Super Powered: Leadership, Strategy, Decision Making & Peak Performance - Stories & Strategies from World-Class Performers for Executive Success

Super Powered: Leadership, Strategy, Decision Making & Peak Performance - Stories & Strategies from World-Class Performers for Executive Success

By Rob D. WillisBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementCareersManagement
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Super Powered: Leadership, Strategy, Decision Making & Peak Performance - Stories & Strategies from World-Class Performers for Executive Success episodes

  • How to Drive Behavioural Change Like a Master Trainer - Murray Cowell

    Ever wondered why some training creates lasting change while most is forgotten by the next day?

    Murray Cowell has spent 27 years discovering it's not about inspiring speeches or clever techniques - it's about creating the right environment for people to succeed.

    With experience training over 18,000 professionals across 35 countries, Murray has turned his counterintuitive approach into multiple seven-figure training businesses. As Solutions Director at Natural Training and through his own consultancy, he's proven that real change happens through systems, not sessions.

    Yet Murray's journey began as a self-proclaimed "underachiever" who believed adults couldn't learn effectively. His transformation into a lifelong learner shapes his unique approach to helping others grow.

    Key Talking Points:
    • The "three-legged stool" approach that makes training stick: tools, metrics, and management involvement
    • Why one-off workshops lead to performance spikes that quickly fade without proper support
    • How adopting a "we're all slightly incompetent" mindset creates psychological safety for real learning
    • The counterintuitive way to drive change in large organisations: finding allies with overlapping problems
    • Managing resistance by letting people "dump negativity" before focusing on solutions

    Links & Resources:
    • Murray’s LinkedIn
    • Murray’s Website

    Book Recommendations:

    • Switch by Chip & Dan Heath
    • Nudge by Richard Thaler
    • Misbehaving by Richard Thaler

    Podcasts:

    • The Science of Success
    • Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

    Today's Exercise: The Problem Creation Reflection

    This daily practice helps you identify your role in challenges you face, shifting from external blame to productive problem-solving. It builds self-awareness and reveals opportunities for personal growth.


    Steps to Apply:

    1. Write down a current problem or challenge you're facing
    2. Ask yourself: "How am I involved in creating this problem?"
    3. Identify specific behaviours or attitudes that may contribute
    4. Consider what the situation is teaching you about yourself
    5. List 2-3 ways you could change your approach
    6. Commit to implementing one change this week


    39 min
  • How to Build Influence Like a History Expert - Jonny Whitlam

    Ever wonder how to turn your expertise into online influence?

    Jonny Whitlam transformed from a Berlin tour guide into the city's leading history creator, amassing over 50,000 followers by sharing fascinating stories about the German capital. His unique approach proves that deep knowledge and authentic storytelling can build a loyal following - even in traditionally offline industries.

    From managing 60+ tour guides to creating viral content about Berlin's hidden history, Jonny's journey shows how consistency and genuine passion connect with audiences. But it wasn't all smooth sailing - he openly shares how even "obvious" content can flop, while unexpected topics like U-Bahn station tiles can captivate thousands. His practical framework will transform how you approach building your own online presence.

    Key Talking Points
    • The counter-intuitive reason bad content is valuable
    • How a single exercise revealed 500+ potential content ideas without opening a book
    • Why trying to predict viral content is futile - his most viewed TikTok (5M views) was unexpected
    • How collaborating with museums and cultural institutions amplified reach beyond standard social media tactics

    Links & Resources:
    • Jonny’s Instagram
    • Jonny’s TikTok
    • Jonny’s Website
    • Book Recommendation: A Woman in Berlin, Anonymous
    • History Flakes Podcast

    Today's Exercise: The Seven Post Challenge

    Transform your expertise into engaging content by committing to post seven times in one week. This structured approach helps overcome perfectionism while building confidence and consistency.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Brainstorm 20 topics you know well or care about
    2. Select 7 ideas that excite you, regardless of potential performance
    3. Schedule specific time blocks for content creation
    4. Create and post daily for one week
    5. Review what you learned about your style and audience
    6. Evaluate which formats and topics felt most natural


    38 min
  • How to Learn Like a Neuroscientist - Greg Detre

    Ever wondered how to make training actually stick?

    Greg Detre turned his PhD research on why we forget things into revolutionary learning products used by over 70 million people. From putting people in brain scanners at Princeton to building Channel 4's award-winning data science team, his rare combination of neuroscience and AI expertise has transformed how teams learn and grow.

    As co-founder of Memrise and Rehearsable.ai (with Georgie Peake), Greg's methods have been battle-tested at Fortune 50 companies and startups alike. But this isn't just about fancy degrees - Greg openly shares how he learned to make training work in the real world, including the sessions that fell flat and the surprising power of deliberate mistakes.

    Key Talking Points:
    • Why cramming a team into a 2-day workshop is scientifically designed to fail (and what to do instead)
    • How pair programming revealed the "blunt axes" holding back an entire data science team
    • The counter-intuitive approach that transformed Channel 4's data team in just 12 months
    • Why making more mistakes than everyone else can become your superpower in AI and leadership

    Links & Resources:
    • Greg’s Blog
    • Greg’s Website
    • Greg’s LinkedIn
    • Lecture: "Gin and the Cognitive Surplus" by Clay Shirky
    • Rehearsable.ai

    Today's Exercise: The Five Whys Post-Mortem

    This blameless review process helps teams learn deeply from mistakes and build psychological safety. Instead of finger-pointing, it reveals systemic improvements that prevent future issues.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. When something goes wrong, gather the team
    2. Ask "why" five times to dig deeper than surface issues
    3. Document multiple root causes at different levels (process, culture, systems)
    4. Choose 1-2 specific improvements to implement
    5. Schedule follow-up to check if changes are working
    6. Celebrate the learning opportunity rather than dwelling on the mistake

    44 min
  • How to Grow Your Executive Presence - Peter McKenzie "The C-Suite Coach"

    What's the single biggest mistake executives make when trying to command a room?

    They focus on appearances rather than authentic presence. After two decades in global C-suites and coaching hundreds of leaders, Peter McKenzie has identified the real formula: a precise balance of confidence, communication, and gravitas that can be systematically developed.

    Now General Manager at a major real estate firm and executive coach, Peter's journey to mastering presence started with a complete presentation meltdown in front of 180 colleagues. Through roles at Citigroup and Blackstone, he's developed a proven approach to building the three pillars that separate forgettable managers from unforgettable leaders.

    Key Talking Points:
    • The three pillars of executive presence: confidence, communication and gravitas - and why authenticity matters more than appearances
    • How his Italian CEO Francesco used "Navy SEAL" style training to develop young executives through public challenges
    • Going from panic-inducing presentations to professional speaking through deliberate practice and Toastmasters
    • Why slowing down by 25-30% in movement, speech and decisions can dramatically increase executive presence

    Links & Resources:
    • Peter’s Website
    • Peter’s LinkedIn
    • Book Recommendation: $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi
    • Podcast: Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett

    Today's Exercise: The Points Game

    Transform your executive presence by collecting "courage points" through deliberate discomfort. Focus on the attempt rather than the outcome to build confidence through action.

    Steps to Apply
    1. Identify one situation daily where you could step out of your comfort zone (e.g. speaking up first in meetings)
    2. Take action despite any anxiety or uncertainty
    3. Award yourself a point for the attempt, regardless of outcome
    4. Track points daily to build momentum
    5. Review weekly to identify patterns and progress
    6. Gradually increase difficulty of challenges

    43 min
  • How to transform teams like a Growth CTO - Mike Jones

    Ever wondered what it takes to turn a struggling tech team into a high-performing engine of growth?

    Mike Jones has done it not once, but twice - taking uSwitch from a £5M acquisition to part of a £2B exit, and transforming Love Holidays into a travel powerhouse that sends more people abroad than Heathrow could handle in a month.

    But Mike's superpower isn't just technical expertise - it's understanding how structure, communication and culture need to evolve as companies grow. A former ThoughtWorks consultant turned scale-up specialist, he's developed frameworks that help teams transition from scrappy startups to scalable enterprises while keeping their innovative spirit alive.

    Key Talking Points
    • The three critical pillars for scaling tech teams: organisation structure, business-focused communication, and letting people leave their mark
    • How Mike transitioned from explaining technical concepts to business outcomes, leading to better exec team alignment
    • Why autonomous, cross-functional teams built around long-lived problems outperform traditional functional structures
    • Managing stress through exercise and breathwork while scaling companies

    Links & Resources:
    • Mike's LinkedIn
    • Mike's Blog
    • Book Recommendation: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
    • Podcast Recommendation: Chris Williamson
    • Referenced Tool: Obsidian for note-taking

    Today's Exercise: The Leadership Journal

    This note-taking system helps leaders stay on top of rapid context switching while extracting meaningful insights from day-to-day work. It combines bullet journaling with scheduled reflection time to turn chaos into clarity.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Schedule two daily 5-10 minute meetings with yourself - one to start and one to end the day
    2. Use bullet journaling symbols to categorize information (• for tasks, ▲ for delegated items, ○ for events)
    3. Review notes at day's end to extract tasks and action items
    4. Start each day by reviewing previous notes and intentionally choosing priorities
    5. Set aside 30 minutes weekly to synthesize key ideas into a "second brain" system
    6. Track evolution of ideas and decisions by maintaining searchable archives

    34 min
  • How to bring ideas to life like a Story Spotter - David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie

    Ever feel your best ideas get lost in translation?

    Former actors turned storytelling experts and leadership coaches David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie share their DNA framework for making ideas stick. As co-founders of StorySpotters and authors of The DNA of Engagement, they've helped global companies like Aviva and Novartis transform how they communicate change.

    From crafting strategic narratives for boards to helping leaders find their authentic voice, they blend theatrical techniques with business practicality. But this isn't just about polished presentations - it's about overcoming the fear of putting yourself and your ideas out there. Their journey from stage to boardroom proves that effective communication is less about perfection and more about meaningful connection.

    Key Talking Points:

    • Why storytelling fails without a clear DNA structure of Dreams, Nightmares and Actions
    • How one German executive's team transformed their strategic planning using story-based techniques
    • The counter-intuitive insight that trying to impress undermines authentic communication
    • Why breath control and presence matter more than words when delivering important messages

    Links & Resources:

    • The DNA of Engagement book on Amazon
    • David's LinkedIn
    • Sarah Jane's LinkedIn
    • TheStorySpotters.com

    Today's Exercise #1: The Change Breath

    This simple breathing technique helps reset your energy and focus between important conversations. Taking mindful breaths using your diaphragm creates a mental and physical pause that allows you to transition cleanly from one interaction to the next.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Find a quiet moment between meetings or conversations
    2. Stand still and focus on your breathing
    3. Take 3 deep breaths, feeling your diaphragm expand
    4. On each exhale, release tension from the previous interaction
    5. Use this as a reset before entering your next conversation

    Today's Exercise #2: The String Connection

    This visualisation technique helps maintain audience engagement throughout presentations and meetings. It uses the metaphor of a string telephone to ensure your communication remains taut and connected.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Imagine a piece of string connecting you to your audience
    2. Monitor if that connection feels tight or slack during your communication
    3. When you sense the connection loosening, adjust your content or delivery
    4. Keep checking the "tightness" of connection throughout your interaction
    5. Use this as a gauge for audience engagement and attention

    46 min
  • How to Build Relationships Like a Sales Leader - Henry Kayser

    Ever wonder how top sales leaders build genuine relationships that last?

    Henry Kayser turned his natural approach to connecting with people into a powerful sales leadership career at tech giants like Zoom and Oracle. His counter-intuitive focus on authentic human connection over metrics has helped him build and lead successful teams across Europe.

    From selling phone contracts at university to now managing Commercial Sales teams across multiple regions at Zoom, Henry shares how being yourself "on purpose" is the most powerful sales strategy. Rather than focusing on immediate transactions, he reveals how small, consistent actions build lasting networks that create opportunities naturally over time.

    Key Talking Points:
    • Why sending three thoughtful messages daily equals 1,000 meaningful connections per year
    • The "Dunbar Numbers" framework that explains why some relationships fade after 3 months
    • How focusing on intuition over strict metrics led to stronger sales performance
    • Why authentic one-way messages without expecting replies build stronger networks
    • The counter-intuitive reason that networking becomes easier when you remove the pressure to sell

    Links & Resources:
    • LinkedIn: Henry Kayser
    • Podcast: Modern Sales Wisdom on Spotify and Apple
    • Book Recommendation: "Obvious Adams" (1915)
    • Tool: Covve Personal CRM

    Today's Exercise: The Three Questions Framework

    Transform your network by making meaningful connections without expectation of return. This simple daily practice keeps you present in people's minds and builds genuine relationships over time.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Choose 3 people to reach out to each day
    2. Send a genuine, one-way message (text, voice note, or social)
    3. Share a specific thought or memory about them
    4. Don't expect or require any response
    5. Track connections using a simple system (spreadsheet or CRM)
    6. Maintain consistency for at least 90 days

    37 min
  • How to Make Decisions Like a Pro Poker Player - Tino Engel

    Ever wonder what professional poker and leadership have in common?

    Tino Engel transformed his five years as a pro poker player into groundbreaking insights about decision-making under pressure. Now a sought-after business trainer and TEDx speaker, he teaches executives how to navigate uncertainty with the same strategic mindset that helped him succeed at the poker table.

    From starting with just €50 borrowed from his mother's credit card to making poker his full-time career, Tino's journey proves that managing risk isn't about eliminating uncertainty – it's about mastering your response to it. His refreshingly practical framework helps leaders focus on asking the right questions before taking action, turning high-stakes decisions into calculated opportunities.

    Key Talking Points:
    • The three essential questions that transform decision-making
    • Why successful decision-making requires separating process quality from luck
    • The counter-intuitive reason gut feelings work best when stakes are lowest
    • How humility and self-awareness lead to better choices

    Links & Resources:
    • LinkedIn
    • Website
    • Book Recommendation: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
    • Book Recommendation: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

    Today's Exercise: The Three Questions Framework

    Try this out every time you pick up your phone or have a discussion.

    This decision-making practice helps you break down any choice into manageable steps. Before making important decisions, pause and work through Tino's three essential questions to gain clarity and confidence in your path forward.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Ask yourself "What am I trying to win?" to understand your true motivation
    2. Consider "What resources do I need?" including time, energy, and relationships
    3. Evaluate "Is it worth it?" by weighing potential gains against required resources
    4. Only proceed if you have clear, positive answers to all three questions
    5. Review decisions later to refine your process

    42 min
  • How to Show Up with Brave Leadership - Wendy Harris

    Ever wondered what true brave leadership looks like? Wendy Harris, former Goldman Sachs trader turned tech executive, knows it means putting aside personal comfort for the greater good. From transforming underperforming teams into global winners to making tough calls during COVID, she's mastered the delicate balance of driving excellence while staying human.

    Named one of Fortune Magazine's most powerful women in business, Wendy scaled revenues to $25M at Gong, grew teams from 30 to 85 at CarGurus, and drove Dropbox's European sales past $100M. But what sets her apart isn't just the numbers – it's her radical commitment to authenticity in leadership, proving that vulnerability and fun aren't at odds with high performance.


    Key Talking Points
    • The "2-6-2 Rule" of team dynamics: why expecting everyone to like you is a leadership trap
    • How one struggling sales team became top global performers by embracing change
    • Why redundancies during COVID required both empathy and clear communication
    • The "Flamingo Factor" - combining excellence, fun and vulnerability as leadership pillars
    • Why Goldman Sachs' pressure cooker environment taught the value of workplace humour

    Links & Resources:
    • Wendy’s Website
    • Wendy’s LinkedIn
    • Book Recommendation: Radical Candor by Kim Scott
    • Mentioned: Lewis Howes' Podcast

    Today's Exercise: The Brave Conversation

    This process helps leaders tackle difficult conversations they've been avoiding, combining directness with empathy to achieve better outcomes.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Identify one conversation you've been putting off this week
    2. Write down the core message that needs to be delivered
    3. Focus on addressing behaviours/situations, not attacking the person
    4. Deliver the message clearly and directly, with empathy
    5. Allow space for the other person's response and perspective
    6. Follow up to ensure mutual understanding and next steps


    42 min
  • How to Build a Powerful Leadership Brand - Bob Gentle

    Ever wondered how to make people trust you before they've even met you? Bob Gentle transformed from a painfully shy local marketer into a globally-recognised personal branding expert by mastering this exact skill. His counter-intuitive approach helped him build a thriving consultancy where 95% of his clients have never even visited his home city of Glasgow.

    From recording (and deleting) over 100 videos before publishing his first one to now advising multimillionaire business leaders, Bob shares how he overcame his own visibility fears. As someone who spent 15 years in search and rescue dangling from helicopters but couldn't post a selfie online, his journey proves that fear isn't about capability - it's about comfort zones.

    This isn't just about building a brand - it's about understanding how people make decisions about you when you're not in the room. Bob reveals why trying to please everyone is the wrong approach, how to turn bad content into good, and why your unique perspective matters more than you think.

    Key Talking Points:

    • The "scaffolding of imagination" framework that helps clients know, like and trust you before meeting you
    • Why showing up imperfectly beats hiding perfectly - and how one "terrible" video creator dominated his market
    • The gradual desensitisation method Bob learned from search and rescue training that makes visibility less scary
    • How to avoid the trap of trying to build "the unified theory of you" when starting your personal brand

    Links & Resources:

    • Bob's Podcast: Building Your LeaderBrand
    • Website: amplifyme.agency
    • LinkedIn: Bob Gentle
    • Book Recommendation: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
    • Free Resource: Personal Brand Business Roadmap

    Today's Exercise: The Captain's Log

    This daily video practice helps overcome camera anxiety and builds confidence in your on-screen presence. It creates a safe space to practice without the pressure of publishing.

    Steps to Apply:

    1. Set up a camera (not phone) in a private space
    2. Record a 2-minute diary entry about your day
    3. Watch it back, no matter how uncomfortable
    4. Focus on small improvements in delivery each time
    5. Continue daily for at least two weeks before considering publishing
    6. Notice how your comfort level increases over time

    41 min

About Super Powered: Leadership, Strategy, Decision Making & Peak Performance - Stories & Strategies from World-Class Performers for Executive Success

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