The Leadership Podcast by Niels Brabandt EMBA MBA MSc / NB Networks

How can business leaders make better decisions with artificial intelligence? In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt speaks with Philip Topham, author of the book "CRAFT Thinking: A Playbook for Clear Thinking and Better Decisions with AI". The discussion explores how executives can use artificial intelligence not simply as a productivity tool but as a strategic thinking partner. Philip Topham explains the CRAFT Thinking framework and how it helps leaders structure their interaction with AI systems. The conversation covers decision making, strategic thinking, AI implementation in organisations and the role of artificial intelligence in leadership. Topics include: • Why faster decisions are not always better decisions • The CRAFT Thinking framework for working with AI • How to pressure test business strategies with artificial intelligence • Why many professionals misunderstand how AI works • Practical steps for introducing AI into organisations This conversation between Niels Brabandt and Philip Topham provides practical insights for executives, entrepreneurs and decision-makers who want to use AI for clearer thinking and better leadership decisions. Guest: Philip Topham

Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Logan Yonavjak about why startups fail and how leaders can act better by strengthening leadership capacity and founder readiness. Drawing on experience in impact investing and early-stage capital deployment, Logan Yonavjak explains why internal team dynamics account for the majority of startup failures and how coachability and identity flexibility determine long-term success. Key topics include: • Leadership capacity under pressure and complexity • Founder readiness and executive responsibility • Why two-thirds of startups fail due to internal dynamics • Coachability and identity flexibility in leadership • AI-augmented assessment and quantitative linguistics • Managing stress responses and improving decision quality • Common leadership mistakes in early-stage ventures Logan Yonavjak and Niels Brabandt provide insights designed for founders, venture capital professionals, executives and decision-makers in business navigating high-growth environments. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Mel Blackwell about how organisations can repair dysfunctional workplace cultures and build high-performance environments. Mel Blackwell, author of Uncommon Sense and former C-suite executive, outlines practical strategies for creating accountability, empowering problem-solving and fostering ownership at every level of the organisation. Key topics include: • The Best Pledge and personal standards of excellence • Transforming culture one person at a time • Creating a problem-solving culture with solution ownership • The shepherd mindset in leadership • Removing organisational obstacles and red tape • Allowing controlled failure for professional growth • Cultural change in large corporate environments Mel Blackwell and Niels Brabandt provide leadership insights designed for CEOs, executives, founders, HR leaders and decision-makers in business seeking sustainable cultural transformation. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Mo Rousso about how organisations can implement artificial intelligence without losing control, trust or strategic discipline. Mo Rousso shares insights from his experience as a serial entrepreneur and business coach, explaining why AI must be governed like any other team member within the organisation. Key topics include: • AI as an additional teammate, not a replacement • Accountability and leadership responsibility in AI-driven decisions • Managing AI hallucinations and data integrity risks • Governance frameworks and organisational guardrails • Pilot programmes for safe AI integration • Scaling AI without undermining culture and trust • Balancing speed and precision in growth-focused organisations Mo Rousso and Niels Brabandt provide practical guidance for CEOs, executives, founders and board members seeking to integrate AI responsibly and strategically. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Marcus Fontoura, Microsoft Technical Fellow and author of Human Agency in a Digital World, about the future of artificial intelligence and the enduring role of human judgement. Key topics include: • Human agency in the age of artificial intelligence • AI and job transformation versus job displacement • Cloud computing as the foundation of modern AI systems • Energy consumption and sustainability of data centres • 40/60 versus 10/90 strategic decisions • Talent strategy in an era of automation • The real role of quantum computing Marcus Fontoura provides technical depth and strategic clarity, while Niels Brabandt translates these insights into actionable leadership implications for decision-makers in business. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, senior executives, board members, technology leaders and entrepreneurs navigating digital transformation. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

In this episode, Niels Brabandt examines the leader's myth of neutrality and explains why true objectivity in leadership is far more complex than many executives assume. Using a documented legal case as a starting point, Niels Brabandt analyses how unconscious bias shapes performance evaluations, promotion decisions and corporate governance. He outlines practical steps leaders must take to move from subjective judgement to evidence-based decision-making. Key topics include: • The illusion of neutrality in leadership • Unconscious bias and its organisational impact • Performance reviews grounded in documented evidence • Legal risks of subjective promotion criteria • The difference between professional standards and personal preference • Awareness training and structured bias qualification • Data-driven leadership and measurable accountability This episode is essential listening for CEOs, executives, board members, HR leaders and decision-makers in business who seek to strengthen credibility, fairness and governance standards. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Marianne Abib-Pech, author of The Financial Times Guide to Leadership, about the state of leadership in 2026. Key themes include: • Leadership as a state of mind and continuous journey • Building a powerful and authentic leadership brand • Credibility in volatile business environments • The shift from specialist generalist to generalised expert • Strategic networking and influence • Vision versus mission in modern organisations • Leadership accelerators: neuroscience, crisis communication and artificial intelligence Marianne Abib-Pech shares practical insights drawn from her career as a CFO, investor and board-level advisor. Niels Brabandt translates these perspectives into actionable leadership guidance for decision-makers in business. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, board members and aspiring leaders seeking to strengthen credibility, expand influence and future-proof their leadership approach. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandts Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandts Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

What distinguishes dominant leaders from truly effective leaders? In this executive leadership podcast, Niels Brabandt interviews Keenan L. McBride, leadership author and learning and development executive, on how leaders must lead with dominion rather than dominance. You will learn: Why dominance undermines leadership credibility Why leaders must continuously refine their mindset How cultural and artistic appreciation strengthens leadership judgement Why quiet strength creates executive presence How leaders build trust and organisational performance This episode is essential listening for executives, founders, and decision-makers seeking to strengthen leadership effectiveness.

Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

What separates exceptional sales leaders from average performers? In this executive leadership podcast, Niels Brabandt interviews Glenn Poulos, LinkedIn Top Voice, entrepreneur, and author of Never Sit in the Lobby. You will learn: Why presence and discipline define leadership credibility Why leaders must learn to say no to strengthen authority How disciplined communication improves leadership effectiveness Why curiosity, discipline, and resilience determine success How brand positioning influences leadership outcomes This episode is essential listening for executives, founders, and decision-makers responsible for business growth and leadership.

Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Artificial intelligence is joining organisational teams, but how should leaders respond? In this executive leadership podcast, Niels Brabandt interviews Josh Epperson, senior executive and author of Bacon, Bots and Teamwork, on how leaders can successfully orchestrate human-AI collaboration. You will learn: Why fear prevents successful AI adoption Why human identity remains essential in AI-driven organisations How leaders can implement AI through practical experimentation Why small organisations can benefit significantly from AI How leaders can demonstrate value and drive organisational adoption This episode is essential listening for executives, founders, and decision-makers responsible for AI strategy and organisational leadership.

Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]

Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/

Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Niels Brabandt#s Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/