Nyree Ambarchian – Rewriting the Rules of Work
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
What if the working world wasn’t designed for you, and following the rules held you back from the leadership and life you actually want? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen welcomes Nyree Ambarchian, co-founder of purpose-led communications agency Jack & Grace, for a bold and honest conversation about ditching outdated workplace norms and rewriting the “rules” of work. Nyree shares her journey from diligently following the rules to challenging and rewriting them, both in her own career and in building her business. This episode is a must-listen for...
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Kelly Swingler – Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
What if burnout wasn’t a personal failure, but a sign that something bigger at the system level needs to change? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O’Sullivan sits down with Kelly Swingler, the renowned “burnoutologist” and founder of the Burnout Academy, to uncover the truth behind today’s burnout epidemic. With candour and compassion, Kelly challenges the norms that glorify stress and exhaustion, exploring why real burnout is so much more than long hours. It’s about broken systems, shame, and outdated definitions of success. Together, Cathleen and Kelly...
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Nick Peel - Human-First Leadership
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
What if your greatest legacy isn’t what you build, but who you build with along the way? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host, Cathleen O’Sullivan, invites you into a candid conversation with Nick Peel, a leader whose career spans some of the world’s most ambitious projects, from Arsenal Football Club to the cutting-edge NEOM "Line" project in Saudi Arabia. You’ll hear how Nick’s human-first approach to leadership has empowered teams to thrive under pressure, transcending titles and status in favour of authenticity, humility, and genuine impact. Together, they explore why...
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Clare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards - The Power of Job Sharing
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
Is leadership about going it alone, or could sharing the load lead to even greater success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the dynamic duo Clare Freshwater-Turner and Annabelle Richards to explore how job sharing could be the key to enhanced leadership and personal fulfilment. Clare and Annabelle, senior managers in sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group, have mastered the art of job sharing, proving that two heads can indeed be better than one. Join us to learn about the unique partnership they’ve built over nine years, sharing insights into...
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Rachel McGill - Exploring Resilient Leadership
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
Are you merely enduring tough times, or are you truly thriving through them? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, army veteran and leadership expert Rachel McGill joins Cathleen to explore the nuanced art of resilience. Rachel unveils the clear difference between merely bouncing back and proactively moving forward. She shares her journey, from breaking a world record to creating Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework designed to help leaders like you build genuine resilience. Discover why true resilience is not about muscling through challenges but about adapting, making better decisions...
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Keisha Hickson - Living Fully and Moving Beyond Fear
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
What if you stopped waiting for the right time and started living fully right now? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the inspiring Keisha Hickson, a transformative thought leader and resilience advocate. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer multiple myeloma at a young age. Keisha's story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving and leaving a legacy on her own terms. She explores her experiences of overcoming fears and embracing authenticity daily, all while battling a rare incurable disease. Keisha also shares her insights on ‘daring to change’ and...
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Nancy Ho - Overcoming the Professional Paradox
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
Are you still chasing the wrong kind of success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Nancy Ho joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to discuss the hidden struggles of high-performing professionals and the paradox of success. Nancy shares how defining success externally can lead to a void of stress and unfulfillment. She talks about turning pain into gain, redefining what you truly want, and the importance of being authentic rather than conforming to societal pressures. Discover how your thoughts shape your reality and the power of self-reflection in transforming your life. Tune in for a...
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Dr. Rana Al-Falaki - Leadership Beyond Perfectionism
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
Are you living to work, or working to live? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Dr. Rana Al-Falaki joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to share her incredible journey from being a successful but stressed professional to finding true joy and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming trauma, breaking through unhealthy patterns, and discovering genuine self-love - all while building a thriving career helping others find balance and fulfilment. Dr. Al-Falaki explains the critical difference between "being" versus "doing". She reveals how understanding your unique stress response can transform your...
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Thomas Voigt - Leadership Lessons in Customer Engagement and Growth
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
Are you ready to transform your approach to customer success and discover how aligning your leadership with customer needs can drive sustainable growth? In this captivating conversation on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Thomas Voigt, founder of TV Consulting and the Customer Success Academy. Thomas shares his remarkable journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an episode filled with inspirational insights and practical strategies for driving success and growth. Episode Timeline: 07:50 Struggled with solopreneurship, returned to...
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Graham Wilson - Leading Through Change
The Legendary Leaders Podcast
Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead effectively in an uncertain, ever-changing world? Your host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Graham Wilson, a distinguished leadership expert and author of Wabi Zugi: The Art of Resilience for Everyday Warriors. Together they uncover the essential strategies and ideas that will help you thrive as a leader in complex environments. Learn why embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of experimentation is vital for modern leadership. Let's explore how moving beyond traditional management can empower your teams and spur innovation. We'll be...
info_outlineCathleen explores the world of business leadership with the incredible Josh Perlman. Josh brings over 20 years of experience in shaping resilient businesses with executive roles ranging from CEO to COO. He shares invaluable insights into proving oneself as a smart, hardworking leader, and the critical importance of psychological safety in the workplace, especially during tumultuous times like the COVID-19 crisis.
Josh opens up about his unique journey from starting work in high school to leading his own company, Geek Exec, which places C-suite executives in small and medium-sized businesses. You'll hear first-hand stories of challenges he faced, mistakes made, and lessons learned, all reinforcing the essence of being customer-centric and staying true to your business's core purpose.
Tune in to learn more about leading with impact, empowering teams, and navigating the pressures of growth and innovation.
Episode Timeline:
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06:59 Maintaining balance key to sustained energy levels.
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12:44 Diverse upbringing shapes outlook on life.
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18:47 Small and medium businesses can't easily afford consultants.
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28:03 Focus on unique value; prioritise client satisfaction.
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32:19 Flexibility and adaptation are crucial for success.
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40:55 Acknowledge mistakes, listen, and learn from others.
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47:06 Importance of psychological safety in challenging communication.
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49:30 Founders should empower and trust their team.
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56:56 Regret about not confronting the boss for bad advice.
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01:02:46 Adapt, learn, and finish what's necessary.
Key Takeaways:
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The Importance of Psychological Safety: Josh Perlman emphasises the significance of creating a workplace environment where employees can express concerns and ideas without fear of job security.
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Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Both Cathleen O’Sullivan and Josh Perlman discuss the necessity of taking breaks and finding time for oneself and one’s relationships.
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Leading with Flexibility and Openness: Josh Perlman shares insights on the importance of being adaptable and open to various perspectives in leadership. He stresses the need for continuous learning, being open to change, and fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed.
ABOUT Josh Perlman
Josh Perlman is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of experience in shaping resilient businesses across various industries. He has held executive roles including CEO, COO, President, and Senior Vice President, with expertise in operations, sales, and product development management. Josh's career is marked by his dedication to bridging the talent gap for small businesses and startups, inspiring him to establish The Gig Exec. His mission is to make senior-level executive experience accessible to small, innovative companies, and family businesses, not just tech startups and large corporations. Currently, Josh is the Managing Director at The Gig Exec and the Founder & President of BËTR Productions, continuing his journey of empowering businesses with strategic leadership and innovative solutions.
Link to website: www.thegigexec.com
Connect with Josh:
Website: www.thegigexec.com
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshperlman31/
Connect:
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan
Business: cathleenmerkel.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel
Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7
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