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co-founder of purpose-led communications agency Jack & Grace, for a bold and honest conversation about ditching outdated workplace norms and rewriting the “rules” of work.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 It’s about broken systems, shame, and outdated definitions of success.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_outlineHave 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 rethinking performance management to create a more empowered, innovative workplace. As you listen, consider reflecting on your own leadership practices. Are they helping your team to adapt and thrive, or are they holding them back? Tune in and get ready to transform your approach to leadership!
Episode Timeline:
07:22 Authentic and context-driven leadership skills
18:03 Challenging traditional education norms
22:28 Military Training vs. Corporate Standards
28:40 How values guide behaviours
40:06 Success doesn't require a degree, it requires work
43:25 Dedating research-based leadership in an ever-changing world
59:06 Focus on simplifying work by guiding essential skills and daily actions
01:11:57 Why authenticity and individuality drive success
01:24:22 Empowering and motivating teams
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership: Graham emphasises the importance of leading without having all the answers. Embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of experimentation is essential for leaders navigating today's unpredictable environments.
Moving Beyond Traditional Management: Traditional micromanagement and rigid structures stifle innovation. Graham explains that leaders need to empower their teams by focusing on inclusivity and collaboration rather than controlling every detail.
Rethinking Performance Management: Graham highlights that many organisations are over-managed and under-led, and he advocates for focusing on what truly adds value to the customer and the business.
ABOUT Graham Wilson
Driven by the conviction that today’s turbulent business landscape demands extraordinary leadership, Graham Wilson crafts bespoke programs that empower leaders to achieve unparalleled results from both themselves and their teams and drive profound organizational change. At the heart of Graham's approach lies a deep understanding of the evolving nature of leadership in the modern world. By decoding the essence of effective leadership and championing a paradigm shift away from 'over-management', Graham equips leaders with the tools and mindset necessary to navigate complexity with confidence. Graham's passion for peak performance was cultivated during his military service and global corporate career and culminated in the founding of SuccessfactoryTM.
Connect with Graham:
Website: https://www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuccessfactoryTraining/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipwizard
Buy his book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wabisugi-resilience-everyday-warriors-Leadership/dp/0993139027
Connect:
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan
Business: cathleenmerkel.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/
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