In this episode, Why do I feel invisible? Des Penny discusses one of the most common yet unspoken challenges in leadership, feeling unseen, unsupported, and running on empty.

Through honesty and experience, Des shares six powerful insights to help you move from doubt to destiny. You’ll discover how to take back control, speak differently, and thrive rather than just cope.

As Des says, “No one can pour from an empty cup,” and “Doubt loves to creep in where self-care checks out.” This episode is a call to every leader to stop waiting, take back the controls, and remember that no one can look after the leader except the leader themself.

In this powerful episode of the Let’s GO –Let’s GROW Podcast, Des Penny dives deep into one of the most common leadership struggles — dealing with criticism, judgment, and other people’s opinions.

Have you ever held back because of what they might think? Been stung by a comment that lingered far too long in your mind? Des is here to remind you: It’s not what they say that defines you – it’s how you respond that sets the course for your future.

You’ll learn:

When feedback matters — and when it absolutely doesn’tThe “Triple R” strategy to handle criticism:Recognise, Reflect, and Refocus  Why restraint is true power (with a gold nugget quote from Warren Buffett)Practical tools to build emotional resilience and reclaim your inner voice

Why you are the author of your own life — and how to write your next powerful chapter

This is an episode every leader, creator, and courageous human needs to hear. Because you weren’t born to blend in — you were made to grow forward.

Action precedes clarity.

Let’s GO – Let’s GROW.

Saying YES to Growth: Why Stretching Yourself is Non-Negotiable

In this episode of the Let’s GO – Let’s GROW podcast with Des Penny challenges us to step beyond comfort and into growth. Through personal stories and practical leadership insights, he unpacks why stretching yourself isn’t optional — it's essential.
Learn 5 powerful ways to grow starting today, why action always precedes clarity, and how true leadership demands we stretch first.
If you’re ready to leave the harbour and chase your next opportunity, this is your call to action. Let’s GO — Let’s GROW!

Sponsored by Proteus Leadership — Creating Great Leaders for over 32 years. Visit proteusleadership.com

In this powerful and passionate episode, Des Penny gets fired up — and for good reason.

Tired of the relentless negativity swirling around leadership on social media, Des calls out the rising trend of "leadership bashing" and the damaging culture of blame that’s taking hold in many workplaces. Drawing from over 45 years of hands-on experience in leadership development, he offers a bold and unapologetic defence of leaders who are showing up every day, doing their best, often with little recognition or support.

This is not a sugar-coated pep talk. It’s a raw, real, and necessary conversation about responsibility — both for those leading and those being led. Des challenges listeners to shift their focus, speak up for the good, and stop letting the loudest critics dictate the narrative.

Whether you’re in a leadership role or part of a team, this episode will make you reflect, reassess, and hopefully, recommit to building healthier workplace cultures where respect, accountability, and hope take centre stage.

This one’s for the leaders who care, and the teams who need them.

🎧 Listen now, and if it hits home — share it, post something positive about a leader who’s impacted you, and help flip the script.

Let’s bring leadership back — and let’s grow together.

In this episode of the "Let's Go - Let's Grow"

Des describes how he mistakenly believed that his professional life was over and that he should retreat to make way for the younger generation—a lie he now recognises. Despite his significant achievements, including starting successful businesses, winning national awards, authoring books, and being a devoted father and grandfather, he felt compelled to step back due to societal expectations.

A turning point came when he broke down during a public

Des emphasises that helping others has no expiration date

In this insightful episode of the "Let's GO – Let's

Des underscores the importance of embracing a growth

Throughout the episode, Des also touches on the value of

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring

Tune in to discover how to turn challenges into opportunities and take proactive steps toward your goals. Don't miss out on the chance to reposition yourself for a brighter, more successful future.

In this episode, Des Penny discusses the concept of

Through real-life examples and practical advice, Des

Tune in to explore how you can make stepping into the

https://proteusleadership.com/lets-go-lets-grow-podcast-with-des-penny/

Des Penny guides listeners through the art of discerning which challenges in life are worth the effort and which ones are best left alone. With life's rapid pace and the increased connectivity through social media, it feels like we're constantly jumping from one hurdle to the next. Des emphasises that while battles are inevitable, the key is to focus on those that lead to positive outcomes, contributing to a healthier workplace and personal life. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Des highlights the importance of fighting professionally and wisely, ensuring that our efforts contribute to growth rather than unnecessary conflict.

In this episode, Des shares a memorable story about his two little dogs, Bill and Ben, to illustrate the pitfalls of unnecessary battles. Ben's unprovoked attack on a larger dog at the beach turned a pleasant day into chaos, drawing parallels to how unnecessary conflicts can escalate and affect everyone involved. Des encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider why they engage in certain battles. Are they fighting for meaningful change, or are they simply drawn to conflict? By focusing on issues rather than individuals and approaching conflicts with a solution-oriented mindset, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively.

Tune in to learn how to choose your battles wisely and foster a more positive environment in both your personal and professional life.

In this episode of the "Let's GO –

In this episode of the Let’s GO – Let’s GROW Podcast with Des Penny, Des explores the essence of fostering a spirit of discovery and seizing opportunities in our lives. Being a discoverer isn't just about grand adventures but about recognising and embracing opportunities wherever we are.

Des reflects on missed opportunities in his life, using them as fuel for growth and bravery moving forward. He emphasises the importance of being ready when opportunity knocks and encourages listeners to become creators of their own opportunities.

Drawing inspiration from the fearlessness of children, Des highlights the loss of adventurous spirit as we grow older and the need to reclaim it. He underscores that while not everyone will make ground-breaking

Des advocates for cultivating a spirit of discovery as a way of life, requiring practice and self-belief. He invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and offers three keys to initiate this transformative process. Ultimately, Des encourages authenticity as the