The Courageous Leaders Podcast

Episode 27 of series 4 is now LIVE and I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Suki Thompson, Founder and CEO of Let’s Reset. Tune in now to hear us chat about resilience and performance in the workplace, and how wellbeing at work leads to increased energy and improved performance.Suki speaks inspiringly about how she has overcome cancer seven times, and the impact that has had on her as a person and a leader.Key takeaways include:How we get wellbeing and performance in the workplaceWhy leadership now means not doing it on your ownThe problem with Mental Health First AidersFollow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Kerry’s communications industry career spans three decades and she is one of the industry’s most prominent figures. Her career includes spells at JWT, WCRS, Limbo (BBH) and Kendall Tarrant (now The Talent Business). She joined AAR as Commercial Director in 1999, was promoted to Managing Director in 2000, and CEO in 2006, and has recently moved to the role of Executive Chair of AAR.In this episode, Kerry talks about the importance of the generosity of spirit that comes with leadership, and how a concept of the economy of generosity has helped her throughout her career. She also speaks beautifully about how moments of catastrophe can lead to some of the greatest gifts in your life, and how to deal with bullying cultures in the workplace.Key takeaways include:Why you need to be comfortable with hiring people who are better than youThe importance of building relationships with no expectationThe power of kindness in businessHow to deal with cultures of bullyingWhy being a good leader and a nice person are not incompatibleUseful links:Follow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Shaun leads Iris’ creative output from London, across the local and global client base and is ranked by Business Insider in the top 10 most creative people in advertising worldwide. He has produced world-renowned campaigns like Adidas, Jeep, VW, Samsung, Delta, Mini, Domino's, Guiness, Pizza Hut and Haven; and has collected over 300 industry awards along the way, across all major competitions and disciplines!In this episode Shaun shares so many motivational moments of wisdom and talks about the importance of looking for opportunities over obstacles, to be able to solve problems creatively.Key takeaways include:The need to be willing to held accountable for difficult decisionsHow courageous leadership can be driven by a fear of being mediocreHow you can make difficult decisions more easilyThe role of empathy in growth mindsetWhy stress isn’t always negativeHow the awards culture in the creative industry can be damagingHow to lead as your true selfWhy being courageously curious is a must in modern leadershipThe importance of being able to give and receive feedback positivelyWhy you should always choose happinessUseful links:Follow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Anna led Analog Folk in accelerating and developing effective digital strategies for brands; and they were recognised by Contagious Pioneers as one of the best and bravest agencies of 2022 - what an accolade to have!In this episode we chat about the future of leadership and what is required for that vision to happen; as well as the incredible work that Anna has been involved in around helping women in leadership to self promote themselves with impact.Key takeaways include:Why we all need to take brave leapsHow to learn important leadership lessons, much quickerHow to create a culture that de-risks, risk takingThe importance of showing humility as a leaderHow feminine and masculine energy show up in leadershipWhy the future of leadership needs more feminine energyA new tool that helps women speak with confidenceWhy you need to show compassion to yourselfWhy you should spend time on supercharging your strengthsUseful links:Follow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Over the last few decades Harjot has held senior regional and global strategy leadership roles in Europe, UK, North America, China and Asia. He joined McCann New York in 2011, and prior to being named global CSO of McCann, he served as CSO McCann EMEA, leading it to be the number one most creatively effective Agency Network for five years! This led to the 2020 CSO of the year for Campaign.This is such a feel-good episode, and you are guaranteed to come away feeling better! Harjot speaks beautifully about how he learned what it was like to not be friends with his inner voice, the importance of gratitude and starting with thanks and why we need to stop protecting the myth that we have it all together.Key takeaways include:How the absence of fear creates courageHow to stop self-sabotagingWhy it’s ok to change the label you are givenWhy feedback isn’t always factThe importance of gratitude and starting with thanksHow you can Marie Kondo your life and your leadershipThe lessons from the pandemic that we need to take forward in our leadershipUseful links:Follow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Steve Bell is the Global CEO of IrisSteve oversees Iris’ 17 offices and 1,000 employees within the network. In the 25 years that he has worked in the marketing and communications industry, he has worked with some of the most innovative, ambitious and creatively driven businesses in the automotive, sports, FMCG, beer, retail spirits, and Telco sectors.In this episode ‘The truth behind building a culture that works globally’, Steve shares so much wisdom that you will find helpful. He talks openly and honestly about the lessons he has learned throughout his career, and in particular, from setting up Iris to achieve the success it has today.Key takeaways include:the value of bringing your authentic selfthe difference between leadership and managementhow Iris created clear lines of responsibilityhow to evolve a culture in global organisationthe need to feel good about what you’re doing as a leaderhow to value your time, to be an effective leaderknowing when to lead from the front and when to step backhow to make board meetings more effectivethe parallel between sport and businessFollow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators: website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Laura Jordan Bambach is the President and Chief Creative Officer at GreyIn this episode Laura talks about how to have difficult conversations as a leader, and the importance of working as a collective, and not doing it all on your own.She also shares her I Am Enough challenge, that she does daily to help her focus on the good, and all that she has achieved.Laura has enhanced the advertising industry through her fresh pioneering spirit, combining technical skill with her innate human understanding and passion for storytelling.She is also part of the OKO community, where mentors and mentees are supported to find their path to success. To find out more about how OKO can support your business, check out their website: Weareoko.comShe is recognised globally as an innovator and industry leader, has been twice named one of Britain's most influential people with a Debrett's 500 annual list, and was recognised as Individual of the Year at the Dadi awards.Laura is also honoured in campaign UK female frontier awards for championing change. And as a true champion of diversity, Laura is co-founder of The Great British Diversity Experiment, and co-founder of SheSays, the world famous volunteer network that works to encourage more women into the creative industry.In a nutshell - you want to listen to this episode, learn from her insights, and be inspired by her energy!Topics Covered Include:The value of having difficult conversationsHow we’re all set at a dialWe’re not here by accidentThe ‘I am enough’ challengeYou don’t have to do it on your own, we are a collectiveFollow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators: website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Brie Stewart is a Creative Director, formerly at Wunderman ThompsonIn this episode Brie talks openly about her experience with high functioning depression, the importance of talking about it, and the support she received from the industry when she did.She also shares how she became a better leader by no longer trying to be a hero, unlearning past behaviours and saying no.Brie is an award winning Creative Director with over 13 years experience including working at esteemed Public Relations Agency Edelman, and the advertising agencies Ogilvy, Clemenger BBDO, and most recently Wunderman Thompson.This episode is filled with so much wisdom, insights and important messages, and really is a must listen for all creative leaders.Topics covered include: How to be comfortable with not being perfectThe courage to say “I’m not ok”Being busy is not a badge of honourThere is a ‘no’ in every ‘yes’The courage to be dislikedFollow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators: website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Nils Leonard is Founder of Uncommon Creative StudioIn this episode  Nils shares his wealth of experience and some powerful insights into how to remove fear from your leadership.He also talks candidly about why we need to differentiate between being in a client services business and the creativity business, the importance of having a view of the world, to really create impact and make your work matter and why you need to let go of the need to be dependent on other people to achieve your dreams.Just in case there is anyone out there who doesn’t know who Nils is, he is the Co-Founder of the fastest growing startup in advertising history, Uncommon Creative Studio.He also spent time as Chief Creative Officer of Grey LDN, where he oversaw the most profitable and awarded years in the agency’s 52 years history and became one of the youngest agency chairmen in the world leading its brands globally and locally.He was voted into the Ad Age creativity 50 and named the most creative person in advertising globally by Business insider, is on the advisory group for the Royal Academy, and is listed as one of Sunday Times 500 Most Influential People in the UK.Topics covered include: Embracing changeConverting frustration into successThe importance of convictionThe courage to be your authentic selfNeed for changeStanding by your valuesHow being open about company standards provides clarity of expectationsFollow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators: website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54

Luke D'Arcy is the EMEA Growth Officer at Momentum WorldwideIn this episode Luke gives us an insight into how he felt being in a room with Astronauts and Generals who have served in Afghanistan and yet all had the same fears and beliefs about being good enough and what a humbling experience this was.Luke shares that the minute you think you have nailed it as a leader you are at a loss. He explains that you can’t know all the answers. We are human beings and a lot of people forget that. Luke explains that accepting that leadership is not about one’s self, is a valuable lesson he has learnt and one that continues to shape him and his leadership style. Luke runs Momentum UK, the most awarded global experiential advertising agency in the world, working for clients such as American Express, Microsoft, SAP and Samsung.Under Luke’s guidance, in 2020, Momentum UK won The Drum’s Marketing Agency of the Year and Creativepool’s Best Agency to Work for. Previously, the agency has won 18 x Cannes Lions amongst many other awards.Named one of their Global Agency Innovators of the Year by Internationalist Magazine, Luke is also a Harvard Business School Alumni, has worked across numerous global networks and independents and is a Trustee of military charity Walking With The Wounded.Topics Covered include:Setting clear standards and valuesEmbracing courageIt's ok to not know the answerEmbracing your weaknessesThe role of perspectiveHow to empower your team The power of trusting your gut instinctwebsite: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/LIVE LONDON EVENT: https://www.thecourageousleaderclub.com/👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ 🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54