Episodes

  • How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg

    How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg
    Jun 23 2025
    Your career success depends on more than just your skills—it's built on the strength of your relationships. In this classic episode from the archives, Andy Lopata and MIT instructor Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, break down the art of strategic networking inside your organisation. Discover why your internal connections are your greatest asset for unlocking hidden opportunities, gaining influence, and accelerating your career path. This is a masterclass in turning everyday interactions into a powerful professional advantage. In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The Internal Goldmine: Why your internal network is a rich source of information, resources, and career-defining opportunities. · The Motivation Secret: How to achieve seamless collaboration and build influence by aligning with what truly motivates your colleagues. · Mastering Your Reputation: How to proactively manage the way you're perceived to build trust, authority, and credibility. · Authentic Advocacy: Techniques for genuine self-promotion that get you noticed for the right reasons, without feeling forced. · The Power of Diversity: The strategic advantage of building a diverse network across different departments and seniority levels. Actionable Insights: · Influence >Authority: Real influence isn't about your title; it's about understanding and aligning with the goals of others. · Your Reputation is Built Daily: Actively manage how you are perceived in every meeting andemail—don't leave it to chance. · Advocate for Your Value: If you don't share your own wins, you can't expect others to see them. Learn to do it authentically. · Break Out of Your Silo: A diverse network is your best defence against blind spots and a catalyst for innovation. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Mark Herschberg: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 116 Featuring Mark Herschberg
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    29 mins
  • The Power of Storytelling, Humour and Human Connection with Dr Bob Lefkowitz

    The Power of Storytelling, Humour and Human Connection with Dr Bob Lefkowitz
    Jun 16 2025
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata goes back to the archive to his interview with Nobel Laureate Dr Bob Lefkowitz where they discussed the power of storytelling and humour in science, mentorship, and leadership. Drawing from his memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, Bob shares captivating anecdotes, including the unforgettable moment his daughter got engaged at the Nobel Banquet. He emphasises how storytelling transforms raw data into compelling narratives, influencing both scientific discovery and clinical practice. Bob also explores how humour fosters creativity, strengthens relationships, and enhances communication. As a mentor to over 200 scientists, he highlights the importance of personal connection, fun, and role modelling in developing future leaders. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in humour, professional relationships, and the balance between collaboration and competition in achieving success. Key Takeaways: 1. Storytelling Shapes Understanding: Presenting data through different narrative structures can lead to new insights and more engaging communication in both science and leadership. 2. Humour Enhances Creativity: Using humour in professional settings boosts creativity, strengthens relationships, and makes messages more memorable. 3. Self-Awareness Matters: Know whether you’re naturally funny or not—humour should feel authentic; forced jokes can backfire. 4. Connection Drives Mentorship: Building personal rapport, showing empathy, and sharing stories are essential in mentoring future leaders. 5. Cultural Sensitivity is Key: Be mindful of cultural differences when communicating, especially regarding humour and audience engagement styles. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Dr Bob Lefkowitz: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 127 Featuring Dr Bob Lefkowitz
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    31 mins
  • How Storytelling Shapes Culture and Connection with Lee Cockrell

    How Storytelling Shapes Culture and Connection with Lee Cockrell
    Jun 9 2025
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his episode with Lee Cockrell, former Executive Vice President of Operations at Disney World. Andy and Lee discuss the power of storytelling in leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience at Disney, Lee highlights how storytelling is deeply embedded in Disney’s culture, shaping everything from guest experiences to employee training. He emphasises that storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a strategic tool that connects emotionally, conveys values, and drives engagement. Lee also shares insights on how leaders can use personal stories, including their vulnerabilities and failures, to build trust and inspire teams. He offers practical tips for incorporating storytelling into everyday communication, stressing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and visual elements. They finish with reflections on how organisations must align their actions with their stories to maintain trust and reputation in today’s digital world. Key Takeaways: 1. Storytelling is a powerful leadership tool that engages hearts and minds more effectively than facts or presentations. 2. Authenticity matters—sharing personal struggles and failures builds trust and relatability. 3. Every employee plays a role in the organisational story, much like cast members in a show. 4. Visuals and attention to detail enhance storytelling and shape memorable experiences. 5. Organisational stories must align with real-world experiences to maintain credibility and reputation. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website |Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Lee Cockrell: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 140 Lee Cockrell
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    32 mins
  • Connecting Through Pitching with Jenna Dominique

    Connecting Through Pitching with Jenna Dominique
    Jun 2 2025
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes guest Jenna Dominique, a pitch and communication expert, working with over 2,000 teams and individuals to become influential, high impact communicators. After starting her career as a broadcast journalist, Jenna’s dynamic background has led her to work with ambitious entrepreneurs to boards of directors, startups to global corporations. An international speaker and event host, she uses her breadth of experience to deliver highly practical support to every audience she works with. She is also a hugely passionate adventurer and co-founder of DAT adventures, running unique retreats for ambitious individuals that want to progress personally and professionally Andy & Jenna explore the importance of pitching in various professional contexts, from sales to networking and interviews. Jenna emphasises that pitching is not limited to formal presentations but is something everyone does daily—whether introducing oneself or articulating value in a conversation. Jenna highlights key strategies for preparing an impactful pitch, starting with researching the audience to tailor the message effectively. She stresses the importance of focusing on benefits and outcomes to make the pitch resonate personally with the listener. Their discussion also touches on the logistics of pitching, such as understanding the format (in-person or online) and time constraints. A significant portion of the conversation centres on the much-maligned "elevator pitch". Jenna advocates for a more conversational approach, encouraging listeners to engage their audience with questions and storytelling rather than reciting a rigid script. She introduces the concept of the "corridor of conversation", where each response opens a door to deeper engagement, allowing the conversation to develop naturally. Jenna also shares insights on how to create a compelling slide deck for formal pitches, emphasising "less is more" and the power of storytelling. She advises crafting slides that complement the speaker, ensuring the presenter remains essential to the message. The episode concludes with Andy explaining how he uses the Rule of Three when planning presentations. What we discussed: 1. Tailoring Your Pitch: Adapting your message to suit the audience's needs and context. 2. Storytelling & Engagement: Using stories and questions to build connection and keep the audience engaged. 3. Authenticity: Being genuine and true to yourself to foster trust and rapport. 4. Slide Deck Design: Keeping visuals minimal and complementary, enhancing rather than overshadowing the presenter. 5. Follow-Up & Relationship Building: Ensuring the conversation continues after the pitch to nurture long-term connections. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Jenna Dominique: Website |LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    53 mins
  • Gender Equity, Authenticity and Systemic Change in Leadership with Jennifer McCollum

    Gender Equity, Authenticity and Systemic Change in Leadership with Jennifer McCollum
    May 26 2025
    In this episode, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst and author of In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO. Their conversation explores the unique challenges women face in advancing their careers, emphasising the critical role of sponsorship over mentorship. Jennifer shares personal and professional insights on how external biases often become internalised, holding women back from advocating for themselves. She highlights the importance of visibility, self-promotion, and making bold asks as key drivers of career progression. Andy and Jennifer discuss allyship—especially male allyship—and what it looks like at different levels of an organisation. They emphasise that allyship isn’t just about grand gestures; small actions, such as giving credit where it’s due or amplifying someone’s voice in a meeting, can make a big difference. Their conversation also touches on the “third shift” burden placed on women to lead DEI efforts and the need to share that responsibility across all genders. Jennifer outlines four levers organisations can use to drive equity: inclusive culture, equitable talent systems, executive commitment, and targeted leadership development. The episode closes with reflections on authenticity in leadership and the value of diverse perspectives in reshaping outdated narratives around gender and success. Key Takeaways: 1. Sponsorship > Mentorship: Sponsors open doors and advocate actively, while mentors offer advice—women especially need sponsors to access opportunities. 2. Internalised Bias: Women often downplay their worth, believing hard work alone will lead to advancement—this mindset must be challenged. 3. Allyship Matters: Men can be powerful allies by amplifying women’s voices, mentoring, and sponsoring talent. 4. Systemic Change Required: Organisations must address culture, talent systems, leadership development, and executive accountability to support gender equity. 5. Authentic Leadership: Success doesn’t require women (or men) to conform to outdated masculine stereotypes—being authentic drives performance and belonging. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube Connect with Jennifer McCollum: X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Podcast: Navigating Imposter Syndrome With Sajna Rahman and Caroline Flanagan Book: Business Networking and Sex: Not What You Think Book: Beyond the Boys' Club: Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male Dominated Field
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    27 mins
  • Building Human-Centric Teams in a Virtual Age with Nikki Bush

    Building Human-Centric Teams in a Virtual Age with Nikki Bush
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, we go back to the archive to revisit a conversation with human potential expert Nikki Bush who joined Andy Lopata to explore the challenges and opportunities of leading in a hybrid world. Nikki highlights how leaders often fall into the trap of over-scheduling meetings, leading to burnout and reduced productivity. She emphasises the importance of high-touch leadership—deep listening, emotional presence, and building trust through intentional one-on-one conversations. Their discussion also touches on the rise in micromanagement post-pandemic, driven by fear and uncertainty, and how slowing down, asking better questions, and creating space can transform team dynamics. Nikki advocates for separating social and process-based meetings, using flexible communication tools, and maintaining emotional connection in virtual environments. She also stresses the value of in-person gatherings to rebuild trust and alignment within teams. Nikki’s insights show that hybrid leadership is an ongoing experiment requiring adaptability, empathy, and clarity in communication. Key Takeaways: 1. Avoid Meeting Overload: Too many long or unnecessary meetings reduce productivity 2. High-Touch ≠ Physical Touch: Emotional presence, deep listening, and authentic connection define empathetic leadership. 3. Micromanagement is Fear-Based: Trust your team and focus on outcomes, not control. 4. Separate Social & Process Meetings: Create distinct spaces for relationship-building and task execution. 5. In-Person Still Matters: Regular face-to-face interactions help break down misperceptions and rebuild team cohesion. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Nikki Bush: LinkedIn | Website The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode Featuring Nikki Bush
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    28 mins
  • How Communication, Trust, and Fun Shape Leadership Culture with Neil Wilkie

    How Communication, Trust, and Fun Shape Leadership Culture with Neil Wilkie
    May 12 2025
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata looks back at his podcast episode with Neil Wilkie, a former successful businessman turned psychotherapist and relationship coach. Neil shares his journey from chasing financial success to prioritising purpose after realising material achievements left him unfulfilled. He introduces his Relationship Paradigm, a framework identifying six elements for thriving relationships: communication, connection, commitment, fun, growth, and trust. These principles apply equally to personal and professional dynamics, with Neil emphasising that relationships shape organisational culture, which drives sustainable success. Andy and Neil discuss overcoming communication breakdowns through clarity and active listening, balancing authenticity with positivity as a leader, and nurturing trust through vulnerability and conflict resolution. Neil also addresses challenges in virtual environments like Zoom, advocating for phone calls to deepen connection. He stresses the importance of intentionally nurturing relationships—both personal and professional—to avoid stagnation and build mutual growth. Key Takeaways: 1. Relationships > Metrics: True success stems from meaningful connections, not just financial or material gains. 2. Communication Clarity: Misunderstandings often derail relationships; always confirm mutual understanding. 3. Trust as Foundation: Trust is built through commitment, transparency, and resolving conflicts constructively. 4. Intentional Growth: Relationships require regular check-ins and adaptation to evolve positively. 5. Energy Matters: Leaders should balance authenticity with uplifting energy to foster a supportive culture. Connect with Andy LopataWebsite Connect with Neil Wilkie LinkedIn Website Listen to the full episode featuring Neil
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    21 mins
  • "Turning Resistance into Buy-In - Managing Key Relationships Across A Project" with Rory Murray

    "Turning Resistance into Buy-In - Managing Key Relationships Across A Project" with Rory Murray
    May 5 2025
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Rory Murray, Rory has more than 25 years’ experience across Europe, Middle East, Africa, plus the US, Canada and India. He has worked with some of the world's largest companies, delivering change and transformation projects in multiple sectors including Government, Telecoms, Power, Internet, Oil and Gas. Andy and Rory explore the critical role of relationship-building in leading successful projects. Rory shares insights from his work across sectors and highlights how neglecting stakeholder dynamics often leads to project failure. He emphasises that projects aren’t just about systems or processes; they’re about people. When organisations rush to implement changes without consulting frontline employees, resistance and attrition follow. Rory stresses the importance of stakeholder mapping, active listening, and understanding the “why” behind resistance to align project goals with individual and team needs. Drawing on real-world examples, Rory illustrates how empathy and evidence-based influence can turn sceptics into allies. He contrasts the challenges of external consulting versus internal project management, noting that trust, respect, and likability are foundational to driving buy-in. The conversation also examines cultural nuances, such as building relationships before discussing business in regions like the Middle East. Finally, Rory introduces the concept of Return on Relationships (ROR), arguing that investing in genuine connections pays exponential dividends over time. What we discussed: 1. Stakeholder Mapping Done Right: Why identifying and engaging the “right” stakeholders—especially grassroots implementers—is critical to project success. 2. Like, Trust and Respect: Rory’s framework for building influence by aligning project outcomes with individual goals. 3. Evidence Over Ego: How to navigate resistant leaders. 4. Cultural Intelligence: Lessons from working in the Middle East and Africa on prioritising personal relationships before business discussions. 5. Return on Relationships (ROR): Why investing in relationships—not transactions—creates long-term value. Rory’s actionable advice on bridging gaps between strategy and human dynamics will transform how you approach your next initiative. Tune in for real-world stories, practical frameworks, and a masterclass in turning resistance into collaboration. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Rory Murray: LinkedIn | X The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    49 mins