The Extra-Ordinary Leader With Dolly Waddell podcast

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In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader , I sit down with Thor Olafsson, Founder & CEO of Strategic Leadership Group and author of Beyond Ego . Thor has built and led multiple businesses and now works globally with leaders to integrate strategy and people in a way that creates true, sustainable growth. We explore the nine ego types that can both empower and undermine leadership, and how self-awareness is the game-changing factor in modern leadership. Thor and I discuss why self-image, defensiveness, and fear-based behaviour so often sabotage leaders—and what it takes to move beyond ego to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact. We also unpack why leadership development has become a non-negotiable investment in today’s organisations, and how the war for talent means leaders must change their mindset to ensure they attract, retain, and inspire the very best people. This conversation is both practical and transformative, and it will make you reflect on your own patterns, your shadow sides, and how you can step into being a less fear-driven, more purpose-led leader. Inside This Episode: Thor’s definition of ego and why it matters in business. How to tell if you’re being decisive or simply defensive. The nine ego types—how they show up and what their shadow sides cost organisations. Why self-awareness is now a critical leadership skill. The link between transparency, access to information, and leadership. The real cost of not investing in leadership development. How to begin walking the path to a more self-aware, purpose-led leadership. If this episode sparks something in you, reach out at info@dollywaddell.com. I coach executives and teams on these very challenges, helping you uncover your ego triggers, transform your leadership, and create cultures that thrive. My book The extra-Ordinary Leader is available now: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader 🔗 Find Thor’s book Beyond Ego here: https://beyondego.com/ 🔗 Strategic Leadership Group: https://strategicleaders.com/…

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Dolly In My Pocket 02: Change the Rules: From Resistance to Reward 5:57

il y a environ 9 jours5:57

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Welcome back to Dolly in My Pocket — a short solo series from The extra-Ordinary Leader podcast, created to give you practical, mindset-shifting reflections that fit into even the busiest week. In this episode, I talk about something I call changing the rules — and no, not the legal ones. I’m talking about the unconscious, unspoken rules we live by without even realising. Things like “I should always be nice”, “I can’t interrupt”, “This is just the way I am” — all the fixed ideas that silently dictate how we behave, lead, communicate, and show up. I share a story about learning to play rugby for the first time (spoiler: I didn’t love it at first!) — and what that experience taught me about resistance, fixed mindsets, and how our “rules” can hold us back from something better. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a new idea or written something off before giving it a chance, this one’s for you. And if you're new to the podcast, The extra-Ordinary Leader is all about what it takes to lead with more clarity, energy, and purpose — whether in business, at home, or in yourself. Browse the back catalogue and take what you need.…

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S4 02: Designing a Life You’re Proud to Live: Leadership with Intention with Becky Barsellotti 41:48

il y a environ 16 jours41:48

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In this week’s episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader , I’m joined by my friend and powerhouse leader Becky Barsellotti—Managing Partner at GiANT London and the brilliant mind behind Alive , a seven-step process for creating a life by design, not by accident. Becky was one of the earliest catalysts in my own leadership journey. From the moment I met her, I knew she had that rare gift of unlocking people on the spot—and she did just that for me. In this conversation, we explore why leadership today demands a deeper level of self-awareness, courage, and personal audit. We talk about how journaling can become a leadership tool, the real risk of staying on autopilot, and why businesses don’t need more cogs—they need humans who are fully alive . Becky also introduces her concept of the “seven summits” that define a meaningful life, and shares how this process is transforming teams and individuals alike. This one is full of practical wisdom and life-defining questions. Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this episode will move the dial on how intentionally you live and lead. To find out more about Becky’s Alive cohorts or to bring this work into your team, visit https://www.instagram.com/the.alive.collective/ To explore how I can bring energy, urgency, and transformational coaching into your leadership culture, email me directly at info@dollywaddell.com INSIDE THIS EPISODE What it means to live by design, not by accident The Alive framework: seven summits of a meaningful life Why journaling is a leadership tool—not a luxury How to reframe rest and create your own "recharge rhythm" Fear-flossing: a daily mindset practice for leaders How businesses can unlock people’s potential through intention What stops people from living lives they’re proud of Why now, more than ever, leaders must choose intentionality This conversation ties closely into the themes in my book The extra-Ordinary Leader —especially the chapter on the “Mirror Moment.” If you’ve not yet grabbed your copy, take a look here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader…

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Dolly In My Pocket 01: The Mirror Moment: Finding the Part of You That’s Missing in Action 6:10

il y a environ 23 jours6:10

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Welcome to the first ever episode of Dolly in My Pocket — a new solo series within The extra-Ordinary Leader podcast. Each short episode is designed to offer a moment of pause: a thought, a reflection, a challenge you can carry into your day. These are not fluffy motivational quotes — they’re grounded insights that have shaped the way I lead, live, and support others to do the same. If you’re new to the podcast, The extra-Ordinary Leader is a space where I explore what it really takes to show up as a modern leader — whether that’s in business, in the home, or in your own personal growth. Past episodes include honest conversations with senior leaders, practical tools for performance, and mindset shifts to move you through your own glass ceilings. If you want more impact, clarity, and energy, you’ll find something here for you. In this Dolly in My Pocket episode, I start with one of my favourite quotes from Brené Brown and explore the concept of the mirror moment : a pause in time where you stop and really see yourself — beyond the emails, the roles you play, and the face in the mirror. I share my own moment of reckoning from six years ago, when I realised I’d buried the ambitious, purposeful part of myself under the noise of life. That moment became the starting point for the business I now run and the work I do every day. If you’re feeling off-track or just a little disconnected, this episode might be the nudge you need. And if it sparks something, I’d love for you to explore the wider podcast — there’s a whole back catalogue of wisdom waiting for you. The extra-Ordinary Leader book is out now. Buy it here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader For strategy, speaking or consultancy enquiries : info@dollywaddell.com…

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S4 01: Leadership Is a Doing Word: Chris Hirst on Culture, Authority and Action 1:01:47

il y a environ 29 jours1:01:47

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Kicking off Series 4, I’m joined by the brilliant Chris Hirst – former Global CEO, speaker, and author of the bestselling No Bullsh*t series, including his latest release, Indispensable . This is a practical, powerful conversation about real leadership – not just the talking and thinking, but the doing . We explore what it means to take your space and authority as a leader, how to build indivisibly tight teams, and why culture is not a soft word – it’s your strategy. Chris shares openly about the inflexion point in his own career, how he turned around a business once called "unfixable," and the questions every leader needs to ask if they want their teams – and careers – to thrive. This one’s meaty. Bring a pencil (a sharpened one) and get stuck in. Inside This Episode Why leadership starts with doing – not just talking and thinking The sharpened pencil metaphor for action and momentum How Chris turned around a failing company (that had been written off) The equation: Leadership Impact = Clarity × Action What leaders often misunderstand about culture How to build indivisibly tight teams Why teamship – not just individual talent – drives performance The Schwerpunkt principle: where to focus your energy for maximum impact The three layers of belief every high-performing team needs The vital (and often missing) conversations in hybrid teams Want to work with me to build extra-Ordinary cultures in your business? Get in touch: https://www.dollywaddell.com Chris Hirst’s Website: https://chris-hirst.com/ No Bullsh*t Leadership : Amazon UK No Bullsh*t Change : Amazon UK Indispensable – A No Bullsh*t Guide to Career Success : Amazon UK Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book extra-Ordinary Leaders , for more practical insight into becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.…

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Series 4 Launch: What Makes Leadership extra-Ordinary? 14:09

il y a 5 weeks14:09

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Welcome to Series 4 of The extra-Ordinary Leader . In this launch episode, I take a moment to define what I mean by “extra-Ordinary leadership.” It’s not about being grandiose or exceptional in the traditional sense—it’s about adding extra to the ordinary parts of your leadership, life, and career. I open up about my own inflexion point—moving from a full-time stay-at-home mum and vicar’s wife to running my own consultancy, working with senior leaders and organisations across sectors. I share how this journey has shaped my mission: to help people access and borrow the "extras" from others so they can show up more powerfully in their own spaces. In this season, we’ll hear from a range of brilliant leaders about their own inflexion points—the turning points that reshaped their leadership and lives. You’ll also hear shorter solo episodes, ‘Dolly in My Pocket’, where I pull bite-sized insights from my book The extra-Ordinary Leader . If you want to think differently, lead courageously, and navigate your own inflexion points with clarity, this season is for you. The extra-Ordinary Leader book is out now. Buy it here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader For strategy, speaking or consultancy enquiries : info@dollywaddell.com www.dollywaddell.com…

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Series 3 Finale - The Growth Mindset of Leadership: Adding extra to the Ordinary 26:36

il y a 8 weeks26:36

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As we wrap up Season 3 of The extra-Ordinary Leader , I wanted to pull together the most transformational threads from this series—ideas and insights that have helped me grow as a leader and that I believe can do the same for you. This episode explores how we can move from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset in leadership, the power of pausing, mastering stress, building self-awareness, and the paradox of holding authority and authenticity in tandem. You’ll hear highlights from brilliant guests including Helen Brocklebank, Gareth Anderson, Cathy O’Dowd, Russell Harvey, Noa Maxwell and Dan Maudhub. I also share personal reflections and leadership tools you can begin using today to become the kind of leader others want to follow. If you’ve been wondering how to add something extra to your everyday leadership, this episode is for you. Inside This Episode How to spot and shift a fixed mindset in yourself or others Why conversations are the gateway to growth A powerful analogy for measuring failure in teams What cognitive overload is doing to your performance The link between stress mastery and great decision-making A practical team exercise using just Post-its The difference between knowing your stress habits vs. true self-awareness Why authority isn’t a dirty word when grounded in good character How simple questions can transform team performance Listen to the full episodes mentioned: S3 10: Legacy and Craft: Walpole's Helen Brocklebank on the Mindset of extra-Ordinary Leadership S3 07: Culture doesn't just happen. Here's how to create it | with Gareth Anderson S3 09: Mountains, Mindsets and Mastery: The Small Steps of an extra-Ordinary Life with Cathy O'Dowd S3 01: How To Be A Resilient Leader With Russell Harvey S3 03: How To Tell a Business Story | with Noa Maxwell S3 04: Balancing Creativity, Trust, and Leadership | with Dan Maudhub Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book extra-Ordinary Leaders , for more practical insight into becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.…

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S3 13: The Cost of Avoidance: Why Real Leadership Means Facing The Hard Stuff With Tanya Gallagher 41:41

il y a 10 weeks41:41

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This week I’m joined by Tanya Gallagher, MD and founder of Limitless Leadership, an award-winning leadership development consultancy. Tanya brings a wealth of wisdom to the space of leadership development, and what stood out to me most in our conversation is just how practical and human her definition of extra-Ordinary leadership is. We dig into the difference between good, bad, and terrible leadership, and what it really means to take ownership. It’s a conversation that will shift how you see your role as a leader. We discuss psychological safety, promotion dynamics, and the underrated power of what Tanya calls “contracting conversations”—those small yet powerful exchanges that can transform working relationships. If you've ever avoided a conversation because it felt awkward, if you’ve ever felt resentment building under the surface, or if you're leading people without ever asking what they need from you, this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Tanya: https://www.limitless-ltd.com/ Inside The Episode: What it really means to “go beyond” as an extra-Ordinary leader How to spot bad and even terrible leadership (in yourself too) Why avoidance is the silent killer of team culture How to lead when you’ve been promoted within your peer group The art of the “contracting conversation”—and why it’s essential Why leadership is often hidden, unglamorous, and deeply human Coaching advice for leaders who’ve never had difficult conversations Creating urgency around what’s truly important in leadership How to rewire your mindset around responsibility, communication and growth If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re realising there’s a new standard of leadership you want to step into—get in touch. I partner with leaders to help them go again and again. New mindset. New behaviours. Real results. Start your journey here: https://www.dollywaddell.com Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book extra-Ordinary Leaders , for more practical insight into becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.…

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S3 12: Vision Is a Space: Reframing Leadership for a Wiser Tomorrow with Oleg Konovalov 1:03:03

il y a 12 weeks1:03:03

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You’re in for a treat. This week I’m joined by the incredible Oleg Konovalov — a globally respected business educator, leadership expert, and author of The Vision Code . Oleg doesn’t just talk about leadership; he embodies it through his work helping C-suite leaders across the world create meaningful, enduring impact. In this episode, we take apart the familiar terms — vision, value, strategy — and rebuild them with depth, clarity and fresh meaning. We explore how leadership is not about ego or output, but about building a space others want to grow into. Oleg generously shares the "CAVIAR" model — a framework for visionary leadership grounded in wisdom and impact. If you’ve ever struggled to define your aspirations versus your desires, or want to learn how to craft a vision that inspires others, this conversation is for you. You can find out more about Oleg and his brilliant work at olegkonovalov.com Inside This Episode: What it really means to add value as a leader The distinction between desire and aspiration Why vision is a space , not a statement The "CAVIAR" model for practical visionary leadership How wisdom trumps intelligence in business The difference between inspiration and motivation The role of simplicity and space in decision-making Reclaiming fear and redefining what it means to ‘play big’ Mentioned In This Episode: The Vision Code by Oleg Konovalov Connect with Oleg on LinkedIn The extra-Ordinary Leader: 12 Tactics for Finding Your Extra in Business, Leadership, and Life…

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S3 11: From Feedback to Fire: Kate Thrumble on Why extra-Ordinary Leadership Starts Small 37:57

il y a 14 weeks37:57

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This week, I’m joined by Kate Thrumble, SVP and Head of People and Experience at VaynerMedia – a creative agency where leadership is lived out daily in real, human ways. In this episode, Kate shares what it means to lead not with the weight of being the “log”, but as the kindling – the spark that ignites others. We talk candidly about feedback, connection, culture, performance and the sweet spot between kindness and accountability. Kate brings such clarity to what I often see muddied in corporate rhetoric: how the "ordinary things done well" truly are the markers of extra-Ordinary leadership. From practical tools like quarterly reviews and personality insights, to the deeper philosophical shifts required to build businesses that feel like spring – full of light, momentum and growth – this conversation is rich with wisdom and grounded honesty. We also explore what it takes to create a happy, high-performing team, how Vayner Media balances business with deep respect for people, and what they call the marriage of the honey and the empire. Inside This Episode: What extra-Ordinary leadership really means Why the "little things" done consistently create the biggest impact The relationship between happiness and high performance Feedback as a normal rhythm, not a big scary ‘thing’ The shift from annual reviews to quarterly check-ins Using tools and coaching styles to build culture Creating ‘spring-like’ businesses where people thrive The art of kind candour and the analogy of the lob, the loiter and the lasso How Kate defines the role of experience in people leadership Being the kindling, not the log – a beautiful metaphor for modern leadership Mentions & Links: VaynerMedia – Creative & Media Agency Insights Discovery (personality profiling tool) Performance Climate System (team performance tool) My Book – The extra-Ordinary Leader: 12 Tactics for Finding Your Extra in Business, Leadership, and Life…

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S3 10: Legacy and Craft: Walpole's Helen Brocklebank on the Mindset of extra-Ordinary Leadership 40:38

il y a 16 weeks40:38

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In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader , I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole—the official body for British luxury. Helen works closely with over 250 of the UK’s most iconic high-end brands, and in our conversation, she shares the leadership behaviours, values, and mindset that make these businesses so resilient and remarkable. We explored what we can all borrow from the luxury sector—whether we’re running heritage businesses or leading fast-paced teams with no historical playbook. Helen spoke beautifully about creativity, long-term thinking, emotional intelligence, and the importance of knowing your own strengths. She also reminded me why storytelling, craftsmanship, and deep human connection remain at the heart of excellent leadership. You’ll hear us reflect on everything from scented candles and bespoke tailoring to the power of fiction and the role of culture in the workplace. Whether you lead a team of two or two thousand, this episode is full of insights to help you lead with clarity, creativity and care. Inside This Episode: What working with 250 luxury CEOs has taught Helen about extra-Ordinary leadership Why understanding your own strengths is the foundation of influence The long-term mindset behind British luxury’s £81 billion impact Why fiction (yes, even Jilly Cooper!) can sharpen your leadership instincts How resilience, creativity, and curiosity define high-performance leadership What leaders in fast fashion and retail can borrow from heritage brands The value of “dual thinking”: acting in the now while planning for the next How memory-making and sensory detail create unforgettable customer experiences Why culture-building and empowerment matter more than ever Mentions & Links: Walpole – https://www.thewalpole.co.uk Learn more about Attachment Theory – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337 Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Box-Thinking-Surprising-Success/dp/1473613779…

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S3 09: Mountains, Mindsets and Mastery: The Small Steps of an extra-Ordinary Life with Cathy O'Dowd 45:34

il y a 18 weeks45:34

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In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader , I’m joined by the incredible Cathy O'Dowd – the first woman to climb Mount Everest from both the north and south sides. But this conversation isn’t just about physical mountains; it’s about the emotional and professional peaks we all face. Cathy’s story is one of grit, humility and mindset, and I couldn’t have been more inspired by the way she talks about doing extra-Ordinary things by simply taking the next right step. Whether it’s writing a book, leading a business, or learning to kitesurf at 42 (yes, I really did that), this conversation is a reminder that success is not about fairy dust – it’s about steady, consistent, powerful choices. We spoke about what happens when life feels like a cul-de-sac, when perfectionism gets in the way of progress, and how sometimes saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities is the very thing that takes you to the next level. Cathy shares how she navigated being parachuted onto the first South African Everest team – as the only woman – and how she’s learned to let go of the “token” label and find confidence through action. We also dove into the power of physical challenge – why sports like climbing or kitesurfing can be an antidote to rumination, stress, and even imposter syndrome. Cathy had so much wisdom to share about how we lead ourselves and others, how we perform under pressure, and why empathy isn’t a gift – it’s a tool. This one will stick with me for a long time, and I hope it stays with you too. Inside this episode: What extra-Ordinary leadership really means Why we need to let go of perfectionism How to reframe tokenism and self-doubt The difference between stress responses – and how to manage them Why physical adventure can transform your mindset How to use empathy as a tool – especially in high-stakes leadership The 'STOP' technique Cathy uses in moments of pressure The surprising link between coffee, presence, and performance Mentions & Links: Learn more about Cathy: https://www.cathyodowd.com Book Cathy to speak: https://www.cathyodowd.com/keynote-speaking/ My book The extra-Ordinary Leader : https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader…

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S3 08: The Future of Leadership: Digital Twins, Decision-Making & the Power of AI with Daniel Hulme 54:33

il y a 20 weeks54:33

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In this thought-provoking episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader , I sat down with Daniel Hulme , AI expert and CEO, to explore what leadership looks like in the age of artificial intelligence, data-driven decisions, and flatter, decentralised organisations. Together, we unravelled: Why extra-Ordinary leadership starts with getting out of the way How to use AI to surface team dynamics and friction points What digital twins are (and why your employees might love them) How to lead without hierarchy Practical ways to integrate AI into leadership, L&D, and performance management The power of frameworks (data → information → knowledge → understanding → wisdom) Why pressure should come from clients, not internal politics Daniel also shares how his leadership philosophy has been influenced by Jean-Luc Picard , agile methods, and a desire to grow organisations that get faster and smarter with scale. If you’re a leader looking for practical wisdom on staying future-fit, creating meaningful work environments, and navigating AI without losing the human touch—this one is for you. If something in this conversation resonated, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch, and let’s talk about how extra-Ordinary leadership could look in your team: https://www.dollywaddell.com/ Find Out More about Satalia: https://www.satalia.com/about-us/ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome 02:00 – What extra-Ordinary leadership means to Daniel 04:45 – Creating “fertile ground” and removing blockers 06:30 – How AI is reshaping organisational design 08:00 – The 3 ways AI is impacting business (productivity, supply chains, disruption) 10:00 – How to apply AI to solve real business frictions 12:30 – The Pyramid of Understanding (Data → Wisdom) 14:45 – How AI helps predict and understand behaviour 17:00 – The magic of assigning people to projects 19:00 – Building digital twins of employees 21:00 – Bridging the “intention-impact” gap with AI 23:00 – Feedback, skill-mapping, and performance through AI 26:00 – Can AI get it wrong? 28:00 – The L&D world and using AI for behaviour change 31:00 – Dolly’s approach to team transformation & where AI can enhance it 34:00 – When the data shows us what ego and culture try to hide 36:00 – Starting digital twin implementation—what’s step one? 38:00 – Attachment styles & leadership dysfunctions 40:00 – Why the “gardener” is the best kind of leader 41:20 – Structured naming systems & the tech you actually need 43:00 – It’s not a tech problem—it’s a leadership one 45:00 – Why organisations reflect the personality of their leaders 47:00 – Are hierarchies really helping decision-making? 48:00 – Teal, Humanopathy & fluid teams 50:00 – Why pressure should come from clients , not internal structures 51:00 – The power of seven & ambidextrous leadership 53:00 – Dolly’s final question: What item at home reflects extra-Ordinary leadership? 54:00 – Star Trek’s Jean-Luc Picard and leadership lessons 54:30 – Wrap-up and thank you…

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S3 07: Leadership is built on trust - here's how to get it | with Iona Ledwidge 48:15

il y a 23 weeks48:15

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Iona Ledwidge is CEO of Resurgo Trust, an organisation that exists to build sustainable social change. She joins Dolly Waddell to break down what makes great leadership - hint: it's a lot of trust, consistency, and tapping in to the power of listening. They explore the impact of small actions, the importance of investing in people, and how diversity strengthens organisations. Iona shares her journey as a CEO, while Dolly highlights the balance between respect and likability in leadership. They also discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, tackling toxic cultures, and how mentorship drives growth. Follow The extra-Ordinary Leader wherever you get podcasts, and if you'd like to book Dolly to speak at your next event please visit dollywaddell.com…

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S3 07: Culture doesn't just happen. Here's how to create it | with Gareth Anderson 52:03

il y a 25 weeks52:03