Learn how to cut through management cliches and lead with genuine authority by mastering five practical skills. This episode explores the habits that drive high performance: radical ownership, earned trust, rapid adaptation, flexible prioritisation, and storytelling. Lee explains how these core principles help you build stable leadership frameworks and navigate unpredictable environments with clarity.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00: Introduction: Why modern leadership advice often misses the mark.00:00:36: Skill 1: Ownership and taking responsibility for outcomes.00:01:14: Skill 2: Earning trust through accountability and example.00:01:58: Skill 3: Admitting uncertainty and adapting at pace.00:02:40: Skill 4: Balancing clear priorities with necessary flexibility.00:03:06: Skill 5: The impact of storytelling on human connection.00:04:36: Building frameworks: Creating an authentic leadership culture.00:05:58: Reflection: Aligning leadership advice with your reality.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
LevelUp Leadership Hub: levelupleadership.uk
Solo Episode: 'Act Like You Own It'. Available in the archives.
Upcoming Book: 'Enhanced Leadership' by Lee Whitmore. Releasing February 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS
Own the result: When projects stall, effective leaders step forward to own the outcome. This transparency builds credibility and shifts the focus from excuses to solutions.
Stability in change: Use leadership frameworks like a centreboard on a sailboat. They provide the balance needed to stay on course even when external pressures push you toward reactive firefighting.
Agile priorities: Set clear goals but maintain the judgment to shift them when the situation demands it. Rigidity in a changing world often costs momentum.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR COACHES
Humanise the role: Encourage coachees to use personal stories of failure and success. These moments build stronger connections than lists of facts or data.
Contextual frameworks: Help organisations build leadership models based on the specific habits that drive growth in their unique culture, rather than using off the shelf templates.
Structured reflection: Use the five core habits: ownership, accountability, adaptation, clarity, and connection: as a checklist for client self-assessment and growth.
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In this final episode of 2025, Lee Whitmore reflects on the rapid growth of the LevelUp Leadership Podcast: moving from a simple LinkedIn page to a platform with over 6,000 views across Spotify, YouTube, and Substack.
Lee recaps the essential lessons shared by a wide range of expert guests throughout the year and provides a first look at the focus for 2026, including the launch of his new book on AI and leadership.
00:00:00 – The journey from zero to 6,000 views in six months.
00:01:12 – A note of thanks to listeners, supporters, and guests.
00:01:54 – Recapping 2025: Key guests and their unique perspectives.
00:02:50 – Universal themes: Personal agency and 'Act Like You Own It'.
00:03:15 – Looking ahead to 2026: AI, new guests, and 'Enhanced Leadership'.
This year featured a diverse group of leadership experts and practitioners:
Tamara Myles: Specialist in meaningful work and productivity.
Jon Rosemberg: Expert on moving from survival mode to thriving.
Fred Miller: Consultant focused on unleashing agency and visible leadership.
Jennifer Riel: Global strategy expert and author on integrative thinking.
Mercedes Martin: Advisor on the complex experiences of modern leaders.
Chris March: Executive coach specialising in the 'Mamba Mentality' and coaching mindsets.
Ian Stringer: Award-winning broadcaster and expert in public speaking.
Nick Shackleton-Jones: Pioneer in human-centred learning and performance.
Resources Mentioned
LevelUp Leadership Hub: levelupleadership.uk
Solo Episode: 'Act Like You Own It' (Available in the archives).
Upcoming Book: 'Enhanced Leadership' by Lee Whitmore (Releasing February 2026).
Key Takeaways
Cultivate Agency: The most effective leaders encourage a culture where individuals take ownership of their outcomes.
Embrace Evolution: Growth often requires moving from a purely operational focus to a strategic, audio-visual, or partnership-driven approach.
Prepare for AI: 2026 will require leaders to move beyond experimentation and into the strategic integration of AI within their organisations.
Simplify the Landscape: While leadership challenges are complex, the solutions often reside in simple, human-centric principles.
Resources Over Courses: Support development by providing staff with the specific information and tools they need at the moment of challenge.
Build Communities: The success of coaching and content depends on a supportive network that shares advice and encouragement.
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Learn how to prevent the 'organisational immune system' from snuffing out the fresh energy and innovation brought by new starters and newly trained staff. This episode explores your critical role as a leader in acting as a shield for positive disruption, creating psychological safety, and using reflective coaching to turn new insights into tangible, actionable pilots that drive real progress.In this episode of Level Up Leadership, Lee tackles a common frustration: watching the energy of a new starter or a newly trained team member disappear. We often see brilliant ideas 'battered into submission' by the prevailing culture. Lee explains how to spot this pattern and why it is a leadership failure to let it continue.
We discuss the 'organisational immune system' and provide a four-step framework to help you become a sponsor for innovation. Learn how to move away from mindless conformity and towards a culture where fresh perspectives are protected and tested.
Inside this episode:
The Power of Fresh Eyes: Why new starters see what you no longer can.
Reflective Coaching: The 30-minute investment that saves your training budget.
The Sandbox Method: How to test ideas without them being picked apart by cynics.
The Shield Role: Managing upwards and outwards to give your team the cover they need.
Chapters:
(00:00) The problem: Why new energy fades
(01:14) Identifying your change agents
(02:22) Why the culture attacks new ideas
(03:26) Setting the standard for innovation
(04:02) Psychological safety in practice
(04:52) Coaching questions for returning staff
(06:04) Creating a pilot program sandbox
(06:36) Taking the heat as a leader
(07:33) Excellence vs. Perfection
(07:58) Final challenge for the week
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Learn why traditional training courses often fail and how to replace them with high-impact learning experiences that drive real performance. In this episode, globally recognised learning expert Nick Shackleton-Jones explores the "courses to resources" shift, the importance of getting to know your team at an individual level, and how to intentionally integrate AI to enhance human capability without eroding essential skills.
In this episode of the Level Up Leadership Podcast, we are joined by Nick Shackleton-Jones, CEO of Shackleton Consulting and former Chief Learning Officer at Deloitte UK. Nick is a pioneer of the 'courses to resources' shift and the author of the critically acclaimed book How People Learn.
We discuss the dangers of the 'parenting' leadership style and why treating employees like children drives away top talent. Nick explains the 'Sat Nav' effect: how over-reliance on performance support tools can erode long-term capability.
Key Takeaways:
The Context Model: Why learning is driven by emotion and personal significance rather than content delivery.
Leadership Traps: How new leaders frequently default to 'parenting' styles & how to avoid this common pitfall.
Capability vs Performance Support: Understanding when to build deep skills Vs when to provide immediate guidance.
AI in L&D: Practical examples of using AI for thematic analysis and creating competitive avatars for role-play scenarios.
01:03 – Introduction to Nick Shackleton-Jones and the 'courses to resources' shift.
03:10 – Nick's first leadership role: Learning not to 'cosplay' the boss.
05:43 – The Parenting Trap: Why new leaders often treat teams like children.
08:35 – Learning through challenge: Why development is about opportunity, not classrooms.
11:15 – Staff mobility: How organisations like the BBC and the Army build capability through rotation.
14:35 – The vital importance of knowing your team on an individual level.
16:15 – The Sat Nav Analogy: The trade-off between easy performance and deep capability.
20:15 – The impact of AI on white-collar work and the 'Apprentice Gap'.
23:00 – AI Companions: Will we all have a digital buddy guiding our careers?
27:45 – Practical AI: How Nick used AI to create 'Eva', a virtual judge and competitor.
31:45 – Leadership Idols: Lessons from Barack Obama and Ernest Shackleton.
Nick Shackleton-Jones is a revolutionary thinker in the field of Learning and Development. He is the Chief Executive of Shackleton Consulting and the author of How People Learn. With a career spanning three decades, Nick has held senior roles including Chief Learning Officer at Deloitte UK and Director of Learning and Innovation at BP. He is globally recognised for challenging traditional education mindsets and advocating for human-centred design and performance support.
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/
Shackleton Consulting: shackleton-consulting.com/
Book: How People Learn by Nick Shackleton-Jones
Thank you for watching/ listening.
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© 2025 LevelUp.
This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
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Learn how to move beyond 'either-or' trade-offs to create genuinely superior solutions for your most complex leadership challenges. In this episode, strategy and innovation expert Jennifer Riel shares the powerful framework of integrative thinking, exploring how to leverage the tension between opposing ideas and use human-centred design to navigate volatile times with clarity and purpose.Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place?
As leaders, we often feel forced into binary choices: Cut costs OR invest in innovation? Focus on short-term results OR long-term strategy?
Most people settle for a compromise - or what today’s guest calls "The Smush."
But what if you didn't have to choose?
In this episode, Lee sits down with Jennifer Riel, the former Global COO of IDEO and current Adjunct Professor at the Rotman School of Management.
,Jennifer is the co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Creating Great Choices, and she joins us to break down the framework of Integrative Thinking.
In this episode, you will learn:The "Either/Or" Trap: Why binary thinking kills innovation and how to spot it.
The Danger of "The Smush": Why compromising to keep everyone happy often leads to mediocre results (and what to do instead).
The P&G Case Study: How A.G. Lafley used integrative thinking to solve an impossible innovation crisis at Procter & Gamble.
"Stealth Mode" Influence: How to introduce new decision-making tools to your team without resistance.
How to "Fall in Love" with Opposing Ideas: A counter-intuitive method for resolving conflict in the boardroom.
Whether you are a CEO, a team lead, or an entrepreneur, this episode will give you the tools to move beyond trade-offs and start creating genuinely new solutions.
(00:00) Introduction: The Trap of "Either/Or" Trade-offs
(02:40) Jennifer’s Journey: From English Lit to IDEO COO(05:30) What is Integrative Thinking?
(08:45) Beware "The Smush": Why Compromise Kills Innovation
(12:45) How to Argue Better: Suspending Judgment & Loving the Opposition
(17:15) Case Study: How P&G Solved the Innovation Paradox
(22:45) Applying Strategy to Personal Life (The Arranged Marriage Example)
(25:00) "Stealth Mode": How to Introduce New Thinking to Your Team
(28:30) Design Thinking vs. Integrative Thinking: What’s the Difference?
(33:00) Leadership Spotlight: Ken Chenault & American Express
(35:45) Lee’s Key Takeaways & Conclusion
Mentioned in this episode:Book: Creating Great Choices: A Leader's Guide to Integrative ThinkingConcept: Design Thinking vs. Integrative Thinking
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Learn how to master public speaking and high-stakes presentations with award-winning broadcaster and commentator Ian Stringer. This episode explores the power of the 'word economy', why knowing your subject is more important than a perfect script, and how to shift your mindset to overcome nerves and deliver with genuine authority.Public speaking is a core leadership skill, but it's one that makes many newly promoted leaders feel incredibly nervous.
According to award-winning broadcaster and sports journalist Ian Stringer, mastering this isn't just about technical skill; it's about mindset.
Ian has called over 600 live games, including Leicester City's historic Premier League win - a masterclass in high-pressure communication. He explains why he's "never been nervous" and how leaders can learn to handle the pressure of unscripted, high-stakes moments.
In this insightful conversation, Ian shares the exact techniques he's used to command a room for over 20 years, from the commentary box to the corporate awards stage. He explains the critical difference between a prepared script (a "crutch") and truly knowing your subject, providing practical tips like the "power of the pause" and "word economy" to deliver your message with clarity and impact.
This episode provides a powerful framework for "unwiring" old fears to "rewire" a more confident, engaging, and authentic leadership presence.
In this episode, you will learn:
(04:04) The Duck Paddling Under the Water?: Ian reveals whether he really feels nervous before a high-pressure broadcast.
(06:33) Handling the FA Cup Final: The simple, powerful advice Ian’s coach gave him to stay focused during a high-stakes moment.
(08:15) What's the Point?: Why focusing on your core message is the key to letting go of nerves about your hair or the flip chart.
(12:20) 101 Advice for New Leaders: Don't aim for a 10/10. Start by asking yourself one simple question: "What does success look like?".
(14:26) The Power of the Pause: A brilliant, practical tip to immediately regain the room when you feel you're losing your audience.
(19:10) Scripted vs. On-the-Fly: How to prepare for the unscripted moments that leaders often fear the most (but are usually best at).
(24:15) Word Economy: A lesson from football commentary on how to deliver your most important messages with maximum impact.
(27:40) Ditch the Crutch: Why over-relying on a script is a danger, and a great coaching trick to practice without it.
(31:30) The Leader Ian Admires: Why Gareth Southgate's "considered leadership" and ability to listen is so powerful.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Ian Stringer:
LinkedIn: Ian Stringer
X (Twitter): @StringerSport
Instagram: @StringerSport
Leader Mentioned:
Gareth Southgate (Former England Manager)
Claudio Ranieri (Former Leicester City Manager)
Richard Brooks Harley (Former Leader/Mentor)
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Learn how to strip back the complexity of management and lead with a coaching mindset. In this episode, executive coach Chris March shares lessons from a career spanning three continents, exploring the universal human needs at the heart of leadership, the transition from senior management to coaching, and how the 'Mamba Mentality' can drive a culture of continuous improvement.It’s rare to find a leader who has truly tested their mettle across so many different cultures while successfully navigating massive industry disruption.
Today, Chris March, a seasoned executive leadership coach, joins the podcast to share the wisdom gained from over two decades working across Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US.
Chris begins by sharing his personal journey through the travel industry's devastating collapse during the pandemic -a crisis that became the catalyst for his pivot into executive coaching.
We explore the subtle but critical differences in global communication styles, from the "politeness" of Canadians to the directness of Australians, and why, despite these differences, the core of leadership remains universally about service.
This episode dives deep into the future of work, discussing why the traditional leadership playbook is being completely rewritten by AI.
Chris offers practical advice on how leaders can use this technology to "amplify their brilliance," and shares why Kobe Bryant’s "Mamba Mentality" is the perfect philosophy for continuous leadership growth.
[02:00] From the Court to the Boardroom: Chris’s journey from aspiring basketball pro to global travel industry leader.
[07:00] The Universal Truth of Leadership: Why leadership is fundamentally about helping people get better, regardless of geography.
[08:00] Navigating Cultural Nuances: Understanding the difference between 'polite' feedback and 'direct' feedback when leading globally.
[12:00] Leading Through Crisis: How the pandemic devastated the travel industry and became the catalyst for Chris's coaching career.
[16:30] Leadership is a Verb: Why you don't need a title to be a leader, and why it is always a privilege.
[22:00] The 21% Problem: Addressing the massive global engagement gap and lost productivity.
[24:00] Rewriting the Playbook with AI: Why leaders need to stop fearing AI and start using it to amplify their brilliance.
[28:30] The 15-Minute Rule: Practical advice on how to stay ahead of the AI curve every day.
[30:30] The 'Mamba Mentality': Lessons from Kobe Bryant on the power of the "one percenters" in personal growth.
Book Recommendation: The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant.
Connect with Chris.
Website: chrismarchcoaching.com
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Learn how to move beyond generic management by mastering the six workplace archetypes—Operator, Giver, Artisan, Explorer, Striver, and Pioneer—to tailor your communication, coaching, and accountability for every individual. This episode provides a practical framework for identifying the primary motivations within your team, helping you build more balanced, resilient groups and lead with a deeper sense of empathy and purpose.
In this episode of LevelUp Leadership, Lee explores a powerful framework of six workplace archetypes, introduced by James Root, author of "The Archetype Effect". Lee discusses how he first encountered this framework on the "Think Fast, Talk Smart" podcast and why he finds it so compelling for modern leaders.
Learn the core motivations that drive different people at work—from Artisans focused on mastery to Givers focused on helping others. Lee breaks down how you can use this framework to build balanced teams, tailor your communication, coach more effectively, and enhance accountability. This episode includes practical self-coaching questions to help you discover your own archetype and lead your team with deeper insight.
In this episode, you'll learn:
An introduction to the 6 Workplace Archetypes framework from James Root's "The Archetype Effect".
The core motivation for each of the six types:
Operators: Motivated by stability, structure, and teamwork.
Givers: Driven to help others and make a positive impact on colleagues.
Artisans: Mastery-focused, dedicated to excellence in their craft.
Explorers: Thrive on variety, new experiences, and creative problem-solving.
Strivers: Ambitious, goal-orientated, and motivated by recognition.
Pioneers: Visionary creators driven to build something new and transformative.
Four practical ways leaders can use this framework:
Creating balanced teams.
Tailoring communication styles.
Coaching for growth.
Enhancing accountability.
Practical self-coaching questions to help you identify your own archetype and its potential blind spots.
Resources Mentioned:
Podcast: Think Fast, Talk Smart with Matt Abrahams
Guest/Framework: James Root, senior partner at Bain & Company and author of The Archetype Effect
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Explore how to navigate modern leadership complexity by shifting from performance-based metrics to human-centred values. In this episode, visionary leader Mercedes Martin shares a practical five-point plan for rewiring your mindset, embracing diversity, and building inclusive, high-performing teams that thrive in a volatile world.Leadership burnout isn't just about long hours. According to 30-year veteran leadership coach Mercedes Martin, it's a "burnout cost" that comes from a lack of authenticity. She calls this "living on a hyphen" - the constant, draining pull leaders feel between profit vs. purpose, and productivity vs. human impact.
In this insightful conversation, Mercedes shares a global perspective on leadership, contrasting the US model with human-centred, authentic approaches she sees emerging in the Global South. She explains why psychological safety initiatives often fail (hint: it starts with the leader) and provides a powerful 5-step framework for "unwiring" old command-and-control habits to "rewire" a more sustainable, human-first leadership style.
In this episode, you will learn:
(00:00) The "Burnout Cost": Why leaders are burning out from performance and inauthenticity, not just overwork.
(02:30) A Global Perspective: How leadership conversations in India and Latin America differ from the US, focusing more on cultural identity and spirituality.
(07:30) "Living on a Hyphen": Mercedes' personal and professional framework for understanding the core tensions modern leaders face.
(13:00) The Practical Fix: Why creating "safe and brave places" at the team level is the key to building trust and rewarding vulnerability.
(14:45) Why Psychological Safety Fails: "You can't align a team... when you, yourself are confused." The leader must hold up the mirror first.
(16:00) The "Frozen Middle": Identifying the middle manager as the role holding the most tension in an organisation.
(18:30) The "Boarding School" Leadership Model: A fascinating look at how old models of leadership (squashing vulnerability) were formed and why they're failing today.
(24:30) The Core Task: How do you "unwire" to "rewire" your leadership identity?
(25:00) A 5-Step Plan for Rewiring Your Leadership:
Excavate your personal leadership narratives and identity stories.
Create safe places, starting with yourself.
Build trusting, transformational relationships, not transactional ones.
Hold the "Both/And": Manage the short-term and the long-term view.
Build external alliances to counteract the tendency to work in silos.
(33:45) The Leader Mercedes Admires: Ajay Banga (President of the World Bank).
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Mercedes Martin:
Email: Mercedes@MercedesMartin.co
Platform: Sutra
Programs:
Rewire Leadership Journey (launching 2026)
Buddha Diva Retreats (for women leaders)
Leader Mentioned:
Ajay Banga (President of the World Bank, former CEO of MasterCard)
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This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
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Learn how to move beyond announcing change to successfully integrating it into the daily rhythm of your organisation. This episode explores why many initiatives fail to land, how to navigate the risks of stretching people too thin, and practical ways to use "opportunistic change" and flexible governance to drive real momentum even in uncertain times.In this episode of LevelUp Leadership, Lee explores why so many change initiatives stall and how leaders can help make new ways of working actually stick.
Inspired by the Harvard Business Review’s insights on change in complex times, Lee shares practical lessons from public service, retail, and tech about shifting from telling to enabling, balancing urgent wins with long-term goals, and the power of flexible, trust-based governance.
Discover how giving people time for innovation—like 3M’s “15 Percent Rule” and Atlassian’s “ShipIt” days - sparks creativity, and why honest conversations about workload matter more than ever.
This episode is packed with actionable advice to help leaders navigate uncertainty and drive meaningful transformation.
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#Leadership #ChangeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #Innovation
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© 2025 LevelUp.
This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Discover how to move beyond traditional hierarchies to unleash the inherent agency within your team. In this episode, strategic culture change pioneer Fred Miller shares decades of wisdom on cultivating autonomy, the necessity of 'caring' in leadership, and how to build inclusive environments where every individual feels empowered to contribute their best work.
Every now and then, you get to speak with someone who has genuinely shaped the conversation around leadership. Today, Fred Miller, a true pioneer in strategic culture change and inclusion, joins the podcast to share insights from his remarkable 53-year career.
Fred begins with a foundational story from his early days at Apple, sharing a powerful lesson about the necessity of speaking truth to power with integrity. This conversation explores the deep, practical work of organisational transformation. Fred discusses why "agency" must be unleashed, not simply empowered; how to create effective "guardrails" for autonomy; and why leaders must get out of the conference room and show their people they genuinely care.
This episode is packed with wisdom for any leader who wants to build a faster, more creative, and more inclusive organisation that is fit for the future.
[03:00] The Critical Lesson from Apple: Why leaders and consultants must be emphatic with their advice.
[05:30] Integrity Over Income: Why being prepared to be fired for giving the right advice is essential.
[09:10] The "Grace" to be Candid: How demonstrating you care builds the trust needed for difficult conversations.
[10:30] The Mechanics of Big Change: How to get "skin in the game" from everyone in the organisation.
[13:20] Overcoming "Battle Scars": A powerful story about re-engaging employees left "heartbroken" by a previous failed change initiative.
[18:20] The Leader as Figurehead: Why the leader—not a consultant—must always be the face and voice of the change.
[20:10] Agency vs. Empowerment: The crucial difference and why you must "unleash" what is already there.
[22:20] Creativity in Regulated Industries: How to find the "flex" for innovation, even in tightly controlled environments.
[24:45] The Unseen Leader: Why leaders need to get out of meetings and connect with their people.
[28:45] Generational Shifts: Adapting to a workforce that expects to learn, grow, and have a voice.
[36:10] The "Scavenger Hunt" for Talent: Why a "360-degree vision" from a diverse team is vital for solving complex problems.
[39:40] The Leader Fred Admires: The book and leader that inspire Fred's thinking on modern organisations.
Book: The Power of Agency: Cultivating Autonomy, Authority, and Leadership in Every Role by Fred Miller
Connect with Fred:
Website: kjcg.com
Email: fred411@kjcg.com
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Guitar Jingle: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
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Disclaimer.
LevelUp and the podcast host do not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for any products, services, views, or claims presented by guests during podcast episodes. Any opinions or statements made by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LevelUp or its representatives.
© 2025 LevelUp.
This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Learn how to move beyond assumptions and build a culture of high performance by using the 'Communication Charter' framework. This episode explores why communication breakdowns occur in even the best teams and provides a practical self-coaching tool to help you recognise individual preferences, set clear expectations for accountability, and create a safe environment where asking for support is seen as a sign of leadership strength.
In this episode of the LevelUp Leadership Podcast, Lee introduces the Communication Charter, a powerful new tool to help teams move from assumption to clarity.
We’ll explore how to define individual communication preferences, how to support accountability without creating blame, and how to use a simple two-step process to build a shared framework for collaboration.
If you’re ready to build a culture of trust, transparency, and high performance, this episode is for you.
Here is a link to the free downloadable PDF that accompanies this episode.
https://www.levelupleadership.uk/p/the-communication-charter
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available here: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don’t forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership!
#Leadership #Communication #Teamwork #Accountability #ProfessionalDevelopment #Podcast #SelfCoaching
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Guitar Jingle: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
Swoosh Sound Effect: https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/
Images: https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Background: https://pixabay.com/users/tommyvideo-3092371/
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© 2025 LevelUp.
This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Learn how to shift from reactive firefighting to intentional leadership by reclaiming your personal agency. In this episode, coach Jon Rosemberg introduces the AIR framework (Awareness, Inquiry, Reframe) and shares practical insights on navigating uncertainty, balancing authenticity with belonging, and the evolving importance of relational value in the age of AI.
Welcome to LevelUp Leadership, the podcast designed to help you elevate your leadership journey.
In this enlightening discussion, Jon Rosemberg challenges traditional views of leadership, seeing it not as a formal role but as a way of engaging with the world. He introduces his new book, 'A Guide to Thriving,' focusing on 'agency'—the capacity to make intentional choices and believe in their impact—as a fundamental pillar of leadership.
Through personal reflections and professional insights, Jon explains the AIR framework (Awareness, Inquiry, Reframe) to help individuals transition from survival mode to thriving. The conversation also touches on the adaptation to hybrid work environments, the importance of balancing authenticity and belonging, and the future intersection of human and artificial intelligence.
You can connect with Jon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonrosemberg/
Or his website: https://www.antherglobal.com/
or http://guidetothriving.com/
00:00 Introduction to Modern Leadership
00:21 Defining Agency in Leadership01:48 Reflecting on Early Leadership Experiences
04:20 Survival Mode vs. Thriving Mode06:36 The AIR Framework for Thriving
09:54 Personal and Professional Influences
11:57 Navigating Organizational Cultures
16:26 Embracing Change and Uncertainty
24:33 Future Trends in Leadership
29:54 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
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Podcast Background Track: https://pixabay.com/users/poorartistt-45918667/
Guitar Jingle: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
Swoosh Sound Effect: https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/
Images: https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Background: https://pixabay.com/users/tommyvideo-3092371/
Thank you for watching/ listening.
Follow LevelUp!
Disclaimer.
LevelUp and the podcast host do not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for any products, services, views, or claims presented by guests during podcast episodes. Any opinions or statements made by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LevelUp or its representatives.
© 2025 LevelUp.
This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Learn how to reclaim your time and gain clarity by using Google NotebookLM to synthesise complex information, track your professional development, and streamline your coaching sessions. This episode explores practical ways to transform scattered notes into an active knowledge base, allowing you to focus on strategic decisions and human connection rather than getting lost in reams of data.
In this episode of LevelUp Leadership, Lee shares how Google NotebookLM transformed his approach to managing information, supporting continuous growth, and coaching teams more effectively.
Discover practical advice on how AI-powered tools can help leaders stay focused, save time, and empower people.
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available here: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don’t forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership!
#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #ProfessionalGrowth #AIinLeadership #GoogleNotebookLM #LeadershipTools #ContinuousLearning #LevelUpLeadership
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Explore how the shift away from traditional office hours is reshaping our professional lives and learn how to navigate the "Infinity Workday" without falling into the trap of burnout. This episode discusses the cultural pressures driving endless availability, lessons we can learn from the self-employed, and how leaders can protect their teams by shifting focus from hours spent to outcomes achieved.Increasingly, knowledge workers are slipping into what’s being called the Infinity Workday. Work now spills into all hours of life, blurring boundaries and stretching days into something endless. But is this the future of freedom and autonomy—or a fast path to burnout?
In this episode of LevelUp Leadership, I break down what the Infinity Workday really means, where it comes from, the risks it carries, and how culture and leadership behaviours drive it. I share lessons from freelancers and entrepreneurs, explore how employees can adopt it positively, and give clear steps for leaders and organisations to make flexibility sustainable.
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available on our LinkedIn page.
https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don’t forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership! #Leadership #FutureOfWork #FlexibleWork #LevelUpLeadership
Music, jingles,and images - attribution.
Podcast Background Track: https://pixabay.com/users/poorartistt-45918667/
Guitar Jingle: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
Swoosh Sound Effect: https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/
Images: https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Learn how to unlock engagement and productivity by moving beyond purpose to focus on community, contribution, and challenge. This episode explores the 'zone of possibility' where high expectations meet high support, providing practical coaching tools to help your team find meaning in their daily work.Welcome to LevelUp Leadership, the podcast designed to help you elevate your leadership journey.
In today’s episode, wer'e joined by Tamara Myles - author, speaker, professor, and global authority on performance and workplace culture.
She shares actionable insights from her research and new book “Meaningful Work.”
All LevelUp Articles and Episodes are here: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
You can find out more about Tamara and her work via her website tamaramyles.com/ and her linked in page linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/
Here’s what’s in store on the episode:
Tamara’s background and what inspired her research
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Podcast Background Track: https://pixabay.com/users/poorartistt-45918667/
Guitar Jingle: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
Swoosh Sound Effect: https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/
Images: https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Background: https://pixabay.com/users/tommyvideo-3092371/
Thank you for watching/ listening.
Follow LevelUp!
Disclaimer.
LevelUp and the podcast host do not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for any products, services, views, or claims presented by guests during podcast episodes. Any opinions or statements made by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LevelUp or its representatives.
© 2025 LevelUp.
This episode is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Moving beyond basic experimentation, this episode explores how senior leaders can fundamentally rewire their organisations to capture the true value of AI. By comparing key insights from McKinsey reports across 2023 and 2025, we examine the shift from "test and see" to systemic workflow redesign, the critical role of board-level engagement, and why empowering your workforce remains the most vital component of a successful AI transformation.Are you ready to level up your leadership in the age of AI?
In our latest podcast, we're diving deep into the McKinsey reports on the state of AI.
We’ll explore how senior leaders in complex organisations can move beyond the hype and start "rewiring" their teams to truly capture the value of generative AI.
Don't just follow trends; lead the transformation.
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available at: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don't forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership!
#Leadership #AI #GenerativeAI #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureofWork #McKinsey #Coaching #Mentoring #ChangeManagement #LevelUpLeadership
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https://pixabay.com/users/poorartistt-45918667/
https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/
https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Explore why a reliance on digital messaging can hinder leadership effectiveness and learn how to bring real-time dialogue back to your team. This episode discusses the importance of picking up the phone to build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and move beyond the 'hive mind' of constant digital notifications.
In this episode, Lee reflects on a recent article and his own experiences as a parent and professional to explore the changing nature of communication in the workplace.
He delves into Cal Newport's "hive mind of hyper-connectivity" and argues that our over-reliance on digital tools is often a symptom of an aversion to live conversation.
Lee offers more in-depth, practical advice and a personal anecdote on how leaders can reintroduce real-time dialogue to create better clarity, trust, and a high-performance culture.
Tune in to learn how to move beyond "reply all" and start having more meaningful, impactful conversations.
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available at: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don't forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership!
Leadership #Communication #LiveConversation #Teamwork #ProfessionalDevelopment #ManagementTips
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https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
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https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Learn how to bridge the gap between self-awareness and measurable progress by applying a holistic, SMART framework to your leadership development. This second part of our self-coaching series explores the importance of integrating professional goals with your personal well-being, the power of identifying 'critical friends' for honest feedback, and why committing to small, ambitious steps is the key to sustainable growth.
In this episode, we build on our self-assessment, guiding you through setting impactful, balanced goals.
Discover how to identify 'critical friends' for invaluable feedback and create a practical roadmap for your leadership evolution. A must-listen for aspiring and current leaders!
Th Goal Setting PDF guide is available as bonus here: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available at:https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don't forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership!
#LeadershipGoals #GoalSetting #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfCoaching #LevelUpLeadership
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https://pixabay.com/users/poorartistt-45918667/
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https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/
Begin your self-coaching journey by taking a brutally honest look at your current leadership attributes, from communication and integrity to visionary thinking and decisiveness. This episode provides a practical framework for identifying your natural strengths and pinpointing the areas where focused development will yield the highest return on your leadership investment.
In this episode, we dive into the power of self-assessment, exploring key attributes that define effective leaders. Learn how to honestly evaluate where you excel and identify areas for growth, laying the foundation for your ultimate leadership journey.
This part one of a two piece self coaching guide.
Tune in to LevelUp Leadership for practical insights.
Your free self assessment guide is available here: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
This article and all other articles by LevelUp Leadership are available at:https://www.levelupleadership.uk/
Don't forget to follow LevelUp Leadership for more insights on modern leadership!
#LeadershipDevelopment #SelfCoaching #LeadershipStrengths #LevelUpLeadership #PersonalGrowth
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https://pixabay.com/users/poorartistt-45918667/
https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-guitar-intro-ident-151972/
https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/
https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ & https://www.perplexity.ai/