In this episode, Kul challenges the idea that so-called “soft skills” are secondary in leadership. He explores why empathy, listening, vulnerability, adaptability, and presence are in fact the hardest - and most powerful - edge of effective leadership. Drawing on real-world examples and research, Kul shows how these human skills drive trust, performance, innovation, and lasting impact. Tune in to discover why leading with heart isn’t soft at all - it’s the true differentiator of modern, human-centred leaders. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores the hidden human impact of zero-trust security in modern workplaces. While designed to protect systems, data, and IP, zero-trust approaches can unintentionally erode trust, psychological safety, and collaboration. Kul examines how constant monitoring can affect wellbeing, creativity, and belonging, and challenges leaders to find a better balance. This episode offers a human-centred perspective on security - one that protects organisations without sacrificing trust, autonomy, or the very people who make them thrive. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores whether the future of work is genuinely about employee wellbeing - or simply productivity repackaged. Amid rapid change, AI adoption, and performance pressure, he challenges leaders to rethink wellbeing as a business-critical strategy rather than a “nice to have.” Drawing on research and real-world experience, he explains why psychological safety, trust, and human-centred cultures drive sustainable performance. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores whether innovation can truly flourish within cultures driven by fear, blame, and defensiveness. Through real-world examples and leadership insights, he uncovers how fear stifles creativity, fuels disengagement, and drives top talent away. He also highlights the transformative power of human-centred cultures - where psychological safety, curiosity, and courageous leadership enable experimentation and genuine learning. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores how leadership is becoming increasingly politicised in today’s polarised social and global climate. He examines how external political pressures, ideological division, and shifting cultural narratives are influencing organisational decisions - often at the expense of values, trust, and psychological safety. He argues for a return to human-centred leadership rooted in clarity, connection, and shared humanity. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul challenges the misconception that emotional intelligence is a weakness. He explores how self-awareness, empathy, and human connection underpin truly effective leadership, far beyond command-and-control approaches. Through powerful stories and real-world examples, he shows how emotionally intelligent leaders build trust, inspire performance, and create environments where people thrive. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores why “strongman” leadership is losing its influence in politics, workplaces, and society. He reflects on the rise of authoritarian, command-and-control leadership and contrasts it with a growing global shift toward emotional intelligence, connection, and people-first values. Through political examples and leadership stories, he shows why dominance may create short-term wins but never sustains trust or performance. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul redefines what true performance means in today’s workplaces. Moving beyond targets, KPIs, and quick wins, he explores how trust, consistency, and emotional intelligence drive sustained success. He argues that real performance is about people - their connection, motivation, and shared purpose - not just numbers on a chart. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores the crucial distinction between accountability and blame in organisational culture. He reveals how blame stifles trust, innovation, and honesty - while true accountability fosters growth, learning, and performance. Drawing on real-world examples and leadership insights, he discusses how emotionally intelligent leaders can build psychologically safe environments where mistakes are seen as opportunities, not failures. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul explores how excessive control and rigid structures can stifle creativity and innovation within organisations. He discusses why fear-driven leadership, outdated policies, and overregulation often lead to disengagement, “quiet quitting,” and lost potential. He shares insights from his own leadership journey, highlighting how trust, empowerment, and cognitive diversity can unlock innovation and resilience. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul challenges whether inclusion initiatives ever truly deliver on their promise. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, he explores the limits of traditional DEI approaches, the pitfalls of focusing solely on representation, and the risk of overlooking true belonging. Kul argues that genuine inclusion requires moving beyond metrics to create cultures where every individual feels valued, heard, and safe to contribute diverse perspectives. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode, Kul asks a critical question: is traditional leadership still fit for a rapidly changing world? Drawing parallels between global politics and workplace dynamics, he explores why hierarchical, transactional leadership is losing relevance and why trust, relationships, and emotional intelligence are becoming essential. Kul highlights the shift toward human-centred leadership - where people feel valued, heard, and empowered - as the foundation for thriving in uncertain times. Tune in to discover why the future of leadership depends on evolving with the needs of people. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

In this episode Kul welcomes HR and mediation expert Trish Hewitt for a candid conversation on why some executive teams thrive while others struggle. Together, they explore the vital role of leadership in shaping culture, the importance of trust and healthy conflict, and how vulnerability and emotional intelligence can transform boardrooms. Drawing on powerful real-world examples and proven frameworks such as The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, they reveal how senior leaders can shift from siloed thinking to collaborative, organisation-wide impact. For large organisations looking to elevate their leadership capability, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights. Publications we referred to: 📖 "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni : Amazon UK link 📖 "The Trusted Advisor" by David H. Maister, Charles H. Green, and Robert M. Galford : Amazon UK link Connect with Trish Hewitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-hewitt-haylo-hr/   _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/  

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode, Kul Mahay challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance, arguing that it’s an outdated myth that often increases stress rather than alleviating it. Instead, he explores the idea of work-life integration—an approach that embraces flexibility, autonomy, and well-being in a way that suits individual needs. Kul shares insights on how leaders can create cultures that support sustainable success without enforcing unrealistic boundaries. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode, Kul Mahay explores the "empathy dilemma"—can leaders care too much? While empathy is a leadership superpower, excessive emotional involvement can lead to burnout, decision paralysis, and even team resentment. Kul discusses the balance between compassion and boundaries, the difference between emotional and cognitive empathy, and how leaders can support their teams without sacrificing themselves. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode of the Human Centred Leadership podcast, Kul explores why great leaders must sometimes make unpopular decisions. He challenges the myth that leadership is about being liked and instead emphasises the importance of respect, integrity, and principled decision-making. Kul shares insights on balancing tough choices with emotional intelligence, maintaining trust, and leading with courage. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/  

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode of the Human Centred Leadership podcast, Kul explores how organizations can handle workplace investigations with fairness, trust, and accountability. He discusses the challenges of traditional compliance-driven approaches and offers a human-centred alternative that prioritizes ethical leadership, transparency, and learning over blame. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode, Kul examines the growing trend of corporations scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He explores the political, economic, and cultural factors driving this shift, questioning whether traditional DEI efforts have truly fostered inclusion or merely become box-ticking exercises. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode, Kul explores how excessive rules and rigid policies can erode trust, stifle innovation, and damage workplace culture. Reflecting on his own experience in policing, he highlights how over-regulation strips away human connection and discourages autonomy. Through insightful discussion, he urges leaders to simplify processes, prioritise trust, and foster meaningful relationships to create high-performing teams. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/

Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space.  He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. In this episode, Kul delves into the vital role of mental resilience for empathetic leaders. He explores the emotional challenges of human-centric leadership, including decision-making, emotional labour, and burnout. Kul shares actionable strategies for building resilience, such as fostering self-awareness, setting boundaries, creating support systems, and practicing self-compassion. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game.  Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/