The Power Between

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Gary Cookson, Author of book “The Squeezed Middle” and expert in people management and hybrid work. Gary is the Director of EPIC, where he helps customers with Learning and development, Human resources, Organizational design, Business transformation, & Digital delivery. Gary shares his career journey of over 25 years, focused on improving work environments and supporting middle managers. He discusses the importance of clear role definitions for middle managers, the challenges they face, and the need for organizations to provide better support and development. Gary also emphasizes how middle managers can drive change, foster trust, and improve organizational culture through coaching, empathy, and visible labor.Gary explains how his work focuses on helping organizations improve the role of middle managers, especially in today’s changing work environment. He shares how clear role definitions, strong relationships, and emotional intelligence can help middle managers navigate complexity and support their teams. Gary emphasizes the importance of building trust, managing performance fairly, and reducing ambiguity. He also highlights how consistent development, open communication, and recognizing the invisible work of managers lead to improved productivity and a stronger organizational culture.Key Topics:-Career Journey in People Management: How Gary’s 25+ years of experience shaped his focus on improving work environments and supporting middle managers.-The Squeezed Middle: Why middle managers are critical to bridging gaps in organizations and driving culture, productivity, and change.-Navigating Hybrid Work: How hybrid work presents both opportunities and challenges for managers and organizations.-The Value of Emotional Intelligence: Why empathy, reflection, and coaching are essential for middle managers to succeed.-Clarifying Middle Manager Roles: How defining clear roles and responsibilities for middle managers improves focus, reduces pressure, and drives better outcomes.📘Learn more about the challenges and strategies for supporting middle managers in Gary’s book, “The Squeezed Middle”.👉Grab your copy today: https://amzn.eu/d/0fa7zwZz Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:53] Gary's journey into writing books on work culture[04:13] The tension around middle management in organizations[07:58] Defining clear roles for middle managers in organizations[09:44] Building upward influencing skills for middle managers[12:26] Case studies of organizations that fail to support middle managers[15:38] How middle managers can prevent organizational breakdown[17:47] The role of middle managers in managing change effectively[21:41] Storytelling and its value for middle managers in conveying messages[24:06] The potential of AI to assist middle managers with routine tasks[29:26] Shifting middle management focus towards coaching and mentoring[31:24] The duality of middle management satisfaction[33:22] The challenge of realistic expectations for middle managers[35:05] The role of senior leaders in shaping middle management success📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB 👉 The Squeezed Middle - https://amzn.eu/d/064Keg8w Follow our guest, Gary Cookson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garycookson/Follow our Guest’s Company, EPIC:EPIC:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epichr/Website: https://epichr.co.uk/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on people management and leadership during change. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Jo Hoggarth, People & Talent Director at Cloud Gateway. Jo shares her journey from starting her career in recruitment to working in HR and learning and development within the tech industry. She discusses the importance of strong culture and people development, especially in a growing company. Jo explains how leadership, transparency, and feedback are essential to creating a positive environment, and why supporting managers through change and encouraging ownership of culture are crucial for long-term success.Jo explains how her role at Cloud Gateway focuses on building a strong company culture while managing growth. She shares how clear communication, collaboration, and transparency help maintain trust and morale during change. Jo highlights the importance of supporting managers, ensuring they have the tools to lead effectively, and fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed. She also emphasizes the value of investing in development, creating leadership opportunities, and maintaining a focus on culture to keep teams motivated and aligned.Key Topics:-Career Journey in People and Talent: How Jo’s transition from recruitment to HR and people development shaped her focus on culture and leadership.-Building a Strong Company Culture: Why collaboration, transparency, and feedback are key to maintaining a positive culture during company growth.-Supporting Managers Through Change: How equipping managers with the right tools and guidance helps them lead effectively during periods of growth.-Feedback and Development: Why regular feedback, coaching, and learning opportunities are essential to fostering growth and engagement.-Managing Growth and Stability: How maintaining a balance between growth, process improvements, and company culture ensures long-term success.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:07] Jo shares her career journey and transition into HR[03:04] The shift from startup to scale-up at Cloud Gateway[05:58] Supporting leadership through change and growth[08:15] How middle managers contribute to company culture[14:11] Developing managers and leaders through structured training[18:11] Feedback culture and creating psychological safety[21:37] Leading by example and encouraging ownership of culture[25:36] The challenge of delegation as the company grows[27:19] Preparing for scaling challenges as Cloud Gateway grows[30:02] Balancing growth with maintaining a positive culture📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Jo Hoggarth:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-hoggarth-7a0064113/Follow our Guest’s Company, Cloud Gateway:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudgateway/Website: https://www.cloudgateway.co.uk/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on building strong cultures and leading through growth. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Charlotte Lamb, Head of Talent and People at Togather and Mentor at Femme Palette UK. Charlotte shares her journey from studying theatre and aiming to become an actress to building a career in recruitment, HR, and people leadership. She explains how creative industries shaped her path and how strong culture, trust, and clear processes help growing teams succeed. Charlotte also discusses managing teams in fast growing startups, supporting middle managers, and working with freelancers in the events industry while keeping people engaged, supported, and connected to the business.Charlotte explains how her work focuses on building strong culture and people practices in a fast growing events business. She shares how clear processes, fairness, and transparency help reduce anxiety and build trust within teams. Charlotte highlights the importance of giving middle managers ownership, listening to their ideas, and helping them grow through mentoring and real responsibility. She also discusses the challenges of managing freelancers in the events industry and why trust, clear expectations, and strong hiring decisions help teams deliver successful events.Key Topics:-Career Path from Theatre to People Leadership: How Charlotte’s early interest in acting and theatre helped build confidence, communication skills, and a foundation for her career in recruitment, HR, and people leadership.-Building Culture in a Growing Startup: Why clear processes, fairness, and transparency help teams stay engaged and reduce uncertainty in a fast growing business.-Supporting Middle Managers: How giving managers ownership, trust, and responsibility helps them grow while strengthening team performance.-Working with Freelancers in the Events Industry: Why hiring the right freelance talent and building good relationships with them is essential for delivering successful events.-Balancing Flexibility and Structure: How startups must experiment and evolve processes while gradually building rituals and systems that support long term growth.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:37] Charlotte’s theatre background and career journey into people roles[03:56] Working in creative industries and finding purpose in events[10:06] Growing Togather from a small startup to a 50 person team[11:07] The events industry cycle and managing busy seasons[13:11] Creating space, rhythm, and structure in fast paced teams[14:52] Why rituals, fairness, and process matter in growing companies[17:20] The benefits of working in a 30 to 50 person company[20:58] Managing freelancers and building relationships in events[27:13] Supporting managers who lead freelancers and project teams[36:22] Building trust and listening to middle managers[38:48] Mentoring, learning from others, and developing leaders📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Charlotte Lamb:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-lamb-23b04090/ Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Femme Palette UK:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-palette-uk/ Website: https://www.femmepalette.com/ - Togather:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/togatherevents/ Website: https://togather.com/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more conversations on people leadership, culture, and building strong teams in growing businesses. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Miles Bonell, Fractional HR Consultant at Milo, Fractional Head of People & Culture at CARPENTE Architecture and Traffic Label Limited, working with growing businesses on people strategy and culture. Miles shares his journey from recruitment into senior roles at companies such as Tesco and Amazon before moving into consultancy. He reflects on the differences between large corporate structures and fast moving startups, and explains how red tape, culture, and decision making affect motivation and impact. Miles also explores the gap in people management training, the importance of feedback, and why learning, leadership, and genuine care for people are essential for strong performance and long term success.Miles explains how his work as an HR consultant focuses on helping businesses build strong people practices from the ground up. He shares how large organizations like Amazon rely on structure and layered decision making, while smaller companies move faster but place more pressure on individual managers. Miles highlights the gap in people management training and why many managers are promoted without being taught how to lead. He also discusses the value of regular feedback, simple performance reviews, and learning by doing. Throughout the conversation, he shows how clear processes, honest conversations, and genuine care for people can improve engagement, retention, and results.Key Topics:-Career Path from Recruitment to Consultancy: How Miles moved from recruitment into senior roles at Tesco and Amazon before launching his own HR consultancy.-Big Corporates Versus Startups: The contrast between layered decision making in global firms and the fast moving, high ownership culture of smaller businesses.-The Reality of Middle Management: Why many managers work within strict structures and have limited strategic control.-The People Management Skills Gap: How managers are promoted without training and why coaching, feedback, and engagement skills matter.-Building Feedback and Learning Cultures: How simple one to ones, annual reviews, and honest conversations improve retention, motivation, and performance.👉 Explore all of Amazon’s Leadership Principles here: https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/our-workplace/leadership-principles Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:25] Introduction and Miles’ HR consultancy journey[03:53] From recruitment to Tesco, Amazon, and consultancy[07:11] Big corporates versus startups and pace of change[09:08] Amazon culture and leadership principles[16:17] Recruiting for people management versus technical skill[19:19] The gap in people management training[22:20] Learning, leadership, and the three Ls[36:18] Building feedback culture and simple annual reviews[40:12] Closing reflections and future topics📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Miles Bonell:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesbonell/ Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Milo:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milohr/  Website: https://www.milohr.com/- CARPENTE Architecture:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carpentearchitecture/ Website: https://carpentearchitecture.com/ - Traffic Label Limited:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traffic-label-limited/ Website: https://www.trafficlabel.com/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on leadership, people management, and building strong workplace cultures. Share your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Amanda Arrowsmith FCIPD, Executive Director, People & OD at the Royal British Legion, Founder of Sisterhood of Women and a Non-Executive Director of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). She is also a doctoral candidate at the University of the West of England. Amanda shares her 30 year career in HR and organizational change, from starting in the civil service and moving into interim transformation roles across sectors including law, construction, pharmaceuticals, and transport. She talks about purpose driven organizations, the changing expectations of different generations at work, and why middle managers are the secret source of successful change. Amanda also reflects on leadership, culture, and the small daily habits that can improve performance, wellbeing, and long term impact.Amanda shares how her work focuses on helping organizations manage change through people, culture, and behaviour. She explains that many businesses struggle to balance performance, purpose, and the needs of a multigenerational workforce. Amanda highlights the importance of middle managers, calling them the secret source of successful change, and stresses the need to give them space, trust, and practical tools. She also reflects on how leaders can build stronger connections by understanding the real impact of their work and by creating time to pause and reflect. By focusing on small daily habits and clear purpose, Amanda shows how organizations can improve engagement, wellbeing, and long term results.Key Topics:-People Led Transformation: How Amanda supports organizations through change by focusing on culture, behaviour, and the people side of strategy.-Purpose and Performance: Why linking daily work to a clear purpose helps improve engagement, shareholder value, and long term impact.-Generations at Work: How shifting expectations across age groups are changing views on flexibility, output, and leadership.-Power of the Middle: Why middle managers are the secret source of successful change and need trust, space, and the right tools.-Small Habits, Big Impact: How simple daily reflection and disciplined routines can reduce burnout, build resilience, and improve wellbeing and results.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:23] Amanda’s career journey into HR[04:59] Studying for a DBA and returning to education[09:38] Generational shifts and changing expectations at work[14:06] From Personnel to People: how the role has evolved[16:39] The Royal British Legion and its evolving community[20:25] Commercial lessons from pharmaceuticals and shareholder value[27:01] Middle managers as the secret source of change[31:33] Connecting leaders to purpose and real impact[34:54] Daily reflection, discipline, and preventing burnout[36:29] The need for leaders to reflect and find balance in their roles📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Amanda Arrowsmith FCIPD:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaarrowsmith/Follow our Guest’s Companies:-  Royal British Legion:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/royalbritishlegion/ Website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ -  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disclosure-and-barring-service/ Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service  Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on organizational change, purpose driven leadership, and supporting middle managers. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Ashley Herd, Founder and CEO of Manager Method, Author of book “The Manager Method”, Author at Hay House, Inc., and LinkedIn Learning Instructor at LinkedIn. Ashley is also a Contributor at Fast Company, an Advisor at Bereave, and Country Director for the US and Canada at The Circle Bank Initiative. She shares her career journey from corporate sales to law, including her roles as former Associate General Counsel at McKinsey &amp; Company and former Director of Legal at KFC US. Ashley explains how these experiences shaped her focus on middle managers and discusses her book The Manager Method, offering practical guidance on communication, leadership, and building strong teams without burning people out.Ashley shares how her background shaped her focus on helping managers tackle everyday challenges, emphasizing clear communication, follow up, and practical frameworks. She highlights balancing structure with autonomy and using simple steps like pause, think, and act to build trust and stronger teams.Key Topics:-Middle Manager Influence: Their hidden power and pressure in organizations.-Practical Leadership Skills: Clear communication and follow-up over theory.-Balancing Structure and Freedom: Structure without micromanaging.-Managing Fear and Uncertainty: How lack of clarity harms trust and performance.-Simple Leadership Frameworks: Simple tools like pause, consider, act for better decisions.📘 Explore practical tools for better leadership and people management. Learn more about Ashley Herd’s book, The Manager Method, releasing on 10th February, at: https://www.managermethod.com/book Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:33] Ashley’s early career and path into law[04:52] Discovering what drives engagement at work[08:53] How the idea for The Manager Method began[12:21] Tight jeans leadership and micromanagement[16:07] Oversized sweatpants leadership and lack of direction[18:17] The pause, consider, act framework[23:33] The octopus wizard problem and workload pressure[28:53] Leading in remote and in person environments[33:39] Intentional leadership and building strong habits📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB👉 The Manager Method, to be released on February 10th: https://www.managermethod.com/book Follow our guest, Ashley Herd:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Manager Method:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/managermethod/Website: https://www.managermethod.com/- Hay House, Inc.:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-house-inc-/Website: https://www.hayhouse.com/ - LinkedIn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedin/ Website: https://careers.linkedin.com/- Fast Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fast-company/Website: https://www.fastcompany.com/- Bereave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bereave/Website: https://www.bereave.io/- The Circle Back Initiative:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-circle-back-initiative/ Website: https://circlebackinitiative.com/- McKinsey &amp; Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mckinsey/Website: https://www.mckinsey.com/- KFC US:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kfc-us/Website: https://www.kfc.com/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: <a href="https://ideasforleaders.com/" rel="noopener...

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar with Lorna Bains, Managing Director at Vilo Consulting, Trustee of Building Trust International &amp; Former Chief People Officer at Disguise. Lorna shares her career journey, starting in a UK job centre and recruitment, and moving through senior roles in media and technology, including time at The Walt Disney Company and seven years at Disguise. She reflects on leadership, honest conversations at work, and why strong people management is vital for healthy teams and organizations.Lorna shares how her early work in a job centre and her long career in HR shaped her approach to leadership and people management. She explains why honest and kind conversations are essential at work, and how good feedback, listening, and trust improve performance. Lorna stresses the value of training managers, supporting teams through change, and creating workplaces where people feel valued, clear about expectations, and able to do their best work.Key Topics:-Building Strong Teams: How Lorna focuses on trust, clarity, and good relationships to help teams work better together.-Honest Conversations at Work: Why kind, direct feedback and open dialogue are essential for performance and growth.-Developing Managers: How better training, practice, and support help managers succeed in people leadership roles.-Culture and Performance: How everyday management behaviours shape culture, motivation, and results.-Leadership Through Change: How leaders can support people during growth, pressure, and uncertainty by listening and communicating well.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:36] Lorna’s career journey and early roles[03:58] Founding Vilo and consulting work[05:32] Growing Disguise and global scale[06:32] Lessons from working at a job centre[09:51] Honest conversations and leadership[11:09] Power dynamics and giving feedback[15:25] Training managers and leadership gaps[18:32] Leading in large firms and scale ups[25:56] Mindset, confidence, and listening[32:04] Practising feedback and learning openly[35:20] Employment law and good management[39:28] What great leadership really means📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; &nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB&nbsp;Follow our guest, Lorna Bains:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornabains/Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Disguise:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disguise-/ Website: https://www.disguise.one/en - Vilo Consulting:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vilo-consulting/ Website: https://www.viloconsulting.co.uk/- Building Trust International:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-trust-international/ Website: https://www.buildingtrustinternational.org/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more conversations on practical leadership, honest communication, and building strong teams at work, and share your thoughts in the comments.

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar&nbsp; talks with Melanie Steel, FCIPD, Business Owner and Associate/Freelance People Transformation &amp; Change Expert at People Change Expertise Ltd. Melanie shares her journey from starting her career in the UK Ministry of Defence to senior people roles across the civil service and the private sector. She discusses why strong people management matters, especially for middle managers, and how leadership, clarity, and trust affect productivity and culture. Melanie also explains why investing in basic management skills, supporting managers through change, and handling performance in a fair and human way are critical for long term success.Melanie explains how her work in people change focuses on helping managers lead well during uncertainty and pressure. She shares how clear purpose, strong communication, and everyday people management can improve trust, morale, and productivity. Melanie highlights the importance of supporting middle managers, tackling low performance fairly, and not overloading teams with constant change. She also shows how consistent training, honest feedback, and humane decision making help teams perform better and feel valued, even during difficult periods.Key Topics:- Career Journey in People Change: How Melanie’s early career in the Ministry of Defence shaped her focus on leadership, discipline, and people management.-The Role of Middle Managers: Why managers in the middle of organizations are critical to culture, productivity, and successful change.-Leading Through Change with Clarity: How clear purpose, honest communication, and realistic expectations help teams stay engaged during change.-Managing Performance Fairly: Why tackling low performance in a humane and balanced way builds trust and supports high performers.-Foundations Over Shiny Initiatives: How investing in basic management skills, consistent training, and everyday support makes a lasting difference for teams and organizations.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:14] Melanie shares her career journey and interim work[06:08] Why people management and change attract certain leaders[08:10] Early career lessons from the Ministry of Defence[11:00] Development in public versus private sector[14:18] The role of middle managers in leadership and culture[17:14] Promoting people management skills in organizations[22:00] Supporting managers to drive productivity and change[24:15] Clarity, purpose, and avoiding change overload[29:21] Managing low performance in a fair and humane way[33:13] Why fewer people want to become managers[36:11] Investing in foundations over shiny initiatives[39:22] Culture as everyday actions, not words[43:52] Building strong managers for long term leadership📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB&nbsp;Follow our guest, Melanie Steel, FCIPD:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesteel/Follow our Guest’s Company, People Change Expertise Ltd:People Change Expertise Ltd:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-change-expertise-ltd/ Website: https://www.peoplechangeexpertise.com/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on people management and leading change.Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Ian Dinwiddy, Founder &amp; Director of Inspiring Dads Ltd. Ian shares his journey from working as a management consultant to becoming a full-time caregiver when his children were young, and now helping fathers navigate work and family life. He talks about shifting gender roles, the impact of shared parental leave, and how companies can better support working dads. Ian also highlights the role of middle managers in setting the tone for parental leave and the value of talking openly about parenting in the workplace.Ian shares how his work with Inspiring Dads supports fathers who want to be more present at home while staying committed at work. He explains how his own experience as a stay-at-home parent led him to help other dads find balance through coaching and shared stories. Ian talks about the growing interest from men in taking parental leave, the role of company culture in making that possible, and the power of managers who speak openly about family life. He highlights how better leave policies and honest conversations can help teams feel more supported, valued, and ready to grow together.Key Topics:-Redefining Fatherhood at Work: How Ian’s personal journey as a full-time dad helped shape his mission to support working fathers in finding balance.-Changing Gender Roles: Why shifting expectations around caregiving can open new opportunities for both men and women in their careers.-Company Culture and Leave Policies: How supportive policies and open leadership can encourage more dads to take parental leave without fear.-The Role of Middle Managers: Why managers are key to helping team members feel safe, supported, and able to speak openly about parenting needs.-Making Change with Small Steps: How coaching, peer groups, and shared stories can help create lasting improvements in workplace equality and team wellbeing.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:43] Ian’s mission to support working dads[05:13] Changing norms around dads and caregiving[07:07] How policies like shared parental leave evolved[10:11] Equal leave and the impact on gender equality[20:07] Speaking up in traditional company cultures[25:08] Older children, unpaid leave, and long-term parenting[34:40] Tracking who takes leave and who gets support[37:08] Coaching fathers through solo care and transitions[41:29] Why supporting families drives better performance📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Ian Dinwiddy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iandinwiddy/Follow our Guest’s Company, Inspiring Dads Ltd:Inspiring Dads Ltd:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspiring-dads-ltd/Website: https://www.inspiringdads.co.uk/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on career development, team leadership, feedback culture, and building learning programs that truly work. Share your thoughts in the comments below

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD, Business Growth Mentor, published author, podcast host, and speaker at Leap into HR Consulting. She is also the Founder, Managing Director, and Consultant at GlobusHR Consulting Ltd. Sarah shares her 30-year journey from working in corporate HR in the UK retail sector to helping over 300 HR professionals start their own consulting businesses. She talks about the pressures facing today’s managers, why many are stepping away from leadership roles, and how flexibility, better use of AI, and strong leadership development can make a real difference in organizations.Sarah shares how her work supports HR professionals who want to leave corporate jobs and build their own consulting businesses. She explains that many leaders today feel overwhelmed by admin tasks, leaving little time or energy for people management. Sarah highlights the need for better leadership training, flexible work options, and the smart use of AI to reduce pressure. She shows how giving leaders more support and trust can help them stay in their roles and lead well. By focusing on clarity, balance, and development, Sarah helps create a better path for leaders at all levels.Key Topics:-Career Shifts in HR: How Sarah helps experienced HR professionals leave corporate roles to start successful consulting businesses.-The Hidden Cost of Leadership: Why many managers step away from leadership roles due to stress, overload, and lack of support.-Flexible Work and Wellbeing: How choice and autonomy in work settings help retain top talent and boost engagement.-Smart Use of AI: How tools like AI and automation can save time and give leaders space to focus on people, not paperwork.-Better Paths for Leaders: Why investing in leadership training and honest conversations can keep good people in key roles.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:09] Sarah’s journey from HR in retail to solo consulting[02:24] Escaping corporate politics for challenge and variety[05:19] Why people issues stay the same across all businesses[07:16] Why leadership isn’t what most people expect[11:56] Leaders need time, training, and smarter AI tools[14:23] Flexible work vs. forced office returns in SMEs[16:16] Adults at work: Lack of agency drives people out[19:39] What HR consultants are really motivated by[22:56] Psychometrics, personality, and team development[28:08] How mid-level leaders differ from top execs[31:34] Why many HR leaders are leaving corporate life[36:08] Letting leaders go part-time to keep their talent📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhg/Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Leap into HR Consulting:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leapintoconsulting/Website: https://www.leapintoconsulting.com/- GlobusHR Consulting Ltd:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globushr/Website: https://www.leapintoconsulting.com/globushr-consulting-ltd-hr-services Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on HR consulting, leadership challenges, flexible work, and how to support managers with the tools they need. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Carl Akintola-Davies, Head of Learning and Development at ICAEW. Carl shares his diverse career journey from being a professional musician and English teacher in France to leading L&amp;D in major institutions like PwC, King's College London, and the House of Commons. He talks about the importance of connection in leadership, the role of identity in influencing others, and how organisations can support better management practices through clarity, progress, and trust.Carl shares how his work in learning and development focuses on building strong human connections at work. He explains that real leadership is not about standing out as special but about being seen as part of the team and working for the group’s success. Carl shows how identity leadership, built on trust and shared goals, helps people lead more effectively. He highlights the value of clear goals, ongoing feedback, and regular check-ins to support team growth. By encouraging connection, clarity, and progress, Carl helps create a culture where managers can lead with purpose and impact.📢 Get Carl’s Management Essentials for a quick summary of the core concepts covered in this episode here: https://bit.ly/4pSn8iZKey Topics:-Leadership Through Connection: How Carl’s approach puts human connection at the center of good management and team success.-Identity in Leadership: Why being seen as “one of us” is more powerful than simply having a strong leader identity.-Everyday Management Challenges: How common issues like feedback, communication, and clarity remain key across all sectors.-Building Supportive Cultures: How simple ideas like connection, clarity, and progress can shape better leadership habits.-Learning That Lasts: Why long-term impact comes from clear values, shared goals, and systems that support real behaviour change.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:04] Carl shares his journey from musician to L&amp;D leader[02:31] Why performance and teaching go hand in hand[03:58] The risks of “edutainment” in learning environments[04:49] Inside ICAEW and Carl’s focus on internal development[07:26] Balancing old skills with new tech like AI[08:24] Why leadership issues are the same across all sectors[13:32] Identity leadership and influencing through shared purpose[18:08] Breaking down stereotypes in leader selection[23:17] Connection, clarity, and progress as core to good management[34:12] Why top leaders often lack people management strength[36:31] Building systems that support everyday leadership behaviours📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Carl Akintola-Davies:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlakintoladavies/Follow our Guest’s Company, ICAEW:ICAEW: https://www.linkedin.com/school/icaew/ Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on leadership, team connection, everyday management, and creating cultures that support growth and purpose. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar sits with Eleanor Ford, Chief People Officer at Zinc, a venture fund focused on tackling societal challenges in health and the environment. Eleanor is also the Co-Founder of The Point People Ltd. She shares her unique career journey, starting as an anthropologist and transitioning through roles in documentary filmmaking, startup ventures, and nonprofit innovation. She discusses her work at Zinc, where she helps build teams and ventures aimed at addressing global issues. Eleanor also highlights her recent initiative, Inflection, which supports mid-career professionals in increasing their impact and exploring new career possibilities with a focus on mission-driven work.Eleanor shares how her background in anthropology shapes her approach to building strong, people-centered cultures. She explains how understanding human behavior, fostering empathy, and creating trust within teams leads to better collaboration and innovation. Eleanor emphasizes the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to take risks and challenge ideas, which is key to driving positive change and achieving bold, impactful goals in organizations.Key Topics:- Building People-Centered Teams: How Eleanor’s work at Zinc focuses on creating strong, supportive teams to tackle global challenges.-Fostering Innovation: Why empathy, trust, and collaboration are essential for driving creative solutions in startups and ventures.-Mission-Driven Leadership: How focusing on health and environmental issues helps guide Zinc’s ventures toward meaningful impact.-Culture and Growth: How creating a positive culture of growth, feedback, and psychological safety supports innovation and success.-Personal and Professional Development: How Inflection provides mid-career professionals with the space to explore new career possibilities and increase their impact.📢 Prototype your next career move with mission-driven professionals focused on positive change. Learn more about the Inflection programme at: https://inflection.zinc.vc/Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:12] Eleanor’s unique career journey and role at Zinc[03:38] The role of anthropology in Eleanor’s work[06:21] Linking human behavior and organizational culture[08:42] The importance of creating a people-centered culture[12:24] Building teams and unlocking talent[16:39] The Inflection programme and its goals[23:38] How Inflection helps mid-career professionals find purpose[26:53] Addressing social relevance and career possibilities[30:21] The role of Inflection in career and leadership development[33:15] Managing career change and personal commitments[36:14] Exploring relevance and mission-driven work[41:02] Progress and future of the Inflection programme[41:58] How to learn more about Inflection and get involved📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYBFollow our guest, Eleanor Ford:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-ford-8b27661/Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Zinc:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zincvc/Website: https://www.zinc.vc/- The Point People Ltd:Website: https://thepointpeople.org/ourstoryFollow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on people-first leadership, building impactful teams, fostering innovation, and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Nicolas Ceasar, Head of Learning and Talent Development at Pictet Asset Management. Nicolas is also an Executive Education Committee Member at IMD and a Board Adviser at EZRA. He shares his career journey from working in climate change and sustainability to leadership roles in consulting, banking, and now financial services. He talks about the value of aligning work with personal values, the challenges of career management in large firms, and the importance of team culture and feedback. He also explains how small changes in learning and development can make a big difference for managers and teams.Nicolas shares how his work in leadership and talent development at Pictet has focused on helping people grow in their careers while staying true to their values. He explains how understanding career paths, building strong teams, and creating space for reflection can make a big difference for employees, especially in middle management. Nicolas shows how simple tools like regular coaching, feedback sessions, and short learning programs can support both performance and personal growth. He highlights the value of asking for feedback, supporting team members, and giving people room to learn and improve together.Key Topics:-Career Journeys with Purpose: How Nicolas moved from climate work and consulting into leadership roles that align with his personal values.-Managing Careers in Complex Firms: Why helping people take ownership of their career paths can reduce frustration and unlock growth.-Team-Based Development: How building team skills and shared goals improves performance and creates stronger workplace culture.-The Power of Feedback: Why asking for feedback and creating open team dialogue leads to better learning and leadership.-Simple Tools for Big Impact: How short, focused learning sessions and everyday coaching can support managers and teams across the business.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:34] Nicolas shares his career journey and values[06:23] Why careers only make sense in hindsight[07:08] Career development challenges in large firms[12:24] Rethinking the midyear career conversation[14:51] Alternatives to the traditional management path[20:08] Building team literacy and shared responsibility[28:48] Exploring AI coaching and real-time support[33:27] Creating reflection space in busy team roles[39:18] Using short “booster” sessions to drive learning[44:23] Feedback training that builds trust and leadership📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Nicolas Ceasar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-5724bb5/Follow our Guest’s Companies:- Pictet Asset ManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pictet-asset-management/Website: https://am.pictet.com/ch/en - IMD:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/imd-business-school/Website: https://www.imd.org/ - EZRA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ezracoaching/Website: https://www.helloezra.com/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420fApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on career development, team leadership, feedback culture, and building learning programs that truly work. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Amandeep Shergill, Director of Talent Acquisition at Automattic, the company behind WordPress, WooCommerce, and Tumblr. Amandeep shares his journey from working in recruitment to leading talent acquisition at Automattic, where he has helped scale the company’s global, distributed workforce. He discusses the challenges of hiring and managing remote teams, the importance of self-driven leadership, and how Automattic's unique culture fosters employee growth and retention.Amandeep shares how his work in talent acquisition at Automattic has helped shape a unique, people-first culture. He explains how focusing on self-leadership, clear communication, and remote collaboration allows the company to thrive despite being fully distributed. Amandeep shows how Automattic’s approach to hiring, which includes trial projects and values-driven recruitment, has led to strong employee retention and a sense of purpose. He highlights how the company’s supportive environment helps employees grow and stay motivated, contributing to the company’s success.Key Topics:Building a Distributed Workforce: How Amandeep’s work at Automattic helped create a successful, fully remote company culture.Self-Driven Leadership: Why focusing on self-leadership and clear communication has been key to managing remote teams.Innovative Hiring Practices: How Automattic’s trial projects and values-driven recruitment process ensure the right fit for remote work.Supporting Employee Growth: How providing coaching, learning opportunities, and a flexible environment helps employees thrive.Sustaining Success: How Automattic’s people-first approach has led to strong retention, high productivity, and long-term growth.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[02:14] Amandeep introduces his journey to Automattic[05:02] Managing remote teams with a “follow the sun” approach[10:39] The value of soft skills in remote work success[13:19] The challenge of self-leadership in a distributed environment[15:47] Leadership development programs at Automattic[19:32] Employee retention and company growth at Automattic[23:23] Challenges of hiring leaders for a rapidly scaling organization[32:24] The complexities of leadership in a fast-growing company[38:02] How Automattic’s people-first approach supports employee retention📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB&nbsp;Follow our guest, Amandeep Shergill:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandeepsshergill/Follow our Guest’s Company, Automattic:Automattic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automattic/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on remote work, self-leadership, innovative hiring practices, and building a people-first culture. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with David Liddle, Founder and CEO of The TCM Group | Putting People First™️, Founder &amp; President of the People &amp; Culture Association (PCA), and Founding CEO of Transforming Work, an expert in conflict resolution. David shares his journey from starting his business in 2001 to becoming a key figure in promoting people-first leadership and organizational culture. He discusses the importance of resolving conflict constructively and how creating positive, people-centered cultures can drive organizational success. David also highlights the challenges of shifting away from traditional grievance and disciplinary processes toward more effective and empathetic approaches to conflict management.David shares how his work in conflict resolution helped shift organizational cultures toward people-first approaches. He explains how involving people in decision-making and focusing on communication and respect led to better outcomes in challenging situations. David shows how building trust, creating positive environments, and addressing conflict constructively helped organizations grow and thrive, leading to improved productivity and a stronger sense of purpose.Key Topics:Building People-First Cultures: How David’s work in conflict resolution helped organizations shift toward a people-centered approach.Participative Leadership: Why involving teams in decision-making fosters trust and drives success in difficult times.Transforming Workplace Norms: How challenging outdated systems like grievance procedures led to more effective conflict management.Creating Positive Environments: How promoting respect, empathy, and clear communication helped organizations thrive.Sustaining Growth: How building a people-first culture helped organizations improve productivity and create stronger, more resilient teams.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:17] David introduces his background in conflict resolution[03:45] The link between organizational culture and productivity[05:06] Senior leadership's role in shaping culture[08:56] The impact of leadership at all levels[14:18] Transforming workplace norms for a better future[18:03] Introducing integrated people policies[21:31] Re-thinking the employee handbook and traditional policies[26:50] The need to rethink traditional employee handbooks and policies[29:21] Recognizing the need for empathy and dialogue in conflict resolution[43:26] The future of leadership in a changing work environment[45:07] How empathy and curiosity lead to better conflict resolution[48:14] The role of empathy in decision-making and leadership[51:45] The cost of not addressing conflict and the impact on organizational health📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB&nbsp;Follow our guest, David Liddle:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liddledavid/Follow our Guest’s Companies:- The TCM Group | Putting People First™️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thetcmgroup/ Website: https://thetcmgroup.com/&nbsp;- People &amp; Culture Association (PCA):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-culture-association/ Website: https://www.peopleprofessionals.org/- Transforming Work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transforming-work/Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on leadership, building strong teams, participative decision-making, and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Bernard Nikaj, a professor at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) and former Kosovan ambassador to the European Union. Bernard shares his journey from working in Kosovo’s young government to leading its diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with the EU. He discusses the importance of participative leadership and how he empowered his teams by involving them in decision-making processes. Bernard highlights the challenges and rewards of building a country’s institutions and leadership culture from scratch.Bernard shares how Kosovo’s young government built its leadership culture from scratch. He explains how involving people in decision-making and creating trust helped teams succeed in challenging times. Bernard shows how participative leadership, clear communication, and a shared purpose made people feel valued, work together, and achieve important milestones for the country.Key Topics:Building Leadership from Scratch: How Kosovo’s young government grew leaders through real challenges and hands-on experience.Participative Leadership: Why involving teams in decision-making helps build trust and achieve goals faster.Institutional Growth: How creating clear values and a shared purpose helped Kosovo’s leaders grow strong together.Creating a Safe Space: How trust and open communication made it easier for people to speak up and share ideas.Sustaining Progress: How building leadership culture from the ground up helped Kosovo continue growing after independence.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:14] Bernard’s entry into Kosovo’s government and diplomacy[03:16] Kosovo’s early institution-building efforts[07:21] Value of participative leadership[10:33] Kosovo-EU negotiations and a new leadership approach[15:13] Importance of shared decision-making[19:35] Creating trade agreements and a collaborative culture[23:21] Leading with transparency and shared authority[28:17] Building trust and empowering teams[30:22] Developing a lasting leadership mindset[35:55] Transparency and communication in building trust[39:16] Bernard reflects on the impact of his leadership approach📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB&nbsp;Follow our guest, Bernard Mikaj:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bnikajFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikajInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bnikaj/X: https://x.com/nikajFollow our guest’s company, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K):Website: https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritkosovo/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more insights on leadership, team building, participative decision-making, and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher, co-authors of book “The Caring Company”. Isaac is a Speaker &amp; Professor at ESCP Business School and Laurent is Founder of Esprit d'Entreprise. Together, they share insights from their five-year global study of companies that succeed by showing unconditional care to employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. They explain how this caring mindset builds trust, supports innovation, and helps companies thrive even in tough times.Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher share ideas from their book “The Caring Company”, which looks at how businesses can succeed by showing real care. They explain how treating people with respect and kindness, without expecting anything in return, helps companies grow and build trust. They give examples of leaders and teams that create strong relationships with employees, customers, and communities. Isaac and Laurent show how this caring approach leads to better performance, loyalty, and lasting impact.Key Topics:The Meaning of Care: How treating employees, customers, and suppliers like friends builds trust and long-term success.Unconditional Relationships: Why doing good without expecting a return creates stronger companies and communities.The Role of Managers: How middle managers help bring caring values into daily work and support real change.Removing Barriers: Why cutting unhelpful rules and measures lets teams focus on people and purpose.Leading by Example: How leaders who serve others and stay close to real needs inspire lasting transformation.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:19] Welcoming Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher[02:21] How their partnership began[05:23] Challenging self-interest in business[09:22] Defining the caring company[12:12] Unconditional care in action[13:19] Care as core business, not philanthropy[16:00] The radical nature of unconditional care[18:00] Role of middle managers in care[20:08] Example: Eisai’s patient-centered shift[24:55] Removing barriers to care[27:54] Example: Handelsbanken’s loan refusals[34:43] Care during crisis: The Fruit Guys[38:10] How care drives loyalty and performance[43:38] Local impact and community care[47:00] Future of caring companies[50:32] Middle managers as change agents📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’- https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care👉 The Caring Company - https://www.thecaringcompanybook.com/&nbsp;Follow our guests, Isaac Getz &amp; Laurent Marbacher :LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacgetz/ Website: https://isaacgetz.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentmarbacher/ Website: https://www.laurentmarbacher.com/&nbsp;Follow our guest’s company, ESCP Business School:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/escp-business-school/ Website: https://escp.eu/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/&nbsp;Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Simon Reber, Head of Organizational Development &amp; Leadership at Alpiq. Simon shares how Alpiq is changing its leadership culture by focusing on values like care, dare, and share. He explains how the company trains its leaders from within, builds trust, and creates a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, grow, and work better together.Simon shares how Alpiq builds strong leadership by focusing on care, dare, and share. He explains how leaders are trained from inside the company and how trust, open talk, and kindness help teams grow. Simon shows how this new way of leading makes people feel safe, work better together, and stay strong in tough times.Key Topics:Human-Centered Leadership: How care, dare, and share help build trust and stronger teams at Alpiq.Growing Leaders Inside: Why Alpiq trains its own managers to lead through real experience and coaching.Culture Shift: How a shared language and values help create a better work environment.Safe to Speak Up: How building trust helps people feel okay to give feedback and challenge ideas.Making It Last: How coaching, feedback, and clear values help keep the new culture strong.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[02:30] Simon shares his unique journey from pianist to leadership at Alpiq[06:14] Alpiq’s shift to purpose and values after years of big change[09:30] Starting with care, dare, and share: the top 40 leadership journey[14:49] Creating safety and trust in leadership through shared values[17:40] Building honest feedback and brave talk into everyday work[24:15] How coaching is now part of hiring, feedback, and growth[29:01] What happens when values are ignored and how Alpiq responds[37:23] Keeping the culture alive with ambassadors and internal coaches[41:15] Breathing, presence, and small actions that shape leadership[42:33] Why leadership takes time and why not everyone needs to lead📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB&nbsp;Follow our guest, Simon Reber:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-reber-b46406bb/Follow our guest’s company, Alpiq:Website: https://www.alpiq.com/&nbsp; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpiq/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Steven D’Souza, an executive coach, author, and leadership expert. He is Senior Client Partner- Leadership &amp; Professional Development at Korn Ferry. Steven talks about his latest book Shadows at Work, exploring how leaders can grow by understanding their hidden sides. He explains why middle managers are key to healthy workplaces, and how self-awareness, reflection, and wisdom help leaders handle stress, power, and change better.Steven D’Souza, executive coach and author, shares insights from his new book Shadows at Work, which explores the hidden sides of leaders. He talks about the pressures on middle managers and how doing “shadow work” helps leaders understand their habits, emotions, and triggers. Steven highlights the power of self-awareness, reflection, and curiosity in building strong, honest, and healthy workplaces.Key Topics:Understanding the Shadow: How hidden thoughts, emotions, and habits shape a leader’s actions without them knowing.Supporting Middle Managers: Why middle leaders need tools, space, and reflection to handle stress and lead well.Leadership and Self-Awareness: How knowing your strengths and blind spots helps you lead with care and wisdom.The Role of Power: Why leaders must notice how power affects choices, and avoid letting it cause harm.Creating a Safe Culture: How honest feedback, curiosity, and space to grow build strong, healthy teams.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:13] Introduction to Steven D’Souza and his leadership journey[01:58] Why middle managers are under pressure and need more support[04:31] The return of strongman leadership and its risks in complex times[06:36] Why people seek simple answers in a complex world[09:43] What “shadows” means and how it shows up at work[11:50] The impact of stress and biology on leadership behavior[15:20] Why leaders need to explore their shadows, not avoid them[23:51] Steps to help leaders notice projections and triggers at work[28:15] The role of peer groups and feedback in self-awareness[33:18] Building brave spaces to speak up and face discomfort[34:40] Leading through darkness and finding growth in tough times[40:43] Why middle managers are vital for lasting change and culture📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care👉 Shadows At Work - https://a.co/d/6bBVeUN Follow our guest, Steven D’Souza:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-d-souza-5351712/ Website: https://stevendsouza.com/&nbsp;Follow our guest’s company, Korn Ferry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kornferry/Website: https://www.kornferry.com/&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/ Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Dr Jacqueline Conway, Founder &amp; Principal Director of Waldencroft. Jacqueline shares insights from her research on executive readiness and the challenges leaders face in a fast-changing world. She explains how senior leaders can work better together, develop the right skills, and prepare their teams for future disruption through smart leadership and teamwork.Dr Jacqueline Conway, a leadership coach and founder of Waldencroft, shares her journey of helping senior leaders deal with constant change. She talks about her research on executive readiness and how leaders can grow by working together. Jacqueline explains how teamwork, real-time learning, and new thinking can help leaders stay calm, plan ahead, and guide their teams through complex times.Key Topics:Executive Readiness: Why senior leaders need new skills to face constant change and disruption in today’s world.Leading as a Team: How leadership at the top works best when done together, not alone.Real-Time Development: Why learning while working on real problems helps leaders grow faster.Middle Manager Role: The important part mid-level leaders play in spotting change early and keeping teams on track.Shifting Leadership Focus: How leaders must change their thinking as they move higher in an organization.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:12] Jacqueline shares her background and interest in senior leadership challenges[02:52] How non-stop disruption is overwhelming today’s executive leaders[05:48] The three executive readiness gaps: cognitive, relational, and developmental[07:52] Why traditional leadership training no longer fits today’s fast-changing world[09:52] The need for collective leadership at the C-suite level[14:07] Coaching vs. in-context learning: two paths to leadership growth[19:03] Using futures thinking, moral awareness, and context-based learning[22:50] Four key leadership shifts: time, task, complexity, and ethics[25:19] Why clear roles matter at each level of leadership in an organization[32:52] Ethical risks and lessons from the 2008 financial crisis[38:32] Balancing control with agency: the need to trust capable mid-level teams[41:11] Helping C-suite leaders shift focus from doing to leading[43:01] Coaching leaders through uncertainty and collective work📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; &nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB 👉 Explore “The Executive Readiness Gap” report, Dr Jacqueline Conway &amp; Elliott Jacques’ research on the 4 Levels of Work at the Requisite Institute: https://www.requisite.org/&nbsp;Follow our guest, Dr Jacqueline Conway:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-conway/&nbsp;Follow our guest’s company, Waldencroft:Website: http://www.waldencroft.com/&nbsp; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waldencroft/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar chats with Phoebe Garfinkel, Head of HR at AstraZeneca. With a diverse background, Phoebe talks about her journey from poetry to business, and her experience leading HR teams in a large global company. She shares insights on developing middle managers, the importance of coaching, and how strong leadership skills can shape company culture, drive performance, and enhance employee satisfaction.Phoebe Garfinkel, Head of HR at AstraZeneca, shares her unique journey from studying poetry to leading HR in a global company. She talks about her passion for developing middle managers, emphasising the importance of coaching, clear communication, and creating an environment where managers can grow. Phoebe explains how strong leadership and emotional intelligence can drive team performance and culture.Key Topics:The Power of Coaching: How building a coaching mindset in managers helps improve team performance and growth.Supporting Managers: The importance of developing middle managers to lead effectively and understand their team’s needs.Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Why emotionally aware leaders create a positive environment that drives success.Clear Communication: How setting clear expectations and giving regular feedback helps teams stay on track.Building Strong Team Culture: How leaders shape a team’s culture by focusing on relationships, trust, and open communication.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[02:24] Phoebe shares her background and how her career journey led her to HR and leadership development.[08:35] The transition from technical roles to management and the challenges of middle managers.[11:05] Creating a shared vision for managers and aligning them with company values[20:49] The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it influences team culture.[23:16] The importance of managing difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback.[24:25] Building a strong team culture through trust, communication, and coaching.[30:06] The importance of coaching for managers and how it drives performance and growth.[31:32] Key takeaways on how to develop effective middle managers for long-term success[34:12] How leaders can support their teams’ well-being while balancing performance expectations.📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months: https://developingleadersquarterly.com/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’: https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Phoebe Garfinkel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegarfinkel/Follow our guest’s company, AstraZeneca:Website: https://www.astrazeneca.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrazeneca/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/ Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected] 👉Read the full Zombie Leadership article on Ideas for Leaders here: https://ideasforleaders.com/Ideas/zombie-leadership-outdated-theory-still-creates-hero-leaders/&nbsp;__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Judy Flaschmann, with years of experience in both charity and public sectors. Judy shares the challenges mid-level managers face and why peer support, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence are key to strong leadership today.Judy Flaschmann, a leadership and development expert, talks about her path from HR studies to leading manager training in a large UK government office. She explains how early experiences in drama and teaching shaped her passion for helping managers grow, and why support, reflection, and mindset shifts matter most in middle leadership roles.Key Topics:The Bridge Role: How middle managers sit between teams and senior leaders, often feeling stuck in between.Letting Go: Why stepping up means giving up control and trusting others to do things differently.Peer Power: How peer support groups can help managers feel less alone and grow together.Mindset Shifts: Why comfort with change, tension, and unclear answers is key to leading well.Real Growth: The need for leaders to reflect, connect, and protect time for their own learning.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Teaser[00:02:00] Judy shares her early path into HR and how a volunteer workshop shifted her focus to learning and development[00:04:24] Moving from small charities to national roles and how remote work helped shape her hybrid training experience[00:06:38] Judy explores the real challenges of stepping into middle management and the shift in needed skills[00:13:55] The "bridge" analogy: Judy explains how middle managers live between senior leaders and teams[00:17:55] Why relationships and influence, not control are key for middle leaders to succeed and grow[00:19:35] Judy unpacks the value of peer groups and shared identity in managing emotional work and pressure[00:26:53] Supporting middle managers: balancing operations with strategy and building system awareness[00:33:35] The human side of leadership, emotions, mindset shifts, and building habits for long-term growth[00:34:58] Why reflection never ends and how every transition is a new leadership test📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; &nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB👉 Coaching as a Leader book - https://amzn.to/4lyY9yVFollow our guest, Judy Flaschmann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-flaschmann-b7b05a30/Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more on leadership and team culture and drop your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks to Chris Monö, a Natural Followership Advisor (author and speaker) at Natural Followership, as well as an Organisational Development Manager at a large Scandinavian financial services organization. With years of experience in people-focused business development, Chris shares his thoughts on leadership, followership, and creating environments that foster collaboration. He highlights the challenges mid-level managers face and the need for organisational structures that align with natural human behaviour to drive engagement and productivity.Chris Monö, discusses how his work in organisational development and passion for followership has shaped his approach to leadership, focusing on collaboration, engagement, and creating structures that align with human behaviour to improve productivity and team dynamics.Key Topics:The Power of Followership: How people at all levels can lead and influence by collaborating and supporting others.Human-Centred Leadership: The need for leaders to create environments where people can thrive and collaborate freely.Breaking Down Hierarchy: The importance of shifting from rigid structures to ones that better align with natural human behaviours.Middle Management Challenges: The unique struggles faced by mid-level managers caught between leadership demands and team needs.Collaboration Shift: How encouraging collaboration over hierarchy drives better results and boosts engagement.Timestamps:[00:00] Trailer[02:25] Chris shares his background in organizational development and passion for followership.[05:05] Chris talks about collaboration in organizations and how structures often hinder natural collaboration.[08:02] Exploring the challenges of leadership in hierarchical systems and the importance of aligning work structures with human nature.[08:52] The issue of quiet quitting and how engagement can be affected by rigid structures.[14:38] Chris emphasizes the need for a shift in organizational mentality to encourage personal responsibility and collaboration.[17:08] Chris discusses the importance of reducing control in leadership to empower employees and encourage collaboration.[19:45] Successful examples of managers creating environments where collaboration thrives and employees feel engaged.[24:03] The critical role of followership in achieving organizational goals and fostering collaboration.[27:08] Chris shares insights on how transparency in leadership decisions can build trust and drive engagement.[30:11] How Scandinavian cultural attitudes impact organizational structures and employee collaboration.[36:04] Chris concludes with an optimistic outlook on the evolution of organizations toward more collaborative structures.📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; &nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB👉 Why We Follow - https://www.naturalfollowership.com/books/&nbsp;Follow our guest, Chris Monö:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-monoe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.c.mono/Follow our guest’s company, Natural Followership:Website: https://www.naturalfollowership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naturalfollowership/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on leadership, collaboration, and creating human-centred workplaces! Share your thoughts or questions in the comments - we’d love to hear from you!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]__________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar sits down with Vanessa Druskat, a renowned expert on team emotional intelligence. As an Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour at the University of New Hampshire and author of the book The Emotionally Intelligent Team, Vanessa shares insights from her years of research on creating emotionally intelligent teams. She discusses the power of team norms, leadership, and how understanding the emotional dynamics within teams can drive performance and success.Vanessa Druskat, a professor and expert in team emotional intelligence, shares her journey from studying psychology to becoming a leading researcher in team dynamics. She talks about her passion for understanding how team norms and emotions shape success, and how leaders can create environments that help teams thrive by focusing on respect, communication, and emotional intelligence.Key Topics:The Power of Norms: How creating the right social norms within teams leads to better performance and cooperation.Caring for the Individual: The role of emotional intelligence in making team members feel valued and respected.The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Why leaders should focus on building an emotionally aware environment to boost team success.The Importance of Feedback: How regular, respectful feedback helps teams grow and align with their goals.Team Culture and Leadership: How leaders shape team culture by focusing on relationships and interactions, not just tasks.Timestamps:[00:00] Teaser[01:40] Vanessa shares her background and the experiences that led her to study team dynamics and emotional intelligence.[04:45] How her upbringing in different cultures shaped her view on team norms and behaviors.[12:18] How social norms in teams affect performance and the importance of creating the right environment.[16:04] The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how leaders can shape team dynamics by focusing on emotions.[24:04] The concept of belonging and how it affects individual and team performance.[27:25] The importance of leaders creating safe spaces for team members to share feedback and develop.[31:56] The value of respecting team members and the power of understanding each person's strengths.[33:31] Addressing poor behavior through team-agreed norms[41:30] How "outlier" or disruptive behavior can be a source of innovation📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -&nbsp; &nbsp; https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB 👉 The Emotionally Intelligent Team - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/books&nbsp;Follow our guest, Vanessa Druskat:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/ Website: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/Follow our guest’s company, the University of New Hampshire:Website: https://www.unh.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-new-hampshire/&nbsp;Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at [email protected] __________________________________________In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar goes deep into the world of leadership development with Paul Williamson, Group Head of Talent Development at ATG Entertainment UK. With two decades in theater and live entertainment, Paul brings a unique perspective to coaching, culture, and lifelong learning, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership.Paul Williamson, a chartered CIPD leader, and executive coach, discusses his career journey from a box office assistant to leading talent development for a global theater company. He shares how his background in theater and an early interest in coaching have shaped his innovative leadership programs, which focus on authenticity, influence, and personal growth.Key Topics:The Power of Influence: Leaders at any level can influence others without authority or command.Creating Connection: How live theater and coaching both create a powerful connection and a shared experience between people.The Authentic Leader: The importance of leaders doing "deep work on self" and speaking from the heart to create a sense of reality and trust with their teams.The Coaching Ripple Effect: How coaching is not just for remedial cases but for high-performing individuals and how it creates a positive ripple effect throughout an organization.The Leader as Coach: A leadership choice to take a coaching approach in an organization.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Trailer: The host, Roddy, discusses how middle management is often overlooked in leadership development.[00:02:09] A quick overview of Paul Williamson's career and expertise, Paul recounts his 28-year career at ATG, starting in a box office and moving into leadership.[00:06:16] Paul discusses the growth of ATG to 71 venues worldwide with over 11,000 employees.[00:13:05] Paul discusses how coaching changed his approach to management, shifting from giving answers to empowering people.[00:23:34] Paul shares an anecdote about the first Rising Stars presentation and its powerful impact on senior management.[00:31:37] Paul explains how he applies coaching principles, like contracting, to create a psychologically safe space in his development programs.[00:44:26] A discussion about the necessity of taking breaks and prioritizing self-care for leaders.📚 Resources:👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/long-story-short/👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Coppare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB👉 Coaching as a Leader book - https://amzn.to/4lyY9yVFollow our guest, Paul Williamson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-williamson-21b055b6/Follow our guest’s company, ATG Entertainment:Website: https://www.atg.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambassador-theatre-group/Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/Follow Ideas For Leaders:Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlqFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leadersListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/&nbsp;Subscribe for insights on leadership, energy, and connection and share your thoughts in the comments!

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