The Black Belt in Leadership

What makes a leader truly strategic? And why do so many organisations confuse strategy with planning, tactics or endless PowerPoint decks?In this episode of the Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak sits down with strategist, coach and facilitator Charlie Curson, whose new book Be More Strategic breaks down strategic thinking into practical, human skills.Charlie has worked with leaders across more than thirty industries, including Microsoft, Unilever, Volkswagen Group, Experian and Barclays. Together we explore what great strategists actually do differently and how leaders at any level can build stronger strategic habits.You will learn:- The real difference between strategy, planning and tactics- Why self-awareness is the foundation of strategic thinking- How to “see around corners” by reading signals and widening your perspective- How assumptions quietly sabotage decision-making- Why creativity is essential for modern strategy- How to make bold decisions without perfect information- Simple daily practices to become more strategic in work and lifeCharlie also shares practical tools like pre-mortems, scenario thinking and decision rules that help leaders stay calm, focused and adaptive in uncertainty. Aslak brings lessons from martial arts on preparation, presence and clarity to show how strategy becomes a mindset.If you want strategy to be clear, human and actionable, this episode is for you.LinksBe More Strategic (book): https://www.teammandarin.com/be-more-strategic-bookTeam Mandarin (Charlie’s company): https://www.teammandarin.comThe Black Belt in Leadership: https://theblackbeltinleadership.comCharlie Curson, Strategic Advisor, Leadership Coach, Author of Be More StrategicCharlie Curson is a globally experienced strategist, advisor and accredited leadership coach with more than twenty-five years of experience helping leaders, teams and organisations think and act more strategically. He has worked with over 250 organisations across more than thirty industries, including Microsoft, Unilever, L’Oréal, Volkswagen Group, Experian and Barclays.Charlie specialises in making strategy practical, human and accessible. His work blends cutting-edge theory with real-world application, helping leaders develop strategic clarity, challenge assumptions, improve decision-making and build long-term impact. He is known for his ability to simplify complex problems, facilitate high-stakes conversations and guide leaders toward more intentional, future-focused thinking.His new book, Be More Strategic, breaks the mystery of strategy into twelve essential practices and introduces a powerful development framework that anyone can learn. It teaches leaders how to deepen self-awareness, cultivate open-mindedness, develop strategic capabilities and scale their impact at work and in life.Charlie is the founder of Team Mandarin, where he advises global organisations, facilitates leadership development programmes and coaches executives to become more conscious, creative and effective strategic thinkers.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

Josh Kosnick, entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of The Kairos CodeWhat does a true leader do when everything falls apart? In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva talks with Josh Kosnick, entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of The Kairos Code, about transforming adversity into purpose-driven leadership.Josh shares how losing his company became the foundation for a more meaningful life. He explains how to lead with humility, build resilient cultures, and live in Kairos time—a state of presence where purpose and clarity replace stress and constant urgency.You will learn:How slowing down can accelerate your growth as a leaderThe difference between chronos and kairos time and why it matters for successThe five bridges that define lasting fulfillment and balanced leadershipHow to rebuild trust, culture, and focus after professional lossWhy your daily actions define your legacy more than any title ever willAt the end of the episode, Josh introduces his free Life Quotient Assessment, a practical tool to measure balance and fulfillment across five key areas of life.Take the assessment here: www.joshkosnick.comA must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking greater resilience, clarity, and purpose in life and business.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

What does it take to live your truth and lead with authenticity?In this inspiring episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva speaks with Shermain Melton, executive coach, international speaker, and host of Courage to Impact. Born with only a 10 percent chance to live, Shermain rose from poverty to become a self-made millionaire before 30. Later, he walked away from a successful technology career to help others lead with courage and confidence.Together they explore:- How to stop hiding and show up as your full self- The truth about authentic leadership and emotional courage- Why love and vulnerability are strengths in leadership- How to build trust and empower your team- Why courage is a daily practice that can be trained like a muscleThis episode is a masterclass in self-leadership, truth, and transformation. Learn how to move past fear, build real confidence, and live with purpose.Listen now to The Black Belt in Leadership and start unlocking your own courage to lead.Bio:Shermain Melton is an executive coach, international speaker, and truth-teller who helps leaders step into their authenticity with courage and confidence. Born with only a 10 percent chance to live, he rose from poverty to become a self-made, debt-free millionaire before the age of 30. After walking away from a successful technology career during the pandemic, Shermain dedicated his life to helping others live and lead with courage.A certified Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through iPEC, Shermain works with executives, entrepreneurs, and high achievers who are ready to stop hiding and start living their truth. He hosts the Courage to Impact podcast and is on a mission to end loneliness by creating spaces where people can belong, be seen, and lead with love.Website: www.shermainmelton.comTo learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

Can short breaks really make you a better leader?In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva talks with Amel Gaily, CEO and Partner of Cuckoo, about how microbreaks, recovery, and well-being culture can boost leadership performance and team focus.Amel shares lessons from her journey from high-pressure finance and reality TV (The Apprentice Finland) to leading a well-being tech company that helps thousands of professionals perform better through smarter breaks.You’ll learn:- How microbreaks improve focus, creativity, and energy.- Why culture often blocks recovery and what leaders can do about it.- How to build daily systems for sustainable performance.- Why team breaks build trust and engagement.- Leadership lessons from cycling 1,200 km from Helsinki to Paris.“The more tired people are, the simpler things should be.” – Amel GailyIf you want to perform better without burning out, this conversation will change how you think about focus, structure, and recovery at work.Amel Gaily, CEO & Partner of Cuckoo. She has built her career in high-performance arenas from the banking world to early-stage investing, from advising contestants on The Apprentice Finland to leading a wellbeing tech company and multiple board of directors positions.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva interviews U.S. Army Officer, leadership expert, and author Tim Staton, who wrote the book Life Skills You Didn’t Know You Needed.Tim shares leadership lessons from his military career and global experience, focusing on five essential life skills for leaders:- Building a positive and growth mindset to overcome setbacks- Using critical thinking and higher-order skills for better decisions- Strengthening emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills- Developing a community-focused mindset that drives service and impact- Practicing the ethical and appropriate use of technologyListeners will hear how resilience, communication, and daily habits shape long-term success. Tim explains why leaders need to move from manipulation to inspiration and how confidence is built by keeping promises to yourself.If you want leadership skills that apply at work, at home, and in your community, this conversation will give you practical tools you can start using today.Learn more about Tim Staton and his book: timstatintheobvious.comTo learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva sits down with Lama Somananda Tantrapa — Tibetan lama, 27th-generation lineage holder of Qi Dao (Tibetan Shamanic Qigong), founder of the Academy of Qi Dao, and visionary behind the World Resilience Summit.Lama Tantrapa shares how resilience is not about merely “bouncing back,” but about bouncing forward—growing stronger through setbacks, just like advancing through the tougher levels of martial arts training. Together, we explore:What embodied resilience really means for leadersHow to train resilience the same way we train body and mindThe role of presence and awareness in navigating challengesWhy spiritual development belongs alongside physical and mental trainingPractical ways leaders can expand their comfort zone and lead by exampleThis episode blends martial arts wisdom, spiritual insight, and leadership practice into powerful lessons for leaders who want to thrive in uncertainty.👉 Learn more about Lama Tantrapa’s work at tantrapa.com and the World Resilience SummitLama Tantrapa, Tibetan Lama, 27th Generation Lineage Holder of Qi Dao (Tibetan Shamanic Qigong).With more than three decades of experience in martial arts, energy work, and coaching, he has devoted his life to teaching resilience, presence, and the art of being in the flow.He is the founder of the Academy of Qi Dao, the world’s first school of Qigong Coaching, and the visionary behind the World Resilience Summit and the Resilience Centre. Lama Tantrapa has taught thousands of students worldwide, helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities cultivate embodied resilience and integrate spiritual growth with physical and mental training

Stoyan Yankov is a productivity and performance coach, bestselling author, podcast host, and keynote speaker who helps organizations build high-performance cultures and boost productivity. With experience working with over 550 companies worldwide, including Coca-Cola and HP, he delivers practical strategies and engaging presentations. As the host of the Productivity Mastery podcast, Stoyan shares insights from top global leaders, combining strategic storytelling with actionable tools to inspire success.In this energizing episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva sits down with Stoyan Yankov – productivity coach, keynote speaker, host of the Productivity Mastery podcast, and author of two books on performance and productivity.From growing up in a small town in Bulgaria and chasing a finance dream, to producing award-winning films, and eventually transforming lives through leadership coaching, Stoyan’s journey is a powerful story of purpose, resilience, and reinvention.Together, they explore:How to build a strong team culture using the PERFORM methodologyWhy leadership is like gardening, and productivity like filmmakingHow dishwashing and keynote speaking can coexistWhy being vulnerable as a leader must come from a place of strengthPractical tools for building resilient, high-performing teamsThis episode is packed with honest stories, laughter, and leadership tools you can use today.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

Stefan Gogoll is a German tech entrepreneur, visionary leader, and former professional athlete with over 25 years of experience driving software innovation and AI adoption. As the founder of andagon Holding and the creator of aqua cloud, his companies has played a role in modernizing QA, compliance, and test management strategies for global clients such as Google, IBM, and Deutsche Telekom.In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host and leadership strategist Aslak de Silva talks with Stefan Gogoll, a former professional cyclist who transformed his career to become a leading tech entrepreneur. Stefan is the founder of andagon Holding and the creator of aqua cloud, a quality assurance and compliance platform used by global companies such as Google, IBM, and Deutsche Telekom.But this conversation is not about code or corporate strategy. It is about identity, personal transformation, and the discipline it takes to start again.Stefan shares his journey from national-level athlete to founder of seven companies. He opens up about what it felt like to walk away from the sport he dedicated his life to, how he found purpose in the business world, and why pushing too hard can sometimes backfire in leadership.In this episode, you will learn:- What Stefan learned from elite cycling that still guides him today- Why letting go of overachieving helped him grow as a leader- How to lead high-performing teams that stay for decades- The difference between physical and emotional endurance- How meditation, deep focus, and “thinking time” shape his day- What it means to fight for something beyond winningThis is a powerful story about resilience, leadership, and evolving with purpose. If you are a founder, athlete, or leader in any field, Stefan’s insights will challenge and inspire you.Tune in and discover what it really takes to unlock the black belt in leadership.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, leadership coach and focus expert Katie Stoddart shares practical strategies for improving focus, boosting productivity, and leading with clarity. As the founder of The Focus Bee and author of The Magic of Focus, Katie outlines her three pillars of focus: short-term, long-term, and selective. She explains how they help leaders perform at their best.We explore the connection between focus and flow, why energy management beats time management, and how resilient leadership builds high-performing teams. Katie also shares real-world coaching examples from working with CEOs and entrepreneurs, showing how focused leadership drives results, improves culture, and reduces burnout.If you're a CEO, founder, or executive looking to improve mental clarity, lead with more intention and presence, and build a sustainable path to success, this episode is a must-listen.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak sits down with Glenn Mathijssen, CEO and co-founder of Alberts, the world’s first smoothie-making food robotics company. From building a wooden prototype to scaling operations across six countries, Glenn shares how he’s blended vision, discipline, and patience to lead through the toughest rounds of entrepreneurship. This conversation explores how martial arts principles, like focus, resilience, and adaptability, can guide leaders through setbacks, pivots, and high-pressure moments. Whether you're building hardware, leading a team, or facing your own round of challenges.Glenn Mathijssen is the CEO and co-founder of Alberts, the world’s first smoothie-making food robotics company. With a PhD in robotics and a deep passion for turning ideas into real-world impact, Glenn has led Alberts from a wooden prototype to commercial operations across six countries. His journey blends engineering precision, entrepreneurial grit, and a relentless focus on creating healthier, smarter food solutions.To learn more, visit:https://www.selflystore.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/