Impactful Conversations

Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander discuss how organisations can show the value of leadership development in a rigorous, credible way. Their central point: development’s contribution can be demonstrated without claiming that it alone caused every business result. That distinction matters in complex organisations, where market conditions and other factors can also influence outcomes. 

The conversation is for people leaders, development sponsors, HR professionals, finance leaders, and anyone who wants to make more informed decisions about development investment. The hosts argue that accountability should not sit with HR or the CFO alone, leaders who sponsor or experience development also have a role in understanding what changed and why it matters.

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠

Many leaders are more capable than they believe but when self-doubt gets in the way, it can affect how they approach challenges, make decisions, and lead others. In this episode of Impactful Conversations, Dr. Glenn Wallis and co-host Nejmi Alexander explore self-efficacy: the belief that you can take the actions needed to achieve an outcome in a particular situation.

They explain how self-efficacy differs from general self-confidence, and why it matters when you are stepping into a new role, leading an unfamiliar team, or facing a challenge you have not encountered before. Drawing on psychological research and their coaching experience, Glenn and Nejmi discuss how mastery experiences, learning from mentors, and reflecting on past successes can help leaders build a stronger, evidence-based belief in their abilities.The conversation also examines the role of reflective practice. Taking time to review what you have handled well, and what you have learned can help you recognise strengths and experience you might otherwise dismiss. That awareness can shift the question from “Can I do this?” to “How can I do this?” and help leaders approach new situations with greater agency.

Glenn and Nejmi also consider the risks of overconfidence and the importance of accurate self-assessment. They discuss 360 feedback, the gap that can exist between a leader’s view of their own impact and how others experience them, and why healthy feedback practices are closely connected to a strong performance culture.Nejmi challenges the common use of “imposter syndrome,” suggesting that discomfort in a new situation may be a sign of learning and growth rather than proof that you do not belong. Together, the hosts offer a practical approach: stretch yourself in manageable steps, seek useful feedback, and make reflection a regular habit.

Whether you lead a team, coach leaders, or are taking on a new challenge yourself, this episode offers practical ways to build self-efficacy, learn from experience, and lead with greater confidence and self-awareness.

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠

Julia Diggs, Chief People Officer at Blue Light Card, joins Nejmi Alexander and Dr. Glenn Wallis to discuss how leaders can help people and culture thrive as an organisation grows.

Drawing on more than 25 years in people leadership, Julia explains why informal relationships become harder to rely on at scale, and how clarity, collaboration, communication, and intentional conversations can reduce friction.

The conversation also covers hiring for the right environment, supporting technical experts moving into leadership, and keeping the human element at the centre of growth.

Follow Julia:

• ⁠⁠Julia LinkedIn⁠⁠

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠

Most leaders are using AI for the wrong job. The real opportunity is not drafting emails faster, it is redesigning work so human judgment and machine intelligence actually create more value together.

Returning guest Justine Whitaker joins Nejmi Alexander and Dr Glenn Wallis to unpack the shift from basic productivity wins to the much bigger prize, better decisions, stronger operating models, and a more strategic way to use AI inside organizations.

Justine also explains why the pace of change demands constant recombination of human and AI capability, not a one-time implementation. The conversation gets practical fast, with guidance on governance, guardrails, accountability, bias, and when to trust, challenge, or override the machine.

For leaders trying to move beyond hype, this episode is a sharp reality check and a highly usable roadmap. Justine Whitaker returns after her earlier conversation on sustainable high performance to share what has changed in her thinking and what organisations need to do now if they want to stay competitive.

Essential listening if you are responsible for strategy, transformation, operations, or AI adoption and you want to make better decisions about where technology adds value - and where human intelligence still matters most.

Follow Justine:

• ⁠Justine LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠xOrdinary Website⁠

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠Exigence Website⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠

Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander break down why relationship building is often abandoned as “not enough time” or “not my style,” and why that thinking quietly limits leadership impact. They unpack practical ways to make it manageable, from stakeholder mapping to trust audits, so you can stop trying to “boil the ocean” and focus on the few relationships that really matter.

Glenn and Nejmi also explore the tension between transactional networking and genuine value exchange, including why gratitude, mutual benefit, and other-orientation matter so much in sustaining trust over time. They dig into the difference between a relationship that has simply atrophied and one that has suffered a real rupture, plus what leaders can do to start rebuilding.

The episode also makes the case for being more intentional about how relationships are maintained across hybrid and remote work, where connection can easily become purely operational. If you’re leading a team, building cross-functional influence, or trying to turn weak ties into real support, this episode gives you a clear framework for doing it better.

Essential listening if you want to strengthen your leadership influence without feeling fake, needy, or overwhelmed. The tools are simple, practical, and immediately usable - and they may change how you think about the relationships that shape your career.

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In this episode of the Impactful Conversations podcast, Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander explore the often misunderstood concept of politics in leadership.

They discuss how politics, often viewed negatively, is intrinsically linked to influence and leadership effectiveness. The conversation delves into the consequences of avoiding political engagement, the importance of trust, and the skills necessary for effective influence.

They emphasise the need for leaders to reframe their understanding of politics, develop their influencing skills, and build supportive relationships within their organisations.

The episode concludes with actionable steps for listeners to enhance their influence and navigate organisational dynamics more effectively.

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

The future of work is changing fast, and AI is forcing leaders to rethink more than just technology. In this episode our podcast hosts Dr Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander are joined by Jorge Dreyfus who shares why successful AI implementation depends on human adoption, strong change management, and the ability to keep people engaged, curious, and confident through uncertainty.

He explains the difference between rolling out AI tools and truly embedding them into everyday work, and why adoption doesn’t automatically lead to productivity. Jorge also breaks down the leadership and HR capabilities needed to make AI stick: readiness, governance, experimentation, listening, and clear communication.

From talent development and coaching to the risks of distraction and the importance of preserving human judgment, this conversation offers a grounded look at how organisations can embrace AI without losing what makes them effective.

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or anyone thinking about how AI will reshape teams and work, this episode is packed with practical insight and a thoughtful perspective on what comes next.

Follow Jorge

• Jorge LinkedIn

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Most leaders are overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change and uncertain environments, yet few are fully prepared to adapt proactively. What if mastering the art of adaptability isn’t just about responding, but about strategically pivoting before you’re forced to? This episode uncovers the hidden levers that can future-proof your leadership amidst chaos, showing you how deliberate internal shifts and external awareness can transform your influence—and your career.

In this episode Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander explore the internal beliefs and external practices that foster agility, including how to cultivate a growth mindset, develop career resilience, and implement lightweight experiments to validate new ideas swiftly.

You'll learn concrete tactics, such as carving out time for deep reflection in a speed-driven world, leveraging AI without losing your thinking edge, and making strategic stopping decisions to free up energy for what truly matters. The episode reveals why adaptability isn't just a skill but a leadership identity that must be deliberately cultivated to thrive in VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) landscapes.

If you're a leader or ambitious professional feeling the pressure to keep pace—without losing sight of your core purpose—this episode is your strategic edge. It offers practical, battle-tested methods to build mental resilience, navigate uncertainty confidently, and position yourself as a future-ready leader. Those who master these adaptability principles will not only survive but thrive and lead the charge into the next era of work.

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

In a world where change accelerates and certainty diminishes, mastering adaptability isn’t just an advantage — it’s a necessity. If you’re a leader or ambitious professional feeling overwhelmed by the pace and unpredictability of today’s landscape, this episode is your blueprint for future-proofing your impact and career.

Most leaders are used to steering with a clear sense of direction. But what happens when the ground shifts beneath your feet and certainty becomes a mirage? Join Nejmi Alexander and Dr. Glenn Wallis as they unpack the hidden dynamics of adaptive leadership. Discover how internal mindset shifts and proactive behaviours can position you at the forefront of change instead of falling behind it. From questioning your leadership identity to leveraging small experiments for big insights, they reveal the proven mental models and practical habits to cultivate resilience in uncertain times.

You’ll learn:

• Why quick-reacting adaptation often isn’t enough and how to shift toward proactive, strategic flexibility
• How internal beliefs, fears, and labels can either speed up or hinder your ability to adapt
• The importance of ‘slow thinking’ and deliberate reflection in decision-making, especially amidst AI-driven fast-paced environments
• How to combat common traps like sunk cost fallacy and ego-driven decisions that stall growth
• Concrete tools such as experimentation, assumptions testing, and micro-trials to foster a culture of continuous agility

This episode is perfect for high-performers, change-makers, and leaders who want to embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it. If you’re serious about staying relevant, building trust in turbulent times, and becoming an adaptable leader in the AI era, this conversation will shift your perspective and power up your resilience.

Nejmi Alexander and Dr. Glenn Wallis bring decades of leadership experience, backed by research on trust, psychology, and organisational agility. Their insights cut through the noise and offer a clear path for action—whether you’re navigating new models, adopting AI tools mindfully, or developing your leadership identity.

Don’t let the fast-moving world leave you behind. Tune in and learn how to turn volatility into your competitive advantage. Build the adaptability muscles that future-proof your success—starting today.

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.

Unlock the hidden dynamics behind leadership and organisational transformation that could make or break your success. If you're navigating change—whether as a leader, a team member, or an organisation—this episode reveals the overlooked human factors that drive results or fuel disconnect.

Dr. Glenn Wallis and Nejmi Alexander dive deep with transformation and leadership expert Claire Croft, who shares from over a decade of coaching and a unique approach that connects organisational strategy with human behaviour.

She exposes the roots of leadership disconnects, from siloed C-suites to second-tier teams, and explains why misalignment often stems from deeper psychological and cultural barriers—like "othering" and learned helplessness.

This episode is perfect if you're a leader feeling overwhelmed by digital innovation, a HR or OD professional seeking to nurture resilient teams, or anyone eager to understand how the emotional and psychological dimensions shape organisational change.

Trust us, you'll come away inspired with concrete tactics to bridge gaps, activate your leadership potential, and harness the full power of your teams—even in turbulent times.

Don’t miss the chance to rethink transformation from the inside out.

Follow Claire:

• ⁠⁠Claire LinkedIn⁠⁠

Follow Glenn:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Glenn LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exigence Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Nejmi:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nejmi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We would love to hear how these conversations have had an impact on you, so please do get in touch with us.