The Courageous Leaders Podcast

Sam Garrity is Co-Founder and CEO of RocketMill. In this episode Sam shares how during Covid his company grew 41% which he believes is due to putting his people first, over profit. He explains that by looking through the lens of your people you understand how they see, think and feel and therefore you can align with them making them feel understood and build a stronger culture and sense of unity. He agrees leadership can be terrifying but if you lead as a human you allow people to see you and you are more accepted and received and achieve more effectively together. Over the past decade, Sam has successfully led his team from being a self-funded start-up serving micro-businesses, to being one of the largest independent UK digital marketing agencies, working with ambitious SMEs and global brands. One of the keys to RocketMill's success has been nurturing a famous employer brand, embedding a people-first philosophy, which sees them regularly placed towards the top of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, and recently become an employee-owned company.Topics covered include:Scaling during Covid People over profit Creating culture Leading as a humanGiving safety, security and certainty increases performance Understand what your people needLeadership then and nowFollow 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

Chad Warner is the founder of WeVee and most recently Creative Director at 72 and Sunny.In this episode Chad shares how he believes the better you know yourself as a leader, the better you can serve your team and why vulnerability and transparency are key skills in leadership. He shares openly with his team which allows them to access their truth and increases trust, communication and ultimately performance.We discuss the need to set boundaries and how we create and manage them, why micro achievements are far more freeing and how to bring playfulness and joy to the workplace.  Chad’s one of the most modern, integrated, experienced, awarded, egoless, passionate creatives you’ll meet. He has a deep love for how creativity, strategy, culture and modern media collide to build brands that continually adapt and thrive.He’s been an executive creative at RAPP London, Partner at CHI&Partners (the&Partnership) and Integrated CD at McCann London. He’s won over 200 awards and worked on some incredible projects like Lexus Slide, Xbox Survival Billboard and L’Oréal’s Vogue Non-Issue.Chad even raised over £2 million to start a new brand focused on helping everyone switch to electric cars – just so he could go through the process of building a business from the ground-up. All with the aim of eventually returning to agency life with a deeper understanding of how to help agencies, creatives and clients navigate every layer of brand building and advertising today.Topics covered include:Human leadership Vulnerability TransparencySetting and managing boundaries Why creatives will always give more How to resourcefully share your fears and pressures Knowing your strengths and weaknessesThe value in getting a mentorShared ownership - you are not the glory Joy and playfulness in the workplace 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

Jessica is Managing Partner and co-founder of CreateFuture. In this episode Jessica shares more on how leaders come in all shapes, sizes and flavours and considers herself an introverted leader. Her passion was to build her own company as it allowed her to live out her values and build a culture she wanted to be a part of. She explains that culture takes focus, energy and effort especially in a scaling company and how leadership is all about consistency, sometimes boring but necessary. Her most courageous moment was taking some time out of the business and she explains courage doesn't have to mean impulsive and big, courage can mean different things. CreateFuture is an innovation & design company that puts creativity to work, driving sustainable growth through brand, proposition and experience design. Based in the UK, they work with international brands such as adidas, Expedia, and Penguin Random House.Jessica has successfully run multi-million pound digital and technology projects, accounts and agencies during her 20-year career. She co-chairs the BIMA Scotland Council and actively supports the wider digital community including Girl Geek Scotland, Ladies Wine Design and Agencynomics. Jessica is active and passionate in the building of happy, healthy teams in the creative industry and the empowerment of women to believe in themselves.She also loves Nike trainers, Michelin star meals in glamorous locations and her cat Missy.Topics covered include:Values Creating a culture your proud ofResponsibility People over profitSetting boundariesCalculated risksScaling a companyBurnoutAccepting when people dont fit and how to move forward Holycratic systemsAccountability Clarity Protecting your team Personal development plans for your team 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

Neil Davidson is the CEO of HeyHuman and HeyLab.In this episode Neil shares more on how he believes courage is pushing yourself and others to a place that’s better for both. We chat about taking risks, being brave and setting a believable vision that you give a realistic timeframe to. Neil is also passionate about reskilling his team and investing in education and training to show that they matter, as he believes this is the heart and core of leadership. HeyHuman was launched in 2014, believing that the relationships between people and brands had changed, and so brands and agencies had to as well.Since 2014, HeyHuman has won awards such as Business Transformation Agency (The Drum), Gold at the Campaign Experience awards, and a finalist for CEO of the Year (The Drum). It has also grown its work with creatively driven brands such as Guinness and Smirnoff globally.Previously, Neil has led, launched and re-positioned advertising agencies in the UK and Europe. He has an MA in Creative Writing and recently completed an MBA at Warwick Business School.Topics covered include:Remembering your rootsCaring about peopleLearning from bad examples, as well as good Setting a future visionGiving change the right time frame Being braveReskilling your team Knowing yourself Finding the fun in your work 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

Metz Bryan-Fasano is the Co-Founder and Production lead at theOr (Part of the Mother family). In this episode Metz shares how she discovered the courage to stand up for what she believed in and how one bold move created her next opportunity. Metz believes strongly in transparency and vulnerability as a leader using emotional intelligence to influence the creative process and connect with people to make the best work possible. We also talk about why it’s important to find your voice, back yourself, keep listening and learning and enjoy life! So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.Metz has worked at award-winning agencies including adam&eveDDB and McCann London, and most recently at BBC Creative where she was responsible for establishing processes and building their Project Management department.Topics covered include:Showing vulnerabilityLeading by exampleTaking risks & trusting yourself Standing up for what you believe in Making bold moves The importance of open mindednessNot having all the answersConnecting to your team to get results Leadership is a two-way street - you can learn from your team The importance of listeningFinding your voice 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

AJ is Head of Marketing at Klarna UK and one of Campaigns Power 100.In this episode AJ shares how It takes courage to step out and away from the 'norm' of the 'old' 'usual' way of doing things and trust yourself to disrupt for future success.How you need to identify and understand what your contribution is and be okay that you won't know it all but trust that you bring value. By being confident in the value you bring this will remove the fear and anxiety that comes from fear of failure.How to use the ‘Human First’ approach to build relationships, connections and be comfortable in your own skin.So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.Prior to his current role, AJ led marketing for The Lion's Share (United Nations Development Program) and was instrumental in both its creation and success, helping secure: Gucci, Mars Inc, Cartier, and other partners.AJ has also held senior roles in creative agencies across BBDO, McCann and Ogilvy, most recently as General Manager at BBDO Australia where he led the Mars business. His experience spans through FinTech, FMCG, Music, Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Fashion. Topics covered include:Listening & trusting your gut instinctHow to gain clarity of thoughtWhy it’s courageous to step out from the ‘norm’ Understanding your contributionSelf-beliefFinding a mission bigger than you Human first leadershipDifficult conversationsGiving your team autonomy How to build relationships to inspire risk and creativity Being accountable Learning from mistakes Follow Joanna HowesLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/The Change Creators - https://thechangecreators.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

In this episode Nicky shares how she navigated her way through imposter syndrome to become one of the most successful creative leaders in her industry.  How becoming a mum changed her perspective for drive and success.We also explore how creative people have all the skills to run businesses yet there are not many taking on this role and what could be stopping this.So many insights and wisdom on being a leader and what you can access when you step into your courageous zone.Nicky was the first creative woman to become chair of a UK marketing agency, that being the multi award-winning MRM in London, and has just been promoted to Chair of MRM Europe. Creatively recognized across nearly all the major shows, Nicky thinks she’s probably worked across every media and sector - but direct and digital are where her heart lies. She’s been writing professionally for 30 years and despite running a huge operation, she also keeps her hand in writing and ideating as often as she can. She is a fierce champion of the customer and believes insight is all. She is also hugely passionate about effectiveness - it’s only great work if it works.Nicky says that the campaign of her career is the one we’re all living right now, the campaign for equality.Topics covered include:Imposter SyndromeWhy it’s good to speak out when things don’t feel right Why leaders to think about the long gameMaking tough decisionsCreating the right environment for courageous action How we all feel fear whatever our level How ridiculous can be genius and to nurture that in the workplaceUnderstanding human beingsWhy it doesn't matter if you have a degree or notFinding your motivation Finding your sunshine to grow authentically and fully Why comparing yourself to yourself is where true growth lies Follow Joanna HowesLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/The Change Creators - https://thechangecreators.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

The Courageous Leaders Club podcast aims to inspire leaders to step into their courageous zone, be the leader they know they can be and discover the mindset skills and behaviours to take their leadership to the next level. So listen in, get inspired on how you can grow your leadership impact. Leave a legacy you can be proud of, and build an environment for future leaders to thrive.The Courageous Leaders Club podcast is hosted by Joanna Howes.Who is Joanna Howes? Joanna Howes is an award-winning international coach, behavioural expert, specialising in leadership and performance coaching and No 1 best selling international co-author. Her focus is to help individuals and teams activate their full potential, so they can step into their courageous zone to maximise their influence, build their resilience and take the action needed to become high performers and future-ready leaders. Joanna is a unique phenomenon within her industry, with over 20 years’ experience working internationally with some of the world's most awarded advertising agencies and leading them to operational and leadership success. Her blend of both innovative operational and transformative change solutions empowers organisations to create environments that are supportive and fearless for their employees.Follow Joanna HowesLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/The Change Creators - https://thechangecreators.com/#changecreators #thecourageousleadersclub #courageousleaders #courageousconversations #leadasyou #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoach #businessgrowth #businessowner #positiveimpact #creativeindustry #creativeleader #businesssuccess #scaleup #startup #CEO #activateyourpotential #growthmindset #businesscoach #performancecoach #operationalexcellence #highperformingteam #peoplefirstculture #futurefitleaders #compassionateleader #leadfromwithin 👍 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