The Dog Ate My Strategy Show

Finding Your Voice With Leena Dattani

Why do so many capable people stay silent in the moments that matter most? In this episode, Gary Cox talks with Leena Dattani about confidence, visibility and how to speak up in high-stakes rooms. From the boardroom moment, that changed everything, to the practical habits that helped her find her voice, Leena shares honest, useful advice for anyone who has ever held back at work. You’ll hear ideas on managing nerves, reframing self-doubt, preparing to contribute in meetings and becoming more visible without losing authenticity. We also talk about situational leadership and having the ability to flex your style whilst remaining authentic. When should leaders change course? A practical, encouraging conversation for anyone ready to stop waiting for confidence and start speaking before they feel ready. You can contact Leena at http://linkedin.com/in/leena-dattani-75437710 [http://linkedin.com/in/leena-dattani-75437710] We also hear Gary’s attempt at a simple mug repair, which somehow ended with a super glued hand and the dog needing an unscheduled haircut.  Emma casually reveals her super skill and passion that could lead her to entering the UK championship. 🎧 Listen now and be entertained enough to forget your inbox for 40 minutes. Learn something that might help you take that small or big step forward in your career. 📩 Got a funny work‑related story? Send it to ⁠dogatestrategy@gmail.com⁠ [dogatestrategy@gmail.com] 🎞️ Created and Produced by YRAG Productions

Trust Yourself - Karen Dunbar Interview Part Two

This episode has a bit of everything: career reinvention, Shakespeare, community, a BAFTA-winning video game performance… and an Easter egg dilemma that probably didn’t need this much strategic thinking.   In Part 2 of my conversation with Karen Dunbar, we talk about what it really means to trust yourself when the plan changes. Karen shares brilliant insights on moving from TV into theatre, taking on Shakespeare without formal training, creating powerful community work, and saying yes to opportunities you might never have imagined for yourself.   Karen shares honest and inspiring reflections on: * moving from TV into theatre when work changed * stepping into Shakespeare without formal training * the power of community, adaptability and staying open to opportunity   Alongside Karen’s interview, the panel also gets involved with the kind of hard-hitting issues modern life throws at us: * is it still a thoughtful gift if the Easter egg has already been reduced in the supermarket? * and can a strategy show really justify suggesting a letter to the Pope about moving Easter? So, while there’s plenty of humour in this episode, there’s also a strong thread running through it: careers don’t always move in straight lines, confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything in advance, and sometimes the best next step is simply trusting yourself and giving it a go. If you enjoy honest conversations, a few laughs, and practical insight on navigating change, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.   🎧 Listen now and be entertained enough to forget your inbox for 40 minutes. Learn something that might help you take that small or big step forward in your career. 📩 Got a funny work‑related story? Send it to ⁠dogatestrategy@gmail.com⁠ [dogatestrategy@gmail.com] 🎞️ Created and Produced by YRAG Productions

Never Stand Still with Karen Dunbar - Part One

What does it really take to stay relevant in a brutal, fast-moving industry for decades? If nerves never fully go away, how do you still deliver? In this episode of The Dog Ate My Strategy Show, Scottish comedy icon, actress and BAFTA winner Karen Dunbar joins Gary and David for a funny, honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the unglamorous work behind “overnight success”. From returning home after a three‑week “conquer London” plan, to finding her confidence hosting karaoke, to grabbing the very last audition slot that changed everything—Karen shares the moments that shaped her career and these lessons are relevant to us all: · Why reinvention is a strategy you can practise (not a one‑off pivot) · How to build confidence through repetition, earn your stripes! · Nerves: no hacks—just learning to perform with them! · Opportunity moments: making the call, taking the slot, backing yourself · Why success doesn’t automatically equal peace   Also, on, Never Stand Still Part One, we hear about what the three panellists, Emma, David & Paul did over the Easter holidays. Not exactly the most relaxing holidays for one of our panellists. 🎧 Listen now and be entertained enough to forget your inbox for 40 minutes. Learn something that might help you take that small or big step forward in your career. 📩 Got a funny work‑related story? Send it to dogatestrategy@gmail.com [dogatestrategy@gmail.com] 🎞️ Created and Produced by YRAG Productions

What the Workplace Can Learn from the Vet’s Surgery

In this episode, The Dog Ate My Strategy Show looks at what every day professional life can learn from a high‑stakes environment where calm, composure, and people skills aren’t “nice to have” — they’re essential. We hear from the brilliant, Natalie McQuire, Veterinary Surgeon and Director at Sandbeck Veterinary Centre in Wetherby about: 1. Clear judgement without perfect information 2. Communicating honestly and focusing on a client’s needs 3. Emotional control when the room is charged 4. Letting go of the comfort blanket These are exactly the capabilities modern workplaces need and can often lack. Whether you lead people, influence decisions, or simply want to stay steadier when work gets a bit chaotic, this episode offers practical, human lessons from a place where decisions truly matter. I also challenge the panel on whether they spend too much time looking at spreadsheets. You can play along too and test whether you need to broaden your life. 🤔 We have the most amazing email in our feature, " When the day takes a different turn." No spoilers, but this will take some beating! 📩 Got a funny work‑related story? Send it to dogatestrategy@gmail.com [dogatestrategy@gmail.com] 🎧 Listen now, be entertained and bring some calmness into your day. 🎧 Created and Produced by YRAG Productions

Nice and Cheesy

It all starts here! In our very first specially extended episode, Gary shares the origin story of the show, introduces the panel, and explains how Emma learning a new skill somehow led to Gary abandoning tea in favour of coffee. Discover why a Yorkshire man willingly spent five painful days creating a theme tune, hear a special guest panellist share a powerful story of creativity and resilience as we go back to the 80s.  Stick around for a closing segment aptly titled “When the day takes a different turn!” Perfect for your coffee break, lunchtime escape, or daily dog walk — expect laughter, learning, and just a little second‑hand stress. 📩 Got a funny work‑related story? Send it to damssx3@gmail.com [damssx3@gmail.com] 🎧 Created by YRAG Productions