Super Powered: The Unique Stories of Modern Leaders (Rob D. Willis)

Summary

Embrace the uncertain, and make it your stronghold. In episode 2 of our podcast, "Ride the Waves of Uncertainty," we sit down with Drew Howell, Chief Customer Officer at CXY. Drew shares his rich experiences and insights from building his own company after univeristy to navigating the FinTech industry from 2010 to 2022.

You'll gain actionable insights into enhancing both customer and employee experience, understand the different forms leadership can take, and learn the lessons Drew picked up along his journey. A highlight of our chat revolves around the importance of mentorship in leadership. So, buckle up, get comfortable, and let's ride the waves of uncertainty together.

Links to the Guest

• LinkedIn - Drew Howell
• CXY - Customer Experience Consultancy

Resources Mentioned

• Mervyn King: Radical Uncertainty: Decision-Making for an Unknowable Future
• Sam Conniff Allende: Be More Pirate: Or How to Take On the World and Win

Timestamps

• [00:00:17] Introducing Drew
• [00:02:52] The different shapes of leaders
• [00:05:30] Lessons from Drew's first business
• [00:10:12] Lessons for First Time Leaders
• [00:12:37] Understand your customers and your colleagues
• [00:14:30] Whole company thinking
• [00:16:06] The application gap & applying strategy in practice
• [00:17:45] Bridging the gap between leadership & team members
• [00:21:40] How Fintech changed from 2010-2022

Alex Weber, former Chief Growth Officer at N26, shares his journey going from one of the first employees to leading a team of over 100, in which time N26 reached unicorn status. Learn how Alex stepped up to lead the marketing function without prior experience, pushed through burnout, and grew into the CGO role.

We cover:

• Taking over the marketing function without a marketing background
• Pushing through burnout and building a support system
• Hiring and managing seasoned executives
• Setting boundaries and expectations with the founder
• Focusing your time and avoiding reactive leadership

Alex reflects on the key mindsets and practical steps that helped him shepherd hypergrowth while learning on the job. His story provides an inside look at leadership challenges at a rocketship startup and valuable lessons for leaders of all levels. Don't miss this candid conversation on Leadership for Unicorns.

Links to the guest

- Linkedin

Ever walked past a business and thought "I could do that better"? Luke Tobin turned that exact instinct into three business exits. He spots gaps others miss - whether that's revolutionising how marketing agencies work with clients or discovering untapped revenue in the experience day industry.

From a £6-figure exit of his festival bar company in his early twenties to building the UK's fastest-growing marketing agency (sold for 8-figures in 2022), Luke's track record speaks for itself. Now Co-CEO of Cadastra EMEA with 900+ employees and $50M revenue, he continues to scale companies through his £5M+ investment firm.

This episode isn't just one big "success story" though. Luke openly shares his failures - the flopped modelling agency, the web design company that never launched - and reveals how burnout forced him to completely rethink his approach. His practical frameworks and hard-won insights will transform how you view the market around you.

Key Talking Points:

• The counter-intuitive approach that achieved 95% client retention in an industry averaging 30%
• Why successful exits require 100% focus, and how to avoid the "multi-business trap"
• The hidden challenges of graduating from SME clients to global brands like Unilever and Samsung
• How drama school techniques still influence million-pound business deals

Links & Resources:

• Luke's LinkedIn
• Entrepreneurial Edge Blog
• Tobin Capital
• Book Recommendation: Blair Enns - "The Win Without Pitching Manifesto"
• Vocal Warm-Up

Today's Exercise: The Control Filter

This process helps you identify where to focus your energy by filtering out uncontrollable factors. It brings immediate relief from overwhelming situations and creates clear action steps for progress.

Steps to Apply

• Write down all current problems, challenges, or stressors that are causing concern
• Review each item and mark which ones are directly within your control
• Cross out everything you cannot personally influence or control
• Focus immediately on solving the controllable items
• Review remaining items the next day - many will have resolved themselves
• For persistent uncontrollable items, develop strategies to manage your response rather than trying to control the situation

In this episode, I talk to Nadia Pace, a non-executive director from Malta who serves on various boards and is also an executive mentor and BPO advisor. We dive into her time as CEO of World Aviation Group, where she had to relocate her entire operation in under eight weeks due to safety concerns. Nadia shares the strategic decisions she made, the importance of alignment among stakeholders, and the critical role of communication in overcoming the crisis. Her story offers valuable insights into effective leadership during turbulent times.

Guest Links

• LinkedIn
• Website

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Nadia Pach 01:09 A Leadership Challenge: Relocating Operations 03:40 Navigating Safety and Cultural Concerns 05:10 Logistical Hurdles and Solutions 09:45 Project Management and Team Coordination 16:34 Communication and Reputational Management 21:00 Reflections and Lessons Learned 25:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In episode 06 of Leadership for Unicorns, we speak to Dr. Veronika (Fischer) von Heise-Rotenburg, the CFO at Everphone.

Veronika tells her story about the challenges she faced when her company was acquired. Acquisitions can often be tricky, and hers left her with a dilemma that affected her whole team.

We also talk about valuable lessons she learned as a consultant, what value-based leadership means to her and how to promote sustainability in the workplace.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode is packed with golden nuggets that will help you navigate your leadership journey with confidence and purpose.

Links to the Guest

• LinkedIn - Dr. Veronika von Heise-Rotenburg

Resources Mentioned

• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (English Edition) by Daniel H. Pink

Timestamps

• [00:00:11] Meet Veronika
• [00:01:42] Extracting Golden Nuggets: Insights from McKinsey
• [00:03:47] The Spice of Life: Harnessing the Power of Diverse Experiences
• [00:06:15] Life After the Big Buyout: Navigating Post-Acquisition Terrain
• [00:08:38] Knowing When to Pack Up: Identifying Your Exit Cue
• [00:14:49] Navigating the Whirlwind: Practical Tips for Leaders in the Midst of Acquisition
• [00:17:24] Leadership 101: The Influence of Values in Command
• [00:19:43] Spotting Virtues: Assessing Candidates Beyond Their Skills
• [00:21:29] Upholding the Flag: Keeping Company Values Intact
• [00:23:13] Times of Change: When and Why to Rethink Company Values
• [00:25:27] Value Vistas: A Comparative Look at Different Corporate Cultures
• [00:26:39] Values Unleashed: How They Catalyze Peak Performance
• [00:28:31] Here to Stay: The Imperative of Sustainability
• [00:33:20] No-Nos and Deal Breakers: The Unconventional Shit List
• [00:34:02] Laser-Focus 101: Habits and Principles for Streamlined Productivity

Ever wondered why some leaders effortlessly climb the corporate ladder while others get stuck? It’s not always about skill; it's about evolving with your role.

Tune in to Episode 14 as we chat with Kevin Goldsmith, the CTO at Distrokid. Kevin opens up about his challenging transition from being a developer to managing a rapidly scaling team at renowned companies like Adobe, Spotify, and Microsoft.

We dissect the dangers of being a bottleneck, the importance of self-awareness, and how you can escape the trap of your own making. This episode is your guide to navigating the often-unspoken challenges that come with the responsibilities of scaling teams and companies. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, we’ve got insights that can help you level up.

Links to the Guest

• Website: Kevin Goldsmith
• LinkedIn Profile

Resources Mentioned

• Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
• Management 3.0: Leading Agile Developers, Developing Agile Leaders by Jurgen Appelo
• VS Code
• Miro
• Mastodon
• Problem Solving Leadership by Gerald Weinberg

Join us in episode 08 of Leadership For Unicorns as we delve into the world of internal communication with Joanna Parsons, a seasoned consultant, trainer, and mentor. Joanna shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions in the realm of internal comms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the importance of effective communication within an organization and the role of leadership in fostering it.

Joanna's journey, from being overlooked despite her expertise to becoming a respected voice in her field, is both inspiring and enlightening. Her experiences shed light on the common issues faced by many, particularly women, in the workplace. Whether you're a leader looking to improve your team's communication or an individual seeking to make your voice heard, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies.

Links to the Guest

• Joanna Parsons on LinkedIn
• Joanna's Website

Resources Mentioned

• Robert Cialdini - Influence

Timestamps

• [00:01:24] About Joanna
• [00:03:06] Communication issues in organisations
• [00:08:01] Joanna's story: Ignored by leadership
• [00:14:03] Building confidence and believing in yourself
• [00:17:51] Why internal communications is critical to business
• [00:22:19] How to overcome bad internal communication
• [00:24:03] How leaders can play their part in internal comms

Summary

Welcome to this week's episode, featuring Signe Julie Valeur Bodholdt - the founder and CEO of Valeur Growth, also Ex-Lunar and Virgin.

In this episode, we delve into the nitty-gritty of what happens post-funding in tech startups. As leaders in the tech world, once the funding has been secured, there's a new set of expectations and challenges to grapple with. Signe, drawing from her rich experience as a CEO, CMO, CCO and an advisor, gives us a deep dive into this intriguing realm.

This is a must-listen episode for all leaders in the tech world, especially CMOs. We talk about how parenting has impacted Signe's leadership style and get her insights on handling the stress that is often associated with tech leadership. From addressing unrealistic expectations to effectively balancing tasks, Signe generously shares her experiences and advice. Buckle up, listeners, for an episode full of value and inspiration. Let's get started!

Links to the Guest

• LinkedIn - Signe Julie Valeur Bodholdt
• Valeur Growth

Resources Mentioned

• Rick Rubin, The Creative Act
• Steven Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Timestamps

• [00:01:22] - [00:01:27] Getting to know Signe
• [00:03:51] Leadership in big and small companies
• [00:05:06] Hypergrowth at Lunar
• [00:06:36] How to handle unrealistic expectations
• [00:10:28] The challenges of being a CMO
• [00:15:34] Advice for first time CMOs
• [00:18:05] Speak other leaders' languages
• [00:20:40] How having a family can help you become a better leader
• [00:24:50] How to balance tasks
• [00:26:48] How to deal with stress as a leader

In this episode, Rob is joined by Isabel Strijland, the Chief Growth Officer & Co-founder at Acelr8. They discuss the topic "When it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true," diving into the challenges and lessons learned in building a business. From adapting to major disruptions to the importance of overcommunication, Isabel shares valuable insights for leaders in tech. Tune in to gain inspiration and learn from real-world experiences!

Guest Links

• LinkedIn
• Acelr8

Resources Mentioned

• Notion
• Slack
• Loom

Ever wondered how to make people trust you before they've even met you? Bob Gentle transformed from a painfully shy local marketer into a globally-recognised personal branding expert by mastering this exact skill. His counter-intuitive approach helped him build a thriving consultancy where 95% of his clients have never even visited his home city of Glasgow.

From recording (and deleting) over 100 videos before publishing his first one to now advising multimillionaire business leaders, Bob shares how he overcame his own visibility fears. As someone who spent 15 years in search and rescue dangling from helicopters but couldn't post a selfie online, his journey proves that fear isn't about capability - it's about comfort zones.

This isn't just about building a brand - it's about understanding how people make decisions about you when you're not in the room. Bob reveals why trying to please everyone is the wrong approach, how to turn bad content into good, and why your unique perspective matters more than you think.

Key Talking Points:

• The "scaffolding of imagination" framework that helps clients know, like and trust you before meeting you
• Why showing up imperfectly beats hiding perfectly - and how one "terrible" video creator dominated his market
• The gradual desensitisation method Bob learned from search and rescue training that makes visibility less scary
• How to avoid the trap of trying to build "the unified theory of you" when starting your personal brand

Links & Resources:

• Bob's Podcast: Building Your LeaderBrand
• Website: amplifyme.agency
• LinkedIn: Bob Gentle
• Book Recommendation: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Free Resource: Personal Brand Business Roadmap

Today's Exercise: The Captain's Log

This daily video practice helps overcome camera anxiety and builds confidence in your on-screen presence. It creates a safe space to practice without the pressure of publishing.

Steps to Apply:

1. Set up a camera (not phone) in a private space
2. Record a 2-minute diary entry about your day
3. Watch it back, no matter how uncomfortable
4. Focus on small improvements in delivery each time
5. Continue daily for at least two weeks before considering publishing
6. Notice how your comfort level increases over time

Ever wonder what professional poker and leadership have in common?

Tino Engel transformed his five years as a pro poker player into groundbreaking insights about decision-making under pressure. Now a sought-after business trainer and TEDx speaker, he teaches executives how to navigate uncertainty with the same strategic mindset that helped him succeed at the poker table.

From starting with just €50 borrowed from his mother's credit card to making poker his full-time career, Tino's journey proves that managing risk isn't about eliminating uncertainty – it's about mastering your response to it. His refreshingly practical framework helps leaders focus on asking the right questions before taking action, turning high-stakes decisions into calculated opportunities.

Key Talking Points:

• The three essential questions that transform decision-making
• Why successful decision-making requires separating process quality from luck
• The counter-intuitive reason gut feelings work best when stakes are lowest
• How humility and self-awareness lead to better choices

Links & Resources:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Book Recommendation: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Book Recommendation: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Today's Exercise: The Three Questions Framework

Try this out every time you pick up your phone or have a discussion.

This decision-making practice helps you break down any choice into manageable steps. Before making important decisions, pause and work through Tino's three essential questions to gain clarity and confidence in your path forward.

Steps to Apply:

1. Ask yourself "What am I trying to win?" to understand your true motivation
2. Consider "What resources do I need?" including time, energy, and relationships
3. Evaluate "Is it worth it?" by weighing potential gains against required resources
4. Only proceed if you have clear, positive answers to all three questions
5. Review decisions later to refine your process

Discover the secrets behind successful business operations in episode 07 of our podcast, as we dive deep into the modern operating model with Jenny Herald - VP of Product Evangelism at Quantive. With a history of navigating through the challenging landscapes of mergers and acquisitions, Jenny shares a trove of wisdom drawn from her multifaceted career. Having started out in the U.S military, Jenny's unique insights from her journey are bound to leave you captivated.

Jenny's current focus revolves around OKRs, and while she recognizes their mixed reputation in the business world, she stands firm in her belief in their transformative power. Join us as we unravel the influence of OKRs in shaping successful companies, and let Jenny's eloquent advocacy sway your perception of this compelling business tool.

Links to the Guest

• Dreams with Deadlines Podcast
• Quantive
• Jenny’s LinkedIn
• Dreams with Deadlines Community
• Office Hours with Ben Lamorte

Timestamps

• [00:01:15] Introducing Jenny
• [00:05:22] Lessons from the military: Commander's Intent
• [00:08:14] Wunderlist acquired by Microsoft
• [00:25:31] What are companies getting wrong with OKRs
• [00:31:40] How Jenny gets people engaged with OKRs
• [00:35:46] Creating a shared language of success
• [00:38:39] The modern operating model for business today

Resources Mentioned

• Reid Hoffman, Blitzscaling
• JOHN DOERR, Speed and Scale
• John Doerr, Measure what matters

Your startup might feel like your baby, but there comes a point where you need to let go.

In this episode, I talk to Tom Pennings, CEO of SalesNudge. Tom has founded three startups and has taken one to exit, working both in Europe and Silicon Valley.

Tom reveals the moments he realized the importance of stepping back, even when the stakes were high. It’s a difficult but essential step in letting your team take ownership, ensuring your product fits market needs, and scaling to exit.

Learn about this and other valuable lessons Tom received from his mentor, as well as discovering what “gezond boerenverstand” means and how it can help you as a founder.

Guest Links

• Tom Pennings on LinkedIn
• Salesnudge

Resources Mentioned

• Ben Horowitz, The Hard Thing About Hard Things
• Donald Miller, Building a StoryBrand
• Geoffrey A. Moore, Crossing the Chasm

Ever feel your best ideas get lost in translation?

Former actors turned storytelling experts and leadership coaches David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie share their DNA framework for making ideas stick. As co-founders of StorySpotters and authors of The DNA of Engagement, they've helped global companies like Aviva and Novartis transform how they communicate change.

From crafting strategic narratives for boards to helping leaders find their authentic voice, they blend theatrical techniques with business practicality. But this isn't just about polished presentations - it's about overcoming the fear of putting yourself and your ideas out there. Their journey from stage to boardroom proves that effective communication is less about perfection and more about meaningful connection.

Key Talking Points:

• Why storytelling fails without a clear DNA structure of Dreams, Nightmares and Actions
• How one German executive's team transformed their strategic planning using story-based techniques
• The counter-intuitive insight that trying to impress undermines authentic communication
• Why breath control and presence matter more than words when delivering important messages

Links & Resources:

• The DNA of Engagement book on Amazon
• David's LinkedIn
• Sarah Jane's LinkedIn
• TheStorySpotters.com

Today's Exercise #1: The Change Breath

This simple breathing technique helps reset your energy and focus between important conversations. Taking mindful breaths using your diaphragm creates a mental and physical pause that allows you to transition cleanly from one interaction to the next.

Steps to Apply:

1. Find a quiet moment between meetings or conversations
2. Stand still and focus on your breathing
3. Take 3 deep breaths, feeling your diaphragm expand
4. On each exhale, release tension from the previous interaction
5. Use this as a reset before entering your next conversation

Today's Exercise #2: The String Connection

This visualisation technique helps maintain audience engagement throughout presentations and meetings. It uses the metaphor of a string telephone to ensure your communication remains taut and connected.

Steps to Apply:

1. Imagine a piece of string connecting you to your audience
2. Monitor if that connection feels tight or slack during your communication
3. When you sense the connection loosening, adjust your content or delivery
4. Keep checking the "tightness" of connection throughout your interaction
5. Use this as a gauge for audience engagement and attention

Welcome to Episode 09 with Guro Bakkeng Bergen, VP & GM at Fivetran.

In this episode, we explore how leaders navigate through significant organisational shifts, the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership, and the importance of carefully selecting battles.

Guro, with her rich experience at companies like Oracle, New Relic, and ServiceSource, shares her story of overcoming challenges during periods of drastic change. She highlights how the art of leadership has evolved and shares her insights on how AI and machine learning are creating new avenues in leadership.

Links to the Guest

• Guro Bakkeng Bergan on LinkedIn
• Fivetran

Timestamps

• [00:01:18] About Guro
• [00:02:31] How the role of a leader has changed in the past 18 years
• [00:05:39] Guro's story: A big shift with skewed insights
• [00:21:15] The opportunities AI is bringing to leadership
• [00:27:11] Making tech more representative
• [00:34:42] How Guro picks her fights

Ever wondered what true brave leadership looks like? Wendy Harris, former Goldman Sachs trader turned tech executive, knows it means putting aside personal comfort for the greater good. From transforming underperforming teams into global winners to making tough calls during COVID, she's mastered the delicate balance of driving excellence while staying human.

Named one of Fortune Magazine's most powerful women in business, Wendy scaled revenues to $25M at Gong, grew teams from 30 to 85 at CarGurus, and drove Dropbox's European sales past $100M. But what sets her apart isn't just the numbers – it's her radical commitment to authenticity in leadership, proving that vulnerability and fun aren't at odds with high performance.

Key Talking Points

• The "2-6-2 Rule" of team dynamics: why expecting everyone to like you is a leadership trap
• How one struggling sales team became top global performers by embracing change
• Why redundancies during COVID required both empathy and clear communication
• The "Flamingo Factor" - combining excellence, fun and vulnerability as leadership pillars
• Why Goldman Sachs' pressure cooker environment taught the value of workplace humour

Links & Resources:

• Wendy’s Website
• Wendy’s LinkedIn
• Book Recommendation: Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• Mentioned: Lewis Howes' Podcast

Today's Exercise: The Brave Conversation

This process helps leaders tackle difficult conversations they've been avoiding, combining directness with empathy to achieve better outcomes.

Steps to Apply:

1. Identify one conversation you've been putting off this week
2. Write down the core message that needs to be delivered
3. Focus on addressing behaviours/situations, not attacking the person
4. Deliver the message clearly and directly, with empathy
5. Allow space for the other person's response and perspective
6. Follow up to ensure mutual understanding and next steps

Kritika Singh, Head of Account Development at TWAICE, explores the topic of being vulnerable at work. She shares her personal experience of facing a major life disruption while starting a new role and discusses the value of embracing vulnerability in the workplace. Join us as we delve into how she navigated the challenges, what she brought to work during this time, and the positive impact it had on her professional journey.

Guest Links

• LinkedIn
• The Humble Expat

Resources Mentioned

• Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
• Ed Myllett Show

In the midst of a tech industry recession, startups face the daunting challenge of navigating a world where hiring has come to a standstill. Bowen Moody, the CEO and founder of Wonderway, knows this all too well. His Berlin-based company, dedicated to training salespeople, had to make tough decisions during these trying times. In this episode, we dive deep into Bowen's journey, exploring the choices he made and the strategies he employed to keep his startup afloat.

But it's not just about survival. We'll also discuss the transformative potential of AI for sales leaders and delve into the art of choosing the right learning opportunities for your team. With a focus on ensuring a tangible return on investment, this episode promises to be both enlightening and actionable. So, whether you're a startup founder, a sales leader, or just someone curious about the intersection of tech and business, this episode has something for you. Let's dive in!

Links to the Guest

• Bowen Moody on LinkedIn
• Wonderway

Stay tuned for resources mentioned in the episode. We'll provide Amazon links for easy access and purchase.

Timestamps

• [00:01:14] Bowen's story
• [00:08:07] Bowen's story: Pivoting during a recession
• [00:18:08] The opportunities AI is bringing to sales leaders
• [00:27:49] How to know when your team needs to be upskilled
• [00:30:14] How to measure the ROI of learning

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a struggling tech team into a high-performing engine of growth?

Mike Jones has done it not once, but twice - taking uSwitch from a £5M acquisition to part of a £2B exit, and transforming Love Holidays into a travel powerhouse that sends more people abroad than Heathrow could handle in a month.

But Mike's superpower isn't just technical expertise - it's understanding how structure, communication and culture need to evolve as companies grow. A former ThoughtWorks consultant turned scale-up specialist, he's developed frameworks that help teams transition from scrappy startups to scalable enterprises while keeping their innovative spirit alive.

Key Talking Points

• The three critical pillars for scaling tech teams: organisation structure, business-focused communication, and letting people leave their mark
• How Mike transitioned from explaining technical concepts to business outcomes, leading to better exec team alignment
• Why autonomous, cross-functional teams built around long-lived problems outperform traditional functional structures
• Managing stress through exercise and breathwork while scaling companies

Links & Resources:

• Mike's LinkedIn
• Mike's Blog
• Book Recommendation: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
• Podcast Recommendation: Chris Williamson
• Referenced Tool: Obsidian for note-taking

Today's Exercise: The Leadership Journal

This note-taking system helps leaders stay on top of rapid context switching while extracting meaningful insights from day-to-day work. It combines bullet journaling with scheduled reflection time to turn chaos into clarity.

Steps to Apply:

1. Schedule two daily 5-10 minute meetings with yourself - one to start and one to end the day
2. Use bullet journaling symbols to categorize information (• for tasks, ▲ for delegated items, ○ for events)
3. Review notes at day's end to extract tasks and action items
4. Start each day by reviewing previous notes and intentionally choosing priorities
5. Set aside 30 minutes weekly to synthesize key ideas into a "second brain" system
6. Track evolution of ideas and decisions by maintaining searchable archives

Ever wonder how top sales leaders build genuine relationships that last?

Henry Kayser turned his natural approach to connecting with people into a powerful sales leadership career at tech giants like Zoom and Oracle. His counter-intuitive focus on authentic human connection over metrics has helped him build and lead successful teams across Europe.

From selling phone contracts at university to now managing Commercial Sales teams across multiple regions at Zoom, Henry shares how being yourself "on purpose" is the most powerful sales strategy. Rather than focusing on immediate transactions, he reveals how small, consistent actions build lasting networks that create opportunities naturally over time.

Key Talking Points:

• Why sending three thoughtful messages daily equals 1,000 meaningful connections per year
• The "Dunbar Numbers" framework that explains why some relationships fade after 3 months
• How focusing on intuition over strict metrics led to stronger sales performance
• Why authentic one-way messages without expecting replies build stronger networks
• The counter-intuitive reason that networking becomes easier when you remove the pressure to sell

Links & Resources:

• LinkedIn: Henry Kayser
• Podcast: Modern Sales Wisdom on Spotify and Apple
• Book Recommendation: "Obvious Adams" (1915)
• Tool: Covve Personal CRM

Today's Exercise: The Three Questions Framework

Transform your network by making meaningful connections without expectation of return. This simple daily practice keeps you present in people's minds and builds genuine relationships over time.

Steps to Apply:

1. Choose 3 people to reach out to each day
2. Send a genuine, one-way message (text, voice note, or social)
3. Share a specific thought or memory about them
4. Don't expect or require any response
5. Track connections using a simple system (spreadsheet or CRM)
6. Maintain consistency for at least 90 days

Summary

Welcome to our first episode titled "Disappoint others? Or disappoint yourself." We chat with Carlos Caro, VP of Partnerships at Caribou. In this conversation, Carlos discusses the crucial role disappointment plays in leadership. With his unique background as a former founder and poker player, he brings a fresh perspective on how to deal with challenges in business and life.

In this episode, Carlos shares a personal story of being understaffed and overworked. He opens up about the mistakes he made during this time, and how he found new ways to work smarter, not harder. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into this insightful conversation with Carlos.

Links to the Guest

• Carlos Caro's LinkedIn
• Carlos Caro's Medium Blog

Resources Mentioned

• Thinking In Bets by Annie Duke
• The One Thing by Garry Keller

Timestamps

• [00:01:22] Getting to know Carlos
• [00:02:55] Leadership in big and small companies
• [00:06:27] The strengths of big companies
• [00:09:23] What startups do best
• [00:10:44] Overcoming leadership overwhelm
• [00:14:53] Dealing with disappointment in leadership
• [00:20:57] Advice for new leaders
• [00:24:37] Lessons from the poker table
• [00:31:03] Carlos' reading recommendations

In this episode, I talk to Richard Russell who talks about his first time managerial role amid the cultural and operational transition during Google's acquisition of DoubleClick.

He shares the crucial lessons he learned about adapting to different business models and the need for respecting established processes before driving change. Richard also talks about the importance of being coachable, picking your battles wisely, and executing with commitment.

Guest Links

• LinkedIn

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to Richard Russell

[00:59] Richard's Early Career and Management Aspirations

[01:19] Challenges at Google and DoubleClick

[02:49] Learning to Adapt and Manage

[04:10] Realizations and Managerial Growth

[05:33] The Importance of Metrics and Adaptability

[07:16] Lessons in Leadership and Management

[08:02] Applying Lessons to New Contexts

[10:41] Navigating Company Cultures and Business Models

[11:47] Balancing Product Improvement and Service

[13:16] Navigating Customer Behavior and Organizational Change

[14:12] Developing Leaders in Top Companies

[14:41] The Evolution of Google's Strong Culture

[15:06] Google's Product Philosophy and Market Success

[16:26] Challenges in Adapting Google's Beliefs to New Markets

[17:20] Misconceptions About OKRs and Business Success

[18:23] Preparing First-Time Leaders for Success

[18:58] Personal Reflections on Leadership Transitions

[19:36] The Importance of Incremental Change in Business Strategy

[20:44] Lessons from Amazon and Google on Leadership

[22:44] Executing Well to Learn and Adapt

[25:38] Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders

Dora Nagy is CEO Coach & Advisor, who helps CEOs typically at series A and beyond step up their game in how they lead and execute, using tried-and-tested toolkits, approaches, and frameworks.

In this episode she discusses the impact of feedback on individuals and the manipulation that can be associated with it. She shares personal experiences of receiving unfair evaluations and highlights the importance of seeking feedback with specific examples.

Guest Links

• LinkedIn
• Website

What does it take to get executives to approve fair pay?

Cassidy Williams, the CTO at Contenda, had to do exactly that at a previous job.

Learn how Cassidy used every trick in the book - from "brag docs" to forging alliances - to close an unfair pay gap. She explains the mental shifts she had to make, and what she'd do differently next time.

Cassidy discusses:

• Creating "brag docs" to prove your value
• Managing during hypergrowth
• The calm of profitable “lifestyle” companies versus those backed by venture.
• Her top advice for advocates, leaders, and especially parents in tech

Get the inside scoop on pay equity, company growth stages, parenting policies, and more on this episode with Contenda CTO Cassidy Williams.

Cassidy's links

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Newsletter
• Twitter

In this LFU Podcast episode, Katharina Lueth (CCO & Managing Director at Raisin) discusses the challenges faced during a major project migration. She highlights the importance of over-communicating and supporting team members during high-pressure situations. She also emphasises the need for post-migration cleanup and planning for the weeks following the project. The episode concludes with the idea that teamwork and collaboration are essential for successful project execution.

Guest Links

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠Raisin/ Weltsparen⁠

Summary

Embark on an enriching journey in episode 05 of our podcast as we explore the intricate facets of leadership and project management with our guest, Andrii Dzynia, the Senior Director of Engineering at Talabat and a veteran from giants like Spotify and Candy Crush. Andrii walks us through his experience and insights into dealing with the occasional, yet inevitable, unrealistic expectations from higher-ups, which can lead to a slump in team morale if not handled deftly.

In this enlightening conversation, we delve deep into the importance of self-reflection and the indispensability of strong values for creating a robust and trust-filled bond with your team. The crux? An empowered team that can stand their ground and push back when required, promoting a balanced and productive working atmosphere. Get ready to soak in Andrii's wisdom and let the ripple effect improve your leadership skills!

Links to the Guest

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram

Resources Mentioned

• Steven Covey - Seven habits of highly effective people
• Steven Covey - The 8th Habit
• David Marquet - Turn the Ship Around

Timestamps

• [00:01:05] About Andrii
• [00:04:09] Scaling companies
• [00:05:22] Why corporates aren't built for growth
• [00:07:51] A project that already wasn't going well
• [00:15:40] The importance of taking care of yourself
• [00:21:27] Building effective teams takes trust
• [00:26:06] Questions leaders should be asking themselves
• [00:29:15] Working in small chunks and small increments

What can today's leaders learn from a wartime CMO? Patrick Stal, CMO at Zepz, joins us to share his battle-tested tools for guiding teams through disruption. Having steered marketing at TomTom, Uber, N26, and now Zepz, Patrick unveils his approach to rapid decision making, empathy-driven change, and measuring progress. Learn how this marketing veteran develops a bias for action, the power of product velocity, and why you must "move fast and move on" to lead your team to the next growth curve.

Links

• Patrick's LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned

• Erica Dhawan - Digital Body Language
• How minds change - Dave McRaney
• Intelligence Matters Podcast with Michael Morell

Summary

Welcome to episode 4 of our show, titled "From The Ashes," featuring Sacha Dekker: a Global Learning & Enablement Leader with a career at industry giants like HubSpot, LinkedIn, and Oracle. In an intimate and insightful conversation, we delve into Sacha's life-altering journey of resilience and recovery after waking up paralyzed from a routine operation. A blend of the personal and professional, this episode explores how the worlds of disability and business intersect.

Get ready to be moved by Sacha's powerful story as we discuss the challenges she faced both personally and professionally and how she rose from the ashes to rebuild her life. Gain insights into how the tech industry handles disability, the struggle for authenticity, and the unique experiences of an international professional in an American company. Listen in and learn how you can apply the lessons from Sacha's life to your own.

Links to the guest

• Sacha's keynote
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• JustGiving fundraiser for Beaumont Hospital Foundation

Timestamps

• [00:01:15] Introducing Sacha
• [00:04:47] Working at Shell vs. working in tech
• [00:10:33] Authenticity vs. adapting communication
• [00:16:38] How great feedback helped
• [00:22:19] Experiences with a disability in tech
• [00:29:27] Advocating for people with disabilities in work
• [00:34:22] Building resilience in yourself
• [00:38:52] Helping others become more resilient

Resources mentioned

• Reid Hoffman - Blitzscaling
• Robert Greene - Mastery