E20 - Leadership Isn't About Control – It's About Navigation | Alistair Duns

E20 - Leadership Isn't About Control – It's About Navigation | Alistair Duns

Can leadership lessons come from the sea? Absolutely.In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Alistair Duns, founder of Northstar Performance, for a fascinating conversation about leadership, human factors, systems thinking and what it really takes to perform when the pressure is on.Drawing on his experience as a professional yachtsman, Alistair explains why great leaders don't simply react to changing conditions - they anticipate them. Through powerful sailing metaphors, we explore how vision, direction, communication and teamwork determine whether an organisation stays on course or drifts towards failure.We discuss why leadership is about understanding the entire system rather than focusing on isolated problems. From decision-making and risk management to creating high-performing teams, Alistair shares practical insights that every leader, manager and business owner can apply immediately.The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as Alistair openly shares his experience of being diagnosed with testicular cancer. His honesty, resilience and determination offer powerful lessons about perspective, courage and maintaining focus when life suddenly changes course.Whether you lead a global organisation, manage a small team or simply want to become a better leader in your own life, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, thought-provoking stories and leadership lessons that extend far beyond the workplace.In this episode we discuss:⛵️Leadership and Human Factors⛵️Systems Thinking in organisations⛵️Vision, purpose and strategic direction⛵️High-performance leadership⛵️Lessons from professional sailing⛵️Teamwork, trust and communication⛵️Decision-making under pressure⛵️Resilience and overcoming adversity⛵️Living with and recovering from testicular cancer⛵️Becoming the leader people choose to followIf you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe and Share to help us inspire more leaders around the world.You can also contact Alistair at:dunsalastair@gmail.comYou can also contact us for all your people, business and development needs at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations, practical insights and inspiring stories from business leaders, coaches and change-makers.#Leadership #HumanFactors #SystemsThinking #HighPerformance #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #Teamwork #BusinessLeadership #OrganisationalCulture #DecisionMaking #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #Performance #Vision #Strategy #Influence #Empower #Success #BecomingTheLeaderInYou

E19 - Leadership Has No Job Title | Engineering, Motherhood & Leading with Purpose with Mary Gerdoux-Harries

What can engineering teach us about leadership? More than you might think.In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Mary Gerdoux-Harries from Resonance.coach for a fascinating conversation that challenges many of the assumptions we make about leadership.Mary shares her experiences as a woman in the engineering profession, the barriers she has faced, and the lessons that have shaped her leadership journey. We explore why leadership isn't defined by job titles or organisational charts, but by the influence we have on the people around us every single day.One of the most thought-provoking moments centres on Toyota's powerful principle: "Don't pass on a known defect." We discuss how this philosophy extends far beyond manufacturing and into leadership, culture, accountability and the decisions we make every day.We also draw surprising parallels between motherhood and leadership, exploring how patience, resilience, coaching, accountability and creating confidence in others are qualities that great leaders develop, whether at home or in the workplace.If you've ever questioned whether you're really a leader, this episode may change your perspective. Leadership begins long before the promotion, and every interaction leaves a lasting impact.Join us for an honest, insightful conversation about responsibility, influence and becoming the leader that's already within you.You can contact Mary at:mary@resonance.coachwww.resonance.coachContact us for all your Consulting, learning and development needs at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EngineeringLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Toyota #ContinuousImprovement #PersonalLeadership #OrganisationalCulture #Coaching #Empowerment #Accountability #BusinessLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #Podcast

E18 - Why Fear Is Ruining Leadership – Courage, Accountability & Building Better Teams | Helen Bailey

🎙️ Episode 18 – Becoming the Leader in You | With Helen Bailey What does it really mean to become the best version of yourself without pushing yourself to the point of burnout? In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, I sit down with Learning & Development Consultant and Trainer Helen Bailey for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about modern leadership, personal growth and creating healthier, more accountable workplace cultures. Together, we explore why many leaders still operate from a place of fear rather than confidence, and why courageous leadership often means being prepared to challenge conversations, behaviours and even your own thinking. We discuss the balance between supporting people and holding them accountable, how empowered teams outperform controlled teams, and why understanding the difference between what we want and what we genuinely need can transform both our personal and professional lives. We also reflect on one of our most valuable resources - time. How do we spend it? What deserves our attention? And how can leaders make better decisions that create lasting impact rather than simply staying busy? During this episode we discuss: ✅ Becoming the best version of yourself without overstretching ✅ Leadership styles and the role fear plays in leadership ✅ Courageous leadership and having challenging conversations ✅ Building empowered teams through accountability and trust ✅ Understanding the difference between wants and needs ✅ The true value of time in leadership and life ✅ Practical leadership lessons for managers, leaders and aspiring professionals Email Helen: helencoruscate @outlook.ِcom  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC51Kx0ibifRWXb2qBze2aiQ] Contact us at: info@aspire.me.uk www.aspire.me.uk Listen to us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and Audible Whether you're leading a team, developing your career or simply looking to become a more effective version of yourself, this conversation offers practical insights and fresh perspectives you can apply immediately. Subscribe to Becoming the Leader in You for inspiring conversations with leaders, coaches and industry experts, helping you influence, empower and succeed. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipPodcast #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #LeadershipSkills #TransformationalLeadership #CourageousLeadership #Accountability #Empowerment #TeamLeadership #HighPerformingTeams #LeadershipMindset #Management #PeopleManagement #LearningAndDevelopment #LandD #ProfessionalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipCoach #BusinessLeadership #FutureLeaders #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipMatters #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Influence #Empower #Success

E17 - Becoming the Leader in You - How to Become a Retail Leader People Actually Want to Follow | Craig Bennett

🎙️ Episode 17 | HOW TO BECOME A RETAIL LEADER PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANT TO FOLLOW | Craig BennettWhat separates great retail leaders from average managers?In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, Prof. Jay Acharya I am joined by Craig Bennett of Poppy Consulting Services for an engaging and insightful discussion on leadership within the retail and service-led sectors.Retail is one of the most demanding industries in the world. Leaders must balance customer expectations, team performance, sales targets, operational pressures and constant change. Yet the most successful retail leaders understand that leadership is not about authority. It is about people.Craig shares his experiences from the world of high street retail and explores what effective leadership looks like in today’s retail environment. Together, we discuss the challenges facing retail organisations, the importance of servant leadership, and why creating a positive culture can have a direct impact on both employee engagement and business performance.One of the most memorable moments of the conversation centres around a quote often attributed to Steve Jobs:“If you want people to like you, go and sell ice cream.”The quote sparks an honest discussion about leadership accountability, making difficult decisions, and the reality that effective leadership is not always about being popular. It is about doing what is right for the organisation, your team and your customers.In this episode, we discuss:✅ Leadership within high street retail✅ Retail sales, customer experience and business performance✅ Leadership in service-led industries✅ Servant leadership and putting people first✅ Building high-performing retail teams✅ Employee engagement and workplace culture✅ Leadership accountability and decision-making✅ Developing future leaders in retail organisations✅ The balance between commercial success and people development✅ Practical leadership lessons from real-world experienceWhether you are a retail manager, store manager, regional manager, team leader, business owner, customer service professional or aspiring leader, this episode provides practical insights that you can apply immediately.If you enjoy conversations about leadership development, retail management, customer experience, people management, employee engagement, organisational culture, business growth, transformational leadership and professional development, you’ll find plenty of value in this discussion.Contact Craig at:Craig.bennett@poppyconsultingservices.co.ukwww.poppyconsultingservices.co.ukDon't forget you can also contact us at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk💬 What do you believe is the most important leadership skill in retail today?Leave a comment below and join the conversation.🔔 Subscribe to Becoming the Leader in You for weekly conversations with business leaders, coaches, consultants and change-makers from around the world.#Leadership #RetailLeadership #RetailManagement #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #CustomerExperience #StoreManager #TeamLeadership #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #RetailIndustry #ManagementSkills #HighStreetRetail #OrganisationalCulture #CraigBennett #JayAcharya #BecomingTheLeaderInYou

E16 - Become the Leader People Actually Want to Follow - with my guest James Hudson

**🎙️ BECOMING THE LEADER IN YOU | Episode 16****The Leadership Shift Nobody Talks About | Featuring James Hudson**What does it really take to become a transformational leader in today's fast-changing world?In this episode of Becoming the Leader in You, Prof. Jay Acharya is joined by James Hudson, Leadership Facilitator and Transformational Specialist, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, influence, personal growth and creating meaningful change within organisations.As businesses navigate uncertainty, evolving workplace expectations and increasing pressure to perform, leaders are being challenged to do more than simply manage people. They are being called upon to inspire, empower and develop others whilst remaining authentic to who they are.During this episode, we explore:✅ What transformational leadership really means in practice✅ The difference between managing people and leading people✅ How leaders can create lasting organisational change✅ Building trust, engagement and psychological safety within teams✅ Why emotional intelligence is becoming a critical leadership skill✅ Developing future leaders in today's workplace✅ The challenges leaders face when navigating uncertainty and change✅ How self-awareness influences leadership effectiveness✅ Practical leadership strategies that you can apply immediatelyWhether you're a CEO, business owner, manager, aspiring leader, HR professional, coach, consultant or someone passionate about personal development, this conversation offers practical leadership insights designed to help you lead with greater confidence, purpose and impact.If you're interested in topics such as leadership development, transformational leadership, emotional intelligence, coaching skills, employee engagement, organisational culture, management training, resilience, personal growth, change management and executive leadership, this episode is for you.How can you contact James...see below:James.hudson@drivedevelopment.co.ukContact us at:info@aspire.me.ukwww.aspire.me.uk💬 **What is the biggest leadership lesson you've learned throughout your career?** Share your thoughts in the comments below.🔔 Subscribe to Becoming the Leader in You for weekly conversations with business leaders, coaches, consultants and change-makers who share practical advice to help you become the leader people choose to follow.🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch the full conversation here on YouTube.About James HudsonJames Hudson is a Leadership Facilitator and Transformational Specialist who supports individuals and organisations in developing leadership capability, strengthening workplace relationships and navigating change with confidence. Through his experience and practical approach, James helps leaders move beyond theory to create genuine impact within their teams and organisations.#Leadership #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalDevelopment #Management #LeadershipSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #ChangeManagement #OrganisationalCulture #EmployeeEngagement #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #Coaching #LeadershipCoach #TeamDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingTheLeaderInYou #JayAcharya**