The Business Elevation Show Where Good Matters

Words shape lives. If you want your communication to build trust, inspire action and change—or even save—lives, this episode is for you. In this Special Encore episode, Chris Cooper is joined by Elevation Collective member Rhonda Curry, a global communications and marketing leader who has spent decades shaping the narratives behind health and cancer research, prevention, treatment and care. From UCLA Health to the University of Miami Health System, Rhonda has been at the forefront of telling stories that build trust, inspire hope, accelerate philanthropic support and help breakthrough science reach the people who need it most. Rhonda's work spans local, national and global audiences, including initiatives across Latin America, Africa and Asia. Together, Chris and Rhonda explore how "communications for good" works in practice, and why simple, human relatability is often the key to translating complex science without losing accuracy or integrity. This conversation is designed to be genuinely useful. Rhonda shares six principles for writing compelling marketing communications, with real-world examples of powerful storytelling — from patients telling their own stories, to the craft of "transcreation" across cultures and languages, to how leaders can embrace generative AI without sacrificing authenticity, ethics or trust. A hopeful, practical and deeply human conversation about storytelling with integrity, leadership with purpose, and how great communication can create meaningful global impact.   More about Rhonda Curry: A seasoned communications executive, Rhonda has decades of experience leading strategic marketing and communications for academic medical centers with an emphasis in cancer research, prevention, treatment and care.  She leads communication and marketing at the University of Miami Health System for its NCI-designated cancer center. She previously served as chief of communications and interim chief of marketing at UCLA Health in Los Angeles, California. Prior experience also includes leading communications and marketing for the renowned Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, home to three Nobel Laureates. The throughline of Rhonda's career reflects her deep commitment to telling the story of health care research and advances in urban and rural settings, from coast to coast across the United States. In addition, she leads marketing and communications for global cancer research – focus areas have included China, Uganda, South Africa, and Latin America. An innovative MarComm leader, she designs teams around digital content hubs to earn top-tier media placement, industry awards, increased philanthropic giving and new patient acquisition. At the University of Miami Health System since 2022, she has created and leads a specialized MarComm team focused on cancer research and prevention, clinical care and community engagement. The geographic endowment of Miami as the gateway to Latin America is a unique opportunity for cancer research that will benefit human health in the US and across the globe. Rhonda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration from St. Joseph's College of Maine, and her Master of Arts in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University. Her proudest accomplishment is being Nonna (Italian grandmother) to twelve beautiful children to whom she dedicates her work.

About this episode: What happens when you take young people from inner-city communities, many of whom have never left their local area, and introduce them to the challenge, freedom and possibility of skiing and snowboarding? In this episode, Chris speaks with Dan Charlish, Founder and CEO of Snow Camp, the UK's only national youth snow sports charity. Since 2003, Snow Camp has supported more than 23,000 young people to build confidence, gain qualifications and access real career pathways. During the pandemic, Dan also launched Stop.Breathe.Think, a national online mental health service offering free counselling to young people without the wait. This is a conversation about widening horizons, creating opportunity, building charities that last, and using sport, relationships and mental health support to help young people move towards a more hopeful future.   More about Dan Charlish: Dan Charlish is the Founder and CEO of Snow Camp, the UK's only national youth snow sports charity. Since 2003, the charity has helped more than 23,000 young people from inner-city communities gain confidence, qualifications, and career opportunities through skiing and snowboarding. In 2013 Dan received the Freedom of the City of London for services to youth work and in 2024 he was awarded the Pery Medal by the Ski Club of Great Britain. Snow Camp has also been recognised multiple times as a top UK apprenticeship employer, reflecting Dan's commitment to creating real pathways for young peo-ple to thrive on and off the slopes. During the Covid pandemic, Dan launched Stop.Breathe.Think, an online national mental health service provid-ing free counselling to young people without the wait. The service has delivered over 25,000 counselling ses-sions to young people to date. Dan lives in Hove, UK with his wife Amanda and children, Chloe and Rory.

About this epsiode: What if compassion wasn't just a moral ideal—but a measurable driver of performance, innovation, and long-term success?  In today's fast-moving and often high-pressure world, many organisations still operate from models built on stress and scarcity, leaving people disengaged and depleted. Yet a growing body of science points to a different path—one where care, trust, and psychological safety are central to sustainable high performance.  In this insightful conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by organisational strategist Carson Kelly, Founder of Compassion 2.0, to explore the concept of the ROI of Care—and why the organisations that truly flourish are those that place human wellbeing at the heart of how they operate.  Drawing on neuroscience and real-world experience, Carson shares how care-based cultures can unlock creativity, strengthen relationships, and improve both engagement and results. Together, Chris and Carson explore what it takes to move from fear-based, extractive environments to more generative, human-centred organisations, and why, in an age shaped by AI, our most human qualities may become our greatest advantage.  If you care about building organisations that succeed and do good, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight into leading with care in today's world.  More about Carson Kelly: Carson Kelly is an organizational strategist and leadership advisor who helps organizations transform culture and performance by integrating organizational leadership, employee engagement, and the neuroscience of care into measurable business strategies. His work centres on building care-based workplace cultures that strengthen team cohesion, psychological safety, trust, and sustainable high performance—supported by quantifiable outcomes through the ROI of Care framework.  Carson's work is grounded in a broader mission of scaling compassion. He has founded and led three organizations at the intersection of prosocial science and commerce, directed a 4,000-member progressive civic engagement and resistance group, and serves as a board member at Mount Madonna School.   As Founder of Compassion 2.0 and Flourishingly, Carson partners with executives, Chief People Officers, HR leaders, Chief Wellness Officers, CEOs, COOs, and senior organizational leaders to design and implement science-backed leadership development programs, culture transformation initiatives, and AI-informed organisational diagnostics. His platforms and frameworks enable organizations to measure and enhance employee well-being, leadership effectiveness, organisational resonance, and cross-team collaboration.  Through his work with Karuna Ventures, Carson provides strategic consulting to mission-driven founders, executives, and investors seeking to align capital deployment with human flourishing and systemic impact. He bridges organisational design, leadership development, and impact measurement—supporting ventures from inception through scale. His advisory work includes business model alignment, stakeholder engagement, and applying the ROI of Care as a decision-making framework to ensure growth is both profitable and regenerative.  With over 15 years of experience across enterprise SaaS, digital health, and nonprofit governance, Carson has delivered meaningful results in culture transformation, employee retention, and human-centred organisational design. He collaborates with behavioural scientists, neuroscientists, and organisational psychologists to develop and deliver evidence-based practices—from somatic regulation to purpose and values alignment—that strengthen both people and performance.  He is a dedicated husband and father of three daughters. 

About This Episode: To truly make a positive difference in the world, we need exceptional relationships. The real question is — how do we create connections that are meaningful, authentic, and built to last? In this episode, I'm joined by internationally recognised relationship expert Andy Lopata to explore how professional relationships, when built with intention and integrity, can drive not only commercial success but also lasting, positive impact. Because in today's world, if we want to achieve anything meaningful… relationships really matter. Andy brings over 25 years of experience helping leaders and organisations unlock the true value of connection. From working with global brands like Google, PayPal and the BBC, to contributing to Harvard Business Re-view and Psychology Today, he has become one of the leading voices on networking, mentoring, and relation-ship-driven leadership. In this conversation, we explore Andy's journey since he was last on the show — how his thinking has evolved, what it really takes to build a global reputation, and the realities of turning thought leadership into something commercially sustainable. At the heart of the discussion is Andy's Relationship Matrix — a powerful and practical framework designed to help individuals and organisations map, measure, and strengthen the relationships that truly matter. We also take an honest look at a challenge many face: how do you monetise relationships and ideas in a way that feels authentic, ethical, and aligned with doing good? If you're building a business, leading a team, or simply want to create more meaningful connections in your life — this conversation will both inspire and challenge you. Because ultimately, if we want to make a difference… relationships are where it all begins.   More about Andy Lopata: Andy Lopata is an internationally recognised authority on professional relation-ships, with more than 25 years of experience helping organisations and individu-als unlock the commercial and cultural value of connection. An accomplished keynote speaker, author of six books, and co-host of The Connected Leadership Podcast, he is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today and has written for Harvard Business Review. Andy has built a global reputation for his expertise in networking, mentoring, and relationship-driven leadership, and was shortlisted for the 2025 Thinkers50 Coaching and Mentoring Award. His work focuses on helping leaders and teams strengthen collaboration, build trust, and improve retention through more strategic and authentic professional relationships. He is the creator of The Relationship Matrix, a practical framework designed to help organisations map, measure, and develop the relationships that drive long-term success. His clients have included leading organisations such as PayPal, Google, the BBC, and Saïd Business School, as well as government bodies worldwide. A Fellow of both the Professional Speaking Association and the Learning and Performance Institute, Andy is also a member of the Association of Business Mentors, the Society of Authors, and the Meetings Industry Association. Known for combining research-based insight with engaging storytelling, he delivers practical, actionable strategies that make complex relationship dynamics accessible and immediately applicable.

About this episode: What if the way we respond in just a few seconds could strengthen—or damage—our relationships, our leadership, and our impact on the world? In this deeply insightful conversation, Chris Cooper speaks with Louise Evans, creator of The 5 Chairs, a powerful yet beautifully simple model that helps people recognise their behaviour in the moment and choose a more conscious, constructive response. Drawing on decades of global experience—and a personal journey shaped by inner work and transformation—Louise shares how we can move from reaction, self-doubt and conflict towards curiosity, authenticity, empathy and meaningful connection. Her work has already transformed organisations, schools, families and lives, with millions engaging in her widely viewed TED Talk and many describing the model as life-changing. But this conversation goes beyond communication skills. It explores something bigger: how becoming more self-aware in the way we think, speak and relate can help us build healthier relationships, stronger communities, and ultimately contribute to doing more good in the world. If you've ever struggled with a difficult conversation, wished you'd handled something differently, or want to lead and live with greater awareness and impact—this is a conversation you won't want to miss. More about Louise Evans: Louise is a humanist motivated by a profound desire to help people reach their fullest potential in environments permeated by mutual respect. Her passion is to work with the human side of organisations and to do this she has developed her own powerful and transformative model for successful living and leading called 'The 5 Chairs', often described as 'life-changing' or 'self-awareness on steroids!' At the heart of The 5 Chairs experience is Behavioral Agility, Conscious communication and Relationship Mastery and it is designed as a tool for every man, every woman & every child on the planet. The 5 Chairs is also being adopted by schools, especially between the ages of 4 – 16, where it helps children become aware of the difference between their productive and unproductive behaviors. It helps them face rising tensions in their daily encounters with others in order to maintain harmonious and happy relationships. Having travelled to seventy-five countries and lived in three different cultures, Louise brings multiple perspectives to help people connect across their differences. She believes deeply in people's ability to grow and transform and loves working with people who want to evolve, who have the courage to look at themselves in the mirror and change, and who want the best possible life for themselves and others both at work and at home. Louise's mission is to divulge the message of The 5 Chairs to individuals, teams, organizations, families and communities across the world to re-awaken the fundamental Human Skills which are common to us all and are vital for our happiness, success and survival. Louise is an entrepreneur and a qualified trainer and facilitator of Behavioural Intelligence, Intercultural Management, Global Leadership, and International Communication Skills. Certified as Global Executive coach and NLP Practitioner, she works with all levels from Top Talents to the Board in Corporations, such as Valentino, Gucci, Enel, Glaxo, Unicredit Bank, Barilla, Enel, Luxottica, Honeywell, British Gas, Phillips, Honeywell, Tods, Hogan, Duracell, Diesel and many more. Her Training Topics include; Emotional & Behavioural Intelligence, Intercultural sensitization and management, Communication and Interpersonal skills, Diversity (thought, cultural, gender, generational, functional), Global Leadership, Unconscious Bias, Non-Violent Communication, Executive coaching, Team Excellence, Digital Intelligence & Conflict Resolution. Louise is the author of : '5 Chairs 5 Choices – Own your behaviours, master your communication, determine your success '– Amazon 2016 'The Magnificient 5 -Heroic Journeys' Amazon 2024 – A 5 Chairs book for children Her Tedx of her methodology: https://youtu.be/4BZuWrdC-9Q

About this episode: In every area of life and leadership, the ability to persuade with integrity is essential. Whether inspiring a team, influencing change, or sharing an idea that matters, persuasion done well can be a force for good. If we are seeking to deliver more good initiatives, we need to master the art of persuasion — as it can make all the difference between success and failure. My guest, Paul du Toit, is one of Africa's most respected professional speakers, coaches, and authors, and the author of the new book The Book of Persuasion. Paul was the first speaker on the African continent this cen-tury to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Asso-ciation (USA) in 2008. He later became Southern Africa's CSP Liaison Officer, helping others achieve the same recognition. A founder member and past president of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, Paul was inducted into the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame in 2017. Having inspired tens of thousands glob-ally with his signature blend of humour, insight, and humanity, Paul brings a deep understanding of what it takes to influence with authenticity and purpose. Join us for this special encore show as we explore The Book of Persuasion and discover how persuasion, when rooted in authenticity and goodwill, becomes a powerful catalyst for elevation — in business, relationships, and the way we show up in the world. More about Paul du Toit: Paul du Toit is the first speaker on the African continent this century to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (USA) in 2008, thereafter serving as Southern Africa's CSP Liaison Officer, helping and encouraging over a dozen other Southern African speakers to achieve their CSPs. In 2013 he became a Global Speaking Fellow along with 21 other inaugural recipients at the Global Speakers Summit in Vancouver, Canada. Born in Cape Town in 1958, his grounding in theatre and entertainment provided an ideal springboard for a career in facilitation, coaching and professional speaking. He founded Johannesburg based Congruence Training in 1995 which he runs to this day. He is a founder member and Past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa receiving their Founders award at the Global Speakers Summit in Cape Town in April 2009 for exceptional service to the speaking industry. He has since served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Global Speakers Federation. In 2017 he was inducted in to the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame. He has spoken to tens of thousands of people at conferences and corporate events globally. He is a business speaker, coach and authority on customer experience and business presentations, and author of two books including "You Can Present with Confidence" released internationally in 2011. Paul continues to blog on speaking, presenting and customer experience and sends a regular email newsletter on presenting to thousands of opt-in subscribers. His content-rich and often humorous interviews related to remote presentation during lockdown have been well received by the business and speaking community.  He runs several marathons (and at least one ultra-marathon) a year to keep in trim and whilst in training frequents the hills of Sandton in the mornings with his dog Samuel. He knows a fine wine when he smells it – his favourite reds finding temporary resting in his cellar, and appreciated a good single malt. He keeps an eye open for suppliers of excellent coffee beans and establishments that can match his home brew, which he enjoys with a block of dark chocolate. He plays guitar and hums a tune for relaxation, a pastime that once earned him a living, and occasionally posts a tune online. He has 2 grown up daughters, Chanel and Jenna and lives in Sandton with his wife Trudi.

About this episode: In a world where visibility and positioning matter more than ever, many highly capable leaders find themselves brilliantly representing their organisations, yet struggling to articulate their own value. This conversation explores why that happens and, more importantly, what to do about it. Chris Cooper is joined by Danielle Ellis, a career strategist who has helped over 2,000 executives position themselves more powerfully in the market, earning more than 2,000 five-star reviews for her work. Danielle specialises in helping high-performing leaders translate their impact into clear, compelling personal narratives that attract the right opportunities. Together, they explore how LinkedIn can be used as a powerful platform to elevate your good, increase your visibility, and open doors to meaningful opportunities. The discussion brings clarity to how the LinkedIn algorithm works, the differences between personal and business pages, and how to show up authentically while still being strategic. With a practical and structured approach, Danielle also explains how to build a strong presence, create content that resonates, and position yourself in a way that reflects your true value in an increasingly competitive and AI-influenced landscape. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to be seen, understood, and valued for the difference they make—and to use LinkedIn more intentionally to support that journey. More about Danielle Ellis: Danielle Ellis is the founder of Prime Personal Branding, a boutique executive branding practice built around the fundamental truth that first impressions don't happen in the room, they happen in print. Résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and executive bios shape opinions and determine whether further conversations happen at all. Danielle's work is about making sure those impressions are accurate, compelling, and working for her clients rather than against them. Over more than a decade and 2,000+ client transformations, she has partnered with Fortune 100 executives, founders, and thought leaders worldwide who are doing serious work and need the world to see it clearly.  She brings to every engagement the same conviction she brings to this conversation: that leaders doing meaningful work deserve to be seen, but it's up to them to tell the right story.

About this episode: Why do some people turn setbacks into extraordinary success while others remain stuck? And what does it really take to create freedom, impact and opportunity in today's uncertain world? On this episode of The Business Elevation Show,  Chris Cooper speaks with Daniel Wood, CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, about the principles and experiences that help people transform their lives and create meaningful success. Daniel leads a global movement focused on democratising success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors such as Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he shares practical strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create genuine freedom and long-term opportunity. But Daniel's journey has not been without challenge. His own experiences of both significant wins and difficult setbacks helped shape a mission centred on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. In this conversation Chris and Daniel explore Daniel's journey, the vision behind the Swedish Wealth Institute, and the mindset and strategies that enable people to grow beyond adversity and step into their potential. They also discuss why access to the right mentors, networks and ideas can dramatically change what is possible for individuals and communities. If you are interested in personal growth, entrepreneurship and how success can be used as a force for good, this is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you will not want to miss.   More about Daniel Wood: Daniel Wood is the CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, leading a global movement to democratize success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors like Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf, and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops, and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he delivers practical, proven strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create real freedom. His own wins and failures have shaped a mission built on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. Today, he is committed to making wealth-building tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to all—regardless of their starting point.

About this episode: Why do some people turn setbacks into extraordinary success while others remain stuck? And what does it really take to create freedom, impact and opportunity in today's uncertain world? On this episode of The Business Elevation Show,  Chris Cooper speaks with Daniel Wood, CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, about the principles and experiences that help people transform their lives and create meaningful success. Daniel leads a global movement focused on democratising success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors such as Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he shares practical strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create genuine freedom and long-term opportunity. But Daniel's journey has not been without challenge. His own experiences of both significant wins and difficult setbacks helped shape a mission centred on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. In this conversation Chris and Daniel explore Daniel's journey, the vision behind the Swedish Wealth Institute, and the mindset and strategies that enable people to grow beyond adversity and step into their potential. They also discuss why access to the right mentors, networks and ideas can dramatically change what is possible for individuals and communities. If you are interested in personal growth, entrepreneurship and how success can be used as a force for good, this is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you will not want to miss.   More about Daniel Wood: Daniel Wood is the CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, leading a global movement to democratize success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors like Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf, and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops, and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he delivers practical, proven strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create real freedom. His own wins and failures have shaped a mission built on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. Today, he is committed to making wealth-building tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to all—regardless of their starting point.

About This Epsiode: What happens when the work you care about most begins to drain the very life from you?  Over thirty years ago, Dr Michael Brant DeMaria was working as a child protection psychologist, witnessing thousands of cases of severe abuse and neglect. The emotional toll led to compassion fatigue, burnout and even suicidal thoughts. For someone devoted to helping others, it became a defining question: how do you stay open-hearted, purposeful and resilient in the face of profound human suffering?  What followed was a life-changing vision quest in the wilderness, guided by a Native teacher. Alone and without food or water, Michael entered what he now calls "the way of twilight" — the space between breakdown and breakthrough, ego and soul, despair and renewal. It was there that he rediscovered meaning, creativity and a deeper reverence for life.  In this powerful conversation, we explore the hidden cost of leadership and caring roles, why burnout is often a signal rather than a failure, and how nature, creativity and authentic connection can restore clarity and purpose. We also discuss what keeps us "off the bridge of dispair" when life feels overwhelming, and why community and creative expression are not luxuries, but essential to sustained impact.  Michael's music has been streamed over 250 million times and earned four Grammy® nominations, yet what emerges most strongly here is his grounded wisdom and commitment to helping others move from exhaustion to wholeness.  If you are a leader, entrepreneur or changemaker navigating pressure and responsibility, this episode offers both depth and practical hope.   More about Michael Brant DeMaria: Over thirty years ago, Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria's life changed forever. Working as a child protection team psychologist, he witnessed over 2,000 cases of severe abuse and neglect—an experience that left him with compassion fatigue, burnout, and even suicidal thoughts. Searching for healing, he embarked on a life-changing vision quest guided by a Native teacher—alone in the wilderness without food or water. This journey ignited a deep heart-opening and reawakened his first loves: nature and creativity, while instilling in him a reverence for the profound mystery of living and dying—far beyond what modern culture teaches.  Since then, Michael has devoted his life to what he calls the way of twilight—embracing life's paradoxes in a way that opens, rather than closes, the heart. Through music, writing, film, and mentorship, he helps others walk this path toward wholeness.  He is the author of four books and the creator of the Peace Within program and book (Peace Within: Clear Your Mind, Open Your Heart, Embrace Your Soul, and Heal Your Life). His music—streamed over 250 million times—has earned four Grammy® nominations, eight ZMR Awards, six #1 albums, and a Native American Music Award. His work appears on the Grammy®-winning All About Bullies Big and Small and in collaborations with Eckhart Tolle, Mark Nepo, Peter Kater, and Noah Levine.  As a storyteller and filmmaker, Michael has written, directed, and scored four award-winning films and three award-winning plays, including his latest, The Twilight Café. Learn more at http://www.michaeldemaria.com     

About This Episode:  Peace is not passive. It is not abstract. And it is not something reserved for governments, diplomats or global leaders. It is something we build — or undermine — every single day through how we communicate, how we lead, how we handle disagreement, and how we speak about those who see the world differently.  In this thought provoking and deeply practical conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Michael Macy — former U.S. diplomat, intercultural communications specialist, long-time student of Sufism, and co-founder of Enacting Peace. Drawing on nearly 30 years in the Foreign Service, with experience spanning the UK, Afghanistan, India, Haiti, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, Michael shares what peace-building really looks like beyond headlines and politics.  Together they explore why peace is the invisible foundation upon which business, communities and everyday life depend. They reflect on the difference between conflict and violence, and why that distinction matters profoundly in the workplace. They consider how inherited stories, fear and polarisation shape the culture around us — and what conscious individuals can do to interrupt that cycle.  This is not a political discussion. It is a human one. It is about responsibility, agency and the small, deliberate choices that shape the environments we create at work and in our communities. Because peace doesn't simply happen. It is enacted — by each of us.    More about Michael Macy: Michael Macy is a pilgrim who has spent a lifetime exploring communications and the boundaries of cultural conditioning.  After time in a Catholic seminary, he spent a decade wondering around the United States and Canada. He went to five universities eventually obtaining degrees in American Culture and Communications Arts. Amidst dropping in and out of school he worked as a merchant seaman, in a railroad yard, with Greenpeace, dismantling buildings, and travelling with one of America's great holy fools. He then went to graduate school in law, which included moving to India to study community dispute resolution and wound up managing a development project in a disadvantaged community in Delhi.  His professional trajectory followed his interest in communications and culture. He trained in interpersonal communication and worked as a therapist. He studied law to understand ritualistic communication and worked as a trial lawyer. He learned marketing when recruited as a public relations executive. He hosted a radio talk show. Eventually, he spent nearly 30 years as a U.S. diplomat involved in intercultural communication and left the State Department with the title of Counselor in the Senior Foreign Service. As a diplomat he focused on developing mutual understanding between the U.S. and the countries where he served, including the UK, Mali, Malta, Saudia Arabia, Afghanistan, India, Haiti and Tunisia and short stints in Egypt, France, Turkey and Ghana. In order to build those bridges, he worked with dancers, writers, artists, academics, journalists, religious community leaders and comedians. He also staffed a dozen White House international trips.  Throughout his wanderings, explored spiritual experience. He was a murid (student) of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan for 25 years, eventually being ordained as a Chirag (minister) in the Universal Worship and as a Healing Conductor in the Healing Order of the Inayati Order. He participated in the Kalachakra Initiation held by HH the Dali Lama, spent time with the Sufis of India, Afghanistan, Mali and Tunisia and meditated at the Hindu holy sites of Gangotri and Rishikesh. Along the way he developed an understanding of the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Native American traditions and a deep appreciation for the holy fools, madzubs, and lovers who exemplify the divine reality. He is currently a student of the Sufi Murshid David Shahabuddin Less.  Michael is currently working on two peace initiatives. He is on the board of the Abrahamic Reunion, which is dedicated to peace in the Israel and Palestine and is one of the founders of Enacting Peace, an international effort to invite people to act for peace. It has no dogma, no dues and no politics, just an invitation that people will celebrate peace, act for peace and experience their own power to create peace,   

About this episode: What if some of the most effective tools for feedback, performance management, and emotional intelligence had been refined for centuries? In this practical and thought-provoking conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Dr Laura Lois Greenwood, a leadership and emotional intelligence specialist who has helped tens of thousands of people transform challenging emotions into clear, compassionate workplace responses. Drawing on decades of Buddhist practice and real-world organisational leadership, Laura translates ancient mind-training principles into fully secular, workplace-ready tools. Together, they explore why performance management so often fails, why feedback is the pivotal leadership skill, and how leaders can learn to motivate rather than deflate. The conversation covers emotional intelligence under pressure, common leadership traps, and Laura's use of frameworks such as "Friends, Enemies, and Strangers" and the Buddhist understanding of anger, grasping, and indifference — all grounded in everyday organisational behaviour. Listeners will leave with practical insights, a simple feedback structure, and a short mind-training exercise they can apply immediately at work.   More about Dr Laura Lois Greenwood: Dr Laura Lois Greenwood is a leadership and emotional intelligence specialist who has supported tens of thousands of people in transforming challenging emotions into clear, compassionate responses that strengthen relationships and improve workplace effectiveness. Drawing on decades of Buddhist practice, she translates ancient mind-training methods into practical tools for communication, feedback, and emotionally balanced leadership. She has designed and delivered more than forty original training programmes across leadership, conflict resolution, mindfulness, cultural diversity, and organisational development. As the founding Director of the Workforce Training Centre at the University of Hawaii Maui College, Dr Greenwood led workforce initiatives for 22 years and certified hundreds of facilitators through Train-the-Trainer programmes. Her clients include leading hospitality, healthcare, and public-sector organisations in Hawaii and internationally. Dr Greenwood holds a BA with Phi Beta Kappa distinction, an MA in East Asian Studies, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. A committed student of Buddhism since 1968, she has studied extensively in Asia and Nepal and helped found Vajrapani Retreat Centre in California. Her work integrates Eastern contemplative wisdom with Western leadership practice to foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and lasting organisational change.

About this episode: Chris Cooper is joined by bridge-builder and social entrepreneur Simon Greer for a powerful conversation about how to bridge divides in a world where people increasingly see those they disagree with as "the other." Simon shares his early life, his rise through progressive politics, and the turning point when he realised he had been contributing to the very demonisation he opposed. He came to see that real change had to begin with himself. That insight sparked a decade-long journey to better understand the people his own side had cast as enemies, immersing himself in perspectives he had once dismissed. Together, they explore why today's conflicts may be less political than spiritual — rooted more in identity and belonging than in policy. They discuss what it really means to "get inside" the issues that divide us, why listening is a superpower, and how to enter courageous conversations with honesty and humility. They also examine how we can honour the competing truths people carry from their own histories and traditions. The conversation dives into Simon's work on college campuses, in prisons, and in Israel–Palestine — places that serve as laboratories for dialogue and understanding. They consider why recovering a shared story of who we are may be essential if we are to solve our problems together. A timely and deeply human discussion about what each of us can do to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and bridge divides in our families, communities, and wider society.   More about Simon Greer: Simon has spent the last decade seeking to bridge the gaps in our polarized nation, including conservatives and progressives, secular and evangelical college students, and corrections officers and the formerly incarcerated. Greer speaks regularly at The Nantucket Project, on campuses across the country, and at corporate events and retreats on topics including bridge-building, listening as a superpower, and building high-performing teams. He has hosted courageous conversations on stage with the likes of Sean Spicer, Valerie Jarrett, Karl Rove, Candace Owens, John Haidt, Juan Williams, Joe Kennedy, Andrew Yang and Glenn Beck. In 2025, he won a MidSouth Emmy® for his work as a producer on The North Carolina Listening Project, recognized in the Interview/Discussion category. Considered to be a serial entrepreneur in the nonprofit world, Simon has also founded and led a range of organizations including founding Bridging the Gap and serving as Senior Advisor to One Voice United and Managing Director of the Fund for New Leadership. Today, he works with organizations and institutions—colleges and universities, tech, media, healthcare and fashion companies, philanthropies and purpose-driven organizations—to cross lines of difference and solve pressing problems.

About this episode: Biodiversity loss isn't just an environmental issue—it's a financial, social and business risk that affects us all. In this episode of The Business Elevation Show, Chris is joined by Helen Avery, Director of Nature Programmes at the Green Finance Institute (GFI), to explore how private sector investment is being mobi-lised to restore nature and why this matters for leaders, organisations and communities worldwide. Helen leads the team overseeing GFI's work on supporting the UK Government's investment readiness funds, the UK's National Consultation Group for the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and an international nature investment programme with UNEP FI and UNDP Biofin. She shares how finance, gov-ernment and business are working together to turn ambitious nature goals into real-world action. Together, they discuss why biodiversity is rising rapidly up the global agenda, how nature risk shows up in sup-ply chains and communities, and what "high-integrity" nature investment really means. They also explore how we can make nature inclusive and relevant for everyone—not just policymakers, investors and NGOs—and how systems change actually happens on the ground. This is a conversation about hope, system change and the role we can all play in creating a nature-positive fu-ture—because good matters.   More about Helen Avery: Helen Avery is Director of Nature Programmes at the Green Finance Insti-tute (GFI) where she focuses on unlocking private sector investment into nature-based solutions and nature restoration. Helen leads the team that oversees GFI's work on supporting the UK Gov-ernment's investment readiness funds, as well as the UK's National Consul-tation Group for the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. The team also oversees an international nature investment programme with UNEP FI and UNDP Biofin.

About this episode: Words shape lives. If you want your communication to build trust, inspire action and change—or even save—lives, this episode is for you. In this episode, Chris Cooper is joined by Elevation Collective member Rhonda Curry, a global communications and marketing leader who has spent decades shaping the narratives behind health and cancer research, prevention, treatment and care. From UCLA Health to the University of Miami Health System, Rhonda has been at the forefront of telling stories that build trust, inspire hope, accelerate philanthropic support and help breakthrough science reach the people who need it most. Rhonda's work spans local, national and global audiences, including initiatives across Latin America, Africa and Asia. Together, Chris and Rhonda explore how "communications for good" works in practice, and why simple, human relatability is often the key to translating complex science without losing accuracy or integrity. This conversation is designed to be genuinely useful. Rhonda shares six principles for writing compelling marketing communications, with real-world examples of powerful storytelling — from patients telling their own stories, to the craft of "transcreation" across cultures and languages, to how leaders can embrace generative AI without sacrificing authenticity, ethics or trust. A hopeful, practical and deeply human conversation about storytelling with integrity, leadership with purpose, and how great communication can create meaningful global impact.   More about Rhonda Curry: A seasoned communications executive, Rhonda has decades of experience leading strategic marketing and communications for academic medical centers with an emphasis in cancer research, prevention, treatment and care.  She leads communication and marketing at the University of Miami Health System for its NCI-designated cancer center. She previously served as chief of communications and interim chief of marketing at UCLA Health in Los Angeles, California. Prior experience also includes leading communications and marketing for the renowned Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, home to three Nobel Laureates. The throughline of Rhonda's career reflects her deep commitment to telling the story of health care research and advances in urban and rural settings, from coast to coast across the United States. In addition, she leads marketing and communications for global cancer research – focus areas have included China, Uganda, South Africa, and Latin America. An innovative MarComm leader, she designs teams around digital content hubs to earn top-tier media placement, industry awards, increased philanthropic giving and new patient acquisition. At the University of Miami Health System since 2022, she has created and leads a specialized MarComm team focused on cancer research and prevention, clinical care and community engagement. The geographic endowment of Miami as the gateway to Latin America is a unique opportunity for cancer research that will benefit human health in the US and across the globe. Rhonda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration from St. Joseph's College of Maine, and her Master of Arts in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University. Her proudest accomplishment is being Nonna (Italian grandmother) to twelve beautiful children to whom she dedicates her work.

About This Episode: Dr Lori Leyden (PhD, MBA) is an internationally recognised trauma-healing professional, transformational leader, and mentor whose work has supported thousands worldwide — including genocide survivors in Rwanda, communities impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, and Indigenous and refugee communities in Australia. Lori joins Chris Cooper to explore what it really takes to heal trauma in individuals and communities — and why regulating the nervous system and cultivating therapeutic presence can be more effective (and safer) than "talking it out" for PTSD. We'll explore Lori's story and book, Embodying Grace, which is a practical and deeply compassionate guide to healing trauma by restoring safety, presence, and dignity in the body — not by reliving the story. We also discuss powerful insights from her humanitarian leadership journey — from founding the nonprofit Create Global Healing and launching Project LIGHT: Rwanda, to her current resilience work with Ukrainian leaders living through active war — and what it means to build peace from the inside out, even in the most challenging circumstances. Listen in for inspiration, wisdom and a transformational perspective on how best to overcome trauma.   About Lori Leyden: Lori Leyden, PhD, MBA is an internationally recognized trauma-healing professional, transformational leader, and mentor who helps individuals and communities heal in the aftermath of profound tragedy. Her work has supported thousands worldwide, including genocide survivors in Rwanda, survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, as well as Australian Indigenous and refugee communities. Inspired by the resilience of orphan genocide survivors in Rwanda, Dr. Leyden founded the nonprofit Create Global Healing and established Project LIGHT: Rwanda, the world's first international youth healing, heart-centered leadership, and entrepreneurship program. Project LIGHT offers a new model of humanitarian aid—empowering young people to heal trauma, develop meaningful livelihoods, and lead with compassion. She also served as Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary When I Was Young I Said I Would Be Happy, which follows the transformational journey of Project LIGHT Ambassadors as they bring healing to others from Rwanda to Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Dr. Leyden's vision is to cultivate a global movement of peacebuilders creating peace from the inside out. She mentors individuals seeking deeper healing, meaning, and impact, and is a member of the Global Evolutionary Leaders Council and the Association of Transformational Leaders, as well as an Evidence-Based EFT Master Trainer. She received the Personal Achievement Award (2019). She is the author of The Grace Process Guidebook and The Stress Management Handbook, available in multiple languages. Dr. Leyden holds a doctorate in Health and Human Services with a concentration in psychoneuroimmunology, and an MBA in management.

About this episode: Life and business rarely move in straight lines. There are ladders that elevate us faster than expected—and snakes that can suddenly knock us back. In this insightful and timely conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Paul Davis, renowned business growth consultant, intuitive advisor, and three-time best-selling author, to explore the wisdom at the heart of his latest book, Winning the Snakes and Ladders Game of Life. Together, they explore how to navigate both the highs and the setbacks with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Paul draws on decades of entrepreneurial experience and his unique intuitive approach—one that has helped transform struggling businesses into multi-million-euro success stories. As the creator of The Genius Code™, Paul is passionate about helping people uncover their unique genius, reconnect with what truly matters, and build success that is not only financially rewarding, but deeply meaningful and sustainable. This episode will be a brilliant way to start the year, offering reflection, perspective, and practical wisdom for anyone rethinking their direction, their leadership, or the game they're choosing to play. If you're ready to move forward with greater alignment, intention, and impact, this is a conversation not to be missed.   More about Paul Davis: Paul Davis is a renowned business growth consultant, sought-after speaker, and intuitive personal advisor, with a passion for empowering professionals worldwide to unearth their unique genius and lead their field. As the creator of The Genius Code™ for personal mastery and a three-time best-selling author, Paul is dedicated to helping individuals discover their true purpose, tap into unparalleled fulfilment, and make a profound impact through their business.  Often hailed as a "life-saver" by his clients, with his remarkable intuitive approach, combined with decades of entrepreneurial experience, he has transformed countless struggling businesses into multi-million-euro success stories. With a client list that spans industry leaders, celebrities, and innovative entrepreneurs, Paul's expertise transcends borders and sectors. As an award-winning consultant and visionary thought leader, Paul Davis is committed to guiding you on a transformative journey of self-discovery, purpose-driven growth, and lasting prosperity.

About this episode: In this thought-provoking episode of The Business Elevation Show – Where Good Matters, Chris Cooper is joined by Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent and former Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioural Analysis Program.   Robin's career took him into some of the highest-stakes environments imaginable — recruiting spies, working in counterintelligence, and navigating extreme human complexity. Yet, as this conversation reveals, his work has never been about manipulation or persuasion. Instead, it has always been about trust, psychological safety, and understanding human behaviour at its deepest level.   Together, Chris and Robin explore what it truly means to build unbreakable alliances — in leadership, business, families, communities, and even across ideological divides. They discuss why influence is the wrong goal, how calm and context help us navigate chaos, and why creating environments where people feel safe is the foundation for innovation, collaboration, and progress.   This is an episode for leaders, changemakers, and anyone seeking to communicate more authentically, lead more consciously, and contribute more meaningfully in a complex world.   More about Robin Dreeke:   Robin Dreeke is a retired FBI Special Agent and behavioural expert who served as Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioural Analysis Program, where he honed his skills in building unbreakable alliances with spies, terrorists, and everyday professionals.  A sought-after keynote speaker, trainer, and author of bestsellers like *It's Not All About "Me"* and *Sizing People Up*, Robin equips leaders with actionable strategies to master communication, foster trust, and drive team success. His unique blend of high-stakes intelligence insights and practical tools transforms relationships and elevates business performance worldwide.  

About this episode: In a world marked by growing complexity, division, and ecological tipping points, a new story is emerging — one that reclaims our deep interconnectedness with each other, with the Earth, and with the cosmos itself. Dr. Jude Currivan, cosmologist, planetary healer, and former international business leader, invites us into a radical shift in perception: from the illusion of separation to the embodied reality of unity. In this Special Encore conversation, we explore how her groundbreaking work in The Cosmic Hologram and The Story of Gaia offers not only a profound scientific narrative but a practical, ethical, and evolutionary framework for leadership and business in the 21st century. What does it mean to live — and lead — from the awareness that we are inseparable from the systems we shape? How do organizations evolve from extractive and competitive to regenerative and co-creative? And what becomes possible when we align our strategies not just with markets, but with meaning? This is a conversation for visionary leaders, changemakers, and anyone ready to explore what it really means to take a whole-world view — and lead from it. More about Dr Jude Currivan: Dr Jude Currivan is a cosmologist, planetary healer, award-winning author latterly of The Cosmic Hologram (2017) and The Story of Gaia (2022), educator and previously a senior UK-based international business woman. In 2017 she co-founded WholeWorld-View (www.wholeworld-view.org) to serve the understanding, experiencing and embodying of unitive awareness, healing and conscious evolution.

About this episode: As the year draws to a close, Chris Cooper steps behind the microphone for a special solo episode to reflect, distil, and share what truly matters now.   Drawing on over 14 years od conversations with inspiring leaders and changemakers on The Business Elevation Show, alongside the lived wisdom of The Elevation Collective community, Chris shares 10 Elevations for Thriving and Doing Good in the World Today.   These Elevations are not trends or theories. They are grounded insights shaped by real leadership journeys, meaningful conversations, and lived experience, exploring how we can thrive personally and professionally while contributing positively to the world around us. In this reflective end-of-year episode, Chris speaks directly to listeners, weaving together stories, insights, and gratitude for the many remarkable people who make up the Business Elevation and Elevation Collective communities. It is both a moment to pause and reflect, and an invitation to step into the year ahead with greater intention, humanity, and purpose.   Chris Cooper is the founder of The Elevation Collective, an international community of heart-led leaders and changemakers committed to amplifying good in the world. He is also the host of The Business Elevation Show, one of the longest-running business podcasts in the world, broadcasting weekly since 2011 to listeners in over 50 countries.   Listeners can also look out for a new free ebook, 10 Elevations for Thriving and Doing Good in the World Today, available for download in early 2026 via the Chris Cooper website.   This episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful close to the year and a powerful opening into what's possible next.   More about Chris Cooper: Chris Cooper is the founder of The Elevation Collective, an exclusive international community of wise, heart-led leaders and changemakers dedicated to amplifying good in the world. The Collective incubates and accelerates projects that create meaningful, positive, and lasting impact.   He is also the host of The Business Elevation Show—one of the longest-running business podcasts in the world—broadcast weekly since 2011 to loyal audiences in over 50 countries.   Through his brand Chris Cooper Business Elevation, Chris is a highly respected people consultant, behavioural strategist, mentor, coach, and speaker—developing leaders, empowering teams, and creating highly engaged business cultures.   He has worked with leading brands including Mars and United Biscuits, and as a consultant with many organisations such as Diageo, Carlsberg, Barclays, KP Foods, and over 20 insurance and financial services businesses.   He is also co-author of The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It or Not), published by Penguin Random House (New York). For more information www.chriscooper.co.uk

About this episode: As the year draws to a close, Chris Cooper steps behind the microphone for a special solo episode to reflect, distil, and share what truly matters now. Drawing on over 14 years of conversations with inspiring leaders and changemakers on The Business Elevation Show, alongside the lived wisdom of The Elevation Collective community, Chris shares 10 Elevations for Thriving and Doing Good in the World Today. These Elevations are not trends or theories. They are grounded insights shaped by real leadership journeys, meaningful conversations, and lived experience, exploring how we can thrive personally and professionally while contributing positively to the world around us. In this reflective end-of-year episode, Chris speaks directly to listeners, weaving together stories, insights, and gratitude for the many remarkable people who make up the Business Elevation and Elevation Collective communities. It is both a moment to pause and reflect, and an invitation to step into the year ahead with greater intention, humanity, and purpose. Chris Cooper is the founder of The Elevation Collective, an international community of heart-led leaders and changemakers committed to amplifying good in the world. He is also the host of The Business Elevation Show, one of the longest-running business podcasts in the world, broadcasting weekly since 2011 to listeners in over 50 countries. Listeners can also look out for a new free eBook, 10 Elevations for Thriving and Doing Good in the World Today, available for download in early 2026 via the Chris Cooper website. This episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful close to the year and a powerful opening into what's possible next. For more information, visit www.chriscooper.co.uk.   More about Chris Cooper: Chris Cooper is the founder of The Elevation Collective, an exclusive international community of wise, heart-led leaders and changemakers dedicated to amplifying good in the world. The Collective incubates and accelerates projects that create meaningful, positive, and lasting impact.   He is also the host of The Business Elevation Show—one of the longest-running business podcasts in the world—broadcast weekly since 2011 to loyal audiences in over 50 countries.   Through his brand Chris Cooper Business Elevation, Chris is a highly respected people consultant, behavioural strategist, mentor, coach, and speaker—developing leaders, empowering teams, and creating highly engaged business cultures.   He has worked with leading brands including Mars and United Biscuits, and as a consultant with many organisations such as Diageo, Carlsberg, Barclays, KP Foods, and over 20 insurance and financial services businesses.   He is also co-author of The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It or Not), published by Penguin Random House (New York). For more information www.chriscooper.co.uk

About this episode: How do we best cope with our current volatile, disruptive and extremely polarised world situation? How can you adapt your approach when you meet others with a very different view to you? On this Special Encore episode, we welcome Joe Weston who brings over 30 years of experience in conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication. We explore the principles outlined in his Amazon bestselling book, Fierce Civility: Transforming our Global Culture from Polarisation to Lasting Peace. Including what is fierce civility and how can it help us to bridge divides and foster personal and professional peace and collaboration. As the founder and owner of Weston Network and the non-profit Fierce Civility Project, Joe has worked with a diverse array of clients, including NASA, the World Bank, Oxfam, Booz Allen Hamilton, PBS, The National Cancer Institute, The United Nations, and Mitsubishi Motors. His groundbreaking work and methodologies have made a significant impact on corporations, government agencies, and non-profits around the world. Joe's expertise is further highlighted by his experience as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Department of Government, Program of Conflict Resolution, and his dedication to working with veterans and in-mates in the areas of integration, healing, and leadership. Listen for an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion that will elevate your understanding of the power of fierce civility, and how you can use to increase your effectiveness whilst contributing to a more peaceful world.   More about Joe Weston: Joe Weston's career spans 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication; he is a highly sought after facilitator and coach for individuals, corporations, government agencies, and non-profits around the world. As founder and owner of Weston Network and the non-profit, the Fierce Civility Project, his clients include NASA, World Bank, Oxfam, Booz Allen Hamilton, PBS, The National Cancer Institute, The United Nations, and Mitsubishi Motors. His first book, Mastering Respectful Confrontation (2011), has been sold worldwide, and his second book, Fierce Civility: Transforming our Global Culture from Polarization to Lasting Peace, was released in early March of 2023 and is an Amazon bestseller in 14 categories. Joe served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Department of Government, Program of Conflict Resolution. He has also worked with various Veterans' organisations in processes of integration and healing, as well as teaching mediation and leadership to inmates.  

About this episode: On this episode, Chris is joined by national bestselling author and former Fortune 500 executive Jeff Hancher, whose book "Firm Feedback in a Fragile World" offers a practical and compassionate approach to one of leadership's toughest challenges: giving honest feedback without damaging trust. Jeff's own story is remarkable. Raised in poverty and starting his career as a fill-in truck driver, he rose through corporate leadership and eventually left to pursue his calling of helping leaders create cultures of clarity, courage and care. In this conversation they explore why so many leaders avoid difficult conversations, how firm feedback differs from criticism, and how leaders can set expectations and hold people accountable in a way that builds engagement rather than fear. They also look at how courageous conversations create energy, momentum and genuine cultural change inside organisations. If you want to elevate performance, strengthen relationships and lead with both courage and heart, this is an inspiring and highly practical episode you won't want to miss. More about Jeff Hancher: Jeff Hancher equips leaders to lead with truth, courage, and conviction—even in the most fragile environments. As an executive coach, keynote speaker, and podcast host, Jeff brings over 20 years of corporate leadership experience to the table. Through his coaching, training, and speaking engagements, Jeff helps managers and executives master critical feedback, create results-driven teams, and develop strong leadership pipelines. His approach blends emotional intelligence with strategic execution—making him a sought-after voice in today's complex workplace culture.

About this episode: How do you best navigate your career and the complex relationship between individuals and the workplace today? Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, exploded on social media in late 2020 with her expertise on careers and workplace dynamics, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast-growth start-ups. With more than one million followers on social media, she was recognised on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her first book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, are available on Spotify and Apple. Tessa has also recently launched a free no-strings-attached mentoring platform called Career RX and is a valued member of The Elevation Collective. Join us for this Special Encore episode as we explore her forthcoming book, The 5 Stages of Career Growth, and uncover the insights you need to recognise where you are in your career journey, how to progress to the next stage, and how to build lasting success and fulfilment along the way. More about Tessa White: At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, is available on Spotify and Apple. When she isn't working with companies or individuals about the modern workplace, she can be found on the river, where she flyfishes. 

About this episode: In a world living through what many now call a "polycrisis" – overlapping conflicts, climate shocks and social division – what does truly graceful leadership look like? In this powerful conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Dr Will Parks, a deeply experienced humanitarian leader whose career has taken him from UNICEF roles in the Pacific Islands, Nepal, Iraq, Iran, Bhutan and Cambodia to his latest work as an author, coach and mentor. Inspired at 16 by UNICEF's legendary Executive Director Jim Grant, Will went on to spend almost 20 years leading programmes for children in some of the world's most fragile contexts – often on the front line of natural disasters and human-made crises. Along the way he has witnessed both the worst and the very best of humanity: families fleeing ISIS in Iraq, deep trauma along the Cambodia–Thailand border, but also extraordinary kindness, courage and recovery. Drawing on his new book, "Graceful Leadership – Inspiring hope, creativity and resilience in times of peace and crisis" (The Right Book Press, 2025), Will and Chris explore how we can respond to today's crisis-ridden, often "disgraceful" models of leadership with something profoundly different: heart-centred, compassionate, and quietly courageous. They discuss how to stay grounded when you've seen too much, the importance of kindness and service as real sources of power, and why giving back through mentoring and coaching the next generation is central to Will's "rewirement" rather than retirement. Whether you lead in business, charity, government or are a young person considering a career in international development, this episode will offer practical wisdom, hope and perspective on how each of us can help "take the poly out of the polycrisis" and amplify good in our own sphere of influence. More about Dr Will Parks: Dr Will Parks is a passionate humanitarian who has held senior leadership positions with UNICEF in the Pacific Islands, Nepal, Iraq, Iran, Bhutan and Cambodia. In each country, Will has led UNICEF's development programs for children as well as responses to natural disasters and human-made crises. Before UNICEF, he worked with the Australian and UK Aid Agencies, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, and the World Health Organization, honing his skills in diverse cultural and professional settings. A scholar and thought leader, Will has authored multiple books and articles, presenting his insights at numerous international conferences and workshops. His latest book is Graceful Leadership – _Inspiring hope, creativity and resilience in times of peace and crisis _(The Right Book Press, 2025). Will is also accredited with the International Coaching Federation.

About this episode: How can entrepreneurship be used not only to build livelihoods, but also to lift communities and create a happier, more connected world? In this inspiring episode, host Chris Cooper talks with Michael Glauser, entrepreneur, author, and Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Utah State University. Michael has built and sold successful companies, cycled 4,000 miles across America to meet extraordinary small-town entrepreneurs, and now leads the SEED poverty alleviation program, which helps thousands of people across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean to start small enterprises and double their household income. Together, Chris and Michael explore the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship, purpose, and human happiness. They discuss how creating meaningful work can combat despair and anxiety, why social entrepreneurship may hold the key to sustainable development, and what six universal principles—drawn from science and timeless wisdom—can help individuals and organisations thrive together. Michael also shares insights from his latest book, One People, One Planet: Six Universal Truths for Being Happy Together, and from his award-winning SEED initiative, which trains university students to teach entrepreneurship in communities worldwide. This conversation reveals how entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for happiness, dignity, and community upliftment, the keys to building organizations with heart and purpose, and what ancient wisdom and modern science agree on about living and working happily together. It also includes real stories of transformation from around the world through the SEED program. If you believe that business can be both profitable and profoundly good, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about how your work can make a lasting difference.   More about Michael Glauser: Michael Glauser is an entrepreneur, author, business consultant, and university professor. He has built successful companies in the retail, wholesale, and educational industries and has worked with hundreds of businesses—from startups to multinational enterprises—in leadership development, communication, team building, and organizational strategy. Today, Mike serves as Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. He's also the Director of the SEED poverty alleviation program, helping thousands of people around the world to improve their standard of living and benefit their communities through entrepreneurship. Mike has published three books on entrepreneurship: Glorious Accidents, The Business of Heart and Main Street Entrepreneur, which chronicles his 4,000 mile bicycle ride across America to interview 100 remarkable entrepreneurs who have successfully merged livelihood and lifestyle in places they want to live. His latest book, One People One Planet: Six Universal Truths for Being Happy Together, presents six proven principles to help us increase our happiness, improve our relationships, and create greater civility in organizations and communities. You can learn more at: One People One Planet and https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelglauser/

About this episode: Deep beneath the frozen frontier of Antarctica, a massive glacier the size of the UK is sliding toward the sea. Thwaites — known as the "Doomsday Glacier" — could raise global sea levels by more than two feet and trigger the collapse of the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet, reshaping coastlines and economies worldwide. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Ted Scambos, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Colorado, joins Chris Cooper to reveal what satellite data and 24 Antarctic expeditions have taught him about climate tipping points, resilience, and human ingenuity. Together they explore how science, technology, and leadership intersect — and why the same qualities that help scientists survive in Antarctica are exactly what businesses need to navigate a warming, uncertain world. From the race to decarbonise and the promise of clean energy to the rise of AI and data-driven climate solutions, this episode asks: What can leaders, innovators, and organisations for good learn from the planet's most extreme experiment? How can business step up where politics falters to create hope, not heat? Because what happens in Antarctica affects every boardroom, every market, and every coastline — and the time for good leadership is now.   More about Dr Ted Scambos: Dr. Ted Scambos is a Senior Research Scientist at the Earth Science and Observation Center, a part of CIRES at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He has specialised in using satellite data of the polar ice caps to map these regions in new ways, and study the effects of climate change in Antarctica. Among his research interests are climate change impacts on the polar regions, Antarctic history, geochemistry and planetary science. He has studied the collapse of ice shelf areas and glacier acceleration in the Antarctic Peninsula, ice streams of the Ross Ice Shelf, and wind-snow interactions on the East Antarctic Plateau. A recent study used satellite thermal data to identify the coldest locations in Antarctica, and the processes that set the minimum winter temperatures. A major focus of his work now is developing instrumentation to monitor Antarctic climate and ocean circulation in areas of major change. He holds a Masters degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder (1991). Dr. Scambos served as Lead Scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center for 14 years, and has mentored 6 Ph.D. and M.S. students. He has been on twenty-four expeditions to Antarctica, and has been a lecturer on two National Geographic cruises to the continent. He is the author or co-author of more than 150 scientific articles, with funding from NASA, NSF, and USGS. He lives with his wife Kari in Lafayette, Colorado, and has two adult sons, Alex and Ben.

About this episode: What if ambition didn't have to mean striving, burnout, or compromise? What if it could be a joyful, purpose-driven expression of who you truly are? In this inspiring conversation, Rha Goddess — entrepreneurial soul coach, author, and founder of Move The Crowd — joins Chris Cooper to explore how to align purpose, prosperity, and impact through her concept and new book Intentional Ambition. Also to discuss how she is galvanizing a movement of 3 million entrepreneurs reimagining work as a vehicle for creative expression, financial freedom, and societal transformation. For over three decades, Rha has helped changemakers, cultural visionaries, and social entrepreneurs stay true, get paid, and do good — redefining success at the intersection of values and vitality. In this interview we discuss how to find joy, freedom, and fulfilment in your work while contributing meaningfully to the world around you. If you're ready to lead, create, and live with greater intention, this conversation will help you reclaim ambition as a force for good.   More about Rha Goddess: Rha Goddess is the entrepreneurial soul coach behind hundreds of breakthrough changemakers, cultural visionaries, and social entrepreneurs. From New York Times bestsellers to multimillion-dollar social enterprises, her pioneering methodology has empowered a new generation of conscious entrepreneurs to stay true, get paid, and do good. A cultural innovator, social impact strategist, and creative change agent for over 30 years, Rha has harnessed the power of creativity, culture, and community to advance issues of racial justice, equality, mental health, and women's empowerment—impacting millions of lives worldwide. In 2011, she founded Move The Crowd, an entrepreneurial training company helping creative and cultural leaders thrive at the intersection of values, profitability, and social impact. As CEO, she is galvanizing a movement of 3 million entrepreneurs reimagining work as a vehicle for creative expression, financial freedom, and societal transformation. In 2020, Rha co-founded nFormation with Deepa Purushothaman—a first-of-its-kind community by and for women of color that reimagines traditional power structures to change not just who gets a seat at the table, but how the table is formed. A sought-after speaker and acclaimed performance artist, Rha's work has been featured in Time, Essence, Forbes, Fast Company, and Variety. Her book, The Calling (St. Martin's Press), offers a step-by-step blueprint for discovering purpose and making your most profitable contribution.

About This Episode: In this special encore interview, we meet Dr. Rachel Morris, a seasoned former GP and speaker who intimately understands the pressures of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and teetering on the brink of burnout. With a deep belief that it is possible to thrive both in work and life, Rachel advocates for the idea that happiness and a fulfilling career should not be mutually exclusive. As the host of the widely acclaimed podcast You Are Not A Frog, Rachel has been a guiding voice for many professionals struggling to maintain balance in their lives. In addition to her podcast, she created the Shapes Toolkit Programme, which helps doctors and other healthcare staff in high stress, high stakes jobs beat burnout and work happier. Her courses are lauded for helping healthcare workers navigate the challenges of their roles while preserving their well-being. She has served as the Director of Leadership Courses for Red Whale (GP Update Ltd), where she co-authored and delivered their flagship course, Lead. Manage. Thrive! aimed at empowering GPs and primary care professionals across the UK. Rachel also spent 15 years as Assistant Director for GP Studies at the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine and set up and led the 'Doctor as Professional' Curriculum. In this conversation, we discuss how to stay mentally healthy at work, fostering happiness in professional settings, and navigating conflict without unnecessary drama. Listen to discover how to help manage your stress and the stress of others and thrive in your work and life.   More about guest Dr Rachel Morris: Dr Rachel Morris is a GP who knows what it is like to feel overwhelmed, exhausted and on the edge of burnout. She believes that it should be possible to thrive both in work and life and that you shouldn't have to choose between working and being happy. Rachel hosts the popular podcast You Are Not A Frog and is also Director of Leadership Courses for Red Whale (GP Update Ltd), a national Primary Care training organisation. She co-authored and delivers their flagship Leadership course, Lead. Manage. Thrive! for GPs, and those working in primary care and travels around the country delivering these courses to diverse groups of Primary Care Professionals She has a wide experience in education having worked for 13 years as Assistant Director for GP Studies at the School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge. She then developed and led their new Professionalism Course until 2017. Having left to concentrate on post-graduate leadership development, she continues at Cambridge University as a Tutor for the PG Certificate in Medical Education. She regularly speaks at conferences on topics such as 'How to be happy at work', 'Staying mentally healthy at work' and 'How to conflict without the drama' and runs workshops and training days around the Shapes Toolkit.

About this episode: In every area of life and leadership, the ability to persuade with integrity is essential. Whether inspiring a team, influencing change, or sharing an idea that matters, persuasion done well can be a force for good. If we are seeking to deliver more good initiatives, we need to master the art of persuasion — as it can make all the difference between success and failure. My guest, Paul du Toit, is one of Africa's most respected professional speakers, coaches, and authors, and the author of the new book The Book of Persuasion. Paul was the first speaker on the African continent this century to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association (USA) in 2008. He later became Southern Africa's CSP Liaison Officer, helping others achieve the same recognition. A founder member and past president of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, Paul was inducted into the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame in 2017. Having inspired tens of thousands globally with his signature blend of humour, insight, and humanity, Paul brings a deep understanding of what it takes to influence with authenticity and purpose. Join us as we explore The Book of Persuasion and discover how persuasion, when rooted in authenticity and goodwill, becomes a powerful catalyst for elevation — in business, relationships, and the way we show up in the world. More about Paul du Toit:  Paul du Toit is the first speaker on the African continent this century to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (USA) in 2008, thereafter serving as Southern Africa's CSP Liaison Officer, helping and encouraging over a dozen other Southern African speakers to achieve their CSPs. In 2013 he became a Global Speaking Fellow along with 21 other inaugural recipients at the Global Speakers Summit in Vancouver, Canada. Born in Cape Town in 1958, his grounding in theatre and entertainment provided an ideal springboard for a career in facilitation, coaching and professional speaking. He founded Johannesburg based Congruence Training in 1995 which he runs to this day. He is a founder member and Past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa receiving their Founders award at the Global Speakers Summit in Cape Town in April 2009 for exceptional service to the speaking industry. He has since served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Global Speakers Federation. In 2017 he was inducted in to the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame. He has spoken to tens of thousands of people at conferences and corporate events globally. He is a business speaker, coach and authority on customer experience and business presentations, and author of two books including "You Can Present with Confidence" released internationally in 2011. Paul continues to blog on speaking, presenting and customer experience and sends a regular email newsletter on presenting to thousands of opt-in subscribers. His content-rich and often humorous interviews related to remote presentation during lockdown have been well received by the business and speaking community.  He runs several marathons (and at least one ultra-marathon) a year to keep in trim and whilst in training frequents the hills of Sandton in the mornings with his dog Samuel. He knows a fine wine when he smells it – his favourite reds finding temporary resting in his cellar, and appreciated a good single malt. He keeps an eye open for suppliers of excellent coffee beans and establishments that can match his home brew, which he enjoys with a block of dark chocolate. He plays guitar and hums a tune for relaxation, a pastime that once earned him a living, and occasionally posts a tune online. He has 2 grown up daughters, Chanel and Jenna and lives in Sandton with his wife Trudi.  

About this episode: In this Special Encore episode, we explore Fueling Dreams with Shay Hoelscher, CEO of privé products, and Sabré Cook, trailblazing racing driver and engineer, as they break new ground for women in motorsport. As the first female driver in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Series, Sabré defies the odds in a male-dominated field, inspiring a wave of female fans and aspiring racers alike. Supported by Shay and privé, her journey isn't just about competition; it's about redefining representation and championing equality on and off the track.  With backgrounds that span engineering, motorsport, and business, both Shay and Sabré share stories that highlight the transformative power of women supporting women. Together, they embody the mission of Fueling Dreams—encouraging women to pursue their passions with determination and grace. Sabré's lifelong passion for racing, shaped by her early karting successes and grounded in a career across top racing series, finds its perfect partnership with Shay's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture for women in sports and business. In this conversation, we'll explore how they navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and break boundaries, all while paving the way for future generations through Shay's unique sponsorship of Sabré. Join us as we delve into the inter-section of racing, representation, and resilience with these remarkable women, united by a shared drive for excellence and empowerment.   About Shay Hoelscher & Sabré Cook: Shay Hoelscher is a veteran of the Professional Beauty Industry with more than 37 years of professional beauty experience. Currently, she is the CEO and Owner of privé products. Prior to privé, Shay held senior leadership positions across the industry including Sebastian International, Wella International and Nioxin Research (now all owned by COTY), TIGI (now owned by Unilever), Alterna Haircare (now owned by Henkel) and Cezanne Hair. Her experiences span a wide variety of channels of distribution, sales leadership, and cross-corporate functions in the US and internationally. Shay is dedicated to making privé products a force for good. She brings that vision into reality with 3 core pillars: Empower women as a women-led company. Make a strong social impact by giving 1% of all revenue to a nonprofit to help women in need. Produce natural and clean products that are good for you and good for the planet.     Sabré Cook is a professional racing driver and mechanical engineer originally from Grand Junction, Colorado but now residing in Indianapolis. She progressed from a successful professional karting career (14x Championships) into car racing in 2017 and has raced in a broad spectrum of series such as SCCA, Road to Indy, F4, F3, W Series, NLS, MX5, WRL, Porsche Sprint Challenge, and now Porsche Carrera Cup North America as the first female to do so. Alongside racing, Sabré earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 2017 and has gone on to work for companies like Infiniti (Nissan) Global, Renault F1 Team, Formula Mazda, and Paretta Autosport in INDYCAR.  

About this episode: What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and perform at their very best? In this episode, Chris Cooper is joined by Mehmet Baha, known simply as Baha, an international speaker, trainer, and author whose life's mission has been to make a positive difference in people's lives. With over 24 years of global experience across Europe, the USA, Turkey, and Central America, Baha has worked with organizations of all sizes—including being one of the first employees at Facebook in Europe. A Fulbright Scholar with a Master's in Conflict Resolution and a graduate of Harvard Business School's Online Executive Programme in Organizational Leadership, Baha is passionate about helping leaders unlock the power of psychological safety. His new book, Creating Psychological Safety at Work—praised by Daniel Pink as "a timely book filled with fascinating case studies, robust research, and practical tools for driving change"—offers a roadmap for building high-performing, engaged teams. Baha has delivered talks and training in more than 28 countries across 5 continents, speaking four languages fluently, and bringing a unique perspective shaped by his multicultural journey. Beyond his professional work, he is a percussionist, an avid traveller, and a father who enjoys playing basketball with his young daughter. Join us for this conversation to explore why psychological safety is not just a "nice to have," but an essential foundation for team performance, innovation, and wellbeing—and how you can begin creating it in your own workplace.   More about Mehmet Baha: His full name is Mehmet Baha and everyone calls him Baha. Since his childhood, he has been fascinated by the question: "How can I make a difference in the lives of people?" His interest leads him to win a scholarship from Fulbright and finish his master's in the USA on the topic of Conflict Resolution. He has lived and worked in Germany, Turkey, Ireland, Guatemala, and the USA with more than 24 years of work experience. Baha was one of the first employees of Facebook in Europe. Throughout his life, he has realized the importance of having psychological safety to create high-performing teams. So far, he has delivered training and given talks in more than 28 countries across 5 continents. Recently, he completed Harvard Business School's Online Executive Education Programme "Organizational Leadership". He is fluent in English, Spanish, Turkish, and German. In his free time, he loves to play percussion, travel with his family, and play basketball with his 8-year-old daughter. "Playbook for Engaged Employees" is his first book. In September 2024, his second book "Creating Psychological Safety at Work" was published.  Daniel Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author, describes it as a "timely book filled with fascinating case studies, robust research, and practical tools for driving change."

About this episode: In this special edition of The Business Elevation Show, I am joined by two extraordinary leaders—Tom Eddington and Jim Garrison—for a conversation on the State of the World Forum and its urgent mission for our times. Tom Eddington is an author, executive coach, and business advisor whose work bridges leadership, media, and consciousness. As Vice President of the State of the World Forum, he is helping to shape a paradigmatic shift in how we live and lead, bringing more compassion, awareness, and flourishing into the world. Jim Garrison is the President of the State of the World Forum 2025–2030, a revival of the groundbreaking initiative he co-founded with President Mikhail Gorbachev, Senator Alan Cranston, and Secretary of State George Shultz. Jim's remarkable career spans global leadership, diplomacy, education, and philosophy—from directing nuclear policy in Washington, DC, to leading the Esalen Soviet-American Exchange Program, to founding Ubiquity University and Humanity Rising. Together, Tom and Jim will share the vision behind the re-emergence of the State of the World Forum (14-18th December in Washington DC) at a time of converging global crises and possibilities. We'll explore how leadership, consciousness, and collaboration can help humanity meet this pivotal moment, and what it means for each of us to play our part in shaping a sustainable, flourishing future.   More about Jim Garrison: Jim Garrison is President of the State of the World Forum 2025–2030, a revival of the original Forum he co-founded in 1995 with President Mikhail Gorbachev, Senator Alan Cranston, and Secretary of State George Shultz to build a global network of leaders committed to a sustainable civilization. He is also the founding President of Ubiquity University (since 2005) and Convener of Humanity Rising, a global broadcast launched in 2020. Over his career, Jim has combined leadership in education, diplomacy, spirituality, and social impact. Early roles included Director of Nuclear Policy for the Jesuit Conference in Washington, DC, and co-founder of the Radiation and Health Information Service in Cambridge, England. In 1980 he co-founded the Christic Institute, working on nuclear policy and the Karen Silkwood case. From 1985–1990 he directed the Esalen Soviet-American Exchange Program, before co-founding the International Foreign Policy Institute with Eduard Shevardnadze in 1991. At President Gorbachev's request, he founded the Gorbachev Foundation/USA in 1992. Most recently he served as Director of the Washington, DC Office of the New Paradigm Institute, focusing on government disclosure around Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. Educated at Santa Clara, Harvard, and Cambridge, Jim is the author of seven books spanning theology, politics, and power. Born in China and raised in Taiwan, he grew up speaking Mandarin and brings a lifelong global perspective to his work.   More about Tom Eddington: Thomas Eddington is an author, Executive Coach, Business Advisor, and media Producer. As a scholar of Conscious Leadership, he is passionate about bringing more compassion, consciousness and flourishing into the world which he does through his coaching and advisory work, film and media projects, and Board positions. He is the Vice President, State of the World Forum, an organization focused on creating a paradigmatic shift in human consciousness. Tom holds an M.S. in Organization Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from Ubiquity University.

About this episode: How do you best navigate your career and the complex relationship between individuals and the workplace today? Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, exploded on social media in late 2020 with her expertise on careers and workplace dynamics, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast-growth start-ups. With more than one million followers on social media, she was recognised on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her first book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, are available on Spotify and Apple. Tessa has also recently launched a free no-strings-attached mentoring platform called Career RX and is a valued member of The Elevation Collective. Join us as we explore her forthcoming book, The 5 Stages of Career Growth, and uncover the insights you need to recognise where you are in your career journey, how to progress to the next stage, and how to build lasting success and fulfilment along the way. More about Tessa White: At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, is available on Spotify and Apple. When she isn't working with companies or individuals about the modern workplace, she can be found on the river, where she flyfishes. 

About this epsiode: What if the toughest problems in your business aren't really about people at all—but about process? And what if the missing ingredient in leadership today is learning how to hold people accountable with both clarity and compassion? In this uplifting conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Lisa Bing, a sought-after leadership strategist, educator, and board leader whose career spans corporate boardrooms, NYU classrooms, faith communities, and the arts. Lisa has ad-vised executives across industries for over 20 years, drawing on unique methods that weave in movement, dance, and the performing arts to help leaders experience what trust, support, and connection really feel like. Together they'll explore how to distinguish process problems from people problems and why getting this wrong causes unnecessary stress and failure, what true accountability looks like when it builds relationships rather than breaks them, the surprising leadership lessons from dance, movement, and the arts that can transform how teams collaborate, why diversity and inclusion aren't "initiatives" but core management responsibilities, and how Lisa's journey from Prudential to MOVE|NYC to mentoring senior executives reveals fresh ways to lead with humanity and impact. Listen in for an inspiring and practical dialogue that will give you new tools for leading teams, building trust, and creating cultures where people thrive.   More about Lisa Bing: Lisa A. Bing is a strategy and leadership expert with a unique profile. Lisa has been dubbed an "avatar of adult learning" which combined with her keen business acumen positions her to both quickly diagnosis business needs and engage clients in their own learning to expand personal capabilities and organ-izational capacity. Lisa has worked across a spectrum of industries and profes-sions as well as with both large and small companies…including religious lead-ers. Lisa simplifies the complex. She is both pragmatic and empathic. She creates just the right balance between people needs and business needs in ways that break down silos, clarifies goals, aligns expectations, and gets everyone rowing in the same direction for faster, better decisions and dramatically improved results. Some of her typical results include reduced labour intensity, coalitions and collaboration, among diverse interests, faster, better decision making and dramatic productivity improvement. One client, a commercial real estate CEO says, "Everything Lisa tells us to do works!"Born and bred in Brooklyn, Lisa loves theatre, dance, and absolutely delicious food.

About this episode: Anthony Willoughby has lived an extraordinary life. From growing up in Africa to decades spent in Japan, his journey has taken him across some of the most remote and challenging landscapes on earth. An explorer, adventurer, and entrepreneur, Anthony is the founder of The Nomadic School of Business and the creator of Territory Mapping—a unique methodology inspired by indigenous wisdom that helps leaders and organisations clarify their purpose, define what they must protect, and navigate obstacles with courage. In this conversation, Anthony shares remarkable stories of learning from tribes in Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Mongolia, and Australia. We will discuss how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership, trust, and cross-cultural understanding. Along the way, we'll explore the deeper questions of identity, belonging, and legacy that lie at the heart of his work. Whether you are leading a business, a team, or simply your own life, Anthony's insights will inspire you to think differently about what it means to chart your territory with clarity and conviction.   More about Anthony Willoughby: Anthony Willoughby is a British explorer, adventurer, and entrepreneur who has spent much of his life seeking inspiration across some of the world's most remote and challenging regions. Raised in Africa and based in Japan for over 30 years, he is the founder of The Nomadic School of Business, where he translates lessons from indigenous communities into tools for leadership, trust-building, and cross-cultural understanding. His signature methodology, known as Territory Mapping, uses natural metaphors to help individuals and organizations clarify what they are striving for, what they must protect, and the obstacles that stand in their way. As a keynote speaker and author of In Search of Inspiration, Anthony has shared his insights with audiences worldwide, including at TEDxTokyo, and worked with organizations ranging from Dyson, IBM, and AXA Asia to Ferrari. Blending storytelling, metaphor, and wisdom gained from tribes in Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Mongolia, and beyond, his work encourages people to connect with purpose, identity, and legacy in ways that transcend conventional business thinking.

About this episode: How do ordinary people light up the world in extraordinary ways? In this inspiring episode of The Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper interviews visionary leader and author Julie Wignall about her multi-award-winning book The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies. Julie coined the term "Fireflies" to describe those who break barriers and illuminate new possibilities. With a career spanning national politics, international business, the arts, and environmental conservation, Julie brings unique insight into how changemakers can align with their purpose and shine their light more brightly. From revolutionising animal welfare at Mirage Resorts International to shaping conservation policy, producing television projects, and coaching leaders worldwide, Julie's journey is a masterclass in making impact across sectors. Together, Chris and Julie explore how each of us can become a Firefly—igniting positive change and inspiring others to do the same.   More about Julie Wignall: Julie Wignall is a visionary leader whose unconventional career has spanned national politics, international business, the arts, and environmental conservation. She first gained international recognition for her groundbreaking work with Mirage Resorts International, where she partnered with the Chairman and CEO to revolutionize animal welfare, launch award-winning education programs, and spearhead impactful environmental initiatives. Julie coined the term Fireflies to describe those who break barriers and illuminate new possibilities. Her multi-award-winning book, The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies, shares the inspiring stories of people who dare to make a difference. Drawing on her unique journey—from collaborating with innovators in Fortune 500 companies to shaping conservation policy, producing television projects, and advancing the arts—Julie now works as a sought-after speaker, coach, consultant, and workshop leader. She equips changemakers with the tools to align with their purpose, amplify their impact, and harness their light to transform the world.

About this episode: Duro Oye has dedicated his life to unlocking potential where the odds are stacked against it. As the CEO and founder of the multi-award-winning charity 20/20 Levels, he has already empowered thousands of young people from black, racially underrepresented, and low socio-economic backgrounds — and his vision is nothing short of transforming a billion lives worldwide. In this inspiring conversation, we will discuss his journey from documentary filmmaker to social impact leader, revealing the strategies behind securing millions in funding, forging powerful corporate partnerships, and building programmes that change lives. We'll explore the challenges facing today's youth, the entrepreneurial mindset that drives innovation in the charity sector, and how authentic storytelling can shift perceptions and systems. Whether you're a leader, changemaker, or someone seeking proof that bold visions are possible, this is a Good Matters conversation you won't want to miss.  About Duro Oye: Duro Oye is the CEO and founder of the multi-award-winning charity, 20/20 Levels. Since its inception in 2013, the organisation has directly empowered over 3,750 young people and reached a wider community of more than 22,000. Focused on supporting individuals from Black, racially underrepresented, and low socio-economic backgrounds, 20/20 Levels helps young people discover their potential and carve out successful futures in careers and entrepreneurship through a range of transformative programs.  A long-time champion of social impact, Duro Oye is committed to driving meaningful change through his work as the founder and CEO of 20/20 Levels. Willing to take on the risks and challenges of innovation, he leads initiatives that create lasting social and economic opportunities. The organisation's evolving business model now integrates business development mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs while staying true to its core mission of personal and professional growth.  Having secured over £3.5 million in funding over the past seven years—through a mix of grants and multi-year corporate sponsorships with partners like Virgin Media O2, American Express GBT, Jacobs, and Land Securities—Duro Oye is driven by a bold vision for the future. His goal is for 20/20 Levels to impact a billion lives worldwide, creating lasting change and overcoming today's youth challenges.  At its core, the program is designed to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build their own futures.  Duro also serves as an Executive Coach and trusted advisor to several FTSE 250 CEOs. He is an active board contributor, holding key roles such as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Charity People, DE&I Impact Champion at The Conduit London, trustee for Acumen Academy UK, and Ambassador for the Home Grown Club. A lifelong advocate for change and empowerment, Duro Oye began his journey in storytelling after earning a diploma in Documentary Filmmaking from London Met Film School. He has since produced powerful documentaries, including 247365 Change, County Lines: Teenage Drug Runners in collaboration with the BBC, and Gangland (Seasons 1 & 2) with Channel 5, shedding light on critical social issues.

About this episode: From cutting-edge genomics research to the floor of the UK Parliament, and from advising on AI ethics to shaping the future of financial investments, Dr Julian Huppert has lived a career at the intersection of science, politics, and social good. As the Founding Director of the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, Cambridge, Julian convenes brilliant minds to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our age—from climate change and civil liberties to sustainable finance and better futures for all. In this conversation, we explore his remarkable journey, the influence of his late mother's work on creating the world we want to live in, his leadership in pioneering ethical governance in tech, and his vision for aligning innovation, policy, and humanity's long-term wellbeing. Join us for a rich, wide-ranging discussion that will inspire you to think bigger about how knowledge, ethics, and action can combine to amplify good in the world.   More about Dr Julian Huppert: Dr Julian Huppert is Founding Director of the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, Cambridge, an interdisciplinary centre focused on bringing people to think and talk about some of the key issues of our time. After an academic career in Cambridge in genomics and biophysics, he served as the Member of Parliament for Cambridge 2010-15, and was particularly noted for his work on technology policy, civil liberties, transport policy, international development, and the environment. He was Deputy Chair of the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group until it was abolished, and is Chair of the Ethics Committee for NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. He is also a Non-Executive Director of Health Innovation East. He was Chair of the Panel of Independent Reviewers for DeepMind Health, pioneering a new approach to oversight and governance in technology companies, and advises a range of Edtech companies. He was a member of the Home Office's Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group, advising on issues such as facial recognition and big data, and chairing their AI Ethics Working Group. In 2003 he set up a very small award-winning but unsuccessful biotech company. He is also a Visiting Professor at King's College London and the University of New South Wales, and an Associate Fellow of the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. He is a Director of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Ltd., and Chairs the UK Democracy Fund.

About This Episode: What does it take to not just survive life's toughest challenges—but to come back stronger and inspire others? In this extraordinary episode, I speak with Andrew Jenkins, a finalist on the BBC hit show The Traitors, and a powerful voice for resilience and mental health advocacy. At just 21, Andrew's life changed forever when a devastating car accident left him in a coma, with doctors fearing he might never walk, talk, or recognise his loved ones again. But against all odds, he defied the prognosis, fought back with unrelenting courage, and rebuilt his life from the ground up. In this conversation, Andrew shares the raw and remarkable journey from silence and struggle to strength and purpose. We explore how he turned trauma into transformation, why mental health matters more than ever, and how each of us can unlock the strength within to rise again. Also a little insight into what it is like to become a star in a top tv show! This is a story of grit, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit. Don't miss it! More about Andrew Jenkins: Andrew, a finalist on the BBC reality sensation "The Traitors" and a living embodiment of resilience! At just 21, he faced a life-altering car accident that left him in a coma for four weeks, with doctors declaring he may never walk, talk, or recognize his loved ones again. But Andrew refused to be defined by his circumstances. He defied the odds, not only regaining his ability to walk but also reigniting his passion for life after losing his dream of playing rugby for Wales.  For nearly 24 years, Andrew battled his mental health in silence, but he eventually found the courage to share his struggles with family. Through deep reflection and self-discovery, he emerged stronger than ever. In a powerful reunion in 2022 with the doctor who saved his life, Andrew was dubbed a "miracle patient," inspiring him to turn his story into a beacon of hope for others. Now, as the founder of "Strength In You Ltd," Andrew is on a mission to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. He delivers electrifying motivational talks and dynamic workshops, empowering individuals to rise above their challenges. Andrew is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world, proving that with heart, grit, and determination, anyone can overcome adversity and find their strength.  

About this episode: In this highly compelling episode, we're joined by David Bickford CB, a former senior intelligence official who served as Legal Director and Under-Secretary of State at both MI5 and MI6. David played a key role in shaping the UK's counter-terrorism and intelligence laws, creating the legal pathways that enabled operational intelligence to be used in court—revolutionising the intelligence community's ability to act and protect. Now a bestselling author, David brings decades of real-life espionage experience into his critically acclaimed Katyathriller series, co-written with his wife Cary. His fiction is celebrated for its authenticity, moral complexity, and international scope—taking readers from Arctic missions to Cold War Berlin. In this conversation, David reflects on his extraordinary career, the moral challenges of intelligence work, leadership lessons and how he continues to explore global intrigue through his writing. Expect sharp insights, fascinating stories, and powerful reflections on leadership, loyalty, and the real world of espionage.   More about David Bickford: David Bickford is a former senior intelligence official turned bestselling author. As Legal Director and Under-Secretary of State at both MI5 and MI6, he played a pivotal role in shaping the UK's counter-terrorism and intelligence laws, creating the legal framework that allowed operational intelligence to be used in court. For his service, he was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). Bickford began his career as a solicitor before joining the Foreign Office and eventually moving into the world of national security. His work spanned high-level legal reform and some of the most sensitive operations in British intelligence. After retiring, Bickford turned to fiction, drawing on decades of real-life experience. His critically praised Katya series follows a former FSB agent navigating international espionage, terrorism, and betrayal across Europe, the Arctic, and beyond. With his insider's understanding of intelligence operations, Bickford's novels are known for their authenticity, moral depth, and gripping pace. He writes in close collaboration with his wife Cary, whom he married in 1965. Together, they develop plots during early morning walks and continue to bring complex, high-stakes spy stories to life. Bickford is currently working on additional titles in the Katya series and a standalone prequel set in Cold War Berlin.

About this episode: In this inspiring Special Encore conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Zoe Holland MBE, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Fletchers Group, legal entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for heart-led leadership. With a leadership mantra of "there is no room for ego," Zoe champions authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership, empowering leaders to create meaningful change. Together, Zoe and Chris explore the power of self-leadership, invitational communication, and leading with care. They also discuss Zoe's journey, her commitment to using 'law for good', and her mission to uplift underrepresented groups. From neurodiversity coaching to fostering a culture of authentic leadership, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders who want to lead with both heart and impact. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership that truly makes a difference.   More about Zoe Holland MBE: Zoe Holland MBE is an entrepreneurial, C-Suite leader (Fletchers Group Chief Commercial Officer), NED, Trustee, experienced Executive Coach, Neurodiversity Coach and motivational speaker. Zoe has a passion for heart-led leadership, championing authenticity, ambition, inclusivity, invitational communication and care. Zoe's leadership mantra – 'there is no room for ego'. Zoe has a mission to empower leaders to make a positive impact on individuals, organisations, and the community. A thought leader on women's leadership with a specific focus on 'Leader of Self' – understanding our life journey, our purpose, passion and presence as a powerful tool to positively reflect upon our leadership impact on organisations, culture, and community. Zoe was awarded an MBE in the King's Honours in June 2023 – testament to a career-long commitment to use 'law for good'.

About this episode: Join us for this inspiring Special Encore episode of The Business Elevation Show, where Chris sits down with Dr. John Stahl-Wert, Founder of the Center for Serving Leadership. With three decades of experience in pioneering training solutions and working with organizations worldwide, John has helped businesses achieve outstanding results by investing in their people. In this interview, John shares insights from his international best-sellers, The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses, and discusses his coaching experiences with top-tier companies like Progress Rail (a Caterpillar Company), Pan Pacific Hotel Group (Singapore), and Honda's North American Lean Network. Learn about John's passion for leadership, his approach to fostering growth and excellence, and his personal journey of forty-two years of marriage with his business partner Milonica. Tune in for a conversation that promises to offer valuable lessons on serving leadership and creating thriving, people-focused organisations.   More about John Stahl-Wert:  Dr. John Stahl-Wert is the Founder of Center for Serving Leadership. He has pioneered training solutions for thirty years, working with organizations around the world that want to produce outstanding results by investing in their people. He has written eight books, including the international best-sellers, The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses. John has coached executives in Progress Rail (a Caterpillar Company), Pan Pacific Hotel Group (Singapore), Honda's North American Lean Network, the Veterans Administration, hundreds of other businesses in the U.S., Singapore, and Hong Kong. For eighteen years, John served as president and CEO of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, founded the International Training Institute for Leadership Foundations, Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience, Amachi Pittsburgh, City as Parish, and The Union Project. John is married for 42 years to Milonica, his business partner. They love designing and building things, traveling, going to church, and spending time with their daughters, son-in-law, and grandson.

About this episode: In this inspiring episode, Chris Cooper interviews Leilani Raashida Henry, leadership consultant, executive coach, and author of The Call of Antarctica: Exploring and Protecting Earth's Coldest Continent. The book shares the powerful, little-known story of her father, George W. Gibbs Jr., the first person of African descent to set foot on Antarctica, and the lessons his historic journey offers for our lives and leadership today. Drawing on her pioneering work with whole-brain leadership, intuitive tools, and cross-functional team development, we will discuss how Antarctica's extreme environment and her father's resilience illuminate what it takes to lead in uncertain times. Together, we will explore how leaders can build resilient "inner ecosystems" that foster thriving cultures, environmental stewardship, and positive societal impact. Whether you are navigating personal change, leading teams in challenging environments, or passionate about protecting our planet, this conversation will equip you with practical insights and renewed energy to elevate your leadership and impact.   More about Leilani Raashida Henry: Leilani Raashida Henry is a seasoned facilitator, executive coach, leadership consultant and keynote speaker whose experience ranges from one-on-one leadership clients to large-scale dialogues and workshops in industries such as healthcare, finance, non-profit, academia, and small business. Her whole-brain strategies enable rapid individual and collective transformation. Like a network chiropractor, Leilani gently confronts obstacles that prevent optimal choice and change, and her experiential processes bring lightning speed results to touch challenges.  Leilani has over 25 years experience in the field of human resource and organizational development as a leading-edge architect influencing today's redesign of corporate learning experiences and environments. Throughout her in-house corporate career at Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Jones Intercable, and IDEA Champions, she implemented hundreds of workplace changes and redesign efforts that resulted in millions of dollars in savings for her organizations. Leilani has a Master's Degree in Education, Learning, and Human Resource Development Technology from St. Thomas University and a Cum Laude Graduate in Psychology from Spelman College. She created the 360 degree Leadership Vitality CheckUp and Brain Jewells® for 21st century leaders who need to easily connect intuition and logic; energy and information. In 2021, she published The Call of Antarctica: Exploring and Protecting Earth's Coldest Continent, a book about her father, George W. Gibbs, the first person of African descent to go to Antarctica.  Leilani specialises in small group coaching for cross-functional leadership teams to practice the skills of conflict resolution, authentic presence, mental fitness, and the vitality of leadership. Her lifetime of performing arts experience is integrated into her unique approach to leadership and learning. 

About this episode: In this deeply moving and inspiring Special Encore episode, Chris Cooper was joined by four extraordinary members of 'The Elevation Collective'—Molly Bedingfield, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, and Hilary Wilson—as they reflect on their recent journey to the Global Angels Tsavo Project in Kenya. Led by Global Angels founder Molly Bedingfield, the collective lived in remarkable clay eco-domes, learned about regenerative farming on a 26-acre permaculture farm, and witnessed both the challenges and hope within local communities. From carrying clean water to homes without plumbing, meeting children who rely on the charity for their only meals of the day, and seeing first-hand the transformative power of sustainable development—this was a journey that deeply touched the heart and stirred a strong call to action. Together, the group shared personal stories: of a child grasping a hand in trust, of water carried in broken buckets from dirty ponds, of resilience, ingenuity, and the joy of giving. They also speak to the deeper leadership lessons uncovered in moments of humility, connection, and service. This isn't just a story—it's an invitation. Everyone can be an Angel. Whether through donations, corporate involvement, or volunteering, your support can bring clean water, food, education, jobs, and dignity to those who need it most. To support Global Angels, contact [email protected] or visit Global Angels here.   More about this week's guests: Molly Bedingfield is the Founder and CEO of Global Angels Foundation and their International Project Director, founding Global Angels in 2004.  Over the course of a career spanning more than 35 years, Molly has been involved in business management, leadership development and mentoring; experiences that enable her to tailor her business-critical messages in a relevant way which can be practically applied by any organisation. Molly is also a social entrepreneur, executive coach and inspirational speaker, who helps audiences to practically navigate periods of transition and transformation in order to improve their personal and professional lives, create greater levels of impact and access their game-changing potential. Her perspective on transformational leadership and talent development is based firmly on real-life, practical experience, and communicated with charisma, passion and immense warmth through her inspirational keynote speeches. For many years she was practicing as a professional counsellor, psychotherapist and executive coach, working within the business and charity sectors. In the 1990's she was head teacher of two inner city schools working on pilot programs, reproducible in any culture. She worked closely with children, parents and teachers, experimenting with new models of education. Molly is the mother of four, talented singer/songwriters. International pop stars Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield have established successful solo careers, Nikola is an EMI Award nominee.   At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, was released February 28, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, is available on Spotify and Apple. When she isn't working with companies or individuals about the modern workplace, she can be found on the river, where she flyfishes.    Hilary Wilson is a transformational coach, facilitator, speaker, and emcee with over 35 years of experience helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential. Renowned for enabling deep transformation with speed and lightness, Hilary empowers leaders to grow sustainably from the inside out. She has worked with more than 65 FTSE 100 companies, designed and delivered over 900 bespoke leadership development programmes, and facilitated more than 10,000 hours of executive coaching. Her approach is grounded in extensive observation, interaction, and research with over 50,000 executives worldwide, enabling her to identify the most critical success factors and common barriers to growth. Drawing on this wealth of insight, Hilary has developed a rich suite of tools, strategies, methodologies, and metaphors that deliver tailored and transformational experiences. She believes that real, sustainable leadership growth comes not just from hard work, but from intentional inner work — and she makes that journey simpler, more engaging, and profoundly effective.  She has worked with 65 FTSE companies and an impressive range of Fortune 500 organisations.   Elisabet Vinberg Hearn is an international speaker, author, leadership & culture strategist and executive coach, specialising in impactful, future leadership, winning teams, culture transformation and business sustainability. She is co-founder of Think Solutions, and member of AI Forum Advisory Board. Elisabet holds an MBA in Leadership & Sustainability, has studied Sustainability Management at Cambridge University, and completed AI Strategy studies at MIT CSAIL. Together with Mandy Flint, Elisabet has co-authored several award-winning books, including The Leader's Guide to Impact (2019), Leading Teams: 10 Challenges, 10 Solutions (2015), The Team Formula (2013), and Supercharged Leader(2024). Their books provide actionable tools for leaders to navigate challenges, inspire teams, and create long-lasting organizational impact. With a 13-year career in senior leadership roles at American Express Europe, Elisabet brings a wealth of real-world experience to her work. She is also a celebrated speaker and thought leader, inspiring leaders worldwide to embrace innovative, sustainable practices for the future of work.    

About this episode: Join us for a powerful and deeply human conversation with Stevie Ward—keynote speaker, freedom coach, and former professional rugby league captain—who now dedicates his life to helping leaders and teams unlock extraordinary performance while experiencing deep, lasting wellbeing. Stevie's journey is anything but ordinary. Once a rugby star and captain living his boyhood dream with the Leeds Rhinos, winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and eventually captaining the side. But when a serious brain injury brought his playing career to an unexpected halt at just 27, he faced his toughest opponent yet—himself. Through that life-altering turning point, Stevie discovered a powerful truth: that real strength comes not just from physical prowess, but from presence, vulnerability, and radical self-awareness. During this interview we will discuss his hard-won insights that emerged from his personal reinvention and how to inspire outlandish team spirit, ignite purpose, and foster a freedom to be your absolute best.   More about Stevie Ward: Stevie Ward is a keynote speaker and freedom coach, helping leaders and teams unlock their highest levels of performance while experiencing deep, sustainable wellbeing. He grew up laughing at Ricky Gervais and Peter Kay, rocking out to Linkin Park and Nine Inch Nails, and living his childhood dream of playing for his beloved hometown team, the Leeds Rhinos—winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and eventually captaining the side. A brain injury brought his career to an early end at 27, creating space for a new mission: guiding teams and individuals through the authentic formula he's lived and developed—one that conjures outlandish levels of team spirit and the freedom to be your absolute best.  

About this epsiode: In this powerful episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper speaks with Brian Gallagher – former CEO of United Way Worldwide and current Founder of the Leargas Group – about one of today's most pressing questions: Is capitalism good? Drawing on a life journey from humble beginnings in a steel town to leading one of the world's most influential non-profits, they discuss insights on inequality, planetary health, and the urgent need to rebuild social capital in our digital age. With deep experience in systems thinking, impact investing, and philanthropy, Brian offers a rare, honest perspective on how we can realign economic models to serve both people and planet. This conversation isn't just about business – it's about humanity, purpose, and the kind of future we want to co-create. Essential listening for leaders, changemakers, and anyone committed to meaningful change.   More about Brian Gallagher:   Brian Gallagher is the Founder and CEO of the Leargas Group, an economic and social impact firm focused on creating social capital using digital technology, racial justice and equity, and impact investing. Gallagher co-founded the Abundance Circle. Working with a group of partners, the Abundance Circle led a design process to create a multi-sector approach to impact investing. The Abundance Circle is an initiative with the purpose of developing a true multi-stakeholder approach to collective impact, through systems thinking, using conscious capital, through a biomimicry lens, and putting people and planet at the center. Gallagher also co-founded Donorful. Donorful is a company working with commercial donor advised funds and wealth advisors and their clients to match their philanthropy with results-oriented non-profits and initiatives through an effective and trusted "Smart Network" of local United Ways and Community Foundations. Gallagher had a long career with United Way. He served as the United Way Worldwide CEO for 19 years. He is responsible for several advancements at United Way. He established new membership standards that required internal consistency and public transparency in financial reporting. Under Gallagher's leadership United Way became the largest privately supported non-profit in the world, and one of the non-profit sectors' most valuable brands. United Way is now active in 40 countries around the world as a single brand.

About this episode: In this uplifting episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper is joined by Luke Ketterhagen—yoga teacher, wellness guide, blueberry farmer, and faculty member at the Himalayan Institute. From a childhood in rural Wisconsin to studying under a Himalayan master, Luke has spent over two decades teaching yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques around the world. Chris and Luke explore how simple daily practices can transform anxiety into purposeful action, and why now—more than ever—we must tap into our innate tools to regulate our nervous systems, expand awareness, and contribute to a better world. Expect practical wisdom, experiential breathing, and reflections on community, culture, and the joy of picking blueberries. A heartfelt conversation on human potential and amplifying good. More about Luke Ketterhagen: Luke was raised in rural WI by his parents - a couple of ex hippies – an educator and a nurse. Their home was imbued with a passion for spirituality and wellness, driven by a longing to create a community of like-minded people.   This love of knowledge and all things natural was a catalyst for Luke.  After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical sciences from Marquette University, Luke immersed himself in the studies and practices of the Himalayan Tradition. He spent seven years in residence at the Himalayan Institute to study with his teacher, yoga and meditation master Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. This fueled Luke's passion to share this powerful knowledge with others. Trained in the yoga teacher program in August of 1999, Luke became part of the teaching faculty at the Himalayan Institute.     Luke and his wife, Kourtney proceeded to open yoga studios in Dallas, TX, the Hudson Valley in NY, and in Venice, CA, where they hosted traditional fire offerings (havan) to support the propagation of benevolent forces throughout the world.  Luke continued to travel and train teachers internationally, from the Grand Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic to Brussels and the UK.  Inspired by his first visit to India during the Maha Kumbha Mela, Luke founded Experience India, a cultural and spiritual excursion to help others to see outside of their world, expand their view, and create an understanding of the connection we have with people all over the world. A founding teacher on the platform, Luke has created content for YogaInternational.com since 2007 and has amassed a library of 100+ yoga classes, guided relaxations and meditations and workshops.    In addition to leading retreats at the Himalayan Institute, Luke facilitates yoga teacher training programs to help studios build community. His website, www.LukeKetterhagen.com has a relaxation you can download for free.    Luke and his wife Kourtney live on their organic blueberry farm in southwest Michigan. Each summer they help continue the family's 57 year legacy of delivering "little drops of blue medicine" to the world while their two young adult children attend college and strive towards their dreams.

More about this episode: In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Chris Cooper is joined by four extraordinary members of 'The Elevation Collective'—Molly Bedingfield, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, and Hilary Wilson—as they reflect on their recent journey to the Global Angels Tsavo Project in Kenya. Led by Global Angels founder Molly Bedingfield, the collective lived in remarkable earth and lime domes, learned about regenerative farming on a 26-acre permaculture farm, and witnessed both the challenges and hope within local communities. From carrying clean water to homes without plumbing, meeting children who rely on the charity for their only meals of the day, and seeing first-hand the transformative power of sustainable development—this was a journey that deeply touched the heart and stirred a strong call to action. Together, the group share personal stories: of a child grasping a hand in trust, of water carried in broken buckets from dirty ponds, of resilience, ingenuity, and the joy of giving. They also speak to the deeper leadership lessons uncovered in moments of humility, connection, and service. This isn't just a story—it's an invitation. Everyone can be an Angel. Whether through donations, corporate involvement, or volunteering, your support can bring clean water, food, education, jobs, and dignity to those who need it most. To support Global Angels, contact [email protected] or visit Global Angels Here.   More about this week's guests: Molly Bedingfield is the Founder and CEO of Global Angels Foundation and their International Project Director, founding Global Angels in 2004.  Over the course of a career spanning more than 35 years, Molly has been involved in business management, leadership development and mentoring; experiences that enable her to tailor her business-critical messages in a relevant way which can be practically applied by any organisation. Molly is also a social entrepreneur, executive coach and inspirational speaker, who helps audiences to practically navigate periods of transition and transformation in order to improve their personal and professional lives, create greater levels of impact and access their game-changing potential. Her perspective on transformational leadership and talent development is based firmly on real-life, practical experience, and communicated with charisma, passion and immense warmth through her inspirational keynote speeches. For many years she was practicing as a professional counsellor, psychotherapist and executive coach, working within the business and charity sectors. In the 1990's she was head teacher of two inner city schools working on pilot programs, reproducible in any culture. She worked closely with children, parents and teachers, experimenting with new models of education. Molly is the mother of four, talented singer/songwriters. International pop stars Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield have established successful solo careers, Nikola is an EMI Award nominee. At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, was released February 28, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, is available on Spotify and Apple. When she isn't working with companies or individuals about the modern workplace, she can be found on the river, where she flyfishes.  Hilary Wilson is a transformational coach, facilitator, speaker, and emcee with over 35 years of experience helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential. Renowned for enabling deep transformation with speed and lightness, Hilary empowers leaders to grow sustainably from the inside out. She has worked with more than 65 FTSE 100 companies, designed and delivered over 900 bespoke leadership development programmes, and facilitated more than 10,000 hours of executive coaching. Her approach is grounded in extensive observation, interaction, and research with over 50,000 executives worldwide, enabling her to identify the most critical success factors and common barriers to growth. Drawing on this wealth of insight, Hilary has developed a rich suite of tools, strategies, methodologies, and metaphors that deliver tailored and transformational experiences. She believes that real, sustainable leadership growth comes not just from hard work, but from intentional inner work — and she makes that journey simpler, more engaging, and profoundly effective.  She has worked with 65 FTSE companies and an impressive range of Fortune 500 organisations Elisabet Vinberg Hearn is an international speaker, author, leadership & culture strategist and executive coach, specialising in impactful, future leadership, winning teams, culture transformation and business sustainability. She is co-founder of Think Solutions, and member of AI Forum Advisory Board. Elisabet holds an MBA in Leadership & Sustainability, has studied Sustainability Management at Cambridge University, and completed AI Strategy studies at MIT CSAIL. Together with Mandy Flint, Elisabet has co-authored several award-winning books, including The Leader's Guide to Impact (2019), Leading Teams: 10 Challenges, 10 Solutions (2015), The Team Formula (2013), and Supercharged Leader(2024). Their books provide actionable tools for leaders to navigate challenges, inspire teams, and create long-lasting organizational impact. With a 13-year career in senior leadership roles at American Express Europe, Elisabet brings a wealth of real-world experience to her work. She is also a celebrated speaker and thought leader, inspiring leaders worldwide to embrace innovative, sustainable practices for the future of work.

About this episode: In this episode, Chris Cooper sits down with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to revolutionise the sportswear industry by becoming the most sustainable brand in the world. With over a decade of experience in sports and entertainment across the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Rory has built an impressive career specializing in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has worked with some of the biggest names in global sports, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, STC, and Red Bull. Before launching Reflo, Rory played a key role in developing the Icons Series, an innovative golf concept featuring some of the most legendary athletes on the planet. Beyond business, Rory is a passionate sports fan with a love for cricket, football, padel, and golf. A devoted supporter of Southampton FC and Sussex CCC, he finds his ultimate place of zen on the golf course. Join us as we dive into Rory's journey, the inspiration behind Reflo, and how he's transforming discarded plastic bottles into high-performance sportswear. We'll also discuss the challenges of sustainability in the apparel industry, the future of eco-friendly sports gear, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose in today's market.   More about Rory MacFadyen: Rory is the co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to change the sportswear game, by becoming the most sustainable sportswear brand in the world. Rory is a seasoned professional in the sports and entertainment industry, with a career spanning over a decade in the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia. His expertise lies in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has collaborated with prestigious rightsholders such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, and global brands like STC and Red Bull. Before starting Reflo, Rory was instrumental in developing the Icons Series, a new golf concept played by some of the most iconic athletes on the planet. As a passionate sports enthusiast, Rory has a deep love for cricket, football, padel, and golf, and proudly support Southampton FC and Sussex CCC. His ultimate place of zen is the golf course, where he finds true relaxation.