It's not all about the numbers!

Every organisation reaches the same crossroads. A major transformation is on the horizon, deadlines are slipping, and someone inevitably says: "Let's bring in the consultants."

But are consultancies really solving business problems, or have they become the default answer to every challenge?

In this episode of So What...?, Chris Argent, Mike Rose and Joel Johansen explore the consultancy model, from junior project teams and off-the-shelf methodologies to commercial incentives, repeat business and the growing reliance on external expertise.

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What if your biggest competitor could actually make you a better leader?

In this episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris Argent and Mike Rose are joined by Koula Achillea, Finance Director at Marella Cruises (TUI), to explore the leadership lessons that emerge from crisis, collaboration and community.

From navigating the hospitality industry during COVID to building trusted networks with industry "frenemies", Koula shares why humour, trust and authentic relationships are some of the most underrated leadership tools. The conversation also explores the evolving role of finance leaders and why influence now matters just as much as technical expertise.

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Executive coaching has become a multi-billion-pound industry. But is it solving leadership challenges, or simply filling the gap left by poor management?

In this episode of So What...?, Chris Argent, Mike Rose and Joel Johansen unpack the difference between coaching and mentoring, question why coaching has become such a dominant part of corporate life, and explore whether organisations have lost the ability to develop people from within.

From sports coaching to executive coaching, they debate when coaching genuinely adds value, when mentoring is the better option, and why businesses may be treating symptoms instead of solving leadership problems.

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What does real leadership look like?

In this episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris Argent and Mike Rose are joined by LaToya Lacey, VP Enterprise Risk Management & Insurance at The Estée Lauder Companies.

From growing up as the youngest of six siblings to leading enterprise risk for one of the world's biggest brands, Latoya shares the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy.

The conversation explores empowerment, diversity, enterprise risk, psychological safety and why the best leaders don't control people, they give them confidence to succeed.

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When should you bring in an external expert, and when are you just paying for a logo?

In this episode of So What...?, Chris Argent, Mike Rose and Joel Johansen debate the role of consultants, contractors and independent advisors in modern business. They explore why experience matters, where big consultancies fall short, and why trusted independent experts can often deliver more value than larger firms. Along the way, they discuss relationships, culture and what organisations should really be paying for when they bring in outside support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is LinkedIn still a professional networking platform, or has it become just another social media channel?

In this episode of So What...?, Chris Argent, Mike Rose, and Joel Johansson explore how LinkedIn has evolved from an online CV repository into one of the most influential platforms in business. They discuss personal branding, networking, recruitment, algorithms, content creation, and whether LinkedIn's growing focus on engagement is changing the way professionals build careers. 

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AI can build apps, write content, and automate workflows in seconds. But can it replace human judgment?

In this episode, Chris Argent and Mike Rose are joined by Galina Barengo, Co-Founder of Ledgerdary, to cut through the AI hype. From vibe coding and automation to leadership, burnout, and startup life, they explore where AI adds real value, where it falls short, and why human judgment remains irreplaceable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.