Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

As a leader, your instinct is to be nice. You avoid tough conversations to keep the peace and offer vague praise to maintain morale. But what if this well-intentioned kindness is the single most damaging thing you can do for your team? In this thought provoking episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by self-leadership expert and author of The New Leadership Playbook, Andrew Bryant. Andrew delivers a powerful masterclass on why being "nice" is a trap of inexact communication that prevents growth, and why being "accurate" is the ultimate sign of respect. This is an examination into the psychology of high-performance leadership. Discover the critical difference between values and principles, and why most leaders confuse responsibility with accountability, leading to micromanagement and disengagement. Get the playbook for being a humane leader who successfully delivers accelerated results by choosing clarity over comfort. Key Takeaways  What is the crucial difference between values, principles, an

Is the strict, invisible line between your ‘work self’ and your ‘real self’ the biggest thing holding your career back? In a world obsessed with maintaining a polished, professional veneer, being truly authentic can feel like a massive risk. But what if it’s your greatest asset? In this fascinating episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by Bernard Savage, a business development expert who built a successful company with the unconventional name "Size 10 and a Half Boots." Andy and Bernard look into the power of blurring the lines between the personal and professional to build stronger, more meaningful connections. From the surprising business development power of a weekly music playlist on LinkedIn to a powerful story of how a senior partner's career skyrocketed after sharing a deeply personal secret, this conversation is a masterclass in authentic leadership. Discover why your hobbies are your best networking tool and how being unapologetically yourself is the ultimate client filter. Key Takeaways

How do you change someone's mind without being manipulative? In a world where influence is a key leadership currency, the line between ethical persuasion and unethical manipulation can seem blurry. To navigate this complex territory, Andy Lopata is joined by an expert in the art of communication, Paul du Toit. Paul is a 27-year speaking veteran, Africa’s first Certified speaking professional this century, and the author of three business books, including the timely "The Book of Persuasion." As an inductee into both the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame and the Southern African Educators Hall of Fame, Paul brings decades of experience to the conversation. Together, Andy and Paul dissect the crucial difference between persuading someone for mutual benefit and coercing them for personal gain. Paul emphasises that true persuasion is an art that strengthens relationships by ensuring decisions are made with free will and are built on a foundation of trust. This conversation is a masterclass in the practical

Is there a time and a place for command and control leadership Absolutely. But what happens when the leaders we promote for their crisis-management skills start treating every single day like an emergency? In this fascinating episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by neuropsychologist and leadership expert Heather Wright to dissect the critical difference between a "crisis leader" and a "daily leader." Drawing on her extensive work with organisations from Coca-Cola to the emergency services, Heather reveals the neurological reasons why top-down authority fails in day-to-day operations, crushing creativity and engagement. This is a deep dive into the science of trust, the leader's own ego, and the emotional habits that dictate our management style. Discover why the most important leadership work you can do is on yourself, and learn how to build a team that will follow you in a crisis because they trust you every other day of the year. Key Takeaways  What is the critical difference between a cri

What happens when a leader faces a heckler? In the high-stakes world of stand-up comedy, your reputation is made or broken in the seconds it takes to respond. The same is true in the boardroom. In this special Christmas week episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with rising comedy star Athena Kugblenu (Mock the Week, The News Quiz) to uncover the surprising leadership lessons hidden in the comedian’s playbook. This isn't just about telling jokes; it's a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the art of winning over a tough room. Athena shares her journey from a full-time project manager to a celebrated comic, revealing why the single most important skill for success isn't being funny—it's being likable. Discover how to handle difficult audiences with grace, use improvisation to your advantage, and why building a supportive network is the ultimate career hack, even in a fiercely competitive industry. These are the raw, real-world skills every leader needs to command a stage, and

The age of the top-down, "do as I say" leader is obsolete. We all know it, yet many organisations are still clinging to the old command and control model. Why? Because most leaders are terrified of what comes next. The fear of relinquishing control is real, and a vague "coaching culture" isn't a strong enough replacement. In this powerful episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by globally recognised leadership coach and author of The Enabling Manager, Myles Downey. Myles argues that the solution isn't to abandon control, but to transform it. He unveils his practical and humane "Align and Enable" framework—a model that replaces outdated authority with a dynamic balance of "Will" (clarity, accountability) and "Love" (trust, nurturing). Discover how to lead, manage, and coach effectively to unlock true team engagement and high performance. This is the practical blueprint for the future of leadership you've been waiting for. In this episode you will learn Why is simply creating a "coaching culture

You believe your biggest competitive advantage is the quality of your work. You’re wrong. In today’s fast-paced world, your customers have quietly started to care about something else far more. In this sharp and eye-opening episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with customer experience expert David Avrin, who drops a bombshell: for the first time in history, convenience has officially supplanted quality as the primary reason customers choose you—or leave you. This isn't just about faster delivery. It's a deep dive into the hidden points of friction—the frustrating websites, the chatbot dead-ends, the rigid policies—that are silently driving your best customers to your competitors. David provides a masterclass on how to stop frustrating your audience and start being ridiculously easy to do business with. This episode is an urgent wake-up call for any leader who thinks "good enough" is still good enough. Key Takeaways  What is the crucial difference between Customer Service and

What does masculinity mean in today's workplace? This episode moves beyond outdated stereotypes to explore the powerful dynamic of masculine and feminine energies—and why a healthy balance is crucial for modern leadership. Andy Lopata is joined by Stephen Whitton, a leader from the UK automotive industry, and DEI practitioner Moe Carrick. Together, they redefine masculine energy as the drive for goals and competition, and feminine energy as the capacity for compassion, collaboration, and empathy. The conversation reveals how workplaces have historically over-promoted dysfunctional masculine traits like "rugged individualism" while suppressing essential feminine ones, to the detriment of all genders. Andy, Stephen and Moe discuss the paradox faced by men and women: women who display masculine traits are often labeled "aggressive," while men who show vulnerability are seen as "weak." The guests provide actionable advice for leaders, from fostering curiosity and psychological safety to systemising "connectiv

Are you the best-kept secret in your organisation? You work hard, you deliver results, but when it comes to promotions and opportunities, you're consistently overlooked. The hard truth is: in today's crowded world, just doing a good job is no longer enough to get ahead. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata revisits a powerful conversation with brand identity expert Jane Bayler, a veteran of the high-stakes world of advertising. Jane reveals why being "nice" might be the very thing holding you back and how the most successful leaders learn to stand out for their difference—not just their performance. This isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It’s a masterclass in strategic communication, personal branding, and building a reputation that makes you indispensable. Discover how to command attention, earn recognition, and finally become the go-to authority that others seek out. Stop being a follower and start leading the pack. Key Takeaways From This Episode What is the "PIE" formula, a

What happens when a leader's reputation crumbles in the public eye? Can trust ever be rebuilt? In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata returns to the archive to for a timely and critical conversation with reputation expert and media coach, Alan Stevens. Using the political firestorm of "Partygate" when Boris Johnson was Prime Minister as a case study, they dissect the catastrophic communication missteps that can shatter a leader's credibility and bring an entire organisation into disrepute. Alan reveals the golden rules of crisis management that were ignored, from the failure to communicate early and honestly to the disastrous "dead cat" strategy of creating distractions. This isn't just about politics; it’s a masterclass for any leader in any industry. Discover how to avoid the trap of surrounding yourself with "yes-people," why vulnerability is a superpower, and how to manage your reputation in a world where one wrong move can go viral. Are you prepared for your own ‘Partygate’ moment

Welcome to Connected Leadership Bytes. This week Andy Lopata looks back into the archive for a conversation from October 2020. This episode features Andy Woodfield and Dr. Heather Melville OBE and explores the practical, unfiltered realities of building truly diverse and inclusive teams. Andy Woodfield shares the story behind his mission to build one of PwC's most diverse leadership teams in just six months. He reveals it wasn't just for optics; it was driven by the core belief that you need diverse voices to spot both risks and hidden opportunities. The discussion moves past the buzzwords to confront the hard part: inclusion. Andy Woodfield shares his stark learning that "diversity leads to chaos" unless leaders actively work to harness it—it’s not a natural evolution. Dr. Melville provides powerful insights from her stellar career, explaining how she successfully overcame pushback by tying Diversity & Inclusion directly to the business case and client acquisition. Why you should listen 1. Why does Andy

Are the people you spend time with making you better or holding you back? This episode examines Jim Rohn's famous idea that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Jake Thompson, a leadership performance coach and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, joins the show to unpack this powerful concept. He has spent over a decade working with leaders at organisations like Deloitte and the Dallas Cowboys, helping them achieve better results. Jake started his brand, Compete Every Day, in 2011 by selling t-shirts from his car and has since impacted over 80,000 leaders and hosts a top 1% global podcast. In this conversation, Jake and Andy Lopata explore how to intentionally build a professional "starting lineup" while allowing personal relationships to grow organically. They discuss the critical difference between evaluating professional peers based on success and personal friends based on shared values and energy. Learn how to identify "drains" versus "radiators" in your

What happens when two traditional "alpha males"—a former rugby league champion and an ex-infantryman—sit down for a raw, unfiltered conversation about modern masculinity? Prepare to be challenged. In this powerful episode from the archives, host Andy Lopata brings together Luke Ambler, founder of the transformative men’s support network Andy’s Man Club, and Dion Jensen, a New Zealand special forces veteran and mental health advocate. Born from environments where showing weakness was a liability, both men now champion vulnerability as the ultimate strength. This is not a comfortable, politically correct chat. It’s a no-holds-barred exploration of the "toxic masculinity" debate, the role of men in a post-#MeToo world, and the crucial impact of leadership in shaping culture. From the changing rooms of professional sports to the front lines of conflict, Luke and Dion dissect why men struggle to open up and how leaders can create the psychological safety needed for genuine connection and high performance. This

Are your strongest, most energetic leaders secretly drowning? In this powerful episode of  Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy goes into the archives for a conversation that is more relevant today than ever before. He revisits the very first episode of the podcast, featuring two senior corporate leaders who appeared to have it all—until they didn't. This isn't just another talk on mental health; it's a raw, honest look inside the minds of high-achievers who hit rock bottom. Discover why the "brighter the light, the darker the shadow," and why the people you least expect are often the most vulnerable. Our guests, Jeff McDonald, former Global VP of HR for Unilever, and Perry Burton, Head of People and Culture at Grant Thornton, share their deeply personal stories. They shatter the myth that leadership is about invincibility and expose the performative wellness trap—where "bananas in the canteen" and a single "wellbeing week" replace genuine, strategic investment in people's health. Listen to learn how to trans

In a world fractured by tribalism and conflict, can the lessons learned from the frontlines of the Israeli-Palestinian divide transform how we lead? This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a raw, powerful, and profoundly human exploration of connection in the face of unimaginable division. Andy Lopata is joined by Danny Gal; Danny Gal is the author of The Belonging Paradox: How to Solve the Global Empathy Crisis. He is a leadership coach and social entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience working with leading companies like HP, Monday.com and Teva Pharmaceuticals. He has facilitated transformative dialogues, including bridge-building efforts between Israelis and Palestinians and the 1,000 Roundtables Dialogue, Israel’s largest public dialogue event. Grounded in the stark reality of the post-October 7th world, Danny shares why, for him, “despair is not an option.” He takes us inside the “safe spaces” he creates; sharing a stunning story of a Palestinian man who chose to build peace after his brothe

Ready to flip the entire leadership hierarchy on its head? In this powerful episode, Andy sits down with Patrice Gordon, the trailblazer who became Virgin Atlantic's first-ever reverse mentor, ultimately mentoring the CEO and starting an organisational movement. If you think leadership wisdom only flows from the top down, this conversation will make you think again. Patrice unpacks the tactical playbook for reverse mentoring—a practice where senior leaders are guided by junior, often under-represented, colleagues to gain critical perspectives they’re missing in the boardroom. Patrice explains how they got the programme off the ground, how she navigated doing game-changing work "on the side of her desk", and the powerful way she shared her opinions to be seen as part of the solution, not the problem. This is a masterclass in closing the gap between the frontline and the head office, understanding new technology, and building a culture where everyone truly has a voice. Andy and Patrice examine the framewor

In this landmark celebration of the 300th episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata reflects on his original aim to explore the power of professional relationships and executive success. 300 extraordinary conversations; unforgettable stories of resilience, achievements and humanity, all linked to relationships. It has been humbling, inspiring and often moving. How to celebrate 300 conversations? This isn't just a look back; it's a deep dive into the essence of the show. Get ready for an episode packed with brilliant advice, profound wisdom, and unforgettable stories that capture the podcast at its very best. What do a Nobel Prize winner, two survivors of unimaginable trauma, and a British Muslim and Jew discussing the Middle East have in common? They all show us the power of connection in its most raw and impactful forms. In ThisSpecial Episode, You’ll Hear: Dr. Bob Lefkowitz on Natural Mentorship: The Nobel Laureate shares his surprisingly down-to-earth wisdom on mentoring. Discover why p

In this edition of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata returns to the archives for a classic conversation with Goldie Sayers, Olympic bronze medalist and former Team GB Captain. Goldie draws powerful parallels between the high-stakes world of elite sport and the challenges of corporate leadership. She explains the necessity of creating a support team where every expert understands their role in the service of a single, clear goal—a principle she believes many businesses overlook. Drawing on her experience captaining a team of individualistic athletes to huge success, Goldie discusses how to manage maverick talent, foster a team bond without stifling individuality, and unite everyone behind a common purpose. She also speaks candidly about navigating career-defining adversity, including the emotional impact of receiving her Olympic medal 11 years later due to a rival's doping violation. Goldie emphasises the importance of planning your next move by building a network before you need it. This episode is

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits a gem-filled conversation from the archives with Phil Jones, Managing Director of Brother UK, and Sam Rathling, founder of Pipeline 44. They discuss why it is crucial for modern leaders to actively engage on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Phil Jones shares his personal journey of leveraging platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to build his personal brand, attract talent, and connect with customers. He argues that being active on social media is a necessary competency for today's leaders, sending a powerful message about the modernity and responsiveness of their organisation. Sam Rathling provides expert insights on how leaders can effectively build their digital reputation. She emphasises the power of authentic, original content and consistent engagement, which doesn't have to consume more than 10-15 minutes a day. The conversation covers practical tips on content creation, the importance of a human touch, and how to balance profession

In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Alisa Cohn, executive coach and author of From Startup to Grown Up. Alisa Cohn, named the Top Startup Coach in the World, shares her insights on the crucial role of professional relationships at various stages of a leader's journey. Andy and Alisa discuss the concept of "champions" in one's network and emphasise nurturing relationships authentically rather than for a specific purpose. Alisa provides strategies for leaders at different stages and they look at adapting networking strategies in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the value of virtual connections and creativity. Alisa also stresses that leaders must "find a way" to build relationships, as it is essential for career growth. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of leadership, such as managing self-talk, and offers practical advice for co-founder dynamics and navigating difficult conversations with scripts Alisa provides in her book. Ke