The Connected Leadership Podcast

This episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, originally featured as a guest interview on the Kwame Christian podcast "Negotiate Anything," features Andy Lopata, professional relationship strategist, author of "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," and host of the Connected Leadership" podcast. Andy shares his insights on the importance of building and leveraging professional relationships, and particularly the role of mentoring.

Andy argues that building a strong network of mentors is essential for career growth, citing research that shows performance accounts for only 10% of promotion decisions, while image and exposure account for 30% and 60% respectively. He defines mentoring as a relationship where someone with experience and expertise in a particular area helps guide another individual towards their goals.

He explores the different types of mentoring relationships, including formal and informal, traditional, reverse, and peer-to-peer. Andy emphasises the importance of both formal and informal mentoring relationships, advocating for creating a diverse "mentoring team" for optimal support.

Andy also discusses the differences between mentoring, coaching, and sponsoring, highlighting the key distinction: mentors know, while coaches explore. He stresses the importance of using coaching techniques to help mentees develop independent solutions, rather than simply offering advice.

The episode concludes with Andy sharing valuable insights on the skills needed for effective mentoring, highlighting the importance of humility, commitment, and independent thought for both mentors and mentees.

Key Takeaways:

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Kwame Christian: Website |LinkedIn |Instagram | YouTube

Listen to the full episode of this podcast

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast Andy Lopata features Derrick Noble. Dr. Derrick has spent the past two decades helping business leaders elevate their leadership and communication skills. Overcoming a severe stutter and speech impediment in his youth, Derrick defied the odds to become an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx speaker, speech coach, and trainer. Known for his humor, he often says, "At first, I couldn’t talk, and now they can’t shut me up!" He works with leaders from various sectors, including business, non-profits, and government agencies, with clients including the U.S.A.F, Navy, Forestry Service, FBI, and the City of Los Angeles.

Derrick shares how his fifth-grade principal, Lionel Ward, helped him conquer his stammering fear by encouraging him to read school announcements over the intercom. This experience instilled in him the belief that "leaders are made, not born." Andy and Derrick discuss his passion for helping individuals who are often overlooked or underestimated.

Derrick recounts a personal experience where he publicly confronted a workplace bully to protect a coworker, demonstrating that sometimes a bold, public stand is necessary to address ingrained toxic behavior. He stresses the importance of creating a culture where individuals feel safe to voice their concerns.

The significant positive impact a single individual can have on an organisation's culture is identified, sharing an anecdote about a quiet receptionist whose kindness significantly boosted team morale. He emphasises the importance of recognising and acknowledging those who quietly contribute to a positive environment.

Andy and Derrick also explore the delicate balance of having management present during team discussions, recognising that their presence can influence open communication. Derrick advises leaders to assess their team's comfort level and decide whether separate meetings without management are necessary to foster open dialogue.

The importance of making team members feel heard by actively listening, understanding concerns, and offering honest responses, even if those responses involve acknowledging limitations or explaining why a requested change isn't feasible is real leadership.

This episode is a goldmine of leadership insights, covering topics like workplace bullying, public and private conversations, the impact of individual personalities, fostering positive team dynamics, and ensuring that people feel heard. It's a powerful testament to the transformative power of leadership and its ability to create positive change within an organisation.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Derrick Noble: Website |LinkedIn |X/Twitter| YouTube

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

Andy Lopata recalls his conversation with workplace communication expert Antoni Licanai In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes. They examine the concept of how internal workplace culture influences external engagement, with Antoni arguing that treating colleagues poorly leads to poorer customer service.

Antoni argues that the responsibility for fostering a positive workplace culture lies with leadership. He shares several examples of how poor leadership created toxic environments that negatively impacted employee engagement and, subsequently, customer service.

Andy and Antoni discuss strategies for addressing toxic workplace cultures, emphasising the importance of leading by example and building trust through predictability and empathy. Antoni further emphasises the importance of fostering a "servant" mindset, where employees are encouraged to help each other, leading to a more positive culture that benefits both internal and external stakeholders. He also challenges the idea of internal competition, suggesting that it can be detrimental to a collaborative workplace culture.

Antoni closes by highlighting the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and aligning company values with a higher cause. He argues that the most successful organisations are those that foster a sense of tribe or community amongst their employees and stakeholders, creating a shared purpose that goes beyond individual goals.

Key Takeaways:

1.     Internal culture impacts external engagement: How employees are treated internally directly impacts their engagement with external stakeholders like customers, suppliers, and partners.

2.     Leadership sets the tone: Leaders are crucial in shaping a positive and collaborative workplace culture. Toxic cultures often stem from poor leadership practices.

3.     Empathy and trust are key: Building trust within a team is essential for addressing any issues and fostering a healthy workplace environment.

4.     Encourage a "servant" mindset: Encourage employees to support each other and prioritise collective goals over individual ones.

5.     Rethink internal competition: Encourage collaboration over competition to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.

6.     Embrace a higher cause: Aligning company values with a broader social or environmental cause can create a stronger sense of purpose and attract employees who share those values.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Antoni Lacinai: Website |LinkedIn  

Listen to the full episode of this podcast

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interviews with Todd Cherches, an academic from New York who specialises in visual leadership. They discuss the concept of visual leadership, exploring how it goes beyond simply incorporating pictures into presentations. Cherches argues that visual leadership is about how we see the world and how that shapes our vision as leaders. He emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping our vision, highlighting that different perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions.

Andy and Todd look at the power of metaphors, storytelling, visual imagery and models as tools for effective communication and engagement. Todd provides practical advice on how to incorporate visual elements like drawings and models, even for those who consider themselves artistically challenged.

Humor in leadership can be a powerful tool for engaging and connecting with people. Todd shares insights on how to find humor in everyday life and use it effectively in communication.

Todd also touches upon the three V's - visibility, voice, and value - as key elements for building strong professional relationships. He emphasises the importance of being seen, heard, and recognised for making a contribution, even for introverts. He encourages listeners to take baby steps towards developing their voice and contributing to conversations.

Key Takeaways:

1.     Visual leadership is more than just pictures: It involves how we see the world and how that shapes our vision as leaders.

2.     Diversity and inclusion are crucial for vision: Different perspectives lead to more innovative solutions.

3.     Metaphors, storytelling, visual imagery and models are powerful tools for communication and engagement.

4.     Humor can be a powerful tool for connecting with people.

5.     Learning from fiction and literature can offer valuable leadership lessons.

6.     Being seen, heard, and recognised for making a contribution is essential for building strong relationships.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Todd Cherches: Website |LinkedIn  

Listen to the full episode of this podcast

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Renee Lee Rosenberg, a talent development coach, trainer and international speaker. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating a multi-generational workforce. Andy and Renee explore the characteristics of five distinct generations: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, highlighting their differences in values, communication styles, and expectations.

Renee shares anecdotes from her own experiences to illustrate the challenges of bridging these generational divides, including a humorous encounter with a multitasking Google employee. She emphasises the importance of understanding and acknowledging these differences, advocating for open communication, and creating a culture that respects and values each generation's unique contributions.

The conversation looks at the benefits of both traditional and reverse mentoring, demonstrating how learning and growth can happen across age groups. Renee's insights emphasise the need to move beyond hierarchies and focus on individual contributions, fostering a sense of shared purpose within organisations.

Key Takeaways:

1.    Understanding Generational Differences: Leaders need to research and understand the values, communication styles, and expectations of each generation.

2. Embrace Open Communication: Create an environment where open dialogue, feedback, and honest communication are encouraged.

3.  Promote Mentoring & Reverse Mentoring: Foster learning and growth across generations through both traditional and reverse mentoring.

4.  Value Individuality: Recognise and appreciate the individual contributions of each employee, regardless of age.

5.  Cultivate a Purpose-Driven Culture: Emphasise the company's purpose and values to attract and retain talent from all generations.

6.     Move Beyond Hierarchies: Break down traditional hierarchies and foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Renee Lee Rosenberg: Website |LinkedIn  

Listen to the full episode of this podcast

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his conversation with Bruce Y Lee, a writer, journalist, and professor whose ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in an engaging way is truly remarkable. They discuss the art of balancing gravitas and humor in writing, with Bruce sharing his experience of being challenged for writing about topics like vibrating yoga pants. He argues that using humor doesn't diminish the seriousness of an issue, but rather makes it more memorable and accessible.

Andy and Bruce examine Bruce's writing process and he emphasises the importance of finding a "news peg" – a relatable story that hooks the reader's attention. He uses an example to illustrate how a seemingly mundane topic can be turned into an engaging narrative that raises awareness of an issue.

Bruce also points out the importance of considering the reader's perspective and using humor to connect with them. He highlights the power of opening conversations with a disarming approach that makes people more receptive to complex information.

Finally, they discuss how these principles apply to speaking engagements and everyday conversations. Bruce encourages listeners to find their own voice, take risks, and embrace the power of storytelling to make a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Bruce Y Lee: Website |LinkedIn  

Listen to the full episode here

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast investigates the world of catalysts, those individuals who possess an unstoppable drive to create change. Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas, co-founders and co-CEOs of Catalyst Constellations, share their insights on identifying, nurturing, and harnessing the power of these change-makers within organisations.

The conversation begins by defining what it means to be a catalyst, going beyond the chemical definition to highlight the key attributes of these individuals: their rapid information processing, ability to synthesise ideas, visionary thinking, inherent drive towards action, experimentation mindset, and the perception they give others as risk-takers and perceptive individuals.

Andy, Tracey, and Shannon then explore the challenges catalysts face in navigating relationships, particularly in conservative environments where their drive for change might be perceived as disruptive or even toxic. Tracey and Shannon emphasise the importance of cultivating self-awareness and interpersonal skills among catalysts, particularly at the executive level, where their impact can be significant. They acknowledge that while some catalysts naturally excel at building relationships, others need to develop these skills to effectively drive change.

Shannon recounts her own journey as a catalyst within Vodafone, highlighting the importance of networks and communities for support, especially when facing burnout. She explains how her personal burnout experience led to the creation of Catalyst Constellations and the retreat format they utilise to provide catalysts with a safe space to connect, reflect, and recharge.

Andy and his guests explore the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion for catalysts. Tracey and Shannon also highlight the importance of building relationships with other catalysts and creating a network of support and understanding.

The discussion touches on the importance of cognitive diversity within teams and how catalysts can contribute to a more inclusive and innovative work environment. Shannon shares examples of how diverse cohorts of catalysts, across industries, roles, and backgrounds, can drive significant organisational impact.

The conversation then addresses the challenge of identifying catalysts within organisations, recognising that traditional personality profiling tools may not be sufficient. Tracey and Shannon emphasise the importance of listening to the observations of colleagues and bosses, as they often provide valuable insights into an individual's catalytic potential. They also highlight the importance of understanding an individual's relationship with risk, recognising that catalysts often view inaction as a greater risk than taking action to drive change.

The episode leaves listeners with a renewed understanding of the vital role that catalysts play in today's fast-paced world. It provides valuable insights into identifying, supporting, and harnessing the power of these change-makers to drive positive change within organisations and beyond.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Tracey Lovejoy: Website |LinkedIn  

Connect with Shannon Lucas: Website |LinkedIn  

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

Move Fast, Break Ship,

Burnout" book by Tracy Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas

Get ready to level up your communication skills and master the art of negotiation with Kwame Christian, a leading negotiation expert, two-time best-selling author, keynote speaker, business lawyer and CEO of The American Negotiation Institute and host of the top-rated "Negotiate Anything" podcast.

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata has a captivating conversation with Kwame, exploring how negotiation isn't just a transactional process, but a fundamental skill for everyday conversations, particularly in building strong professional relationships. Kwame urges us to reframe our understanding of negotiation, moving away from the "win or lose" mindset and embracing a more strategic approach that focuses on advancing our position. He outlines a powerful three-pronged approach to negotiation, encompassing offensive, defensive, and relational strategies.

One key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of strategic vulnerability. Kwame emphasises that sharing information thoughtfully, without compromising your position, is essential for building trust and facilitating productive conversations. He offers practical advice on what to disclose and what to hold back, using a salary negotiation as an illustrative example.

Another powerful concept highlighted is compassionate curiosity, a three-step framework for navigating difficult conversations. This framework begins with acknowledging and validating emotions, followed by getting curious with compassion through open-ended questions, and culminating in a collaborative problem-solving approach. This shift from "you versus me" to "you and me versus the problem" fosters a spirit of collaboration and trust.

Kwame also tackles the common fear of offending the other party in a negotiation. He emphasises that you are only responsible for your own actions and emotions, not those of the other person. By approaching conversations with the right attitude and skills, you can protect your relationships while advocating for your needs.

The episode also underscores the importance of setting a walk-away price. Knowing your worth and being willing to leave a negotiation if your needs aren't met, while challenging, ultimately safeguards your value and leads to long-term success.

The power of asking questions and listening more than you speak is emphasised throughout the episode. By turning on the lights in the negotiation room through thoughtful questions, you can gain invaluable information and foster a more collaborative dynamic.

This insightful episode of the Connected Leadership podcast provides practical tips and a thought-provoking perspective on negotiation, equipping you with the tools to navigate conversations with confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

Connectwith Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter| YouTube

Connect with Kwame Christian: Website |LinkedIn |Instagram |YouTube

The Financial Times Guideto Mentoring

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata reconnects with Apurva Purohit, an author and advocate for gender diversity. Apurva Purohit is a prominent Indian businesswoman with over three decades of experience in the corporate world, where she has successfully built and transformed diverse businesses. She recently launched Aazol Ventures Pvt. Ltd., connecting women self-help groups and micro-entrepreneurs producing traditional, local food products with health-conscious consumers. Apurva also serves as an independent director at Marico Ltd., LTI Mindtree Ltd., L&T Technology Services Ltd. and Navin Fluorine International Ltd. She is the author of two national bestselling books and has been recognised as one of the most powerful women in business by India Today Group and Fortune India. Apurva is a Distinguished Alumni Awardee from IIM Bangalore and was also a state-level hockey player for Tamil Nadu.

Andy looks into Apurva's impressive career journey, exploring her insights on risk-taking, relationship building and navigating the challenges women face in the business world. Apurva emphasises the importance of taking risks and stepping outside one's comfort zone for career growth. She highlights the value of agility and adaptability, encouraging listeners to view failures as learning experiences. Apurva also stresses the importance of building a strong support network while acknowledging that internal confidence and self-reflection are crucial for navigating risks, particularly when external support isn't readily available.

Andy and Apurva talk about her experience with high-profile business turnarounds, where she underscores the necessity of clear, consistent, and simple communication to gain stakeholder buy-in. They also consider the challenges of navigating social media, the importance of brand guidelines and the need for in-person interactions to build trust and mitigate miscommunication.

A key focus of the episode is Apurva's advocacy for women in business. She shares her top three tips for women to maximize their impact in the workplace: prioritise ruthlessly; combat under confidence by owning accomplishments and advocating for oneself; persevere through challenges, becoming role models for future generations.

Apurva candidly discusses the pressure women face to be perceived as tough and direct in male-dominated environments, often requiring them to adopt behaviors that may not feel entirely authentic. She shares her own journey of finding her voice and asserting herself in meetings, demonstrating that respectful pushback ultimately earns respect and fosters more equitable dynamics.

The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on cultural differences in business, contrasting Indian and Western approaches to relationships and communication.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Youtube

Connect with Lisa Apurva Purohit: Website | Youtube | LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast Olympic mini-series, Andy Lopata welcomes Aaron Phipps, MBE. Aaron is a Great Britain wheelchair rugby athlete and Paralympic gold medalist. After losing his legs and most of his fingers to meningitis at age 15, Aaron began his athletic journey with a 10-kilometre fundraising wheelchair race. He competed in two London Marathons, finishing fourth in 2009. Joining the GB Wheelchair Rugby squad, he scored over half of his team's points at the 2012 London Paralympics. In 2016, Aaron climbed Mount Kilimanjaro using a specially adapted off-road wheelchair to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Shaw Trust. 

Aaron shares his experiences with the Paralympic Games, describing the intense anticipation leading up to the event and the feeling of reality setting in as the games begin. He compares the build-up to a giant island looming on the horizon, with athletes approaching it in their "little boats." Aaron explains how athletes reach peak fitness and then focus on rest and recovery in the weeks leading up to the games. He highlights the importance of managing energy levels and avoiding injuries during this crucial time.

Aaron recounts his life-changing experience with meningococcal septicaemia at the age of 15, detailing the rapid progression of the illness and the resulting amputations. He emphasises the importance of resilience and the critical role played by medical professionals in his recovery.

Recovering from the amputations and a year in hospital, Aaron acknowledges the challenges of feeling self-conscious and navigating social interactions. But he emphasises the support of his parents and friends in helping him adapt and live a normal life.

His illness had a great impact on his outlook on life. He acknowledges that nearly dying gave him a profound perspective on mortality and made him more appreciative of the simple things in life. He highlights the importance of gratitude and positivity in overcoming challenges.

Andy and Aaron discuss his journey into wheelchair rugby, which he describes as a "real leveller" and a transformative experience. He recounts how seeing other athletes with even more severe disabilities inspired him to push his own limits and embrace his potential.

Aaron emphasises the importance of giving back to others and using his platform to inspire those facing similar challenges. He shares stories about mentoring young athletes and connecting with people who have been impacted by life-changing illnesses.

Aaron credits the London 2012 Paralympics with shifting public perceptions of disability. He highlights the impact of Channel 4's "Superhumans" campaign and the satirical comedy show "The Last Leg" on normalising disability and promoting inclusivity.

Aaron concludes by encouraging listeners to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. He emphasises the importance of living life to the fullest and creating lasting memories. Listeners are encouraged to check out videos of Aaron Kilimanjaro's climb and his appearance in the latest Channel 4 "Superhumans" ad on Aaron's LinkedIn profile.

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

Connect with Aaron Phipps: LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Facebook

New Paralympics advert on Channel 4

Superhumans advert

Aaron journey to Mount Kilimanjoro