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.
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Breathwork & high performance with John Hall
05/01/2024
Breathwork & high performance with John Hall
Episode 177 Released May 2, 2024 This week's guest is - an expert in breathwork. John who runs his own business talked about how the vagus nerve works and that it runs the full length of the body from brain to toes! As a result, it controls or influences, many reactions, and responses in our body. He is quoted as saying “our mind is sending signals to our body about what to focus on. Our focus is sending signals back to our body about how to respond!” So, the aim of this podcast is to help you recognise what you have control of, and how to assert that control. It pays off. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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The Missing Logic in Leadership!
04/24/2024
The Missing Logic in Leadership!
Episode 176 Released April 25, 2024 This week's guests are who run On the show we discuss the "Polarity Intelligence Framework" that they've developed, which helps business leaders not just survive but thrive. As Michelle and Tracy put it, they "equip leaders with the missing logic to combat burnout and create sustainable work life balance and healthy work environments." Visit for the show notes. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Pioneering AI integration for Business Success
04/17/2024
Pioneering AI integration for Business Success
Episode 175 Released April 18, 2024 This week's guest is Ajay has been an expert in AI for many years and worked for various companies including Motorola and Google. He believes it isn’t a big surprise or scary but it’s all about data! It helps us if we let it because data is more predictive, and it does better than us as we make errors. On the show we talk all things AI. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Become a Conscious Business Rebel
04/10/2024
Become a Conscious Business Rebel
Episode 174 Release April 11, 2024 This week's guest is This episode delves into the concept of being a conscious business rebel and explores the journey of self-discovery and transformation. Erin introduces herself and shares insights into her personal and professional background. She feels she is a conscious business rebel, and she highlights her love for freedom and self-direction. The focus of the show is the role and make up of the conscious rebel in business. Visit for the show notes. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Leading with Purpose: Unveiling the Core of Effective Leadership
04/03/2024
Leading with Purpose: Unveiling the Core of Effective Leadership
Episode 173 Released April 4, 2024 This week The Executive Edge welcomes Laura is a leadership coach specialising in helping organizations, big and small, enhance their workplace culture. We talk leadership culture and the way the workplace is changing. Visit for the full show notes. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Mastering Mental Performance: Insights from Wall Street with Evan Marks
03/28/2024
Mastering Mental Performance: Insights from Wall Street with Evan Marks
Episode 172 Released March 28, 2024 This week's guest is . Evan is a distinguished performance coach with a background in Wall Street. He shares his 23-year experience on Wall Street highlighting the intense and competitive environment. In this interview he discusses the significance of mental performance in high-pressure business settings. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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The blind spots of CEOs & why this matters!
03/21/2024
The blind spots of CEOs & why this matters!
Episode 171 Released March 21, 2024 This week's guests is Andrea Petrone, an executive performance coach. On the show we discuss how Andrea feels the role of CEOs is changing, how CEOs need to relate more to their staff, and the importance of communication in the workplace. Visit for the full show notes. Also, connect with Sue on: Connect with Andrea on: Podcast editing & production:
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The Process & Benefit of Bringing Marketing in-house
03/14/2024
The Process & Benefit of Bringing Marketing in-house
Episode 170 Released March 14, 2024 This week's guest is Kasper is the Chief Commercial and Creative Officer for Zite Agency in Copenhagen. His background has been in agency marketing, and he’s got experience of being both his own in-house marketing expert and using external support. During this episode we had a great chat about small businesses and how they get to the tipping point where it has less value using a ‘jack of all trades’ who does everything for you, versus outsourcing your marketing needs. Often it is driven by the level of expertise you need and the sector you’re in. Big logistical issues such as the delivery of freight need people who understand what is being shipped and to whom, so that they can promote the benefits of the company they represent. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Are you biased and don’t know that it could be holding you back?
03/07/2024
Are you biased and don’t know that it could be holding you back?
Episode 169 Released March 7, 2024 This week I talk to Lisa is a well-experienced Executive Search and leadership assessment advisor delivering diverse leadership solutions across Consumer, Food & Beverage and Industrial markets globally. Visit for the shownotes. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Exploring the Power of AI in Healthcare
02/29/2024
Exploring the Power of AI in Healthcare
Episode 168 Released February 29, 2024 This week's guests is Shanil is a partner in Deloitte in Canada, working with organisations, implementing AI and health solutions to prepare business for the workforce of the future. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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The importance of happiness at work: How to achieve it with your Team
02/22/2024
The importance of happiness at work: How to achieve it with your Team
Episode 167 Released February 22, 2024 This week's guest is Richard found it difficult to decide what he wanted to do in life, but he resolved to be happy while he searched. He travelled, did a variety of jobs and spent several years experiencing life before starting an IT company with a colleague. At work he wanted to make sure his employees felt happy as he recognised this feature of their working life made a big difference. Money was less important to him, but being surrounded by a team was important. On the show, Richard discussese the 5 drivers for happiness at work. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Emotional leadership and what that means
02/15/2024
Emotional leadership and what that means
Episode 166 Released February 15, 2024 This week's guest is With a background in counselling and business development, Stephanie talks passionately about how executives in the hospitality industry need to connect with employees – at all levels. In her experience, "emotional leadership", as she calls it, fosters a compassionate and caring environment which in turn leads to increased profitability and productivity. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: Podcast editing & production:
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Creativity, Well-being and strategies to help destress with Anita Chaudhuri
02/08/2024
Creativity, Well-being and strategies to help destress with Anita Chaudhuri
Episode 165 Released February 8, 2024 This week's guests is . Anita is a Guardian journalist who previously wrote for Psychologies magazine. Her main area of interest, which is close to my heart, is that of handling stress and finding creative ways to feel good. She is also a talented photographer. In this episode she does a great job of explaining how she came to master it. In the process of taking pictures there is a great deal of concentration, focus and single-minded determination. She finds these qualities give her a complete break from her thoughts and the inevitable ‘busyness’ of life. This episode is very much about the benefits of incorporating creative practice in your daily life. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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How can you scale your business with an online strategy coach
02/01/2024
How can you scale your business with an online strategy coach
Episode 164 Released February 1, 2024 This week's guest is Jeanne is a business accelerator expert for coaches and consultants. With a background in fashion before deciding to become an actress, she grew up in Australia and settled in Paris for several years. Then took up translation work from French and after 8 years in Europe, she moved to New York. She became an executive recruiter for Wall St and a consultant for them. Hiring top level people for business. She’s had an interesting life and learnt how to promote herself on social media. Driven to coaching and securing clients quite quickly, she excelled at it but taught herself well. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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How do you attract, retain & engage talent in your business?
01/25/2024
How do you attract, retain & engage talent in your business?
Episode 163 Released January 25, 2024 This week's guests is Dr Randy Ross – a globally celebrated authority in corporate culture. He pairs passion and profit by fortifying emotional health and fostering an unparalleled sense of well-being in the workplace. Renowned for his bestselling books, Fireproof Happiness, Relationomics, and Remarkable, he believes in creating an ecosystem where top talent thrives. He also finds the bottom-line flourishes. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Do you know how happy your people are?
01/18/2024
Do you know how happy your people are?
Episode 162 January 16, 2024 This week's show has two guests: . Together they form the dynamic business consulting service that helps businesses to navigate change, conflict and work more effectively. Bottom line, they work to make businesses work better using a combination of business diagnostics, planning, consultancy and coaching. On the show, the pair discuss ways in which they help businesses and their transition from marketers to business consultants. The discussion also looks at how business teams often fall into conflict aversion where people avoid having healthy, important conversations that would otherwise result in positive change. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Inclusive work culture and what that means in practice
01/11/2024
Inclusive work culture and what that means in practice
Episode 161 Released January 11, 2024 This week's guest is Neal has worked in executive leadership positions in a traditional, conservative industry of defence in the US. He found it more difficult because leaders miss the mark by not focussing on inclusion and instead espouse old school ways of doing business. He feels this does not serve business anymore. He advocates a new wave of doing business. More often we respond to a singular issue such as the need for flexible working practices after women return to work from maternity leave. This specific response to an issue happens because a group of people demand it. Business then tries to rise to that challenge. Neal feels things should be more rounded than that. He suggests that we can continuously stay ‘on top of inclusion’ if we talk to people more. For more, please visit Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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How to control your nervous system when you feel stressed
01/04/2024
How to control your nervous system when you feel stressed
Episode 160 Released: January 4, 2024 This week's guest is Chris runs his own business and is with me in this episode to talk about how our nervous system works. He believes if we can control the fight or flight reaction of our body. We can have more input at times when we need to be more alert; make important decisions or do things that matter. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Happy Holidays 2023
12/21/2023
Happy Holidays 2023
Happy Holidays Released December 20, 2023 Editor of the show Jon Buscall steps in to wish you a Happy Chrstimas and Happy Holidays wherever you may be. During 2023 we've put out a show every week and now it's time to take some much needed rest and relaxation. If you visit you'll find links to our favourite shows from the year in case you want to listen again or catch up on your listening! See you in 2024 Kindly, Sue
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How can a small business stand out in a crowded space?
12/14/2023
How can a small business stand out in a crowded space?
Episode 158 Released December 15, 2023 This week's guest is marketer Marco Torres from He helps business owners worldwide boost sales and scale their businesses by as much as 5-fold through the use of incentive-based marketing. He teaches entrepreneurs how to soar sales & marketing using “Value-Add-Incentives” instead of discounts. His is home to more than 27,000 active business owners who are increasing their sales with his advice and affordable subscription program. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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How to be ‘intentionally selfish’ to create balance in your life
12/07/2023
How to be ‘intentionally selfish’ to create balance in your life
Episode 157 Released December 7, 2023 This week's guest is with who is a balance and relationship advisor. She trained in psychology, sociology, and anthropology as an undergraduate but went on to understand trauma and how this impacts us. Specifically, as a social worker. She understands human behaviour and wants to support people. She’s also found it helped her with her own relationships. Naketa transitioned into running a personal development company although her primary speciality, that of managing trauma, is still where she supports people. So, we began to talk about how people can find balance in their lives and prioritise their relationships, because it’s so easy to let intimacy and time for our loved ones, slip when we are very busy. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Mastering the Skill of Communicating Well
11/30/2023
Mastering the Skill of Communicating Well
Episode 156 Released November 30, 2023 In this episode I want to talk to you about the second chapter of my new book ‘’. This features the topic of how to communicate well. It is available for purchase and on the site now. All of us pick up the skill of expressing ourselves when we’re quite young, but it’s a skill that is by no means easy for all of us. Trying to get your point across and not feeling heard, or not managing your feelings in that moment can be tricky. It can make you feel less competent, or confident, at it. So, as a result it can be difficult to keep trying. For more, Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Leading Beyond Limits: Navigating Business & Personal Growth
11/23/2023
Leading Beyond Limits: Navigating Business & Personal Growth
Episode 155 Released November 23, 2023 This week's guests is . Brenda discusses her background in business, her transition to coaching, and some key aspects of leadership and decision-making. She has also written an excellent book called ‘ Brenda shares her extensive experience in private industry, particularly in real estate-related activities and global mobility consulting. She and I discuss a tumultuous acquisition experience that led her to explore coaching and professional development. She also emphasizes her belief in the importance of the human aspect in business and her decision to pursue executive coaching, leading to the establishment of her practice. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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The Art of Storytelling in Marketing
11/16/2023
The Art of Storytelling in Marketing
Episode 154 Released November 16, 2023 In this episode – the "fearless marketer" – promotes the use of greater emotion in the marketing process. Randy talks about sales techniques and how difficult it can be to sound original, authentic, or even innovative. Randy feels many of the old school methods are now outdated such as the Features, Advantages, and Benefits process he’s seen used in the past. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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From Boeing to Business Partners: A journey for two entrepreneurial women
11/09/2023
From Boeing to Business Partners: A journey for two entrepreneurial women
Episode 153 Released November 9, 2023 In this week’s episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of two women, who not only spent 30 years working at Boeing but also came together to start their own business. The interview with highlights the challenges of working in male-dominated industries and the personal choices that led to their entrepreneurial path. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Collaborative Leadership Performance
11/02/2023
Collaborative Leadership Performance
Episode 152 Released November 2, 2023 This episode of The Executive Edge features , a highly knowledgeable individual who is the CEO and Founder of Grayson James Consultants, LLC. He also runs a business called Full Contact Institute where you can find copies of his excellent book on this topic. Grayson's business is a globally recognised company that specialises in leadership collaboration and performance improvement. With more than thirty years of expertise in guiding senior executives and their teams, Grayson is a consultant for organisations aiming to achieve genuine organisational change. The episode opens with a discussion about Grayson's interest in how people collaborate and communicate effectively. He shares his background as a professional mediator and coach, emphasising the importance of awareness in leadership. He believes much of our behaviour is automatic and habitual, making it essential to become aware of our patterns in order to make positive changes. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Knowing when to retire
10/25/2023
Knowing when to retire
Episode 151 Released October 26, 2023 This week's guest is – a professional in the field of Corporate Finance, specialising as an Investment Banker and Financial Consultant. Michael is now the Vice President at ‘The Financial Retirement Group’ where he assists individual clients with attaining long term financial goals. On today’s episode, Michael introduces himself as a financial advisor and explains that his firm helps clients live 20% longer. He shares his background, which includes transitioning from real estate into finance, and eventually specialising in retirement planning. We discuss the sensitivity that executives have around the concept of retirement. We also cover the challenges they face when considering this stage of life. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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The Power of Strong Self-Esteem
10/18/2023
The Power of Strong Self-Esteem
Episode 150 Released October 19, 2023 In this week’s episode I explain my reasons for writing my fourth book called which comes out today Instead of releasing this as a whole book I’ve decided to release it chapter by chapter. That’s because each chapter talks about skills or tools. Why have I done this? I believe we all need tools in life as these help us navigate difficult situations or phases of change. For example, when we leave home and start living independently, or running our own business, or having children. These are huge changes for us and many of them are positive. But where change is perceived as more of an issue, or we feel overwhelmed, it can get difficult. We can struggle to feel competent and capable, instead getting stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious. I feel it’s not always the situation that triggers this but our lack of skill or experience of it before. So, instead of relying on ourselves, we doubt ourselves, damaging our self-belief and trust in our decisions. Decision making and problem solving is one of the forthcoming chapters. So is the ability to communicate and ask for what we need. This month though is the first chapter: the power of strong self-esteem. This is the foundation block on which every other skill or tool is built. The better we feel about ourselves, the stronger our confidence and ability to have faith and belief in our judgement. As you go through life you learn what you are capable of. This learning is essential for maturity and growth. Many of us test this, trying on new things and setting goals. But others can feel vulnerable, uncertain, and lacking in confidence. This belief can build, or it can be damaged it would seem, by what other people say or do. Especially if these people are important in our lives such as teachers, friends, or parents. But if you can maintain a powerful sense of trust in yourself you can draw on It throughout your life trusting that even difficult situations will pass. That you can cope and that not everything in life is easy. Strong self-esteem helps you work out what you do matters and how you think. It all helps build confidence, belief and conviction in yourself The first chapter is out today – to get more information,
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How and when to pivot your business
10/11/2023
How and when to pivot your business
Episode 149 Released October 12, 2023 Welcome to episode 149 with In this week’s episode of The Executive Edge, guest Jason Shen – an executive coach and CEO of Refactor Labs – shares his unique journey from being a gymnast to his current career. He emphasises the relevance of resilience and reinvention in today’s dynamic environment. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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Productivity and Business Success
10/04/2023
Productivity and Business Success
Episode 148 Released October 5, 2023 of The Executive Edge welcomes , the CEO of two companies, Turnberry Premier (a consulting business) and the Productivity Intelligence Institute (an online training company focused on productivity). The conversation delves into Gerald’s unique perspective on productivity and personal growth. Visit for more. Also, connect with Sue on: * * * Podcast editing & production:
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