John Amaechi is an organisational psychologist, best-selling author and a professor of leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. He is quick to dismantle the myth that great leaders are “born, not made.” In this candid conversation, he reveals that the skills which make leaders exceptional, from emotional literacy to effective storytelling, aren’t magic tricks. They’re basic, learnable tools that anyone can master with intention and practice.

Amaechi shares how leaders often hide behind the excuse that “it just comes naturally to others” to avoid confronting their own fears. Whether it’s public speaking, conflict mediation or building trust, he argues that leadership is about consistent work, not innate talent. This episode will leave you inspired and equipped with a new mindset: if leadership excellence isn’t magic, then there’s no reason you can’t achieve it too.

Presented by Josh Dornbrack and Lucy McPhee

John Amaechi's book, It's Not Magic: The ordinary skills of exceptional leaders, is out now.

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