Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Hello everyone, I’m Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live.

Incredible Journey of Shaun West

Welcome to this week’s Monday Night Live hosted by Derek Arden, where we were joined by the remarkable Shaun West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist. In this gripping episode, Shaun opens up about his time in the British Army, high-stakes missions around the globe, and the surprising lessons he learned on his journey to becoming a business owner in the ultra-demanding world of private security.

Shaun’s journey began at just 16 years old when he enlisted in the British Army, entering a world of extreme physical and mental challenge. He shares what it was like to grow up fast in the military—how tough the initial training was, how many didn’t make it through, and what it meant to finally “earn the beret.”

From Northern Ireland to Beijing and Afghanistan, Shaun found himself on presidential security teams and deep within hostile regions, gaining life-changing experience and resilience. He spoke about the camaraderie and chemistry among soldiers from diverse backgrounds—people from all over the world uniting in shared missions.

Shaun gave us an eye-opening look at early post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan, including some close calls and complicated missions. While he didn’t personally negotiate with the Taliban, he worked closely with government agencies and serious organized crime units—always with the aim of protecting others under incredibly high-pressure conditions.

Returning to the UK, Shaun pivoted into the private security industry, starting out as an operator for high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities and professional athletes. His reputation for calm professionalism quickly grew: clients often asked, “Can we have Shaun again?”

But running a business was a whole new battlefield. Shaun candidly discusses the difference between being a top-tier operator and running a company—where you have to switch from chess piece to chess player, thinking strategically rather than just executing tasks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaun’s business flourished. Russian clients were doubling down on protection, creating a boom in demand. But that success was short-lived. When sanctions hit after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Shaun lost 90% of his business in just three weeks.

It was a brutal lesson in client diversification and risk management—but one that didn’t break him. Instead, it forged a smarter, more agile entrepreneur.

Ever wondered what it takes to protect a footballer earning £350,000 a week? Shaun takes us behind the scenes of match-day security, residential protection, and family safeguarding. Footballers might not always need round-the-clock bodyguards, but their schedules are public, making them vulnerable—and Shaun’s team is ready for every scenario.

We also talked about the crucial role of security dogs and how intuitive they are in escalating or de-escalating situations. Shaun shared how trust and a tight-knit professional network help him avoid “bad actors” trying to sneak into the industry—his vetting process is all about reputation, referrals, and relationships.

Shaun leaves us with some incredibly powerful insights into mental toughness, taking action despite fear, and why he found public speaking scarier than being shot at. Yes, really! Even after everything he’s faced, stepping on a TEDx stage was his Everest.

His advice to the younger generation?
👉 “Step into the ring. You don’t need the conditions to be perfect—just take the action.”

📣 Don’t Miss This Episode!
Whether you’re in the military, building a business, or just trying to find your path—Shaun West’s story is packed with lessons on courage, resilience, and transformation.

👇 Watch now, leave a comment, and tell us:
What was your biggest takeaway from Shaun’s story? subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden.
✅ Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Hello everyone, I’m Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live.
Tonight, we have a truly special guest: Sallie Barker MBE, the current Mayor of Guildford and a lifelong champion of sport, education, inclusion, and community leadership.

In this wide-ranging and uplifting conversation, Sallie shares her extraordinary journey — from a PE teacher passionate about climbing mountains to becoming a national leader in sport administration and finally, the Mayor of her beloved community.

Sallie’s story begins in the world of education, where she taught physical education with a passion for helping young people thrive. Her love of sport, combined with her drive for greater inclusion, led her into sports administration — rising through the ranks quickly over 13 years across three major organizations, including Sport England.

At Sport England, Sallie helped organize major international events such as the World Blind Games and World Lacrosse Championships. Her outstanding contributions earned her an MBE from the Queen in 2017.

Organizing global events is no easy feat! Sallie discusses the behind-the-scenes challenges: from funding issues to coordinating thousands of athletes and volunteers, to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
She reflects on how events like the cricket finals at Birmingham during COVID times showcased the power of sport to unite and inspire — even under enormous pressure.

One of Sallie’s greatest achievements has been her work promoting women in sport.
When she first joined the scene, women’s sports struggled for recognition, funding, and media coverage. Thanks to pioneers like Sallie, women’s teams today — from football to boxing — enjoy unprecedented visibility and support.

However, she also discusses ongoing debates around inclusion, especially in areas like transgender participation in sports. Sallie emphasizes the importance of fairness, empirical research, and creating opportunities for everyone, while recognizing the complexity of these evolving conversations.

After retiring from her professional sports career, Sallie felt the call to public service. At a key council meeting, when no one else stepped forward to become Mayor, Sallie took the leap — and the rest is history.

Now, as Mayor of Guildford, she is focused on supporting local charities, tackling isolation and mental health issues, and helping veterans and those affected by dementia. Her passion for community shines through in everything she does.

Many people don’t realize the real day-to-day work of a Mayor. Sallie shares heartwarming stories of visiting charities, supporting isolated individuals, and helping organizations that often struggle for recognition and funding.
From leading fundraising events to advocating for vital community causes, Sallie shows how leadership at the local level can make a real, human difference.

Sallie also shares memorable moments from receiving her MBE, including the surreal experience of meeting the Queen.
She reflects on the importance of keeping traditions alive — while being open to the necessary changes that modern society demands. Balancing the old and the new, she believes, is crucial for keeping communities strong and connected.

Even after a remarkable career, Sallie is not slowing down.
Her dedication to service, passion for sport, and love for her community continue to drive her forward.
However, she wisely notes the importance of balance, self-care, and not taking on too much — a lesson we can all appreciate!

Thank you, Sallie Barker, for joining us on Monday Night Live and sharing your incredible story of leadership, resilience, and heart.

✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden.
✅ Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Special Guest: Jasmin Faulk 🌟

An Extraordinary Journey of Courage, Culture & Resilience
📺 Watch this powerful episode now — and be inspired!

Who Is Jasmin Faulk?

Jasmin Faulk is a woman of extraordinary strength and depth, whose life story reads like a gripping novel — but it’s all true. Born in Saudi Arabia to a Muslim father and an Italian Catholic mother, Jasmin spent the first 25 years of her life navigating the complex world of dual identity in one of the most conservative regimes in the world.

This week on Monday Night Live, hosted by Derek Arden, Jasmin shares her story with incredible honesty, warmth, and insight. From her upbringing in a deeply traditional society to her daring escape to the United States, Jasmin’s story is not only captivating — it’s deeply moving and incredibly relevant in today’s world.

A Childhood Between Worlds

Jasmin began the episode by walking us through her early life. Her parents’ cross-cultural love story was rare for its time — a Saudi architecture student and a post-war Italian woman who fell in love in Florence in the 1960s. Although they came from two drastically different worlds, their union was marked by openness and acceptance, with both families embracing one another.

But for Jasmin, growing up in Saudi Arabia as a bicultural child meant always feeling like an outsider — even within her own home. Her Italian mother tried to assimilate into Saudi culture, even converting to Islam, but the deep contrasts in tradition and lifestyle never went unnoticed. Jasmin sensed early on that something about her life felt “off” and dreamed of a different future — one that felt out of reach.

A Dangerous Dream of Freedom

As Jasmin entered adolescence, the limitations of her life as a Saudi woman became more stark. While men in her culture had choices and freedoms — to study abroad, to marry outside their culture — those same options were denied to women. Jasmin’s longing for freedom grew into an obsession.

Her escape was meticulously planned. With the help of a trusted cousin and a bold, carefully orchestrated lie, she secured permission to travel — and made it to the airport in full traditional dress. With fear gripping her every step, she passed through security and boarded a plane. The moment the wheels lifted off the tarmac, she knew she was free.

She eventually made her way to the United States — a land she had fantasized about since childhood, thanks to American films and music — and began the next chapter of her life.

A New Life, a New Identity

Jasmin’s transition to life in America was not without its struggles. She had to learn and do everything for the first time — drive, open a bank account, speak freely, make independent choices. But each step was a victory. Over time, she earned degrees in sociology, multiculturalism, creative writing, and ethical leadership.

Her memoir, The Sandstorm, captures her journey in rich, unforgettable detail. In this episode, she also shares photos from her past, offering a deeply personal visual narrative to accompany her words.

What Jasmin Stands For Today

Now living in Seattle, Jasmin dedicates her life to activism, education, and storytelling. She is passionate about bridging cultural divides, challenging extremist ideologies, and advocating for tolerance, open-mindedness, and resilience.

Her message is clear: even in the face of extreme repression, it is possible to reclaim your life, your voice, and your future.

Get in Touch with Jasmin
📖 The Sandstorm – Her powerful memoir is available online.
🌐 Website: www.jasminfaulk.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Jasmin Faulk
📸 Instagram: @jasminfaulk

Final Thoughts from Derek Arden

“This was one of the most emotional and inspiring Monday Night Lives we’ve ever had. Jasmin’s courage and authenticity are deeply humbling. I know her story will stay with you — just as it has with me. Please share this episode with someone who needs a dose of perspective, courage, and hope.”

👏 Don’t forget to subscribe and join us every week for inspiration, leadership, and meaningful conversations.

🎥 Click play and experience Jasmin’s incredible story now.

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Derek Arden with Karen Young Discuss LinkedIn Marketing Strategies

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live! Our host Derek Arden sat down with the brilliant Karen Young – Founder and CEO of Ethos Metrics – to discuss everything LinkedIn, marketing, and creative strategies for UK SMEs. Karen, with her 30 years of marketing experience across diverse sectors including British Airways and other leading companies, delivered a fun yet deeply informative presentation that left everyone inspired. 🚀✨

An Engaging Start
Karen kicked off the session by admitting that she sometimes feels like an “imposter” when talking about LinkedIn marketing. Despite that playful remark, her expertise shone through as she explained how, beyond simply spending budgets on ads, businesses can leverage LinkedIn as a powerful free channel to generate meaningful connections and quality leads. Derek and Karen emphasized the importance of forging authentic relationships rather than sending random connection requests, and Karen shared her unique perspective on targeting the right audience—especially freelance marketing directors and managers who are truly interested in engaging with insightful content.

The Power of LinkedIn
Karen highlighted why LinkedIn remains the premier business social media platform, boasting a user base of 44 million in the UK alone and rising steadily. She explained that with 56% male users and a professional environment where 61% of UK professionals are active, LinkedIn presents an ideal platform to reach decision makers. Karen also noted, with a lighthearted tone and plenty of emojis like 👍💼, that LinkedIn is remarkably less toxic than other social networks, making it the perfect space for professional discourse and networking. Her practical advice covered how to optimize visibility by posting quality content regularly and engaging with the right people—ensuring that the algorithm boosts those posts to the intended audience.

Quality Over Quantity
One major theme of the discussion was the importance of strategy. Karen advised that simply amassing connections isn’t enough; instead, focus on connecting with individuals likely to engage with your content. For instance, linking up with key freelance marketing experts can make a huge difference in how many likes, comments, and shares your posts receive. Karen also explained the nuances of LinkedIn’s algorithm: if your posts fail to captivate within the first hour, they’re likely to vanish from view. Therefore, she recommended that each post should be crafted with a strategic aim—curating a network that is genuinely interested and responsive. ✨🔗

Content is King
Switching the conversation to content creation, Karen shared her fondness for using unedited, authentic videos rather than overly polished productions. According to her, real-life authenticity wins the day as video content generates memorable impressions—often leading to face-to-face interactions after an online encounter. She also discussed the benefits of posting pictures, particularly selfies, which help humanize your brand and build a recognizable persona. Karen noted that every piece of content, whether it be a thought-provoking post or a relatable video, should invite conversation and encourage organic engagement from the right audience. 📹🤳

Insider Tips and Tricks
The conversation soon moved into some insider tactics for both organic reach and paid strategies. Karen explained the distinctions between impressions, likes, and comments on LinkedIn. She stressed that beyond the jargon, real engagement comes when posts invite thoughtful discussion—not just automated group responses. Additionally, she touched on LinkedIn advertising options such as thought leadership ads and lead generation forms, which pre-populate user details to reduce friction. Derek chimed in with his own experiences, humorously remarking on how even the smallest strategic adjustments can significantly widen a post’s reach. 📈💡

Final Thoughts and Call to Action
As the episode wrapped up, Karen shared parting words of wisdom: be intentional in your LinkedIn strategy, maintain authenticity, and never underestimate the power of a strong network. Derek reminded viewers that while each connection may not be perfect, focusing on those few valuable relationships will yield better long-term engagement. The session ended on a high note with lighthearted jokes and an invitation for audience members, especially those in the Guildford area, to join the conversation and network in person. 🌟🤝

Thank you for tuning in to this fun-filled Monday Night Live session! If you enjoyed the episode and learned something new about LinkedIn marketing, please like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging discussions. Don’t forget to connect with Karen Young and join our community for more insights on boosting your online presence!

Happy networking and see you next time! 🎉👥

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Derek Arden and welcome to Monday Night Live. This week we’re joined by an extraordinary leader and gentleman—Andrew Buxton, the former Chairman of Barclays Bank. I’ve had the pleasure (and once, the misfortune!) of being interviewed by Andrew early in my career. He turned me down for a job back then—but hey, we’ve all made decisions we laugh about later!”

In this episode, Andrew reflects on his incredible career in banking, global finance, and crisis leadership. From boardrooms in London to business trips in Bangkok, Andrew has seen it all—and tonight, he shares those stories with wisdom, humility, and plenty of insight.

Andrew begins by sharing his early life, touched by tragedy and shaped by resilience. His father was killed in World War II, and it was his Scottish stepfather—a director at Barclays—who encouraged him to join the bank. That decision set him on a path that would define his life.

He describes driving to Bangkok in the early 1960s for work—back when you could just cross borders with a wave and no visas. This spirit of adventure was tempered by loyalty; he stayed with Barclays for over four decades, rising through the ranks to become Chairman.

Andrew candidly discusses the pressures of being at the top of one of the world’s leading banks. “When you lead a large organization, it’s a 24/7 job,” he said, noting the toll it can take on family life.

He shares gripping stories, including his leadership during the collapse of Barings Bank. One weekend, while hosting a dinner in Suffolk, Andrew got the call: Barings was in trouble. What followed was a whirlwind of emergency meetings, investigations, and failed rescue attempts. He chaired a critical summit with all major UK banks, demonstrating calm leadership in a storm of uncertainty.

Yes, Andrew met Margaret Thatcher. No, she didn’t intimidate him—though he admits she was a bit too confident in her banking knowledge! We also discuss boardroom espionage and security: did Barclays really sweep rooms for bugs every morning? Andrew’s not sure—but wouldn’t be surprised.

One of his golden rules? “Meet people face-to-face.” 🤝 Even in our digital world, Andrew stresses the irreplaceable value of human connection in negotiation and relationship-building.

Andrew recounts the high-stakes rescue of Massey Ferguson in the 1980s, a global negotiation involving 100 banks. From Rome to Paris to London’s Dorchester Hotel, the scale and complexity were immense—but the outcome was successful.

His experience with corporate recovery continues today, where he consults for companies in trouble—usually at the request of friends rather than for profit. “I don’t look for trouble,” he says with a smile, “but sometimes it finds me.”

“Banking is about risk,” Andrew reminds us. “If you never make bad debts, you’re probably not taking the right risks.” But he’s always been guided by ethics, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of the systems from the ground up—starting his career behind the counter at Holland Park branch in London.

His advice to young people today?
“Do something you enjoy. Stick at it. Be straightforward.” ✨
And don’t hop jobs too quickly—stick around long enough to find out what really fits.

Perhaps most movingly, Andrew reflects on how his ambitions as a young man—to be a farmer—changed as he was swept into the world of international banking. He offers a candid acknowledgment that while his life was filled with professional success, it came with personal trade-offs, especially for his family.

Andrew’s stories are not just about banking—they’re about people, leadership, resilience, and learning from experience. His honesty and insight were a masterclass in what it means to lead with integrity.

🙏 Thank you for joining us on Monday Night Live. Don’t forget to like 👍, share 📤, and subscribe 🔔—and stay tuned for more conversations with inspiring leaders from around the globe!

#Leadership #Banking #Barclays #Negotiation #MondayNightLive #Wisdom #Inspiration #CareerTips

Welcome to Monday Night Live

What started on the very first day of lockdown as an experiment (to see if anyone would join via a Zoom link ) quickly grew into something much bigger.

That first evening, twelve people tuned in. Now, 250 broadcasts later, we’ve featured 198 remarkable leaders who generously agreed to be interviewed. The recordings are available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most podcast channels.

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Welcome to another insightful episode of and now a leading expert on mnday Night Live! I’m Derek Arden, and this week, I’m joined by the fantastic Michael Dodd – a seasoned journalist, foreign correspondent, Media communication and interview techniques.

Michael’s career kicked off in Sydney with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), where he was trained in the art of asking “blowtorch on the belly” questions – tough, persistent inquiries designed to put real pressure on political figures. This phrase, coined by an Australian politician, became the backbone of Michael’s journalistic style, pushing for truth and accountability.

In our conversation, Michael shares his journey from covering politics in Canberra to witnessing the historic revolutions of Eastern Europe, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution in Prague. He tells a captivating story of interviewing Václav Havel, the Czech dissident-playwright who would later become president. Havel’s masterful response to a tough question about his political ambitions became a defining moment in Michael’s career and illustrates how great communicators can turn pointed questions into opportunities for impactful messaging.

As we shift to modern-day media dynamics, Michael offers a behind-the-scenes look at how journalists operate during high-stakes press conferences, like those with Prime Ministers or Presidents. He explains how competitive journalists, from Sky News to the BBC, often don’t coordinate their questions but instead aim to deliver the sharpest queries for their respective audiences and editors.

We also dive into Michael’s transition from journalism to media training. He now teaches business leaders, politicians, and even sports coaches how to respond to difficult questions with confidence and clarity. His approach is rooted in integrity – always advocating for honest and effective communication rather than evasiveness.

Michael introduces us to his golden formula, the ABCDE method, for crafting powerful responses to tough questions:

A: Answer the question (or acknowledge it if you can’t fully respond).
B: Bridge – smoothly transition to your key message.
C: Content – deliver your core message clearly and concisely.
D: Dangle – set up your example or supporting evidence.
E: Example – share a compelling story or data point to reinforce your message.
Throughout the session, Michael emphasizes the importance of preparation and truth, especially in an age where disinformation can easily sway public opinion. We touch on the rise of false narratives, citing figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and the challenges this poses for credible journalism. Michael underlines the critical role journalists play in combating misinformation and holding power to account – a responsibility that’s never been more vital.

We also discuss how these media dynamics affect leaders in business and sports. Michael shares anecdotes from his media training with rugby league teams and how captains and managers can apply the ABCDE formula to defuse criticism and refocus on positive actions, even under pressure from hostile media or frustrated fans.

From dissecting press conference tactics to reflecting on the wider implications of truth and integrity in public discourse, Michael brings a wealth of wisdom, wit, and practical advice to this conversation.

For those interested in learning more about Michael’s approach, he mentions his book, Great Answers to Tough Questions at Work, which dives deeper into his ABCDE strategy and how to stay composed and effective when the heat is on.

If you’re a business leader, media professional, or just someone keen to sharpen your communication skills, you won’t want to miss this masterclass.

👉 Check out Michael’s website at www.michaeldoddcommunications.com to sign up for his free newsletter and stay updated on his latest insights.

Enjoy the episode and, as always, thanks for tuning in to Monday Night Live! 🙌

MondayNightLive #MediaTraining #InterviewTechniques #DerekArden #MichaelDodd #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #Journalism #BlowtorchOnTheBelly

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Mastering PThis week on Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomes back renowned BBC commentator Justin Urquhart-Stewart for another insightful discussion on the latest global economic and political events.

With President Trump making waves yet again, Justin dives into the geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties shaping today’s investment landscape. From tariffs on electricity between Canada and the U.S. to China’s property crisis, he breaks down how these developments impact global markets and investor confidence.

Justin also shares his thoughts on Brexit, whether the UK is suffering post-EU departure, and the challenges of re-entering a single market. Plus, he answers audience questions on the key economic indicators to watch for a global shift.

Join us for this informative, no-nonsense breakdown of world affairs and financial markets. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights every week!

MondayNightLive #Economy #Investing #Geopolitics #JustinUrquhartStewart #DerekArdened professional or just starting your journey in public speaking, her insights will help you craft messages that captivate and inspire.

Derek Arden

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Mastering Public Speaking with Patricia Fripp | Monday Night Live with Derek Arden

This week on Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomed the legendary Patricia Fripp, an award-winning keynote speaker, executive speech coach, and sales presentation expert. With her vast experience in communication and storytelling, Patricia shared invaluable insights into crafting powerful messages that resonate with audiences.

Patricia is gearing up for a major keynote speech at the Global Speaking Association’s Winter Workshop in March. In this special session of Monday Night Live, she gave us an exclusive dress rehearsal, offering a glimpse into the expertise she’ll be sharing with an audience of top speakers, business experts, and consultants.

One of Patricia’s fundamental principles is that communication should always be audience-centered. She emphasized that people care more about themselves than the speaker, which means successful presenters must shift their focus from “I” to “You”. By incorporating “you-focused” phrases, speakers can engage their audience on a deeper level.

Patricia shared various techniques for grabbing attention from the very first sentence. Some of her go-to methods include:

Asking a compelling question (e.g., “Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers and didn’t know how to start a conversation?”)

Using an interesting statistic with an emotional hook (e.g., “Would it surprise you to know that 80% of professionals fear public speaking?”)

Transporting the audience through time, either by taking them into the past (“Let’s go back to February 3rd, 2000…”) or painting a vivid future scenario (“Imagine it’s February 17th, 2026, and you’re delivering the highest-paid speech of your career…”)

With her experience studying screenwriting, Patricia emphasized the importance of starting stories late in the scene. Instead of lengthy backstories, she advised speakers to dive straight into the action. For example, rather than saying, “I grew up wanting to be a scientist…”, start with: “Being a scientist is like doing a jigsaw puzzle without the picture.” This instantly creates intrigue and connection.

One of Patricia’s ongoing missions is to encourage speakers to use more specific language. She pointed out that phrases like “He promised her everything” are vague, whereas “He promised her romance and adventure” create a stronger emotional impact.

Patricia’s advice: always bring your audience full circle. She recommended reminding listeners of the vision they created earlier in the presentation and encouraging them to take action to make it a reality.

This Monday Night Live session was a fantastic opportunity for Patricia to refine her keynote speech before her big event. She graciously thanked the audience for their feedback and the chance to practice in a live setting.

Derek Arden wrapped up the session by reminding everyone about the upcoming Monday Night Live 5th Anniversary Celebration on March 24th. If you want to connect with Patricia Fripp or explore her online training programs, her Virtual Training (VT) platform is available for anyone eager to elevate their speaking skills.

Patricia Fripp’s expertise in communication and storytelling made this episode a true masterclass in impactful speaking. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in public speaking, her insights will help you craft messages that captivate and inspire.

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Join us for another insightful episode of Monday Night Live, where Derek Arden welcomes an inspiring leader in education, Mike Foley, CEO of the Wessex Academy Trust.

With a career spanning from teaching in London to leading one of the UK’s most successful Multi-Academy Trusts, Mike shares his journey, leadership insights, and the challenges of managing 12 schools, 7,000 students, and nearly 1,000 staff members.

Mike’s career in education started unexpectedly. Growing up in South London, he initially considered a legal career after earning a history degree. However, a postgrad opportunity in teaching changed everything. He quickly discovered his passion for education, leading him to rapid promotions and eventually to the role of headteacher in his late 30s. After a decade in that role, he embraced the challenge of leading The Thomas Hardy School, one of the largest schools in the UK, before taking on the CEO position at Wessex Academy Trust in 2021.

Running a multi-academy trust is a monumental task. Mike explains how strategic leadership, teamwork, and a strong culture keep the organization running smoothly. Key leadership challenges include:

A recurring theme in Mike’s leadership philosophy is trusting and empowering people. He emphasizes that leading at scale means ensuring others are motivated, aligned with the vision, and able to execute effectively. The key question he always asks himself is: How do I get people to do the right things, willingly and passionately?

Mike also discusses the importance of continuous performance management. Instead of outdated annual reviews, the trust has moved towards ongoing performance reflection and feedback loops, helping leaders and teachers stay sharp and motivated.

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a hot topic in education, Mike shares how Wessex Academy Trust is using AI creatively rather than banning it outright. One example? Students critiquing AI-generated essays to enhance their learning experience. He believes that embracing new technology, rather than fearing it, is crucial for the future of education.

One of the biggest debates in education today is mobile phone use in schools. Mike recalls how, as headteacher at Thomas Hardy, he introduced a compromise policy: students could bring phones to school, but they had to be turned off and put away during the day. Breaking the rule meant parents had to come in to collect the phone. The result? A school-wide culture of responsibility and respect.

As an Ofsted inspector, Mike provides valuable insights into the inspection process. He highlights that Ofsted’s role isn’t just to criticize but to confirm schools’ own self-assessments and help them improve. He also discusses upcoming changes to the Ofsted framework, expected in September 2025, which could impact the way Multi-Academy Trusts are evaluated.

When asked for his one piece of advice for aspiring leaders, Mike emphasizes resilience. His mantra? Find the good in the bad. Every challenge presents a learning opportunity, and those who can adapt and push forward will be the most successful in any field.

Thank You for Watching!

A huge thank you to Mike Foley for sharing his expertise and leadership wisdom. If you’re passionate about education, leadership, or innovation, this episode is a must-watch!

👉 Don’t forget to like, c