Get Superpowered

Welcome back to the ‘Get Superpowered’!

Today’s episode is one I’ve been so excited to share becauseit completely flips the script on how we think… about thinking.

Meet Deborah Perry. With over 25 years of experience ininnovation, creative thinking facilitation, — and as an artist, poet, and author—Debbie helps people ignite the kind of powerful, high-quality thinking that sparksreal breakthroughs.

Debbie has cracked the code on what she calls 6th Gear Thinking — a state of mental flow where true creativity, innovation and deep problem-solving collide. In a world hijacked by distractions, to-do lists, and AI shortcuts, Debbie’s work is an invitation to reclaim the art of extraordinary thinking and imagination.

In our conversation, we unpack what 6th Gear Thinking reallyis, why it matters more than ever in this age of rapid change—and how you can actually train yourself to access it on demand. We explore how to create the conditions for mental flow, what gets in the way, and how to outsmart the barriers with powerful strategies like FADE and DISC.

So, if you’re ready to think beyond the obvious, break through the noise, and generate bold, breakthrough ideas with energy and ease—this one’s for you.

Let’s unlock the superpower of 6th Gear Thinking. Let’s divein NOW.

In this episode of Get Superpowered, we dive into the art—and superpower—of Breaking Down Complex with Charlie Rossetti, a private equity investor and strategic advisor.

Where others see noise and chaos, Charlie sees patterns andpurpose. From private equity boardrooms to board games, he breaks down complexity to its essential pieces—revealing the levers that matter and using them to unlock high-impact decisions and outcomes.

In our conversation, Charlie shares his hard-earned playbook for making the complex simple and the overwhelming doable. We explore why simplifying complexity is a critical skill in today’s hyper-specialised world and how anyone can learn it—with the right mindset and tools.

Charlie draws powerful parallels between finance, gamestrategy, and life—showing that the ability to simplify isn’t about dumbing down, it’s about smartly structuring. At the heart of it all lies effective communication: not as a performance, but as a practice of being understood. Because clarity isn't just a nice-to-have—it's what moves people, decisions, and ideas forward.

Ready to unlock the superpower of Breaking down Complex? Hit play and get started!

Key Takeaways:

·  Complex is personal. It’s not about the thing—it’s about how difficult it feels to understand for the person approaching it. Complex lives in perception, not in the number of parts.

·  Break it down with intention. Begin by setting a clear objective. Then, strip away what doesn’t matter, zoom in onwhat does, and simplify step by step.

· Action builds confidence. The hardest part is often getting started. Action beats overwhelm. Knowledge builds confidence, and small wins create momentum.

· Be aware of false precision - more detail can blur, not sharpen. If it doesn’t move the needle and get you closer to your objective, let it go.

· Communicate to be understood. Effective communication isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about making sure your message lands. Clearly.

In this episode of the Get Superpowered podcast, we’re diving into a force that holds many of us back: FEAR. Whether it’s launching a business, speaking up, or stepping into the unknown — fear is often present.

But what if fear wasn’t something to avoid? What if it was a tool—an ally—that could fuel resilience and courage, and help us achieve unimaginable?

My guest, Lisa Blair, is an adventurer, world-record-breaking sailor, climate activist, and author whose superpower is overcoming fear in the most extreme environments on the planet. Lisa is the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica. She has set eight world records on her boat ‘Climate Action Now’, proving that fear doesn’t have to stop us — it can fuel us.

Lisa’s story isn’t just about epic survival at sea; it’sabout what we can all learn from her mindset, planning, preparation, and unwavering perseverance. In our conversation Lisa shares practical, actionable strategies and insights you can apply today to stop letting fear hold you back and start using it as a catalyst for growth and bold action.

Ready to face and conquer fear? Let’s dive in NOW!

Key Takeaways:

• Nobody is going to show up for you the way you show up for yourself.
• Fear is a tool, not the enemy. Learn to harness it for resilience, perseverance, and courage.
• The hardest thing to do is overcoming the fearof potentially failing. But you only truly fail when you stop trying. 
• Your inner monologue shapes your reality. Changeself-talk from ‘I can't today’ to ‘I can one day’ and ask yourself what's the first step I could take?
• Take action. Start with small, uncomfortableactions and build momentum, and borrow Lisa’s mantra ‘Just do—because the world is changed by doers’.
• Preparation & planning are key to overcomingfear with confidence. Embrace scenario planning and be clear on real vs perceived risk.

Want to learn more?

Explore Lisa’s projects https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/

Follow Lisa’s epic adventures https://www.instagram.com/lisablairsailstheworld/?igsh=MWpwbXQ0MmlsdzlxNg%3D%3D#

Read ‘Facing fear’ or watch ‘Ice Maiden’ to be inspired andmoved by true story of Lisa Blair

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Facing-Fear-First-around-Antarctica-ebook/dp/B08W9KMCVG;https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/film

Welcome to another power-packed episode of the Get Superpowered podcast!

This time, we’re diving into Building Team Synergy with a truly remarkable guest, Jon Hunting. Jon’s career has spanned for over 40 years across two very different industries - railway and aviation.

Whether on the ground or in the skies, Jon has mastered the art of bringing teams together to deliver results against the odds - from leading teams during one of the most complex railway privatizations in history to landing on Antarctica’s legendary Blue Ice Runway.

In this episode, we break down the key ingredients of team synergy, explore why communication is the glue that holds a team together, and discuss what it takes to maintain and strengthen team synergy.

Jon brings powerful stories from the tracks, the cockpit, and the boardroom to equip you with game-changing insights, practical strategies and tools for an immediate application.

Ready to unlock the superpower of building team synergy? Tune in NOW!

In this special episode of the Get Superpowered podcast, the tables are turned! My friend, Val Slavina, turns the mic on me as I take the guest seat to dive into a topic I’m deeply passionate about—Small Talk. Small Talk that creates space for more meaningful conversations even with strangers where we can really get to know another person while being our authentic self.

I came to believe that anyone can Turn ON the power of Small Talk even someone like me who was growing up shy and, in a country, where Small Talk doesn’t exist.

So, after 14 years of intentionally engaging in Small Talk and constantly reviving my approach, I deconstructed Small Talk into the WHAT and the HOW that could be easily applied in any circumstances.

Seeing the positive outcomes of applying these principles, Ifelt compelled to share them with a broader audience, as they could provide practical value and transform Small Talk into fun and enjoyable activity that spark genuine connection and laughter!

If you’ve ever wanted to feel more confident in conversations, connect more deeply with people, and turn Small Talk into your superpower - this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

What is Small Talk

Small talk creates an opportunityto connect. It’s like tango and it takes two people to dance.

Why Small Talk matters

In the world of curated imagery, likes and hyperconnectivity, we feel lonelier than ever. Small talk could unlock our superpowers of creating more meaningful connections and relationships.

How I can Turn ON the power of Small Talk

You can Turn ON the power of Small Talk by mastering the WHAT and the HOW.

The What of Small Talk

The What is the 3-step process youcan easily follow:

1.  Start with asking an open-ended question

2. Ask next question based on something anotherperson said in the last 60 seconds you are genuinely curious about

3.  Share your experience or perspective on a topic. Receive a question or… back to step 1

The How of Small Talk

The HOW is the way you show up as a listener. Practice three behaviours:

1.  Be present – Turn OFF your inner voice

2. Look in the eyes – Apply 80/60 rule

3.  Listen to understand - Show up as interested supporter and collaborator, not a passive absorber of information.

In a world where we’re all fighting for attention, great storytellers earn the right to be heard.

In this episode, we dive deep into the Art of Storytellingwith our guest, Simon Hill, a seasoned storyteller whose illustrious career spans decades of investigative journalism, celebrity interviews, and shaping cultural conversations as an editor at GQ and The Times Magazine.

In our conversation Simon explains why everything is astory and shares how storytelling turns observations, facts, and emotions into narratives that resonate across time and cultures.

We explore the role of curiosity, the power of observation,and the challenges of crafting compelling stories—whether in journalism, fiction, or everyday life.

If you’ve ever wondered how great storytellers likeShakespeare and Dickens mastered their craft, this episode is for you.

Tune in NOW as we uncover the superpower of storytelling.

Key takeaways:

What is Storytelling
Everything is a story. It’s how we communicate facts, emotions, and experiences, whether in a two-second comment or an epic tale like The Iliad.

Why Storytelling Matters
Stories connect us and help us relate to one another. Stories shape our language, culture, and understanding of the world.

How to Approach Storytelling
Start with curiosity. Be relentless in asking questions and observing the world around you. Simon emphasises that great storytelling begins with genuine interest, followed by research and thoughtful reflection.

The Secret to Holding Attention
Great storytelling demands effort. To earn the right to be heard, you have to engage and entertain. Simon stresses the importance of crafting strong openings, using vivid details, and staying true to the material, ensuring the audience iscaptivated from start to finish.

In this episode of the Get Superpowered podcast, weexplore the transformative power of Empowerment with Nina Aggarwal.

Nina’s remarkable superpower for empowering those around her has been instrumental in driving the success of her global strategy and capability consultancy, helping iconic brands innovate and grow.

In our conversation Nina shares personal stories andactionable insights into what empowerment truly means, and why belief and encouragement are at its core. From listening fully and asking the right questions to balancing freedom with boundaries, Nina reveals her approach toempowering others in practical and impactful ways.

We also cover the challenges of empowerment, includingovercoming the fear of losing control and navigating moments of failure, and discuss why fostering empowerment is more crucial than ever in today’s tech-driven world.

Ready to unlock the Superpower of Empowerment? Tune in NOW!

Key takeaways:

What is Empowerment
Empowerment is a two-way transfer of energy, where belief and encouragement enable individuals to take control and grow. It's about more than just giving power—it's creating space for mutual trust, collaboration, and shared ownership.

Why Empowerment Matters
In a tech-driven world, empowerment is vital to preserving human creativity, curiosity, and connection. It helps individuals navigate challenges, exercise decision-making muscle, and thrive beyond automated solutions.

How Empowerment Works
Set a vision, clarify expectations, and establish boundaries. Listen fully, ask thoughtful questions, and foster creativity, freedom, and ownership. Empowerment thrives on intentionality and trust.

What Gets in the Way
Fear of losing control or failure often blocks empowerment. Combat this by asking, "What's the worst that could happen?" and embrace the courage to let go. You might be surprised by the results.

Where to start

Start with small, low-stakes opportunities to empower others. Build trust and focus on fostering creativity and ownership to inspire growth.

In this inaugural episode, Veronika talks with Phil Hayes-StClair, partnership expert and coach, serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker with a passion for the science and art of business growth through partnership.

Phil blends a wealth of experience from 25 years of buildingbusinesses, hosting the Partnership plus podcast, and coaching organizations to forge powerful partnerships. All these led him to crafting a unique approach to building and resetting high value partnerships, the IDEAL™ framework, that he introduces and breaks down so you will leave this conversation with practical tools for immediateapplication!

Want to learn more?

Explore Phil’s work https://philhsc.com/

Subscribe to Phil’s Partnership Plus podcast https://philhsc.com/podcast

Sign up to the Wednesday Partnership newsletter https://philhsc.com/newsletter