Helping Organisations Thrive with Julian Roberts

In this compelling episode, Dr. Torben Norby shares his expertise on contextual leadership, drawing from over two decades of experience spanning military service, retail management, and international business transformation. Torben breaks down contextual leadership into three core disciplines: understanding your context by identifying crucial performance factors, matching your leadership style through the balance of opening/closing and directing/sharing approaches, and actively shaping organisational structures and culture to promote performance. He reveals how military concepts like "leading through intent" have evolved into civilian applications, and shares a powerful real-world case study of helping a European organisation adapt during the Ukraine conflict by decoupling interdependencies and building contingent responses. Throughout the conversation, Torben addresses the challenge every leader faces: how to remain authentic while adapting to different contexts, whether leading a production team versus a marketing department, or managing across cultures from Denmark to China. He emphasises that successful contextual leadership requires building common ground around shared values and principles, then leveraging diversity rather than being fragmented by it. The episode concludes with Torben's warning about the most common implementation mistake: failing to involve people in organisational alignment, reminding us that "you can't tell an organisation to align - you can only do that by mobilisation and enrollment."   Connect with Torben: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnoerby/ Website:  https://drnoerby.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

I had an extraordinary conversation with two remarkable women who conquered the world's highest marathon while battling their own personal challenges. Sally Orange MBE, a former British Army major turned mental health campaigner, completed the grueling 12-hour Everest Base Camp Marathon dressed as a breast costume just weeks after her cancer diagnosis, using her signature approach of sparking vital conversations through humour and vulnerability. Felicity Ashley, a transatlantic rower and cancer survivor, marked her three-year cancer anniversary by tackling the same brutal challenge, drawing on the deep inner confidence she's developed through overcoming adversity. Together, they share how they navigated altitude sickness, unexpected climbs, and physical exhaustion while supporting each other and fellow runners from 32 different nationalities. This powerful episode reveals how both women transformed their approach to challenges - Sally by accepting her diagnosis "on her own terms" and Felicity by reframing adversity from "why me?" to "why not me?" Their stories demonstrate the profound impact of community support, the importance of building a "cookie jar" of past achievements to draw strength from, and how authentic vulnerability can create life-changing conversations. From Sally's fruit costumes that have inspired four women to get checked for breast cancer, to Felicity's unshakeable belief that she can overcome anything, this conversation offers practical insights on resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose in life's toughest moments. Whether you're facing your own challenges or supporting others through theirs, their combined wisdom on mental preparation, community building, and maintaining hope will leave you feeling empowered to tackle whatever lies ahead.   Connect with Sally: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-orange-mbe-95948741/ Website:  https://www.sallyorange.com/   Connect with Felicity: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicityashley/ Website:  https://www.felicityashley.com/   Also here is a link to buy Felicity's new book - Stronger than the storm: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068489103     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

In this powerful episode, Dr. Laura Gallaher takes us inside one of NASA's darkest moments and reveals how it became a catalyst for revolutionary change in organisational culture. Following the 2003 Columbia space shuttle disaster that claimed seven astronauts' lives, NASA's investigation uncovered a shocking truth: the agency's culture was as much to blame as the technical failure itself. What makes this even more striking is that NASA had been rated the #1 place to work in the federal government just months before the tragedy, challenging everything we think we know about workplace culture. Dr. Gallaher, who spent nearly eight years leading NASA's culture transformation, shares how invisible forces like the "save the programme" mentality and lack of psychological safety prevented engineers from speaking up about critical safety concerns. She provides actionable insights on creating psychological safety, the power of leader vulnerability, and why optimising human dynamics is the ultimate competitive advantage. Her key message: culture change isn't a one-time fix—it's an ongoing commitment that can literally be the difference between success and catastrophic failure.   Connect with Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd/ Website:  https://drlauragallaher.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this enlightening discussion, Tracy Clark, a leadership and mindset coach, reveals how the phrase "let's play" can revolutionize leadership by fostering a creative and explorative mindset. She explains the importance of self-leadership and introduces her "tree model," emphasizing that mindset supports visible actions. Tracy shares practical strategies like asking provocative questions and creating psychological safety, while debunking misconceptions about play being frivolous. By merging logic with intuition, leaders can unlock innovation and collaboration in their teams.

In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Julian sits down with consultant, coach, and facilitator Yvonne Guerinaeu to explore what it means to get people "in their element" at work. Yvonne, author of "People in Their Elements," shares her passion for creating authentic human connections in the workplace and discusses how leaders can help their teams perform at their best by fostering psychological safety and genuine relationships. She emphasises the importance of face-to-face interaction, describing herself as working "tech-free wherever possible" to create those magical moments when people truly connect and feel understood. The conversation delves into practical strategies for leaders looking to build stronger teams through human connection. Yvonne explains how normalising different behaviours and thinking styles can create psychological safety, allowing team members to bring their authentic selves to work. She offers concrete advice on moving beyond the traditional "open door policy" to more intentional relationship-building, such as changing your daily routine to naturally encounter team members and creating meaningful one-to-one meetings that serve the individual rather than just the manager's agenda. Throughout the discussion, both of us highlight the critical role of presence, active listening, and the power of silence in building trust and understanding within teams.   Connect with Yvonne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonneguerineau/ Website:  https://goldencatalyst.co.uk/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

Julian interviews Adam Waterworth, CEO of the Goodwood Estate, about leadership, innovation, and balancing heritage with modern expectations at this iconic British sporting venue. Adam shares his approach to leadership at Goodwood, emphasising the importance of creating psychological safety where teams feel confident to take risks without fear of punishment for genuine mistakes. He discusses the delicate balance between using data and trusting gut instinct when planning events, noting that becoming too data-driven can remove the magic that makes Goodwood special. Despite being a 300-year-old estate, Adam explains how innovation has always been part of Goodwood's DNA, allowing them to honour tradition while constantly evolving. His leadership philosophy prioritises people and customer experience first, believing financial success naturally follows when these elements are done right.   Connect with Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-waterworth-8b10ba45/ Website:  https://www.goodwood.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, I Andrew Green, CEO of Chichester College Group, who shares insights from his 26-year career in education leadership. Andrew discusses how his organisation serves 25,000 learners across seven colleges with a purpose-driven approach of "changing lives through learning." He reveals key leadership strategies including maintaining local college identities while leveraging shared resources, implementing employee engagement initiatives like wellness days and recognition programmes, and addressing the challenges of chronic underfunding in further education. Andrew emphasises the importance of holistic student support, building resilient leadership through self-care and boundaries, recruiting for attitude over skills, and perhaps most significantly, establishing "kindness as a superpower" as a core organisational value. He believes true leadership comes through experience, focusing on outputs rather than hours worked, and creating a people-centered culture where small acts of kindness can transform someone's day.    Connect with Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewgreen1968/ Website:  https://www.chigroup.ac.uk/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by Terence Clarke, a transformational executive coach with more than 20 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region as we explore how to transform cultural challenges into your greatest strengths. Now based in China, Terence shares his personal story of cultural adaptation—moving from frustration and misunderstanding to a place of connection, resilience, and professional growth. The conversation centres around Terence’s AAA model: Awareness, Appreciation, and Adaptation. He explains how these principles help individuals and organisations navigate cultural differences without losing authenticity. From communication breakdowns to power dynamics in leadership, Terence offers practical insights on how to build trust, create psychological safety, and embrace diversity in global teams. This episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating cross-cultural environments and for anyone looking to foster more inclusive, responsive, and resilient organisations.     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########  

In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we welcome leadership development expert Amanda Downs to discuss the key factors that contribute to strong and effective leadership in organisations. Amanda highlights the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and trust-building in leadership, explaining how these qualities help create a positive and high-performing workplace culture. We also explore the value of continuous learning, emphasising that organisations investing in leadership development see improved engagement, productivity, and adaptability. Amanda shares practical strategies for fostering a culture of learning, supporting employees through change, and navigating challenges in today’s fast-paced business world. Throughout the conversation, Amanda provides actionable insights on how leaders can enhance communication, manage resistance to change, and create an environment where teams feel empowered and motivated.   Connect with Amanda: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ Website:  https://theuspiregroup.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

In this inspiring episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by Felicity Ashley, a seasoned marketing leader, mother of three, and extraordinary individual who faced incredible challenges with remarkable resilience. Felicity shares the story of her incredible journey rowing across the Atlantic, a feat that tested her physically, mentally, and emotionally, all while unknowingly battling stage 3 bowel cancer. Throughout our conversation, Felicity discusses how her experiences with ocean rowing and overcoming cancer shaped her approach to leadership and resilience. She shares valuable insights on breaking big challenges into manageable steps, the importance of mindset in overcoming adversity, and the crucial role of support networks in facing life’s toughest moments. Felicity's story is a testament to the power of a positive mindset and how it can help us push through even the most difficult of times. Her upcoming book, “Stronger than the Storm”, and her latest endeavour, running the Everest Base Camp Marathon, are proof that life’s biggest challenges can become opportunities for growth and transformation.   Connect with Felicity: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicityashley/ Website:  https://www.felicityashley.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########