Everyday Leadership

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On today's episode, I talk to David Grevemberg Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) about :

• Growing up in an all Black neighbourhood in New Orleans
• Transitioning from being an athlete to a corporate career in international sport
• Awareness, Advocacy & Action - Championing and changing the perception around Paralympic athletes
• How to create welcoming environments that promote, protect and empower people regardless of diversity.
• Listening in the realm of possibility instead of the realm of limitation
• Lack of representation on the board of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and learning from that experience
• Embracing protest by athletes which is different to the IOC

David is Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the organisation responsible for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.

Previously, David was Chief Executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (Glasgow 2014 Limited), the Executive Director of Sport and International Federation Relations at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), a former competitive wrestler, who has also served as a coach, athlete agent, team administrator, consultant and Board member.

Follow David on Linkedin - David Grevemberg Get involved with Birmingham 2022 - https://www.birmingham2022.com/

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On today's episode, I talk to Catherine Wallwork about :

• The difference between a fixed and a growth mindset and how to recognise your current state
• Why companies need a mindsetshift
• Practical tools which allow you to self reflect an deal with failures we go through
• Create space to challenge conventional wisdom and collaborate together
• Edward de Bonos Six Thinking Hats for Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Why is storytelling so important in the workplace?
• Playing football and the lessons learnt from being a club captain
• Why embracing conflict is the best opportunity to help you find a way forward
• MoSCoW and how that helps you prioritize at home helping you do more things that give you energy
• Parenting and how to develop a growth mindset with your children

Catherine is the Head of Innovation Engagement & Mindset at Deloitte Ventures UK. She is also a founder, advisor and an education governor for one of the largest, diverse and creative maintained secondary schools in South East London. She is also a careers strategy advisor helping young people, parents and educators understand the future of work and how innovation and industry trends are shaping careers and learning.

Follow Catherine on social mediaTwitter - @catherinewallw1 Linkedin - Catherine Wallwork Subscribe using your favorite podcast app via

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACKYou can do this on Apple podcast or on Sticher Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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On today's episode, I talk to David about having uncomfortable conversations with people but doing it from a place of love, we discuss cancel culture, inclusive and servant leadership as well what it takes to sustain a marriage after 32 of being with his wife, education and why it is for the privileged, showing vulnerability as a man as so much more. About David McqueenDavid McQueen is a husband, father of two, entrepreneur, professional facilitator, world-class speaker and executive coach who works with C-Suite clients globally across banking, technology, advertising and the non-profit sector, specifically focusing on both leadership and presentation skills.

If you liked this episode, please share it with your friends / write a review - it goes a long way! :)

In this episode of Everyday Day Leadership, David and I discuss (times are approximate):

• Having uncomfortable conversations and approaching it from a place of love - 1:20
• Not worrying about cancel culture and speaking truth to power - 03:20
• Defining what servant leadership means and why it is so important - 05:20
• How people respond to various leadership styles - 11:00
• Creating an environment where employees have a voice - 14:00
• Using B.R.A.V.E framework to help companies live up to their values - 19:00
• 3 major keys to sustaining a relationship of 32 years - 22:00
• Working with your partner - 24:45
• Why not growing up is important in a relationship - 28:00
• Being vulnerable and overcoming the boys dont cry mantra- 31:00
• Singing at his wedding - 34:00
• Education is not designed for the poor or disenfranchised - 39:00
• The good side of social media - 46: 00
• Working Hard v Working Smart - 49:45

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACKYou can do this on Apple podcast or on Sticher Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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In part 2 of James' story, we explore topics like mental health and the impact racism has had on the older generation which does not get talked about often. We discuss how getting rejected lead to a complete redirection in his career. - Why it is so important to know your strengths, weakness, and capabilities. - Communicating to express not impress - Why being confident intimated other people. - Feast and farming of being a creative artist and why even though from a financial perspective working for yourself is harder and sometimes not as lucrative but it is worth it from a mental wealth perspective. - Getting underpaid despite being more qualified than other colleagues About James Pogson: James Pogson is a Black British Narrative Storyteller: Writer. Speaker. Humorist. Creatively Clear Compelling Communicator with 25+ years working in the public, private, arts, and entertainment sectors Follow James on Social Media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pogson-617aa812/ In Episode 10 of EverydayDay Leadership, James and I discuss

• Have things got better in 2020 - 2:00
• Representation on TV - 6:00
• Mid life crisis & mental health from a black lens especially for the older generation - 12:00
• Death by misadventure - 16:00
• How frustration with the gatekeepers in media lead to redirection in his career - 18:00
• Why working for yourself is easier for a black man - 21:00
• Dealing with rejection, knowing yourself, weakness and purpose - 26:00
• Being sensible and black 29:00
• Being confident and how others found that intimidating - 30:00
• Being underpaid despite being more qualified that colleagues - 32:00
• Advice to the younger generation - 35:00

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACK You can do this on the Apple podcast or on Sticher. Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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Stories are powerful and they play a key role in creating perspectives, informing identities and educating people. As we celebrate Black History Month I wanted to share untold stories of Black people and I could not think of anyone else that my guest today James who is a natural storyteller. About James Pogson: James Pogson is a Black British Narrative Storyteller: Writer. Speaker. Humorist. Creatively Clear Compelling Communicator with 25+ years working in the public, private, arts and entertainment sectors Follow James on Social Media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pogson-617aa812/ In Episode 09 of EverydayDay Leadership, James and I discuss

• What life was like growing up in the 70s
• Having The Talk with your parents
• Paying to be in insulted on TV
• Not feeling British
• Being put in a box at school by teachers because you were Black
• Having a degree was a hindrance
• The distinction between logic and emotion
• Leaving his job for emotional reasons
• Not being treated as a human
• Aggressions are not micro
• The problem with BAME
• Have things got better

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACK You can do this on the Apple podcast or on Sticher. Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

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Since the 31st May 2020, Shereen has recorded a video every day charting her experiences of being a Black woman in the world of work - no filter, unflinchingly raw and honest and on todays episode we peel the curtain back behind who Shereen is to learn more about her finding her voice, being a black woman operating in predominately white spaces and feeling unwelcome, battling stage four Hodgkins Lymphoma whilst being a single mum of a young daughter at the time and why "working twice hard" notion potentially lead to her diagnosis, parenting, tough conversations and so much more.

About Shereen Daniels:Shereen Daniels is the Managing Director of strategy consultancy HR rewired who specialise in delivering niche half-day workshops designed to support organisations who are committed to creating equitable, anti-racist and inclusive cultures. HR rewired are on a mission to gather the world together to take anti-racism seriously. To amplify the voices of Black people within the workplace. And encourage as many people as possible to stop being bystanders and become active allies.

Shereen has over 17 years of senior HR experience within international risk management, media, retail and hospitality, Shereen has worked for an array of well-known, highstreet brands, such as Orion Publishing Group, Carphone Warehouse, Gala Coral, Hobbs, Greene King and Caffe Nero.

Work Shereen and her team - https://www.hr-rewired.com/ Follow Shereen on social media:

In Episode 08 of EverydayDay Leadership, Shereen and I discuss (times are approximate): Who is Sheereen Daniels - 2:30 Working with ex-special forces and CIA personnel - 5:00 Navigating HR as a black woman - 8:30 Being overqualified at 16 and dealing with the concrete ceiling - 09:40 Being passed over for job roles - 9.48 Space for one black person and leaving your identity behind - 13:30 Battling stage four Hodgkins Lymphoma - 19:00 Wearing a skin that is not really yours - 23.46.719 - 24.50 Experiencing hostility & the impact of social conditioning - 27:00 Black people are not good enough to lead - 30:00 Why diversity & inclusion is broken - 33:00 Ignorance is no longer an excuse - 35:22 Changing your name because of a job - 41:00 Having the talk as a parent and navigating multiracial relationships - 43.00 Why entrepreneurship is important for kids - 49:00 Protecting your mental wealth - 55:00

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACK You can do this on the Apple podcast or on Sticher. Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

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In this episode I talk to Ken Okoroafor went from Topshop assistant to achieving financial freedom (becoming and living completely debt-free) in just over ten years and in today's episode we find out how he achieved this. We also discuss parenting and not conforming to cultural Nigerian standards, making the bold decision to quit a 6 figure job during the pandemic, racism, faith, leadership and so much more About Ken Okoroafor: Ken is a husband to Mary (Co-founder of HumblePenny), father to two great sons Joshua & Elias. He is also a Chartered Accountant (ACA, ICAEW), former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Edge Investments, an MBA holder from the University of Cambridge and has been featured on BBC, Channel 5, Metro, The Times, Guardian, etc. He also creates personal financial coaching workshops with clients such as PensionBee, IG Markets, eToro, Experian, Youtube etc. Learn more about Financial Freedom The Humble Penny - https://thehumblepenny.com/ Financial Joy Academy - https://financialjoyacademy.com/ Follow Ken on Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thehumblepenny/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehumblepenny/?hl=en YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thehumblepenny In Episode 07 of EverydayDay Leadership, Ken and I discuss

• Having a North Star Goal
• Lack of representation for black people in personal finance
• Building a community whilst working full time
• Quitting work during the pandemic
• How to simplify your life & why budgeting is important
• Lessons from parenting and how they can apply in business
• Developing a mindset to provide alternative solutions to tackle racism
• Creativity is necessary to increase your income
• How Faith is at the foundation of everything he does

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACK You can do this on the Apple podcast or on Sticher. Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

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In this episode, Gaby & I discuss the origins of Huckletree, picking the right co-founder, intentionally creating inclusive teams and why companies have no excuse, how being a parent has shaped the culture at Huckletree, balancing guilt as a mother, making time for you and your mental health. About Gabriela Hersham: Gaby is a mother, wife and Founder and CEO of Huckletree one of Londons original co-working spaces and credited as the woman who brought co-working to London. Huckletree now has eight communities in 4 cities, 3 countries and a team of 70 people. Gaby is a champion of women in business as well as actively campaigning for diversity in the VC/Tech world. An influential female founder within Londons technology ecosystem currently serving on the advisory board of several startup businesses and in her spare time?? she runs founder groups Join Huckletree - https://www.huckletree.com In the business of building community - by curating shared workspaces, offering pro-bono accelerator programs and delivering educational content for entrepreneurs Follow Gaby on social mediaTwitter - gabrielahersham Linkedin - Gabriela Hersham IG - Gabrielahersham In Episode 06 of EverydayDay Leadership, Gaby and I discuss (times are approximate):

• • What is Huckletree - 02:30 secs
  • Impact of Covid on Co-Working Space - 4:00
  • Pivoting into the tech world from the film industry - 06:15
  • Creating and running a business as a first-time founder - 08:00
  • The good and bad side of being married to an entrepreneur: 10:15
  • How Huckletree raised Series A funding - 12.10
  • Developing a great relationship with your co-founder - 15:40
  • Raising the initial investment to start the business - 17:30
  • Lessons learnt from Huckletree journey - 19:15
  • Creating a truly diverse workforce - 21:00
  • What does leadership mean as the CEO - 24:00
  • Declaring pregnancy to investors - 26:45
  • Feeling like a second class citizen in the room as a woman in a room of investors - 28:45
  • How being a mother has shaped the culture of Huckletree - 29:45
  • Balancing mom guilt and reframing your mindset to look after yourself - 34:00
  • Making Tic Tocs and why its important - 37:30
  • Being the dumbest person in the room - 42:00
  • Why having a great culture is important - 45.40

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACK You can do this on the Apple podcast or on Sticher. Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

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In this episode, I talk to Ruth about her journey to finding joy which took over 20 years and involved navigating an abusive relationship, why we need to live in alignment in all areas of our life and why it is so important we take responsibility for our lives both personally and professionally. About Ruth Penfold: Ruth is the People Practice Lead at bp Launchpad. She has held previous senior leadership roles as People VP at Onfido and Director, Talent Acquisition at Shazam. Her reason for being is "Creating space for people to become the best possible versions of themselves" Ruth is also a practicing yoga instructor and podcast host of Pancakes and Peacocks a podcast that explores joyful living in all its forms Ruth Websitehttps://ruthpenfold.com/ Ruth's Bloghttps://ruthpenfold.com/blog/ Follow Ruth on social mediaTwitter - https://twitter.com/ruthpenfold Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ruthpenfold IG - https://www.instagram.com/ruthpenfold/?hl=en In Episode 05 of EverydayDay Leadership, Ruth and I discuss (times are approximate):

• What does joy actually mean - 3:00
• Measuring yourself based on other people and the impact that had on her life - 4:30
• Friendship revealed a 20-year old blindspot which started awakening - 6:30
• The small things count in a relationship - 8:20
• Series of fortunate events lead to freedom from abusive relationships both personally and professionally - 9:10
• Setting the bar for how others treat you - 11:10
• The pain of staying small - 13.25
• How do you stop comparing yourself to other people: - 17:00
• Becoming your own psychologist - 19:30
• Coming out of a psychologically abusive relationship - 21:30
• How to have a mutually beneficial growth driven personal and professional relationship - 22:30
• Definition of Leadership - 23:30
• Showing up as a leader: 25:00
• The difference between joy and happiness - 28:00
• Running away from coaching - 30.30
• What is coaching - 31:00
• Giving yourself permission to show up authentically not waiting for an invite - 38.50
• Stepping up to bigger roles despite feeling underqualified - 43:00
• Why BP is the best place she has ever worked - 45:00
• We dont have to be perfect - 46:31
• Take responsibility for your life - 47:27
• How companies can create inclusive environments - 49:10

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACKYou can do this on Apple podcast or on Sticher Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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In this episode, I talk to Christina about finding the courage to step away from the titles and allure of corporate life when she realised that her life was out of balance impacting her mental health. We discuss transferable skills, the importance of family and opening up to friends when going through dark times as well as leadership, unconscious bias, imposter syndrome, and what it means to be a leader who truly cares.

About Christina Economou: Christina is the Commercial Director for Ezra who is on a passionate mission for equality. Using technology at Ezra she is removing the elitism around coaching. Using her voice she speaks up about racism and gender equality. Follow Christina LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceconomou/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChrissieEco To find out more about providing coaching for your whole organisation https://www.helloezra.com/ If you liked this episode, please share it with your friends / write a review - it goes a long way! :)

In Episode 04 of EverydayDay Leadership, Christina and I discuss (times are approximate):

• Demystifying the elitism around coaching - 2:50
• How companies have embraced tech for coaching - 4:00
• Leveraging previous mental health issues to deal with lockdown - 5:30
• Identifying when your mental health is out of sync and you need to act - 7:10
• Opening up to work and family about mental health - 8:45
• What a company that truly cares about people looks like - 9:45
• Being brave enough to walk away from a career and put yourself first - 11:15
• Dealing with Imposter Syndrome - 13:15
• Transferring corporate skills to the family business - 14:30
• 70-year-old dad embracing digitised way of working - 16:00
• Connecting the dots looking backwards - 17:15
• Changing the culture in the shop - 11:45
• What is leadership? - 21.15
• Business owners need to remember - 22.30
• Family is the backbone despite having a different lived experience - 22:40
• Taking learning from home and applying them in the corporate world - 25.40
• Leaders showing genuine concern and showing they care - 26:45
• Leading with empathy and the impact that has on people - 30:20
• Not getting seduced by the PR, awards and accolades around inclusion - 32:30
• Experience of unconscious bias as a woman: 33:20
• Power of vulnerability and opening up to people - 38.40
• Struggling with switching off from work and being intentional - 42:30
• 3 guiding principles to live life by - 45:00
• Definition of success - 46:50
• Thriving and not surviving - 48:20

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACKYou can do this on Apple podcast or on Sticher Your ratings and reviews help us place the podcast in front of new leaders and listeners. I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once youve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected] I appreciate you and your support

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Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]