The Courageous Leaders Podcast
Joanna Howes 222 episodes Oct 29, 2026
The Courageous Leaders Podcast inspires leaders to step into their courageous zone, develop the mindset, skills, and behaviors to take their leadership to the next level. Hosted by Joanna Howes, an award-winning international coach and behavioral expert, the podcast focuses on helping individuals and teams activate their full potential. Listeners learn to maximize influence, build resilience, and become high-performing, future-ready leaders. With over 20 years of experience, Joanna shares insights from working with top advertising agencies worldwide.
Episodes
How To Build an AI Team Without Losing Your Human Culture
How do you pivot a business overnight, and lead a team of AI agents without losing your human culture? Pip Jamieson, Founder and CEO of The Dots, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast to talk about courageous pivots, kindness as a real strategy, and what it’s like to lead AI agents every day.When Covid wiped out 80% of The Dots’ revenue in a single week, Pip found the “gift from the gods” piv
Marketing Expert: 4 Leadership Skills AI Can't Replace | Katie Jackson, Channel 4
How do you lead with instinct in a world obsessed with data? Katie Jackson, Chief Audience & Marketing Officer at Channel 4, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast to make the case for gut, presence, and energy as leadership superpowers - the things no dashboard can measure.Katie stepped into her CMO role in a non-traditional way, and she's led with instinct ever since. We talk about
Career Advice For People Who Feel Lost | Career Panel Discussion
Do you feel lost in your career? Been made redundant, or thinking about changing jobs or starting something new? In this special panel episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with three experts to challenge the biggest myths about work and share how to build a career that actually fits your life.I'm joined by Andrew Bloch, founder of Andrew Bloch & Associates, long-term publ
Formula E CMO: How Do You Drive Change Without Causing Chaos?
Can you challenge everything without breaking it? Ellie Norman, Chief Marketing Officer of Formula E, calls herself a “safe rebel,” and in this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast she explains what that really means for anyone trying to drive change without blowing things up.With over 25 years shaping some of the world’s biggest brands, including Formula 1 under Liberty Media and Manchester
How To Be Successful At Work & Be A Great Dad
Can fathers build a successful career and be fully present at home? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Anna Machin, a world-renowned evolutionary anthropologist and fatherhood researcher, and Steve Cardwell, founder of Deliberate Dad and coach to ambitious fathers, to explore one of the biggest challenges men never talk about: how becoming a father changes you, and
Ogilvy CEO: Why Creative Leaders Need A Culture Of Disrespect | James Murphy
James Murphy, CEO of Ogilvy Group UK and co-founder of New Commercial Arts, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast for an honest conversation about building creative cultures that don’t rely on hierarchy. James co-founded adam&eve, which became one of the most awarded agencies in history, and he has spent decades proving that great leadership starts with bold ideas and the right environmen
How to build one culture across 100 companies and 40 countries
Sergio Lopez Ferrero, Global CEO of Omnicom Production, joins me on The Courageous Leaders Podcast for an honest conversation about leading global transformation and what it really costs the person at the top. Sergio leads the global production portfolio for Omnicom Group, with over 20 years in the industry and more than 400 awards to his name, including 73 Cannes Lions.We talk about what it takes
5 Bad Leadership Behaviours Every Leader Should Avoid
What are the bad leadership habits that quietly hold a team back? In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share the five leadership behaviours driving me crazy right now, and what to do instead if you want to lead well over the next few years.Consider it a rant with a purpose. From leaders who struggle to manage stress to the ones avoiding hard conversations, burning out and call
Is Ruthlessness the Price of Reaching the Top? | A Leaders' Panel Discussion
What’s the one toxic leadership behaviour you’d banish forever? In this special Leadership Room 101 episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, three industry leaders each argue to banish one leadership behaviour for good: busyness, fear-based leadership, or pay-to-play culture. I’m joined by Katy Wright (Chief Client & Business Officer, AMV BBDO), Sergio Lopez Ferrero (Global CEO, Omnicom Prod
Why It's Okay to Upset People When You Lead | Joanna Howes
Why is avoidance the biggest killer of performance in teams? In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I explain why it’s okay to upset people, and why giving honest feedback without fear is a skill every leader needs.Most leaders tiptoe around their teams, scared of upsetting someone. But avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect people, it holds them back. I share why we waste so
Esther Marshall on Grief, High Achievement, Emotional Resilience & Holding It All Together
Some people don’t just achieve, they achieve as though their life depends on it. In this deeply honest episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Esther Marshall, former global gender diversity leader at Unilever and founder of Sophie Says, to ask a question so many of us avoid: who are you when achievement isn’t enough?This is a conversation about grief, high achievement, emotiona
Why a ‘C’ in your Title Doesn’t Automatically Make You an Executive Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
Why are so many executive teams underperforming?In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I break down the biggest leadership mistakes I see inside executive teams today, from social loafing and siloed thinking to oversized leadership teams and “Game of Thrones” behaviour at the top of organisations.I explore why executive leadership is about far more than titles, why leadership team
Rory Sutherland on Leadership, Courage & Unconventional Thinking
We often hear the ideas of great thinkers, but rarely get to understand how they actually think or who they are as people.In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Rory Sutherland, President Emeritus of Ogilvy UK, best-selling author, and one of the most influential voices in advertising, behavioural science, and decision-making.If you’ve ever wondered why some ideas take o
The Challenge & Care Framework for Better Leadership & Culture | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
Is your company culture too nice to perform?In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I break down the Challenge & Care Framework and why many teams are stuck in cultures that feel good on the surface but quietly damage standards, accountability, and results.I explore the four zones every workplace can fall into: apathy, comfort, fear, and courage, and how the best teams combine
Why We Need to Talk About Death, Sex & Money More Than Ever | Charlotte Pearce
Why do we avoid talking about sex, death, and money when they shape so much of our lives?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Charlotte Pearce, an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO & Founder of Inkpact, who is reinventing direct mail into a future-facing medium rooted in human connection and behavioural science.From leading 150 people at just 19 to build
How to Know If You Are Emotionally Fit as a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
Most leaders are never trained in how to manage their emotions.In this solo episode, I break down emotional fitness and why it plays a critical role in leadership, decision-making, and performance. When emotions take over, we react instead of respond, avoid difficult conversations, and make decisions driven by fear rather than values.I explore the difference between emotionally fit and emotionally
How Narcissistic Traits Show Up in Leaders (And Why It Matters) - Kathleen Saxton
What if the way you understand people is incomplete?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I am joined by Kathleen Saxton, Psychotherapist, Executive Coach, and Best-Selling Author, to explore the psychology behind behaviour, leadership, and one of the most misunderstood traits, narcissism.This conversation goes beyond labels.From how narcissism actually shows up in men and women, to i
Power Moves You Must Know As a Leader | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
Power is always present in leadership… whether you realise it or not.In my work with leadership teams, I see how often power shows up in ways people don’t talk about.Not in obvious or intentional ways, but in the small moments.Who speaks first.Whose opinion carries weight.What gets challenged… and what gets left unsaid.In this episode, I break down the four ways power shows up inside executive tea
Elite Leadership Lessons from Former Military Leaders | Military Leaders Panel Edition
What does leadership look like when everything is on the line?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by three extraordinary leaders, Mandy Hickson, former RAF fast jet pilot, Mark Fetters, Bomb Disposal Squadron Commander, and Rob Keeping, former military professional turned Managing Director.From being shot at mid-air, to leading bomb disposal missions, to making high-stake
Are You a Toxic Leader Without Realising? | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes
Are you leading your team… or unknowingly holding them back?In my work as a leadership coach, I’ve seen how easy it is for well-intentioned leaders to fall into toxic patterns, without even realising it.In this episode, I break down the subtle behaviours that quietly build into toxic leadership. The ones that don’t look harmful on the surface, but over time, create dependency, frustration, and dis
Change Doesn't Happen When You Play It Safe | A Leaders' Panel Discussion
What does it really take to have the courage to change?In this episode, we unpack the real, messy, and powerful moments behind choosing change in your career and life.I sit down with Amber Shand, Founder of She Bites Back; Catherine Peacock, Co-Founder of 05:37; and Georgie Rechner, Bodybuilder and Founder of Midlife Rebel, who all found the courage to change their lives. This isn’t about overnigh
The Experimental Mindset Every Leader Needs - Anne-Laure Le Cunff
How do you lead when certainty disappears?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Neuroscientist and Author of Tiny Experiments.This conversation genuinely changed how I think about leadership, productivity, burnout and decision-making.We talk about what happens when your identity is tied to your job.And how an experimental mindset can change your life
Breaking the UK’s ‘That’ll Never Work’ Mindset with Cano Water's Josh White
Struggling to break free from the UK’s “play it safe” mindset? In this explosive episode, Josh White, founder of Cano Water, gets real about why British culture is stuck in a cycle of skepticism, lack of support, and shutting down bold ideas before they can breathe. He shares raw truths about growing up with ADHD, battling addiction, and constantly being underestimated.He exposes how our resistanc
The Three Intelligence Centres EVERY Leader Needs - with Leadership Coach, Joanna Howes
Why do so many successful leaders still feel stuck, disconnected, or self doubt, even when things look good on paper?In this solo episode, I explore how senior leaders, founders, and leadership teams can build self-trust by listening to their three intelligence centres: head, heart, and gut, especially when making difficult decisions or designing a life that truly fits.This reflection draws on my
What Change Really Demands From a CEO with Simon Cook
How do you lead with conviction when everything is changing around you?It’s the big question for every UK leader right now and exactly why I invited Simon Cook, CEO of Cannes Lions, onto the podcast.In this episode, we get honest about what it really takes to let go of control, build true trust in your team, and stay resilient even when things don’t go as planned.We dive into:• When to keep going,
When Your Company No Longer Fits You - Sedge Beswick on Identity, Fear and Hard Decisions
How do you know when it’s time to walk away - even from something you’ve built yourself?Sedge Beswick, consultant, advisor, speaker, and founder, digs deep into what it really takes to make bold career moves, step back as a CEO, and create space for what matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance ambition with family, deal with overwhelm, and lead with honesty, this episode is for you.We
How to FIND THE COURAGE TO CHANGE in 2026 with Joanna Howes
How do you find the courage to change, even when it feels uncomfortable?I’m closing out the year on the Courageous Leaders Podcast with one of our most honest and practical episodes yet. Leaders everywhere are feeling the pressure to adapt quicker than ever before, and it’s easy to worry you’re not keeping up.In this episode, I share the real conversations I’ve had with guests who’ve faced huge de
Unmasking the Future: Lee Chambers on Identity, AI, and the Evolution of Leadership
How do you build real allyship and create cultural change that actually sticks?This episode is one every leader should spend time with. Not because it’s “nice to know,” but because the future of your culture depends on it.Lee Chambers, Founder & CEO of Male Allies UK, brings the kind of clarity and challenge most workplaces avoid. We talk about what it really takes to:Redefine outdated masculi
Why Belonging, Representation, and Self-Belief Matter: Insights from Molly and Rosie Kmita
Former professional footballers Mollie and Rosie Kmita and now founders of The Powerhouse Project join me for one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve had on the podcast.This episode is packed with real leadership stories you rarely hear: the setbacks, the identity shifts, the emotional toll, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when things don’t go your way.Mollie and Rosie openl
The Hidden System Protecting Workplace Abuse with Zelda Perkins
What would you risk to do the right thing?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Zelda Perkins, Co-Founder of Can’t Buy My Silence and the first woman to break an NDA with Harvey Weinstein.Zelda’s story isn’t just about one man. It’s about the system that silences victims and protects abuse. She speaks openly about how she fought back, how breaking her NDA changed UK la
What happens when imposter syndrome holds you back? - with Carly Aveneer
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Carly Avener, CEO of Leo Burnett UK, about why vulnerability is essential to leadership and how sharing your story builds real trust.Carly opens up about imposter syndrome, insomnia, and the pressure of returning to work as a parent. She also shares the practical steps she’s taken to reframe anxiety, create supportive environments for
What’s Killing Creative Leadership Today? - with Dave Buonaguidi
What happens when you put three top creatives in Leadership Room 101?In this special Creatives edition of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Dave Buonaguidi (Co-founder of St. Luke’s, 4Creative, and Karmarama), Trevor Robinson OBE (Founder and ECD of Quiet Storm), and Kevin Howes (Freelance Creative Director, Porsche, Sony, Hotels.com) for a sharp, honest, and funny deep dive into the
Why Inclusive Marketing Outperforms AI (and Boosts Sales)
The ROI of Inclusion – Why Diverse Voices Drive Better BusinessIn this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Ali Hanan, Founder and Executive Director of Creative Equals, an award-winning organisation helping brands like PepsiCo, Mars, and McDonald’s put inclusion at the heart of marketing.We dig into why inclusive advertising isn’t just a social good but also one of the smartest
The One Meeting Leaders Can’t Afford to Get Wrong
What makes a one-to-one meeting truly powerful?In this solo episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share how to turn 121 from dull status updates into your most strategic leadership tool.This episode is packed with research, practical tips, and actionable questions, and will help you build trust, drive performance, and create a genuine human connection with your team.We Cover: 00:59 – Why 12
The Fast and The Curious with Cameron Harris
A health expert's answer to “I just don’t have time to exercise.” Walk.That’s it. No gym. No gear. No excuses.In this week’s Fast & Curious, Cameron Harris, Managing Director at Truth Fitness, keeps it simple and honest in the hot seat.Find out:⚡ Why ‘just breathe’ is his ultimate daily tip⚡ Where he’d take Bob Marley (and Henry VIII!) for a workout⚡ What he really thinks about beer and b
Why health is the most overlooked key to leadership performance
In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Cameron Harris, Managing Director of Truth Fitness, about why so many senior leaders and entrepreneurs let their health slide, and what it's costing them.From burnout and hospital beds to redefining success beyond the boardroom, Cameron shares the powerful shift that helped him rebuild his business and his body. This episode is a
The Fast and The Curious with Pete Markey
Ever made a risky decision at work…that ended in record-breaking results?Pete Markey did..And it set the tone for Boots’ campaigns for the next four years.In this week’s Fast & Curious, the Boots’ Former CMO shares quick-fire insights, 80s nostalgia, and a surprising talent for product jingles.Find out:⚡ What he loves (and hates) about marketing⚡ The celeb life he wants ⚡ The risky ad move tha
Can You Be Kind and High-Performing as a Leader?
How do you lead with kindness – and still drive high performance?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Pete Markey, Former Chief Marketing Officer at Boots UK, and one of the most respected marketing leaders in the country.Pete shares his story, from early knockbacks to board-level leadership, and explains why kindness, vulnerability, and clarity have become his most pow
The Fast and The Curious with Jane Evans
Are you midlife and feel like it’s too late to start over?Jane Evans has just two words for you…In this week’s Fast & Curious, Jane Evans brings unapologetic honesty, razor-sharp wit, and just the right amount of “don’t-mess-with-me” energy:Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find:⚡ The one book that turned her approach to leadership upside down⚡ Why post‑menopause might be the best phase of life⚡
The Harsh Truth About Ageism in the Workplace | Jane Evans
What happens when you’re told your career’s over at 50?In this episode of the Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Jane Evans, award-winning creative director and founder of The 7th Tribe and one of her generation’s most successful female creatives.From being the first woman in multiple creative departments to launching a global movement to fight midlife invisibility, Jane’s story is raw, insp
The Fast and The Curious with Josh Harris
What’s the biggest myth about being a CEO?Josh Harris shares all.In this week’s Fast & Curious, the Neverland London CEO brings wit, warmth, and the occasional swear word (thanks to his toddler).Find out:⚡ For Josh, what would instantly rule someone out in an interview?⚡ Who he would love to swap roles with for the day in his office⚡ And the brand collab he’s dreaming ofIt’s quick, honest, and
How do you become one of 2025’s Best Places to Work? | Josh Harris
Have you ever wondered if the best move in your career might be walking away?On this week’s episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Josh Harris, CEO of Neverland London. Josh made the bold decision to step away from the security of corporate life and it turned out to be the best thing he could have done.We talk about the emotional weight of leadership, the pressure to protect pe
4 Ways to Make Confident Decisions Under Pressure
Ever made a decision under pressure that you instantly regretted?Maybe it was to avoid conflict, keep the peace, or just make the discomfort stop.I’ve been there and it nearly cost me my confidence as a leader.In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I open up about how pressure is the real test of your leadership.We Cover: 01:14 – The two ways leaders make decisions under pressure0
The Fast and The Curious with Elisabetta Torretti
If LinkedIn had a no-fluff filter… How much content would survive?We put Elisabetta Torretti, in the hot seat to find out,🌍 The best and worst thing about starting over in a new country 📊 Her blunt advice for anyone tying self-worth to metrics📱 The habit she tells others to break… but can’t break herself💌 And the weirdest DM she’s ever receivedWatch the clip now and don’t miss the full episode f
Should you have a personal brand as a leader? | Elisabetta Torretti
How do you turn personal struggles into a platform that changes lives?In this episode of Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Elisabetta Torretti, founder and CEO of Mint and Lemon, who helps founders and teams show up online with clarity and confidence. From moving to London at 25 without speaking English, and overcoming an eating disorder, to growing 100k LinkedIn followers in a year, Elisa
The Fast and The Curious with Matt and Check
⏰ 6:07am. Twice a week.That’s when Check Warner sets her alarm.Why so precise? 👀That’s just one of the things you’ll discover in this week’s The Fast & The Curious with Matt & Check, Co-Founders of Ada Ventures.From parenting lessons to the startup ‘rules’ they ignored, this is the side of two highly successful founders you won’t find on Google.🎧 Take a listen here: https://podcasts.apple.
How to Build a Co-Founder Relationship That Lasts
What happens when two unlikely co-founders challenge everything about the venture capital world?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Check Warner and Matt Penneycard, the duo behind Ada Ventures. They open up about money, stress, parenthood, relentless rejection and what it takes to build a business from nothing but trust and audacity.If you’ve ever wondered how to st
The Fast and The Curious with Lauren Spearman
What do penis pens, naked yoga and an erotic platform...All have in common?Lauren Spearman reveals in her The Fast & The Curious episode.Cannes chaos to 9pm bedtimesThis one moves fast and nothing is off limits.🙃 What did her family buy her that left her speechless? 💸 Why have none of her invoices been paid this month? 🍷 What’s her go-to hobby that involves wine and a fancy tablecloth? 👀 And w
Waiting for Confidence? Stop. Do This Instead - Lauren Spearman
How to keep showing up and challenging yourself even when you have no confidence?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I speak with Lauren Spearman, a Social Media consultant and content creator, about the raw and real journey of building confidence. From leaving a steady job with no plan B to showing up online at her lowest point, Lauren shares what it’s really like to let go of cont
The Fast and The Curious with Ross Anderson
What’s stronger, self-discipline or self-awareness?Which one would you choose?We put Ross Anderson in the hot seat for The Fast & The Curious.From topless butler to mindset mentor,He’s got stories, surprises, and a serious take on growth that’ll make you stop scrolling.🧠 What’s the one tool he swears by for instant stress relief?📺 Which guilty pleasure TV show does he watch on loop?🏆 Which Gui
Told You’ll Never Change? Here’s Proof You Can | Ross Anderson
What if your worst life chapters could become your greatest teachers? In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Ross Anderson, psychologist, founder of Beyond Baseline, and someone who turned chaos into clarity. Ross shares the pivotal moments that forced him to choose between staying broken or building something better.We talk about the courage it takes to rewrite your id
The Fast and The Curious with Joanna Howes
Does Ryan Gosling look like Rodney Trotter?This is a debate I never thought I’d be having.I love doing The Fast & The Curious with my guests…But answering the questions myself? Way harder. And way more fun.With my husband Kev firing the questions, I had nowhere to hide, just honest, candid, and occasionally ridiculous answers.This teaser clip is just a taste of what we got into…Watch the full
How to Stay Courageous When Your Confidence Falls
If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your voice, or your path, this episode is for you.For the first time on The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m not the one asking the questions. This time, it’s my husband Kevin behind the mic with myself in the ‘guest’ chair.We unpack the moments that defined how I lead today: grief, pressure, burnout, and what it really takes to rebuild after walking away from
The Fast and The Curious with Stefanie Sword-Williams
What's the most unhumble thing you have done?And what rule would you break? We put Stefanie Sword-Williams, founder of F*ck Being Humble, in the hot seat for our latest episode of The Fast & The Curious and let’s just say, her answers were as bold as her brand.In just a few minutes, we found out:👀 The rule she’d break if no one could stop her📧 What she’s done saying sorry for🎶 Her go-to c
Becoming Unapologetically Confident with Stephanie Sword-Williams
What does it really take to step into your purpose, even when it scares you? In this episode, I’m joined by Stefanie Sword-Williams, the fearless founder of F*ck Being Humble. She opens up about her journey from advertising to creating a global movement, what drives her, and why she’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. We explore courage, burnout, and how to find meaning when life throws you
The Fast and The Curious with Leah Spears
Danny Dyer or Peter Crouch?Negroni or Yorkshire Tea?We put Leah Spears in the hot seat for our latest episode of The Fast & The Curious.And her answers never disappoint 🔥From bold picks to unexpected truths...This one moves fast, and nothing is off limits...👀 What would she name her racehorse?🍽 Why would she say yes to being on First Dates?🤯 What’s harder: being a mum or managing creatives?🙋♀
How to Succeed When You're Told “You Won’t Be a Leader” | With Leah Spears
What happens when you stay true to yourself even when the world tells you to change?In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by Leah Spears, Head of Brand Strategy at Paddy Power. She shares the personal moments that shaped her leadership, from navigating judgement based on appearance to stepping into bold, visible roles. We explore confidence, curiosity, and what it takes to
Toxic Leadership Teams: What to Do When Your Peers Turn Against You
In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I share one of the hardest chapters of my leadership journey, being excluded, questioned, and broken down by the very people I was meant to lead alongside. I reveal the five lessons that helped me survive it and rebuild stronger. If you're stuck in a toxic dynamic, this episode is for you.We Cover: 01:00 – The moment I realised I wasn’t wante
Toxic Positivity vs. Office Politics, Which Is Worse?
Is your team's growth being silently blocked by toxic positivity, hidden politics, or a culture of avoidance? What if you could banish just one of these frustrations to unlock everyone's true potential?I put that exact challenge to three brilliant leaders in a special 'Leadership Room 101' debate. I welcomed Nishma Patel Robb (Founder, Glittersphere) , Ete Davies (EMEA EVP, Den
How to Raise Confident Girls in a Fear-Based World
In this powerful episode, I sat down with Abi Wright and Jen Toll, the inspiring founders behind Festival of The Girl. What started as a grassroots idea is now a powerful movement helping girls step into their power and challenge gender stereotypes from childhood.We talked about how courage can grow from anger, why shrinking starts in childhood, and how both boys and girls benefit when we reframe
The Fast and The Curious with Chris Hirst
“What’s the biggest bullshit in leadership?”Chris Hirst answers without blinking. But you’ll have to watch to hear what he says.In this Fast & The Curious episode,Chris, former Global CEO of Havas Creative goes from sharp insight to guilty pleasures in under six minutes.☕ A very strong opinion on herbal tea🎸 A Nickelback moment he didn’t see coming🧦 And the one workplace trend he’d cancel fore
How to Build a High-Performing Team (Even If You’re Failing)
What happens when you’ve spent years inside a failing business, then asked to take over as CEO and turn it around?For Chris Hirst, it wasn’t just a step up. It was a defining challenge that forced him to rethink everything he knew about leadership.In this episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I’m joined by leadership expert, award-winning author, and former Global CEO of Havas Creative, Chris
3 Simple Steps to Lead with Empathy
Many leaders still see empathy as a weakness.This is shortsighted as empathy is one of the most powerful skills to drive trust, performance, and real connection.In this episode, I explain what it means to lead with empathy and share three practical ways to integrate it into your leadership today. You’ll learn how empathy shifts behaviour, strengthens accountability, and builds a culture where peop
The Fast and The Curious with Dave Buonaguidi
What can a grizzly bear in a denim jacket teach us about leadership?More than you’d think.In this week’s Fast & The Curious, Dave takes us from Hackney to Hollywood (almost) with his usual cheeky, sweary brilliance.⚡ What leadership advice does he swear by?⚡ Why pink paint is his power colour⚡ And how he ended up designing a jacket for an 8-foot bearIt’s fast, funny, and full of the kind of wi
“Don’t Be a Wanker”: Dave Buonaguidi’s No-BS Leadership Rule
Naughty, and unfiltered – Dave Buonaguidi, ex-adman turned full-time artist, shares how he blew up a 35-year career, lost everything, and finally found joy. From co-founding iconic agencies like St. Luke’s and Karmarama to walking away from the industry (and his marriage) at 50, Dave tells it like it is – with plenty of swearing, sharp wit, and hard-won wisdom.If you’ve ever wanted to throw out th
The #1 Leadership Habit Ruining Teams (And How to Fix It!)
Can three top leaders agree on what’s killing modern leadership?What happens when you bring together a CEO, a president, and a CCO to tackle what’s dragging teams down and how to fix it?In this special 'Leadership Room 101' edition of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I sat down with Jessica Tamsedge (CEO, Dentsu Creative), Josh Green (CCO, House 337), and Conrad Persons (President, Grey L
The Fast and The Curious with Chloe Davies
What if you had to pick one emoji…to sum up your entire personality?Chloe Davies didn’t flinch.In the latest episode of The Fast & The Curious, Chloe brought the same energy she brings to every room.Bold, brilliant, and a little bit cheeky.🎯 Watch the full F&TC episode to find out:⚡ What would Chloe do as Prime Minister for the day?⚡ What music track sums up her life?⚡ What food she would
Chloe Davies: The Truth About Resilience Nobody Talks About
If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your purpose or your place in this world, this episode will light the way forward.Chloe Davies, Founder & CEO of It Takes A Village Collective, shares how she rebuilt her life and leadership after betrayal, burnout, and breakdown. From surviving mental health crises to winning Rock Star of the Year at the ADCOLOR Awards, Chloe’s story is raw, real and radi
Lack of Trust Is Quietly Killing Your Leadership Team’s Success
Is your leadership team quietly falling apart? Lack of trust is the silent killer of leadership teams that can contribute to eroding alignment, sparking burnout, and fuelling poor decisions. In this episode, I reveal why even the best leaders lose trust over time and share some practical, proven strategies to rebuild it. We cover the hidden traps weakening your team and the exact steps you can tak
The Fast and The Curious with Orlando Wood
Sir John Hegarty or Jon Evans? What if you had to pick between two of your closest industry friends… ..on camera?That’s exactly the dilemma we threw at Orlando Wood, CIO at System1, in his Fast & The Curious.🎯 From neuroscience to Love Island, here’s what went down:⚡ Would he rather be invisible or read minds?⚡ Which side of his brain would he keep, left or right?⚡ Would he really go on Love I
AI, Emotion & The Death of Advertising | Orlando Wood Breaks It Down
Why modern marketing is broken and how you can fix it, as a leader.Orlando Wood, Chief Innovation Officer at System1 and author of Lemon, Look Out, and Advertising Principles Explained, reveals why advertising has lost its soul and how the shift from right-brain to left-brain thinking is hurting creativity, leadership, and human connection. If you’ve felt that marketing is becoming more mechanical
The Fast and The Curious with Kerry Collinge
Courageous Leaders vs Uncensored CMO PodcastYou’ve got to upset one person…Your boss OR your friend?Who do you choose?That was just one of the fun dilemmas we threw at Kerry Collinge, Managing Director of The Uncensored CMO, in her round of The Fast & The Curious - and trust us, she didn’t hold back.🎥 Catch the full episode on YouTube to find out:🪩 Whether she’d rather listen to our podcast or
The cost of conforming: Kerry Collinge on culture, courage & breaking the rules
Kerry Collinge, Managing Director of The Uncensored CMO, shares her bold journey from big brands to brave moves, and what it really means to lead without conforming.From being told she was “too much” to redefining success on her own terms, Kerry’s story is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and staying true to who you are.We Cover: 02:22 – Kerry’s most courageous move (and why she never looked
The Fast and The Curious with Scott Morrison
This isn’t your typical leadership Q&A.It’s fast. It’s curious.And Scott Morrison brings the boom, with energy, honesty, and a few unexpected curveballs.(Yes, including Will Smith... and toes-for-fingers.)Yes, it gets funnier.But in between the laughs, Scott dropped some real wisdom:⚡The #1 skill every leader should master (it’s not what you think)⚡ The mindset trap too many leaders fall into⚡
Rewire Your Leadership: Creativity, Culture & Commercial Impact | With Scott Morrison
Scott Morrison, Founder of The Boom! and former Marketing Director at Levi’s and Diesel, shares how to unblock, unlock, and unleash leadership potential by blending commercial creativity with bold action. From reframing pressure as fuel to challenging complexity in leadership, Scott’s insights will inspire you to move from strategy to impact fast.We Cover: 01:04 – What it means to be an unshackled
Are You a Busy Leader or an Effective Leader?
Have we forgotten how to think as leaders?This is the question I’ve been exploring in nearly every coaching session lately.In this solo episode, I’m diving into why deep thinking has gone missing in modern leadership and how the addiction to busyness is holding us and our teams back. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or constantly relied upon, this episode is your call to reset.We Cover: 01:05
The Fast and The Curious with Sophie Devonshire
What happens when you put a high-velocity leader in the hot seat?Unexpected insights...Surprising confessions...We fired off rapid-fire questions at Sophie Devonshire, and she didn’t hold back:⚡️The best piece of career advice she ever received (and why it still guides her today)⚡️ Morning meetings or late-night strategy? She’s got a strong opinion.⚡️If she could add an 8th step to her book, what
How Top Leaders Make Faster, Smarter Decisions | Sophie Devonshire
The best leaders don’t just manage time; they master energy and here’s how. Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society, shares the mindset shifts, leadership habits, and bold strategies that drive high-velocity success. Discover how to make faster decisions, embrace rejection, and lead with impact. If you want to step up as a leader, this episode is a game-changer.We Cover: 00:34 – Overcoming
How Bold Decisions Shape Great Leaders – Paul Coxhill’s Career Lessons
Paul Coxhill, Chief Operating Officer, LIONS & President, LIONS Intelligence, shares how taking bold leaps, navigating uncertainty, and embracing creativity shaped his leadership journey. From saying ‘yes’ to an unexpected opportunity in South Africa to driving innovation at WARC and LIONS, Paul’s insights offer a masterclass in adaptability, leadership, and business growth.We Cover: 01:04 – T
How to Take Control of Your Career with confidence | Kerttu Inkeroinen
Kerttu Inkeroinen, Marketing & E-commerce Director at Lucky Saint, shares her unconventional career journey from Coca-Cola to scale-ups, why she quit without a backup plan, and how she intentionally shaped her leadership style.She reveals why taking risks is always worth it, how to build a career with purpose, and why leaders should be sheepdogs, not huskies.We Cover: 00:12:29 – Why Kerttu lef
