Leading a business today feels like navigating an aircraft carrier through a permanent storm. Phil Jones, MBE, joins us to discuss why the number one problem on a leader’s desk is simply the number of problems they face. We dive into his "new new" mindset for navigating uncertainty—from geopolitical conflicts to the hybrid working "event horizon" that has permanently shifted the employer-employee relationship. Phil reveals his personal operating models, including the DESK policy for self-care and the "Out-On-In" diary prioritization model. This conversation moves beyond corporate jargon to the heart of what it means to be human in a digitally saturated world. If you’ve ever felt revved out in sixth gear but unable to move forward, Phil’s insights on personal growth and the mastery of self offer the grounding moment every modern trailblazer needs.

Leaders must adopt a "new new" mindset specifically designed to navigate constant global and economic uncertainty .

The "Event Horizon" of hybrid working means there is no going back; businesses must configure themselves around this new reality .

"Mental Saturation" is real; leaders must normalize work to reduce the overwhelming data-bombardment their teams feel .

Effective diary management follows an "Out-On-In" model: a third on the market, a third on strategy, and a third on people .

Sustainable success is built on a specific equation: (Strategy + Execution) x Culture / (Distraction + Dysfunction + Disalignment) .

"The way that we led yesterday is not going to lead us into tomorrow."

"I think right now we have to adopt a new mindset... navigating uncertainty."

"I myself stand in need of the arms of my own kindness."

"The number one problem on my desk was the number of problems on my desk."

"All organisations are dysfunctional. Organisations that are more successful manage their dysfunction more successfully."

00:00 – 50 Skills for a Global Managing Director

02:21 – The New "New" Mindset: Navigating Uncertainty

05:16 – "All Together Tuesdays" and Pragmatic Transparency

07:35 – The DOT: Finding Your Direction of Travel

10:44 – Combatting Mental Saturation in the Workforce

12:34 – Situational Awareness: Keeping an Eye on the Dials

15:10 – The DESK Policy: Diet, Exercise, Sleep, and Kindness

22:01 – Diary Prioritisation: The Out-On-In Model

28:44 – Facing Uncomfortable Truths and the Event Horizon

33:51 – Correlative Leadership: The Four Pillars

45:47 – The Human Connection: Wisdom in the Age of AI

50:20 – The Equation: Strategy, Execution, and Culture

01:02:46 – Mastery of Subject vs. Mastery of Self

About the Host:

Lois Burton is a highly respected executive coach and leadership development specialist with over 25 years of experience supporting senior leaders and executives across a wide range of sectors, including leisure, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and higher education.

Early in her career, Lois worked closely with coaching pioneers Sir John Whitmore, author of Coaching for Performance, and Peter Bluckert, co-founder of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, gaining first-hand experience during the formative years of professional coaching in both the UK and the USA.

In 2000, she founded Lois Burton Ltd, growing it into one of the UK’s leading specialist leadership coaching consultancies. Widely regarded as “the leaders’ coach,” Lois is recognised for her expertise in developing high-performing, high-potential leaders and helping them navigate complex leadership challenges.

Lois works with organisations and executives nationally and internationally, partnering with leaders across multiple countries to drive lasting leadership impact.

www.loisburton.co.uk 

www.loisburtononline.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/Lois Burton

www.facebook.com/Lois Burton 

www.instagram.com/loisburtoncoach

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/