Extrology: Mastering People, Performance & Purpose

The UK’s first silent disco was a way to bring joy to parties. A decade later, and it’s a full-blown entertainment empire.

The Silent Disco Company isn’t just about events, but evolution. It represents the impossible task of growing a brand in which energy is everything.

That’s what makes this conversation with Founder Toby Burns so profound - it’s your blueprint to reinventing identity, and turning play into purpose without losing your edge.

Lee and Toby discuss:

• The inception of the iconic silent disco movement in the UK
• Toby’s core philosophy, and how it drives the lasting memories he makes
• How to instil the Founder’s energy throughout a growing team
• Why entrepreneurs undertake the toughest journeys in business
• The value of surrounding yourself with successful people and being open to learning
• Redefining success beyond financial metrics, and building a legacy

Toby Burns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-burns/

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Extrology:

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Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Success is not achieved by seeking a financial triumph. Instead, it’s the side effect of pursuing greatness.

Michael Tecku was happily retired, until only the pull of purpose and a medical emergency drew him to his latest endeavour - Founding Momentum Shake.

Behind the story of the man creating the Rolls Royce of supplements, lies the mosaic of a man for whom modesty, ambition, ownership and selflessness are non-negotiable.

Lee and Michael discuss:

• The true purpose of entrepreneurship beyond financial success
• How to build businesses aligned with personal growth
• The importance of generating value over chasing profits
• Strategies for continuous personal and professional development

Michael Tecku: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tecku-55162415b/

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Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

What happens when all that you’ve built - career, purpose, status - starts to crumble… not through failure, but simply because your body says ‘No more’?

Dr Jeanne Retief started life on the front lines of international human rights law, but after a diagnosis of panic disorder, she saw the kind of invisible collapse that so many high performers experience.

Rebuilt and reimagined, she’s forged a new identity and launched Figgi Beauty, and the story of how it came to be might just help you reclaim your power, whatever you’re facing…

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics around sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and alcoholism - listener discretion advised.

Lee and Jeanne discuss:

• How high-achieving professionals can turn mental health challenges into business strengths
• The transformative power of vulnerability in leadership
• Strategies for managing anxiety and building a purpose-driven business
• Why sensitivity isn't a weakness, but potentially your greatest asset
• How community and authenticity can heal you

Dr Jeanne Retief: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeanne-retief/

Figgi Beauty:

https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/

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Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

The world is at war, and while we’re sat at home comfortably wishing it better, Emery Brusset is making a genuine difference.

Since 1991, Emery has been pivotal to bringing life-saving aid to Iraq, Rwanda, Ukraine and Libya, and he’s perfectly placed to explore the human reality of conflict.

Courage and clarity are at the heart of this episode of Extrology - explore what we gain when we stop reducing people to spreadsheets, and build a better picture of our world…

Lee and Emery discuss:

• How traditional humanitarian aid often misses the mark
• The limitations of bureaucratic reporting and the power of visual storytelling
• Why soft power in international aid is more complex than governments claim
• Emery’s ‘Letter C’ initiative, aiming to transform how we understand and deliver humanitarian support

Emery Brusset: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emery-brusset-3526781/

Letter C

https://www.linkedin.com/company/letter-c-cordee/

https://www.letter-c.com/

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Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Have you ever felt limited by the belief that you’re simply not a creative person?

On this week’s episode of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Pia Mailhot-Leichter, author of “Welcome to the Creative Club”, Founder of Kollektiv Studio and a truly bold creative voice. 

Pia challenges the conventional definition of creativity, arguing it’s not just for artists but an inherent part of being human - a birthright we often forget.

They delve into Pia's unconventional journey - from working as a journalist in Sri Lanka, to producing an economic documentary in Bahrain, then building award winning creative campaigns for global brands. Now Pia helps visionaries and founders bring wild ideas to life. 

Discover how to dismantle the limiting beliefs holding you back, embrace creativity as an identity, navigate creative blocks, and make your life your biggest, most fulfilling art project. 

In this episode of extrology you will:

• Learn how fear and self-doubt limit your creative expression
• Discover why curiosity is the secret ingredient to unlocking creativity.
• Understand creativity as a way of being
• Explore how to design your life as a creative act of self-expression.

Pia Mailhot-Leichter:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pialeichter/

BOOK: Welcome to the Creative Club:

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Creative-Club-Biggest-Project-ebook/dp/B0DPJ644PZ/ref=sr_1_1

Kollektic Studio:

https://kollektiv.studio/

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Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Looking to scale a tech company from zero to multi-millions? Our latest guest achieved just that in only 4 years!

In episode 128 of Extrology, Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas breaks down how he built a team that can outperform competitors from Silicon Valley, with just 40 people in Cardiff. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to understand what truly drives high-performing teams, this episode offers valuable insights. 

Lee and Tim discuss:

• How clear values, trust, purpose, and removing fear of failure breeds high performance teams
• The importance of defining a clear “North Star” goal.
• Demonstrating vulnerability as a leader, admitting mistakes, and creating a culture of accountability
• The future of digital verification technologies and the challenges Credas faces in a complex market
• Integrating community engagement and purpose beyond pure business metrics

Tim Barnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymbarnett/

Credas: https://credas.com/

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Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Creativity is dead and 5 year plans are now quarterly sprints, but in today’s commoditised world Rupert Bedell dares to lead differently.

Rupert has reinvented himself many times over the years, from AmEx & HSBC’s marketing master to now leading Fasthosts in an MD role he was never destined to take on.

If you’re serious about building a lasting legacy, leading with integrity, or reigniting your creativity, join us on Extrology for an insight into Rupert’s remarkable journey.

Lee and Rupert discuss:

• Rupert’s career reinvention, the importance of being adaptable, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth
• Creating meaningful workplace cultures that prioritise purpose over performance
• Leadership through transparency as a way to build trust within an organisation
• The death of creativity in marketing, trading in stories for statistics
• The significance of remaining a student throughout the span of your career

Rupert Bedell: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-bedell-7006aa13/

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Get in touch: [email protected]

Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

For over 20 years Les Flitcroft was an aerospace engineer. A double arm break and series of life-altering events later, he has embarked on a journey of discovery, leading him to tutoring countless people in the art of Pranic Healing.

From overcoming initial skepticism of alternative therapies to embracing the unique way in which Pranic Healing combines Eastern and Western medical philosophies, the immense challenges that Les has overcome have demonstrated admirable resilience and resolve. 

Find out more about how he’s been touching so many lives and sharing his passion for helping others, on this episode of Extrology.

Lee and Les discuss:

• The life-altering accident that left Les with two broken arms
• Discovering and embracing pranic healing
• Overcoming an initial sense of cynicism
• Emotionally processing the journey of recovery
• The difficulty in accepting intangible concepts

Les Flitcroft: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-flitcroft/

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Get in touch: [email protected]

Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

What happens when a healthcare innovator decides to transform the entire rail transportation industry?

Catherine Pihan-Le Bars is a visionary Deputy-CEO leading French rail operator Le Train on a fast-track to disruptive innovation. No industry norm will remain unchallenged…

Her own journey is a masterclass in leadership, innovation and resilience, so join us to discover how you can shape your future, and the world around you.

Lee and Catherine discuss:

• Innovation and Disruption: How Le Train is challenging industry norms, breaking through long-standing monopolies and reimagining mobility
• The Sustainable future of Transportation: Creating greener travel options that meet the expectations of younger generations
• Regional Connectivity: The critical importance of connecting regional cities to drive growth, enhance social mobility, and create new opportunities 
• A Customer Experience Revolution: The processes behind a seamless, user-friendly experience that prioritises ease of travel and passenger satisfaction
• Entrepreneurial Resilience: The power of vision, persistence, and courage in reshaping the transportation industry

Catherine Pihan-Le Bars: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pihan-le-bars-694980b0/

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Get in touch: [email protected]

Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Want to know how top performers think? How Olympic athletes and special forces soldiers train their brains? How to break free from societal expectations and design success on your terms? 

Learn the game-changing blueprint for transforming your life in the latest episode of the Extrology podcast. 

Adrian Kelly - lawyer, entrepreneur and sports coach - provides insider secrets on conquering pressure, developing a bulletproof mindset and creating success that actually MEANS something. 

In this episode of Extrology you’ll learn:

• Resilience and Adaptability: From growing up in Northern Ireland during a militarised period.
• Performance Under Pressure: Drawing insights from legal, business and sports about managing anxiety and maintaining effectiveness.  
• Personal Success and Meaning: Aligning with one’s core beliefs
• Holistic Well-being: The importance of balance, recovery and mindfulness
• Learning & Growth: Maintaining a growth mindset. 

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Get in touch: [email protected]

Extrology:

https://www.extrology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology

https://substack.com/@extrology

https://www.youtube.com/@extrology

Lee Cooper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/