Leadership, Hand-Dipped with Rod Holt (Global Leader Group) : What chocolate, mistakes, and generosity teach us about leading teams.
In this special holiday episode, I sit down with my brother Rod to explore how a simple family tradition, hand-dipping chocolates reveals powerful leadership lessons. Together, we unpack what mistakes can teach us, why generosity builds trust, and how intentional rituals create belonging and stronger teams. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about grand gestures, but small, consistent acts done with care.
As we close, we also want to acknowledge that this time of year can be hard. Many people are navigating job loss, uncertainty, or transition. If that’s you or someone you know—Rod and I would love to help. We’re offering a few complimentary coaching sessions where you can think out loud with us and get support during this season. The first eight people who reach out to us on LinkedIn will be set up for a session. And if you know someone who could use this right now, please share this episode with them.
Small things really do make a big difference.
In this episode, Sasha Koloskov from AstraZeneca helps us rethink leadership at the jagged frontier of AI. Together, we dive into how leaders can stay soulful and human while using AI wisely, and why pausing, reflecting, and redefining roles between humans and machines is essential for creating safety, purpose, and even “superhuman” performance in our teams.
A timely and important discussion as AI reshapes the world of work at an unprecedented pace.
New Thanksgiving episode! 🦃
In just 3 minutes, I share three simple ways to be thankful , no journals, no stress, just small habits that can lift your day.
A micro-moment.
A specific thank-you.
And one thing you appreciate about… you.
A perfect gratitude reset for the holiday season.
Thankful for this community.
In this episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference, I sit down with Tony Ramy, Executive Vice President at Mayne Pharma, whose leadership philosophy blends high care with high accountability.
Tony shares the small but powerful habits behind his success, from winning the morning with disciplined routines to intentionally hitting the decline button to create space for what matters most: developing people.
You’ll hear stories of humble leadership learned from immigrant parents, insights on balancing empathy with performance, the art of radical candor, and how to coach individuals into greatness they can’t yet see in themselves.
If you want to lead with more energy, clarity, courage, and humanity—this one’s for you.
What if great leadership wasn’t about making more decisions, but knowing which ones really matter?
In this week’s episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference, I sit down with Mike Menta, CEO of Red Nucleus, to explore what he’s learned in his first year leading a fast-growing global company. From Jeff Bezos’ “two tiers of decisions” to the art of empowering others, Mike shares how he’s building a culture where people love both the work they do and the place they do it.
We talk about:
- How to know when to decide — and when to let go
-Why happy people drive business performance-The surprising power of compartmentalization and being “in the moment”-What it means to really care about your people — at work and at home
It’s a conversation about leadership, balance, and the small choices that shape extraordinary results.
In this week’s episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference, I sit down with Tamara Driol, Chief Human Resources Officer at Kedrion, to explore why people are the heartbeat of every business. Tamara shares her perspective on building cultures where individuals feel valued, connected, and inspired to make an impact.
We also have some fun exploring her Italian roots — from her favorite places to visit and personal style, to (of course) her love of gelato. 🍨
👉 Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on leadership, people, and the small things that truly make a big difference.
Your career path isn’t a straight line—it’s a winding trail full of twists, turns, and messy moments. And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
In the latest episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference, I share lessons from my time at Merlin Entertainments and why “Career paths are not an exact science.”
🎧 Tune in to hear how embracing uncertainty, leaning into your values, and making space for connection can shape not just your career—but your life.
One of the greatest pleasures in doing this podcast is being able to reconnect with old colleagues. I know Sofia from my days at AstraZeneca and now she is CEO of Oncopeptides AB, a biotech company focused on research, development and commercialisation of therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers.
As with anything worthwhile the journey hasn’t always been easy, and Sofia talks about being bold, curious and driven. About dreaming big, and being inquisitive about the people you work with - leaning into their strengths and giving them the right tasks to help them and the business excel.
Sofia is living proof that there 'ain't no mountain high enough' and also that there 'ain't no frozen lake cold enough' for some wild swimming.
Trust - it's the foundation of every great workplace. Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, knows this better than anyone. As the leader of the organisation behind the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Michael has spent years studying what makes organisations truly exceptional.
Join us for an illuminating conversation as we deep-dive into the foundations of building exceptional workplace cultures. Michael reveals how trust serves as the true barometer of organisational health, explaining that without it, there can be no genuine engagement or job satisfaction.
As the leader of the world's most trusted authority on workplace culture, Michael shares profound insights on how fairness emerges as the key lever in building trust. We'll explore the transformative power of authentic listening, transparent communication, and the importance of creating an environment where employees feel genuinely cared for and valued. Learn why being a great leader isn't about having all the answers – it's about asking the right questions.
Happy New Year! I'm joined by Howard Yu, who has the unique title of LEGO Professor of Management and Innovation at the IMD Business School, for a brilliant conversation about being future ready, slowing down rather than constantly chasing the next best thing, and how, like Howard's love of jazz music, business is collaborative, dynamic, curious and often requires us to improvise.
#Leadership #MemoriesMatter #Smallthingsmakeabigdifference #HowardYu #IMD #MilesDavis
2025 is almost in the rearview mirror—so let’s make this holiday season count! It’s not about perfect gifts or Pinterest-worthy decor; it’s about connection, quirky traditions, and memories that make you laugh (or cringe).
Want to spread some holiday magic? Tune in to the latest episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference: Making the Holidays Meaningful: Small Traditions, Big Impact.
Welcome to this week's episode of "Small Things Make a Big Difference," where we dive into the enchanting world of Merlin Entertainments with this exclusive conversation with Cassie Fairclough, the General Manager of Merlin's Phoenix attractions, and Alec Posta from the LEGO Master Model Builder workshop.
Cassie shares her management journey – the transition from peer to manager and embracing an "all for one", collaborative mentality within her team.
Alec gives us a peek behind the curtain of the LEGO Master Model Builder workshop. He highlights the significance of keeping the end goal in mind – creating joy, excitement, and enthusiasm for visitors.
They both talk about how using mistakes as learning opportunities has been crucial in their personal growth and leadership style and how maintaining a focus on guest experience shapes their decision-making and drives innovation in their respective roles.
You can also watch along with this episode, and I urge you to marvel in Alec's creations.
https://vimeo.com/1029675269/3edf625d8e?share=copy
Follow Alec here
https://www.tiktok.com/@masterbuilder_alec?lang=en
https://www.youtube.com/@masterbuilderalec
And don't forget to like and subscribe!!
In this episode I chat to a true star in the Merlin Entertainments firmament - leadership and business management apprentice, Vineeta Sandhu, who talks about life working at an actual castle (Merlin’s Warwick Castle), the true essence of leadership, the power of networking and the bravery to be open to opportunities. We also discuss maintaining a positive mindset, and just how much hot chocolate is too much hot chocolate…
I refer to Vineeta as wise beyond her years, but I think you’ll agree - Vineeta is just wise.
Visit Warwick Castle this Christmas
#Smallthingsmakeabigdifference #Leadership #MemoriesMatter #Networking #WarwickCastle #Coldplay
Don't forget to hit 'subscribe'!
Welcome to a brand-new season of Small Things Make A Big Difference. We have some great conversations coming up over the next few months. To kick off, I sat down with Caroline Casey, the founder of The Valuable 500, an amazing initiative aimed at putting disability on the business leadership agenda.
After Caroline recovers from the shock of riding Thorpe Park’s new Hyperia ride we delve into actionable strategies that organisations can implement to create more inclusive workplaces, enhancing both employee satisfaction and guest experiences.
Caroline’s personal story highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys.
It’s truly inspiring.
Learn about the work of The Valuable 500 here
Come and ride Hyperia
#Leadership #MemoriesMatter #Smallthingsmakeabigdifference #TheValuable500 #CarolineCasey #DollyParton #Hyperia #ThorpePark
Discover three powerful leadership lessons drawn from the nail-biting final match of my sons volleyball tournament.
It is a short but powerful episode that is designed to help you reflect on your own experiences of adversity and growth.
🎙️ Exciting News: Join us for an insightful podcast episode with a remarkable guest, Fiona Eastwood recorded on the iconic London Eye! 🎡🌆🌟
In this episode, Fiona delves into the captivating world of leadership and the profound impact of memories. Discover the hidden gems of leadership skills, and learn why memories play a critical role in shaping our leadership journeys.
Fiona Eastwood shares her wisdom and experiences, shedding light on the power of effective leadership and how our memories can be the guiding stars on our path to success.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation – it's a podcast you won't want to forget! 🚀 Stay tuned for this thought-provoking discussion that could transform the way you perceive leadership and memories.
#Leadership #MemoriesMatter #Smallthingsmakeabigdifference #FionaEastwood
Diane Neville is the Chief People Officer for Shake Shack Enterprises and shares how her background and up bringing has shaped who she is today and how in todays organizations Culture = Care.
Enjoy this episode and make a note of one small thing you will do different that will make a big difference in the cultures you are trying to influence.
This week is about discovering what makes a memory and the introduction to a new phase for me and my family. Please share what small things make for a great memory?
In this episode I interview a really good friend who recently published a book. Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule. it reveals 14 life lessons that will equip you as well as challenge you to chart and navigate your own path to success. There may be no secret formula for living a life of passion and purpose, but success does leave clues.
Enjoy this fun interview and I hope you walk away with one small thing you can apply that will make a big difference.
Florent Edouard is an out loud thinker that loves the challenge of building teams, shaping organizational culture, and innovating through the power of causing people to think different. I love the phrase he uses in this episode "Respectfully Challenge". Enjoy this episode and ask yourself what small thing are you doing this week to respectfully challenge people to think different people?