Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV and Hanover Talent Solutions. Victoria transformed recruitment strategy at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. She founded City CV in 2009, growing it into an international business. She serves on multiple boards, including Hanover Group and Rainbow Trust, and holds memberships in professional organisations like the Institute of Directors. Andy and Victoria discuss the importance of refraining from excessive apologies and the strategic power of saying "no." Victoria begins by highlighting the ubiquitous nature of apologies in everyday life, pointing out how people often apologise for things they haven't done wrong. She emphasises that over-apologising can damage our confidence and lead to a negative feedback loop where we feel increasingly inadequate. Andy questions whether the over-apologetic tendencies of Brits are a cultural trait. Victoria confirms this, citing statistics that show a significantly higher

Andy Lopata hosts Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane, founders of the Hundred Coaches Agency and co-authors of "Being Coachable." They explore the crucial elements of building trust, strong professional relationships and creating a coachable environment. This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast emphasises the "relationship-first philosophy" adopted by Scott and Jacquelyn, where building genuine connections takes precedence over completing transactions. This approach fosters a shift from a zero-sum mindset to an "infinite game" perspective, liberating them to prioritise relationships over efficiency. Scott and Jacquelyn highlight the paramount importance of listening in building trust and rapport. They emphasise that great leaders must learn to listen deeply to gather the information they need to make effective decisions. This is facilitated by cultivating genuine curiosity, which is achieved by taking yourself out of the equation and focusing solely on the other person. This involves asking open-ended que

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, host Andy Lopata investigates the power of asking "what if?" with guest Stephen Bailey. Stephen is an entrepreneur, leadership and workforce expert, and co-founder of Exec Online the pioneer of online leadership development for enterprises. He oversees the organisation’s strategic vision and broader efforts to connect all leaders to their future potential through online learning and coaching. Stephen graduated from Yale Law School, and is on the boards of the Truman Center for National Policy, Match Group, Ibotta, and Prospects Schools, a charter school network in New York City. The discussion explores how Stephen's journey from corporate lawyer to entrepreneur was fueled by a profound desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, a desire that led him to choose the path of risk and innovation over the perceived safety of a traditional career. Stephen shares his experience of leaving the security of a Yale law degree and a lucrative law firm to join a st

Andy Lopata welcomes Melva Lajoy Legrand to this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast. Melva and Andy explore the concept of authentic connection. Melva is one of the leading event planners in the United States. Recognised nationally for her thought leadership, she is a six-time award-winning CEO who has used her social impact on the stages of IMEX Frankfurt (2024) and IMEX America (2023), the One Women’s Summit (2022), IBTM Americas (2022), four cities for BizBash’s Connect Conference (2022), and the Tide Risers Summit (2021). She has been featured in Forbes, Authority Magazine, The Washingtonian, The Black Wall Street Times, HQ The Association and more. Speaking on issues including the gender pay gap, redefining what success looks like for mature women, navigating career changes and being an ally for black women in the workplace. Based in Washington, DC, Melva produces events for audiences ranging from ten to 60,000 people, with the theme of connection being central to her work. Together, Andy and Me

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast takes a unique turn, featuring Laura Laker, a prominent and well-respected travel journalist and co-host of the Streets Ahead podcast. Laura Laker has written for national and specialist titles for well over a decade. Her new book is, Potholes and Pavements: A Bumpy Ride on Britain's National Cycle Network, Laura's journey to becoming a cycling advocate is anything but straightforward. She shares her story with Andy Lopata, of navigating different career paths before discovering her passion for cycling at university. The joy she experienced cycling through London and the opportunity to improve air quality and health through active travel ignited her enthusiasm. The conversation then turns to the impact of shared interests on building and deepening relationships. Andy and Laura reflect on their own friendship, which blossomed through their shared passion for walking and later, their book releases. Laura talks about how cycling has influenced her own friendships

Andy Lopata welcomes Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR professional, to discuss the hyper-personalisation of the employee experience and its impact on organisational success. Angela is the Senior Vice President, Talent, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Harvard Business Publishing, where she leads HR and Facilities & Administration. With 30 years of HR experience across various industries, Angela specialises in developing talent roadmaps that align with business strategies. She has a track record of transforming HR functions from administrative to strategic. Angela is also involved in several organisations, including serving on the Alumni Board of Directors for Cornell University and as a Board Director for the T. Howard Foundation. In their conversation, Angela explains that hyper-personalisation means meeting employees where they are, similar to how companies like Amazon and Netflix personalise customer experiences. She emphasises the importance of leveraging data to develop bespoke employee journeys, citing ex

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, immediate past vice chairman of external affairs for Royal Caribbean Group and former CEO of Celebrity Cruises. Lisa’s vision and strategy not only propelled Celebrity Cruises to achieve transformational financial results as a brand within the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) portfolio but also dramatically increased the number of women in leadership roles throughout the Celebrity brand. Her passion for building extraordinary ships, creating unique experiences, and opening up the world through travel has brought recognition and countless awards to her and Celebrity Cruises. She is now the CEO and President of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. Lisa shares her extraordinary journey from selling cruises door-to-door in New England to leading a multi-billion-dollar global company. She recently released her memoir Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage Lisa Lutoff-Perlo which

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist and executive coach based in Silicon Valley. Dr. Adam Dorsay works with high-achieving adults (including professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes). Adam is the host of SuperPsyched, an award-winning podcast, and he has given two highly regarded TEDx Talks: one about men and their emotions and the other about friendship in adulthood. His book on the topic of the four ways people connect will be available later this year.  Andy and Adam discuss the importance of genuine connection, sharing personal stories and insights. Andy reflects on his initial meeting with Adam, highlighting the power of shared interests and human connection. They discuss the impact of empathy and enthusiasm in building relationships, emphasising the need to look beyond job titles and surface-level conversations. The conversation touches on cultural differences, with Andy providing a British perspect

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Dr. Stacy Moore, a practitioner psychologist specialising in organisational well-being and performance. Stacy has a wealth of expertise in training design and staff wellbeing support and is a member of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA). She has spoken on the main stage at the Insuretech Insights conference 2023 and most recently provided the closing keynote for CX BFSI UK in March 2024. She shares practical recommendations from psychology on how to positively impact the employee and customer experience. Andy and Stacy explore the role of empathy in the workplace and its impact on building strong professional relationships and enhancing organisational performance. Stacey distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, emphasising that empathy involves genuine connection and understanding without judgement, whereas sympathy often carries a sense of pity or superiority. She stresses the importance of empathy in leadership, customer s

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst, a NY-based nonprofit focused on accelerating progress for women in the workplace. Andy and Jennifer discuss issues of gender equality, professional relationships, and ally ship in the workplace. Jennifer McCollum is on a mission to create better leaders and workplaces by advancing women and promoting inclusivity. She’s an accomplished CEO, speaker, and consultant, and the author of the new book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO." Using data and personal stories Jennifer sheds light on the unique challenges women face on their journey to leadership and providie actionable insights for aspiring leaders and organisations. Jennifer was the first female CEO at Linkage, a global leadership development firm dedicated to "Changing the Face of Leadership." Jennifer also shares insights from her journey to CEO, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in the corporate world, including pay inequity

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata explores the theme of career development and unleashing one's full potential with guest Asad Hussain, a seasoned HR professional and author of "Careers Unleashed." Asad is a 4-time CHRO with a background in leading blue-chip companies like Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Dun & Bradstreet, and Del Monte. His strategic HR achievements have not only driven the success of these companies but also positioned him as a key voice in discussions on the future of workspaces and employee engagement. Asad inspires professionals at all levels, offering guidance to CEOs, CHROs, senior managers, and HR leaders. His expertise in talent management and high-performance culture has been recognised in publications like Forbes and Big Think, where he provides actionable strategies for career advancement and emphasises the importance of taking ownership of one's career. In this episode, Asad shares insights from his extensive experience, showing the importance of alignin

Andy Lopata welcomes Telly Leung to the Connected Leadership podcast. Telly is a versatile Broadway performer with an impressive list of credits, including roles in "Aladdin," "In Transit," "Allegiance," "Godspell," "Rent," "Wicked," "Pacific Overtures," and "Flower Drum Song." He has appeared on television in shows like "Warrior," "Glee," "Instinct," and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent." He is also an educator, teaching master classes at universities and drama programmes worldwide. Telly is the co-author of the "Empathy eBook: Empathy in the Workplace and Workforce," which explores the role of empathy in professional environments. Telly's work extends beyond the stage, as he has collaborated with top CEO Coaches to bring his unique perspectives as an artist and thought leader to CEOs and top executives at various organisations. In this episode Telly discusses his background growing up in Brooklyn in a traditional Chinese home. He describes his parents' escape from Communist China and their pursuit of the Ame

This episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast examines the essence of humanity in leadership, exploring the profound impact of humanising leadership practices. Host Andy Lopata is joined by international leadership coach Gerardo Segat. Gerardo worked for 20 years in the family office industry as CEO, chairman, and entrepreneur. In 2016, he left his business and re-qualified as a coach with the ICF. Gerardo has recently created 'Out As Humans', a performing arts show to humanise leaders of corporations, associations, organisations, and conventions. Andy and Gerardo explore how leaders can connect with their human side, fostering more authentic and empathetic relationships within their teams and organisations. Gerardo, drawing from his extensive experience, shares his journey of transitioning to coaching with a focus on humanising leadership. He emphasises the importance of addressing fears and harmful behaviours that hinder leaders from fully embracing their humanity. The conversation touches on the contag

Welcome to a special episode of the Connected Leadership podcast. This episode is specially hosted by Alan Stevens and his guests for the episode, Andy Lopata and Dr. Ruth Gotian, co-authors of the recently released "Financial Times Guide to Mentoring." The conversation kicks off with Alan asking Andy to define mentoring. Andy describes mentoring as an exchange of experiences, skills, and expertise where someone with insights helps another along their journey. Alan then delves deeper, questioning who mentoring is for, and Andy and Ruth stress that it's for everyone, regardless of their career stage, emphasising the benefits of both being a mentor and having a mentor. The conversation flows seamlessly as they discuss the importance of mentoring, backed by research findings that demonstrate its impact on career success and organisational performance. Ruth provides statistical evidence supporting the effectiveness of mentoring, while Andy shares anecdotes and insights from his extensive experience in the field.

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Gold series, Andy Lopata revisits a crucial topic from April 2023, looking into the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Andy brings a fresh perspective to the conversation around AI. He questions whether organisations are losing genuine human connections with their customers and stakeholders as they grow in size and complexity. Joining Andy is Ben Afia, a former brand strategist for Boots and an expert in culture, branding and communication. Ben shares insights from his extensive experience, shedding light on the evolving landscape where AI intersects with human interaction. Their conversation touches upon the early stages of AI integration in brands' communication strategies, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges. Ben emphasises the need for AI to reflect the values and behaviours of organisations, cautioning against generic experiences. Andy and Ben consider the delicate balance between control and empowerment in organisations. Drawing from anthropo

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Gold series, Andy Lopata discusses the critical topic of overwhelm and burnout in today's fast-paced world. Joined by esteemed guests Dr. Katherine Semler and Dr. Amy Bradley, authors of the book "Running on Empty," the conversation explores the profound impact of excessive workload on individuals and organisations. Dr. Amy Bradley reflects on a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when she recognised she was overwhelmed, noting similar patterns among peers. Dr. Katherine Semler highlights challenges in balancing well-being amid demanding work environments. Andy, Amy and Katherine discuss the role of technology, particularly the ubiquitous use of platforms like Zoom, which has led to the phenomenon of "Zoom fatigue." Andy underscores the importance of reevaluating scheduling practices to prevent back-to-back meetings and allow for essential breaks between engagements. There is a need for proactive measures to address burnout, both at an individual and an orga

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Tendai Wileman. Tendai is Chief of Staff and Director of Organisational Change at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust, the largest NHS organisation in the country. She has worked in healthcare for 20 years in various corporate and operational roles. Tendai shares her unexpected journey into the NHS and reflects on the pivotal role mentoring played in guiding her career path. Despite initial doubts about her potential, Tendai discusses how mentoring helped rebuild her confidence and shape her pathway into leadership. The conversation examines the importance of mentoring and supporting others, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Tendai shares insights into navigating the "minority tax" and balancing her role as a mentor while fulfilling her professional responsibilities. She emphasises the value of providing guidance while allowing individuals the autonomy to chart their own paths. Andy and Tendai also explore the ong

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast, hosted by Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy welcomes Antoinette Dale Henderson, an expert in leadership communications and author of "Leading with Gravitas." Antoinette is an executive coach and global keynote speaker with over 25 years’ experience in leadership communications. She specializes in strategically-driven, results-oriented masterclasses that make a powerful difference to executives, boards, and top teams in the UK and internationally. She’s a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and the Global Speakers Federation and is the outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees for BelEve, a charity that inspires and empowers girls aged 8 to 18 to become leaders of their world. In today's fast-paced and dynamic business world, effective leadership requires more than just authority and expertise. It demands authenticity, connection, and a commanding presence that inspires trust and respect. Andy and Antoinette discuss the intricacies of leadership gravitas.

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Dr Andy Cope, a specialist in positive psychology. After 12 years of hard academic labour, he gained a Loughborough University PhD and became the UK’s first ever ‘Doctor of Happiness’. Dr Cope shares his journey from traditional psychology to becoming more interested in the effects of positive psychology and happiness. He explains how positive psychology focuses on wellness rather than just illness, seeking to understand what makes already happy people flourish and how others can learn from them. Dr Cope discusses the importance of intentional strategies and learned behaviours in achieving and maintaining happiness. He emphasises the significance of understanding one's own mental health and well-being, especially in today's fast-paced and challenging world. Andy and Dr Cope also examine the concept of "mental wealth" and the role of positive psychology in equipping individuals with the skills to take care of their own mental health. T

In this episode of The Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata engages in a riveting conversation with Dawn Wray, co-founder of the Listening Collective, an organisation developed from a deeply held belief that when people thrive, then their organisations do too. Dawn is a former VP of a $1 billion financial institution and an experienced senior leader. In 2018, she trained as a relational gestalt psychotherapist. She values real and honest conversation and talks candidly about her personal experience and how she believes her psychotherapy training is vital to how we think about leadership, employee satisfaction and well-being, retention, and company culture. Andy and Dawn look into the essence of connection, exploring how we can bridge gaps and foster genuine understanding between individuals. Dawn emphasises the importance of being present and attuned to what's happening in the moment, both within us and in our interactions with others. Dawn discusses the power of active listening and the importance of be