Drop the Act

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Leon Lloyd, a former England international rugby player, high-performance strategist, and leadership expert. With 11 major trophies, including English and European titles with Leicester Tigers, Leon has competed at the highest level against some of the world's best athletes.

Leon shares his unique journey from professional sport to becoming an influential speaker and advisor for top organisations, including Microsoft, AMEX, the Premier League, and the UK Special Forces. He discusses how the skills and lessons learned on the field are directly transferable to building high-performance teams and sustainable success in the corporate world.

He dives deep into the leadership skills you can't afford to ignore, the hidden struggles of life after sports, and the secret to managing big egos in elite teams. Leon also explores why success starts in the mind, how to foster a culture that outperforms raw talent, and how to navigate the challenges of starting over after a professional sports career.

Key Highlights:

• The Leadership Skill You Can't Ignore – The one thing every leader needs to master.

• Life After Sports: The Battle No One Talks About – Navigating the challenges of transitioning out of professional sport.

• Managing Big Egos in Elite Teams – Strategies for maintaining harmony and performance.

• The Athlete's Perspective on Success – Why mindset is the foundation of high performance.

• Team Culture vs. Talent – Why culture beats raw talent every time.

Takeaways for Leaders & Teams:

• Mindset is key – Achieving long-term success starts with the right mental approach.

• Building high-performing teams – Leadership, communication, and culture matter more than individual talent.

• Overcoming transitions – Whether in sports or business, starting over can be challenging but rewarding.

About Leon Lloyd: Leon Lloyd is a former England international rugby player with a decorated career, including 11 major titles. Now a sought-after keynote speaker and high-performance strategist, Leon helps organisations build resilient teams and positive cultures. With academic credentials, including a first-class honors degree and an MBA with distinction, Leon is committed to empowering teams and leaders to achieve lasting success.

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In this season finale of Drop the Act, Christopher Key sits down with Lucy Key, co-founder of Performing Perfectly, to reveal the hidden techniques behind powerful communication.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 3 key components of effective communication: body language, voice, and words ✔️ How storytelling releases oxytocin, building trust and engagement ✔️ Why most business leaders fail at communication (and how to fix it) ✔️ The psychology behind nerves—and how to control them like a performer ✔️ The biggest mistakes professionals make when speaking ✔️ How breathing techniques can transform your confidence in public speaking

Lucy shares insider secrets from her experience as a West End performer and explains how the same skills used on stage can help business leaders, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs captivate any audience.

📢 Whether you're leading a meeting, delivering a keynote, or pitching a deal, this episode will change the way you communicate.

Lucy Key is the co-founder of Performing Perfectly, an expert in effective communication and performance coaching. With a background in West End theatre, Lucy blends theatrical techniques, psychology, and coaching to help business leaders and professionals command the room, inspire audiences, and speak with impact.

🔗 Learn more about Performing Perfectly: 🌐 Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Tess Howard, an Olympic hockey player, sports equality advocate, and founder of Inclusive Sportswear. At just 25 years old, Tess has already left a lasting impact on and off the field—making her Olympic debut in Paris while leading a movement for inclusive sportswear that has changed hockey uniforms forever.

Tess shares her inspiring journey as an athlete and changemaker, exploring how she balances elite performance with driving meaningful social change. She discusses why sports uniforms should be about choice, how her research and activism led to a groundbreaking shift in women's sportswear, and why 70% of girls quit sports—and what we can do to change that.

She also reflects on the psychological secrets to peak performance, the leadership lessons she's learned from Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and how her Olympic journey is transforming her both as an athlete and as a person.

• The Fight for Inclusive Sportswear – Why uniform choice matters and how Tess successfully campaigned for change.
• Peak Performance & Mindset – The psychological strategies that drive elite athletes to success.
• Why 70% of Girls Quit Sports – Understanding the barriers and how we can create a more inclusive future.
• Leadership Lessons from Ruth Bader Ginsburg – What a Supreme Court Justice taught Tess about resilience and advocacy.
• Winning Awards, But the Fight Isn't Over – How Tess continues to push for greater inclusivity in sports.
• The Olympic Journey & Personal Growth – How representing her country on the world's biggest stage has shaped her.

• Lead with Purpose – Advocacy and leadership go hand in hand. Tess's story proves that even one voice can create massive change.
• Performance Is Psychological – Success in sports and business comes from mindset, confidence, and mental resilience.
• Inclusivity Drives Participation – Making sports more accessible empowers more people to stay engaged and reach their full potential.
• Change Starts with You – Whether in sports or leadership, challenging outdated norms

Tess Howard is an Olympic hockey player for Team GB and a leading voice for inclusivity in sports. As the founder of Inclusive Sportswear and winner of the Changemaker Award at the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year ceremony, she is dedicated to ensuring that every athlete, regardless of gender, feels empowered and comfortable in their sport. Her advocacy has led to a revolutionary change in women's hockey uniforms, proving that small changes can make a massive difference.

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In this episode of Drop the Act, host Christopher Key sits down with former professional footballer turned keynote speaker, Mark O'Brien. From making his senior debut at just 16 to retiring at 27 due to a life-threatening heart condition, Mark's journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose beyond the game. Together, they explore the mental battles of elite sport, overcoming setbacks, and the lessons leaders can learn from high-performance athletes.

• The Struggle of Letting Go and Finding New Purpose: Mark opens up about the emotional toll of retiring at 27 and the identity crisis that followed. He shares how he transitioned from athlete to speaker, finding a new purpose in helping others navigate change.

• What Facing Death Taught Me About Living: A routine heart screening at 16 revealed a life-threatening condition, forcing Mark to confront mortality at a young age. He discusses how this changed his perspective on life, resilience, and making every moment count.

• Retired at 27 – The Mental Struggles No One Talks About: While early retirement might sound like a dream, for athletes, it can be an identity-shattering experience. Mark delves into the unseen mental health struggles, from loss of purpose to rebuilding self-worth.

• How to Truly Connect with Young Athletes: Mark reflects on his experiences mentoring young footballers and the importance of genuine connection, honesty, and vulnerability in coaching and leadership.

• Every Setback Is a Comeback – The Power of Mindset: From being told he might never play football again to making a senior debut, Mark shares how mindset, perseverance, and adapting to change have shaped his career and life.

• Adaptability is key – When life forces a pivot, embrace change as an opportunity, not an obstacle.

• Mental resilience isn't just for athletes – Leaders should build a strong mindset to navigate setbacks.

• True leadership is about connection – Whether in sports or business, people follow those who genuinely care.

• Don't let setbacks define you – Instead, let them shape your next move.

• Reevaluate your 'why' often – Purpose evolves, and so should your approach to success.

• "You can either let setbacks break you, or you can let them build you." – Mark O'Brien
• "At 16, I was told I might not survive surgery. That's when I truly started living." – Mark O'Brien
• "Retirement wasn't the hard part. Figuring out who I was without football—that was the real challenge." – Mark O'Brien
• "Great leaders don't just instruct, they listen. They connect." – Mark O'Brien
• "Football gave me a career, but adversity gave me a purpose." – Mark O'Brien

• Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performingperfectly
• Podcast Subscription: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Christopher Key sits down with two seasoned performers, Ceili O'Connor and Conner Gillooly, currently starring in School of Rock on its international tour. Broadcasting from Hong Kong, the trio explores the intersection of theatre and business, revealing key insights on confidence, resilience, communication, and the art of effective storytelling.

• Theatre as a Training Ground for Business: Ceili and Conner discuss how their early fascination with people-watching and body language shaped their ability to communicate effectively on and off stage.
• Rejection and Resilience: Conner shares wisdom from his salesman father about collecting 'no's' as steps toward a 'yes,' while Ceili emphasizes the importance of developing a strong support network.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Both actors recount personal battles with self-doubt and how they've learned to trust their preparation and unique approach.
• The Power of Presence: The importance of mindfulness, breathwork, and hydration in managing nerves before stepping into the spotlight—lessons equally applicable in the corporate world.
• The Impact of Body Language: Ceili explains how posture, eye contact, and stance project confidence, while Conner highlights how physicality can shape emotion and delivery.
• Bringing Playfulness into Performance: Whether on stage or in the boardroom, a sense of play and improvisation can help unlock creativity and authentic engagement.
• Lessons from Working with Young Performers: The duo reflects on the inspiration drawn from child actors in School of Rock—their fearless energy and openness to learning serve as reminders for professionals to embrace curiosity and adaptability.
• Mistakes as Gifts: Conner advocates for embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth, reframing setbacks as moments to innovate rather than failures.

• View every public speaking opportunity as a performance—prepare, but stay flexible.
• Use breathwork and hydration to stay grounded under pressure.
• Embrace rejection as part of the journey to success.
• Trust in your knowledge and unique voice—don't try to imitate others.
• Pay attention to your body language and adjust it to project confidence and authority.

• "Collect the 'no's'—each one gets you closer to a 'yes.'" – Conner Gillooly
• "Our greatest tool as performers is our ability to observe and adapt." – Ceili O'Connor
• "Mistakes aren't failures, they're gifts." – Conner Gillooly
• "Confidence isn't about faking it—it's about trusting yourself." – Ceili O'Connor

• Website: https://www.performingperfectly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performingperfectly
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performingperfectly
• Podcast Subscription: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Claire Colvin, co-founder of Simple Scaling and a transformative business leader, to explore the mindset, strategy, and leadership skills needed to scale a business with confidence and sustainability.

With over 23 years of experience in business transformation, Claire shares her expertise in building high-performing teams, creating people-centred systems, and overcoming the challenges of scaling. She discusses why authenticity is the #1 leadership trait, how to crush self-doubt for good, and the key business lesson every leader needs to hear.

Claire also dives into why many business leaders fall out of love with their work, the common leadership habits that drive—or hinder—growth, and why most leaders are terrible listeners. She breaks down the #1 leadership mistake that leads to failure and explores the role of love in leadership—can it actually make you a better leader?

• Authentic Leadership in Scaling – Why vulnerability, trust, and leading with heart are essential for business growth.

• Overcoming Self-Doubt – How taking action, even in uncertainty, builds confidence and resilience.

• The Power of Relationships in Business – Why successful partnerships focus on mutual success, not just transactions.

• Scaling Beyond Strategy – The crucial role of energy management, mindset, and delegation in sustainable scaling.

• Fear vs. Trust in Leadership – How leaders who operate from trust foster innovation, while fear-based decisions create roadblocks.

• Building People-Centred Systems – How the right structures and culture drive long-term success.

• Lead with Authenticity – The best leaders don't have all the answers, but they build trust and empower their teams.

• Trust Over Fear – A leadership style rooted in trust creates stronger teams and better results.

• Success Is a Team Effort – Scaling isn't just about strategy; it's about creating the right culture and systems.

• Invest in Relationships – Business growth is built on strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

• Energy Management Matters – Sustainable scaling requires leaders to manage their energy, not just their time.

Claire Colvin is the co-founder of Simple Scaling and a transformative business leader dedicated to helping companies achieve scalable, sustainable growth. With over 23 years of experience in high-growth SMEs, global organisations, and major UK PLCs, Claire specialises in building people-centred systems that empower businesses to scale effectively. As a CIPD-qualified expert with a Master's in HRM, she has a deep understanding of leadership, organisational development, and team performance. At Simple Scaling, Claire works alongside Brendan McGurgan to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with the strategies, mindset, and tools needed to scale with confidence. Passionate about fostering trust, self-awareness, and high-performing teams, Claire is committed to helping businesses unlock their full potential.

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In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with former Premier League striker and football pundit Chris Sutton to discuss his journey from the pitch to the world of sports broadcasting.

With a storied football career spanning Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, and Celtic, Chris reflects on the highs and lows of his time in the game, including winning the Premier League, handling tough coaching styles, and the reality of football punditry. He shares insights on leadership, team spirit, and the power of honest feedback—both on and off the field.

Chris also dives into the transition from player to pundit, the impact of tough love in shaping his career, and why great leaders sometimes inspire without saying a word. Whether you're a football fan or a business leader, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, teamwork, and the power of direct communication.

• How Great Leaders Inspire Without Saying a Word – Chris shares why some of the best leaders don't need big speeches to make an impact.
• The Brutal World of Football Punditry – What it's really like to critique players and managers on live TV and radio.
• Winning Teams Need More Than Talent—Here's Why – The crucial elements beyond skill that make a team successful.
• How Tough Love Shaped My Career – The role of no-nonsense coaching and hard truths in Chris's journey from young striker to champion.
• Does Team Spirit Really Win Games? – Breaking down the debate: is chemistry just a myth, or does it make all the difference?
• No Sugarcoating: How Honest Feedback Fuels Growth – Why brutal honesty can be the key to improving performance in sports and business.

• Lead by Example – Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. True leadership doesn't always require big speeches.
• Embrace Criticism – Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, honest feedback—no matter how tough—drives real growth.
• Beyond Talent: The Winning Formula – Success isn't just about ability. Team spirit, adaptability, and hard work set great teams apart.
• Stay Resilient – Chris's journey proves that setbacks, from transfers to career shifts, are stepping stones to success.

Chris Sutton began his football career at Norwich City before making history with a record-breaking transfer to Blackburn Rovers, where he won the Premier League in 1994-95. He later played for Chelsea and enjoyed a decorated spell at Celtic, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups. After retiring, Chris became a respected football pundit, known for his candid analysis on BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live. His no-nonsense approach to the game continues to spark debate and provide valuable insights for players and fans alike.

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In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with West End performers and entrepreneurs Ed Currie and Andy Coxon to discuss their remarkable journey from the stage to building their deodorant brand, AKT.

With an impressive array of musical theatre credits, including A Chorus Line, Hairspray, West Side Story, and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Ed and Andy explore topics like how to build a brand that stands out (and sells out), their experience of leaving the stage behind, and the big leap from performer to entrepreneur. They also dive into how they turned a "stinky" problem into a thriving business, overcame stage fright, and used performance skills to succeed in the business world. The conversation reveals how their authentic story helped them win over investors and create a brand that resonates deeply with their audience.

Key Highlights:

• How to Build a Brand That Stands Out (and Sells Out): Ed and Andy's journey to creating AKT and how they leveraged their community to launch a successful brand.

• I Miss the Stage, But Here's Why I Left It Behind: The decision to transition from the theatre world to entrepreneurship and the personal and professional shifts that came with it.

• From Performer to Entrepreneur – The Big Leap: The challenges and rewards of swapping a career in performance for one in business.

• How I Turned a Stinky Problem Into a Thriving Business: The inspiration behind AKT and how they solved the problem of sweat and body odour with a unique product.

• Overcoming Stage Fright – My Battle with Fear: A discussion on overcoming performance anxiety and how they applied those lessons to the entrepreneurial journey.

• Why Your Brand Needs a Story (And How to Tell It): The importance of storytelling in business and how their personal journey shaped the AKT brand.

• How Performance Skills Helped Me Succeed in Business: The transferable skills from the stage that helped Ed and Andy thrive in their new venture.

• How Being Authentic Helped Us Win Over Investors: Why staying true to themselves was key to gaining investor support and building credibility for AKT.

Takeaways for Business Leaders:

• Building a Brand with Heart: Authenticity and storytelling are at the core of successful brands. Connect with your audience by sharing your personal journey.

• Leverage Your Network: Use the power of your community to spread the word and build momentum for your brand.

• Embrace Change: Switching careers from performer to entrepreneur is no small feat, but the ability to adapt can lead to extraordinary success.

• Face Your Fears: Whether on stage or in business, overcoming anxiety and embracing challenges is essential for growth and success.

About Ed Currie & Andy Coxon: Ed and Andy are highly accomplished West End performers who transitioned from the stage to entrepreneurs with the launch of AKT, a deodorant brand born out of necessity during their theatre careers. With a shared passion for personal growth, innovation, and helping others, their entrepreneurial journey is proof that with creativity and determination, a "stinky" problem can turn into a thriving business. They continue to inspire others with their authenticity, resilience, and commitment to solving real-world problems.

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In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Mark Clemmit, a dynamic leader and broadcaster, to explore his journey from radio to TV, and his insights on leadership and communication. Mark discusses The One Leadership Skill That Will Change Everything, sharing his thoughts on why senior leaders need Gen Z perspectives to stay relevant and how storytelling can be a powerful tool to connect with audiences. The conversation also covers From Panic to Poise: Public Speaking Tips That Work, where Mark offers practical advice for handling nerves and leading confidently in high-pressure situations. He dives into his Accidental Journey to Radio Fame, revealing the unexpected twists in his career, and provides strategies for How to Lead a Room of 300 With Confidence. Mark also emphasises why Passion Always Beats Perfection and shares the challenges and rewards of transitioning from radio to TV, offering a unique perspective on the realities of media work.

Key Highlights:

• The One Leadership Skill That Will Change Everything: Mark's perspective on the critical leadership skill that every leader needs to master.

• Why Senior Leaders Need Gen Z Perspectives: The importance of fresh perspectives in leadership, especially from the next generation.

• The Secret to Connecting Through Stories: How storytelling can bridge gaps and build powerful connections in leadership and communication.

• From Panic to Poise – Public Speaking Tips That Work: Practical tips Mark shares to handle public speaking nerves and command the room with confidence.

• The Accidental Journey to Radio Fame: Mark's unexpected rise to radio prominence and the lessons learned along the way.

• How to Lead a Room of 300 With Confidence: Mark's insights into leading large groups with poise and control.

• Why Passion Always Beats Perfection: The value of passion over striving for perfection in leadership and life.

• What It's Really Like to Jump From Radio to TV: Mark discusses the challenges and thrills of transitioning from radio to television, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the media world.

Takeaways for Business Leaders:

• Focus on developing the leadership skill that truly makes a difference—whether it's emotional intelligence, decision-making, or communication.

• Embrace Gen Z perspectives to stay ahead and relevant in leadership.

• Use storytelling to enhance connection, motivation, and influence in your team.

• Public speaking is a vital skill—develop strategies to perform with confidence, no matter the size of the audience.

• Never underestimate the power of passion in leadership—it's the driving force behind true success.

• Be adaptable and embrace change, especially when transitioning careers or stepping into new challenges.

About Mark Clemmit:

Mark Clemmit, or Clem, is a well-known BBC presenter, featured reporter for Football Focus, and a key member of the Final Score and Match of the Day Live teams. With a long career on BBC Radio 5 Live and TV appearances on The One Show and How Safe is Your House, Mark has earned a reputation for his relaxed, access-all-areas style.

His broadcasting career began by chance with his radio fanzine Red Balls On Fire, which gained recognition and led to further opportunities. Mark has worked with top brands like Coca-Cola and Rolls Royce and regularly hosts events for organisations such as the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association.

A passionate supporter of the underdog, Mark's TV credits also include Match of the Day 2 and ITV's David Beckham: A Footballer's Story. Outside of broadcasting, he enjoys walking, having conquered Hadrian's Wall, the Thames Path, and Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

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In this episode of Drop the Act, host Chris Key sits down with Amy Merricks, Head Coach of Birmingham City FC Women's, to explore her leadership journey, her passion for changing the perception of women in football, and her approach to developing high-performance teams. Amy shares her insights on building leaders, maintaining engagement throughout a season, and the realities of being a minority in leadership roles. The conversation delves into the art of tough love, personal growth, and the power of believing in oneself.

Key Highlights:

• Building a Team of Leaders, Not Followers: Amy's approach to creating empowered individuals who drive success within the team.

• Keeping Your Team Engaged All Season Long: Insights into maintaining motivation and energy throughout a demanding season.

• The Art of Tough Love in Modern Leadership: How Amy balances compassion with firmness to inspire growth and development.

• The Reality of Being a Minority in Leadership Roles: Amy's experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the importance of resilience.

• Owning Every Role You Play: The importance of adaptability and taking full responsibility in all aspects of leadership.

• Adapting Yourself for Success: Why flexibility is essential for both personal and professional growth in leadership.

• Believing in Yourself as the Ultimate Superpower: How self-confidence fuels achievement, especially in challenging environments.

Takeaways for Business Leaders:

• Build a culture of leadership, where every team member feels empowered to lead.

• Keep teams engaged by setting clear goals, maintaining communication, and fostering motivation.

• Use tough love to challenge your team while maintaining support.

• Embrace the power of adaptability to succeed in diverse roles.

• Believe in your own potential—confidence is a critical leadership trait.

About Amy Merricks: Amy Merricks is the Head Coach of Birmingham City FC Women's, where she leads the team with passion, purpose, and a commitment to transforming the landscape of women's football. Holding a UEFA Pro Licence and an LMA Diploma in Football Management, Amy is dedicated to fostering an environment where leadership and personal growth go hand in hand. Her drive to change the perception of women in football and inspire the next generation of leaders shapes her dynamic approach to coaching and leadership development.

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