In this Voices of Leadership episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast, Dave is joined by Chris Davies for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, resilience, and the human side of performance.

Chris shares his journey from a childhood shaped by team sport and strong role models to the life-changing experience of developing ME during adolescence. Forced to let go of his dream of a career in football, Chris reflects on the lessons that adversity taught him about resilience, optimism, accountability, confidence, and how to find new goals to pursue.

Drawing on his extensive experience in professional services, Chris explores why the best leaders understand people at a deeper level, why trust and listening matter more than measuring numbers, and how performance and humanity should never be treated as opposing forces.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not simply about managing metrics. It is about understanding people, creating environments where they can thrive, and helping others with a healthy balance of support and challenge.

Key Talking Points

• Why vulnerability and humility are often missing from leadership
• The leadership lessons Chris learned from team sport and coaching
• How a serious illness reshaped his identity, resilience, and outlook on life
• The role optimism and personal accountability play in overcoming adversity
• Why relationships matter more than transactions in leadership and sales
• The importance of listening deeply and understanding the individual
• Building cultures where people feel safe to speak honestly
• Why simple leadership principles often outperform complex frameworks
• The power of helping others realize their potential