Episodes

  • Encore Succeed with Neurodiversity with Charlotte Valeur

    Encore Succeed with Neurodiversity with Charlotte Valeur
    Aug 2 2024
    With so many people being classified today as neurodivergent, our awareness and understanding is rising. Yet common beliefs still exist that not fitting into a so called ‘norm’ is an affliction rather than potentially a real strength. Why is it that so many successful people in life are neurodivergent? Yet 40% of the prison population in the UK have also been identified as neurodivergent? Is the system putting many at a great disadvantage and are we missing talent that could elevate our business and society? Following our recent interview with Paul Graham, Managing Director of Britvic I wanted to explore this hugely important subject further. I am delighted to introduce you to Charlotte Valeur, a former Investment Banker and FTSE Chair and Non-Executive Director, whose board-level experience spans a host of sectors and industries. Charlotte’s experience also includes the highly prestigious role of Chair of the Institute of Directors (IOD). a recognised international authority and professor in corporate governance and leadership, and author of Effective Directors (Questions to Ask). As a lifelong human rights advocate, Charlotte is driven to play her part in creating an inclusive society; she advocates for equality and inclusion for all, working at the intersection of Government, Industry, Academia, and the Third Sector. To this effect, she founded and chairs Board Apprentice and the global Institute of Neurodiversity, ION. With a breath-taking Wikipedia entry, and such success in often male dominated business, it came as no surprise to discover that Charlotte is autistic. So, let’s discover how we better embrace neurodiversity to ensure that unique talents are identified, cultivated, and embraced.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Encore The Birth of A Brand – The UGG story with Brian Smith

    Encore The Birth of A Brand – The UGG story with Brian Smith
    Jul 26 2024
    Join us for an exciting episode of the Business Elevation Show as we sit down with Brian Smith, the visionary Founder of the iconic UGG Australia brand. Brian's entrepreneurial journey is inspiring, having transformed a modest $500 investment into a multimillion-dollar international enterprise. UGG Australia has become synonymous with luxury and comfort, achieving over a billion dollars in annual sales for the past six years. Brian Smith graduated as a Chartered Accountant in 1978 in Australia, before moving to California in search of the next big opportunity. While studying at the UCLA Graduate School of Management, he identified a gap in the US market for sheepskin footwear, which sparked the inception of UGG. Over the next seventeen years, Brian's unwavering dedication and innovative approach propelled UGG into a global phenomenon. In this interview, we delve into Brian's book, The Birth of a Brand – Launching Your Entrepreneurial Passion and Soul, where we will explore his invaluable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. Brian emphasises the importance of leveraging one's intrinsic assets and following one's passions to build a fulfilling and successful career. A sought-after keynote speaker and mentor to small business owners, Brian dedicates his time to educating and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends in Southern California, surfing, and contributing to the betterment of humanity. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation with Brian Smith during which I will be wearing my favourite slippers!
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Encore The Howard Behar Story: A Starbucks Blend of Service & Leadership

    Encore The Howard Behar Story: A Starbucks Blend of Service & Leadership
    Jul 19 2024
    Join us for an inspiring conversation on servant leadership and life with Howard Behar, a visionary leader whose illustrious career with Starbucks as President of North America and founding President of Starbucks International, saw the company grow from 28 stores to over 15,000 across five continents. With over 50 years in consumer-centric businesses, Mr. Behar’s expertise is unparalleled. Beyond Starbucks, he’s played pivotal roles at organizations like GAP, Shurgard, and the University of Washington Foundation. An ardent advocate for the Servant Leadership Model, Mr. Behar’s commitment to nurturing future leaders is evident in his two seminal books, ‘It’s Not About the Coffee’ and ‘The Magic Cup’. Join us to explore his journey, wisdom, and unwavering belief in leadership that serves.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Fierce Civility from Polarisation to Lasting Peace

    Fierce Civility from Polarisation to Lasting Peace
    Jul 12 2024
    How do we best cope with our current volatile, disruptive and extremely polarised world situation? How can you adapt your approach when you meet others with a very different view to you? This week, I am delighted to welcome Joe Weston who brings over 30 years of experience in conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication. In this conversation we will explore the principles outlined in his Amazon bestselling book, Fierce Civility: Transforming our Global Culture from Polarisation to Lasting Peace. Including what is fierce civility and how can it help us to bridge divides and foster personal and professional peace and collaboration. As the founder and owner of Weston Network and the non-profit Fierce Civility Project, Joe has worked with a diverse array of clients, including NASA, the World Bank, Oxfam, Booz Allen Hamilton, PBS, The National Cancer Institute, The United Nations, and Mitsubishi Motors. His groundbreaking work and methodologies have made a significant impact on corporations, government agencies, and non-profits around the world. Joe's expertise is further highlighted by his experience as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Department of Government, Program of Conflict Resolution, and his dedication to working with veterans and in-mates in the areas of integration, healing, and leadership. Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion that will elevate your understanding of the power of fierce civility and how you can use to increase your effectiveness whilst contributing to a more peaceful world.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Encore Journey to Healing with Tony McAleer

    Encore Journey to Healing with Tony McAleer
    Jul 5 2024
    In this fascinating interview, I will be talking with Tony McAleer, a transformative figure who has journeyed from being a leader in Canada’s Neo-Nazi movement to becoming an international speaker and author dedicated to combatting hate. Tony co-founded the organisation Life After Hate, which assists individuals in leaving White Supremacist movements, drawing from his own profound personal transformation. As a young man, Tony was deeply entrenched in hate groups, leading the Aryan Resistance Movement and engaging in activities that saw him confront the Supreme Court of Canada. His life took a pivotal turn with the birth of his children, leading him through a path of intense personal reflection and counseling. This journey not only transformed him but also gave him unique insights into the psychology behind hate group participation and the challenging road to reintegration into society. In “The Cure for Hate,” he shares his story, offering hope and understanding to those struggling with similar issues. His commitment to healing extends beyond his own experience; he actively contributes to community healing through talks and donations from his book. Join us for an intimate conversation with Tony McAleer, as we delve into his past, his transformative journey, and his ongoing efforts to cure hate. This episode promises to be a compelling exploration of redemption, understanding, and the power of change.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Transformational Leadership - From Exhausted to Energised

    Transformational Leadership - From Exhausted to Energised
    Jun 28 2024
    In a world where our businesses and lives are often driven by exhausted minds, it's crucial to find new ways to rejuvenate and energise ourselves and others. In this episode, we will dive deep into the heart of transformational leadership with an exceptional guest, Amy Elizabeth Fox. Amy is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mobius Executive Leadership. With her extensive experience as a senior leadership strategist, she has consulted with senior leadership on human capital, organisational health, and leadership development. Amy is a leader in vertical development and for the last twenty years has led immersive leadership programs for CEOs and senior executives. She is also a pioneer in trauma informed coaching and serves on the faculty of the African Leadership Institute’s program at Oxford University. In our conversation, we will discuss Amy’s insights on how to create the space for transformational leadership change, helping organisations move from exhaustion to inspiring heart led leadership. We’ll explore her journey, her work with major international organisations, and the strategies she employs to foster leadership that becomes revitalised. This includes the realisation by many large organisations who have worked with Amy that spirituality is the gold mine under the boardroom table. Join us as we uncover the antidote for transforming tired busy minds into happier, energised and high performing leaders, teams and employees and why this is an essential solution for a better more harmonious world.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • A Leaders Guide to Managing Risk with Scott Griffith

    A Leaders Guide to Managing Risk with Scott Griffith
    Jun 21 2024
    As a leader it is essential to be able to see, understand, and manage risk. Do you have a proven method to do this? My guest Scott Griffith is a renowned leader in aviation and safety, and the author of the newly released book, The Leader’s Guide to Managing Risk – A Proven Method to Build Resilience and Reliability, published by HarperCollins Leadership in November 2023. Scott rose to prominence as an international airline captain and chief safety officer at American Airlines. Witnessing a plane crash, led to pioneering work in the Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP), earning him the Flight Safety Foundation’s Admiral Luis de Florez Award for outstanding contributions to aviation safety and three Federal Aviation Administration’s Good Friend Awards. A 95% reduction in US plane accidents has followed his pioneering work. Since retiring from American Airlines in 2006, Scott dedicated himself to performance improvement in various high-risk industries, including healthcare, aviation, railroads, energy, and emergency services. His innovative Sequence of Reliability® model integrates socio-technical methods to enhance organisational resilience and reliability. In this interview, we will discuss that frightening plane crash which sparked and how his collaborative model brings significant organisational improvements. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us and learn from one of the leading figures in safety and reliability management.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times

    The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times
    Jun 14 2024
    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anita Sanchez, CEO and Founder of Sanchez Tennis & Associates, LLC, as we discuss insights from her internationally acclaimed book, The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times. A Nahua (Aztec), Toltec, and Mexican American leader, Dr. Sanchez bridges Indigenous wisdom and modern science to address contemporary challenges. In this interview, we will delve into the four sacred gifts—Power to Forgive the Unforgivable, Power of Healing, Power of Unity, and Power of Hope—offering practical guidance for personal, business and societal renewal. Dr. Sanchez's extensive experience as an author, consultant, and speaker to Fortune 500 corporations, educational institutions, and non-profits has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Mogul’s Top 100 DEI Leaders and a World Changing Woman by Conscious Company Media. Her work focuses on leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural transformation. Don't miss this opportunity to learn some profound wisdom and gain tools to embrace Indigenous traditions and elevate your own life and business.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr