Connecting Is Not Enough - The Networking Radio Show

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes David Hyner, a researcher and speaker with a passion for helping people set and achieve massive goals. David shares insights from his extensive experience working with diverse groups, from school kids to senior business leaders, and emphasises the importance of having fun in all endeavours. Andy and David discuss the concept of goal setting, challenging the widely accepted notion of SMART goals, emphasising setting realistic and achievable steps for big projects. Drawing from his research and interviews with over 258 top achievers, David highlights that successful individuals prioritise setting and achieving massive goals over SMART goals. He highlights the importance of combining effective goal-setting processes with the right mindset and behaviours. David talks about his personal journey, including his struggles with education and his transformation into a purpose-driven speaker. He shares heartwarming anecdotes of former students rea

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata hosts Hannah Wunsch, author of "The Autumn Ghost: How the Battle Against a Polio Epidemic Revolutionised Modern Medical Care," which was recommended by his colleague and co-author, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Despite his initial curiosity about the book's relevance to connected leadership, Lopata found himself engrossed in Wunsch's narrative about collaboration and competition during the polio epidemic in 1952. Hannah Wunsch, a critical care physician, Professor of Anesthesiology, and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, shares insights into her book's focus on the pivotal moment in medical history when anesthesiologist Bjorn Ibsen suggested a groundbreaking intervention to save polio patients. This discussion leads to reflections on the cultural differences in medical practices between Scandinavia and the United States, which Ibsen experienced during his training at Massachusetts General Hospital. Hannah e

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast with Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy’s guest is Professor Daniel Druckman, a distinguished expert in negotiation, conflict management, and international affairs. Daniel Druckman is Professor Emeritus at George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government and an Honorary Professor at Macquarie University in Sydney and at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia. His work focuses on negotiation, nationalism, group identity and conflict resolution among other topics. He is the recipient of five lifetime achievement awards and his most recent books, published this year, are ‘Negotiation, Identify, and Justice: Pathways to Agreement’ and “When Peacekeeping Missions Collide: Balancing Multiple Roles in Peace Operations. Andy starts the podcast by asking Daniel to share insights into his unique career path, transitioning from experimental social psychology to macro-level political science. Daniel recounts three significant consulting assignments, illustratin

Andy Lopata welcomes Sally Helgeson, an expert with 35 years’ experience in women's leadership and inclusivity. Sally's latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace explores the creation of a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Sally Helgesen, cited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership, is an internationally best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame, which honours those whose ideas have shaped the field of leadership worldwide. She is ranked number 3 among the world’s thought leaders by Global Gurus. Andy and Sally discuss the significance of diversity and inclusion and Sally explains the distinction between diversity and inclusion, emphasising the importance of inclusive practices in recognising individuals outside the leadership mainstream. The conversation explores the pivotal role of professional relationships and looks at the challenges and opportunities in

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast with Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy welcomes John Fisher, a constructivist psychologist and coach with 25 years of experience in change management, personal development, and coaching. John has a rich professional background, working with organisations such as BPP, Training 2000 Ltd., Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions and BAe Systems. His experience spans designing and delivering leadership and personal development courses, coaching, and project management. John is the author of six books, including "Putting the I into Change," and joins Andy to explore the intricacies of navigating change from an individual's perspective. Andy and John examine the emotional and psychological issues people face during major life changes. John shares insights from his experience and introduces the Fisher curve (see link below). The Fisher curve maps the journey individuals undertake during change, considering the impact on identity and emotional well-being. Andy and John discuss th

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast, hosted by Andy Lopata. Our first guest for 2024 is Dr Amy Edmondson, a professor of leadership at Harvard Business School and author of seven books. Renowned for her expertise in psychological safety, Dr Edmondson explores this crucial topic in her latest award-winning book, "The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well." Winner of the prestigious Financial Times and Schroeder's Business Book of the Year award for 2023, her work is recognised globally. Andy and Amy examine the intricacies of failure, learning, and innovation within organizations. Dr. Edmondson shares her insights on the importance of creating a culture that encourages learning from failure, distinguishing between good and bad failure, and the concept of "intelligent failure." They discuss the challenges of balancing short-term results with long-term investments, especially in corporate environments driven by quarterly financial goals. Surprisingly, Amy’s research reveals that teams with str

Welcome to Connected Leadership Gold where Andy revisits a compelling conversation from May 2021 with Paul McGee, the renowned author and speaker widely recognised as the "Sumo Guy." Paul is celebrated for his motivational and practical approach, notably showcased in his book "Sumo: Shut Up, Move On." Paul's shares insights from his upcoming book, "The Happiness Revolution," co-authored with Dr. Andy Cope, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion. Andy and Paul examine the profound impact of the last 15 months on happiness. They look at the influence of technology and particularly of social media on well-being. Paul shares insights into the addictive nature of social platforms and the challenges posed by social perfectionism, where individuals often compare their lives to carefully curated online personas. Education emerges as a pivotal force in promoting holistic well-being, with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions. Paul advocates for equipping individuals, especiall

In this episode of Connected Leadership Podcast Gold, Andy Lopata explores the influence of Oxford University and the Oxford Union on the British political landscape with guest Simon Kuper, Financial Times columnist and author of Chums: How a Tiny Caste of Oxford Tories Took Over the UK. The conversation looks into the historical ties between British prime ministers and Oxford University, specifically the Oxford Union, emphasising the prevalence of individuals from similar backgrounds in political leadership. Simon Kuper, a contemporary of Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Michael Gove and others at Oxford in the 1980s, sheds light in his observations and insights into the dynamics of this establishment, extending beyond politics into various aspects of life. Simon’s book, Chums, highlights the rise of a group of individuals, primarily educated at Oxford, groomed from a young age to rule the UK. Andy and Simon examine the dominance of Oxford in shaping the top echelons of political life, the role of the PPE degre

On Christmas Day, Connected Leadership Gold explores the role of humour in business. Andy Lopata’s guests are Jeremy Nicholas, keynote speaker and news/sports presenter, and Tim Gard well-known US speaker and MC. Andy explores the personal journeys of Jeremy and Tim, highlighting the pivotal role humour has played throughout their careers. Both guests emphasise that humour serves as the foundation of their work, consistently seeking the humorous angle in all aspects of life. They discuss incorporating humour into presentations, considering the audience, applying filters, and leveraging individual strengths. Jeremy and Tim clearly distinguish between the stand-up comic and their approach, emphasising that humour should enhance rather than diminish. They explore the application of comedic principles in business, where humour effectively diffuses conflict and reduces stress. The conversation examines the transferability of the rules of comedy, including structural elements, elevating speeches, incorporating ever

In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata interviews Pat Nevin, former professional footballer turned media personality and author of the bestseller, "The Accidental Footballer." Pat shares insights from his illustrious career, emphasising a unique perspective on life, career, and relationships. Pat discusses his book, highlighting the absence of antagonism. Despite potential conflicts with players and managers, Pat emphasises his commitment to living life on his terms. The conversation delves into Pat's early days with Chelsea, where he became a football icon. His love for the game, coupled with a commitment to maintaining a safety net beyond football, shaped his mindset. Pat's mantra, "Being a footballer is what I do, not who I am," reflects his approach to the sport. Pat's emphasis on playing with joy and creativity, rather than fear, allowed him to excel on the pitch. This mindset extended beyond football, influencing his media career and his role as PFA chairman. He addresses the dangers of modern bu

In the last live Connected Leadership podcast episode of 2023, Andy Lopata interviews Dr. Kirstin Ferguson, an acclaimed Australian leadership expert and award-winning author. They explore her notable career, her new book "Head and Heart Leadership," and her journey. Kirstin, a recipient of the international Thinkers50 Distinguished Award for Leadership is among the top 50 global thinkers. With a PhD in leadership and culture and honours degrees in Law and History, she advises international brands on modern leadership. Kirstin is also an Adjunct Professor at the QUT Business School and a Sir Winston Churchill Fellow. Kirstin shared insights from thirty years of leadership experience including her time in the Royal Australian Air Force, leading a global consulting firm, and serving on the board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). She expressed gratitude for the experiences that shaped her leadership style and informed her idea of what it means to be a "modern leader", capable of reading situation

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata’s special guest is Dr. Michelle K. Johnston, a management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert from Loyola University in New Orleans and author of the Amazon bestseller, "The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection." She shares her insights about the shifting nature of leadership, discussing a shift from a perfection-oriented, command-control cultural approach towards a more relatable, connected style of leadership. Exploring personal experiences that led to these observations, Michelle believes that the old authoritarian and aggressive leadership styles are becoming increasingly obsolete.  Michelle explains how effective leadership today is rooted in meaningful relationships and team connections. She particularly highlights the importance of allowing for vulnerability in the workplace, noting that authenticity can foster a safe, inclusive environment conducive to innovation. Andy and Michelle also prob

In this episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata hosts Jodie Rogers, author and founder of Symbia. They discuss ways to help leaders guide their teams through uncertain times. With 20 years of experience in understanding human behaviour, Jodie's mission is to enhance engagement, empowerment, and productivity in individuals. As a human behaviour consultant, learning expert, and facilitator, Jodie founded Symbia to build teams of emotionally intelligent problem solvers who are agile in the face of change. Symbia collaborates with global corporations like Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Barclays, and L'Oréal for leadership and professional development, promoting 'Mental Fitness' as a catalyst for growth. In a world where change is constant and uncertainty high, leaders are being called to take their teams forward through these challenges. The importance of personal relationships moving into professional relationships is highlighted, especially when working together on a programme like ‘The Edge’. J

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Steph Auping. Steph is a co-founder and the Chief Learning Officer at Leadership & Co. a firm dedicated to preparing leaders to excel in today's complex business environment. Her focus lies in nurturing skillsets and amplifying the leadership impact of participants. In this episode, Steph emphasises the importance of nurturing curiosity in individuals and organizations. She highlights that this core trait is a competitive advantage that enhances productivity, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and adaptability in the workplace. She identifies three types of curiosity: cognitive curiosity, which involves hunting for knowledge and problem-solving; social curiosity, which involves seeking to understand and engage with others; and reflective curiosity, which involves introspection of personal beliefs and values. All three contribute significantly to personal growth and relationship-building in professional environments. She discusses the pot

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata hosts Jennifer Sunberg, a former Ernst & Young London Entrepreneur of the Year and the Co-CEO of Board Intelligence. Her new book, co-authored with Pippa Begg, "Collective Intelligence: Build a Business That's Smarter Than You," encourages incorporating greater collective intelligence in businesses. Theconversation revolves around how businesses can promote intelligence and innovative thinking, not just from the business leaders but from everyone involved. Jennifer points out that many leaders assume their intelligence and ideas are solely responsible for business success, forgetting the power that lies in the team's collective brainpower. Being overly reliant on a superstar leader can hinder real progress. These leaders might be amazing, but their brilliance doesn't necessarily mean the business's success is solely dependent on them. Jennifer cites well-established organisations like Apple and Amazon as examples, revealing that some of their ga

On this episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata is joined by two-time Israeli Olympic medalist Ori Sasson, who openly discusses his battle with anxiety and how he overcame it to achieve success. Despite his struggles, Sasson won two Olympic bronze medals in judo and now runs Olympic Mindset, a motivational speaking company where he shares his journey of facing anxiety and fear of failure. Ori opens up about how anxiety affected his sports career and how it continues to impact people during the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He shares his personal story, starting from his first judo competition, where he experienced extreme nervousness but found a burning desire to prove himself. This ambition drove him forward despite his crippling anxiety and fear of failure. According to Sasson, it is possible to live with anxiety and still be successful. He discusses the strategies he used to manage his anxiety, such as being kinder to himself, viewing losses as opportunities for growth, and developing

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata talks with renowned spa industry pioneer Tanya Wheway. Tanya is a renowned figure in the hospitality industry. She began her career in the US before returning to the UK to open an international marketing office. Alongside her husband, she ran Champneys Tring Health Resort and became known as a pioneer of the spa and wellbeing movement. They later created award-winning spas worldwide, and Tanya quadrupled profits as Managing Director of The Sanctuary. She has been involved in various interior design projects, written books, and engaged in charity work. At 78, Tanya continues to be active as a speaker, life coach, writer, and spa consultant. Andy and Tanya share a compelling conversation drawing from Tanya's unique life experiences and professional journey. Tanya sheds light on the transformative work at Champneys Spa in Tring, Hertfordshire, where they replaced old-fashioned practices with an unprecedented approach that focused on enjoyment, educ

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Will Kintish and Sobiya Jawaid to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East from the perspective of a British Jew and a British Muslim. Will Kintish practiced as a chartered accountant for 30+ years until the year 2000. For the last 23 years, Will has shown thousands in the business, professional, academic, and technical communities how to become more effective and confident networkers. He is the published author of the best-selling book “Business Networking: The Survival Guide”. Sobiya Jawaid is the first hijab-wearing British Muslim black belt kickboxer to have represented England at the European level, where she won a silver medal. She is a leadership coach; diversity, belonging, and inclusion consultant; international keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and panelist. Andy and his guests take on a challenging exploration of deeply emotional subject matter, sharing their unique perspectives with the aim of fostering unders

Andy's upcoming book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, co-authored with Dr. Ruth Gotian, aligns well with this episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, in which he discusses mentoring with Chelsey Baker. Chelsey is a visionary force in the world of mentoring, founding National Mentoring Day, the largest celebration of mentoring to support mentors and mentees, taking place on 27th October and inaugurated as an official National Day in the Houses of Parliament in London. Chelsey's mission is clear - to make mentorship accessible to all and celebrate and support mentors and mentees, sharing their mentoring news, impact and stories year-round. Chelsey is a multi-award-winning business mentor with thousands of hours mentoring experience working with Royalty, Governments, celebrities, and business leaders across all sectors where she is well known for inspiring and elevating others through her mentorship.  Chelsey's remarkable achievements have earned her many prestigious accolades, including "Excellence

Welcome to another episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast with Andy Lopata, featuring an impelling discussion with Patricia Hind, a leadership and management development professor at Hult International Business School and author of Winning Together: The Secrets of Working Relationships. Patricia is a Trustee of the British Psychological Society and Chair of the Education and Training Board, Justice of the Peace and a Freeman of the City of London. Andy and Patricia’s conversation delved into the intricacies of working relationships, focusing on office dynamics and the art of developing mutually beneficial connections within the workplace. Patricia shares deep insights on how workplace relationships impact our overall work experience, emphasising their role in our successes and failures. She points out that everyone has a niche, a unique value to add to the organisation; no specific 'type' fits better within an office environment. What matters most is the nature of our working relationships and how these