The Executive Edge

The Executive Edge is the podcast that gives you an edge in life and business with practical skills that you can apply to achieve and maintain success. Hosted by UK psychologist and business adviser, Sue Firth. The show is a mix of interviews, tips, business insights and inspiration.

Leadership is a Skill, Not a Position 06/25/2025

Leadership is a Skill, Not a Position Episode 213 Released June 26, 2025 Episode: Leadership is a Skill, Not a Position Guest: Andy Coley - Leadership Development Expert & TEDx Speaker of the Year Episode Overview Join Sue Firth as she interviews Andy Coley, a leadership development expert who transitioned from tech to transforming how people think about leadership. Andy shares his personal journey from IT professional to TEDx Speaker of the Year, revealing why leadership is a learnable skill rather than an automatic privilege of position. Key Topics & Timestamps Andy's Background & Career Transition (5:00-12:00) Computer science degree sponsored by IBM in the late 90s Early career at Goldman Sachs in London tech sector Transition to web development and e-commerce in early 2000s Running own web development company as director The Personal Crisis That Changed Everything (12:00-18:00) Mid-30s "epic life fail" around 2010-2011 Business failure, debt, and 11-year marriage breakdown Weight gain to 23 stone (142kg) from overwork Near-suicidal thoughts and seeking help Discovery of NLP coaching as a turning point The Leadership Philosophy: Skill vs Position (18:00-25:00) Why leadership doesn't automatically come with job titles The 82% statistic: Most leaders never receive formal leadership training Four stages of learning applied to leadership development: Unconsciously incompetent Consciously incompetent Consciously competent Unconsciously competent Understanding NLP in Leadership (25:00-30:00) How people process information differently The thinking-feeling-doing connection Body language as primary non-verbal communication Using NLP to understand yourself and teach others Common Leadership Challenges (30:00-35:00) "Why aren't my team doing what I'm telling them?" Matching leadership style to team experience level: Directive: For emergencies or new employees Coaching: For developing team members Delegating: For experienced professionals The micromanagement trap with experienced teams Managing Change & Uncertainty (35:00-42:00) "Shift Happens" philosophy Chinese proverb: "When winds of change blow, some build walls, others build windmills" Circles of control vs influence vs concern Leading with limited information during volatile times Supporting teams through uncertainty Key Takeaways ✅ Leadership is learnable - It's a skill set that can be developed, not an innate talent that comes with promotion ✅ Self-audit first - Assess your current leadership abilities through feedback and honest self-reflection ✅ Match your style to your team - Experienced teams need delegation, not micromanagement ✅ Focus on what you can control - During change, concentrate energy on your circle of control and influence ✅ Continuous feedback beats annual reviews - Regular micro-feedback is more effective than yearly performance dumps ✅ Personal crisis can become transformation - Sometimes our lowest points redirect us toward our true calling Resources Mentioned 📚 Book: "Leadership is a Skill" by Andy Coley 🌐 Website: 🌐 Andy's Website: 🎤 TEDx Talk: "Leadership is a Skill and Not a Position" 📖 Additional Talk: "Shift Happens" - on managing change About the Guest Andy Coley is a leadership development expert, NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer, and TEDx Speaker of the Year. After transitioning from a successful tech career, Andy now helps leaders develop essential skills through workshops, keynotes, and coaching. His book "Leadership is a Skill" was released in February. Specialties: Leadership development training NLP coaching and training Change management Conference speaking and workshops Connect with Andy Coley Website: andycoley.com Book & Resources: leadershipisaskill.com Speaking Engagements: Available for conferences, keynotes, and workshops About The Executive Edge The Executive Edge gives you practical skills to achieve and maintain success in life and business. Hosted by Sue Firth, each episode delivers actionable insights from industry experts and thought leaders. Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms Episode recorded in 2013. Book "Leadership is a Skill" was released at the end of February 2013. /episode/index/show/suefirth/id/37137340

Finding Work-Life Balance with Lauren Taubes 06/12/2025

Finding Work-Life Balance with Lauren Taubes Episode 212 Released June 12, 2025 Guest Bio brings over 20 years of experience in fashion technology, with a unique background spanning trend forecasting, retail training platforms, ERP systems, and data analytics. She holds a degree in apparel merchandising with a minor in business and currently serves as Director of Business Development at Seventh Online, where she helps fashion companies optimize their merchandise planning through advanced technology solutions. Key Topics Discussed Fashion Technology Evolution Journey from trend forecasting at WGSN to SaaS platforms Experience at Multimedia Plus (retail associate training technology) Transition through ERP companies and data analytics Current role at Seventh Online focusing on merchandise planning The Power of Data-Driven Planning How technology helps fashion companies avoid overstock and stockouts The psychological aspects of consumer buying behavior Supply chain optimization and inventory management Real-world impact on customer satisfaction and full-price sales The Amazon Effect Consumer expectations for instant gratification How modern shoppers demand next-day delivery Challenges for retailers in meeting these expectations Balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency Career Development Insights The importance of passion-driven work Benefits of working within established structures vs. entrepreneurship Building expertise through diverse roles in the same industry The value of relationship-building in B2B sales Working Mom Realities Balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities The guilt factor and learning to manage it Importance of supportive workplace culture and flexible employers Practical strategies: Google Calendar as "brain," detailed documentation for travel Success Mindset Influence of family work ethic and parental modeling The drive to make customers' work lives "better, faster, and easier" Building long-term relationships even when deals don't close Continuous learning and adaptation in technology sales Notable Quotes "I want people's lives to be better, faster, and easier. I want to sell them something that makes their jobs day-to-day within the fashion industry more effective, more efficient." "Google Calendar is my best friend. It's my brain. Who has what sport? Who has what activity?" "You have to decide, are you a career woman who happens to have children? Or are you a mom who happens to work? Which one are you?" Company Spotlight: 7th Online What they do: Merchandise planning technology that helps fashion companies optimize seasonal inventory and product availability Problem they solve: Eliminating the guesswork in inventory planning to ensure customers can always find products at full price Website: Target market: Fashion, apparel, footwear, and accessories companies globally Key Takeaways Technology Integration: Small to medium fashion companies can significantly benefit from moving beyond Excel-based planning to sophisticated SaaS solutions Work-Life Integration: Success comes from finding supportive environments that understand the realities of being a working parent Relationship-First Sales: Building genuine connections and providing value leads to long-term success, even when immediate deals don't close Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of your sector combined with genuine passion creates authentic sales conversations Supply Chain Reality: Modern consumer expectations require sophisticated planning and forecasting to maintain satisfaction Connect with Lauren LinkedIn: Company Website: Open to: Industry discussions, career conversations, and connecting with fellow working parents About The Executive Edge The Executive Edge provides practical skills for life and business success. Hosted by Sue Firth, each episode features insights from successful professionals sharing real-world strategies for achieving and maintaining success. Topics: #FashionTech #WorkingMoms #SaaS #BusinessDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #WorkLifeBalance /episode/index/show/suefirth/id/36957830

In Your Power: Regaining Control, Reducing Stress & Preventing Burnout - with Dr Sharon Melnick 05/28/2025

In Your Power: Regaining Control, Reducing Stress & Preventing Burnout - with Dr Sharon Melnick Episode 212 Released May 29, 2025 Episode Overview In this episode, Dr. Sharon Melnick reveals the critical difference between being "in power" (having a position) versus being "in your power" (having personal agency). Drawing from her 10 years of research at Harvard Medical School and extensive coaching experience, she provides practical strategies for leaders to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain peak performance. Key Topics Covered The Three Pillars of Being "In Your Power" Agency - Having options and the ability to influence your situation Sovereignty - Maintaining your intended mental, emotional, and physical state Self-Efficacy - Seeing real impact from your actions The Two Modes of Your Nervous System "On" Button (Sympathetic) - Focus and problem-solving energy "Off" Button (Parasympathetic) - Calm and replenishment mode Why balancing both is crucial for optimal leadership performance The Real Cause of Burnout Surprising Finding: McKinsey research shows workload wasn't even in the top 5 predictors of burnout - it ranked #7. The #1 predictor of workplace wellbeing is self-efficacy (being in your power). Key Insight: Burnout doesn't come from having too much to do - it comes from having too little power. Practical Tools & Techniques Immediate Stress Management Techniques 1. Cooling Breath Technique Open mouth slightly Breathe in through mouth (like sipping through a straw) Exhale through nose Creates cooling sensation on tongue Activates frontal lobe thinking and calms both you and others 2. Extended Exhale Breathing Inhale for count of 3, exhale for count of 6 Or inhale for 4, exhale for 8 Activates the "off" button of your nervous system 3. Left Nostril Breathing (for 2am wake-ups) Cover right nostril Breathe exclusively through left nostril for 3 minutes Activates vagus nerve for instant relaxation The Reframe Question When facing overwhelming situations, ask: "How might this situation be happening FOR you, not TO you?" Real-World Case Study Dr. Melnick shared a powerful example of a division head whose CEO redistributed his global responsibilities without consultation. Initially heading toward burnout and considering leaving, one reframing question helped him see the opportunity to: Use in-country managers as pilots for new initiatives Scale successful programs globally Focus his global team on more strategic work Result: He stayed, thrived, and now leads transformational change. About Dr. Sharon Melnick Psychologist with 10 years of research at Harvard Medical School Specializes in intergenerational trauma and power dynamics Author of two books: "In Your Power" and "Success Under Stress" Executive coach focusing on leadership under pressure Resources Mentioned Books by Dr. Sharon Melnick "In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others" - Focus on leadership and preventing burnout "Success Under Stress" - Focus on managing the on/off nervous system balance Recommendation: Start with "In Your Power" for current times and leadership challenges. Free Resource Burnout-Proof Leadership Checklist Available at: Connect with Dr. Sharon Melnick Website: LinkedIn: Key Takeaways Distinguish between position power and personal power - True leadership comes from being "in your power" Balance your nervous system - Optimal performance requires oscillating between "on" and "off" modes Reframe challenges as opportunities - Ask how situations might be happening FOR you, not TO you Use practical techniques in the moment - Breathing exercises can shift your state in under 3 minutes Address the root cause of burnout - Focus on increasing sense of control and impact, not just reducing workload Remember: When a leader is in their power, they raise everyone around them Next Steps for Listeners Practice the breathing techniques during your next stressful moment Read "In Your Power" for comprehensive strategies Ask yourself the reframe question during challenging situations Focus on building your team's sense of self-efficacy alongside your own This episode of The Executive Edge provides practical skills you can apply immediately to achieve and maintain success while supporting your team's wellbeing and performance. /episode/index/show/suefirth/id/36759970

From Chaos to Clarity: Why Project Management Is the Secret Weapon for Strategy Execution 05/15/2025

From Chaos to Clarity: Why Project Management Is the Secret Weapon for Strategy Execution 🎙️ The Executive Edge – Episode 210 Guest: Professor Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management Host: Sue Firth Released: May 15, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode, Sue Firth is joined by Professor Adam Boddison to unpack the underestimated power of project management in modern business. As the CEO of the Association for Project Management, Adam shares his unconventional career journey — from teaching secondary school math to leading a major charity through a financial turnaround, and now championing strategic delivery at the helm of a major professional body. Together, they explore the real role of project management: not just Gantt charts and spreadsheets, but as a critical tool for strategy execution, culture change, and business transformation. What You'll Learn: Why project management is often misunderstood — and how it's really about executing strategy, not just ticking boxes. The shift in C-suite roles from traditional operations to Chief Transformation Officers. How digital transformation and AI adoption demand cultural, not just technical, change. The concept of "projectification" of the workforce and why it's the future. The difference between everyone doing project management vs. being a project professional. How to future-proof your business with better planning, people capability, and data. Why data needs to be forward-looking ("windscreen") instead of backward-looking ("rearview"). How post-COVID workplace changes and generational shifts are reshaping business expectations. Key Quotes: 🗣️ “Everybody can dance, but not everybody is a dancer. Same goes for project management.” – Adam Boddison 🗣️ “Project management isn’t just a function. It’s the mechanism for strategy execution.” 🗣️ “Never before has the pace of change been so fast—and never again will it be this slow.” Resources Mentioned: 🌐 📘 APM’s Chartered Standard – Competencies framework to benchmark project management capability 🔗 Connect with Adam Boddison on Connect with Us: 📣 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. 🌐 Learn more at 💬 Follow Sue on Final Thoughts: Whether you’re a business leader, manager, or entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen if you’re serious about navigating rapid change with clarity. It's time to stop improvising and start executing with intent — project management is the edge you've been looking for. /episode/index/show/suefirth/id/36570350

Finding Purpose, Creating Joy, and Building a Business That Makes a Difference - Jeff Bogensberger 05/01/2025

Finding Purpose, Creating Joy, and Building a Business That Makes a Difference - Jeff Bogensberger Episode 209 Released May 1, 2025 In this compelling episode, Jeff Bogensberger, a former corporate executive turned purpose-driven entrepreneur, shares his candid story of transformation after hitting a life crossroads at age 50. Jeff opens up about the personal losses, disillusionment with corporate life, and global events that pushed him to radically change direction. Fueled by a desire to make people happier and life more fun, Jeff founded **The Laughing Otter**, a multimedia and events company designed to spread positivity, support social causes, and make a genuine impact—especially for children and underserved communities. In This Episode: - The pivotal life events that led Jeff to walk away from a successful executive career. - How burnout, misaligned values, and witnessing personal tragedies pushed him to reassess everything. - Why **purpose-driven business** can be both profitable and socially impactful. - The Laughing Otter’s mission: spreading joy through events, positive news, children’s books, and global initiatives. - How Jeff’s agile, partnership-focused business model enables fast, joyful, and meaningful growth. - The role of optimism, humor, and community in healing from a divisive, negative media landscape. - Jeff’s views on the societal effects of the dot-com boom and how capitalism has shifted away from value creation. Plus: - Learn how small acts—like funding a party for an orphanage in Uganda—can create huge emotional returns. - Discover how to get involved, whether you’re an event partner, donor, or just someone with a crazy, fun idea. 📣 Connect with Jeff: - : [https://laughingotter.com](https://laughingotter.com) - : [Jeff Bogensberger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbogensberger) 💡 *This episode is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to redefine your path and that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your values—or your happiness.* Listen now and get inspired to create your own ripple of positive change. /episode/index/show/suefirth/id/36376525