The Evolving Leader

In this episode of The Evolving Leader, Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] are joined by renowned philosopher and theologian Alister McGrath [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alister-mcgrath-5aa3ab7a/] to explore one of the most timeless and urgent questions: Why do we believe? Drawing on insights from his new book, Why We Believe: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times, McGrath reflects on the nature of belief, the human need for meaning, and how our convictions shape who we are and how we lead. The conversation takes us from McGrath’s early journey through science and Marxism to his later embrace of faith, to the cultural forces shaping our beliefs today from post-truth politics to techno-optimism. The episode explores how leaders can navigate complexity and uncertainty with grounded beliefs, curiosity, and empathy without succumbing to dogma or paralysis. Whether you consider yourself a person of faith, reason, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to reflect more deeply on what sustains you and how those beliefs can help you thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Referenced during this episode: Why We Believe: Finding Meaning In Uncertain Times [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-We-Believe-Finding-Uncertain/dp/0861549228/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0] (McGrath, 2025) Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#PhilKerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

What if leadership isn’t just about performance, but about character?  In this episode of The Evolving Leader, we’re joined by Dr. Ed Brooks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-brooks-6a529297/], Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project and co-editor of the new book The Arts of Leading. With hosts Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Emma Sinclair [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#EmmaSinclair], Ed explores how cultivating human character, hope, courage, humility, and clarity, can provide the deep stability today’s leaders urgently need. We discuss the difference between optimism and hope, why virtues like kindness and creativity are underrated in leadership, and how the arts and humanities reveal untold stories of leadership that challenge traditional views. From Plato’s cave to the quiet leadership of community organisers, Ed shares how rethinking what (and who) we value in leadership can reshape organisations and ourselves. Referenced during this episode: Leading With Character [https://leadingwithcharacter.com/] Oxford Character Project [https://www.oxfordcharacter.org/] Good Leadership in UK Business Report [https://oxfordcharacter.org/uploads/files/Good-Leadership-in-UK-Business_Sep-2023.pdf] Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#PhilKerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

In this compelling episode of The Evolving Leader, we sit down with Mike Mears [https://www.mikemears.biz], former CIA leadership head and author of "Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation." Mike shares powerful insights from his extraordinary career – from his days as a combat platoon leader and nuclear missile commander to his transformative work at GE and the CIA. Discover how his relentless curiosity led him to question conventional leadership practices, the pivotal moments that reshaped his approach, and the lessons he's learned about inspiring teams in a world driven by uncertainty.  How can leaders inspire and motivate in a world driven by uncertainty? Join us as we explore the habits, mindsets, and actionable insights that can transform how you lead and connect with your team. Further reading from Mike Mears: Certainty. How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation: https://www.certaintyleadershipbook.com/ [https://www.certaintyleadershipbook.com/]   Mike Mears’s Website: https://www.mikemears.biz [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mikemears.biz%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cphil%40weareoutside.com%7Ce8c2cf6230e142ef552908dd4c7a075c%7C0b6659abc89d4f45988053d6a4496c0a%7C0%7C0%7C638750809345134178%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WiHxWP5oP%2BPnB7Nn0lLkaBJSkxeEGGP32VNHB%2FdX13Y%3D&reserved=0]   Mike Mears’s Leadership Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i5b5t0 [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flanding.mailerlite.com%2Fwebforms%2Flanding%2Fi5b5t0&data=05%7C02%7Cphil%40weareoutside.com%7Ce8c2cf6230e142ef552908dd4c7a075c%7C0b6659abc89d4f45988053d6a4496c0a%7C0%7C0%7C638750809345163494%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8xkwCtlS5W2e1p4GOSyotqcBz3BOQ3XrX8ri4QG2Woc%3D&reserved=0]     Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1]     Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#PhilKerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

It's no secret that the world is changing rapidly (perhaps faster than many of us appreciate) and this demands a new kind of leadership. But is your ego holding back your ability to evolve and lead effectively? In this episode, co-hosts Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] are in conversation with business philosopher, consultant and author of ‘Ego Flip: How to Reset Your Leadership Life’, James Woodcock [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-woodcock-85275221/]. The conversation goes beyond theory, exploring practical ways to understand your own perspective and offers simple, actionable ideas like the ‘one breath rule’ and ‘noticing thinking’.  If you're interested in understanding how ego shapes not just individuals but also organizations and how leadership can evolve for the future, this episode offers valuable insights on how to potentially reset your leadership life. Referenced during this episode: EgoFlip (J Woodcock, 2024) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ego-Flip-Reset-Your-Leadership/dp/1915951011] Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#PhilKerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

In this bonus episode of The Evolving Leader, host Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] speaks with Damian Lowe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-lowe-7448502/], a senior software engineer at Symphony AI. They discuss how many of us have moved beyond the initial reactions to services like ChatGPT towards a current phase focused on experimenting, learning, and building. Damian shares that for programmers, AI tools like large language models (LLMs) are already providing a tangible 10-20% productivity gain for tasks like code suggestions and reviews, noting that both the technology and human adaptation are still maturing. However he adds that while AI excels at basic or medium tasks, its performance degrades quickly at higher complexity levels, often producing "nonsense," and he emphasizes that effective adaptation requires not just better prompting, but a crucial understanding of the difference between how machines "think" (based on probabilities) and how humans think.  Looking ahead, Damian is optimistic that within 3-5 years AI could make many jobs significantly easier, potentially reducing "grunt work" and fostering more creativity through effective human-machine collaboration. He underscores the importance for leaders in helping teams understand AI's capabilities and limits, encouraging experimentation, and stresses the need to maintain critical thinking and human skills alongside AI adoption. Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader  LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast  Twitter               @Evolving_Leader  YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/phil-kerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]