In this episode, we delve into the significance of curiosity and its essential role in various aspects of life and work. We explore how curiosity interlinks with human nature, its pros and cons, and its impact on problem-solving, culture, innovation, and organizational growth.

Joining us is a very special guest – Dr. Hinemoa Elder, an author, speaker, mentor, advocate, and child and adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Elder's life’s work has been dedicated to advocating for well-being within New Zealand and globally, with a special focus on Māori health and culture.

Dr. Elder has worked for more than two decades in the mental health sector, particularly in clinical practice, research, and teaching. She is a board member at the Helen Clark Foundation, a public policy think tank, and the Patron of Share My Super. As a Youth Forensic Court report writer and child and adolescent psychiatrist, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion.

In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Elder has authored three books that explore Māori proverbs and lunar cycles, offering ancient wisdom for a more contented and harmonious life. Her work aims to inspire and empower people to connect with themselves, each other, and the planet, embracing the values of love, compassion, respect, and empathy.

In our conversation, we reflect on the deep connection between curiosity and human nature. Dr. Elder’s integration of Māori teachings and Western scientific thinking provides a profound understanding of curiosity as a leadership trait. 

In Pursuit of Good Leadership is brought to you by the not-for-profit organization, Common Purpose.

Discover Dr Hinemoa Elder's books here:

Waitohou 

Aroha

Wawata 

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In this episode, we explore the profound impact of flexible leadership and examine whether it is truly essential for achieving success in today's dynamic organizational environments.

Joining us is a very special guest – Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Africa’s leading infrastructure solutions provider. Samaila's life’s work has centered on harnessing the value of Africa’s resources to create new jobs, opportunities, and industrialization across the continent.

Samaila has been a leader for more than three decades, corralling billions of dollars into transformative infrastructure in Africa, and within his five years leading AFC, he has almost tripled investments to $11.5 billion — including the biggest renewable energy acquisition on the continent.  

Prior to this, Samaila was a pioneer CFO for Dangote Cement Plc, where he launched Africa’s largest syndicated project finance facility for a local corporation. He was also the CEO of Africapital Management Limited, where he worked alongside others to develop the Nigerian Infrastructure Investment Fund which ultimately drove private equity investment into infrastructure projects across West Africa. 

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In this episode, we dive into the profound impact of empathetic leadership and explore whether it truly makes a difference in today's dynamic organizational environments.

Joining us is a very special guest – Nick Craig, President and Founder of the Core Leadership Institute, a global development firm dedicated to helping leaders uncover their true purpose and unique contributions.

Nick's journey from co-authoring "Finding Your True North" with Professor Bill George at Harvard Business School to leading leadership development initiatives for renowned organizations such as The LEGO® Group, Ben & Jerry’s, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, showcases his profound expertise in the field.

This conversation delves deep into the essence of empathetic leadership – exploring its core principles, how to cultivate it effectively, and practical ways to lead with empathy in various organizational contexts.

With decades of experience in leadership development, Nick provides invaluable insights on how empathy can serve as a guiding force for leaders, enabling them to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and drive sustainable success.

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In this episode, we delve into the question: Is Having A Learning Mindset All It’s Cracked Up To Be? We explore the nuances and challenges of fostering a continuous learning culture within ourselves, our organizations, and our society

Joining us is a very special guest – Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, a groundbreaking initiative founded by HRH Prince William to accelerate environmental and regenerative solutions globally.

Hannah's journey from a career in radio at the BBC to leading transformative sustainability efforts at Nike showcases her deep commitment to social and environmental advocacy.

This conversation explores the intentional building of a learning mindset – understanding its foundations, how to cultivate it effectively, and how to bring along various stakeholders in this educational journey. 

Having played pivotal roles in social entrepreneurship and served on numerous boards within the sustainable and social enterprise sector, Hannah provides a unique perspective on innovation and collaboration as tools for systemic change.

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In this episode, we are exploring the question – is change really all that difficult? 

Our guest, Becky Kekula has grappled with this question over the course of her life. Born with achondroplasia, the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism. Determined, driven and overflowing with courage, Becky has made her life’s work to influence authentic portrayals of people with disabilities in the media and in society, having worked in film and television for many years before founding the charity, DisABILITY and heading another, Disability:IN as DEI Senior Director.  

A motivational speaker, a TEDx alum, and relentless advocate for a world that is representative of all people, Becky simply will not be stopped. This in itself is inspiring enough, but it’s Becky’s searing personal story, and the challenges she’s faced that will leave you speechless. In this conversation, she opens up about the unthinkable moments in her life that could have left her paralysed to taking action, but instead, they’ve propelled her to spark deeply important global conversations that still have an impact to this day. Becky’s energy is infallible, and her take on the realities of fighting for change – big and small - will, quite frankly leave you breathless, and awe-inspired.

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In this episode, we are exploring the question – why are we so afraid of risk? 

Joining us is Patrick Regan, OBE, whose illustrious career and life’s work has definitely not been averse, as you’ll discover. An activist and founder of two award-winning charities, XLP and, most recently, Kintsugi Hope, Patrick advocates passionately in the space of resilience, courage and wellbeing – particularly for young people facing social justice issues, and those struggling with mental health issues, and his book, Brighter Days, which is centred on practical tips to invest in your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health.   

This conversation delves into not only the realities of risk taking, but of Patrick’s striking ability to understand, and poignantly articulate the impact of taking a risk in leadership. As you’ll discover, there’s a lot more to it than standing on a ledge and taking a leap of faith – his words of wisdom will captivate and inspire even the most risk-averse to appreciate, and even take a big risk of their own.  

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In this episode, we are exploring the question – is ‘finding your purpose’ a fad, or is it here to stay? 

To give us the ultimate 411, Isobelle Panton joins us to impart her seasoned, yet modern take on the conundrum. She is an advocate for all young people making the transition from school to higher education, and particularly those who are first in their family to go to University. Isobelle is the Director of Student Recruitment for famed Manchester-based education institution, University Academy 92, which was founded by a group of Man-U players including Gary Neville, and yes, she has plenty to say about working with the former #2! 

Here, Isobelle delves into her own story of identifying and finding her purpose, explaining how this has informed the way she now leads by example to people who are grappling with their future, which is made all the more complex in an increasingly uncertain world. There’s no doubt the poignancy and vulnerability in her words will strike a chord with many, and that you, like host Adi, will find this conversation unforgettable.  

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In this episode, we are exploring the question – where does being vulnerable really get us? 

For our guest, Hamed Amiri, being vulnerable throughout his life has not been easy, but as you’ll discover, his learning to accept and embrace it has changed not only his own life, but the lives of many others.  

Born in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, Hamed and his family embarked on an extraordinary journey that led him to escape to the UK at the age of ten. His compelling memoir, The Boy With Two Hearts, intricately details his family's perilous quest for refuge in the UK, a journey overshadowed by his brother Hussein's terminal illness. In this conversation, Hamed literally utilises the act of vulnerability to tell you, our listeners his devastating, yet awe-inspiring story. If there was ever a time to comprehend the impact of vulnerability in action, and in turn, to learn how to harness it yourself, this is it.

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In this episode, we explore the question – are we too inclusive as a society? We explore the different perspectives on this question, ultimately unpacking what inclusivity really is.

Joining us is a very special guest – Michelle King, a globally recognised author and expert on inequality and organizational culture who became Netflix’s first Director of Inclusion, as well as heading up UN Women’s Integrated Strategy for Gender Innovation & GICC.  

This conversation unpacks what real, genuine inclusive leadership looks like – dissecting the performative, and the authentic, as well as sharing her data-backed knowledge around how we can effectively steer the culture in a direction that is mutually beneficial for all people.  

Having just released a new book, How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead, Michelle also deep dives into the unwritten rules of the modern workplace, lifting the veil on how to harness the challenges all workplaces face in order to be successful, authentic and stay true to your purpose.   

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