Take A Chance On You

Season 2 Collaborator - INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with Richard Elsey, founder of the Thoughtful Learning Company, about the importance of customer service and leadership. Richard shares his journey in the hospitality industry, the impact of COVID-19 on customer expectations, and the significance of personal branding and storytelling in service. He introduces his Five Steps to Five Stars program, emphasising the need for self-awareness and effective feedback in leadership. The conversation concludes with strategies for enhancing customer service and fostering a positive team environment.

Takeaways

Richard Elsey is a leading voice in premium customer service.

The act of serving others is rewarding and fulfilling.

Customer expectations have increased post-COVID-19.

Building customer loyalty is essential for long-term success.

Storytelling enhances the customer experience.

The Five Steps to Five Stars program helps improve service.

Personal branding is increasingly important in today's workforce.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

Actions speak louder than words in leadership.

People are the greatest asset in any business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Customer Service Excellence

04:58 The Evolution of Customer Service Post-COVID

10:05 The Importance of Personal Branding in Service

14:59 Five Steps to Five Stars Program Overview

19:50 Role Models and Leadership in Customer Service

25:00 Navigating Leadership Challenges

29:46 Strategies for Enhancing Customer Service

34:52 Empowering Teams Through Feedback and Recognition

ADHD: A Journey of Discovery 

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Emily Hall-Strutt and Tree Hall about neurodiversity, inclusion, and representation in the tech industry. They share their personal experiences with ADHD and autism, emphasising the impact a late diagnosis has had in their careers and personal lives; alongside the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that recognise and celebrate individual differences. 

The conversation also addresses the challenges of late diagnosis, misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity, and the need for a shift in how society views and supports neurodivergent individuals including Gen Z and Gen Alpha both at school and in the workplace. Ultimately, they advocate for empowering the next generation and fostering environments where everyone can thrive.

Takeaways

Inclusion should have a goal which is belonging.

It's important to recognise that everyone's brain works differently.

Representation in tech is crucial for creating effective technology.

Late diagnoses of ADHD and autism are common and often overlooked.

Misconceptions about ADHD and autism can hinder understanding and support.

Creating inclusive workplaces benefits everyone, not just those who are neurodivergent.

Empowering the next generation is essential for future progress.

Advocacy for neurodivergent individuals is a moral imperative for leaders.

Understanding individual experiences is key to effective inclusion.

The journey of diagnosis is often long and complex, but necessary.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Inclusion

03:00 Personal Experiences with Neurodiversity

06:02 The Importance of Representation in Tech

08:48 Challenges of Late Diagnosis

11:52 The Misconceptions Around ADHD and Autism

15:11 Navigating the Diagnosis Journey

18:04 Empowering the Next Generation

20:47 Creating Inclusive Workplaces

24:13 Conclusion and Future Perspectives

Season 2 Collaborator: INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with Milica Milićević founder of Wings of Legacy, about her journey in creating a network for women focused on mentorship across various industries. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the shift to global summits, the challenges faced by early career professionals, and the significance of setting boundaries to manage stress. Milica shares her insights on the portfolio career approach, the power of self-reflection, and the different leadership styles that can impact team dynamics. The conversation emphasises the need for empowerment, trust, and the role of affirmations in personal growth, along with practical strategies for networking and saying no.

The upcoming summit in 2026 will focus on women in cyber security, risk, and AI ethics and governance. It aims to support early career professionals through mentorship and cheerleading, providing a platform for self-confidence and motivation.

By providing a platform for mentorship and support, the event seeks to bolster self-confidence and motivation among participants. Wings of Legacy highlight the importance of having a supportive network, helping navigate the complexities of the current hiring market.

Takeaways

• Milica founded Wings of Legacy to support women in high barrier industries.
• The shift to global summits allows for greater accessibility.
• Mentorship is crucial for early career professionals.
• A portfolio career can provide diverse experiences and skills.
• Setting boundaries is essential for managing stress and burnout.
• Self-reflection helps in personal and professional growth.
• Different leadership styles can impact team dynamics.
• Empowering employees fosters trust and productivity.
• Affirmations can enhance self-esteem and motivation.
• Networking is key; don't be afraid to ask for help.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Wings of Legacy

02:56The Shift to Global Summits

05:48The Importance of Mentorship

08:39Navigating Early Career Challenges

11:28The Portfolio Career Approach

14:41Setting Boundaries and Managing Stress

17:27The Power of Self-Reflection

20:21Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics

23:09Empowering Employees and Building Trust

26:12The Role of Affirmations in Personal Growth

29:04Strategies for Networking and Saying No

Season 2 collaborator - INSPO social networking platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Julia Lebedev, a leader in the automotive industry with over 20 years of experience. Julia shares her unique journey to leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, connection, and openness in fostering effective teams. She discusses the challenges she faced as a transgender person in the workplace and how she overcame them to build trust and respect among her colleagues. Julia advocates for a leadership style that prioritises people and encourages personal growth, highlighting the significance of mentoring and building relationships within teams.

Takeaways

• Leadership is not about high roles but about presence.
• Caring for teammates can change the dynamics of a team.
• Openness in leadership fosters trust and connection.
• One-to-ones are essential for developing trust.
• Investing in people leads to better results.
• Empathy is crucial in connecting with team members.
• Mentoring helps individuals grow and succeed.
• Leadership requires a focus on team dynamics.
• Building relationships is key to effective leadership.
• True leadership is about enabling others to thrive.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Julia Lebedev and Her Journey

04:23The Evolution of Leadership and Personal Growth

11:34Building Trust and Open Leadership

19:14Connecting with Younger Generations in the Workplace

27:28Julia's Role and Responsibilities in Vehicle Development

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Nasser Arif, Cyber Security Manager at the NHS. They discuss the evolving landscape of cyber security in healthcare, emphasising the importance of human elements, innovation through AI, and the need for tailored training approaches. Nasser shares insights on his career transition from IT to cyber security, the challenges of burnout, and the significance of neurodiversity in the workplace.

The conversation highlights the future of cybersecurity, the role of technology, and the necessity of understanding audience needs in training and awareness initiatives.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by the guest and host are their own and do not reflect the employer in any way.

Takeaways

The human element is crucial in cyber security.

Cyber security professionals should engage with non-technical staff.

Burnout is prevalent in the cyber security field.

AI can enhance cyber security practices and patient care.

Tailored training is essential for effective cybersecurity awareness.

Neurodiversity should be embraced in the cyber security workforce.

Cyber security behaviours should extend beyond the workplace.

Understanding your audience is key to effective communication.

The future of cyber security is uncertain but requires adaptability.

Cyber security is increasingly in the public eye, necessitating proactive measures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cyber security in Healthcare

02:41 The Importance of Human Element in Cyber security

05:41 Career Path and Transition to Cyber security

08:40 The Role of AI and Technology in Healthcare

12:04 Neurodiversity and Cyber security Awareness

Season 2 collaborator - INSPO social networking platform.

This week it's all about male vulnerability with Louis Watkins!

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with Louis Watkins, founder of Clear for Men, about the importance of mental health awareness for men. Louis shares his personal journey, the impact of COVID-19 on his mental health, and the mission behind his skincare brand, which aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health. The conversation delves into the significance of vulnerability, emotional expression, and self-love, as well as practical strategies for managing anxiety and loneliness. Louis emphasises the importance of community support and encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys toward mental wellness.

Louis shares his experiences as a solo founder, discussing the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. He emphasises the importance of having a purpose, building systems for business success, and the significance of personal branding. Networking and community support are highlighted as essential elements for growth, along with the need to celebrate milestones and learn from failures. Louis also discusses the value of documenting the entrepreneurial journey and the power of connection and collaboration among founders. He concludes with recommendations for inspirational films and books that can motivate and guide entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Louis Watkins emphasises the importance of taking time for oneself.

Mental health stigma for men needs to be addressed.

COVID-19 significantly impacted many people's mental health.

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Expressing emotions can lead to relief and healing.

Self-love is crucial for mental well-being.

Community support plays a vital role in mental health.

It's important to normalise conversations about mental health.

Anxiety can manifest physically and needs to be addressed.

Everyone's journey is unique; comparison can hinder progress.

Documenting the journey adds authenticity to your brand.

Collaboration among founders fosters a supportive community.

Inspirational content can motivate and guide entrepreneurs.

Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Awareness for Men

01:30 Louis Watkins' Journey and the Birth of Clear for Men

06:40 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

12:10 The Importance of Vulnerability and Emotional Expression

19:41 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Loneliness

29:19 The Role of Self-Love and Positive Self-Talk

38:28 The Importance of Community and Support

42:19 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Mental Health

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Season 2 collaborator - INSPO social networking platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Mark Pagdin, founder and CEO of Onion Security. Mark shares his extensive experience in financial services and cyber security, discussing the importance of compliance, knowledge sharing, and networking in the industry.

Mark dives into how he enhanced his career through networking, emotional intelligence, connecting with people and his love for stand-up comedy; exploring life lessons, the importance of humour and how this transformed his leadership and business approach.

Mark emphasises the value of mentorship, work-life balance, and personal growth, as well as the impact of comedy on professional skills. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and kindness in business relationships, and concludes with valuable resources for professional development.

Takeaways

Mark Pagdin has over 20 years of experience in financial services and cyber security.

Knowledge sharing is crucial for improving security practices across industries.• Networking is essential for personal and professional growth.

Mentorship can significantly impact career development.

Work-life balance is important for overall well-being and productivity.

Engaging in activities like comedy can enhance interpersonal skills.

Authenticity and emotional intelligence are key to effective communication.

Building relationships in business should focus on kindness and empathy.

The small to medium-sized business community is supportive and collaborative.

Continuous professional development is vital for career advancement.

Chapters

(00:00:00 - 00:05:00) Introduction to Mark Pagdin

(00:05:00 - 00:15:00) Mark's Career Journey

(00:15:00 - 00:25:00) The Role of Networking

(00:25:00 - 00:35:00) Embracing Stand-Up Comedy

(00:35:00 - 00:45:00) Empathy and Authenticity

(00:45:00 - 00:55:00) Continuous Learning and Growth

Resources

Federation of Small Businesses The MOM Test – Rob Fitzpatrick

Presence – Amy Cuddy

Darknet Diaries podcast

Krebs on Security website

The Rest of Our Lives – Ben Markovitz

Seven Principles of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

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Season 2 collaborator - INSPO social networking platform for thought leaders.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Rebecca Taylor, a manager in Threat Intelligence at Sophos company. They discuss the complexities of the dark web, the evolution of ransomware groups, and the importance of empathy and collaboration in leadership. 

Rebecca shares her journey from a personal assistant to a leader in cyber security, emphasising the need for personal resilience and the value of mentorship. The conversation highlights the significance of making cyber security relatable and accessible to everyone, as well as the importance of creating a supportive work environment.

We delve into the dynamic world of cyber security, exploring how professionals build resilience and foster personal growth amidst constant challenges. Rebecca shares her journey, becoming a thought leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence. 

Rebecca discusses how sharing insights and working together across organisations can enhance security measures and drive innovation. Discover the power of collective intelligence in identifying emerging threats and learn how building a supportive community can lead to more effective threat mitigation strategies. 

Takeaways

- Rebecca Taylor emphasises the human element of the dark web.

- Ransomware groups are increasingly competitive and offer various services.

 - Leadership should be approached with empathy and understanding.

- Collaboration is essential in cybersecurity and can enhance team dynamics. Personal resilience is crucial to avoid burnout in the cybersecurity field. It's important to make cybersecurity relatable to everyday people.

- Mentorship plays a vital role in career development. Career growth requires boldness and initiative. Creating a supportive work environment fosters collaboration. Taking time for self-care is essential for long-term success in cybersecurity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Threat Intelligence and the Dark Web

04:46 Rebecca's Career Journey and Mentorship

09:45 Leadership and Empathy in Cybersecurity

16:39 Understanding Threat Intelligence

22:33 Collaboration and Team Dynamics in Cybersecurity

32:22 Personal Resilience and Career Growth

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In this episode of "Take a Chance on You," we dive into the inspiring vision behind INSPO, a groundbreaking social networking platform designed to empower thought leaders. Join host Alexandra Forsyth and INSPO founder Draego Zubiri as they explore how INSPO is redefining leadership by providing a dedicated space for professionals to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. 

Discover how INSPO is fostering a community of leaders who are passionate about making an impact and leading with empathy. Tune in to learn more about this innovative platform and how it can elevate your thought leadership journey.

Key Highlights:

- Introduction to INSPO and its vision for leadership. 

- The importance of thought leadership in today's professional landscape. How INSPO is redefining social networking for professionals. INSPO role in fostering a community of empathetic leaders.

Call to Action: 

Tune in to explore how INSPO is changing the game for thought leaders and learn how you can be part of this innovative community. Link in first comment.

Episode Chapters: 

Introduction to Season Two (0:00 - 1:30)

Alexandra Forsyth introduces the new season and collaboration with INSPO 

Meet Draego Zubiri (1:31 - 3:00)

Introduction of Draego Zubiri, founder of INSPO, and his background.

What is INSPO? (3:01 - 5:00)

Draego explains the concept and mission of INSPO. 

The Importance of Thought Leadership (5:01 - 7:00)

Discussion on the role of thought leadership in professional growth.

Inspo's Unique Offering (7:01 - 9:00)

How INSPO differentiates itself from other social media platforms.

Building a Community (9:01 - 11:00)

The growth of INSPO's community and its impact.

Conclusion and Call to Action (11:01 - End)

Final thoughts and invitation to join INSPO 

Season 2 Overview: 

Real stories told by real people, aspiring and on their way, focusing on leadership.

Take A Chance On You host Alexandra Forsyth noticed a gap when listening to her favourite podcast shows; there was limited space to connect, deciding to focus on hidden talent in season 1 and now leaders in season 2.

This podcast thrives on honest conversations that build people up, help them to think creatively and reflect on their journey so far. Storytelling is here to stay, with guests talking about business strategies through to hard-hitting stories about burnout, anxiety and so much more.

 #Inspo #ThoughtLeadership #Leadership #Empowerment

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SEASON 2 trailer is here, and will focus on aspiring leaders and leaders on their way! 

Mark your calendars - September we will be returning in full swing.

Same as season 1 - weekly episodes will drop every Monday.

"Take a Chance on You," hosted by Alexandra Forsyth puts the heart back into conversation; a pioneering space whereby guests from ALL industries and backgrounds come to the table to share their path of discovery. 

Alexandra believes in the transformative power of self-reflection, providing guests space to take a moment to look inward leading to personal empowerment and growth. 

Through each inspiring story and insightful discussion, YOU can learn the same strategies and practice how self-reflection can help you recognise your achievements by embracing the journey, and unlocking your true potential. 

What can you expect? 

Unlock your potential through the power of self-reflection, as shared by guests. 

Learn how to lead with empathy and collaborate in effective leadership. 

Understand teamwork and how to foster environments where innovation thrives and teams excel. 

Celebrate the small wins and embrace each life stage! 

Recognise and appreciate the small victories along the way whilst you work towards your destination. 

Cross-industry knowledge can help you broaden your business strategy. 

Episodes will shine a spotlight on diverse career journeys and the bold pivots that have defined them. 

Dive into the world of aspiring leaders and the journey of leadership development. Explore the essential skills and mindsets that define effective leaders and hear from individuals who have successfully navigated their paths to leadership. 

Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration.