136 - The leadership mindset to make Partner with Simon Olsen
Cultural Communication Confidence
Release Date: 07/07/2025
Cultural Communication Confidence
Many capable, successful professionals are delivering results, staying busy and doing what is expected of them, yet quietly running on autopilot. Everything looks fine on the surface, but something feels misaligned. In this podcast episode, I’m joined by Amy Rowlinson, purpose and fulfilment coach, and author of Focus on Why, to explore why purpose is not something you discover one day, but something you actively create through your values, choices and priorities. We talk about how easily leaders slip into momentum mode, responding to obligations rather than intention, and what happens when...
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What are the five most common cultural mistakes that leaders often make when managing diverse, multicultural teams? Drawing from my experience working with organisations and teams in Cultural Intelligence, I share the common cultural mistakes, and how these can lead to miscommunication, frustration, and even project failures. I go on to explore how to reframe these to be successful in your ways of working globally, highlighting the need to adapt for better collaboration and innovation within your teams. Learn in this episode: The 5 most common cultural mistakes that leaders make when...
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In this podcast episode, I’m joined by Executive Leadership Coach, and author Mary Gregory, who specialises in human-centred leadership, confidence and gender equity. Together, we explore ego as a human defence system rather than a flaw, and how fear often sits behind leadership behaviours such as people pleasing, control and self-doubt. We look at how ego shows up differently for women, why many capable leaders hold themselves back, and what it takes to speak up and be heard without losing authenticity or falling into performative confidence. Our conversation also examines how culture,...
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Welcome to the first podcast episode of 2026, and we are starting with how we mean to continue with bold action. This episode is about momentum, clarity and creating a fast, intentional start to the year. This is your invitation to move from thinking to actively working and delivering on your leadership goals. Drawing on chapter one of my bestselling book, Become a Global Leader, I guide you through a series of practical exercises designed to help you think bigger, get clearer on what you want, and move from reflection into bold action. If you want to have greater impact this year, this...
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Leadership trends, advocating for women leaders and raising your personal profile. As we approach the start of 2026, in this podcast episode, I’m joined by Vanessa Dal Busco, Chair of the Institute of Directors Glass Ceiling Group, and a passionate advocate for women in leadership. Vanessa shares her insights on the challenges female leaders face, the importance of personal branding, and practical strategies to raise your profile, exploring how engagement, purpose, and authenticity can transform your professional presence. Plus, Vanessa also shares her perspectives on leadership trends, the...
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In this latest podcast episode, I’m joined by Julia Bend, Executive Career Transition Coach and founder of Premier Coaching, and we focus on the emotional reality of organisational change, why it so often can feel personal even when it isn’t, and what it truly takes to manage yourself well through transition. Julia also shares her SPEAR Framework, a clear and human approach that guides you from self-awareness through to purposeful action and thoughtful review. After 27 years in the transport and IT sector, Julia shifted into retraining and rebuilding her career. She now supports...
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As we edge towards the end of 2025, this podcast episode is your invitation to pause, reflect and look back at the year that was. Whether you’ve experienced exciting progress, tough challenges or a sense of being in limbo in your career, this reflection is critical to acknowledging and accepting it all, helping you close out the year and get ready for what’s next. I share practical clarity exercises to support your leadership review, including insights and activations inside the first chapter of my new book, Become a Global Leader. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why reviewing your...
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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Enfys Maloney, business expert, speaker, and seven-time award-winning sales trainer, trusted by hundreds of ambitious businesses. At the heart of this episode is the idea that strong communication and leadership are built by design and intention, not by accident. Quality conversations happen when you approach them with curiosity, intention and a readiness to move beyond the predictable. Enfys talks honestly about what leaders need, whether they are running a business, heading up a team or building their influence. Enfys also shares why leadership can feel...
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In this podcast episode, I’m celebrating a very special moment: my book, Become a Global Leader, launched last week and has already become a best-seller in Career Advancement and Professional Development! This episode focuses on the final and, in my view, most important pillar of my book: Connecting across Cultures with Cultural Intelligence. In today’s world, AI and technical skills and fluency are of course vital, but what truly sets great global leaders apart is the ability to connect with others, communicate genuinely in conversations that show their human side, and connect in...
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In this podcast, we continue our series exploring the pillars of my new book, Become a Global Leader. Today we focus on a capability that every global leader should master if they want real impact in their career and leadership growth: bridge challenging conversations. Challenging conversations appear in every organisation, every industry and every team. What distinguishes a global leader with strong communication skills and cultural intelligence is how to navigate these situations. In this episode, I guide you through the foundations you need before stepping onto the challenging conversation...
info_outlineWhat does it take to make partner in one of the world’s leading accountancy firms? Learn about leadership mindset from the inspiring career journey of Simon Olsen, partner at Deloitte, who shares his invaluable insights in this latest podcast episode from his 26 years of experience.
Simon discusses his path to leadership, highlighting the importance of boldness, determination, and the ability to adapt culturally in an ever-changing global landscape. With a wealth of experience working across diverse cultures, Simon reflects on how these experiences have shaped his leadership style and the significance of mentorship in both personal and professional growth. He emphasises the need for leaders to listen actively, understand their teams, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Join us as we explore practical strategies for stepping into leadership roles, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the necessity of building a strong, supportive team. Simon's open and honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of leadership will resonate with listeners at every stage of their careers.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The importance of boldness and bravery in leadership.
- How to adapt your leadership style to different cultural contexts.
- Strategies for effective mentoring and team building.
- Recognising and overcoming imposter syndrome.
- The role of continuous learning and practice in developing leadership skills.
Reflection questions for you to consider:
- How can you apply boldness in your own leadership journey?
- What steps will you take to build a supportive team around you
Resources:
- Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
- To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/
- Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
- Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
- Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com
- Website: https://culturecuppa.com