In this podcast episode, I’m diving back into a crucial but often overlooked communication skill: active listening.

It sounds simple, but in reality, truly listening, especially in fast-paced, distraction-heavy environments, is far from easy. Whether you're in a virtual meeting or face-to-face, your ability to listen well is a key part of your global leadership impact, helping you build trust, demonstrate emotional and cultural intelligence.

We explore what it means to make a conscious choice to listen, how to manage the distractions that pull your attention away, and why showing you’re listening (even without speaking) is essential for career growth and leadership development.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication.
• The three types of distractions you need to manage.
• How to show you're fully present, through body language and non-verbal cues.
• What “intelligent listening” looks like, and how to read between the lines.
• Simple techniques to bring your focus back when your mind drifts.

Reflection Questions:

• How intentional are you about listening in meetings and conversations?
• What distracts you most, and how could you manage that better?
• Which strategy will you try first to strengthen your listening skills?

For more on developing the communication skills every global leader needs, don’t forget to explore my free training resource Global Leader Impact. Download it now at: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader 

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• 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

AI, automation and rapid digital change have transformed work, but what does this mean for the future of leadership? In this episode, I’m joined by Zahra Shah, AI expert and leader, to explore the leadership, communication and cultural skills leaders now need to grow and adapt to.

We talk about the ethical and practical sides of AI, how to adopt it effectively in your organisation, and why strong human skills like empathy, cultural intelligence and critical thinking will define the next generation of leadership.

Zahra also shares her inspiring journey to becoming a director on several boards, encouraging and supporting diverse women into leadership, and her own leadership lessons, including how she built resilience through challenge and change.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to lead effectively alongside AI.
• Practical and responsible ways to start integrating AI.
• Why emotional intelligence, empathy and critical thinking matter more than ever.
• Resilience lessons through challenge and change.
• Supporting diverse voices through culturally intelligent leadership.

Reflection Questions:

• How are you adapting your leadership for AI?
• What skills do you need to grow for the future?

Boost your leadership communication skills with my free training resource to accompany the podcast, Global Leader Impact. Download it now athttps://www.culturecuppa.com/leader and strengthen the key communication skills you need.

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• Connect with Zahra Shah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahra-shah
• Follow Zahra Shah on X (Twitter): https://x.com/ZahraSh00153113
• Follow Zahra Shah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zahra_o_shah/?hl=en
• Connect with Zahra Shah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zahra.shah.1694/
• Follow Zahra Shah on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zahrashah9750
• 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

When your idea, recommendation or initiative needs a ‘yes’, but you’re hitting a block, it’s not only about repeating yourself or speaking louder. It’s about how you frame your message.

In today’s podcast episode, I explore a powerful, practical approach for professionals who want to influence more effectively in their organisations.

Drawing on my work with leaders navigating complex, multicultural environments, I share 6 key positioning frames that help you communicate your ideas and connect more strategically with your audience, elevate your message and get the buy-in you need.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The six Influence Frames and when to use them.
• Why framing is essential for fast-changing, high-stakes environments.
• How to align your message so it lands and connects.
• Understanding the value for internal and external stakeholders.

Reflection questions to consider:

• What project or idea do you need support for right now?
• Which of the six frames resonates most?

This is about your leadership communication and I’d love to hear how you apply these frames to your current challenges, message me directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriarennoldson/ to let me know.

To go deeper and strengthen your Global Leadership communication skills, download Global Leader Impact, my free training resource to accompany this podcast, at https://culturecuppa.com/leader .

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• 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

Let’s face into a topic that’s on many minds right now: how to genuinely stand out and communicate your value in a highly competitive and rapidly changing job market. With widespread layoffs, redundancies and restructures, and evolving hiring processes increasingly influenced by AI screening, simply updating your CV or LinkedIn profile won’t cut it anymore. Instead, standing out starts much earlier, with self-leadership and knowing your unique value.

In this latest podcast episode, I share practical strategies to help you identify your core talents, reflect on your career highs and lows, and align your job search with what truly brings you joy and purpose. By embracing this approach, you can build a compelling personal career narrative that will resonate deeply.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why standing out begins with self-leadership.
• How to recognise and articulate your unique talents and strengths.
• The importance of mapping your career highs and lows.
• Understand your individual leadership style.
• Owning your career narrative.

Reflection Questions:

• What unique talents and strengths truly set you apart as a global leader?
• How have your career challenges shaped you?

Boost your leadership communication skills further with my free training resource to accompany this podcast, Global Leader Impact. Download it now at https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader and deepen your development in key leadership communication areas essential for career growth and impact.

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• 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

Navigating redundancy with resilience, the evolving role of AI in the workplace, and what impactful learning and development looks like in today’s hybrid, fast-moving world.

In this podcast episode I am joined by Learning & Development specialist, Valerie Merrill, who shares her personal journey of being made redundant multiple times, how it led her to becoming her own boss, and why she believes redundancy can be a pivotal moment for reflection, reinvention, and growth.

We explore the realities of transition, if you’re considering starting a business, adapting to AI-led change, and why inclusive, human-focused Learning & Development design is more essential than ever.

With over 35 years in training across industries, Valerie has a wealth of experience and knowledge identifying the right learning interventions to achieve team and organisational goals in learning and development, while focusing on return on investment.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to reframe redundancy as an opportunity rather than a setback.
• Practical strategies for staying resilient and taking action in uncertain times.
• How to assess whether running your own business is the right move.
• Where AI is making the biggest impact in learning and workplace communication.
• Why inclusive, adaptive learning design matters more than ever.

Reflection Questions:

• How do you respond to unexpected change: do you resist it or explore it?
• Could moments of uncertainty be your opportunity to grow or pivot?

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• Connect with Valerie Merrill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrillvalerie/
• Visit Valerie Merrill's website: https://www.merrillconsultants.com/
• 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 of the podcast, I explore a vital, current topic: how AI tools can genuinely support and enhance your communication skills as a global leader. This is not about replacing you, but rather empowering and improving the way you communicate.

Drawing on real-world examples, hands-on experimentation, and what the latest research is saying, I break down how to use these tools effectively, and importantly, what not to do with AI.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• AI supports, it’s not there to replace your communication skills.
• Why AI can give productivity boosts that are a game-changer for leaders.
• What it means to use AI as a ‘thinking partner’ and ‘download partner’.
• The critical do’s and don’ts when integrating AI into your communication.
• How to maintain your humanity, tone of voice and presence while using AI.

Reflection questions to consider:

• Which of the AI uses shared in this episode will you try next?
• How can you maintain your personal communication style while using AI tools?
• What boundaries do you need in place to use AI effectively?

Download your free leadership resource to accompany the podcast, Global Leader Impact, to continue developing your future communication skills: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/
• 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

Communication is your most powerful tool as a leader. It’s how you share your vision, engage your team, influence decisions, and build your personal brand. From one-to-one conversations to addressing large audiences, your communication style shapes your leadership presence and determines your career trajectory.

In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the communication skills that are essential for today’s and tomorrow’s global leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or stepping up into leadership, mastering these skills is the key to maximising your impact through the way you communicate, with the opportunity to accelerate your career.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Structure and articulate your ideas with clarity, ensuring your message lands exactly as intended.

• Handle challenging conversations, from conflict resolution to giving and receiving feedback.

• The importance of connection and cultural intelligence in building trust and collaboration across your team.

• Communicating with confidence, especially during times of transition or uncertainty.

Key reflection questions for you:

• Which of these communication skills - clarity, challenging conversations, connection, and confidence - is your current strength?

• Where do you see your biggest development opportunity in leadership communication?

• What is your next step to enhance your communication skills and grow your leadership impact?

For those wanting to deepen their learning, I have a free resource, Global Leader Impact, that explores these topics further. Access it anytime at: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader

Remember, your ability to communicate effectively as a global leader will influence your career growth, the impact you have on your teams, and your leadership legacy. Start honing these skills today. Get in touch if you would like my help to transform your communication into your greatest asset: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/
• 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

How do you get noticed by senior leaders when you’re getting ready for promotion? 

How do you communicate your value beyond your local team or region?

In this latest podcast, I’ll guide you through the practical steps to grow your visibility and impact, even before you're ready for that next career move. This is not about shortcuts or quick wins. It’s about investing in your career visibility strategies now, so you can confidently be ready for future leadership opportunities. This is your chance to build connections and put yourself on the radar for global leadership roles.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Leadership mindset before job title.
• Flag your ambition strategically.
• Mentorship and how to find the right mentor.
• Research missions as a part of your plan.
• Strategic networking to raise your profile.
• Practical, low-barrier actions you can take today to become more visible.

Key Reflection Questions:

• What does becoming a global leader mean to you personally and professionally?
• Where are you already showing leadership, even without the title?
• Who could you reach out to for a 20-minute conversation to broaden your perspective?

Ready to go further? Download your free leadership resource to accompany the podcast here: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader.

You’ll get short, practical training to help you deepen your communication skills, grow your leadership confidence and create more impact in your career.

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/
• 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 it take to make partner in one of the world’s leading accountancy firms? Learn about leadership mindset from the inspiring career journey of Simon Olsen, partner at Deloitte, who shares his invaluable insights in this latest podcast episode from his 26 years of experience.

Simon discusses his path to leadership, highlighting the importance of boldness, determination, and the ability to adapt culturally in an ever-changing global landscape. With a wealth of experience working across diverse cultures, Simon reflects on how these experiences have shaped his leadership style and the significance of mentorship in both personal and professional growth. He emphasises the need for leaders to listen actively, understand their teams, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for stepping into leadership roles, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the necessity of building a strong, supportive team. Simon's open and honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of leadership will resonate with listeners at every stage of their careers.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The importance of boldness and bravery in leadership.
• How to adapt your leadership style to different cultural contexts.
• Strategies for effective mentoring and team building.
• Recognising and overcoming imposter syndrome.
• The role of continuous learning and practice in developing leadership skills.

Reflection questions for you to consider:

• How can you apply boldness in your own leadership journey?
• What steps will you take to build a supportive team around you

Resources:

• Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/
• 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

Today we explore what it really takes to lead across cultures in a way that drives results, builds trust and enhances your impact as a global leader. Whether you’re expanding your global team, leading across regions, or developing your leadership for future global opportunities, this latest episode is for you.

We look at how Cultural Intelligence (CQ) enables leaders to adapt their communication style, navigate cultural complexity and stay authentic, while connecting to people and delivering results. We explore why CQ is not only a nice-to-have, but an essential leadership skill to thrive as a global leader and thrive in your career.

What you'll learn: 

• Why your leadership style may not land the same way across different cultures
• How to shift from one version of leadership to a global leadership mindset
• The four-part CQ framework from the Cultural Intelligence Center and how it applies to real leadership challenges
• Practical ways to adapt your communication and leadership style without losing authenticity
• Why cultural intelligence fuels your leadership impact

 Reflection questions:

• How well do you understand your own cultural influences and behavioural preferences?
• What cultural differences are you currently navigating, and how are you responding?
• Where might you need to adapt your leadership or communication to be more effective?

Don’t forget to download your free training resource to develop your leader communication and cultural intelligence further: http://www.culturecuppa.com/leader/

Want to dive deeper and explore your own Cultural Intelligence profile? Message me on LinkedIn – I’d love to hear from you.

If you’re serious about growing your communication, your career and your leadership future, this episode is your next step.

Resources:

• Access the free training, Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader
• 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