What if your strongest leadership lessons came not from the boardroom - but from your family?

In this episode, I sit down with Prateek Jain, a global supply chain leader turned educator and consultant, to explore how family values, cultural awareness and burnout shaped his approach to leadership.

With 25+ years of experience at companies like GSK and Unilever, Prateek unpacks his evolution from a high-achieving executive to a purpose-driven mentor - sharing insights on building trust, setting boundaries and leading with intention in a global context.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How family support shaped Prateek’s leadership values
2. What it takes to build trust across diverse, cross-cultural teams
3. How to recognize and recover from burnout
4. Why vulnerability and boundaries are critical for long-term leadership success
5. The role of AI and education in creating more conscious leadership

Key topics:

• Authentic leadership rooted in personal values
• Work-life balance and the shift from corporate to education
• Leadership transitions and purpose-driven career pivots
• Building empathy and cultural intelligence in global teams

Prateek’s journey offers grounded, practical wisdom for anyone redefining what success and impact mean - at work and at home.

📣 If this episode resonated with you, hit like, share your reflections in the comments, and subscribe for more leadership conversations grounded in real experience.

• Connect with Prateek Jain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prateekjain01/

• Write to Prateek Jain: [email protected]

• Check Prateek’s website: https://evolvewithusnow.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

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📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:04:25 - Early Influences and Leadership Lessons

00:11:09 - Balancing Support and Self-Care in Leadership

00:18:22 - Navigating Challenging Leadership Situations

00:28:56 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

00:33:52 - The Role of AI in Future Leadership

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What does it take to lead in a high-pressure industry, without burning out your people or yourself?

In this episode, I speak with Lucy Darch, CEO of Wave, a major UK water retailer, about how her leadership style evolved from fast-paced individual contributor to culture-focused CEO. With over 20 years in the utilities sector (including early years at Enron) Lucy shares how adaptability, empathy and trust became cornerstones of her leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How childhood influences shaped Lucy’s independence and drive
2. What it takes to transition from autonomy to collaborative leadership
3. Strategies for navigating culture shifts and organizational change
4. How to build a flexible, high-performing workplace that retains top talent
5. Balancing executive demands with family and personal priorities

Key themes:

• Resilience in high-stakes corporate environments
• The shift from control to trust in leadership
• Evolving leadership through personal and industry-wide change
• Redesigning work cultures for sustainability and performance

Lucy’s story is a practical blueprint for leaders navigating transformation - whether in utilities, startups or large organizations. Join us for an engaging discussion that will inspire you to reflect on your own leadership journey and consider new approaches to leading in today's dynamic business landscape.

📣 If this conversation sparked ideas, hit like, leave a comment with your takeaway and subscribe for more real-world leadership insights from experienced executives.

• Connect with Lucy Darch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-darch-71184413

• Write to Lucy Darch: [email protected]

• Check Lucy’s website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waveutilities/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:39 - Lucy's background and current role

00:03:38 - Childhood experiences shaping leadership style

00:09:20 - Early career and adapting to different corporate cultures

00:17:45 - Navigating personal and professional challenges

00:22:10 - Strategies for sustainable leadership and work-life integration

00:26:25 - Embracing flexible work arrangements and their impact on productivity

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How do you lead across continents without losing your sense of self?

In this episode, I sit down with Satya Roy, CEO of Habib Bank AG Zurich UK, whose leadership journey spans over 30 years and four countries - from India to Dubai, Kenya and the UK.

Starting from a modest town in India and rising to the top of international banking, Satya shares how he’s navigated global markets, managed through financial crises and balanced career ambition with personal values and family life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How Satya’s early days at Citibank shaped his strategic mindset
2. What it takes to lead teams across diverse cultural and regulatory environments
3. Lessons from navigating the 2008 financial crisis and other global disruptions
4. How to balance career growth with family and well-being
5. Why personal connection still matters in an increasingly digital financial world

Key themes:

• Crisis leadership in global banking
• Cross-cultural management in financial institutions
• Resilience and long-term adaptability
• The human side of executive leadership

Satya’s story is a rare look behind the scenes of international banking - and a reminder that humility, curiosity, and adaptability are key to lasting impact.

📣 If this conversation gave you a new perspective, hit like, leave a comment with your takeaway and subscribe for more insights from global leaders shaping today’s world.

• Connect with Satya Roy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyajeet-roy-2620945

• Write to Satya Roy: [email protected]

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:00 – Introduction & Current Role

00:03:10 – Childhood & Early Influences

00:09:28 – The Citibank Interview That Changed Everything

00:20:00 – Facing Uncertainty in the UK

00:25:34 – Leading Through Crisis in Dubai

00:32:21 – Becoming CEO & Leading with Perspective

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Can you be kind and still speak hard truths?

In this episode, I speak with Amy Armstrong, founder of the Center for Family Resolution, about her shift from conflict avoidance to courageous truth-telling - and how that transformation shapes her work as a coach and conflict resolution specialist.

Amy shares how growing up as a peacemaker led her to avoid confrontation and how coaching helped her reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth. Today, she supports families, business partners and individuals in resolving high-stakes disputes through curiosity, empathy and clear boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How childhood roles shape adult communication and leadership patterns
2. Why emotional intelligence is essential in conflict situations
3. How to stay grounded and curious during tense conversations
4. The role of coaching in uncovering what’s really behind conflict
5. How to lead and live without compromising your values to keep the peace

Topics covered:

• Conflict resolution strategies in family businesses and court systems
• Replacing people-pleasing with clarity, truth and trust
• Using coaching frameworks to support resolution and long-term change
• Authentic leadership through discomfort and disruption

Amy’s story offers a clear path for anyone ready to stop avoiding conflict - and start leading with courage.

📣 If this episode resonated with you, hit like, leave a comment and subscribe for more conversations on real leadership, emotional clarity and transformative coaching.

• Connect with Amy Armstrong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachamyarmstrong/

• Write to Amy Armstrong: [email protected]

• Check Amy’s website: https://www.thecenterforfamilyresolution.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:04:40 - Amy's Childhood and Family Dynamics

00:11:20 - Personal Growth and Transformation

00:18:33 - Building a Business and Embracing Authenticity

00:30:54 - Future Dreams and Aspirations

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Is your ambition costing more than it’s giving?

In this episode, I speak with Graeme Horsfall, Managing Director at CAST for UK, DACH and Northern Europe and a seasoned technology executive with leadership experience at IBM, Microsoft and Global Payments. 

Graeme shares his journey from relentless ambition to intentional living, offering a real-world perspective on the pressures of executive life and the mindset shift required to lead without burning out.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How unchecked ambition can erode well-being - and how to catch it early
2. Practical strategies to protect mental and emotional health in demanding roles
3. Why vulnerability and asking for support are essential leadership skills
4. How to build work cultures that prioritize health without sacrificing performance
5. What it takes to create your own definition of success - beyond titles and metrics

Topics covered:

• Work-life balance in tech and executive leadership
• Mental health in high-pressure corporate environments
• Redefining productivity through clarity and self-awareness
• Culture change and leadership modeling from the top

Graeme’s insights are direct, relatable and deeply relevant for anyone questioning the long-term cost of their career choices.

📣 If this episode resonates, hit like, comment with your biggest takeaway and subscribe for more conversations on sustainable leadership and growth.

• Connect with Graeme Horsfall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghorsfall

• Write to Graeme Horsfall: [email protected]

• Check Graeme’s website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cast/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:00 Introduction and Graham's background

00:05:44 Early career ambitions and health challenges

00:14:07 Navigating personal and professional pressures

00:22:10 Strategies for sustainable leadership

00:26:25 Redefining success and prioritizing well-being

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What if burnout isn’t a breakdown - but a signal to realign your life and leadership?

In this episode, I speak with Katie O’Malley, founder of Encourage Coaching, about her transition from high-intensity political campaigns and corporate work to building a values-driven coaching practice.

Katie shares how personal loss, chronic burnout and a hunger for meaning pushed her to re-evaluate her definition of success - and create a career that reflects who she truly is.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How childhood experiences and early career choices shape leadership habits.
2. What it takes to leave a secure career and build something purpose-driven.
3. Why self-awareness is essential for sustainable success.
4. How to ask for help, build support systems and avoid isolation.
5. The mindset shifts needed to take calculated risks and live with intention.

Topics covered:

• Navigating career transitions with clarity and courage
• Leadership through the lens of justice, empathy and long-term impact
• Burnout recovery and prevention for high-performing professionals
• Coaching insights for building an aligned and authentic career path

Katie’s approach blends counseling insights with business strategy to help leaders make decisions rooted in both clarity and courage.

🎧 Watch the full conversation to explore how purpose and practicality can co-exist in your leadership journey.

📣 Found this episode helpful? Hit like, drop a comment and subscribe for more real conversations on leadership, values and career transformation.

• Connect with Katie O’Malley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateomalley/

• Write to Katie O’Malley: [email protected]

• Check Katie’s website: https://encouragecoaching.org/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:03:54 - Childhood Influences and Early Leadership Development

00:14:11 - Journey Through College and Early Career

00:23:52 - Mental Health Struggles and Career Transition

00:27:10 - Building a Successful Coaching Business

00:33:03 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Legacy Goals

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What happens when leadership development is grounded in brain science - not buzzwords?

In this episode, I sit down with Soraya Shaw, applied neuroscientist and executive coach, to explore how understanding the brain transforms the way leaders think, communicate, and lead high-performing teams.

With a background that spans advertising, entrepreneurship and neuroscience-based coaching, Soraya brings a unique lens to modern leadership - one rooted in curiosity, creativity and cognitive science.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How early life experiences shape leadership habits and resilience
2. Why continuous learning is critical for leadership adaptability
3. How to use neuroscience to boost team engagement and performance
4. Practical tools to balance personal well-being with professional demands
5. How to foster innovation and critical thinking in a fast-changing, AI-driven world

Topics covered:

• The neuroscience of trust, decision-making, and collaboration
• Leading across generations with empathy and insight
• Building sustainable leadership practices that prevent burnout
• The real ROI of curiosity and emotional regulation in teams

Soraya’s approach challenges traditional leadership models - and offers science-backed alternatives that actually work. Her mission? Helping leaders bring all of their brains to work, not just the parts they think they're supposed to.

🎧 Watch now to learn how to apply neuroscience to elevate your leadership and lead more effectively in complexity.

📣 If this conversation sparked something for you, hit like, comment with your takeaway and subscribe for more science-driven leadership insights.

• Connect with Soraya Shaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorayashaw

• Write to Soraya Shaw: [email protected]

• Check Soraya’s website: https://www.soraya-shaw.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:01:12 - From Childhood Entrepreneur to Applied Neuroscientist

00:06:43 - Navigating Career Challenges and Transitions

00:17:18 - Embracing New Challenges and Continuous Learning

00:27:44 - The Evolution of Coaching and Generational Perspectives

00:32:35 - Legacy and Future Aspirations

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What does it take to lead high-performing teams without losing sight of your values?

In this episode, I speak with Satendra Singh, an accomplished engineering leader whose journey from a small village in India to the C-suite reveals how failure, feedback and self-awareness can fuel authentic leadership.

With over 20 years of experience leading complex organizations, Satendra shares how he reshaped his leadership style - from aggressive to assertive - and why empowering others has become central to his approach.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. How strategic delegation drives accountability and performance
2. Why the best leaders actively seek feedback from across the organization
3. How to set ambitious goals that stretch teams without burning them out
4. What it takes to remain grounded while navigating senior leadership
5. How to lead with purpose and leave behind a meaningful legacy

Key themes:

• Evolving leadership through vulnerability and reflection
• Building self-awareness in high-stakes environments
• Managing the isolation that comes with leadership roles
• Fostering innovation by challenging teams with intention

Satendra’s story offers a clear, actionable roadmap for leaders who want to grow beyond titles and truly elevate those around them.

📣 If you’re ready to rethink your leadership approach, hit like, leave a comment and subscribe for more real-world insights from top leaders.

• Connect with Satendra Singh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satendra-singh-318a7b4/

• Write to Satendra Singh: [email protected]

• Check Satendra’s website: https://syrmasgs.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:02 - Introduction to Confessions of a Successful Leader

00:04:35 - Work-Life Balance and Personal Development

00:08:39 - Early Leadership Lessons and Values

00:16:00 - Evolution as a Leader

00:26:12 - Navigating Complex Stakeholder Relationships

00:29:58 - Advice for Leaders and Personal Legacy

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What does it take to lead with integrity in one of the world’s fastest-moving industries?

In this episode, I speak with Hendrik Lesser, game producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Remote Control Productions, about how self-reflection, moral clarity, and curiosity have guided his leadership journey in the gaming world.

Raised in a multicultural environment and now leading a network of game studios, Hendrik breaks down how his values have evolved - and why developing a clear internal compass matters more than ever in business today.

You’ll learn:

1. How your background and identity can shape a distinct leadership style
2. Why curiosity and questioning are critical for long-term innovation
3. What it means to build and refine a personal moral compass in business
4. How to manage self-doubt while still trusting your instincts
5. Why leadership must adapt as your role, industry, and worldview evolve

Key topics covered:

• Entrepreneurial mindset in the gaming industry
• Leadership through uncertainty and personal growth
• Decision-making guided by self-awareness and ethics
• Balancing ambition with values in high-growth environments

Hendrik’s insights are especially relevant for founders, creatives, and anyone navigating complex decisions in fast-changing sectors.

📣 If this episode sparked something for you, hit like, leave a comment and subscribe for more real conversations on leadership, growth, and innovation.

• Connect with Hendrik Lesser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendriklesser/

• Write to Hendrik Lesser: [email protected]

• Check Hendrik’s website: https://rcp.family/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:41 - Meet Hendrik Lesser: Game Maker and Multicultural Leader

00:02:04 - Hendrik's Downtime: Gaming, Culture, and Relaxation

00:03:10 - Childhood Influences: Family Dynamics and Cultural Identity

00:09:21 - Early Leadership Experiences and Career Development

00:20:48 - Overcoming Challenges in Different Leadership Roles

00:26:09 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

00:29:47 - Leadership Challenges in the 40s

00:32:44 - Advice to Younger Self: Embrace Curiosity and Self-Belief

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How do you lead with clarity in a complex, regulated industry - while staying true to yourself?

In this episode, I sit down with Dominic Grinstead, CEO of MetLife UK, to explore how his early struggles with dyslexia, a multicultural upbringing, and a non-linear path shaped his leadership style - and why authenticity became his greatest asset.

Dominic shares how he moved away from mimicking traditional leadership models to building a people-first culture rooted in trust, adaptability, and direct communication.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How childhood challenges shaped Dominic’s approach to listening, empathy, and decision-making.
2. Why creating direct relationships with staff strengthens organizational culture.
3. How to build engagement and loyalty in highly regulated environments.
4. Strategies for balancing risk, regulation, and innovation in leadership.
5. How to evolve from managing fear of failure to leading with grounded confidence.

Key topics covered:

1. Authentic leadership in the insurance and financial services sector
2. Building inclusive cultures that encourage diverse thinking
3. Managing pressure in compliance-heavy industries
4. Aligning personal values with corporate leadership

Dominic’s story offers clear, actionable lessons for anyone navigating complex systems while trying to lead with integrity.

📣 If you found this episode valuable, hit like, leave a comment, and subscribe for more honest leadership conversations from inside the boardroom.

• Connect with Dominic Grinstead on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-grinstead/

• Write to Dominic Grinstead: [email protected]

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:01:09 - Dominic Grinstead's Professional Background

00:02:45 - Personal Life and Interests

00:05:17 - Childhood and Early Influences

00:09:52 - Early Career and Leadership Development

00:16:02 - Evolving Leadership Style and Company Culture

00:20:51 - Generational Differences in the Workplace

00:23:32 - Long-term Commitment to MetLife

00:26:48 - Overcoming a Major Career Setback

00:30:31 - Future Aspirations and Leadership Purpose

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