Insights From the 'Cole' Face - Elevating Leadership Beyond the Boardroom

S3 - Episode 3 - Nicola Bonucci - Why Anti-Corruption Is Facing a Defining Moment

Former OECD Director for Legal Affairs Nicola Bonucci joins Sarah for a timely and deeply insightful conversation about the future of global anti-corruption efforts, ethical leadership, and the growing uncertainty facing international governance. Having spent 25 years at the OECD, Nicola played a central role in shaping the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and witnessed first-hand the transformation of global compliance frameworks during the rise of globalisation. In this episode, he reflects on the geopolitical optimism of the 1990s, the evolution of anti-corruption enforcement, and why he believes negotiating landmark international agreements like the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention would be far more difficult in today’s political climate. Nicola also shares his concerns about the recent pause in FCPA enforcement in the United States, explaining why the implications stretch far beyond one piece of legislation. Together, Sarah and Nicola explore whether global anti-corruption momentum is now at risk, what this means for companies operating internationally, and why businesses may need to anchor themselves more firmly in values-based leadership rather than relying solely on legislation. The conversation moves beyond policy into leadership itself. Nicola reflects candidly on the realities of implementing anti-corruption programmes inside organisations, the moral grey areas leaders sometimes face, and why humility, flexibility and judgement are essential qualities for anyone navigating complex ethical decisions. Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom? Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact. 📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/ 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/ ☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

S3 Episode 2 - Tom Fox on Curiosity, Audio Storytelling and Reinventing a Profession

Tom Fox, widely known as “The Voice of Compliance”, joins Sarah for a fascinating conversation about leadership, resilience, storytelling and the future of ethics and compliance in an AI-driven world. Founder of the award-winning Compliance Podcast Network [https://compliancepodcastnetwork.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], Tom has spent more than a decade helping reshape how organisations think about compliance, business ethics and risk management. Alongside hosting more than 50 podcasts and writing 28 books, he has become one of the most influential voices in the global compliance space. In this engaging and often very personal conversation, Tom reflects on the unexpected twists that shaped his career. From a life-changing cycling accident that forced him to rethink his future, to becoming an early adopter of blogging, podcasting and social media long before most professionals embraced them, Tom shares how curiosity and adaptability became central to his success. Together, Sarah and Tom explore: • Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in leadership and compliance • How podcasting creates deeper emotional connection and engagement • The future of AI and how it could completely transform compliance education and risk management • Why compliance professionals must evolve from “the department of no” into strategic business partners • The importance of resilience, reinvention and earning trust every single day • How ethics and compliance can become a true business enabler rather than a tick-box exercise Tom also shares some remarkable stories from his podcasting journey, including how an episode about branding lessons from Count Dracula unexpectedly became his most successful podcast ever, and why a heartfelt story about a local cookie baker resonated with listeners around the world. This episode is insightful, entertaining and full of practical wisdom for leaders navigating change, innovation and uncertainty. At its heart, it is a conversation about staying curious, embracing new ideas and using communication to genuinely move people. LINKS & RESOURCES Explore Tom Fox’s work and podcasts: Compliance Podcast Network [https://compliancepodcastnetwork.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Read Tom’s daily compliance insights: FCPA Compliance and Ethics Blog [https://fcpacompliancereport.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom? Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact. 📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/ 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/ ☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

S3 Episode 1 - Authentic Leadership and the Power of Feedback in Training with Roxanne Petraeus

Roxanne Petraeus, co-founder and CEO of Ethena, joins Sarah to explore entrepreneurship, leadership and the challenge of building meaningful culture in complex, fast-moving environments. Drawing on her experience in the military, consulting and early-stage startups, Roxanne shares how a non-linear path led her to build Athena, a company focused on transforming compliance training from a tick-box exercise into something genuinely engaging and impactful. In this thoughtful and practical conversation, Roxanne reflects on: * Why most workplace training fails and how to make it truly effective * The reality of building a business while raising a family and operating in constant uncertainty * How to find and work with “innovator” customers who share your vision early on * The balance between creativity and technology in building scalable solutions * Why culture is not static and must be actively maintained through continuous feedback * The importance of authenticity in leadership and why trying to fit a mould rarely works Roxanne also shares candid insights into the challenges of scaling a technology platform, navigating legacy systems, and building a company that reflects the values it teaches. Her perspective on feedback, both giving and receiving it, offers a powerful reminder that strong cultures are built through openness, honesty and daily effort. Looking ahead, she explores how AI will reshape learning and development, moving from one-size-fits-all training to truly personalised experiences tailored to individual roles, risks and behaviours. This episode is honest, practical and deeply human. It is essential listening for leaders building teams, shaping culture and navigating the realities of modern work. Website - https://www.goethena.com Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom? Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact. 📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/ 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/ ☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

S2 Episode 12 - Leadership When the Stakes Are High: Lessons from CEO Matt Blumberg

Multi-time founder and CEO Matt Blumberg joins Sarah for a powerful conversation on leadership, decision-making and what it really takes to scale a business over time. With more than 30 years of experience building and leading high-growth technology companies, Matt brings a rare level of honesty about the realities of leadership. From early-stage uncertainty to global scale, he shares what happens behind the scenes when the pressure is real and the stakes are high. In this episode, Matt reflects on his journey from management consulting and venture capital into entrepreneurship, and why he chose to step into the arena rather than stay on the sidelines. He shares lessons from building Return Path over two decades, including the emotional highs and lows that often arrive at the same time, and what it takes to stay grounded through both. Together, Sarah and Matt explore: * Why a CEO’s most important job is managing their own psychology * What it really means when “the camera is always on” as a leader * How to build trust at the heart of an executive team * The difference between establishing culture and scaling it * Why high performers who damage culture can hold a business back * The role of storytelling in leadership and influencing others * How to think in frameworks rather than relying on rigid playbooks * Why innovation should extend far beyond product and into every part of a business Matt also shares practical tools he uses to reflect and reset, including the four questions he asks himself each year to assess direction, fulfilment and impact, as well as a powerful exercise around writing your own resignation letter to understand what the next phase of leadership really requires. At a time when AI is transforming how businesses operate, Matt makes a compelling case that leadership and human judgement matter more than ever. This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership. Honest, practical and full of insight for anyone building, leading or scaling a business. Links: * matt@Markup AI.com              [matt@acrolinx.com] * www.linkedin.com/in/blumbergmatt [http://www.linkedin.com/in/blumbergmatt] * www.startupceo.com [http://www.startupceo.com] (blog) * www.twitter.com/mattblumberg [http://www.twitter.com/mattblumberg]  * www.Markup AI.com [http://www.acrolinx.com] * www.bolster.com [http://www.bolster.com]         Books:  Startup CEO: A field guide to scaling up your business [https://www.amazon.com/Startup-CEO-Scaling-Business-Techstars/dp/1119723663] (based on his popular blog on entrepreneurship, StartupCEO.com [http://www.startupceo.com]), Startup CXO: A field guide to scaling up your company’s critical functions and teams [https://www.amazon.com/Startup-CXO-Companys-Functions-Techstars/dp/1119772575], and Startup Boards: A Field Guide to Building and Leading an Effective Board of Directors [https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Boards-Building-Effective-Directors/dp/111985928X] Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom? Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact. 📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/ 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/ ☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

S2 Episode 11 - Telling the Story That Matters: Leadership Lessons from Broadcaster Sian Lloyd

Broadcaster and journalist Sian Lloyd joins Sarah for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, resilience and the realities of performing under pressure. Known to audiences through her work on programmes such as BBC Breakfast, Crimewatch Roadshow and Panorama, Sian has spent decades reporting on major stories and presenting live broadcasts where composure, clarity and adaptability are essential. In this engaging episode, Sian reflects on her unconventional path into journalism. After qualifying as a solicitor, she made the bold decision to step away from law and pursue a career in media, beginning with work experience at a local radio station and gradually building the skills that would take her to national television. Together, Sarah and Sian explore what leaders can learn from journalism and broadcasting, including: • Why storytelling is at the heart of powerful communication • How preparation and curiosity help you stay calm in high pressure situations • What really happens behind the scenes when live broadcasts go wrong • How to manage nerves and present with confidence in front of any audience • Why resilience is built through experience, mistakes and the courage to seize opportunities Sian also shares insights from her work today helping organisations and leaders develop stronger communication and public speaking skills, explaining how the ability to tell a clear story can transform the way people connect with their teams, their audiences and the wider world. At its heart, this conversation is about helping others find their voice. Whether through journalism, leadership or public speaking, Sian believes the role of the communicator is to help people tell their stories in a way that informs, inspires and creates change. Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom? Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact. 📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/ 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/ ☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole