episode 99 - the word is chipper

What Have You Got to Be Chipper About?

Can something as simple as being chipper be a superpower for leaders?

In this penultimate episode of the season, I discuss the contagious power of mood. Being chipper, in the grounded, optimistic sense, isn’t just about cheerfulness; it’s about setting the tone, creating psychological safety, and unlocking creativity in teams during complex times.

You’ll find out why upbeat leaders inspire real hope (not false positivity), learn how to avoid toxic cheerfulness and stay authentic and take away two practical ways to regulate your own mood and lead with energy.

This is not about denial of reality; it’s about choosing how to show up. Tune in and ask yourself: What have you got to be chipper about?

episode 98- the word is predecessor

Leading After Legends: How to Navigate a Predecessor’s Shadow

Most leaders don’t walk into a blank slate, they inherit a legacy. In this episode, I unpack what it really means to step into a leadership role once someone else has left it. Whether your predecessor was loved, loathed, or simply long gone, their shadow shapes the expectations around you.

Explore how to acknowledge what came before, define your leadership stance, reshape the transition narrative, and leave your own mark through something as simple (and powerful) as a signature move.

episode 97 - the word is panther

This week, our random word is panther which leads me to a new leadership insight: mastery often lies in purposeful invisibility.

In this episode, we explore how great leaders create trust, growth, and innovation by knowing when to step back rather than dominating the.

From conducting a "visibility audit" to practicing "silent leadership," I offer practical tips for using both presence and absence with real intent.

We do well to remember that sometimes, the strongest leadership move is simply to disappear at the right moment.

episode 96 - the word is nim

At first glance, nim (a simple game of removing matchsticks) may not seem like a deep leadership metaphor. But look closer, and it reveals powerful truths.

In this episode, I explore how leaders can use games not just for relaxation, but for self-regulation. We also uncover the broad range of social strategies (from cooperation to competition) and how mastering the full spectrum enables faster, more effective leadership.

Because leadership, like any game, isn’t about always winning.
It’s about knowing how and when to play.

episode 95 - the word is parent

In this 95th episode, I confront the deeply ingrained image of leaders as parents.

While well-intentioned, this perspective can inadvertently position team members as dependent children, stifling creativity and fostering a culture of compliance rather than innovation.

I unpack why the "parental" leadership style may lead to burnout for leaders and disengagement for teams. But what's the alternative?

Discover powerful metaphors that redefine leadership roles: the leader as a collaborative guide, a visionary architect, or an empowering orchestra conductor. These images embrace trust, autonomy, and co-creation, offering a refreshing approach to leadership that truly harnesses the potential of capable adults.

Tune in and escape the "parent trap," leading your team into a future of mutual respect and shared success.

episode 94 - the word is hanami

This week, we travel to Japan through the lens of language.

Hanami is the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms each spring. It’s not just a picnic. It’s a ritual of awe and renewal. In this episode, I explore how this concept applies to leadership.

What if you could view your budgeting cycle, your performance reviews, or even your team rituals with the same sense of intentional presence and quiet joy?

You’ll hear five fresh ways to reframe leadership routines turning repetition into growth, and duty into art. Because true leadership isn’t about what’s next… it’s about how we show up for what’s here.

episode 93 - the word is clothes

This week’s random word - clothes- invites a fresh look at how leaders present themselves, and more importantly, how they shape their leadership identity.

Inspired by the classic sayings “the clothes maketh the person” and “the emperor’s new clothes,” this episode explores the visible and invisible layers of leadership.

From Savile Row insights to the difference between off-the-peg, tailored, and bespoke suits, we uncover a metaphor for how leaders grow: from imitating others to customising their style, to ultimately creating leadership that fits them and inspires others.

True leadership isn’t about the uniform. It’s about what’s been made for you, and by you.

What kind of leader are you?

episode 92 - the word is listless

What if "listless" isn’t laziness, but leadership?

In this reflective episode, I explore the surprising upside of being listless (a state often dismissed as disengagement or lack of energy). Instead, I ask myself, and you, could stepping back, slowing down, and letting go of the constant doing actually lead to deeper insight, presence, and innovation?

From challenging productivity culture to rediscovering the space where creativity lives, this episode invites you to embrace moments of intentional stillness. Learn how releasing the grip of the to-do list might unlock a new kind of leadership rooted in awareness, presence, and possibility.

It’s not about doing less. It’s about being more.

episode 91 - the word is aloha

Step into episode 91 of "The Word is Leadership," where I explore the deeper meaning behind the Hawaiian word “aloha.” More than just a greeting for hello or goodbye, aloha embodies a way of being rooted in genuine presence, grace, and the powerful act of truly seeing others.

I draw parallels between Hawaiian and Indian welcoming rituals, highlighting how authentic acknowledgment transcends cultures and creates lasting impact.

Discover why leadership isn’t about posturing or performance alone, but about showing up emotionally, mentally, and energetically, for those you lead.

Learn how “aloha leadership” transforms workplaces: it’s about listening deeply, being intentional, and making others feel valued and seen. T

Sharing personal stories and reflections, from childhood movies to business frustrations, I show you how presence builds trust, engagement, and real results.

Whether you’re a leader or aspire to be one, this episode invites you to rethink what it means to lead. Can you bring aloha into your daily interactions? Tune in and ask yourself: when you enter a room, are you really there? Don’t miss this thoughtful journey into the heart of leadership.

episode 90 - the word is speed

What does “speed” really mean for leaders? In this 90th episode, I look into the many faces of speed. I explore why it is more than just moving fast, and how it shapes the way we lead teams and drive results.

Through personal stories (including my stint in the French Airforce!) and sharp business insights I gained from my clients, I explore the five key lessons of speed:

• Speed is relative: Doubling your pace doesn’t matter if you’re still half the competition’s.

• Speed is collective: True leadership means matching your team’s pace, not just racing ahead.

• Speed is addictive: Quick wins feel great but beware of valuing motion over meaning.

• Speed is external: It’s hard to judge your own speed. Are you moving fast enough, or too fast?

• Speed can kill: Sometimes, going too fast leads to mistakes or burnout.

Packed with practical lessons, this episode challenges you to rethink how you balance urgency with impact. Ready to lead at the right pace? Tune in and join the conversation!

episode 89 - the word is start

In this 89th episode of The Word is Leadership, I dive headfirst into the transformative journey of leadership, using our random word to explore how to truly “start” becoming the leader you aspire to be.

This isn’t about your first 90 days in a leadership role, or how to start in a new post. This is about laying the foundation for authentic leadership, whether you're already in a position of authority or just beginning to consider it.

Using our random word "START" as a framework, I break down five essential steps:

• Self-awareness: Understand your strengths, limitations, and motivations. Leadership begins within.

• Teachability: Stay curious and open to learning, even when it’s uncomfortable. Growth is key.

• Action: Leadership isn’t theoretical—take initiative and start small.

• Relationships: Build genuine connections rooted in empathy and mutual understanding.

• Tenacity: Prepare for setbacks and cultivate resilience to stay committed on your journey.

Packed with actionable insights, this episode challenges listeners to reflect deeply and take meaningful steps toward leadership. Whether you're leading today or preparing for tomorrow, ask yourself: Are you ready to start leading for real?

episode 88 - the word is provenance

What does it mean to truly be authentic as a leader?

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, I explore the concept of "provenance" (the origin and authenticity of something) and how it applies to leadership.

I challenge the idea that authenticity is simply "being yourself." Instead, I introduce the concept of valuable authenticity: being yourself with intent and impact.

Through three key areas (your voice, pattern, and edge) you’ll learn how to uncover your authentic self by reflecting on your history, choices, and struggles.

Discover how your voice shapes influence, your patterns define value, and your edge, born from challenges, creates depth and credibility.

This episode invites you to question whether you’re showing up as your full self or just the easy, filtered version.

Are you being yourself or your best self? Tune in to gain practical tools for aligning authenticity with leadership impact. Perfect for anyone looking to lead with greater purpose, skill, and self-awareness!

episode 87 - the word is hammock

This week’s episode takes us to a beach as we explore the metaphorical power of the humble hammock. I unpack how the tension that makes a hammock both comfortable and precarious mirrors the challenges of leadership. I look into the duality of comfort and discomfort and how embracing tension can unlock resilience and adaptability.

I introduce the fighter pilot-inspired OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and create a leadership version, CALM (Centre, Assess, Lead, Maintain). CALM offers a practical mindset for navigating uncertainty, fostering emotional intelligence, making decisive choices, and maintaining composure in evolving situations.

Whether you’re leading a team or facing personal challenges, this episode provides actionable insights to help you embrace ambiguity and thrive under pressure. Can you train your mindset to find comfort in any storm? And when life gets tense, can you still envision yourself in a hammock on a Caribbean beach?

Tune in to discover how to stay grounded, lead with intention, and maintain focus—no matter what comes your way.

episode 86 - the word is overnight

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, given our random word ‘overnight’ I explore the concept of "overnight success", a term often misunderstood as instant achievement which, in reality, represents years of unseen effort. I break down the myth of sudden success and reveals six essential pillars that underpin true leadership and sustainable achievement.

Discover why relentless consistency, quiet resilience, and compound learning are the foundation of every successful leader’s journey. Learn how inner clarity and courageous patience can help you stay grounded and focused despite external pressures. Finally, uncover the power of authentic relationships and their role in amplifying your impact.

This episode isn’t just about chasing success; it’s about building it—brick by brick, moment by moment. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating personal growth, these insights will inspire you to redefine your approach to leadership and success.

Tune in to reflect on your own journey and answer the question: Are you chasing success or quietly building it?

episode 85 - the word is interim

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we look into the concept of "interim" and its implications for leadership in uncertain times.

I unpack the critical differences between temporary, permanent, and interim decisions and why understanding these distinctions is essential for effective leadership.

I explore:

• Temporary vs. Interim: Why temporary fixes are about testing and tweaking, while interim measures are bridges to undefined outcomes.

• Decisive Patience: How leaders can navigate high uncertainty with structured experiments rather than rushing to conclusions.

• Key Decision-Making Framework: A four-part guide (Intent, Impact, Insights, Integration) to help leaders choose the right path for their organization.

Whether you're leading through crisis or planning for long-term success, this episode offers practical strategies and reflective questions to elevate your decision-making. Tune in to discover how embracing "interim" thinking can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Are you leading through uncertainty—or just reacting? Listen now to find out!

episode 84 - the word is mechatronics

Join me on "The Word is Leadership" as I explore the fascinating world of mechatronics - the fusion of mechanical engineering, computing, and electronics. This episode isn't just about technology; it's about how different fields come together to create something innovative and impactful.

Drawing inspiration from mechatronics, I look into the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary teams. How do you maximize their potential?

I share with you four key tactics:

1. Define Roles and Focus on Value

2. Develop Communication Strategies

3. Erect Scaffolding for Collaboration

4. Shape Team Behaviours

Tune in to discover how these tactics can transform your team's effectiveness and unlock new possibilities and help our community by sharing your own strategies at thewordisleadership.com. Don't miss this latest episode!

episode 83 - the word is boo

Another week and another thought-provoking random word on "The Word is Leadership." For this episode the focus is on the word "boo." Beyond its common use to startle or express dissatisfaction, "boo" offers valuable lessons for leaders.

When you stand for something, you'll inevitably face both cheers and boos. The question is, how do you respond?

The episode explores four strategies: Ignore, Confront, Explain, and Change. However, it challenges these approaches by suggesting that leaders should not be surprised by boos but instead welcome them as opportunities for growth. By reframing boos as "sense checks," leaders can turn criticism into a catalyst for improvement.

Tune in to discover how embracing boos can transform your leadership approach.

episode 82 - the word is lightsome

Join me for episode 82 of "The Word is Leadership" as I explore the concept of "lightsome," a term that embodies producing and reflecting light and is our random word of the week. This poetic idea reveals the essence of effective leadership, emphasising the importance of relationships and social interaction.

Leadership isn't just about personal traits; it's about how those traits impact others and create a mutual exchange of energy.

I use the ideas of charisma to illustrate this concept and show you three key strategies to become "lightsome": identify your unique strengths, understand how they are perceived by others, and ensure your impact aligns with your intentions.

Remember, leadership is not about shining brightly alone but about reflecting the light of those around you. Tune in to find out how to balance producing and reflecting light and unlock the true potential of your leadership.

episode 81 - the word is futile

Join me in episode 81 of "The Word Is Leadership" as I explore the concept of "futile" and how it can transform your approach to decision making.

 Discover how to avoid actions that yield no results and learn from the insights of Rita Gunther McGrath on the importance of learning faster than the rate of change.

 I introduce you to the "Luck Maximiser Framework," a practical tool to ensure your decisions aren't futile.

 This framework focuses on four dimensions: Alignment, Accountability, Alternatives, and Achievement. By integrating these elements, you'll be able to make more informed choices and maximize your chances of success.

 Tune in to find out how these simple yet powerful strategies can elevate your leadership skills and help you achieve your goals. Share your thoughts and join the conversation on how to minimise futile actions in your own journey. Listen now and take the first step towards more effective decision making!

episode 80 - the word is train

All Aboard: How Identity and Community Can Transform Your Job into a Vocation

Join me this week for a heartfelt episode of "The Word is Leadership" as I explore what insights we might get from our random word "train."

I take you on a personal journey through my childhood, growing up in a train community where my father was a proud train driver. From the nostalgia of toy trains to the high-speed TGV, I look into how identity and community can transform a job into a vocation.

Discover how training and identity intertwine to create peak performance and learn how even the most unexpected roles can become a source of purpose and passion.

Whether you're a leader or just starting out, this episode will challenge you to rethink your relationship with your work and ask: "How would you make a young you fall in love with your job?"

Tune in for a what I hope is a thought-provoking episode that blends personal stories with leadership insights, all set to the rhythm of life's journey!