TIE Unearthed

What if the very system we trust to build our future is the reason we feel so lost today?

What if the next revolution in business isn't about growth or profit, but instead about remembering what it means to be human?

What if marketing could save capitalism?

Welcome to episode 107 of TIE Unearthed, where I sit down with the extraordinary Elsie Maio; Wall Street veteran, McKinsey alum, and creator of the SoulBranding℠ System.

For decades, Elsie has helped top executives navigate billion-dollar decisions with one eye on the market and the other on humanity.

But this episode is about much more than business.

It’s about myths. Those we’ve inherited and the ones we urgently need to write.

It’s about the soul of leadership, the power of asking beautiful questions, and the deep systems work required to shift from ego-driven capitalism to inclusive wellbeing.

In our conversation, we cover:

🔸 Elsie's journey, from reading Greek mythology at age 9 to counseling Fortune 50 boardrooms in the ‘80s

🔸 Her time at McKinsey, where she first saw how power really works, and who gets to wield it

🔸 The rise of corporate identity and purpose before it was cool

🔸 What it meant to be one of the few women senior executives in corporate America back then, and how it shaped her

🔸 The cracks in our institutions and the myth of the American Dream

We also confront what’s at stake if we keep feeding the beast of “casino capitalism”, especially with AI now behind the wheel.

Elsie brings in the two faced Roman god Janus - looking both backward and forward - as a powerful metaphor for this pivotal moment in history.

And she leaves us with a question. One that just might be the most important question we can ask ourselves today.

Because, as Elsie says, beautiful questions lead to beautiful minds. And when those minds are activated inside the right systems - systems that honour our shared humanity - they have the power to change everything.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

🌐 Learn more about Elsie and the SoulBranding℠ System: https://www.soulbranding.com

Check out beautiful questions create beautiful minds by John O’Donohue, Irish poet and philosopher here: https://www.johnodonohue.com/

What does it look like when a democracy slowly starts to unravel?

It's not overnight and not with tanks in the streets.

But instead piece by piece; when institutions are quietly dismantled, civic norms are eroded, and unchecked power begins to take root.

And more importantly - what can we do about it?

This week on TIE Unearthed, I speak with my long-time friend Christina Hartman - powerhouse in the world of democracy, both at home in the U.S. and internationally. She’s worked with the likes of Freedom House and the National Democratic Institute, led multi-million dollar international programs, run for Congress and for Pennsylvania Auditor General, and raised millions for nonprofits.

But today, she brings a warning: democracy in one of the world’s most influential nations is under threat, and many don’t even realise how far it’s already gone.

In this conversation, we explore:

🔹 Christina’s incredible journey from international development to American politics

🔹 The slow path to authoritarianism and how it really happens

🔹 Why voters are disillusioned, and what it’ll take to rebuild trust

🔹 The power of community, civic engagement, and what you can do to make democracy deliver.

We talk about Project 2025, April’s protests, the media’s role, the idea of seeding power, and the terrifying vacuum left when America steps back from global leadership.

This episode is a wake-up call.

But it’s also a rallying cry.

Because if we want systems that serve people - not power - we have to show up. Together.

🎧 Tune in now to episode 106 of TIE Unearthed for an insight to what is happening right now in the US, and what we can all do about it.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

What do you do when the storm hits?

Do you cling to what was—or boldly redefine what could be?

Caspar Craven knows what it means to navigate the unknown.

He’s sailed around the world. Twice. Once in a gruelling yacht race as team leader. And again—just a few years later—with his wife and three young kids under 10.

But he’s not just an adventurer. He worked at KPMG, is also a serial entrepreneur, a former CFO, and a leading voice on what it really takes to achieve Big Bold Goals—not through spreadsheets and pressure, but through people, purpose, and the power of bold conversations.

Welcome to episode 105 of TIE Unearthed.

In this episode, Caspar joins me to talk about the deeply human side of leadership.

We explore how constraints—whether in the middle of the ocean or in the boardroom—unlock creativity and resilience.

Why real leadership means getting out of the comfort zone and going deep.

And how our identity, fear of failure, and unwillingness to have uncomfortable conversations are often the biggest barriers to change.

Caspar shares what happened when he led a team with a “drive hard, win fast” approach—and how it ended in burnout and dysfunction.

And he explains why it’s not enough to aim for results—you need to create a culture where people feel valued, understood, and safe to contribute.

We talk emotions. Vision. Reinvention. AI. And how the best leaders aren’t afraid to rethink the rules—and lead from a place of depth, not just direction.

So if you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to lead when the path isn’t clear, this one is for you.

👉 Tune in, and ask yourself:

What bold conversation are you avoiding?

And what might be possible if you had it?

🎧 So grab that favourite beverage, or throw on those running shoes, and get inspired by Caspar.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

If you'd like to learn more about Caspar, check out his site [here]

AI is changing everything. But are we losing something essential in the process?

Imagine this: You ask a chatbot how its weekend was. It responds in a way that feels human—but does it really understand?

Now, picture a doctor second-guessing their diagnosis. One moment, it's X. Then maybe it's Y. Then back to X again. That’s what AI is like right now—impressive, yes, but also flawed, inconsistent, and not always reliable.

Welcome to episode 104 of TIE Unearthed. Today I’m joined by the brilliant Nathalie Nahai—bestselling author, keynote speaker, artist, psychologist, and advisor whose expertise lies at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behaviour.

Together we dive into the profound impact AI is having on our creativity, decision-making, and even our sense of connection.

In this episode we explore:

🔹 The dangers of synthetic intimacy—when AI mimics human empathy but lacks a moral compass

🔹 The cognitive risks of outsourcing too much thinking to AI—are we weakening our own abilities?

🔹 How we can harness AI’s potential without losing what makes us human

🔹 The skills we need to thrive—critical thinking, resilience, creativity—to thrive in an AI-driven world

AI can be a powerful tool, but it’s humans who bring imagination, intuition, and meaning to the table.

If you’re wondering how to navigate this fast-changing world while staying true to what makes us us—this episode is for you.

So throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Nathalie.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

Check out Nathalie’s resources mentioned in the episode here:

https://www.nathalienahai.com/ai-resources/

Also, check out Nathalie's websites here:

Salons: https://www.ffsalons.com/

Art: https://www.nathalienahai.art/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-conversation-with-nathalie-nahai/id1387510537

"We don’t have time to be kind—we need to make money."

This is what Raphael Cohen heard when he first started teaching leadership.

Fast forward, and he’s now proving the opposite: If you want profitability, you need engagement. And if you want engagement, you need fairness and kindness. In fact, engaged teams can boost performance by 35%.

So why are so many leaders still getting it wrong?

That’s exactly what we dive into in this episode of TIE Unearthed.

Raphael is a serial entrepreneur, professor, business angel, and expert in executive education. He taught entrepreneurship at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and later created the first MBA in entrepreneurship in Switzerland. His focus is teaching leaders how to spot opportunities, drive innovation, and create high-performing teams.

We explore:

💡 The biggest blocker of innovation (hint: it’s not a lack of ideas)

💡 The key to seizing the right opportunities—and avoiding the wrong ones

💡 Why psychological safety is essential for engagement

💡 Two human skills that AI will never replace

💡 How his decision tree of critical questions became an ISO standard for managing ideas

And of course, we talk about the power of being fair and caring for others in leadership—not as a feel-good ideal, but as a business necessity.

If you’re a leader (or an aspiring one), this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

🔗 Check out Raphael’s free engagement tool here: [EazyMirror.com]

🔗 Check out IpOp Tools here: [https://ipoptools.com]

🚀 What does it take to navigate high-stakes moments in leadership and emerge stronger, more impactful, and truly aligned with your values?

Some leaders wait for the right moment. Others create it.

In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I’m joined by the brilliant Sally Henderson—an in-demand high-stakes leadership mentor who helps senior executives and C-suite leaders thrive in moments of challenge, complexity, and opportunity.

Sally’s journey is as bold as her approach. A proud Northerner with a straight-talking, no-fluff philosophy, she started in recruitment, building a successful agency from the ground up. But when she found herself coaching leaders through transitions, only to see them flounder post-recruitment, she realized where she could make the biggest impact. So, she took the leap, left the security of her business behind, and built her own global high-stakes leadership practice.

Now, through her REAL Method™, Sally equips leaders with the fundamental principles they need to master how they lead—not just what they do. And in this conversation, we dive deep into:

✅ The moment she realized she was stuck—and the unconventional way she broke free

✅ Why even the most senior leaders struggle to define their role—and how to fix it

✅ A simple brain hack to make your goals a reality

✅ The five crucial steps to set yourself up for success in leadership

This episode is packed with insight, real talk, and game-changing strategies for anyone navigating leadership in uncertain times.

So, grab your favourite beverage or hit play on your next run—you won’t want to miss this one. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

What if everything you thought you needed to succeed stability, certainty, control—was actually holding you back?

In today’s world, the leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who stick to the plan; they’re the ones who know how to adapt, inspire, and drive real change.

In this episode, I sit down with Fernanda Lopes Larsen, Executive Vice President at Yara International, a global leader in sustainable agriculture solutions, to explore what leadership truly means when the stakes are high, and uncertainty is the only constant.

Born and raised in Brazil, Fernanda’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and an unrelenting commitment to breaking barriers. From FMCG to agribusiness, from Brazil to Austria to Singapore—her path wasn’t planned, but it was driven by a refusal to settle for what was expected.

And that mindset has served her well. Leading a vast region across Africa, Asia, and Oceania, she has had to navigate everything from global pandemics to political upheaval—all while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as a business imperative, not a 'nice to have.'

We talk about:

🔹 Why diversity isn’t just morally right—it’s critical for business success.

🔹 How the murder of George Floyd catalysed one of Scandinavia’s only Black talent programs.

🔹 The leadership traits that matter most in times of crisis—agility, curiosity, and courage.

🔹 Why leaders must be willing to stand alone, have tough conversations, and push forward even when change isn’t yet profitable.

As we enter a world where DEI mandates are being questioned and the challenges of leadership are greater than ever, this conversation is essential listening.

And begs the question: are we cultivating the kind of leaders we need for the future?

So, throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and let’s get stuck in. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international best selling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee?

To celebrate the 100th episode of TIE Unearthed, the tables have turned! In this special milestone episode, Philippa is joined by her friend Juliana Xavier, who takes the lead in a heartfelt and fascinating conversation about Philippa’s extraordinary journey—from her upbringing across South Africa, Canada, Thailand, UK, and Brazil, to founding TIE.

Philippa reflects on her family’s profound influence, including her father’s work as a specialist anesthesiologist and her uncle’s role as one of Nelson Mandela’s physicians. While her family focused on helping people through medicine, Philippa charted her own path, first in advertising and later as the founder of TIE, driven by a passion for helping professionals

But that’s not all—Juliana has gathered reflections and questions from Philippa’s friends, colleagues, and participants in TIE’s transformative programs, including former podcast guests. Their insights and memories add a rich, personal dimension to this milestone celebration.

✨ What you’ll discover in this conversation:

This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and

So, grab a cuppa or take us along on your walk, and get ready to meet the person behind the mic like never before. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts, leave a review, and subscribe! Here’s to 100 episodes of TIE Unearthed—and

What if work didn’t feel like… work?

Imagine a workday that energises you instead of draining you.

A career where intention, joy, and purpose lead the way.

In this week’s episode of TIE Unearthed, I’m joined by the brilliant Beth Stallwood—coach, author, and founder of Create WorkJoy—to dive into how to transform your relationship with work.

From her childhood days starring in a Heinz ketchup commercial (yes, really!) to creating a purpose-driven business, Beth’s journey is both inspiring and relatable. In this conversation, she shares her wisdom and practical tools to help you:

This isn’t just about work—it’s about living your life with intention, unlocking progress over perfection, and reclaiming joy in what you do.

Grab your favorite beverage or take us along on your walk, and let’s dive into WorkJoy together. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

What does it take to lead in a world where connection and belonging are shifting before our eyes?

How do leaders need to adapt to a workforce that’s increasingly hybrid, and where the next generation of talent expects so much more?

I’m thrilled to reconnect with Susy Martins, a friend from university and an inspiring leader with a career that has spanned over 20 countries and some of the biggest names in business, from GE to Clearco.

Susy’s journey from corporate powerhouses to founding her own HR consultancy is packed with valuable insights for today’s evolving workplace.

Together, we explore Susy’s transition from leading large teams with million-dollar budgets to building her own business.

We talk about the new paradigm of “conscious unbossing” and how it’s shaping future leadership.

She shares eye-opening stats on connection and belonging in remote work—and why it’s a wake-up call for leaders.

We hear how organizational network mapping is revealing hidden insights about engagement. And then the shifts in leadership the next generation demands—and how we can adapt.

And Susy shares her key to success and a simple yet transformative framework that’s shaped her career.

If you want to foster a more connected, engaged, and agile workforce, this episode is for you. Grab your favourite drink, lace up those running shoes, and here is Susy!

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.