We are thrilled to introduce this week's guest, Stephen M.R. Covey, a visionary leader in the fields of trust, leadership, ethics, and collaboration. With a distinguished career and a passion for empowering individuals and organisations, Stephen Covey has left an indelible mark on the world of business and leadership.Stephen is not only a co-founder of CoveyLink but also the driving force behind the FranklinCovey Global Trust Practice. As a sought-after and captivating keynote speaker and advisor, he shares his wisdom on trust-related topics with audiences worldwide.At the heart of his acclaim is his groundbreaking book, "The Speed of Trust," which defies conventional wisdom by demonstrating that trust is a powerful economic driver rather than a mere social virtue. This New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller has been translated into 22 languages and has sold over 2 million copies globally, cementing Stephen's status as a thought leader in trust-building.His most recent work, the Wall Street Journal bestseller "Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others," challenges the status quo of leadership. In a world where many still operate under the "Command & Control" model, Stephen advocates for a paradigm shift towards "Trust & Inspire." This approach empowers leaders to unlock the full potential of their teams, fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, contribution, and inclusion. The result is a level of belonging, collaboration, and innovation that traditional models can't match.Stephen Covey firmly believes that trust is the new currency of our world, and he is dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with the skills to cultivate, extend, and restore trust with all stakeholders. His tangible, practical approach to trust resonates deeply with audiences and organisations alike.As a former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, Stephen's impressive track record includes transforming the company into the world's largest leadership development organization. He spearheaded the strategic expansion of his father's iconic book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," solidifying its place as one of the most influential business books of the 20th Century.Stephen, a Harvard MBA, began his journey with Covey Leadership Center as a Client Developer, eventually becoming National Sales Manager and then President & CEO. Under his leadership, the company achieved remarkable milestones, including Inc. 500 status, nearly doubling revenues while increasing profits by 12 times, and expanding into over 40 countries. Stephen's strategic vision increased shareholder value by an astounding 67 times during a merger with FranklinQuest, resulting in the formation of FranklinCovey.Throughout his career, Stephen has earned the respect and influence of executives and leaders from Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, and public sector organizations. His unique perspective, grounded in practical experience as a former CEO, makes him a trusted advisor on real-world organisational challenges.We look forward to delving into Stephen Covey's insights and expertise in our upcoming interview. Stay tuned for an enriching discussion on trust, leadership, and the path to inspiring greatness in others.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL General David Richards led operations in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. He is probably best known for his command in Sierra Leone in 2000 when he interpreted his orders creatively to achieve more than was at first thought possible, ensuring the ultimate defeat of the RUF rebels and the avoidance of much bloodshed in the capital Freetown. He went on to command NATO forces in Afghanistan during the Alliance’s expansion of responsibility across the whole country. Having first commanded the British Army, in 2010 he became Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of Britain’s armed forces and their strategic commander as well as the Prime Minister’s military adviser and a member of the National Security Council. His UK operational awards include a Mention in Despatches, Commander of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Order and Knight Commander of the Bath; the first officer to receive an operational knighthood since World War 2. In 2011 he received the annual Churchillian Award for leadership. He retired in July 2013. David was created Baron Richards of Herstmonceux in February 2014 and now sits as a cross-bencher in the House of Lords. Amongst other appointments he is a visiting Professor of Exeter University and an Honorary Fellow of both King’s College London and Cardiff University. Until recently he was Executive Chairman of Equilibrium Global the geo-strategic advisory company. He is actively involved with a number of charities, especially the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League of which he is the Grand President. A keen sailor he is a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Royal Cruising Club and the Royal Artillery Yacht Club. His autobiography Taking Command was published in October 2014. His second book, on the death of Grand Strategy, is due to be published in June 2024. He lectures extensively on strategy and leadership. Interviewed for Desert Island Discs in 2014 David received widespread praise for saying: “I see myself as a moral soldier. I do not associate the military with wars and bloodshed in the narrow sense. I associate the military with doing good, bringing down tyrants, with releasing people's ambitions for their children." It neatly sums up the moral code he sought to apply to his time as a professional soldier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Allera: CEO - EE and Consumer Division at BT GroupAs head of three of the UK’s leading communications brands – EE, BT and Plusnet – Marc runs the largest subscription business in the UK, with 25 million subscribers on the UK’s best and biggest mobile and fibre networks generating more than half a billion visits to its apps and websites every year.Under Marc’s leadership, EE is on a journey to becoming the most personal, customer-focused brand in the country. New EE is doing more: offering much more besides the connectivity it's known for by bringing customers new products and services in partnership with some of the world's biggest and best brands, from gaming to security.Marc believes a more personal business should reflect the customers it serves, with people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, religions, ethnicities, and experiences across the UK. Empowering people through technology is at the top of Marc's agenda, too: having been first to launch 5G in the UK with EE, Marc is now driving the rollout of next-gen networks with an ambition to cover anywhere in the UK with 5G by 2028.Customer experience is also crucial: EE has been independently named the UK's best network for 10 years in a row, while Marc has steered both EE and BT to their highest-ever NPS results, with complaints at an all-time low.Previously, Marc was a driving force behind Three’s growth from start-up to major player in mobile. Prior to that, he was General Manager of Sega UK. He sits on the Corporate Partnerships Board at Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.Marc's top leadership tip:"Don't think about your hierarchical structure as a typical pyramid. Turn it upside down. Me and my leadership team are there to serve our 25m customers, and our colleagues in the business. And that's how we try and behave, how we try and spend our time – the most important people in our business are those who speak to customers directly, whether that's in our stores or contact centres. That's a really important mindset that I've tried to get myself and our teams into. We are in service of our colleagues and customers. Forget the 'pyramid'."Socials:Twitter and Instagram:@marcallera@EELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-allera-b61754/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Smith, OAM, OLY: Inspiring Leader and Champion of InclusivityJessica Smith stands as a beacon of resilience, inspiration, and impactful change. An Australian Paralympian swimmer who competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Jessica has transformed her athletic achievements into a powerful platform for advocacy and empowerment.Background and Achievements:Australian Paralympian: Competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.Motivational Speaker & Published Author: Renowned for her dynamic speaking skills and insightful children's books.Co-founder: Instrumental in establishing a company focusing on inclusive talent management.Accolades: 2017 Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year Game Changer, Australian Government Positive Body Image Award Emerging Leader, and recipient of the Pride of Australia Medal.Disability Inclusion Consultant:As a global consultant, Jessica is dedicated to enhancing disability inclusion across various sectors.Her work spans public speaking, writing, and leveraging social media to foster discussions on diversity and accessibility.Personal Journey:Overcoming physical challenges: Born without her left arm and surviving a severe burn accident at a young age.Sporting success: Represented Australia in swimming for seven years, leading to her Paralympic journey.Battled and overcame personal struggles with depression and eating disorders in her 20s.Advocacy and Impact:Post-retirement, Jessica emerged as a vocal advocate for positive body image, diversity, inclusion, and disability awareness.Educational qualifications: BSc. Population Health from the University of Wollongong and executive studies in Gender Diversity at INSEAD.Speaking Engagements:Featured at schools, universities, corporations, community organizations, and international platforms like the UN.Focuses on sharing her experiences and insights on diversity, inclusion, and equality.Awards and Honors:Recognized for her advocacy work with numerous awards, including a Pride of Australia Medal, ‘Emerging Leader’ by the Australian Government, and the ‘Woman of The Year’ by Cosmopolitan Magazine.Honored with the ‘Medal of the Order of Australia’ for her community roles and dedication to sport.State finalist for ‘Young Australian of The Year’ in 2015.Literary Contributions:Authored the children’s book series ‘Just Jessica’, inspired by her journey into motherhood and the need for resources on disability and acceptance.Current Endeavors:Relocated to Dubai, working as a speaker and advisor on diversity and inclusion.Jessica Smith’s life story is not just about overcoming adversity but about harnessing those experiences to inspire, educate, and make a tangible difference in the world. Her journey from a Paralympic swimmer to a global advocate for inclusivity is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of visionary leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FAISAL AL NUAIMI Faisal Al Nuaimi is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience and more than 19 years in senior roles across prominent public and private sector organisations in the UAE. Faisal is currently General Manager at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and prior to joining the turbo- powered team at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Faisal was General Manager of Qasr Al Watan, dubbed the Presidential Palace IN Abu Dhabi. Faisal has held various leadership roles in the UAE, as the former CEO of Marsa Properties, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Ajman Free Zone and Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department.SHEIKHA SAREH AMERISheikha Sareh Ameri's diverse experiences have fuelled her commitment to global unity. As founder of Armatai GmbH, she supports women and small spice farmers worldwide. Now, as Managing Director of the 7Days 7Emirates cycling event for unity, Sareh embodies the values of sustainability, unity, and inclusion, leaving an inspiring legacy of positive global change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise" by Horst Schulze is a compelling and insightful read that provides valuable lessons on achieving excellence in both business and leadership. Horst, with his extensive experience as a co-founder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, offers a wealth of practical wisdom and visionary principles.What sets this book apart is Horst’s no-nonsense approach. He cuts through the noise and delivers clear, actionable advice that can be applied in various professional settings. His emphasis on creating a culture of service excellence is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the pivotal role of exceptional customer service in building successful organisations.Schulze's book serves as an indispensable blueprint for individuals and businesses aiming to rise above mediocrity and compromise. It not only inspires readers but also equips them with the tools and mindset necessary to pursue excellence relentlessly.In a world where compromise often seems the norm, "Excellence Wins" is a refreshing and motivating guide that reminds us that excellence is not only attainable but also a key driver of success. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to enhance their professional skills, this book offers invaluable insights that can help you strive for greatness.I distilled his advice into 5 key principles for becoming an inspiring leader:1. Set Clear Expectations: Horst emphasises the importance of defining and communicating clear expectations for your team. Inspiring leaders are precise in their vision and ensure that their team members understand their roles and responsibilities.2. Lead by Example: Horst believes that leaders should set the standard for excellence through their own actions and behaviours. Being a role model for dedication, commitment, and exceptional service inspires others to follow suit.3. Empower and Trust Your Team: Inspiring leaders empower their team members by giving them autonomy and trust. Horst advocates for giving employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, which fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.4. Prioritise Exceptional Customer Service: Horst places a strong emphasis on the importance of providing outstanding customer service. He believes that exceptional service should be at the core of any business, and leaders should install this belief in their teams.5. Cultivate a Culture of Excellence: Creating a culture of excellence is a recurring theme in Horst’s teachings. Inspiring leaders work tirelessly to establish and maintain a culture that values and strives for excellence in every aspect of the organisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Days before his 21st birthday, Justin's life changed irrevocably. A cough caused a herniated disc with subsequent surgeries all failing, resulting in paralysis and almost 18 months in hospital.Sport has always been a key aspect of Justin's life and it promptly became a lifeline and career. In Wheelchair racing, Justin has won 29 marathon titles across the globe. Justin is also the World and European Champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Winning his 2nd World championship this year in Abu Dhabi. In 2022 Justin and a friend completed the 1st non supported crossing of the USA by handbike, towing his wheelchair behind him. The over 3000mile journey was completed in 48 days raising over £200,000 for a disabled children's charity.A staunch activist for equality and human rights, Justin works tirelessly to see fair treatment for everyone.A mentor to newly injured civilians and veterans, in 2019 Justin was named in the Top 10 most powerful and influential disabled people in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An active speaker, actor, entrepreneur, motivator, and author, Herb “Flight Time” Lang is an 18-year former player and coach with the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters. He is originally from Brinkley, Arkansas, where he was a former All-State standout student-athlete graduating at the top of his class while serving as senior class president. Herb later obtained his degree in Education from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport. During his tenure there, he led the Trans-America Athletic Conference in scoring and won the National Association of Basketball Coaches Slam Dunk Contest on ESPN. Throughout his travels, to nearly 90 countries while entertaining as “Flight Time,” some of Herb’s most memorable moments include meeting Pope Francis, President Obama, and appearing on numerous national television commercials and reality TV shows—most notably CBS’s “The Amazing Race.” He currently resides in Ruskin Florida with his wife Elena. Herb is the proud father of three Antonio, Nicholas, and Reya Lang, and continues to make a difference through kindness and his life experiences, which he believes are the keys to maximizing what we get out of life. He is a true believer in that we are all rich with love and kindness. #kindnessisfree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WORLD'S first double above-knee AMPUTEE to summit MOUNT EVERESTIn 2010, Hari Budha Magar lost both his legs above the knee, to an IED in Afghanistan. Determined to change perceptions of what is possible for people with a disability, he reached the summit of Mount Everest around 3pm (Nepal time) on 19th May 2023.43-year-old Hari Budha Magar has stood victorious atop the world’s tallest mountain as the first ever double above-knee amputee to climb Everest.In accomplishing this challenge, Hari: * has created history and become the world’s first double above-knee amputee to conquer Everest* is raising awareness of disability globally and changing the narrative surrounding it* is proof that having a disability does not have to be life limiting* hopes to inspire people to conquer their own dreams and to lead more fulfilling lives Through his climb, Hari aims to change perceptions on disability and inspire people to climb their own ‘mountains’ no matter the adversity that stands in their way.Hari is raising £884,900 (the height of Everest plus two 00's) for 5 amazing charities that helped him through his rehabilitation.CONQUERED SUMMITSMera Peak -6476m World RecordChulu Far East -6059mKilimanjaro -5895mMt. Everest - 8846mMont Blanc 4810mCharity PartnersGurkha welfare trust, On Course foundation, Team Forces, Blesma, Pilgrim Bandits (Always a Little Further). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Galliford BSc(Hons) MSc MBA Dip MC Justin began his career as an environmental scientist. At the age of 22 he started his own environmental consultancy, helping organisations improve their environmental performance and ensuring regulatory compliance. He joined the Norse Group in 2006 to help manage environmental performance regarding waste management and landfill operations. Following a period working on a waste treatment PFI project he began to move through the wider Group, changing roles every few years to broaden and develop his knowledge and management skills. At the age of 30 he undertook a part-time MBA whilst moving in to more senior management roles. Having run the Group’s facilities management company as Chief Operating Officer for several years, he was appointed CEO of the Norse Group in May 2022. Justin remains committed to improving the environmental performance of organisations and has led the formation of the Norse Group’s “Net Zero” strategy as part of a wider ESG strategy. Justin is also a Director of Norfolk ProHelp – a Community Interest Company which supports not-for profit organisations, and is also Chair of HMP Wayland’s Employment Advisory Board – helping ex- offenders find work and settle back into life upon release from prison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.