If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with David Liddle, Founder and CEO of The TCM Group | Putting People First™️, Founder & President of the People & Culture Association (PCA), and Founding CEO of Transforming Work, an expert in conflict resolution. David shares his journey from starting his business in 2001 to becoming a key figure in promoting people-first leadership and organizational culture. He discusses the importance of resolving conflict constructively and how creating positive, people-centered cultures can drive organizational success. David also highlights the challenges of shifting away from traditional grievance and disciplinary processes toward more effective and empathetic approaches to conflict management.

David shares how his work in conflict resolution helped shift organizational cultures toward people-first approaches. He explains how involving people in decision-making and focusing on communication and respect led to better outcomes in challenging situations. David shows how building trust, creating positive environments, and addressing conflict constructively helped organizations grow and thrive, leading to improved productivity and a stronger sense of purpose.

Key Topics:

• Building People-First Cultures: How David’s work in conflict resolution helped organizations shift toward a people-centered approach.
• Participative Leadership: Why involving teams in decision-making fosters trust and drives success in difficult times.
• Transforming Workplace Norms: How challenging outdated systems like grievance procedures led to more effective conflict management.
• Creating Positive Environments: How promoting respect, empathy, and clear communication helped organizations thrive.
• Sustaining Growth: How building a people-first culture helped organizations improve productivity and create stronger, more resilient teams.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[01:17] David introduces his background in conflict resolution

[03:45] The link between organizational culture and productivity

[05:06] Senior leadership's role in shaping culture

[08:56] The impact of leadership at all levels

[14:18] Transforming workplace norms for a better future

[18:03] Introducing integrated people policies

[21:31] Re-thinking the employee handbook and traditional policies

[26:50] The need

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Bernard Nikaj, a professor at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) and former Kosovan ambassador to the European Union. Bernard shares his journey from working in Kosovo’s young government to leading its diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with the EU. He discusses the importance of participative leadership and how he empowered his teams by involving them in decision-making processes. Bernard highlights the challenges and rewards of building a country’s institutions and leadership culture from scratch.

Bernard shares how Kosovo’s young government built its leadership culture from scratch. He explains how involving people in decision-making and creating trust helped teams succeed in challenging times. Bernard shows how participative leadership, clear communication, and a shared purpose made people feel valued, work together, and achieve important milestones for the country.

Key Topics:

• Building Leadership from Scratch: How Kosovo’s young government grew leaders through real challenges and hands-on experience.
• Participative Leadership: Why involving teams in decision-making helps build trust and achieve goals faster.
• Institutional Growth: How creating clear values and a shared purpose helped Kosovo’s leaders grow strong together.
• Creating a Safe Space: How trust and open communication made it easier for people to speak up and share ideas.
• Sustaining Progress: How building leadership culture from the ground up helped Kosovo continue growing after independence.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[01:14] Bernard’s entry into Kosovo’s government and diplomacy

[03:16] Kosovo’s early institution-building efforts

[07:21] Value of participative leadership

[10:33] Kosovo-EU negotiations and a new leadership approach

[15:13] Importance of shared decision-making

[19:35] Creating trade agreements and a collaborative culture

[23:21] Leading with transparency and shared authority

[28:17] Building trust and empowering teams

[30:22] Developing a lasting leadership mindset

[35:55] Transparency and communication in building trust

[39:16] Bernard reflects on the impact of his leadership approach

📚 Resources:

👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months -

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher, co-authors of book “The Caring Company”. Isaac is a Speaker & Professor at ESCP Business School and Laurent is Founder of Esprit d'Entreprise. Together, they share insights from their five-year global study of companies that succeed by showing unconditional care to employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. They explain how this caring mindset builds trust, supports innovation, and helps companies thrive even in tough times.

Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher share ideas from their book “The Caring Company”, which looks at how businesses can succeed by showing real care. They explain how treating people with respect and kindness, without expecting anything in return, helps companies grow and build trust. They give examples of leaders and teams that create strong relationships with employees, customers, and communities. Isaac and Laurent show how this caring approach leads to better performance, loyalty, and lasting impact.

Key Topics:

The Meaning of Care: How treating employees, customers, and suppliers like friends builds trust and long-term success.

Unconditional Relationships: Why doing good without expecting a return creates stronger companies and communities.

The Role of Managers: How middle managers help bring caring values into daily work and support real change.

Removing Barriers: Why cutting unhelpful rules and measures lets teams focus on people and purpose.

Leading by Example: How leaders who serve others and stay close to real needs inspire lasting transformation.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[01:19] Welcoming Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher

[02:21] How their partnership began

[05:23] Challenging self-interest in business

[09:22] Defining the caring company

[12:12] Unconditional care in action

[13:19] Care as core business, not philanthropy

[16:00] The radical nature of unconditional care

[18:00] Role of middle managers in care

[20:08] Example: Eisai’s patient-centered shift

[24:55] Removing barriers to care

[27:54] Example: Handelsbanken’s loan refusals

[34:43] Care during crisis: The Fruit Guys

[38:10] How care drives loyalty and performance

[43:38] Local...

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Simon Reber, Head of Organizational Development & Leadership at Alpiq. Simon shares how Alpiq is changing its leadership culture by focusing on values like care, dare, and share. He explains how the company trains its leaders from within, builds trust, and creates a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, grow, and work better together.

Simon shares how Alpiq builds strong leadership by focusing on care, dare, and share. He explains how leaders are trained from inside the company and how trust, open talk, and kindness help teams grow. Simon shows how this new way of leading makes people feel safe, work better together, and stay strong in tough times.

Key Topics:

• Human-Centered Leadership: How care, dare, and share help build trust and stronger teams at Alpiq.
• Growing Leaders Inside: Why Alpiq trains its own managers to lead through real experience and coaching.
• Culture Shift: How a shared language and values help create a better work environment.
• Safe to Speak Up: How building trust helps people feel okay to give feedback and challenge ideas.
• Making It Last: How coaching, feedback, and clear values help keep the new culture strong.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[02:30] Simon shares his unique journey from pianist to leadership at Alpiq

[06:14] Alpiq’s shift to purpose and values after years of big change

[09:30] Starting with care, dare, and share: the top 40 leadership journey

[14:49] Creating safety and trust in leadership through shared values

[17:40] Building honest feedback and brave talk into everyday work

[24:15] How coaching is now part of hiring, feedback, and growth

[29:01] What happens when values are ignored and how Alpiq responds

[37:23] Keeping the culture alive with ambassadors and internal coaches

[41:15] Breathing, presence, and small actions that shape leadership

[42:33] Why leadership takes time and why not everyone needs to lead

📚 Resources:

👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/

👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Steven D’Souza, an executive coach, author, and leadership expert. He is Senior Client Partner- Leadership & Professional Development at Korn Ferry. Steven talks about his latest book Shadows at Work, exploring how leaders can grow by understanding their hidden sides. He explains why middle managers are key to healthy workplaces, and how self-awareness, reflection, and wisdom help leaders handle stress, power, and change better.

Steven D’Souza, executive coach and author, shares insights from his new book Shadows at Work, which explores the hidden sides of leaders. He talks about the pressures on middle managers and how doing “shadow work” helps leaders understand their habits, emotions, and triggers. Steven highlights the power of self-awareness, reflection, and curiosity in building strong, honest, and healthy workplaces.

Key Topics:

• Understanding the Shadow: How hidden thoughts, emotions, and habits shape a leader’s actions without them knowing.
• Supporting Middle Managers: Why middle leaders need tools, space, and reflection to handle stress and lead well.
• Leadership and Self-Awareness: How knowing your strengths and blind spots helps you lead with care and wisdom.
• The Role of Power: Why leaders must notice how power affects choices, and avoid letting it cause harm.
• Creating a Safe Culture: How honest feedback, curiosity, and space to grow build strong, healthy teams.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[01:13] Introduction to Steven D’Souza and his leadership journey

[01:58] Why middle managers are under pressure and need more support

[04:31] The return of strongman leadership and its risks in complex times

[06:36] Why people seek simple answers in a complex world

[09:43] What “shadows” means and how it shows up at work

[11:50] The impact of stress and biology on leadership behavior

[15:20] Why leaders need to explore their shadows, not avoid them

[23:51] Steps to help leaders notice projections and triggers at work

[28:15] The role of peer groups and feedback in self-awareness

[33:18] Building brave spaces to speak up and face discomfort

[34:40] Leading through darkness and finding growth in tough times

[40:43] Why middle managers are vital for lasting change and culture

📚 Resources:

👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/

👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ -

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Dr Jacqueline Conway, Founder & Principal Director of Waldencroft. Jacqueline shares insights from her research on executive readiness and the challenges leaders face in a fast-changing world. She explains how senior leaders can work better together, develop the right skills, and prepare their teams for future disruption through smart leadership and teamwork.

Dr Jacqueline Conway, a leadership coach and founder of Waldencroft, shares her journey of helping senior leaders deal with constant change. She talks about her research on executive readiness and how leaders can grow by working together. Jacqueline explains how teamwork, real-time learning, and new thinking can help leaders stay calm, plan ahead, and guide their teams through complex times.

Key Topics:

• Executive Readiness: Why senior leaders need new skills to face constant change and disruption in today’s world.
• Leading as a Team: How leadership at the top works best when done together, not alone.
• Real-Time Development: Why learning while working on real problems helps leaders grow faster.
• Middle Manager Role: The important part mid-level leaders play in spotting change early and keeping teams on track.
• Shifting Leadership Focus: How leaders must change their thinking as they move higher in an organization.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[01:12] Jacqueline shares her background and interest in senior leadership challenges

[02:52] How non-stop disruption is overwhelming today’s executive leaders

[05:48] The three executive readiness gaps: cognitive, relational, and developmental

[07:52] Why traditional leadership training no longer fits today’s fast-changing world

[09:52] The need for collective leadership at the C-suite level

[14:07] Coaching vs. in-context learning: two paths to leadership growth

[19:03] Using futures thinking, moral awareness, and context-based learning

[22:50] Four key leadership shifts: time, task, complexity, and ethics

[25:19] Why clear roles matter at each level of leadership in an organization

[32:52] Ethical risks and lessons from the 2008 financial crisis

[38:32] Balancing control with agency: the need to trust capable mid-level teams

[41:11] Helping C-suite leaders shift focus from doing to leading

[43:01] Coaching leaders through uncertainty and collective work

📚 Resources:

👉...

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar chats with Phoebe Garfinkel, Head of HR at AstraZeneca. With a diverse background, Phoebe talks about her journey from poetry to business, and her experience leading HR teams in a large global company. She shares insights on developing middle managers, the importance of coaching, and how strong leadership skills can shape company culture, drive performance, and enhance employee satisfaction.

Phoebe Garfinkel, Head of HR at AstraZeneca, shares her unique journey from studying poetry to leading HR in a global company. She talks about her passion for developing middle managers, emphasising the importance of coaching, clear communication, and creating an environment where managers can grow. Phoebe explains how strong leadership and emotional intelligence can drive team performance and culture.

Key Topics:

• The Power of Coaching: How building a coaching mindset in managers helps improve team performance and growth.
• Supporting Managers: The importance of developing middle managers to lead effectively and understand their team’s needs.
• Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Why emotionally aware leaders create a positive environment that drives success.
• Clear Communication: How setting clear expectations and giving regular feedback helps teams stay on track.
• Building Strong Team Culture: How leaders shape a team’s culture by focusing on relationships, trust, and open communication.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[02:24] Phoebe shares her background and how her career journey led her to HR and leadership development.

[08:35] The transition from technical roles to management and the challenges of middle managers.

[11:05] Creating a shared vision for managers and aligning them with company values

[20:49] The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it influences team culture.

[23:16] The importance of managing difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback.

[24:25] Building a strong team culture through trust, communication, and coaching.

[30:06] The importance of coaching for managers and how it drives performance and growth.

[31:32] Key takeaways on how to develop effective middle managers for long-term success

[34:12] How leaders can support their teams’ well-being while balancing performance expectations.

📚 Resources:

👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months: https://developingleadersquarterly.com/

👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’:

If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

👉Read the full Zombie Leadership article on Ideas for Leaders here: https://ideasforleaders.com/Ideas/zombie-leadership-outdated-theory-still-creates-hero-leaders/

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Judy Flaschmann, with years of experience in both charity and public sectors. Judy shares the challenges mid-level managers face and why peer support, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence are key to strong leadership today.

Judy Flaschmann, a leadership and development expert, talks about her path from HR studies to leading manager training in a large UK government office. She explains how early experiences in drama and teaching shaped her passion for helping managers grow, and why support, reflection, and mindset shifts matter most in middle leadership roles.

Key Topics:

• The Bridge Role: How middle managers sit between teams and senior leaders, often feeling stuck in between.
• Letting Go: Why stepping up means giving up control and trusting others to do things differently.
• Peer Power: How peer support groups can help managers feel less alone and grow together.
• Mindset Shifts: Why comfort with change, tension, and unclear answers is key to leading well.
• Real Growth: The need for leaders to reflect, connect, and protect time for their own learning.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Teaser

[00:02:00] Judy shares her early path into HR and how a volunteer workshop shifted her focus to learning and development

[00:04:24] Moving from small charities to national roles and how remote work helped shape her hybrid training experience

[00:06:38] Judy explores the real challenges of stepping into middle management and the shift in needed skills

[00:13:55] The "bridge" analogy: Judy explains how middle managers live between senior leaders and teams

[00:17:55] Why relationships and influence, not control are key for middle leaders to succeed and grow

[00:19:35] Judy unpacks the value of peer groups and shared identity in managing emotional work and pressure

[00:26:53] Supporting middle managers: balancing operations with strategy and building system awareness

[00:33:35] The human side of leadership, emotions, mindset shifts, and building habits for long-term growth

[00:34:58] Why reflection never ends and how every transition is a new leadership test

📚 Resources:

👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months -