Impactful Conversations

In this mid-year reflection episode of Impactful Conversations, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander explore three of the biggest leadership challenges shaping 2026: leader burnout, leading in an AI-driven world, and the growing credibility gap between leaders and employees.Drawing on their work with organisations ranging from fast-growing scale-ups to global enterprises, Glenn and Nejmi unpack the realities leaders are facing today — rising stress levels, constant ambiguity, pressure to “do more with less,” and rapidly changing employee expectations.The conversation explores:Why burnout is becoming a systemic leadership issueThe impact of uncertainty on teams and decision-makingHow organisations can create more clarity and consistencyWhy human-centred leadership matters even more in the age of AIThe importance of self-awareness, feedback, and adaptable leadership stylesPractical ways leaders can reduce pressure, improve communication, and lead more intentionallyPacked with real-world insight, practical reflections, and actionable ideas, this episode is designed to help leaders navigate complexity while staying effective, human, and impactful.Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, Dr Glenn Wallis & Nejmi Alexader are joined by leadership expert Campbell MacPherson as they explore the transformative impact of AI on the future of work. They discuss three crucial scenarios every organisation must prepare for, and learn practical strategies to turn AI from a threat into a competitive advantage. With real-world insights and proven frameworks, Campbell reveals how leaders can embrace change, strengthen their strategic core, and cultivate curiosity to thrive in the AI-driven age. This conversation is perfect for leaders and change-makers eager to stay ahead, this episode is essential listening for navigating rapid technological shifts.Follow Campbell:⁠Campbell LinkedIn⁠Change and StrategyFollow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this Impactful Conversation episode Glenn and Nejmi are joined by Simon Hall, a Cambridge storytelling expert with over 20 years of broadcasting and teaching. In the conversation he reveals how mastering stories can transform leaders into unforgettable influencers. Whether you're pitching ideas, inspiring teams, or making data memorable, this episode shows you how to craft stories that stick and inspire action.From Simon’s personal journey from troublemaker to top Cambridge instructor to a story-driven leader, discover why storytelling is an instinctive human power we all possess—and how to refine it. We explore concrete tactics like starting with relevance, weaving emotional depth, and using story structures that captivate. Simon shares practical tips: create a story bank, practice relentlessly, and balance facts with feelings for maximum impact.You'll learn how storytelling can bridge arid environments like data-heavy sectors or academic settings that often lack emotional connection. Simon emphasises that everyone is a natural storyteller—it's a craft you can develop fast with intention. Leaders will discover when and how to integrate stories into meetings, pitches, and one-on-one conversations to elevate influence and foster loyalty.This episode is perfect for busy executives, team leaders, and communicators eager to stand out. If you're ready to make your messages unforgettable and inspire genuine change, Simon’s insights will give you all the tools to turn everyday moments into powerful stories that stick.Follow Simon:Simon LinkedInFollow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

This episode explores the concept of decision velocity in leadership, focusing on how leaders can optimise decision-making speed and quality amidst uncertainty and organisational pressures. It offers practical tools and frameworks to help leaders make better decisions at the right pace.Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this impactful conversation, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander engage with Cécile Cluitmans, a senior executive leader in a male-dominated engineering industry. Cécile shares her journey from a civil engineering trainee to a leader, discussing the challenges of proving her credibility as a woman in a male-dominated environment. She emphasises the importance of visibility, authenticity, and the need for sponsorship in career advancement. The discussion also touches on cultural perspectives on female leadership, the dynamics of female relationships in the workplace, and the necessity of building alliances and seeking mentorship for sustainable progress in gender equality.Follow Cécile:⁠⁠Cécile Linkedin⁠⁠Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode of Impactful Conversations, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nezhmi Alexander engage with Simon Hopper, a Director of Learning and Organisational Development, to explore the critical role of middle management in organisations. They discuss the challenges faced by middle managers, the importance of empowering them, and how to harness their institutional knowledge to drive organisational performance. The conversation emphasises the need for self-awareness, the impact of leadership, and the legacy that leaders leave behind. Simon shares insights on creating a high-performance culture and the significance of developing effective support systems for middle managers.Follow Simon:⁠Simon Linkedin⁠Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, Nejmi Alexander and Dr. Glenn Wallis explore the concept of delegated authority within organisations. They discuss the importance of creating opportunities for leadership, the role of trust and control in delegation, and the necessity of setting clear expectations. The conversation highlights the fragility of delegated authority and the risks involved, emphasising the need for leaders to foster a culture of trust and learning. They also touch on how team members can effectively step into their roles and the importance of proactive communication in leadership development.Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, Nejmi Alexander and Dr. Glenn Wallis explore the evolving landscape of leadership, emphasising the importance of adaptability and self-awareness in navigating the complexities of modern work environments. They discuss the significance of stepping in and stepping out of leadership roles, the impact of identity on leadership styles, and the necessity for leaders to empower their teams while maintaining a clear direction. The dialogue highlights the need for leaders to reflect on their contributions and the dynamics within their teams to foster growth and effectiveness.Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode of Impactful Conversations, Glenn and Nejmi are joined by Amy Baxendale, a global people and workforce leader, to explore what leadership really means in a skills-powered, AI-enabled world.Drawing on over 20 years’ experience across talent, leadership development and workforce transformation, Amy shares practical insights into what it takes to build a skills-powered organisation and, crucially, the leadership mindset required to make it work. Together, they unpack why this shift is less about technology and more about people, culture, and letting go of traditional ideas around roles, hierarchy and control.The conversation explores how leaders can navigate key paradoxes such as stability versus agility, human-centred leadership alongside digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making balanced with human judgement. Amy also reflects on the growing impact of AI on leadership, addressing fears of obsolescence, the importance of psychological safety, and why ethical, empathetic leadership is becoming more critical than ever.Whether your organisation is actively moving towards a skills-based model or you are simply looking to lead more effectively in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers thoughtful, practical guidance on how leaders can create the conditions for people and organisations to thrive.Follow Amy:Amy LinkedinFollow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

Happy New Year to all our listeners, we hope you had a fantastic festive break and are ready to take on 2026.In the first episode of 2026, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander discuss the evolving landscape of leadership as they enter a new year. They emphasise the importance of creating space for introspection, the distinction between productivity and impact, and the necessity of being present and intentional in leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in leadership, and the idea of systemic leadership as an operating system for organisations. The hosts encourage leaders to embrace their identity and focus on developing their teams for greater impact.Follow Glenn:⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode, part 2 of 2, Nejmi and Dr. Glenn Wallis reflect on the key themes from the year, focusing on strategic clarity and transformation as essential leadership disciplines. They discuss the importance of aligning organisational strategy with team objectives, the need for effective communication, and the role of adaptability in driving change. The conversation emphasises the human element of leadership and the necessity for leaders to foster an environment of trust and support during times of transformation.Follow Glenn:⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, a part 1 of 2, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander discuss the evolving nature of leadership, emphasising the importance of viewing team members as human beings rather than mere resources. They highlight the shift in power dynamics and cultural expectations that leaders face today, advocating for a more human-centered approach to leadership to enhance performance and engagement.Follow Glenn:⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠Follow Nejmi:⁠Nejmi LinkedInWe would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode of Impactful Conversations, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander chat with Justine Whitaker to explore the intricacies of building high performance cultures within organisations. They discuss the importance of sustainability in performance, adaptability, resilience, and the role of continuous learning. The conversation emphasises that culture is a collective responsibility and should be measured through various qualitative and quantitative metrics. Justine shares insights on leadership behaviours that foster a thriving culture and the significance of addressing both positive and negative behaviours within the workplace.Follow Justine:Justine LinkedInxOrdinary WebsiteFollow Glenn:Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Exigence WebsiteFollow Nejmi:Nejmi LinkedInLieutenant General David Morrison SpeechWe would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, Nejmi Alexander and Dr. Glenn Wallis engage with CJ Bedford, Chief People Officer at Eton Bridge, to explore the intricacies of building high performing cultures. CJ shares insights from his diverse career, including lessons learned from military service, the importance of purpose and empowerment in organisations, and the delicate balance between performance and culture, especially in a private equity context. The discussion also delves into the role of technology in enhancing human interactions and sustaining high performance over time, emphasising the need for leaders to trust their intuition while being aware of their biases.Follow CJ:CJ LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-bedford-2b1739b/Follow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

This conversation delves into the intricacies of building high performing teams, emphasising the importance of self-inquiry for leaders, understanding team contexts, and fostering trust. The discussion highlights the significance of participation levels, the necessity of challenging conversations, and practical tools for leaders to enhance team dynamics and performance.Follow Patrick:Patrick LI: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickballin/Follow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode of Impactful Conversations, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander engage with Rachael, an expert in building high performing teams. Rachael shares her extensive background in HR and leadership, emphasising the importance of values, diversity, and intentional leadership development. The conversation explores the key ingredients for creating high performing teams, the observable behaviours that indicate high performance, and the necessity of fostering a safe environment for growth. Rachael highlights that leadership is a continuous journey that requires commitment and adaptability, ultimately leading to a culture of high performance within teams.Follow Rachael:Rachael LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-howell-0b300125/Follow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi discuss the intricacies of building and sustaining high performing teams. They explore the challenges leaders face, the importance of trust and team dynamics, and practical strategies for fostering a high performance culture. The conversation emphasises the need for proactive leadership, continuous improvement, and the significance of team cohesion, especially in virtual settings.Follow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, Nejmi and Dr. Glenn Wallis explore the transition from traditional performance management to a performance culture that emphasises ongoing development and engagement. They discuss insights from previous guests, the importance of ownership in performance, the ROI of investing in people, and the need for regular, meaningful conversations between leaders and their teams.Follow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation, the host of Impactful Conversation, Dr Glenn P Wallis and Nejmi Alexander talk with Avril Somerville a highly successful talent development specialist. Avril discusses a radical new approach to performance management that focuses on self-actualisation and enhancing employee performance rather than merely managing it.In this conversation, Avril Somerville talks to us about the essential skills and emotional intelligence required for effective leadership. She emphasises the importance of creating smarter conversations within teams and how a structured leadership framework can support succession planning.Follow Avril:Avril LI: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/avrilsomervilletraining⁠Follow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode of Impactful Conversations, Dr Glenn P Wallis & Nejmi Alexander talk with Keith Antoine, a high-performance coach, discusses the essence of performance in organisations, emphasising the importance of development alongside performance. They emphasise the need for leaders to practice their conversational skills consistently, preparing effectively without over-scripting, and focusing on being present during discussions. Take a listen to find out more about what Keith and the hosts have to say. Follow Keith:Keith LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-antoine-4b15694/ Keith Website: https://www.realthought.co.ukFollow Glenn:Glenn LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠⁠Exigence Website: ⁠⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠Follow Nejmi:Nejmi LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠⁠ We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

Dr. Glenn P. Wallis and Nejmi explore the intricacies of goal setting in leadership, emphasising the importance of setting meaningful, challenging yet achievable goals that drive results. They discuss the pitfalls of prioritising easy tasks over impactful ones, the need for alignment within teams, and the significance of engaging team members in the process. The conversation highlights the effectiveness of measurement tools such as KPIs, OKRs, the Balanced Scorecard, and North Star metrics, stressing the necessity of monitoring goals to ensure they remain relevant and motivating. They also underscore the value of stretch goals that inspire teams while cautioning against the risks of overloading with too many objectives. Ultimately, they advocate for cohesive goal-setting strategies that align with the broader organisational purpose and are validated through clear metrics and team engagement.Follow Glenn: Glenn LI: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/⁠ Exigence Website: ⁠http://www.exigence.co⁠Follow Nejmi: Nejmi LI: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/⁠Join our hosts Dr Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander, along with fellow business leaders, for the first in our new series of leadership round tables, check out the sign up link here.We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this conversation Glenn and Nejmi discuss how to set up for success in the year ahead by setting yourself goals that are realistic and achievable. They explore why setting intentions can be perhaps be more effective than traditional goal setting.Follow Glenn: Glenn LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpwallis/ Exigence Website: http://www.exigence.coFollow Nejmi: Nejmi LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careeryse/We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode Dr Glenn P Wallis & Nejmi Alexander converse with Dr Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR, about how to implement strategy successfully into your team.

In this conversation hosts Nejmi Alexander and Dr Glenn P Wallis unpack the hidden side of leadership—the unconscious attitudes, behaviours, and patterns that influence how leaders act under pressure.

In this conversation hosts Nejmi Alexander and Dr Glenn P Wallis unpack strategies to minimise risks in organisational transformation. Our hosts share insights on navigating change effectively, from managing communication to aligning teams for a successful transition. Perfect for leaders ready to transform with confidence and foresight.