PODCAST · business
The Leadership Enigma
by Adam Pacifico
For 30 years I've uncovered the best and worst of human behaviour and endeavour.Now it's time to truly understand what we mean by leadership in a chaotic world. I've delivered live events to over 60,000 around the world as a leadership expert, author, opinion columnist and barrister. Each week I'll explore the power and potential of the human being with global experts, academics, rising stars, ambitious upstarts and disruptors across sectors, disciplines and geographies as we explore 'The Leadership Enigma.'Whether you are an entrepreneur, business owner or seasoned corporate executive, this show will uncover the tools, techniques, strategies and lessons learned to catapult your leadership capabilities in preparation for success in a constantly changing landscape. The Leadership Enigma is an award winning globally ranked show powered by LaunchPod Studios. www.leadersenigma.comYouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@theleadersenigma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info
Episodes
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The 27-Year-Old Behind the Empire | Benjy Leslie
What does it really take to build a high-performance business while creating a culture where people actually want to work? In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico is joined by Benjy Leslie, the 27-year-old CEO of Connect Management, for a conversation about leadership, culture,...
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The Future of Leadership Is Human | John on AI, Talent & Performance
What does it really take to lead people effectively in a world of AI, constant change and increasing pressure to perform? In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico is joined by John for a wide-ranging conversation about human-centred leadership, sustainable performance, talent and…
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From Arctic Survival to Russian Prison | Charlie Walker
What can extreme adventure teach us about leadership, resilience and being truly present? In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico sits down with explorer and adventure travel writer Charlie Walker, whose extraordinary journeys have taken him more than 100,000 kilometres across the...
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From Crime to Guinness World Record Holder: Dave Thomas
In this powerful episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico sits down with Dave Thomas former firefighter, Guinness World Record memory champion, keynote speaker, executive presentation coach and bestselling author for an honest conversation about resilience, leadership and personal...
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Why Great Leaders Put People Before Profit | James Burstall
What does it take to build a global creative business that thrives through disruption? In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico is joined by James Burstall, CEO and Founder of Argonon Group and author of The Flexible Method. James shares the leadership lessons he's learned from...
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From Fighter Pilot to Airport CEO: How John Ackerman Is Transforming LAX Before the 2028 Olympics
What does it take to lead one of the most iconic airports on earth while rebuilding it from the ground up with the Olympics two years away? In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico sits down with John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, the organisation behind LAX a…
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Building the World's First Electric Air Taxi | Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson
Electric air taxis flying over London by 2029? It's closer than you think. Adam Pacifico sits down with Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace the British company that just became one of only two in the world to achieve full aircraft transition (taking off like a helicopter, flying like a…
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Human Centered Leadership | Angela Cretu & Tiger Tyagarajan
As AI gets smarter, does human leadership become less important or more? In this landmark episode of The Leadership Enigma, host Adam Pacifico launches the first-ever Global Human Centered Leadership Index, joined by two exceptional former CEOs: Angela Cretu (former Global CEO, Avon Cosmetics)…
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Executive Eats: The Science of Eating & Cooking Your Way to Better Leadership
Could your diet be holding back your leadership performance? In this one-of-a-kind episode, host Adam Pacifico is joined by executive educator and author Adam Kingl for a live cooking demonstration a first in 300 episodes of The Leadership Enigma. Adam's new book Executive Eats, co-authored with...
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Leading Through War | Maryna Pavliuk
What does real leadership look like when your team is working through blackouts, missile strikes, and the daily uncertainty of war? In this powerful episode of The Leadership Enigma, host Adam Pacifico sits down with Maryna Pavliuk, General Manager of Glovo Ukraine a delivery platform that became...
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Leading Tennis Integrity | Karen Moorhouse
In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico sits down with Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the International Tennis Integrity Agency, to explore the challenges of protecting integrity in one of the world's biggest sports. From high-profile anti-doping cases involving top-ranked players to the...
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AI Won’t Wait And Neither Should Leaders
AI is moving faster than most organisations can adapt but what does that actually mean for leadership, workforce capability, and real business impact? In this episode of The Leadership Enigma Podcast, Adam Pacific sits down with Sanjay Dutt, SVP & Global Head of HR Centres of Excellence, to…
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Leading In A Warzone | Yuriy Ryzhenkov
What happens when leadership is tested in the most extreme conditions imaginable? In this powerful episode of The Leadership Enigma, we sit down with Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest, to explore what it truly means to lead in a war zone. From navigating life-or-death decisions to keeping…
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The Longevity Risk | Annie Coleman
We’re living longer than ever before… but businesses are still built for a world that no longer exists. In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacifico sits down with longevity expert Annie Coleman to unpack one of the biggest hidden risks facing organisations today. 💡 Key topics: Why...
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AI Won’t Save You… Unless You Do This First | Ashok Ramchandran
AI isn’t just a tool it’s a complete rethink of how we work. In this episode, we go beyond the buzzwords and break down what AI really means for leaders today. From re-engineering processes to building future-ready organisations, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about…
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AI Will Replace You… Unless You Do This First | Shaji Mathews
AI isn’t coming… it’s already here. In this episode, we sit down with a global CXO leading a 300,000+ workforce across 60 countries to break down what it really takes to build an AI-ready organisation. From completely reshaping business models to retraining entire workforces, this conversation...
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Building a Gas Empire | Raj Kumar
In this episode, we sit down with Raj Kumar, former leader at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and now founder of his own gas company, to unpack the real behaviours required to operate at CXO level. This isn’t theory. This is lived experience from the energy sector — one of the most...
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Decoding The World! | Ozan Ozkural
🚨 Attention Leaders, Executives & Entrepreneurs! 🚨 The world is changing faster than ever AI, quantum computing, geopolitical battles, inflation, and global crises are reshaping everything. In this exclusive session, we break down: ✅ The human condition in leadership: fear, greed, and...
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Manjul Tilak | Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI | Why HR Must Lead the Mindset Shift
In this episode, we talk about why organisations that don’t adapt to AI risk falling behind, and how HR can lead one of the most important transformations organisations are facing today. From storytelling and humility in leadership to real, practical AI use cases within HR 💡, this conversation...
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Let Leaders Lead: Why Comfort Is Killing Capability at Work | Lisa Bodell
Leaders today are expected to provide endless support, flexibility, and comfort — yet leadership burnout is at an all-time high. In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Adam Pacific is joined by leadership expert Lisa Vidal for a powerful, honest conversation about what’s really broken at work....
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HR Keeps You Out of Jail | But That’s Not the Real Job | Athelie Williams
HR has two roles: keep the business out of jail and unlock human performance. In this powerful conversation, Ashley Williams (former CHRO of BT Group and BHP) explains what truly matters for HR leaders during periods of growth and transformation. We discuss: - Why HR must be a business function,...
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AI Is Changing Every Career | Reinvent Yourself or Be Left Behind 🚀🤖 | Vikram Bector
Today, I’m joined by Vikram Bector, a seasoned business leader with decades of experience navigating change at the highest levels. The world of work is changing faster than ever 🌍⚡ From AI and automation to mindset shifts and career reinvention, every profession is being disrupted. In this...
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Podium to boardroom | Adrian Moorhouse | 242
Dive into this powerful episode of The Leadership Enigma as Olympic gold medallist and world-record-breaking swimmer Adrian Moorhouse opens up about the mindset, failures, resilience, and leadership lessons that shaped both his sporting greatness and his business success. From being bullied at...
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Ep 241: Fearless & Unfiltered | Jessica Sweetman
British singer-songwriter Jessica Sweetman shares her incredible story of resilience, creativity, and leading with authenticity. From busking in Soho and performing in jazz clubs at 16, to squatting inside a Nashville record label until they offered her a deal, Jessica’s fearless pursuit of her...
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240: Weed Empire | Adam Bierman
Adam Bierman—co-founder of MedMen—shares how a desperate, all-in bet on a federally illegal, unlicensed Venice Beach shop in 2010 became the world’s most recognized cannabis brand, with Apple-style stores from Beverly Hills to Fifth Avenue and a multibillion valuation. A dingy dispensary doing...
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239: From Hype to Action | Sam Burman
Leaders are rushing into AI—but many treat it like another IT program. In this episode, Sam Burman, Global Managing Partner for Frontier Tech at Heidrick & Struggles, shares practical steps to activate AI without losing the human system at the heart of every organization. We cover why the CEO…
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238: Switch Off to Switch On | Dr James Hewitt
Dr James Hewitt is a Human Performance Scientist, speaker, and author. James combines first-hand experience as a full-time racing cyclist with ground-breaking work and research, proven on Formula 1 tracks and with Fortune 500 companies, to provide actionable, inspiring, science-backed insights at...
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237: From CEO to PIP - Anne Chow
In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, Anne Chow — former CEO of AT&T Business, Independent Board Director, author of Lead Bigger, and one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business — shares her extraordinary journey and lessons on leadership, transformation, and purpose. Listeners will…
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236: The Anthropology of a Leader - Khairunnisa Mohamedali
In this episode of The Leadership Enigma, I am joined by Dr. Khairunnisa Mohamedali, a social scientist with over ten years of experience in organisational culture, innovation and human-centred design. Together, they uncover why anthropology — the study of people in their contexts — is one of the...
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235: Leading London: Karen Burns: Eyes in the sky | Episode 10
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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234: Leading London: Michelle Andrew: The Power of Vulnerability | Episode 9
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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233: Leading London: Katerina Cabolis: From Lab to Hackathon | Episode 8
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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232: Leading London: Tobias Crosbie: A Modern Dad | Episode 7
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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231: Leading London: Paul Gibbs: Don’t ask, don’t get | Episode 6
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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230: Leading London: Rob Leigh-Bramwell: British, Hand Made | Episode 5
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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229: Leading London: Jose Paris: Bouncing Back | Episode 4
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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228: Leading London: Ben Jaconelli: Supercar to E bike | Episode 3
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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227: Leading London: Sarah Skelton: Relentless | Episode 2
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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226: Leading London: Diptesh Patel: The Humble CEO | Episode 1
Leading London is a series of interviews with founders, entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders all making an impact in London and beyond. The interviews were filmed at Vorboss (the internet for London business) during Tech Week from their new offices overlooking Liverpool Street. In this episode I...
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The Human Centred Medic - Iris Loew-Friedrich
In this powerful episode of The Leadership Enigma, I am joined by Iris Loew-Friedrich, former Chief Medical Officer at UCB and current global board advisor, for a deeply human and honest conversation about leadership in an uncertain, fast-moving world. Iris flew to London specially for this...
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224: Being mum to Myles Lewis-Skelly: Marcia Lewis
What does it take to raise a football star while staying grounded in love, learning and loyalty? In this powerful and personal episode, I sit down with Marcia Lewis, proud mum and agent to Myles Lewis-Skelly—Arsenal and England’s 18-year-old sensation and one of the most talked-about young…
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223: Being Basil Fawlty | Adam Jackson-Smith
What happens when John Cleese personally selects you to play Basil Fawlty in the West End revival of one of the most iconic sitcoms in TV history? If you're Adam Jackson-Smith, you say yes… and then quietly panic. In this special episode of The Leadership Enigma, we go behind the curtain with the...
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222: Olivier Award for 'Giant' | Mark Rosenblatt
In this powerful and timely episode, Adam sits down with Olivier Award-winning director-turned-writer Mark Rosenblatt, the creative force behind Giant, the searing and sensational play that explores the genius and the darkness of Roald Dahl. Starring the legendary John Lithgow—who also took home…
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221: Tariffs, wars, inflation & money | Tom Stevenson
In this episode, I am joined by Tom Stevenson – Investment Director at Fidelity, respected columnist, and broadcaster – for a wide-ranging and brutally honest look at the global economic storm we’re all trying to navigate. From tariffs and Trump to inflation, war, and AI-driven disruption, Tom...
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220: Why I bought a football club | Spencer Gore
In this powerful episode, I welcome Spencer Gore, the dynamic CEO of Gorely Group and owner of Chelmsford City FC. A serial entrepreneur with seven ventures under his belt, Spencer shares the raw truths of leadership, innovation, and purpose-led business. 💡 Key takeaways for leaders and...
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219: The Accidental CEO | Josh White
In this raw and powerful episode, Adam sits down with Josh White, the accidental CEO and co-founder of Cano Water – the eco-conscious drinks brand shaking up the industry. Josh opens up about his journey from addiction, ADHD, and mental health struggles to building a brand that’s now selling 15+...
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218: The Dean of Dumbassery - Garry Ridge
The Dean of Dumbassery Returns to The Leadership Enigma In this energising episode, Garry Ridge, former Chairman & CEO of WD-40 (yep, that iconic blue and yellow can with a red top), returns to the Leadership Enigma – flying in from the West Coast to London just for this chat! 🔥 Garry shares...
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217: Reflections of a CEO: Tiger Tyagarajan
In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the remarkable leadership journey of Tiger Tyagarajan, former CEO of Genpact, who led the company from a humble team of 20 to a global powerhouse of 130,000 employees with over $5 billion in revenue. Tiger's story is one of curiosity, humility,...
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216: Branding the Iconic - Charl Bassil
Charl Bassil is the BBC’s first-ever Chief Brand Officer, tasked with developing a unified brand strategy to engage global audiences, strengthen loyalty, and drive digital growth. With a background in marketing and leadership, Charl, originally from South Africa, brings a fresh, external...
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215: To Infinity & Beyond | Kelly Latimer
Kelly Latimer is no ordinary pilot. A former NASA, Virgin Galactic, and Boeing test pilot—and a combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan—Kelly has spent her career navigating high-stakes environments, from military command to the outer edges of space. As Virgin Galactic’s first female…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
For 30 years I've uncovered the best and worst of human behaviour and endeavour.Now it's time to truly understand what we mean by leadership in a chaotic world. I've delivered live events to over 60,000 around the world as a leadership expert, author, opinion columnist and barrister. Each week I'll explore the power and potential of the human being with global experts, academics, rising stars, ambitious upstarts and disruptors across sectors, disciplines and geographies as we explore 'The Leadership Enigma.'Whether you are an entrepreneur, business owner or seasoned corporate executive, this show will uncover the tools, techniques, strategies and lessons learned to catapult your leadership capabilities in preparation for success in a constantly changing landscape. The Leadership Enigma is an award winning globally ranked show powered by LaunchPod Studios. www.leadersenigma.comYouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@theleadersenigma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info
HOSTED BY
Adam Pacifico
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Leadership Enigma have?
The Leadership Enigma currently has 263 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Leadership Enigma about?
For 30 years I've uncovered the best and worst of human behaviour and endeavour.Now it's time to truly understand what we mean by leadership in a chaotic world. I've delivered live events to over 60,000 around the world as a leadership expert, author, opinion columnist and barrister. Each week I'll...
How often does The Leadership Enigma release new episodes?
The Leadership Enigma publishes regularly with 263 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Leadership Enigma?
You can listen to The Leadership Enigma on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Leadership Enigma?
The Leadership Enigma is created and hosted by Adam Pacifico.
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