What if play wasn’t just for kids but a lifelong superpower that fuels creativity, courage, and connection?

In this inspiring episode of Get Superpowered, I’m joined by Jonathan Pitts, an award-winning improv artist, producer, author, and teacher from the Second City in Chicago who has devoted his life to helping people re-discover creativity, courage, and connection through play. From the legendary Second City stage to coaching teams and leaders around the world, Jonathan has made it his life’s work to help people say yes to possibility.

Together we explore why play is far more than entertainment - it is, in Jonathan’s words, a divine right of being human. We unpack the history of improv, where social pioneers like Viola Spolin built games rooted in the belief that every time you play, you are transformed in some capacity. We dive into the iconic principle of ‘Yes, And’ and how the simple act of building on each other’s ideas creates chemistry, trust, and connection. And we talk about the deeper ingredients of play: openness, engagement, and listening.

Jonathan reminds us that play is not frivolous. It’s what keeps us learning, experimenting, and feeling alive. It teaches us to embrace ambiguity, to fail joyfully, and to co-create possibilities bigger than what we could imagine alone.

Key Takeaways:

• Play is open engagement - it’s how we connect, learn, and create together.
• ‘Yes, And’ is more than an improv comedy tool. It’s a mindset that builds trust, chemistry, and momentum.
• Failing joyfully reframes mistakes as fuel for growth, notreasons for shame.
• Openness, listening, and comfort with ambiguity are muscles we can strengthen through play.
• You don’t need permission to play—just start. Even a small playful act can shift your energy and unlock new possibilities.

Ready to rediscover your own spark of play? Hit play on thisconversation—and say yes to possibility.

In today’s fast-moving world — where companies can be disrupted, products copied, and consumers constantly raising their expectations — what’s your real competitive edge?

Your team.

But not just any team. A supercharged team.

And here’s the twist: teamwork is harder to achieve today. We are too busy, our minds are too distracted, and we don'thave the attention that is needed to solve complex problems.

This is why in this energising episode of ‘Get Superpowered’I’m joined by Pam Hamilton - teamwork and collaboration expert, founder of the Global Capabilities Agency ‘Paraffin’, and author of Supercharged Teams – to talk about teamwork.

Pam has spent 25+ years helping global businesses, localteams, and communities work better together—and now she’s here to show us how to supercharge our own.

We explore what makes a team supercharged in today’s world of overload, distraction, and disconnection; how collaboration done right becomes your secret weapon for innovation, speed, and sustainable success; and why every person, regardless of role or title, holds the power to ignite ashift.

Ready to turn your team into real competitive advantage?

Hit play and learn how to supercharge your team — starting now.

Key Takeaways:

• Teamwork is harder now—but also more vital.
  Collaboration overload, shallow meetings, and context-switching kill performance. The cure? Intention, clarity, and better design.

• Don’t default to busy — default to impact.
  Supercharged teams prioritise, protect deep work, and move with precision.

• Rules of engagement = your operating system.
  Supercharged team defines how it works together. From feedback loops to conflict resolution, clarity here drives speed, trust, and results.

• Collective intelligence beats individual brilliance.
  When teams are diverse, connected, and structured for collaboration—they become smarter than the sum of their parts.

• Everyone has the power to improve teamwork.
  You don’t need permission or a title. Asking ‘Is there a better way?’ is how shift starts—inside your team, and within yourself.

Want to learn more?

Find out more about Pam’s work on Supercharged Teams https://www.superchargedteams.com/

Get inspired and provoked by Pam’s thought leadership https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamihami/

Explore how team at Paraffin brings fresh, creative energy to innovation, insights and capability challenges https://paraffin.ltd/

Trust is the emotional fabric for every meaningful connection — at home, at work, and in communities. It fuels creativity,accelerates collaboration, and encourages risk taking. And yet, for something so essential, we spend surprisingly little time thinking about it, let alone intentionally building it.

In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really takes to build, sustain, and repair trust—from the inside out.

My guest is Yana Belova — a community vertical lead at Canva, TEDx speaker, coach, and the founder of Why Not Month — a movement that inspires people to take bold, intentional action.

Yana is someone who doesn’t just understand trust—she architects it. From global teams to grassroots movements, Yana brings 15+ years of real-world wisdom and experience to this conversation about how trust is built, sustained and repaired — not by accident, but by design.

Ready to build deeper trust—with yourself, your team, and your community? Press play and learn how!

Key takeaways:

• Trust is energy — when it exists, it frees up emotional energy for creation and innovation.

• Trust doesn’t begin with others—it begins with yourself. Self-trust can be intentionally built through small, safe experiments and curated environments.

• True trust is discerning. Without critical thinking, trustbecomes brittle—vulnerable to manipulation, burnout, and betrayal.

• Trust grows through micro-actions — from the signals you send, to the words you choose, to the way you respond in conflict—every action can reinforce (or erode) trust. Be intentional. Be consistent.

• The fastest way to build trust is to show up as authentic self, demonstrate empathy and signal safety.

Want to learn more?

Learn more about Yana’s work on LinkedIn  

Get inspired and provoked by Yana’s TED Talk

Yana’s top go-to resources on building communities and trust:

1. ‘Belong’ by Rada Agrawal
2. ‘Trust Factor’ podcast by Rob Greenlee
3. ‘The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups’ by Daniel Coyle
4. ‘Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. WholeHearts.’ by Brené Brown
5. ‘Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in aSometimes Lonely World’ by Vivek H. Murthy

What if imagination wasn’t a childhood fantasy, but the key to unlocking your most powerful, creative self?

In this episode of Get Superpowered, we dive into the expansive world of Imagination with writer and systems thinker Lucy Gray. From writing 80+ speeches on dreams and impossibility to authoring a collection of 45 children's stories and a debut novel ‘Eternal Gravity’ that blends love and physics, Lucy has made imagination her life’s superpower.

We explore how imagination is not just the birthplace for creativity—it’s a daily practice, a muscle, and a life skill. Lucy reveals how to intentionally shape your environment, routine, and rituals to nurture this inner superpower—because the more you invest in it, the more it gives back.

We unpack why imagination thrives on peace, why believing your idea deserves to exist helps you persevere, and how revisiting your childhood loves can guide you toward what you really want.

Hit play and start unlocking your imagination to solve complex problems, forecast what’s next and make bold moves.   

Key Takeaways:

• Imagination is the capacity to form new images, ideas & scenarios inside of our minds.

• Imagination doesn’t thrive in chaos. To unlock its potential, create a state of peace: emotionally, mentally, environmentally.

• Wanting it is the starting line . Real momentum begins with honest ambition. When you go back to your childhood, you’ll find what you truly want.

• Belief creates accountability. If you believe your idea deserves to exist, you’ll feel responsible for bringing it to life—and persevere, even when it gets hard.

• Environment is an imagination accelerator. Rituals, routines, and surroundings matter. Intentionally designing your space can turn your imagination from passive daydream to generative power.

• Treat imagination as a muscle, not a muse. You don’t wait for inspiration. You train. Daily. Write a sentence. Reimagine an everyday object. Journal one page. All imagination counts – and it stacks. Effort in = ideas out.

Want to learn more?

Learn more about Lucy’s latest work http://www.eternalgravity.com/

What if stress wasn’t just something to manage—but something you could completely reframe?

In this episode of Get Superpowered, I’m joined by David Meikle — a prominent thinker, strategic advisor to global brands, and creator of the Meikle Matrix, a powerful framework for redefining our relationship with stress.

With decades of experience navigating pressure at the highest levels of the advertising industry, David has cracked a code that could change how you live and lead.

We unpack the real root of stress—responsibility without control—and explore how to rebalance the power dynamic in your life, work, and relationships. This episode is not about coping strategies. It’s about clarity, ownership, and navigating your way back to the flow zone—where your energy, creativity, and performance thrive.

Whether you’re a leader, team member, or change-maker —ifyou’ve ever felt stressed, overwhelmed or stuck, this conversation is your blueprint to Becoming Unstressable.

Let’s dive in NOW.

Key Takeaways:

• Stress = Responsibility Without Control
  A clinical definition with transformative power. Understand this, and you're halfway to Becoming Unstressable.

• There’s a Map: The Meikle Matrix
  Four zones — Flow, Stress, Toil, Non-Stick. Know where you are to know how to move.

• Don’t Treat the Symptom. Rewire the System.
  Coping mechanisms aren’t the solution. Redesign responsibility and control instead.

• Ask Better Questions
  ‘What conditions can I create so you can do your best work?’ empowers performance, builds trust, and drives outcomes.

• Take the Balcony View
  When pressure spikes, don’t react—pause. Breathe. Observe. Then choose your next move with intention.

• Flow Is Where the Diamonds Are Made
  Align high control with high responsibility. That’s where your best work—and life—happens.

Want to learn more?

Find out more about the Meikle Matrix and David's ‘Tuning Up’ work https://www.tuningup.co.uk/

Try the Tuning Up relationship diagnostic: https://www.tuningup.co.uk/diagnostic-tool/

Explore David’s projects and work https://www.htbag.co.uk/

Get inspired and provoked by David’s thought leadership https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-meikle-6194405/ 

Welcome back to the ‘Get Superpowered’!

Today’s episode is one I’ve been so excited to share becauseit completely flips the script on how we think… about thinking.

Meet Deborah Perry. With over 25 years of experience ininnovation, creative thinking facilitation, — and as an artist, poet, and author—Debbie helps people ignite the kind of powerful, high-quality thinking that sparksreal breakthroughs.

Debbie has cracked the code on what she calls 6th Gear Thinking — a state of mental flow where true creativity, innovation and deep problem-solving collide. In a world hijacked by distractions, to-do lists, and AI shortcuts, Debbie’s work is an invitation to reclaim the art of extraordinary thinking and imagination.

In our conversation, we unpack what 6th Gear Thinking reallyis, why it matters more than ever in this age of rapid change—and how you can actually train yourself to access it on demand. We explore how to create the conditions for mental flow, what gets in the way, and how to outsmart the barriers with powerful strategies like FADE and DISC.

So, if you’re ready to think beyond the obvious, break through the noise, and generate bold, breakthrough ideas with energy and ease—this one’s for you.

Let’s unlock the superpower of 6th Gear Thinking. Let’s divein NOW.

In this episode of Get Superpowered, we dive into the art—and superpower—of Breaking Down Complex with Charlie Rossetti, a private equity investor and strategic advisor.

Where others see noise and chaos, Charlie sees patterns andpurpose. From private equity boardrooms to board games, he breaks down complexity to its essential pieces—revealing the levers that matter and using them to unlock high-impact decisions and outcomes.

In our conversation, Charlie shares his hard-earned playbook for making the complex simple and the overwhelming doable. We explore why simplifying complexity is a critical skill in today’s hyper-specialised world and how anyone can learn it—with the right mindset and tools.

Charlie draws powerful parallels between finance, gamestrategy, and life—showing that the ability to simplify isn’t about dumbing down, it’s about smartly structuring. At the heart of it all lies effective communication: not as a performance, but as a practice of being understood. Because clarity isn't just a nice-to-have—it's what moves people, decisions, and ideas forward.

Ready to unlock the superpower of Breaking down Complex? Hit play and get started!

Key Takeaways:

·  Complex is personal. It’s not about the thing—it’s about how difficult it feels to understand for the person approaching it. Complex lives in perception, not in the number of parts.

·  Break it down with intention. Begin by setting a clear objective. Then, strip away what doesn’t matter, zoom in onwhat does, and simplify step by step.

· Action builds confidence. The hardest part is often getting started. Action beats overwhelm. Knowledge builds confidence, and small wins create momentum.

· Be aware of false precision - more detail can blur, not sharpen. If it doesn’t move the needle and get you closer to your objective, let it go.

· Communicate to be understood. Effective communication isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about making sure your message lands. Clearly.

In this episode of the Get Superpowered podcast, we’re diving into a force that holds many of us back: FEAR. Whether it’s launching a business, speaking up, or stepping into the unknown — fear is often present.

But what if fear wasn’t something to avoid? What if it was a tool—an ally—that could fuel resilience and courage, and help us achieve unimaginable?

My guest, Lisa Blair, is an adventurer, world-record-breaking sailor, climate activist, and author whose superpower is overcoming fear in the most extreme environments on the planet. Lisa is the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica. She has set eight world records on her boat ‘Climate Action Now’, proving that fear doesn’t have to stop us — it can fuel us.

Lisa’s story isn’t just about epic survival at sea; it’sabout what we can all learn from her mindset, planning, preparation, and unwavering perseverance. In our conversation Lisa shares practical, actionable strategies and insights you can apply today to stop letting fear hold you back and start using it as a catalyst for growth and bold action.

Ready to face and conquer fear? Let’s dive in NOW!

Key Takeaways:

• Nobody is going to show up for you the way you show up for yourself.
• Fear is a tool, not the enemy. Learn to harness it for resilience, perseverance, and courage.
• The hardest thing to do is overcoming the fearof potentially failing. But you only truly fail when you stop trying. 
• Your inner monologue shapes your reality. Changeself-talk from ‘I can't today’ to ‘I can one day’ and ask yourself what's the first step I could take?
• Take action. Start with small, uncomfortableactions and build momentum, and borrow Lisa’s mantra ‘Just do—because the world is changed by doers’.
• Preparation & planning are key to overcomingfear with confidence. Embrace scenario planning and be clear on real vs perceived risk.

Want to learn more?

Explore Lisa’s projects https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/

Follow Lisa’s epic adventures https://www.instagram.com/lisablairsailstheworld/?igsh=MWpwbXQ0MmlsdzlxNg%3D%3D#

Read ‘Facing fear’ or watch ‘Ice Maiden’ to be inspired andmoved by true story of Lisa Blair

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Facing-Fear-First-around-Antarctica-ebook/dp/B08W9KMCVG;https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/film

Welcome to another power-packed episode of the GetSuperpowered podcast!

This time, we’re diving into Building Team Synergy with a truly remarkable guest, Jon Hunting. Jon’s career has spanned for over 40 years across two very different industries - railway and aviation.

Whether on the ground or in the skies, Jon has mastered theart of bringing teams together to deliver results against the odds - from leading one of the most complex railway privatizations in history to landing on Antarctica’s legendary Blue Ice Runway.

In this episode, we break down the key ingredients of teamsynergy, explore why communication is the glue that holds a team together, and discuss what it takes to maintain and strengthen team synergy.

Jon brings powerful stories from the tracks, the cockpit,and the boardroom to equip you with game-changing insights, practical strategies and tools for an immediate application.

Ready to unlock the superpower of building team synergy?Tune in NOW!

In this special episode of the Get Superpowered podcast, the tables are turned! My friend, Val Slavina, turns the mic on me as I take the guest seat to dive into a topic I’m deeply passionate about—Small Talk. Small Talk that creates space for more meaningful conversations even with strangers where we can really get to know another person while being our authentic self.

I came to believe that anyone can Turn ON the power of Small Talk even someone like me who was growing up shy and, in a country, where Small Talk doesn’t exist.

So, after 14 years of intentionally engaging in Small Talk and constantly reviving my approach, I deconstructed Small Talk into the WHAT and the HOW that could be easily applied in any circumstances.

Seeing the positive outcomes of applying these principles, I felt compelled to share them with a broader audience, as they could provide practical value and transform Small Talk into fun and enjoyable activity that spark genuine connection and laughter!

If you’ve ever wanted to feel more confident in conversations, connect more deeply with people, and turn Small Talk into your superpower - this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

What is Small Talk

Small talk creates an opportunity to connect. It’s like tango and it takes two people to dance.

Why Small Talk matters

In the world of curated imagery, likes and hyperconnectivity, we feel lonelier than ever. Small talk could unlock our superpowers of creating more meaningful connections and relationships.

How I can Turn ON the power of Small Talk

You can Turn ON the power of Small Talk by mastering the WHAT and the HOW.

The What of Small Talk

The What is the 3-step process you can easily follow:

1.  Start with asking an open-ended question

2. Ask next question based on something another person said in the last 60 seconds you are genuinely curious about

3.  Share your experience or perspective on a topic. Receive a question or… back to step 1

The How of Small Talk

The HOW is the way you show up as a listener. Practice three behaviours:

1.  Be present – Turn OFF your inner voice

2. Look in the eyes – Apply 80/60 rule

3.  Listen to understand - Show up as interested supporter and collaborator, not a passive absorber of information.

In a world where we’re all fighting for attention, great storytellers earn the right to be heard.

In this episode, we dive deep into the Art of Storytelling with our guest, Simon Hill, a seasoned storyteller whose illustrious career spans decades of investigative journalism, celebrity interviews, and shaping cultural conversations as an editor at GQ and The Times Magazine.

In our conversation Simon explains why everything is a story and shares how storytelling turns observations, facts, and emotions into narratives that resonate across time and cultures.

We explore the role of curiosity, the power of observation, and the challenges of crafting compelling stories—whether in journalism, fiction, or everyday life.

If you’ve ever wondered how great storytellers like Shakespeare and Dickens mastered their craft, this episode is for you.

Tune in NOW as we uncover the superpower of storytelling.

Key takeaways:

What is Storytelling
Everything is a story. It’s how we communicate facts, emotions, and experiences, whether in a two-second comment or an epic tale like The Iliad.

Why Storytelling Matters
Stories connect us and help us relate to one another. Stories shape our language, culture, and understanding of the world.

How to Approach Storytelling
Start with curiosity. Be relentless in asking questions and observing the world around you. Simon emphasises that great storytelling begins with genuine interest, followed by research and thoughtful reflection.

The Secret to Holding Attention
Great storytelling demands effort. To earn the right to be heard, you have to engage and entertain. Simon stresses the importance of crafting strong openings, using vivid details, and staying true to the material, ensuring the audience is captivated from start to finish.

In this episode of the Get Superpowered podcast, we explore the transformative power of Empowerment with Nina Aggarwal.

Nina’s remarkable superpower for empowering those around her has been instrumental in driving the success of her global strategy and capability consultancy, helping iconic brands innovate and grow.

In our conversation Nina shares personal stories and actionable insights into what empowerment truly means, and why belief and encouragement are at its core. From listening fully and asking the right questions to balancing freedom with boundaries, Nina reveals her approach to empowering others in practical and impactful ways.

We also cover the challenges of empowerment, including overcoming the fear of losing control and navigating moments of failure, and discuss why fostering empowerment is more crucial than ever in today’s tech-driven world.

Ready to unlock the Superpower of Empowerment? Tune in NOW!

Key takeaways:

What is Empowerment
Empowerment is a two-way transfer of energy, where belief and encouragement enable individuals to take control and grow. It's about more than just giving power—it's creating space for mutual trust, collaboration, and shared ownership.

Why Empowerment Matters
In a tech-driven world, empowerment is vital to preserving human creativity, curiosity, and connection. It helps individuals navigate challenges, exercise decision-making muscle, and thrive beyond automated solutions.

How Empowerment Works
Set a vision, clarify expectations, and establish boundaries. Listen fully, ask thoughtful questions, and foster creativity, freedom, and ownership. Empowerment thrives on intentionality and trust.

What Gets in the Way
Fear of losing control or failure often blocks empowerment. Combat this by asking, "What's the worst that could happen?" and embrace the courage to let go. You might be surprised by the results.

Where to start

Start with small, low-stakes opportunities to empower others. Build trust and focus on fostering creativity and ownership to inspire growth.

In this inaugural episode, Veronika talks with Phil Hayes-St Clair, partnership expert and coach, serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker with a passion for the science and art of business growth through partnership.

Phil blends a wealth of experience from 25 years of building businesses, hosting the Partnership plus podcast, and coaching organizations to forge powerful partnerships. All these led him to crafting a unique approach to building and resetting high value partnerships, the IDEAL™ framework, that he introduces and breaks down so you will leave this conversation with practical tools for immediate application!

Want to learn more?

Explore Phil’s work https://philhsc.com/

Subscribe to Phil’s Partnership Plus podcast https://philhsc.com/podcast

Sign up to the Wednesday Partnership newsletter https://philhsc.com/newsletter