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 

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

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

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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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What does it take to scale 15 ventures without burning out - or losing control? In this episode, I speak with Ashwin Bhadri, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Equinox Labs, whose businesses span India and the U.S. Ashwin breaks down how he evolved from a controlling founder to a systems-driven mentor, and how that shift unlocked sustainable growth.

We dive into the real mechanics of leadership, hiring, delegation, and staying focused while juggling multiple ventures.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. How to move from micromanaging to mentoring without sacrificing quality.
2. Why hiring for alignment beats hiring for skill alone.
3. The systems Ashwin uses to run seven companies simultaneously.
4. How Eastern philosophy shapes his approach to business and decision-making.
5. What role AI plays in scaling - and why human connection still matters most.

Ashwin also shares how his early passion for chess taught him strategy, focus, and long-term thinking - traits he now applies to leadership at scale.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• Clear expectations are more powerful than constant oversight
• Empowering people is the fastest route to sustainable growth
• Culture matters as much as systems when scaling across geographies
• Letting go of control can be a founder’s greatest growth moment

📣 Like the episode?

Tap like, drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more real conversations with high-impact leaders across industries.

• Connect with Ashwin Bhadri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinbhadri/
• Check Ashwin’s website: https://www.ashwinbhadri.com/
• Write to Ashwin Bhadri: [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]

00:00:41 - Meet Ashwin Badri: Serial Entrepreneur and Startup Mentor

00:01:51 - Ashwin's Childhood and Education

00:08:08 - Early Leadership Challenges and Growth

00:12:29 - Entrepreneurial Grit and Scaling Businesses

00:16:04 - Accountability and Managing Multiple Businesses

00:20:29 - Overcoming Personal Challenges as a Leader

00:24:27 - Eastern Philosophy in Business and AI's Impact

00:33:58 - Future Goals and Legacy

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What does it take to lead 70,000 people across 55 countries - and know when it's time to walk away?

In this rare and timely conversation, Alistair Dormer shares hard-won insights from a career that spans naval command, aerospace innovation, and global corporate leadership.

From managing culture clashes to navigating billion-dollar integrations, Alistair's journey is an unfiltered look at leadership at scale.

• How to lead across cultures without losing your core identity
• The real challenges of merging Japanese and Western business styles
• Why trust - not language - is the true currency in global leadership
• What to do when activist investors knock at your door
• And why knowing when to leave is the mark of a mature leader

Whether you lead a local team or a multinational empire, Alistair’s story will leave you reflecting on your own leadership growth - and what’s next.

🎧 Watch now for the leadership lessons they don't teach in any MBA program.

👉 Like the episode? Drop a comment with your biggest insight and subscribe for more bold, behind-the-scenes leadership stories.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite insight from the episode!

• Connect with Alistair Dormer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistair-dormer-77993262/
• Write to Alistair Dormer: [email protected]

🎬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]

00:01:06 - Alistair Dormer's Background and Current Role

00:03:15 - Early Life and Naval Career

00:10:26 - Transition to Aerospace and Railway Industries

00:32:58 - Leadership Lessons from Japanese Culture

00:34:50 - Future Plans and Career Reflections

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How do you lead when you’ve never quite fit the mold?

In this episode, I sit down with Francesca Lagerberg, CEO of Baker Tilly International, for a brilliant, funny, and deeply honest conversation about identity, leadership, and rewriting your own script.

From being the fourth child in a bustling household with “no defined role,” to leading a top 10 global accounting firm, Francesca shares the unexpected path that took her from aspiring writer, to creative tax speaker, to international CEO.

• Why early family dynamics shape our sense of belonging - and leadership.
• How working parents (and leaders) survive the “UPS marriage” years.
• What real flexibility looks like - and why it matters more than ever.
• Why remote working builds trust - and better teams.
• How the profession must evolve with AI, new generations, and bold curiosity.

Francesca’s story is a leadership masterclass rooted in resilience, reinvention, and refusing to be boxed in.

🎧 Watch and listen now to reflect on the messy, meaningful truth behind real leadership.

👉 If this conversation resonated, like the video, comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more honest stories from leaders doing it their way.

• Check Francesca’s company website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baker-tilly-international/
• Connect with Francesca Lagerberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescalagerberg/
• Write to Francesca Lagerberg: [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]

00:02:00 – Growing up as the 4th child with “no defined role”

00:04:00 – The power of school and early role models

00:06:00 – From dreaming of writing to falling into accounting

00:07:00 – The freedom of travel and the shock of corporate life

00:09:00 – Leaving Big Four for publishing and creative work

00:13:00 – Balancing career and parenting through chaos

00:16:30 – Building an “accidental brand” through public speaking

00:18:30 – Learning to lead through coaching, curiosity & listening

00:22:00 – When high performance becomes unsustainable

00:24:30 – Championing remote work & flexibility for the long-term

00:29:00 – Bridging generational gaps and embracing AI

00:33:30 – The dream: writing, travel & a life of continuous learning

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What happens when your childhood pain becomes your leadership fuel?

In this episode, I sit down with Guy Wolstencroft - entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and unapologetically optimistic leader - for an energetic and deeply moving conversation about resilience, legacy, and self-leadership.

From growing up without a father to finishing the Tour de France and building multiple businesses, Guy shares how grit, humor, and belief shaped everything - from his parenting to his professional purpose.

• Why hardship can be the greatest training ground for leadership.
• The secret mindset behind Guy’s life motto: “What’s the best that can happen?”
• How to go from hospital bed to Ironman - literally.
• What 18,000 pints of blood can teach us about legacy.
• Why the best leaders obsess over people, not plans.

Guy’s story is wildly entertaining and profoundly human - a powerful reminder that the finish line doesn’t define you. The decision to start does.

🎧 Watch and listen now to be reminded that leadership isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being all in.

👉 If this conversation moved you, like the video, comment with your biggest insight, and follow the channel for more bold leadership stories and self-coaching insights.

• Check Guy Wolstencroft website: https://www.iomhearingsolutions.im/
• Connect with Guy Wolstencroft on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-wolstencroft-0646491/
• Write to Guy Wolstencroft: [email protected]

🎬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]

00:38 – Guy’s background & entrepreneurial path

02:00 – Balancing business with fatherhood

04:00 – Completing the Tour de France for charity

05:30 – How childhood shaped his leadership

11:00 – Back surgery, recovery & the Ironman comeback

13:30 – Starting the “Fancy Sharing a Pint?” blood campaign

17:30 – Legacy over medals: what really matters

19:15 – Mentorship, friends, and early leadership lessons

23:35 – Surviving his biggest business setback

26:30 – Leadership mindset: shifting the inner dialogue

29:00 – Building belief in teams and future vision

32:00 – Legacy: good dad, great mate, no regrets

34:00 – Advice to late-stage entrepreneurs: just start

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How do you lead with clarity when your past is full of chaos?

In this episode, I sit down with Rich Goldfarb, a veteran media executive and entrepreneur, for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, leadership, and redefining success.

From his early days as a musician to leading media ventures alongside figures like Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch, Rich shares how personal adversity shaped his leadership style - and how he learned to shift from control to trust, from intensity to intention.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How formative experiences can fuel leadership instincts - and when to unlearn them.
• Why managing your well-being is essential in high-pressure, high-profile careers.
• The value of diverse teams, clear delegation, and long-term vision in sustainable success.
• How to cultivate talent and build cultures where people thrive.
• What it takes to lead while also making space for healing and growth.

Rich’s story is both a masterclass in leadership and a reminder that personal growth and professional achievement aren't separate paths - they’re deeply connected.

🎧 Watch and listen now to rethink what it means to lead well, live fully, and grow from experience.

👉 If this conversation spoke to you, like the video, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and follow my channel for more unfiltered stories on leadership, creativity, and impact.

• Check Rich Goldfarb website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassinc/

• Connect with Rich Goldfarb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgoldfarbrealtor/

• Write to Rich Goldfarb: [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]

00:00:39 - Rich's diverse background in music and media

00:03:38 - The impact of early trauma on leadership development

00:07:53 - Transitioning from music to the business world

00:14:07 - Lessons learned in building and leading teams

00:22:10 - Balancing personal well-being with professional ambitions

00:26:25 - Reflections on creativity and personal growth

00:31:02 - Advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead with creativity, resilience, and bold self-expression?

In this episode, I speak with Lotus (Sarah) Harkness, a tech veteran and founder of a creative agency, who built a career at the intersection of art and technology while navigating personal adversity and major industry shifts.

From performing on theater stages to shaping the future of companies like GitLab and Dropbox, Lotus shares how she stayed true to herself - cheeky defiance and all - while driving change across high-stakes environments. Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when you stop conforming and start leading from who you really are.

You’ll learn:

• How to stay rooted in your identity while leading in fast-paced, high-growth companies
• Why creativity isn’t separate from business - it’s essential to it
• How to manage big transitions, both personal and professional
• Practical tools for building resilience in the face of setbacks
• What it means to lead audaciously - and on your own terms

Lotus brings a rare combination of emotional honesty and industry insight, offering a roadmap for anyone trying to balance ambition with authenticity. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and empowered to chart your own course towards success and fulfillment.

🎧 Watch the full episode and take notes - you’ll want to revisit this one.

👉 If this conversation spoke to you, like the video, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and follow the channel for more unfiltered stories on leadership, creativity, and impact.

• Check Lotus Harkness website: https://audacityagents.info/
• Connect with Lotus Harkness on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharkyaudacity/
• Write to Lotus Harkness: [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]

02:19 - Childhood Influences and Early Leadership Development

10:28 - Role Models and Transition to Adulthood

15:57 - The "Wolf of Wall Street" Tech Years

23:20 - Entrepreneurship and Motherhood in Her 30s

27:58 - Health Challenges and Personal Growth

33:22 - Future Plans and Legacy

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In this episode, I speak with Alex Rodriguez, CEO of Diversity DCG Public Affairs, about how early adversity shaped his path to becoming a trusted leader in both business and community.

Raised in a single-parent household and once a boy with a stutter, Alex shares how key moments - from mentorship by strong women to the discipline of martial arts - helped him build clarity, confidence, and purpose. He also opens up about navigating failure, and how reframing it became a catalyst for growth.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize and apply the influence of mentors and role models.
• Practical ways martial arts and meditation can sharpen leadership focus.
• Why embracing failure can lead to more sustainable, values-based success.
• How to align career ambition with family, health, and long-term meaning.

Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection - it’s about direction, service, and daily discipline.

If you're looking to elevate your leadership skills, find more balance in your life, and make a meaningful impact on those around you, this conversation is a must-watch. Prepare to be inspired and challenged to reach new heights in your personal and professional life.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite insight from the episode!

• Check Alex Rodriguez’s website: http://conduitgr.com/
• Connect with Alex Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgalex/
• Write to Alex Rodriguez: [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]

00:00:41 - Meet Alex Rodriguez: CEO and Public Affairs Expert

00:02:11 - Martial Arts: A Lifelong Passion and Meditation Practice

00:04:22 - The Influence of Strong Female Role Models

00:07:27 - Overcoming Childhood Challenges and Pursuing Dreams

00:12:11 - The Power of Helping Others and Maintaining Integrity

00:16:40 - Navigating Setbacks and Finding New Paths

00:21:01 - Learning from Family Sacrifices and Embracing Partnership

00:24:25 - The Importance of Self-Care and Service to Others

00:32:59 - Advice to His Younger Self: Embrace Mentors and Overcome Fear

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Are you ready to explore the power of adaptable leadership in today's ever-changing business landscape? Join me for an enlightening conversation with Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of AMPA and Chair of the Eden Project in Morecambe, as we uncover the secrets to authentic leadership and personal growth.

In this candid discussion, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazing executive. Here are five key insights you'll gain from this inspiring episode:

• Discover how childhood experiences can shape resilience and drive leadership potential.
• Learn strategies for adapting your leadership style to different situations and team dynamics.
• Understand the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning in overcoming imposter syndrome.
• Explore the value of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in building trust and connection with your team.
• Gain practical tips for balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities.

Sarah's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-acceptance. From writing musicals in her spare time to leading a major professional services firm, she demonstrates how embracing your unique experiences can fuel success and inspire others.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite insight from the episode!

• Check Sarah Walker-Smith’s website: https://www.shma.co.uk/
• Connect with Sarah Walker-Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walker-smith-4708a5b/
• Write to Sarah Walker-Smith: [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]

00:00:41 - Meet Sarah Walker Smith: CEO, Chair, and Musical Writer

00:02:37 - Memorable Singing Experiences and Leadership Journey

00:05:49 - Early Career and Leadership Challenges

00:08:58 - Adapting Leadership Style and Building Trust

00:18:43 - Authenticity in Leadership and Pandemic Challenges

00:24:39 - Generational Differences in the Workplace

00:28:35 - Future Aspirations and Advice to Younger Self

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Are you seeking inspiration to create a lasting impact through conscious leadership? This enlightening conversation with Sarah McArthur, a distinguished editor and documentarian, offers a unique perspective on embracing global awareness, fostering inclusivity, and cultivating a legacy of humility, love, and service.

With a diverse background spanning international travel, publishing, and collaborations with renowned leaders, Sarah shares her transformative journey from a childhood spent exploring the world in a Volkswagen van to becoming a bridge between generations in today's complex business landscape.

Here are 5 key insights you'll gain from this thought-provoking episode:

• Understand the power of early experiences in shaping a global perspective and leadership approach.
• Learn strategies for integrating diverse voices and fostering inclusive decision-making in organizations.
• Discover the importance of aligning personal values with leadership practices, regardless of external circumstances.
• Gain insights into nurturing cross-generational understanding and collaboration in the workplace.
• Explore practical ways to create a lasting legacy through principles-based leadership and service to others.

Sarah's journey from a curious observer to an influential voice in leadership development is both inspiring and actionable. Her insights, drawn from mentors like Frances Hesselbein, Marshall Goldsmith, and Alan Mulally, offer a fresh perspective on navigating today's complex business environment.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite insight from the episode!

• Check Sarah McArthur’s website: https://www.sarahmcarthur.com/
• Connect with Sarah McArthur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmcarthur/
• Write to Sarah McArthur: [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 - Sarah McArthur's Background and Current Focus

00:03:14 - Childhood Experiences Shaping Leadership Style

00:09:22 - Early Career and Pursuit of Publishing

00:20:06 - Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth

00:30:07 - Inclusive Leadership Across Generations

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