The Leader's Kitbag

Introduction:

Welcome back to "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast"! Join me as we explore the topic of leadership transitions with Andy Lightfoot, CEO at Space NK.

Andy brings a wealth of retail expertise, offering unique insights into navigating team dynamics during periods of growth and transformation.

Here's what you will learn from this episode:

1. Tips on getting your first CEO role.
2. How to get your next promotion and build a great reputation.
3. Strategies for making tough decisions.
4. How to be lucky.
5. Why you should not do the things you want to do.

Plus lots more.

Work With Ben:

If this episode has convinced you that working with a coach or mentor is an investment you’re interested in making, find out more about how we can work together here, and then book a free Discovery Call with me via this link .

Further Resources If You Loved This Episode:

• Check out the third-most listened-to episode (episode #57) of The Ben Morton Leadership podcast, in which General David Petraeus, former Director of the CIA and US Army General, discusses the misnomer of having a defined leadership style. Listen here.
• Listen to episode 156 featuring Michael Watkins, author of “The First 90 Days”, here.
• Buy the book, ‘The Four Disciplines of Execution’ here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small fee on qualifying purchases.

More About Andy Lightfoot:

Andy Lightfoot is a modern CEO with extensive retail experience across traditional and digital platforms.

His leadership journey spans global organisations and private equity SMEs, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of business management complexities.

Andy's analytical and creative approaches have guided companies through successes and setbacks, shaping his distinctive perspective on effective leadership strategies.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Please hit the subscribe button on your podcast player for more empowering conversations with industry leaders and experts.

This episode of "The Leaders Kitbag" is the 3rd in a four-part series where Ben Morton helps you master the important topic of feedback.

And it is an area where many leaders and managers can improve.

One study conducted by Gallup found that just 26% of employees believe the feedback they receive actually helps them to improve their performance.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to increase your skill and confidence in providing feedback.
• Where to start to achieve some quick wins.
• The rewards you can expect to reap.

If you found this episode valuable, join Ben's community here for regular leadership tips, tactics, and insights that are delivered straight to your inbox.

Be Their Cheerleader and Coach

The Feedback Sandwich – Good or Bad?

Welcome back to another empowering episode of The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast! In today's conversation, we delve into the dynamic world of strategy, transformational leadership, and leaving a lasting legacy with our, Alex Brueckmann.

• How to have a positive impact as a leader.
• What to do when people do not support the strategy
• How to make strategic choices about what not to do.
• Whether culture really does ‘eat strategy for breakfast’.
• How the best mistake Alex ever made can help you be a better leader
• Plus, lots more.

(07:00) Overcoming the fear of not having all the answers and appearing ‘weak’ as a leader.

(10:15) The human impact of good and bad strategy.

(15:00) Defining strategy and agreeing what important words mean within your team.

(18:00) Deciding what not to do and asking the opposite question (to the obvious one).

(23:30) Does ‘culture eat strategy for breakfast?’

(30:00) The risk of creating a culture and set of values that do not support the strategy.

(34:12) Deciding which ’waves to surf’

(38:30) Can you future-proof an organisation, and will Amazon ever go bankrupt?

(44:00) The best mistake Alex Brueckmann ever made.

Click here to find out more about the transformational leadership development programmes Ben delivers and hire him to work with your team or organisation.

Want to hire Ben as your coach or mentor? Click here to learn more.

Episode 166 with Andy Lightfoot, CEO of Space NK – released on 16th May 2024. Listen here.

Alex Brueckmann’s Book - The Strategy Legacy – Buy it here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small fee on qualifying purchases.

Visit Alex Brueckmann’s website here.

Alex Brueckmann is an executive thought partner, strategy facilitator, speaker, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

With his extensive expertise in strategy and leadership, Alex has made a profound impact on businesses around the world, from established corporations to burgeoning startups.

He is the author of "THE STRATEGY LEGACY" and "SECRETS OF NEXT LEVEL ENTREPRENEURS," two seminal works that offer invaluable insights into thriving in business while maintaining balance in life.

Alex's journey, marked by his dedication to continuous learning and development, is a testament to his commitment to empowering others to achieve their full potential.

In this episode of "The Leaders Kitbag," Ben Morton continues to explore the important topic of feedback.

Research suggests that 65% of people would like to receive more feedback at work, but probably not via a sandwich!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Three reasons why the ‘Feedback Sandwich’ is a flawed approach.
• What the evidence says about the effectiveness of the ‘Feedback Sandwich’ in relation to improving performance.
• A shockingly obvious alternative approach.…and what to do instead.

If you found this episode valuable, join Ben's community here for regular leadership tips, tactics, and insights that are delivered straight to your inbox.

Be Their Cheerleader and Coach

Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Today, we explore the critical topic of sleep with Dr. Bijoy John and uncover strategies for achieving restful sleep and overcoming insomnia.  

Dr. Bijoy John, a board-certified sleep physician and founder of the Sleep Center of Greater Pittsburgh, shares his expertise in promoting optimal sleep health.  

1. How you can overcome the factors contributing to poor sleep, such as stress and technology, shedding light on the epidemic of sleep deprivation.  
2. The consequences of sacrificing sleep, from cognitive impairment to increased health risks.  
3. Whether it’s worth using wearable tech to track and measure sleep.  
4. Seven proven strategies for better sleep   
5. The truth about tech before bed and the impact of ‘blue light’    

Download my Optimal Sleep Timeline to help you get a great night’s sleep when you really need it.

Explore more insights and actionable ideas around sleep, exercise and nutrition with Professor Greg Wells in episode 47.  

For more sleep tips and insights, check out Dr. Bijoy John's book, “Nobody’s Sleeping” (Amazon affiliate link).

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Please hit the subscribe button on your podcast player for more empowering conversations with industry leaders and experts.  

In this episode of "The Leaders Kitbag," Ben Morton will provide you with the tools and insights to improve your team's performance through effective feedback.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The two essential ingredients for effective feedback.
• Why saying ‘great job’ can have a negative impact on an individual’s performance…
• …and what to do instead.

If you found this episode valuable, join Ben's community here for regular leadership tips, tactics, and insights that are delivered straight to your inbox.

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of my podcast, I’ll be selecting my favourite moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 139, where I speak with Philippa McNamara, a seasoned business leader renowned for her commercial acumen, marketing expertise, and brand leadership in both retail and wholesale sectors. In this clip, she reflects on her inquisitive nature and why she enjoys working with people so much.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE.

Delve into the world of extreme survivalism and Hollywood stunt performance with expert Ky Furneaux. Explore how her wilderness experiences shape decision-making, risk management, and leadership.

Ky Furneaux, a Hollywood stuntwoman and survival expert, shares insights from over two decades of experience. Despite adversity, she's featured in blockbusters like "The Avengers" and authored survival books like "Girls Own Survival Guide."

1. How to make effective decisions under pressure.
2. The wilderness survival tips that work in the workplace.
3. How to build and manage your reputation.
4. The importance of planning and preparation.
5. Lessons from the movie industry about leadership and emotional contagion

www.ben-morton.com

• Explore more insights into personal branding in episode 162 with Jarrod Lopiccolo
• Dive deeper into personal branding strategies with episode 15 featuring Lesley Everett
• Buy Ky’s Book: amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3Tsiry8

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of "The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast." Please hit the subscribe button on your podcast player for more empowering conversations.

In this episode of the Leader’s Kit Bag, Ben Morton shares the importance of increasing commitment within your team or organisation, and the significance of personal values.

In this episode, you will learn:

• An engaging exercise from a recent leadership workshop
• The power of shared values in fostering connection and commitment
• How clarity around personal values drives commitment in the workplace

Join Ben's Community

If you found this episode valuable, join Ben's community here for regular leadership tips, tactics, and insights that are delivered straight to your inbox.

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of my podcast, I’ll be selecting my favourite moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 144, with Cheryl Giovannoni, CEO of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). In this clip, she shares how a learning organisation provides unfiltered feedback to leaders.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE.