Trust Me, I'm a Leader

“Scotland needs to be louder on the issue of racism...” In the final episode of series 2, Martin Ewart and Suzanne Lamont are joined by Pheona Matovu - co-founder of Radiant and Brighter. They discuss the impact of George Floyd’s murder on conversations about race and injustice now taking place around the world. Pheona talks about the need to fully get to grips with meaning of racism and the importance of developing solutions with the right people. She goes on to share her experience of becoming aware of racism after moving from Uganda to the UK. Martin, Suzanne and Pheona end the episode with a discussion about how organisations are responding to the challenge of bringing about real change. 

Pheona Matovu: ‘Pheona is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Radiant and Brighter Community Interest Company - an award winning social enterprise founded with her husband Micheal Matovu in 2012’ (from LinkedIn).

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Suzanne: ‘Unremembered - Britain's Forgotten War Heroes’ - documentary on Channel 4 - www.channel4.com/programmes/unremembered-britains-forgotten-war-heroes

Pheona:

1. ‘Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ - book by Reni Eddo-Lodge - www.waterstones.com/book/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race/reni-eddo-lodge/9781408870587
2. ‘Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance’ - book by Barack Obama - www.waterstones.com/book/dreams-from-my-father/barack-obama/9781782119258

Martin: ‘The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration’ - book by Isabel Wilkerson - www.waterstones.com/book/the-warmth-of-other-suns/isabel-wilkerson/9780141995151

For more information about Trust Me, I'm a Leader, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

Suzanne Lamont hosts a new episode of Trust Me, I'm a Leader featuring Sue Brightman - author and life coach. The pair discuss Sue's research on the experiences of women over 50, workplace dynamics and aspirations. Sue and Suzanne go on to talk about feminine leadership and changes taking place around the world.

Sue's book, A Call to Further Becoming: The New Declaration from Women Over 50 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-Further-Becoming-Declaration-Women-ebook/dp/B08GV5985G

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Suzanne: 'Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World' - documentary on BBCiPlayer - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p099f58d/greta-thunberg-a-year-to-change-the-world

Sue: 'Emerging Women' - organisation - https://emergingwomen.com/about-us/

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

Martin is joined by Elsa Critchley - Head of HR at Baillie Gifford. The pair discuss the importance of growing, adapting and unlearning some of the old methods of working. Elsa talks about the ‘curiosity’ at the heart of Baillie Gifford and the need for intellectual freedom in investment. Martin and Elsa finish the episode with a discussion about building a culture of empowerment in the workplace. 

Elsa Critchley: ‘MBA qualified HR Director with breadth of experience across sectors; Financial Services, (including private banking), electronics, consulting, manufacturing. Wide ranging HR background with OE and culture change expertise.’ (From LinkedIn)

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

Elsa: ‘Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All’ - Tom Kelley, David Kelley - www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288649-creative-confidence

Martin: ‘Experimentation Works: The Surprising Power of Business Experiments’ - book by Stefan H. Thomke - www.goodreads.com/book/show/52372455

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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Martin is joined by Mark McFall - Managing Director of Change Recruitment Group. Mark talks about the different visions for the future of work and Martin comments on some of the challenges of working independently. The pair go on to discuss selection processes and efforts to continue recruiting talented staff during COVID19. 

Mark McFall: “Mark has 25 years’ experience within the recruitment industry primarily in senior leadership roles within both Nasdaq and AIM listed organisations covering a variety of sectors and disciplines. Mark joined Change in 2012 as Managing Director implementing a strategy to improve the business mix, improve productivity and profitability. Culminating in overseeing the successful sale of Change and subsequent integration into the new Taranata Group.” www.changerecruitmentgroup.com/why-change/meet-our-team/mark-mcfall

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘Igniting individual purpose in times of crisis’ - McKinsey article - www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/igniting-individual-purpose-in-times-of-crisis

Mark: ‘Key Coaching Models: The 70+ Models Every Manager and Coach Needs to Know’ - book by Stephen Gribben - www.waterstones.com/book/key-coaching-models/stephen-gribben/9781292151908

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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Martin is joined by Russell Dalgleish - Chair of Scottish Business Network, Managing Partner Exolta and Technology Serial Entrepreneur. The pair discuss the tough realities of COVID-19 for Scottish business and the urgent need for new opportunities. Russell talks about global interest in Scottish companies and Martin comments on effective networking and relationship building. The pair go on to talk about the goal of creating international visions and ambitions. 

Russell Dalgleish: ‘Russell is a high-profile influencer and connector, as well as a serial entrepreneur. He is the founding Managing Partner of the advisory group, Exolta Capital Partners as well as angel investor. In his earlier career he has held board leadership positions with International companies achieving turnover in excess of £200m. Today Russell sits on the boards on ten companies and organisations including the Institute of Directors Scotland, Mr Finch Limited and Remarkable. He has also recently expanded his efforts internationally by launching his co-founded Business Network, SBN, into the US and has been recognised as one of the top 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs (No.67).’ Read more: www.russelldalgleish.co.uk/#about

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You’ - book Frances Frei and Anne Morriss - www.goodreads.com/book/show/49208248-unleashed

Russell: ‘Responsibility Rebellion: An Unconventional Approach to Personal Empowerment’ - book by Kain Ramsay - www.goodreads.com/book/show/54433378-responsibility-rebellion

Scottish Business Network: www.sbn.scot

Russell Dalgleish: www.russelldalgleish.co.uk

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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Martin is joined by Debora Kayembe - the 54th Rector of Edinburgh University (as of 1 March 2021). Debora shares her life story and journey into leadership. The pair discuss the issues of race and division in society, the enduring influence of Nelson Mandela and the significance of humble leadership. Martin and Debora go on to share their hopes for the next generations of leaders.

Debora Kayembe: Debora Kayembe was called to the Congolese Bar Association in 2000, and has been a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting from 2010-2020. In 2016 she joined the language services of the office of the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA). Debora served as Scottish Refugee Council board member from 2013 – 2016. She also joined the Royal Society of Edinburgh/Young Academy of Scotland representing refugee minorities, and has a seat as an expert lawyer to the RSE Working Group for Africa. In 2017 Debora founded the charity Full Options. In July 2020, Debora launched the Freedom Walk campaign – a civil rights movement which aims to lobby and campaign on behalf of citizens by promoting social reforms, racial justice and community harmony. Debora is also petitioning to the Scottish Parliament in favour of anti-racist education in Scotland. Read more via: www.ed.ac.uk/news/staff/2021/debora-kayembe-elected-as-rector

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Debora: ‘The Best of Enemies’ - film on Netflix - www.netflix.com/title/81038216

Martin: ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ - book by Bernardine Evaristo - www.waterstones.com/book/girl-woman-other/bernardine-evaristo/9780241984994

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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Martin is joined by Douglas Shand - Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Glasgow - to discuss new kinds of leadership and the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on reshaping attitudes towards team working. Douglas shares his views on new technology and Martin comments on the significance of workplace culture.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘COCO’ - Disney/Pixar film - available on Disney+ - www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/movies/coco/db9orsI5O4gC

Douglas:

1. ‘Spiral’ - tv series - available on BBCiPlayer - www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072wk9
2. ‘Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change’ - book by Kent Beck - www.amazon.co.uk/Extreme-Programming-Explained-Embrace-Change/dp/0321278658

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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"Many women don't know that technology is a great career...We need to make it an easier choice." Martin speaks to Tara McGeehan, President of CGI's UK operations, about diversity in technology and innovation. They go on to discuss the importance of employee mental health and wellbeing.

Tara McGeehan: Tara was appointed President of CGI’s UK operations in January 2018. As President, Tara leads a team of approximately 6,000 professionals and consultants who bring all of CGI’s end-to-end capabilities and industry and technology expertise to clients across these regions. A CGI member for more than 17 years, Tara previously served as Senior Vice-President responsible for the North and Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Business Unit where she developed business across commercial and government industries, including high-profile digital engagements such as the UK smart metering program. With 20 years’ industry experience, Tara has a detailed understanding of these markets and their implications and opportunities for CGI’s clients. Prior to joining CGI in 2001, Tara was a Senior Manager at National Grid. She has strong relationships with Directors and Senior Managers of many of the UK energy companies and is frequently asked to perform focused ‘health-checks’ on areas of their business to help identify and resolve problems.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘Phenomenal Woman' - poem by Maya Angelou - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48985/phenomenal-woman

Tara: ‘Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking' - book by Matthew Syed - https://www.waterstones.com/book/rebel-ideas/matthew-syed/9781473613942

CGI: https://www.cgi.com/en

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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“There’s never been a better time to take an idea and run with it…” Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman of 4J Studios, joins Martin to discuss the role of technology and innovation in shaping the response to COVID-19 and possible paths out of the crisis. Chris shares insights into his own career as a serial investor and talks about opening doors to the jobs of the future.

Chris van der Kuyl: ‘He is famous for his key role in putting Scotland’s gaming industry on the map with 4J Studios – which is best known for developing Minecraft Console Edition. And in a career spanning nearly three decades, he has built up a fortune thought to be around £150 million as well as a string of honorary degrees.’ (Scotsman)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘An AI smartwatch that detects seizures’ - TED Talk by Rosalind Picard - www.ted.com/talks/rosalind_picard_an_ai_smartwatch_that_detects_seizures?language=en

Chris: ‘Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.’ - book by Ron Chernow - www.goodreads.com/book/show/16121.Titan

4J Studios: https://www.4jstudios.com

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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Martin Ewart, Taranata Group CEO, is back with a brand new series of Trust Me, I’m a Leader. Sandy Kennedy, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, joins him to discuss an entrepreneur-led recovery, in the context of ongoing uncertainty. They go on to talk about some of the important building blocks for leaders who aspire to be successful and effective.

Sandy Kennedy: Entrepreneur and Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation. He aims to inspire and develop business talent to make Scotland the most entrepreneurial society in the world. The Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation provides world-class leadership and talent development programmes and manages one of Scotland's biggest membership networks. Alongside experience in corporate law, venture capital, start-ups and executive education, he also writes for the Herald.

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

Martin: “The 3 Elements of Trust” - blog by by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, published in Harvard Business Review - hbr.org/2019/02/the-3-elements-of-trust

Sandy: [On the importance of experimentation] - “Thinking in System: A Primer” - book by Donella Meadows - www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Systems-Primer

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

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