Does It Really Matter What People Think and Say About You?

Life Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle!

What do you do when life hits harder than you ever imagined? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Des Penny opens up about one of the most challenging seasons of his life, loss, grief, unexpected pain, and the emotional weight of navigating it all while still showing up for others. But this isn’t just a story about hardship… it’s a masterclass inresilience, perspective, and leadership through adversity. Des shares raw lessons from real life: This episode is a reminder that life doesn’t just happen - we make it happen, and even in the toughest seasons, we still have a choice: to retreat… or to rise. If you’re going through a difficult time or supporting someone who is, this conversation will meet you where you are and help you move forward. Because at the end of the day… You don’t know what you don’t know… but you do know this, you’ve got it. Tune in, reflect, and take the next step forward.

Why do I feel invisible?

In this episode, Why do I feel invisible? Des Penny discusses one of the most common yet unspoken challenges in leadership, feeling unseen, unsupported, and running on empty. Through honesty and experience, Des shares six powerful insights to help you move from doubt to destiny. You’ll discover how to take back control, speak differently, and thrive rather than just cope. As Des says, “No one can pour from an empty cup,” and “Doubt loves to creep in where self-care checks out.” This episode is a call to every leader to stop waiting, take back the controls, and remember that no one can look after the leader except the leader themself.

Does It Really Matter What People Think and Say About You?

In this powerful episode of the Let’s GO –Let’s GROW Podcast, Des Penny dives deep into one of the most common leadership struggles — dealing with criticism, judgment, and other people’s opinions. Have you ever held back because of what they might think? Been stung by a comment that lingered far too long in your mind? Des is here to remind you: It’s not what they say that defines you – it’s how you respond that sets the course for your future. You’ll learn: When feedback matters — and when it absolutely doesn’tThe “Triple R” strategy to handle criticism:Recognise, Reflect, and Refocus  Why restraint is true power (with a gold nugget quote from Warren Buffett)Practical tools to build emotional resilience and reclaim your inner voice Why you are the author of your own life — and how to write your next powerful chapter This is an episode every leader, creator, and courageous human needs to hear. Because you weren’t born to blend in — you were made to grow forward. Action precedes clarity. Let’s GO – Let’s GROW.

Saying YES to Growth

Saying YES to Growth: Why Stretching Yourself is Non-Negotiable In this episode of the Let’s GO – Let’s GROW podcast with Des Penny challenges us to step beyond comfort and into growth. Through personal stories and practical leadership insights, he unpacks why stretching yourself isn’t optional — it's essential. Learn 5 powerful ways to grow starting today, why action always precedes clarity, and how true leadership demands we stretch first. If you’re ready to leave the harbour and chase your next opportunity, this is your call to action. Let’s GO — Let’s GROW! Sponsored by Proteus Leadership — Creating Great Leaders for over 32 years. Visit proteusleadership.com [https://proteusleadership.com]

Stop the Blame Game and the Sport of Leadership Bashing!

In this powerful and passionate episode, Des Penny gets fired up — and for good reason. Tired of the relentless negativity swirling around leadership on social media, Des calls out the rising trend of "leadership bashing" and the damaging culture of blame that’s taking hold in many workplaces. Drawing from over 45 years of hands-on experience in leadership development, he offers a bold and unapologetic defence of leaders who are showing up every day, doing their best, often with little recognition or support. This is not a sugar-coated pep talk. It’s a raw, real, and necessary conversation about responsibility — both for those leading and those being led. Des challenges listeners to shift their focus, speak up for the good, and stop letting the loudest critics dictate the narrative. Whether you’re in a leadership role or part of a team, this episode will make you reflect, reassess, and hopefully, recommit to building healthier workplace cultures where respect, accountability, and hope take centre stage. This one’s for the leaders who care, and the teams who need them. 🎧 Listen now, and if it hits home — share it, post something positive about a leader who’s impacted you, and help flip the script. Let’s bring leadership back — and let’s grow together.