Become a Global Leader

LinkedIn- how does it make you feel?

For some of you, it might be something you know you should be doing more of- to benefit your personal brand, build the reputation of your organisation, and win more business. But maybe somehow it always falls to the bottom of the to-do list, or you're avoiding it altogether. You don't know how to network well, what to comment or write a post about.

I am delighted to welcome LinkedIn expert and bestselling author Sarah Clay to this week's episode to talk about how to create authentic connections and build genuine relationships on the platform, both within and outside your organisation, that lead to great results, all without the hard selling.

Sarah Clay is a LinkedIn trainer, author and keynote speaker, who offers a no-nonsense, accessible approach to her teaching whilst injecting some fun into learning. Sarah's specialism is working with business owners and their teams to help them get more leads from LinkedIn through her training and talks on LinkedIn, employee advocacy, personal branding and thought leadership.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to navigate LinkedIn confidently, including busting the common fears and myths, plus Sarah's very practical strategies to help you make the most of the opportunities.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Common misconceptions and fears about LinkedIn
• Strategies for authentic engagement and creating genuine relationships
• The importance of employee advocacy and its benefits for individuals and organisations
• Empowering employees to share their voices on LinkedIn
• Practical tips for creating engaging posts without feeling overwhelmed
• Insights into the future trends for LinkedIn

Resources:

• Connect with Sarah Clay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-clay
• Buy Sarah Clay's book 'Employee Advocacy on LinkedIn': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Employee-Advocacy-LinkedIn%C2%AE-LinkedInthriving/dp/B0DF3LTRG5/
• Visit Sarah Clay's website: https://www.sarahclaysocial.com
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

In this special episode, celebrating my 10th anniversary in business, I share my insights on the top 10 essential leadership skills, strategies and insights.

Whether you're aiming for a promotion, building your leadership profile, or driving transformational change in your organisation, these insights from my last decade of empowering global leaders to enhance their communication and cultural skills, are crucial for aspiring leaders.

This episode serves as a quick-fire overview of the skills that can propel you towards your leadership aspirations.

Plus listen out for the details of my special birthday gift to those of you ready to step into their growth journey this month! If you're serious about accelerating your career or developing your leadership impact, let's talk. Message me with the number '10' to find out more.

What you will learn in this episode:

1. The importance of clarity in your communication as a leader
2. How to encourage connection in your team
3. The role of cultural intelligence in successful teamwork
4. Why confidence matters at every stage as a leader
5. Understanding your leadership presence
6. Ways to enhance your influence within your organisation
7. Approaching challenging conversations with emotional intelligence
8. The significance of self-leadership in navigating your career path
9. Building a personal brand that reflects your unique value
10. And the 10th most important insight- listen to the end to hear what it is!

Resources:

• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Anni Townend is a passionate advocate for collaboration and leadership development. In this episode she shares her insightful perspectives on why 'emerging' is such a key word, and how it influences her approach to self-leadership and her work with leaders.

We discuss the importance of creating space for open, inclusive dialogue and new ideas to emerge, especially in fast-paced hybrid settings, where the pressure to perform can overshadow deeper reflection.

Anni emphasises the value of curiosity, care, and courage in this discussion as foundational elements for creating psychological safety and real collaboration within teams, plus she shares her 'Collaboration Equation' with its three core pillars, crucial for enabling effective teamwork and innovation.

Anni is a leadership partner, facilitator, author, speaker, and executive coach to senior leaders and their teams. She specialises in helping senior leaders and their teams create a safe environment which brings out the best in each other and others, to have open conversations that they wouldn't otherwise have, that value inclusive dialogue and diversity of thought and feeling as part of working collaboratively to drive great results.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to create space for 'emerging' ideas in conversations and decision-making
• How curiosity, care, and courage contribute to psychological safety in teams
• Strategies for demonstrating care in virtual and hybrid work environments
• The energy of words and their impact in communication
• How to integrate joy into daily work to enhance focus and creativity
• Insights into the future of leadership and collaboration in the age of AI

Resources:

• Connect with Anni Townend on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anni-townend-leadership/
• Visit Anni Townend's website: https://www.annitownend.com/
• Listen to Anni Townend's podcast: https://www.annitownend.com/podcast
• Visit Collaboration Equation's website: https://www.collaborationequation.com/
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Continuing the International Women's Day's celebrations, I am very pleased to welcome on the podcast, Nicola Buck, SVP of Marketing at BP, where we unpack and explore her leadership journey and learning through the nuances of leading in global organisations.

From her beginnings studying languages and cultures, to her current role at the forefront of marketing and leadership with BP, Nicola shares her invaluable insights about the importance of cultural communication in a diverse work environment, skills that have been instrumental in her success and that of her global teams.

She shares her views on psychological safety, radical transparency and ways to maintain true connection in virtual teams, in a fast-paced world. Finally, Nicola offers her advice for aspiring leaders, stressing the importance of adaptability and resilience to succeed.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Leadership lessons from Nicola's journey to Senior Vice President
• The value of cultural communication in global leadership
• How to create real psychological safety in global, virtual teams
• Radical transparency: how this helps communication work
• Leadership skills for today and tomorrow: adaptability and resilience
• Insights into the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving world

Resources:

• Connect with Nicola Buck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-buck-50a27122/
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

In celebration of International Women's Day, I am excited to welcome a series of women senior leaders onto the podcast, starting with Aurélie Marais, Head of Strategy & Transformation for Sizewell C, nuclear energy company.

Aurélie shares her very personal journey towards becoming a leader, sharing her own definition of leadership mindset and action. We explore the importance of mentorship on that journey, and the continuous development of communication and cultural skills as essential components of effective leadership in a diverse, global organisation.

In our conversation, she highlighted the necessity for leaders to engage their teams through high-quality conversations and to be aware of their own biases and worldviews. Together, we reflected on the evolving nature of leadership and the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Currently serving as the Head of Strategy and Transformation for the Civil Works Alliance delivering the Sizewell C nuclear plant project, Aurélie Marais has over 20 years of experience in turning strategy into action and results in media, energies & services and construction sectors. She fosters innovation and helps organisations and people adapt their ways of working as well as enhancing performance in complex, multicultural, and rapidly evolving environments.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The distinction between leadership status, mindset and actions
• The significance of mentoring and being mentored in personal and professional growth
• How to cultivate a mindset that embraces diversity and inclusion
• Communication skills as the cornerstone of successful leadership
• Strategies for navigating cultural differences in global teams
• Preparing for the future of leadership in an environment of constant change
• Understanding and reframing imposter syndrome as a sign of growth

Resources:

• Connect with Aurélie Marais on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaraismachurat/
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

What does true accessibility mean? How can it create a more inclusive workplace where everyone benefits?

Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi, Managing Director of RNIB (the Royal Institute of the Blind) Enterprises in the UK, joined me for this thoughtful conversation where she shared her valuable ideas about the human and organisational benefits of embracing accessibility and inclusivity.

Learn how inclusive workplace design not only benefits individuals with low or no vision but also improves accessibility for everyone, including those with other physical impairments. Plus practical strategies for encouraging inclusivity in meetings and everyday interactions.

Discover how small and simple adjustments can make a significant difference in ensuring that everyone feels included and valued.

As a passionate global leader with over two decades experience in senior and Board level positions, Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi is a champion for innovation and inclusivity. In her role as MD of RNIB Enterprises, the commercial operations arm encompassing transcription, consulting and retail services, she is driving forward ambitious plans to grow innovation within RNIB, bringing accessible products, solutions and services to the market.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The importance of designing workplaces with inclusivity at its heart so everyone benefits
• How the RNIB Eyeware app creates an immersive experience so everyone can understand some of the challenges of navigating the workplace with visual impairments
• How to encourage a culture of curiosity and understanding in communication
• Approach conversations with empathy and a desire to do better - even if you get it wrong
• Simple steps everyone can introduce to make their virtual and in person meetings more accessible
• What works- and what can create more challenges in meetings
• Consider accessibility in every interaction

Resources:

• Discover Victoria Rennoldson's global leader communication coaching: https://culturecuppa.com/leaders-and-managers/
• Discover Victoria Rennoldson's team communication and cultural intelligence training: https://culturecuppa.com/leaders-and-managers/
• Find Victoria Rennoldson online: https://culturecuppa.com/
• Connect with Victoria Rennoldson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson/
• Visit the Royal Institute of the Blind's website: https://www.rnib.org.uk/
• Experience the Eyeware app: https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/eyeware
• Connect with Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnemavroudichocholi/
• Check out Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi's Be Helpful Guide and reach out to Daphne and the team. The RNIB have a series of products and services that can ensure leaders and teams are educated and empowered to drive accessibility forward across the organisation: https://www.rnib.org.uk/campaign-with-us/be-helpful-guide/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights/
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson/
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com/

In this episode, I had a brilliant conversation with Joanna Howes, and we look at the evolving landscape of leadership in 2025, exploring key themes around people-centered leadership, conscious leadership, global team communication, and personal responsibility.

Joanna Howes is an award-winning international coach, host of The Courageous Leaders Podcast and No 1 best selling author, specialising in leadership and team performance coaching. Her focus is to help leaders and teams find their unique voice by leading as their true selves to take the action needed to become high performers and future fit leaders.

Joanna shares her insightful experiences and practical strategies for leaders to step into self-leadership, and build high-performing, empowered teams in a rapidly-changing, global world.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The shift to people-centered leadership- understand the humans you work with
• Conscious self-leadership- becoming, not just doing
• Navigating cross-cultural leadership- creating an equitable experience
• Why leaders need courage
• The power of vulnerability in leadership- embracing imperfection
• Letting go- breaking free from reliant leadership, shifting from constant busy-ness to intentional leadership
• The leadership vision for 2025- tackling misalignment and siloed teams

Resources:

• Connect with Joanna Howes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/
• Visit Joanna Howes' website: https://thechangecreators.com/
• Listen to Joanna Howes' podcast: https://thecourageousleaderspodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

#communicationcoach #communicationcourse #communicationskillstraining #crossculturalawarenesstraining #crossculturaltraining #culturalawareness #culturalintelligence #culturalcommunicationconfidence #podcast

In this episode, discover what we mean by influence, and how it impacts you stepping into the role of a thought leader.

Starting with your intention to influence, we then explore my PRC framework to guide you through perception, reputation, and cultural intelligence as factors in cultivating your thought leadership.

Plus how to position yourself as a thought leader by aligning your ideas with organisational strategies, speaking the language of leadership, and framing your messages effectively.

Join me in this final episode of my mini-series focused on achieving your ambitious leadership career goals in 2025.

Finally, listen out for your invite to my upcoming free live training, Become a Global Leader, happening this week online from 11th February 2025. You still have time to join us!

What you will learn in this episode:

• A redefinition of influence
• Setting your intention to influence as a thought leader
• Intentionality in how you approach your relationships
• Perceptions, reputation, and cultivating your thought leadership with cultural intelligence
• Intentionality through your chosen topics of influence
• Intentionality in how you frame your messages
• Positioning your messages so they land
• Speaking the same language as your stakeholders

Resources:

• Listen to Part 1: Get Visible, Your Personal Brand Opportunity: https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/get-visible-your-personal-brand-opportunity/
• Listen to Part 2: Project your leader identity: https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/project-your-leader-identity/
• Your invitation: join us for live training, Become a Global Leader, claim your free ticket: https://culturecuppa.com/become-leader/
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Welcome back to this 2nd part of our 3-part miniseries, we jump into projecting your leader identity as part of accelerating your leadership goals for 2025.

Today we focus on claiming, embracing and projecting your unique leadership style.

Discover practical exercises to help you self-reflect and visualise your version of leadership.

Tap into my techniques to embody your leader energy, ensuring you resonate with authority in your interactions in your own way.

Plus stay tuned until the end of the episode for an exclusive invitation to my upcoming live training, Become a Global Leader.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Visualise a leader that inspires you
• How to claim your unique leadership identity
• The leader identity secret
• You do you
• Live into your leadership energy
• Turn up the dial

Don't miss the next episode in this leadership mini-series to boost your insights and inspiration. Join us for next week's episode, Influence like a Thought Leader.

Resources:

• Listen to Part 1: Get Visible, Your Personal Brand Opportunity: https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/get-visible-your-personal-brand-opportunity/
• Your invitation: join us for live training, Become a Global Leader, claim your free tickethttps://culturecuppa.com/become-leader/
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com

#communicationcoach #communicationcourse #communicationskillstraining #crossculturalawarenesstraining #crossculturaltraining #culturalawareness #culturalintelligence #culturalcommunicationconfidence #podcast

Today is the start of a brand new 3-part mini-series designed to accelerate your leadership journey in 2025, starting with today's episode on Get Visible: Your Personal Brand Opportunity.

Everyone has a brand, whether you realise it or not, whether you actively shape it or not. As you set ambitious goals for the year, discover how developing your personal brand can open doors to promotions, career moves, and new opportunities.

Understand why branding matters and how it can set you apart in your organisation, making you visible to the right people.

Plus discover how to identify your personal brand DNA by focusing on 3 key areas: purpose, mission, and values.

Finally listen to this episode to hear about an exclusive invitation for podcast followers only: tune in to find out more!

What you will learn in this episode:

• What do people think of you today
• Intentionally choose your personal brand and communicate it
• The importance of personal branding in achieving your career goals
• Open up doors and connections with your personal brand
• Your personal brand DNA
• 3 key personal brand ingredients

Don't miss the next 2 episodes in this leadership mini-series to boost your insights and inspiration. Join us for next week's episode, Project your Leader Identity

Resources:

• Join the live training: www.culturecuppa.com/become-leader
• Learn more about my Global Leader Communication programme: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/
• Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights
• Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Email me: [email protected]
• Website: https://culturecuppa.com