How They Lead (Lessons Learnt at the Rockface of Leadership) podcast aims to evolve the way people perform by showcasing a variety of examples of high performance, sharing stories of people who have done “firsts in the world”, and highlighting amazing guests who represent ‘high performance’ in their own right.
Hosted by Ben Stocken who is highly skilled in creating innovative and straightforward strategies to help individuals realize their maximum potential. Benjamin Wade, on the other hand, equips him with top-notch leadership tools and
techniques that are tailored to promote commercial growth, profitability, and efficiency. Together, they are a powerful duo that is set to inspire and educate listeners to take their organizations to the next level.
Our goal focuses on the three elements of the leadership triangle: Self-Leadership, Team Leadership, and Followership. So we can deliver engaging and inspiring content that motivates our listeners to take action towards improving their leadership skills and qualities. Including those who deliver training services and those looking to elevate their organizations to a higher level.
Join us as we explore new ways to evolve the way we perform!
If you enjoyed our podcast today, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Don't forget to visit our website for more exclusive content. And reach us at Hello@thewestpeak.com to connect with you on a more personal level.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How They Lead (Lessons Learnt at the Rockface of Leadership) podcast aims to evolve the way people perform by showcasing a variety of examples of high performance, sharing stories of people who have done “firsts in the world”, and highlighting amazing guests who represent ‘high performance’ in their own right.
Hosted by Ben Stocken who is highly skilled in creating innovative and straightforward strategies to help individuals realize their maximum potential. Benjamin Wade, on the other hand, equips him with top-notch leadership tools and
techniques that are tailored to promote commercial growth, profitability, and efficiency. Together, they are a powerful duo that is set to inspire and educate listeners to take their organizations to the next level.
Our goal focuses on the three elements of the leadership triangle: Self-Leadership, Team Leadership, and Followership. So we can deliver engaging and inspiring content that motivates our listeners to take action towards improving their leadership skills and qualities. Including those who deliver training services and those looking to elevate their organizations to a higher level.
Join us as we explore new ways to evolve the way we perform!
If you enjoyed our podcast today, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Don't forget to visit our website for more exclusive content. And reach us at Hello@thewestpeak.com to connect with you on a more personal level.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary
In this episode of How They Lead, Fran, West Peak’s in-house EQ expert, dives deep into the nuances of emotional intelligence and generational leadership.
From understanding the core components of EQ, addressing the challenges of hybrid work, psychological safety and motivating Gen Z and Gen Alpha, this conversation explores how leaders can adapt their approach to create stronger, more connected teams.
Packed with real-world insights and actionable tips, this episode is essential listening for any modern leader navigating a rapidly changing workplace.
Key Takeaways
EQ starts with self-awareness and understanding your own triggers, values and emotional reactions before managing others’.
Generational differences matter. Newer generations prioritise empathy, honesty, and psychological safety over traditional motivators like money.
Hybrid Work requires intentionality as leaders must be more deliberate about connection and team culture.
Clear expectations foster trust, not control. Especially when onboarding or managing younger employees.
Psychological safety fuels performance. People perform better and innovate more when they feel safe to speak up, fail and be honest.
Quiet coasting does not equal laziness. What appears to be disengagement may simply be boundary-setting or a lack of meaningful connection to purpose.
Trust must be built early and prevents the need for micromanagement.
Pausing is powerful! Taking a moment to reflect before reacting emotionally can lead to better decision-making and stronger leadership.
Soundbites
"Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence."
"You can’t help others unless you understand yourself first."
"Clarity isn't micromanagement. It's kindness."
"It’s not about how safe you think they should feel, but how safe they actually feel."
"Every generation thinks the next is lazy, but they just work differently."
"Psychological safety is knowing your ideas won’t be punished, even if they fail."
"Belonging isn’t a buzzword. It’s the core of engagement."
"Pause, reflect and ask: Is this who I want to be in this moment?"
"Leaders who are disengaged create disengaged teams."
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Emotional Intelligence
02:57 The Importance of Self-Awareness
05:58 Hybrid Work Environments
08:56 Generational Differences in Work Ethic
11:59 Building Psychological Safety in Teams
14:57 Motivation and Engagement in the Workplace
17:44 Practical Tips for Enhancing Emotional Intelligence
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How They Lead – S02 Ep 02 | Matt Bennett sits w/ Jenna Eichberg, CPO at AlertMedia
In this energizing and insightful episode, Matt Bennett sits down with Jenna Eichberg to explore what it really means to lead with heart, strategy, and adaptability in today’s world of work.
3 Key Themes:
1. Leadership Without the Title – Jenna shares how early initiative and curiosity shaped her ability to lead long before the job title said so.
2. Culture as a Strategic Advantage – From winning Best Place to Work in Austin to navigating crisis with care, Jenna unpacks how culture, trust, and mission alignment fuel AlertMedia’s success.
3. The Human Side of AI – With AI transforming the workplace, Jenna talks about building psychological safety, learning pathways, and anthropomorphizing tools (hello, Charlie the chatbot) to make tech adoption human-first.
3 Powerful Takeaways from Jenna:
· “Any idea not put on the table is an idea lost.” Create environments where everyone’s voice contributes.
· “You don’t need a title to lead, just the willingness to solve real problems.” Leadership starts with curiosity and initiative.
· “The softer skills are what will define great leaders in an AI-driven world.” Trust, authenticity, and vulnerability aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re the differentiators.
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In the season two opener of How They Lead, West Peak's co-founders return to unpack the biggest shifts in leadership, people performance, and business since their last series.
From launching West Peak US, the epidemic of disengaged employees, geopolitical turmoil, AI disruption, and generational divides, this candid episode sets the tone for the future of high-performance leadership.
Key Takeaways
Soundbites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Leadership Landscape Update
02:04 Expansion into the US Market
06:13 Business Growth Breakfasts
09:22 Shifts in Business Performance
12:39 The Impact of Attrition Rates
16:09 Navigating Toxicity and Performance
20:50 Establishing Values for Accountability
22:12 Psychological Safety in Leadership
27:04 Generational Workforce Dynamics
30:38 The Role of AI in Leadership
31:47 Cost of Developing Leaders vs. Attrition Costs
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How to Stay Ahead in Business with Lawrence Clinton, COO of Castor Vali
In this episode of How They Lead, we sit down with Lawrence Clinton, COO at Castor Vali, to uncover the mindset and strategies behind leading in a fast-paced, ever-changing business landscape.
With years of experience in operational excellence and risk management, Lawrence shares his insights on how leaders can navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and stay ahead of the competition.
Understanding comes first: Gain a clear grasp of challenges and opportunities to make informed decisions.
Adaptation is key: Embrace change and pivot with agility to maintain resilience.
Speed matters: Quick responses can define whether you lead the market or lag behind.
Overcoming challenges: Master the art of staying calm under pressure and overcoming obstacles with confidence.
Join us as Lawrence shares how Castor Vali leads at the forefront of risk and security management—and how you can apply these lessons to your own leadership journey.
🎧 Tune in now to level up your leadership:
What’s your strategy for staying ahead in business?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How to Stay Ahead in Business with Lawrence Clinton, COO of Castor Vali
In this episode of How They Lead, we sit down with Lawrence Clinton, COO at Castor Vali, to uncover the mindset and strategies behind leading in a fast-paced, ever-changing business landscape.
With years of experience in operational excellence and risk management, Lawrence shares his insights on how leaders can navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and stay ahead of the competition.
Understanding comes first: Gain a clear grasp of challenges and opportunities to make informed decisions.
Adaptation is key: Embrace change and pivot with agility to maintain resilience.
Speed matters: Quick responses can define whether you lead the market or lag behind.
Overcoming challenges: Master the art of staying calm under pressure and overcoming obstacles with confidence.
Join us as Lawrence shares how Castor Vali leads at the forefront of risk and security management—and how you can apply these lessons to your own leadership journey.
🎧 Tune in now to level up your leadership:
What’s your strategy for staying ahead in business?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who is Your Audience and What Do They Need to Hear, featuring Camilla Boyer
We enjoyed speaking with Camilla Boyer, Head of Internal Communications and Culture at Hopin in our latest episode of How They Lead. Camilla's journey through the world of internal communications is as inspiring as it is insightful. From her early days at Twitter, one of the first internal comms hires during a pre-IPO frenzy, to her trailblazing work at Hopin, Camilla has consistently prioritised impactful storytelling and authentic company culture.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
From sharing strategies to maintain unity in a remote and hyper-growth environment to the importance of learning from industry peers, Camilla’s story is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership and communication.
Want to hear more about Camilla’s journey and her innovative approach to internal communications? Tune in now to discover how the right communication strategies can transform company culture and foster connection, even in a fully remote world.
#InternalComms #Leadership #CompanyCulture #HowTheyLeadPodcast
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We hope you enjoy this episode and gain valuable insights from our conversation. Join us next time as we explore the stories and experiences of more inspiring leaders.
In our latest episode, we had a captivating conversation with Jonathan Reid, the inspiring founder of Reidentify and a true thought leader on redefining how we see identity and human potential.
Jonathan shared incredible insights about leading through authenticity and connection. One of the key takeaways?
The idea that great leadership isn’t just about managing teams or achieving KPIs; it’s about understanding and elevating the people you work with, seeing them not just as employees but as individuals with unique stories and capabilities.
If you enjoyed our podcast today, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Don't forget to visit our website, thewestpeak.com, for more exclusive content. You can also reach us at Hello@thewestpeak.com to connect with us more personally.
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In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Emma Horsley, a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in culture, people management, and operations.
Emma excels as the Head of Culture with Hawksmoor Restaurant Group. Her rich background spans various industries, including hospitality, education, and coaching. Her roles range from People Manager at Polpo Ltd to Co-Owner of The Stag, Hampstead, and her career is a testament to her expertise in creating thriving workplace cultures.
Emma’s academic foundation includes a BA in French Language and Literature from the University of Manchester and a Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring from ILM. She has also worked as an Associate Coach and trainer at Watershed School, where she focused on leadership development.
Join us as Emma shares her insights into fostering positive work cultures, her journey through leadership, and the impact of mentoring and coaching on personal and organisational growth. She'll also touch on her philosophy of empowering teams, navigating challenges, and the role of culture in driving business success.
Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how to lead with intention and inspire others.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Emma Horsley, a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in culture, people management, and operations.
Emma excels as the Head of Culture with Hawksmoor Restaurant Group. Her rich background spans various industries, including hospitality, education, and coaching. Her roles range from People Manager at Polpo Ltd to Co-Owner of The Stag, Hampstead, and her career is a testament to her expertise in creating thriving workplace cultures.
Emma’s academic foundation includes a BA in French Language and Literature from the University of Manchester and a Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring from ILM. She has also worked as an Associate Coach and trainer at Watershed School, where she focused on leadership development.
Join us as Emma shares her insights into fostering positive work cultures, her journey through leadership, and the impact of mentoring and coaching on personal and organisational growth. She'll also touch on her philosophy of empowering teams, navigating challenges, and the role of culture in driving business success.
Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how to lead with intention and inspire others.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We hope you enjoy this episode and gain valuable insights from our conversation. Join us next time as we explore the stories and experiences of more inspiring leaders.
If you enjoyed our podcast today, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to visit our website, thewestpeak.com, for more exclusive content. You can also reach us at Hello@thewestpeak.com to connect with us on a more personal level.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of "How They Lead," co-host Ben sits down with Dom Bridgman, Amdaris's Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, who now works as an advisor and consultant.
Dom shares his journey in leadership, particularly focusing on his experience in building and managing high-performance sales teams. He reveals the three key ingredients that have driven his success: implementing robust systems and processes, cultivating positive energy, and making leadership enjoyable and fun.
The conversation also touches on a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Dom had to navigate significant challenges. This experience reinforced the value of adaptability and continuous learning in leadership. Throughout the episode, Dom offers valuable insights and mentorship for anyone facing sales and go-to-market challenges. This makes this a must-listen for leaders looking to elevate their teams and strategies.
Key Takeaways:
Tune in to gain practical advice and inspiration from Dom Bridgman, a leader who exemplifies the blend of strategy, positivity, and resilience.
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In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the world of leadership with Marcus Bassett MBE, the esteemed Chief Instructor for the Commando Selection Team.
Marcus shares his remarkable journey through a distinguished career in the Royal Marines, where he’s played a crucial role in shaping future leaders.
Marcus discusses his approach to leadership, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in creating a thriving team environment. He reflects on the vital role of a strong culture and shared values in aligning and motivating teams. As he prepares to transition from military life after over 20 years of service, Marcus offers insights into leading with passion and purpose.
Our conversation highlights Marcus’s belief in leading from the front and fostering a collective ethos that drives success.
Tune in to hear his valuable perspectives on leadership, team dynamics, and the principles that have guided him throughout his career.
Whether you’re an established leader or just beginning your journey, this episode provides practical wisdom and inspiration to help you lead with integrity and build a cohesive, high-performing team.
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Podcast Episode: Empowering Leadership with Tony Jamous
In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the heart of leadership with Tony Jamous, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Oyster, a unicorn company revolutionizing global employment.
Tony shares his inspiring journey from building and scaling Oyster and Nexmo (now Ericsson) to creating a company culture prioritising mental health, sustainable growth, and global opportunities for all.
We passionately discuss the importance of leading with purpose and passion, stressing the need for leaders to truly know their teams and lead by example. He emphasises the necessity of intentional vulnerability, explaining how it fosters trust and authenticity within a team. He also highlights the critical balance between leadership and followership, reminding us that seeking constant recognition isn't the hallmark of effective leadership.
Our conversation covers creating a supportive work environment that addresses burnout, prioritises mental well-being, hears insights on the power of self-reflection and mental downtime, illustrating how these practices can enhance leadership effectiveness and overall team productivity.
Tune in to hear Tony Jamous' valuable perspectives on empathetic leadership, innovative HR strategies, and the future of work.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to make a mark in your field, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with empathy, support your team's mental health, and drive sustainable growth.
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Join us on "How They Lead" as we explore neuro-inclusion with Tania Martin, a neuro-inclusion consultant, trainer, and speaker with over two decades of corporate expertise. Tania played a key role in the EY UK Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence, where she developed neuro-inclusive processes and supportive ecosystems.
Diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, she offers a unique perspective on managing neurodiversity in the workplace. Tania discusses her award-winning work at EY, her recognition as one of the top 80 Neurodiversity Evangelists in the UK, and her commitment to coaching others on their neurodivergent journeys.
This episode is essential for leaders aiming to foster an inclusive and high-performing workplace.
You can find more about Tania here on her LinkedIn profile.
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Welcome to "How They Lead," the podcast where we dive into the dynamic world of leadership through the lens of today's most pressing client challenges and industry trends.
Hosted by West Pak's two visionary owners, each episode provides an insightful discussion on various topics that impact organisations across various sectors.
This week, we're focusing on Gen Z leadership, a subject that’s reshaping workplace dynamics and redefining traditional leadership models. Join us as we explore how Gen Z is driving change, their unique leadership styles, and the strategies businesses can adopt to leverage the strengths of this emerging generation of leaders.
Whether you're an executive, manager, or just passionate about leadership, this podcast is your go-to resource for understanding and navigating the evolving leadership landscape.
Connect with them here:
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Join us for an inspiring episode of How They Lead, where we sit down with Paul Munnelly, an industry and business leader with extensive operational and commercial experience. Paul has served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Board Director within a prominent group of companies, making significant strides in the UK construction and infrastructure sectors.
In this episode, we delve into Paul’s journey as an ambassador for change, exploring his proactive approach to promoting and supporting innovation and initiatives across the industry. Paul’s commitment to inspiring positive transformation within communities and his focus on building high-performing teams are commendable.
We discuss Paul’s strategies for fostering company growth and his vision for developing the next generation of industry leaders. Recognised as an industry thought leader and influencer, Paul shares his insights on key topics such as technology, well-being, sustainability, and personal development.
Tune in to learn from Paul’s wealth of experience and discover how you can apply his leadership principles to drive success in your own organisation.
Interested in finding out more? Message Paul through LinkedIn or visit www.munnellygroup.com.
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Join us for an insightful episode featuring Lucy Kemp, a seasoned employee experience, culture, and internal communications expert. With over 20 years of experience across various sectors and company sizes, Lucy brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for transforming workplace environments.
Lucy has dedicated her career to identifying and addressing workplace pain points, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing employer brands. Her innovative thinking and practical delivery have made her a sought-after advisor for organisations looking to elevate their employee experience.
In this episode, we delve into:
Identifying and solving workplace pain points: Lucy shares her approach to mapping out end-to-end employee experience journeys and discovering the issues that hinder company culture.
Promoting inclusivity and giving everyone a voice: Discover Lucy's methods for creating solutions that work for all employees and ensure that every voice is heard.
Building strong relationships and leading crucial conversations: Learn from Lucy's significant experience in fostering meaningful relationships with stakeholders and senior leaders, and her fearless approach to having those tough but necessary conversations.
Lucy’s expertise in creating inclusive, engaging, and vibrant workplace cultures will inspire you to rethink your leadership approach and enhance your organisation’s employee experience. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips from a true leader in the field.
Listen now and transform your leadership journey with insights on creating a happier, more engaged, and inclusive workplace!
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In our latest episode, we explore the powerful story of James Pickles, an advocate for mental health and workplace wellbeing.
James was a highly successful Sales Director, growing his business to over £6 million in annual revenue. However, in 2019, at the peak of his career, he experienced a severe mental and physical breakdown. Through his recovery, James discovered the critical importance of mental health support.
Now, James shares his journey to help others understand and utilise well-being programs without fear of stigma. His story highlights the necessity of creating supportive, judgement-free spaces in the workplace.
Tune in to hear James's insights on leadership, mental health, and fostering resilient teams.
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Episode 23
Lisa Walder & Sara Mcphee
In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with two remarkable guests: Sara McPhee and Lisa Walder, Co-Founders of Fifteen West, the leading search-to-search recruitment business.
Sara McPhee is not just one of the best search-to-search consultants in the business; she's also an inspiring business leader! With a dynamic presence and a passion for candidate care that sets her apart, Her reputation precedes her, earning the respect of global recruitment leaders and junior consultants alike.
Lisa Walder brings over 12 years of recruitment experience to the table, having placed candidates on every continent! Renowned for her exceptional networking skills and tenacity, Lisa is a powerhouse in building and maintaining client relationships. Her determination, ambition, and unwavering loyalty make her a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
In this insightful episode, Sara and Lisa shared their journey, discussing how they collaborate effectively as co-founders and the importance of knowing your leadership style. They offered invaluable tips for aspiring leaders and business owners, drawing from their wealth of experience and success in the recruitment industry.
Tune in as we delve into their inspiring stories, uncovering the secrets behind their leadership prowess and gaining actionable insights to elevate your own leadership journey. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom and guidance to help you thrive in business.
Don't miss out on this enriching conversation!
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Our latest guest is Lee Spencer, a testament to resilience and triumph. His World record-breaking journey, from overcoming a challenging upbringing to excelling in the Royal Marines to surviving a life-threatening accident and smashing records, is awe-inspiring.
A captivating speaker, Lee shared insights on developing an innovative mindset, building team ethos, overcoming failure, needing a sense of purpose, and succeeding against the odds. Join us as we explore his remarkable story of courage, leadership, and defying limitations.
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