeaways:Sabrina overcame numerous challenges in her life, using these experiences to fuel her personal growth and mission to help others.Authenticity is crucial, with Sabrina encouraging others to embrace their true selves and multifaceted nature.As a single mother, Sabrina created an environment where her children could explore their interests and develop unique talents and raised the Fantastic 5 TEDx Speaker, Founder, UN Women UK Activist & Distinguished Korean Wave Representative who are all Authors, Publishers and International Keynote Speakers. Sabrina balanced personal growth and parenting by integrating her children into her development journey, creating learning opportunities.Asking questions and maintaining childlike curiosity are essential for fostering growth and understanding. Leadership, according to Sabrina, is about activating others and serving authentically to help them realise their potential.Developing a family blueprint and integrating children into a long-term vision beyond material possessions is crucial for creating a lasting family legacy.Sabrina's mission is to help families thrive, recognizing the power of strong family units in preventing societal issues and promoting individual growth.Connect with Sabrina Ben SalmiWebsite| LinkedIn |Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"I embrace the strength that others might label as 'masculine.' Why would I be embarrassed about traits associated with power and decisiveness?"In this conversation, Sope speaks with Aiko Bethea, founder of Rare Culture and a consultant, about her journey as an innovative leader and experiences navigating different identities. Aiko shares her childhood experiences growing up in South Carolina as a black and Japanese individual and how she balanced both identities. She also discusses her decision to pursue a career in law and later transition into the field of inclusion and diversity. Aiko emphasises the importance of understanding one's values and fighting for what aligns with those values. She encourages listeners to take risks and not be swayed by the judgments and expectations of others. In this conversation, Aiko Bethea and Sope discuss the importance of accountability in leadership. They emphasise the need for leaders to hold themselves and others accountable with generosity, curiosity, and a focus on growth. They also explore the challenges of unlearning old beliefs and behaviours, embracing vulnerability, and creating workplace accountability cultures. Aiko shares her insights on leadership and the impact of accountability on personal and professional growth.Key takeaways:How childhood experiences shaped Aiko Bethea's approach to navigating power dynamics and standing up for herself.Embracing unique qualities as strengths rather than deficits in professional settings.Using your Values as a compass for navigating difficult decisions and maintaining authenticityRecognise the power dynamics in relationships and be mindful of how they can influence decisions.Power dynamics and whiteness within philanthropic organisations.Overcoming the influence of well-meaning loved ones to pursue unconventional career paths.Reframing failure: How early career setbacks and changes became unexpected blessings and learning opportunities.Leveraging critical inquiry to drive personal development and foster inclusive environments.Defying stereotypes, embracing strength: Navigating the complex terrain of being a powerful Black woman in corporate America and being labelled as having "too much testosterone" or "masculine energy."Connect with Aiko BetheaWebsite| LinkedIn |Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"I went from being a statistic to creating a solution for millions."In this riveting episode of Everyday Leadership, we dive deep into the world of workplace revolution with Molly Johnson-Jones, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Flexa. From her shocking layoff experience to the serendipitous pub conversation that birthed a game-changing idea. With a platform now boasting an impressive 2.5 million users, Flexa has transformed the job search landscape, offering unprecedented transparency into company cultures and benefits.But Molly's story is more than just a tale of startup success. It's a masterclass in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, from battling gender bias in fundraising to building a high-performance team culture that doesn't sacrifice well-being. As we explore Flexa's evolution through the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Molly offers invaluable insights into the future of work and the critical importance of continuous innovation. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with fresh perspectives on leadership in the modern workplace.Key takeaways:From shock to opportunity: Discovering layoffs via Bloomberg on the morning commute and how early-career redundancy became an unexpected blessing.From discrimination to determination: How Molly's battle with an autoimmune disease led to workplace discrimination and unjust dismissal, fueling her passion for creating more inclusive and flexible work environments.Serendipity in entrepreneurship: How a casual pub conversation sparked the creation of Flexa, revolutionising workplace flexibility.Transparency revolution: Flexa's mission to transform job searching by providing unprecedented insight into company cultures and benefits.Breaking barriers: Navigating fundraising challenges as a female founder in the male-dominated tech startup world.Culture by design: Crafting a high-performance team environment that balances productivity with well-being and generous benefits.Riding the wave: How Flexa capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate growth and shape the future of remote work.Evolve or dissolve: How Flexa's willingness to pivot from solely focusing on flexibility to encompassing broader workplace factors demonstrates the critical importance of adapting to market demands and not resting on initial success.Connect with Molly Johnson-JonesWebsite| LinkedIn | ContactConnect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"Being the smartest person in the room is fun for a little bit, but you're not gonna grow from that."Joy seems an unlikely companion in a world where tragedy and life-altering conditions often cast long shadows. Yet, today's guest challenges everything we thought we knew about happiness in the face of adversity. Meet Rebecca Scott, a woman who received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and, instead of succumbing to despair, chose to dance with joy. Her story isn't about ignoring pain or forcing a smile; it's a raw, honest exploration of finding light in the darkest corners of life.Prepare to have your preconceptions shattered as Rebecca reveals her revolutionary approach to "microdosing joy." She'll show you how the smallest moments of delight can become a lifeline in a storm and why choosing happiness isn't just brave - it's transformative. This isn't just a podcast; it's an invitation to reconsider your relationship with joy and ask yourself: in your darkest hour, do you have the courage to choose happiness? Buckle up for a provocative, heart-stirring ride that might change how you view adversity forever.Key takeaways:Microdosing joy: Rebecca introduces her concept of finding happiness in small, everyday moments.Living with MS: Rebecca shares her journey of adapting to life with multiple sclerosis and finding positivity despite challenges.Career evolution: The podcast explores Rebecca's transition from theater to leadership coaching.Redefining leadership: Rebecca explains her view of leadership as making thoughtful choices with others in mind. Embracing learning: The conversation touches on the importance of admitting when you don't know something and continually seeking knowledge.Humour and resilience: Rebecca discusses using laughter and lightheartedness as coping mechanisms for life's difficulties.Social media positivity: The podcast covers how Rebecca uses social media as a source of inspiration and awe.Personal growth: Rebecca shares her transformation from a self-described "Eeyore" to a more optimistic outlook on life.Connect with RebeccaBlog| LinkedInConnect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"If people say that they're walking into what God has called them to do and they've not had to make any sacrifices, I would question that."One of the most requested guests and my favourite guest is back as she celebrates her milestone birthday. Of course, I am talking about Shirene Agbelusi, my wonderful wife. In this episode, we flip the script to learn insights from the past 40 years. Shirene has faced unique challenges and opportunities as a black woman in church leadership. In this candid conversation, she opens up about the sacrifices of obedience, the power of authenticity, and the importance of building a lasting legacy. Whether you're a community leader, a parent navigating the challenges of raising children, or someone seeking to make a meaningful impact, Shirene's insights offer valuable lessons for everyone.Key takeaways:The true meaning of walking in obedience and the sacrifices it often requiresBuilding a lasting legacy through impacting others' livesNavigating the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a black woman in church leadershipThe importance of empathy and authenticity in both personal and professional relationshipsWhy consistency is crucial when being a role model, especially for childrenHow failures can become stepping stones to unexpected opportunities and valuable life lessonsBalancing the demands of pastoral life with self-care and community supportThe power of surrounding yourself with a strong, like-minded support network for personal growth and successConnect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. Were always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected] Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj Connect with SopeWebsite | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedInDid you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.  We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]