episode 76 - the word is raclette

In Episode 76 of "The Word is Leadership," a delicious Swiss dish becomes the gateway to profound leadership wisdom. The podcast explores raclette- that communal experience where everyone gathers to melt cheese onto their plates - as more than just a meal, but a powerful metaphor for workplace connection.

I contrast the formal Christmas dinner (meticulously planned, hierarchical, with designated roles) with my family’s more casual, egalitarian boxing day experience of raclette. This comparison illuminates the difference between structured business meetings and informal gatherings where genuine human connection flourishes.

When times get tough, social gatherings are often first to be eliminated, yet, these are precisely the environments where community and discretionary effort thrive. Communities rather than rules and procedures is where you will find the social and moral obligation needed to allow discretionary effort to flourish.

Our humanity becomes our leadership strength.

Think about how the coffee machine or water cooler conversations during workshops often yield more progress than structured sessions because workshops are "Christmas dinners" while coffee breaks are "raclette meals" (spaces where hierarchy dissolves).

True leadership requires both structured and informal interactions in the same way that Christmas Day needs Boxing Day.

The episode concludes with a challenge to every leader: "When did you have your last raclette at work?"

episode 75 - the word is macrophysics

In this milestone 75th episode I explain how the concept of "macrophysics" can transform your leadership approach.

Too many high achievers struggle in leadership positions because they focus too much on doing rather than enabling others. The solution? Adopt a physicist's mindset to see the forest, not just the trees.

Discover the Three Habits of Extraordinary Leaders

I introduce three powerful habits derived from the physicist's perspective that can dramatically elevate your leadership effectiveness.

"Think 10x" challenges you to consider the implications of every decision across three timeframes: 10 days, 10 months, and 10 years.

"Ask Beyond" encourages mapping the ripple effects of your actions throughout the organisation, expanding your perspective beyond immediate outcomes.

"Act Further" emphasises building capability in others while accomplishing tasks, ensuring sustainable results.

Special Announcement for Devoted Listeners

I can announce the release of the first Season 2 eBook on Amazon, featuring edited transcripts from the first 25 episodes of the new season (available free for a limited time only) you can get it here  https://amzn.to/44eFcMr or in your local amazon store.

episode 74 - the word is goblin

In this episode I offer you a framework for managing difficult relationships at work.

On my birthday week the dictionary gave me by a gift – the random word goblin – and I know a thing or two about Goblins, given some of my clients call me "Gobi the goblin" (affectionately I a told).

In this episode I tackle a universal workplace challenge - dealing with those difficult personalities who seem supernaturally skilled at making our professional lives complicated.

Rather than simply complaining about these "workplace goblins," I offer a new perspective by challenging us to examine whether these difficulties are real or constructs of our emotional responses.

At the heart of this episode is the practical BEAR framework - Behaviour, Effect, Alternative, Results - a step-by-step approach to having productive conversations with difficult colleagues.

I help you distinguish between actual bullies (who require formal intervention) and "goblins" (challenging personalities we can learn to better interact with through skilful communication).

I hope this episode helps you transform a potentially intimidating subject into an actionable strategy that any professional can implement immediately.

episode 73 - the word is charter

What if the secret to transformative leadership lied in a single concept?

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, I dissect the multifaceted idea of “charter” – far beyond its dry legal definitions – to reveal three frameworks every leader needs.

Ditching generic mission statements, the episode redefines organisational success through external, internal, and personal charters.

The external charter challenges leaders to move beyond competitive slogans to forge an authentic pact with their audience: What unique truth do you offer that aligns with your customers’ unmet needs? 

Meanwhile, the internal charter demands radical congruence – if your company claims fairness to clients but exploits employees, the dissonance will corrode trust. I advocate for rebuilding workplace social contracts around shared duties and rights.

Lastly, your personal charter – the often-unexamined “constitution” guiding your leadership. I urge you to articulate your non-negotiable values, not just skills.

While purpose gets you started, it is moral obligations that fuel the marathon.

Whether you lead a team, a startup, or a legacy institution, these charters could be your blueprint to avoid hypocrisy and build enduring trust.

Ready to rewrite the rules? Press play – before your competitors do.

episode 72 - the word is ferment

What if the key to transformative leadership lies in a barrel of fermenting wine?

In this week’s episode of The Word Is Leadership, I uncork a surprising metaphor for organisational innovation: the science and art of fermentation.

Drawing on Burgundian winemaking traditions and a revealing conversation with a South African master maker, the episode dissects how leaders can cultivate environments where creativity thrives based on the random word “ferment”.

Like winemakers adding cultured yeast to grape must, businesses often rely on external consultants or hires to spark change. But I argue that this “inoculation” risks homogenising strategies into bland corporate copycats.

I suggest that the real magic emerges from nurturing “wild yeast” - the latent potential within teams. Leaders, like wine makers, must curate conditions where organic ideas bubble up, blending terroir (a company’s unique culture) with trust in their people’s innate ingenuity.

Weaving wine trivia with hard-won leadership truths (from the pitfalls of commoditised innovation to the quiet power of minimal intervention) I challenge you to rethink how you foster transformation.

A must-listen for leaders thirsty for originality - and anyone who’s ever wondered what vineyards know about building resilient, adaptive teams. Press play, and let this episode ferment your approach to change.

episode 71 - the word is espresso

In Episode 71 of The Word is Leadership, I serve up a steaming blend of wisdom and practical strategies to energise your team inspired by this week’s random word: espresso.

Drawing on my nostalgic mornings in French cafés, I show you how intentional rituals can ignite focus, connection, and innovation in your daily routine.

This isn’t just about caffeine; it’s about crafting moments that sharpen your mindset and amplify your impact.

Discover the 5 Espresso Shots every leader needs: 

·      Game Face On: Transform your mindset before stepping into the fray

·      Meet & Greet: Move beyond polite "hellos" and create space for authentic connections.

·      Wander & Wonder: Channel Tom Peters’ "Managing by Wandering Around" to spark curiosity and uncover hidden insights.

·      Ask & Receive: Invite ideas from your team to fuel collaboration and growth.

·      Power of a Smile: A simple grin can defuse tension, uplift morale, and ripple positivity through your team.

Whether you’re savouring an actual espresso or your morning tea, today’s insights will leave you energised to lead with intention—no "weird" gimmicks, just strategies that stick.

Ready to brew your best leadership day? Press play and transform your routine into a catalyst for impact.

episode 70 - the word is simple

In this milestone 70th episode of The Word is Leadership I am faced with the random word simple - a concept every leader champions but rarely masters.

I argue that far from superficial; simplicity emerges as a strategic balancing act between subtraction and coherence, dissected through analogies that reframe how we tackle complexity.

The episode begins by untangling “complicated” from “complex”: a watch, with its myriad parts, exemplifies complication, while a murmuration of starlings - a self-organising system where the whole transcends its parts - embodies complexity. This distinction matters because leaders often misdiagnose challenges, applying subtraction (removing parts) to problems requiring coherence (reimagining relationships).

Take the modern washing machine: its labyrinth of settings isn’t inherently flawed - it’s the incoherent user experience that frustrates.

Drawing from Apple’s iconic one-button remote, I illustrate how brilliance lies in marrying minimalism with intuitive design. Apple’s engineers didn’t just strip buttons; they reorganised functionality into a seamless menu, proving that simplicity isn’t about less but about clarity. 

For leaders, this means resisting the allure of endless cost-cutting and instead fostering alignment through purpose - a lesson echoed in last week’s discussion on preserving institutional memory.

Packed with actionable insights, this episode challenges leaders to rethink simplification as a dual discipline. Whether streamlining workflows or reigniting team purpose, the path to simplicity demands both the scalpel and the blueprint.

Ready to transform complexity into clarity? Tune in and discover why “simple” might just be the most sophisticated leadership tool you’ll wield.

epsiode 69 - the word is immemorial

In what I hope is another thought-provoking episode of The Word is Leadership, I challenge leaders to combat institutional amnesia by rediscovering their organisation’s founding purpose.

The discussion centres on the organisational flip law – the tendency for companies to transition from being “a purpose in search of assets” to “assets in search of purpose” as they grow.

This shift creates bureaucratic processes that bury the original mission that once fuelled innovation.

The solution lies in in memoriam  im memoria– a Latin-inspired principle meaning “no memory in memory of.” Leaders must become organisational archaeologists, reviving core values through founder story rituals.

I argue that true leadership requires temporal stewardship – using historical purpose as an “acid test” for modern decisions. Rather than chasing futuristic visions, sustainable success comes from answering: What has been true in your organization since time immemorial?1.

In an age of AI disruption, this episode offers a contrarian anchor: the past holds keys to undying relevance. For CEOs, HR directors, and scaling startups, it’s a clarion call to transform dusty archives into living legacies. I hope that this episode will show you how excavating yesterday’s dreams can fuel tomorrow’s breakthroughs – because purpose remembered is future reimagined.

episode 68 - the word is empty

In this episode of "The Word is Leadership," I explore the implications of our random word "empty" for leaders.

I share three key insights to challenge conventional leadership wisdom:

The Empty Generalist

Do leaders need to be experts in everything? I argue that credibility stems not from encyclopaedic knowledge, but from your ability to:

• Codify your experience

• Articulate expertise in broader contexts

• Demonstrate how diverse experiences apply to current challenges 

The Empty Raincoat
Inspired by Charles Handy's work, I examine the human element in leadership:

• The risks of treating employees as "empty vessels"

• The importance of preserving humanity in an AI-driven world

• Why leaders must grapple with philosophical questions about their impact

The Empty Cup
Finally I emphasise the critical role of energy management in leadership:

• Leadership as an exchange of energy

• The dangers of becoming "drained" and how to refill your cup

• Why focusing on organisational energy flows is key to long-term success

I hope this episode serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership requires a delicate balance of expertise, humanity, and personal energy management. I conclude by challenging you to reflect on your own leadership journey, asking: "What comes to mind for you, as a leader, when you hear the word empty?"

episode 67 - the word is jam

Discover the secret to breaking free from your career jam in this week's episode of "The Word is Leadership"! Are you feeling stuck in your professional life? Do you wonder why you're not getting that promotion you deserve? In this week’s episode I discuss the concept of being "jammed" in your career and offer insights on how to escape this all-too-common predicament.

Highlights of this episode:

• Uncover the paradox of why your greatest strength might become your biggest weakness

• Learn about the intriguing "hired, mired, fired" cycle that affects leaders

• Explore the Japanese concept of "ikigai" and how it relates to career fulfilment

• Discover the JAM principle: Joy, Ability, and Money - your key to professional satisfaction

Don't miss this opportunity to reassess your career path and find your true calling. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire you to take control of your professional destiny.

Tune in now and ask yourself: "Have you found your jam?"

episode 66 - the word is optic

This week on The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Optic” and how it connects to the idea of vision and focus in leadership. While “visionary leadership” is often romanticised as the ability to foresee the future, this episode argues that focusing on clarity, culture, and climate - the Three Cs - can deliver far more tangible results than the often elusive notion of vision.

Our word, optic, reminds us that successful leadership requires a clear focus. Here’s how clarity, culture, and climate provide that focus:

Clarity is about setting clear goals and expectations. Unlike vision, clarity is practical and immediate. It provides a roadmap that teams can act on today.

Culture is about the unspoken rules and shared beliefs that guide behaviour in an organisation. It shapes how employees work together, make decisions, and solve problems.

If culture is “how we do things,” climate is “how it feels to work here.” While clarity and culture contribute to climate, it’s the human connections that create a sense of belonging and engagement. People work better when they feel valued and supported.

Clarity, culture, and climate work together to create an environment where people can thrive. While vision can inspire, it’s often fuzzy and difficult to operationalise. Instead of striving to predict the future, focus on leading effectively in the present by ensuring clarity of goals and expectations, a culture that embodies shared values and a climate where people feel engaged and supported.

As promised here is a link to mind friends at mindtools https://www.mindtools.com and one to our season 1 edited transcripts https://amzn.to/4hwCUwd

episode 65 - the word is artificial

This week on The Word is Leadership, our random the word is “Artificial” which leads me to talk about artificial intelligence (AI). However, instead of adding to the noise, this episode focuses on the four key questions leaders must ask before engaging with AI

AI is not magic—it’s made by humans, trained by humans, and marketed by humans. Leaders must critically ask: “Who designed this AI and for whose benefit?” in order to assess the credibility of claims and the true value AI brings.

AI often claims to enhance efficiency or innovation, but leaders need to ask: “What exactly does this AI do and What is it replacing?” to know whether AI is solving a real problem, or is it being implemented for the sake of novelty?

AI mimics intelligence but lacks true creativity, emotional depth, or critical thinking which forces leaders to ask “What aspects of humanity remains irreplaceable?” to understand where the depth of human insight and connection remains critical.

Finally, as leaders, we must ask “What is intelligence?” to think critically about whether we want to shape our future or just maximise the benefits from a future shaped for us.

Thank you for listening, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share. Until next time!

episode 64 - the word is porcupine

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we take inspiration from the porcupine to explore a critical leadership quality: the ability to balance opposites—being both tough and caring, spiky yet approachable. Leadership, like the porcupine, requires embracing this duality to guide teams effectively.

True leadership lies in learning to embody both qualities at the same time, just like the porcupine they need three characteristics.

Know Your Stuff. Combining soft skills in communication with a spiky resolve to hold people accountable creates the foundation for team performance.

Care by Strengthening, Not Pleasing. Being truthful about weaknesses and offering the tools to improve is what builds resilience and growth.

Embrace Who You Are as a Leader. Great leaders are unapologetically themselves, combining their roughness with their inherent care. 

Like the porcupine, leaders must adapt to their environment, being soft when nurturing and spiky when holding teams accountable.

Thank you for listening, and as always, if this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share. Until next time!

episode 63 - the word is hourglass

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, I use the metaphor of an hourglass to reframe how leaders approach career development. When planning your career trajectory, the hourglass provides a unique lens for gaining clarity and momentum.

Leaders often view their careers as a funnel, narrowing with specialisation and limiting opportunities. However, a career is better understood as an hourglass:

The Upper Chamber - Realising Potential:
Early in your career, focus on building skills, gaining experiences, and proving your value.

The Narrow Neck - Avoiding the Mid-Career Trap:
Many professionals get stuck here, believing their specialisation restricts their opportunities.

The Lower Chamber - Broadening Impact:
Leadership involves moving beyond expertise to apply your experiences across the organisation.

Key Takeaways

Leadership isn’t just about expertise; it’s about leveraging experience to create value across the organization.

Avoid the mid-career trap by asking how your experience can serve others outside your immediate role.

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, share and, I hope, join me next week!

episode 62 - the word is constellation

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word "Constellation" and what it means for leadership. Just as stars exist within a larger system and context, leadership operates across three interconnected units: the individual leader, the team, and the organization. Understanding the dynamic interplay between these levels is essential for intentional and effective leadership.

1.     You - The Star:
Leaders are shaped by a group of ideas that impacts the team and organisational environment.

2.     The Team - The Gathering of Stars:
Teams are constellations—individual stars with unique preferences, roles, and contributions that must be harmonised for optimal performance.

3.     The Organisation - The Galaxy:
The organisation is the broader system that shapes individuals and teams. Like gravitational forces, its culture, structures, and dynamics influence behaviour and performance.

The key lesson of Constellation is that leadership requires a multi-level perspective:

• Look deep within yourself and your team to understand drives, roles, and responses.

• Look up to see the broader system—how individuals, teams, and the organization interact and adapt in a changing context.

True leadership involves navigating these dynamics intentionally, ensuring that every element is seen and aligned.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share. I’ll see you next time!

episode 61 - the word is carnage

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word "Carnage," using its more colloquial sense of “total disaster” to discuss how leaders can rebuild after major failures. Whether stepping into a role amidst chaos or managing through a significant organizational breakdown, every leader will face a moment when they must recover from carnage. So, how do you rebuild?

This episode gives me the chance to offer a practical 3-step framework to lead in the aftermath of a leadership or organizational disaster: 

1. Start with a Clean Sheet (Clarity and Standards)

To rebuild, start by wiping the slate clean and resetting expectations. Focus on clarity (what needs to be done and why) and standards (how it needs to be done).

2. Rebuild the Basics (Trust and Team Dynamics)

After setting the foundation, focus on trust and team dynamics. You need discretionary effort from your team to truly recover.

3. Don’t Think It’s Over (Realism and Monitoring)

Carnage often happens when leaders are caught off guard. To prevent future failures, stay vigilant by monitoring performance with objective metrics and feedback.

Recovering from carnage isn’t about perfection—it’s about laying a stronger foundation, building trust, and remaining adaptable to navigate the unexpected.

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with others!

episode 60 - the word is peace

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Peace”.

Peace doesn’t have to be the absence of conflict, it can also suggest a state of harmony, where conflict can exist but be managed constructively. As leaders, embracing "peaceful conflict" enables growth, creativity, and stronger relationships.

• To navigate conflict effectively, I offer a practical series of questions to ensure a peaceful, resolution-focused approach:

• Do you want to win, or do you want to resolve the conflict? Your mindset determines your approach (competition or a shared challenge)

• Do you see the person behind the conflict? Recognizing the humanity in your counterpart helps you value their input, enhancing the path to resolution.

• Ask the ‘W’ questions (Why, When, Where, What, Who) and How. These guide the process by focusing on facts and issues rather than assumptions and emotions. 

• Monitor emotions with “How do you feel?” This question allows you to check the emotional temperature throughout the discussion.

Conflict, when managed with a foundation of peace, can be a valuable tool for growth and innovation. Leaders who embrace this approach are not only better equipped to resolve issues but also to build teams that are resilient and open to diverse perspectives.

Join me next time as we continue exploring leadership through random words. Until then, consider this: Are you using conflicts to grow or diminish your potential as a leader?

 If you found value in this episode, please rate, review, and share!

episode 59 - the word is composition

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Composition” and its implications for leadership. Rather than focusing on legacy or vision, which can feel abstract and out of reach, we’re asking a simpler, yet profound question: What will your impact be?

Using the definition ‘composition’ I identify two key themes:

The first is composition as the act of bringing together elements to create a cohesive whole. For leaders, this means working ON the organisation rather than just IN it. It’s about identifying what works, nurturing it, and replicating it to create a high-leverage impact that can outlast any single task or role.

The second theme is composition as the act of creating something new. As leaders, this doesn’t necessarily mean inventing new goals or radical visions. Instead, it’s about bringing a fresh approach, a unique perspective, and a genuine impact to how you lead.

This episode challenges leaders to reflect on their unique contributions and value. The answer lies not in the destination but in the distinct way you guide, inspire, and compose the experiences and success of those around you.

So, join me on this journey of self-reflection, and until next time, consider this question: “What will your verse be?”

If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with others!

episode 58 - the word is fever

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Fever” and its implications in leadership and organisational health. Just as a fever is both a warning that something is wrong and a reassurance that our body is fighting it, the same can be said for our organisations - knowing when things are heating up can be both a red flag as well as a sign that the system is working hard to resolve underlying issues.

So key questions are:

1. How do you know when your organisation is running a fever?

2. Do you know when to call for help versus when to let the system heal itself?

Answering the first question requires a number - a measure of what’s normal and what’s not. Just as a thermometer helps us gauge our body temperature, leaders need to identify key metrics to determine when things are running smoothly and when they’re not.

But numbers alone aren’t enough; you also need a range (a scale) to define what constitutes a normal fluctuation versus a real problem.

Yet, leaders who constantly scan for problems and catastrophise small deviations can cause more harm than good, acting as if every minor issue is a crisis. Focusing solely on problems can blind us to what’s working well.

This episode encourages leaders to reframe their approach. The question is : ‘Do you know the symptoms of your organization at its best, or are you just focused on the signs of failure?’ 

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share if you found this episode valuable!

episode 57 - the word is quell

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we dissect the verb "quell" and its implications in leadership scenarios. We explore the dual aspects of this powerful verb: suppressing rebellion and alleviating pain or grief, both of which are essential skills in a leader’s toolkit.

We discuss how rebellion, while overtly disruptive, is charged with the energy of change and can be redirected constructively. On the other hand, quelling pain or grief requires a deeper understanding and a more empathetic approach, as these states often involve a lack of visible energy and action.

To effectively address both rebellion and emotional distress, I propose a strategic approach using the acronym "QUELL": 

• Q for Question: Start by questioning the reality of the situation.

• U for Unpack: Delve deeper into the causes.

• E for Explain: Use your access to broader information to explain your perspective and actions.

• L for Listen: Active listening is crucial. Show genuine respect and attention to the concerns being raised, validating the experiences and emotions of your team.

• L for Loop back: Revisit your assumptions and understanding continuously.

This episode encourages leaders to view disruptions not merely as obstacles to be overcome but as opportunities for deeper engagement and understanding. By applying the QUELL strategy, leaders can transform potential conflicts into constructive dialogue, fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and heard.

Join us next time as we continue to explore the dynamic world of leadership and don’t forget to rate, review, and share if you found this episode insightful!