The 11th Thing Podcast

Episode 17 Communicating Integrity

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with special guest Gary Silverthorn

In this first episode, in a new series focusing on organisational integrity, the 11th Thing podcast explores the importance of ‘communicating integrity’ with special guest, leadership consultant and former US military veteran Gary Silverthorn.

Drawing on his unique experience, from two decades of active service in both the US Marines and Army, Gary explains the critical role that integrity plays in defining an organisation’s character, shaping its culture and cultivating its leaders. Gary also notes that, when organisations communicate with integrity, they don’t just improve the customer experience, they also net higher profits.

Episode 16 The Power of Competence

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Brady Pyle

In this seventh episode in the series on organisational power, the 11th Thing podcast deconstructs ‘the power of competence’ with special guest, 30 year veteran of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] and Vice President of Human Resources at the Space Centre Houston, Brady Pyle.

Delving deep into his decades long experience working in large complex organisation with many thousands of employees, Brady explains how organisations can meet the unrelenting demands of competence, even when the margins for error are zero. As a two time recipient of NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, Brady also describes the specific role for leaders and teams in developing and maintaining a culture of competence.

Episode 15 Power Dynamics

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Dr Brian Johnson

In this sixth episode in the series on organisational power, special guest distinguished professor, scholar and president of Warner Pacific University, Dr Brian Johnson, delivers a masterclass on ‘power dynamics’.

The episode delves into the complexity of power dynamics as well as the nuanced personal and professional relationships that underpin them. Drawing on decades of professional experience, including in senior and executive roles, Dr Johnson specifically highlights the importance of humility and integrity as essential ingredients for healthy and productive power dynamics .

So, make sure you listen in to next episode of the 11th thing podcast, hosted by me Paul Aladenika with my special guest, distinguished professor, scholar and president of Warner Pacific University, Dr Brian Johnson.

Episode 14 The Psychology of Power

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Karen Amlin

In this fifth episode in the series on organisational power, the 11th Thing Podcast focuses on the ‘psychology of power’ with special guest, author, coach and consultant, Karen Amlin. The episode specifically examines how people experience the impact of power through the behaviours and practice of their superiors, peers and subordinates. In doing so it highlights the fact that, behind every action is a mindset that is informed by attitudes, beliefs and values that are often hard-wired into each individual as well as the organisations that employ them.

Drawing on her years of coaching experience, Karen Amlin, shares insights on the benefits for organisations that carefully cultivate psychologically safe working environments, as well as the lasting damage that can be done, when they do not. It is not to be missed.

Episode 13 Power Structures

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Dr Chara Willaford

In this fourth episode in a new series on organisational power, the 11th Thing Podcast focuses on ‘power structures’, with special guest Dr Chara Willaford. This episode is predicated on the understanding that power can only be effective when there is a clear framework in place, at every organisational level, to govern its use.

Drawing on her vast experience as an educator, leadership developer and organisational change-maker, Dr Willaford argues that to maximise workforce capabilities, power structures must create scope for innovation and safeguard against the risk of abuse.

As this episode delves deeper, Dr Willaford describes the key building blocks of sustainable power structures and explains how these can accelerate the pace of organisational success.

Episode 12 The Power of Purpose

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest John Neyer

In this third episode in a new series on organisational power, the 11th Thing Podcast delves deep into the ‘Power of Purpose’, with special guest John Neyer, Senior Vice President at Think2Perform. Reflecting on his 30 years’ worth of experience in the financial services industry including with global brands such as American Express, Merrill Lynch, John Hancock and Prudential, John explains the importance of purpose in driving organisational change.

As a business mentor and leader, John goes further to describe the essential role that organisational leadership plays in creating a work-place climate where purpose is not just communicated through words, but more importantly through modelled behaviours, attitudes and discipline.

Episode 11 The Power of Fierce Kindness

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Nick Robinson

In this second episode in a new series focusing on organisational power, the 11th Thing Podcast explores the power of fierce kindness. With our special guest, executive coach, author and former member of the UK’s Institute of Directors governing Council, Nick Robinson; we deconstruct the anatomy of kindness to better understand its potency as an organisational superpower.

Referencing his excellent new book: ‘The 9 types of difficult people’, and drawing on decades worth of professional experience from the private and public sectors, Nick explains how he has successfully deployed fierce kindness to navigate through toxic organisational environments and neutralise the effect of disruptive behaviours.

Episode 10 The Power of Connection

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Shaheen Myers

In this new 11th Thing podcast series focusing on organisational power, we speak to consultant, Shaheen Myers about the ‘power of connection’. During the episode, Shaheen, draws on her vast experience as a former senior public servant, in the UK local government and education sectors, to explain how connection can drive culture change.

Amongst the insights shared during this episode, Shaheen emphasises the importance of vulnerability in relationship forming, the critical role of leadership authenticity as well as the need to know who people are beyond their title. In addition, Shaheen highlights the essential role that establishing an organisation’s ‘why’, the capacity to listen and even humour can play in creating connection across the workforce.

Episode 9 Leadership Example Setting

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special guest Laura Darrell

On this episode of the 11th Thing podcast we take a look at the importance of leadership example setting with special guest; former business executive, coach, speaker and top-selling author Laura Darrell. During the episode, Laura draws on her decades worth of experience, gained whilst working for some of the most iconic brands in business [including Apple and Starbucks] to describe the critical role that leaders play when they set examples for others.

In this masterclass, Laura highlights the dangers that arise when leaders, especially those in senior positions, are perceived as unrelatable. Laura goes on to state that behaviours are the most powerful voice of leadership and the most effective way to build trust and establish credibility with followers.

Episode 8 Leadership Empowerment

Hosted by Paul Aladenika with Special Guest Ade Solarin

On this episode of the 11th Thing podcast, we continue the deep-dive into the characteristics of exceptional leadership by looking at leadership empowerment, with mentor and networker Ade Solarin.

Delving into his years of experience in public, civil and voluntary service, Ade shares valuable insights on the transformational difference that leaders can make when they empower those, they lead to become the best that they can be. In addition, Ade describes key building blocks for any leader committed to leaving an empowerment legacy.