Everyday Leadership

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"This isn't a dress rehearsal, is it? We're living our lives now. So I just need to find the happiness and the peace of mind."

In this inspiring episode of Everyday Leadership, we dive deep with Thanh Catachanas, a trailblazing figure in media and advertising as Head of Collaboration and Acquisition at JCDecaux.

From her journey as a child of Vietnamese refugees to becoming a powerhouse in the UK's advertising industry, Thanh shares her unique perspective on representation, diversity, and authentic leadership.

Thanh also discusses the power of representation in advertising, the untapped potential of ethnic minority markets, and her vision for a more inclusive media landscape. Her story is a testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the power of staying true to one's values.

Key takeaways:

• Thanh's experience growing up in a Vietnamese household in the UK and navigating two cultures

• Her unconventional career path from medical science to advertising

• Discussing the immigrant experience: pressure to excel and the "scarcity mindset"

• How Thanh is breaking certain cycles with her own children while maintaining high expectations

• The creation and impact of the 'Reach' program at JCDecaux, supporting ethnically-owned businesses

• The importance of diversity in decision-making and product development

• Balancing the pursuit of excellence with effective collaboration

• Understanding and incorporating Gen Z perspectives in the workplace and marketing

• Thanh's approach to values-based leadership and identifying core personal values

Connect with Thanh: LinkedIn |

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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.

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

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj

Connect with Sope

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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]

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"When you take your power back, you are in the driving seat of your career."

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi talks to Hannah Awonuga, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Knight Frank, mother of three, wife, and woman of faith. Hannah shares the details of her journey, from experiencing homelessness as a teenager to her first managerial role at a bank to stepping out and working on her own terms now.

Despite experiencing prejudice because of her background and grappling with the gratitude complex, Hannah has advocated for people from all backgrounds and climbed to the peak of her D&I career in the corporate world and wants to see more women of colour at the top as well.

Key takeaways:

• The impact of experiencing homelessness at a young age and how Faith during lonely times is an anchor

• On-the-spot mentoring and seeing beyond how people immediately present is a key element of leadership:

• Ask for the opportunity and it may be given to you.

• Leadership is building an environment that makes people feel safe.

• Your role as a leader is to serve your team.

• You can dial up and down the different roles that youre playing (e.g. leader, husband, wife, parent).

• Learning to be still is just as important as pushing forward.

• No one comes ready-made, even great leaders continue to refine themselves.

• Owning your story, gives you power and control over your own your career:

• People from lower social-economic backgrounds grapple with the gratitude complex.

• Go when its easiest to stay, stay when its easiest to go.

• Leadership is having the ability to create the vision and the pathway to it.

Connect with Hannah: LinkedIn | Website

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj

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

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

Connect with Sope

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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]

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In this episode, Sope Agbelusi dives into the realities of the entrepreneurial rollercoaster journey from nurturing an idea to moments of success and the dreaded drop.

While were often shown an entrepreneur's impressive achievements and accolades, the gruelling reality of what happens behind the scenes is pretty obscure. No one sees the late nights, early mornings, painful rejections or projects that fall through the cracks. Yet these moments shape entrepreneurs and allow them to transform into incredible leaders.

Sope explains that the real test begins the first time an entrepreneur experiences that drop and, the best people learn how to come back stronger by using it as a learning opportunity. Those who do make it, learn to appreciate the highs and the lows that happen along the way.

Sope also stresses that the state of your relationships is key to success. No entrepreneur succeeds in isolation, whether you have friends, family or colleagues, they will all contribute to getting you to the next stage of your business and career.

Key takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship looks like a glamorous elevator, but it's actually a rickety rollercoaster

• Building a business is not for the faint-hearted (90% of startups fail)

• To succeed, you have to build a solution that people actually want

• Relationships, especially romantic ones, will make or break your business

• The test begins at the first drop - the best entrepreneurs learn how to come back stronger

• No entrepreneur succeeds in isolation. Friends, family and colleagues are present to help you achieve your goals.

• Entrepreneurship isnt for everyone and it's not a one-way ticket to success as it requires plenty of sacrifice.

• You must learn to appreciate the lows as much as you appreciate the highs.

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Found this helpful? Like this episode, leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.

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

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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]

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Theres a synergy that can be created through collaborative working. The together bit. That will produce exponentially more than if we try to do stuff on our own. The economy of together.

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi talks to Kevin Davis, social entrepreneur and CEO of the Vine Trust Group about his leadership journey. Kevin sheds light on how his upbringing influenced his decisions to serve others and seek opportunities to empower young people who, otherwise, have been sidelined by communities.

Key topics discussed:

• Kevin's "Economy of Together" concept demonstrates how cross-sector partnerships can drive significant social change.

• Resilience in fundraising: Kevin's journey of raising 3 million for the Goldmine Centre and later 20 million for school expansion highlights the importance of persistence in securing funding for social enterprises.

• Adapting to challenges: The evolution from the Second Chances school to the Studio School model shows the importance of flexibility and learning from setbacks.

• Leveraging unexpected opportunities: The IKEA Project 390 demonstrates how a small favour can grow into a large-scale, impactful program.

• The role of faith in social entrepreneurship: Kevin discusses how his spiritual beliefs have been a driving force in his work and decision-making.

• Honouring heritage: Kevin's dedication of the Davis Centre to his grandparents illustrates the importance of recognising one's roots and the sacrifices of previous generations.

• Balancing tenacity with pragmatism: Kevin reflects on the challenges of knowing when to persist with a project and when to let go.

• Servant leadership in action: Kevin's approach to leadership emphasises leading by example and being willing to do any task, no matter how menial.

Connect with Josh Connoly

• LinkedIn

• Website

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj

Connect with Me

• Website |Youtube |Instagram |LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

Found this helpful? Like this episode, leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.

Connect with Sope

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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]

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"I was drinking and using drugs a lot. And by the time I was 24, I'd had four children in a marriage that had broken down. And I didn't want to be here anymore."

Today, we welcome Josh Connolly, a resilience and well-being coach, breathwork practitioner, and author of the new book "Its Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story" Josh shares his extraordinary journey from addiction and near suicide to becoming one of the most influential voices in mental health.

Josh delves into his childhood struggles, growing up with an alcoholic father, and his battle with substance abuse. He discusses how his search for belonging led him down dangerous paths, including involvement in gangs and football violence. Josh opens up about hitting rock bottom at 24, with four children, a broken marriage, and deep in debt, before making the life-changing decision to get sober.

Key topics discussed:

• Childhood and growing up with an alcoholic parent: Josh discusses his experiences as a child of an alcoholic father and how it shaped his early life.

• Addiction and recovery: Josh shares his personal journey through substance abuse, hitting rock bottom, and his path to sobriety.

• Fatherhood and breaking generational cycles: The conversation covers Josh's experiences as a father and his efforts to break the cycle of addiction in his family.

• Anger management and emotional intelligence: Josh discusses the importance of understanding and properly channelling anger as a catalyst for positive change.

• Breathwork and mental health practices: The episode touches on Josh's discovery of breathwork and how it has become a crucial tool in his personal growth and professional work.

• Transitioning from personal healing to helping others: Josh talks about how he moved from focusing on his own recovery to working in corporate settings and helping others with their mental health.

• Redefining resilience and leadership: The conversation explores new perspectives on what it means to be resilient and how to be an effective leader in today's world.

The conversation also touches on the importance of creating safe spaces for men to share and the transformative power of breathwork. Josh shares his transition from personal healing to helping others and his proudest achievement of getting and staying sober. The conversation concludes with a discussion on authenticity, legacy, and the new definition of resilience and leadership.

Connect with Josh Connoly

• LinkedIn |Instagram

• Website

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj

Connect with Me

• Website |Youtube |Instagram |LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

Found this helpful? Like this episode, leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.

Connect with Sope

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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]

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When I got out of prison I had no money, no carpet, no wallpaper and I would wake up every day, go to this youth project and I was so happy and so full of purpose.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with the inspiring Justice Williams MBE, a multi-award-winning personal brand strategist, keynote speaker, and co-founder of the UK Black Business Magazine.

Justice shares her extraordinary journey from prison to receiving an MBE at Buckingham Palace, demonstrating how one can break free from their past and write a new chapter in life.

Takeaways

• Justice's transformative journey from rock bottom to receiving an MBE in just seven years

• The pivotal moments that shaped her path, including volunteering at a youth project

• Lessons learned from business failures and how they fueled future successes

• The audacious 4-week launch of the UK's first Black Business Magazine

• Justice reflects on accepting her MBE and if she would say Yes now in 2024

• Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal well-being as an introvert

• How Justice impacted the lives of over 3,000 young people while rebuilding her own life

• Insights on leadership as a function rather than a role

• The importance of finding happiness and purpose over societal definitions of success

Justice's powerful perspective on legacy - "Your life is your legacy, so what will yours look like?" - serves as a wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck in their current narrative.

Her story is a testament to the fact that your past doesn't define your future, and that it's always possible to write a new chapter in life.

Connect with Justice Williams

• LinkedIn

• Website

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-leadership/id1467901267

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TuBkXzawOIl05yxbEPTIj

Connect with Me

• Website |Youtube |Instagram |LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

Found this helpful? Like this episode, leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.

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

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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]

Send us Fan Mail

"Call it a rebel, call it black sheep, call it whatever anyone wants. All I was doing along the way was living my life on my terms."

She credits her mother as her biggest role model and draws inspiration from her upbringing to bloom no matter what. Ritika discusses the sacrifices and trade-offs of moving to a new country and the importance of cultural intelligence in navigating different spaces.

Takeaways

• Break barriers and live life on your own terms, regardless of societal expectations.

• Draw inspiration from role models and find strength in their stories.

• Embrace adaptability and continuous learning to navigate different cultures and environments.

• Recognise the sacrifices and trade-offs that come with pursuing personal and professional goals.

• Cultivate cultural intelligence to effectively navigate diverse spaces and build relationships.

• Fitting in can prevent us from being authentic and reaching our full potential.

• Building relationships and networking are crucial for success and making an impact.

• Betting on yourself and following your gut can lead to fulfilling and purpose-driven work.

• Maximising the human experience and optimising human performance are key aspects of leadership.

• Having a clear vision and taking intentional actions can create a legacy of positive change.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Living Life on Your Own Terms

• 09:04 Identity and the Importance of Representation

• 23:58 The Immigrant Experience and Pursuing Freedom

• 31:21 Sacrifices and Trade-Offs in Pursuit of a Better Life

• 32:44 Adaptability and Continuous Learning in a Changing World

• 33:43 The Journey of Fitting In and Finding Authenticity

• 38:45 The Power of Relationships and Networking

• 41:58 Betting on Yourself and Following Your Gut

• 43:52 Maximising the Human Experience and Optimizing Human Performance

• 48:18 Creating a Legacy of Positive Change

Connect with Ritika Wadhwa

• LinkedIn

• Website

Connect with Me

• Website |Youtube |Instagram |LinkedIn

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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]

Send us Fan Mail

Most people fail, not because of a lack of effort, but because their effort is misdirected.

Weve been raised in a world that constantly tells us that working hard will help us achieve everything we deserve and have dreamed of. We often get so wrapped up in the idea of working hard (and then frustrated when things dont quite go as planned) that we forget to take a moment to reflect on what our energy has been channelled into and the impact of the effort made.

So, in this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope asks us to question whether we are fixated on working hard instead of focusing on the tasks that will lead to the outcomes were looking for.

[00:00] The greatest lie were told about work

[02:32] The myth of hard work

[04:40] Misdirecting your effort and the 80/20 rule

[05:46] How I created a new role (and more money) for myself

[07:00] Reflect on your past to understand what to focus on

[09:15] The role of strategy

[10:58] Why hard work alone doesnt work

[11:18] Why underrepresented groups need to be strategic

[18:30] The role of building relationships

[20:08] Visibility and personal branding

[23:40] The one thing to remember

Download the Myth Of Hard Work E-Book - https://sope-61rpaipl.scoreapp.com

Found this helpful? Like this episode, leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening.

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

Connect with Sope

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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]

Send us Fan Mail

"I think saying no, saying no is a big one. And sometimes you don't even have to give a reason. That's fine to just say no and it be a no."

In this inspiring episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi sits down with Renee Davis, the multi-award-winning founder of Out the Box, a community builder, speaker, writer, and editor.

Renee shares her remarkable journey from journalism to entrepreneurship and her challenges.

• Resilience is key: Despite facing academic challenges and personal struggles, Renee's resilience and determination helped her push through and achieve her goals. This serves as a reminder that setbacks are temporary and you can overcome them with perseverance.

• Follow your purpose: Renee's love for writing and championing black culture began at a young age, and she pursued it relentlessly. This highlights the importance of identifying your passions early on and staying true to them, even when the path isn't clear.

• Embrace discomfort for growth: Moving to London for her first journalism job was a significant step outside Renee's comfort zone, but it was crucial for her personal and professional growth. This teaches us that embracing discomfort and taking risks can lead to transformative experiences.

• Start small and evolve: Out the Box began as a simple blog showcasing black talent and culture, but it gradually evolved into a thriving community and event platform. This demonstrates that starting small and consistently working towards your vision can lead to a significant impact over time.

• Prioritise serving others: Renee's commitment to serving and uplifting others, even in the face of entrepreneurial challenges, is a powerful reminder that true success and fulfilment come from making a positive difference in people's lives.

• Redefine success on your terms: Renee's journey illustrates that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. She has redefined success on her terms by staying true to her purpose and values. This encourages listeners to reflect on their definitions of success and align their actions accordingly.

Connect with Rene Davis

• LinkedIn

• Website

Connect with Me

• Website |Youtube |Instagram |LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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]

Send us Fan Mail

"I did not enter an argument that I knew I wouldn't win. And if I entered the argument, you were not going to win that argument because I came to that argument with facts. I came to that argument with evidence, and I came to that argument with reason."

In this episode of Everyday Leadership, Sope Agbelusi interviews Grace Masuro, the organisational inclusionist. Grace shares her journey from her early years as a Nigerian immigrant in the UK to her career in recruitment and employee relationship roles.

She discusses the challenges she faced, her passion for helping others, and her experience with breast cancer diagnosis. Grace shares her journey of overcoming cancer and finding strength in her faith. She emphasises the importance of belief and trust in God during difficult times. Grace also discusses the challenges of being a parent and the need to let go and allow others to help.

She highlights the power of pain in leading to personal growth and finding purpose. Grace's work in diversity and inclusion is driven by her desire to create a world where everyone can be authentic. She emphasises the importance of self-care and self-regulation in navigating challenging situations.

Throughout the episode, Kimberly shares her experiences:

• Grace's experiences as a Nigerian immigrant in the UK shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by minority individuals in the workplace.

• Her passion for helping others led her to transition from recruitment to roles focused on supporting disadvantaged individuals in finding employment.

• Grace's breast cancer diagnosis highlighted the importance of family and the desire to make a positive impact in the world.

• She emphasises the need for human connection and the fulfilment that comes from supporting and coaching others. Belief and trust in God can provide strength and excitement during difficult times.

• Pain and challenges can lead to personal growth and finding one's purpose.

• Letting go and allowing others to help can lead to closer relationships and personal fulfilment.

• Self-care and self-regulation are essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background

• 03:00 Younger Years and Challenges

• 08:28 Secondary School and Career Aspirations

• 16:28 Transition from Recruitment to Employee Relationship Role

• 30:22 Finding Strength in Faith

• 38:01 The Power of Belief and Trust

• 40:26 Overcoming Challenges as a Parent

• 44:15 Navigating Pain and Finding Purpose

• 47:58 Making a Difference in Organizations

• 51:04 Protecting Energy and Space

• 56:26 Navigating Failure and Learning from It

• 57:46 Defining Leadership

• 58:53 Connecting with Grace

• 
  

Connect with Grace Mosuro

• LinkedIn

• Website

Connect with Me

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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]