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  • Go to War With the Army You've Got With Dr. Brian EA “Beam” Maue

    Go to War With the Army You've Got With Dr. Brian EA “Beam” Maue
    2025/07/21
    We're dipping into the archives for one of our most popular episodes! Andy Lopata revisits his fascinating conversation with Dr. Beam Maue, co-founder of AFWERX, the innovation mission within the US Air Force. How do you build a forward-thinking, agile community within one of the world's most hierarchical organisations? Dr. Brian shares the incredible story of how AFWERX grew from just five people into an award-winning ecosystem that connected with over 700 new small businesses, many of whom had never worked with the government before. This episode is a masterclass in leading change from within. Dr. Brian explains his philosophy of "going to war with the army you've got," empowering the team you have rather than wishing for another. He shares powerful stories, from a pig farmer's innovative soap to navigating Pentagon red tape, illustrating how to manage the environment for innovation, not the innovation itself. Tune in to learn how to foster experimentation, build momentum through short-term wins, and lead with a "faeces umbrella" to protect your team. Key Takeaways Lead the Team You Have: You must work with the people and resources available, not the ones you wish you had. The key is to identify and play to their existing strengths. Manage the Environment, Not the Innovation: A leader’s role isn’t to direct every innovative step but to create a safe environment where experimentation, learning, and even small-scale failures are encouraged. Empower Your Experts: Trust the experts on your team. Instead of dictating their goals, give them the space to define the strategy and tell you what’s needed for success. Stories and Short-Term Wins Build Momentum: Data is forgettable, but stories stick. Highlight short-term wins to prove the value of your mission, build belief, and attract support from sceptical stakeholders. Flow Like Water Around Bureaucracy: When facing bureaucratic obstacles, seek out allies who interpret rules with an "if it's not illegal" mindset. Don't waste energy on pockets of resistance; pivot to where there is less friction. Actionable Insights What can a pig farmer’s special soap teach a high-tech military organisation about the true source of innovation? How can you transform a team that’s been told “there are no additional personnel” into a globally-ranked best place to work for innovators? What does it mean to be a "faeces umbrella" for your team, and why is it one of a leader's most critical (and unglamorous) roles? Tune in to learn more. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter YouTube Connect with Daniela Landher: LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 121 Featuring Dr. Beam
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    20 分
  • The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian

    The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian
    2025/07/14
    In this episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his insightful conversation with the ultimate super-connector, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Andy introduces the concept of the “Gottian Sphere” to explore Ruth's phenomenal generosity with her network and why she believes in an abundance mentality. They examine the principle of "know, like, and trust," stressing that genuine relationships are never transactional—you must give long before you ever consider taking. Ruth explains how shared experiences and vulnerability can rapidly deepen connections, even in a virtual world. Discover the mindset of an extreme high-achiever who has built a world-class network not by hoarding contacts, but by thoughtfully and generously sharing them. This episode is a masterclass in building authentic, lasting professional relationships that open doors for everyone involved. 5 Key Takeaways The "Know, Like, and Trust" Principle is Non-Negotiable: Introductions carry weight. Dr. Gotian only connects people she genuinely knows, likes, and trusts, creating "associated trust" that gives the new relationship a strong foundation. Give Before You Take: A strong network is built on generosity, not transactions. Offer value and build the relationship over a long period before ever thinking of asking for something in return. Shared Vulnerability Accelerates Connection: The deepest bonds are often formed when the professional mask drops. As seen in her "shared misery" pandemic group, being authentic and vulnerable builds trust faster than any formal networking event. Deep Connections Don't Require Physical Presence: Meaningful, trusting relationships can be built entirely online. Consistency, shared values, and genuine interest are more important than meeting in person. Turn a Request into an Offer: When asking for an introduction, phrase it to benefit the person you're asking. Frame it as an opportunity for their contact 3 Actionable Insights When you make an introduction, your reputation is on the line. Are you making your connections feel safe by giving them an "out" and asking permission before connecting them? Dr. Gotian found a clever, non-demanding reason to initiate contact with a respected peer. What's the overlooked "hook" you could use to start a genuine conversation with someone you admire? Everyone wants an introduction to a key person, but most ask in a way that gets them ignored. What if you could reframe your request so it’s focused entirely on the other person’s interests, making it almost impossible for them to say no? SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Dr. Ruth Gotian: Website |LinkedIn | Navigating the Gotiansphere with Ruth Gotian The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    23 分
  • The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu

    The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu
    2025/07/07
    In a world where disrespect and division are increasingly normalised, how can leaders navigate difficult conversations and transform conflict into connection? This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast tackles this critical challenge head-on as Andy Lopata welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu. A dynamic speaker and author, Justin guides individuals and organisations to their peak potential through meaningful work, inclusive mindsets, and the art of respectful disagreement. Justin argues that the "social isolation theory", amplified by social media, has seeped from our global discourse into the workplace, creating dynamics like "disrespectful agreement"—where politeness masks underlying dissent. This erodes trust and stifles innovation. The conversation explores how leaders can counteract this by proactively building psychological safety and shifting from a passive "open-door policy" to an active "out-the-door policy" to intentionally build relational capital. At the core of the discussion are Justin’s five powerful pillars for bridging divides: Challenge Your Perspective, Be the Student, Cultivate Your Curiosity, Seek the Grey, and Agree to Respect. He provides a masterclass in moving beyond a win-lose mentality, emphasising that curiosity is the engine for understanding and that finding common ground is more crucial than seeking a middle ground. From the cultural nuances of disagreement in global teams to the power of a leader's apology, this episode is packed with profound insights and practical frameworks. Discover how to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth, humanise your interactions, and build a culture where challenging conversations strengthen, rather than sever, professional relationships. What we discussed: The Echo Chamber's Invasion: What if the distance created by our screens and societal echo chambers is actively teaching us to dehumanise our colleagues? The Agreeable Dissenter: Are your team's nods of agreement hiding a culture of silent, simmering dissent known as "disrespectful agreement"? The Leader's Journey: Why is the traditional "open-door policy" a passive failure, and what is the proactive alternative that builds authentic connection? Beyond Black and White: When two sides are locked in opposition, what is the innovative "grey" space that most leaders fail to see? The Power of the Pre-Workout: How can intentionally seeking out different perspectives before a conflict arises become your most effective tool for handling it? Actionable Insights: Embark on the "Out the Door" Expedition: Discover how to transform the failed "open-door policy" into an active leadership ritual. Learn the 15-minute weekly habit that builds profound relational capital and makes your team feel truly seen. Unlock the Code for Candour: Find out the simple, powerful phrase you can use to "prime the pump" for respectful disagreement in any meeting, instantly creating the psychological safety needed for your team to share what they really think. Master the Quest for "The Grey": When stuck in a debate, learn how to escape the black-and-white battle. We reveal the technique for "Seeking the Grey" to find the hidden common ground that holds the key to innovative solutions, not just empty compromises. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube Rebel Ideas, Matthew Syed Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together, William Isaacs Fail Fast, Learn Fast With Daniela Landherr The Right Kind of Wrong with Dr Amy Edmondson The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    52 分
  • The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett

    The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett
    2025/06/30
    Are you constantly drowning in a sea of emails, back-to-back meetings, and an endless to-do list? Do you end the day feeling exhausted but not truly productive? You're not just busy; you're caught in the "crazy busy" trap—and it's costing you the relationships that fuel long-term success. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by leadership coach and author of The Crazy Busy Cure, Zena Everett, to diagnose and solve this modern epidemic. Zena breaks down why so many professionals prioritise urgent but unimportant tasks (the "field mice") over the high-impact activities that truly move the needle (the "antelopes"). This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone in a client-facing or business development role who wants to shift from a reactive state of "doing" to a proactive state of "achieving". In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The "Antelope vs Field Mice" Principle: A powerful mindset shift to help you distinguish between high-value priorities and minor distractions. · How to Schedule "Power Hours": A practical method for protecting your most productive time for deep, focused work. · The Art of Setting Boundaries: Learn how to say "no" gracefully and communicate your availability to reclaim control of your calendar. · Taming Your Digital Leash: Simple but effective techniques to minimise time wasted on unnecessary emails, notifications, and social media. · From "Busy" to "Connected": Why scheduling time for relationship-building is a non-negotiable for innovation, career growth, and business success. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Zena Everett: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 179 Featuring Daniela Landher
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    21 分
  • How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg

    How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg
    2025/06/23
    Your career success depends on more than just your skills—it's built on the strength of your relationships. In this classic episode from the archives, Andy Lopata and MIT instructor Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, break down the art of strategic networking inside your organisation. Discover why your internal connections are your greatest asset for unlocking hidden opportunities, gaining influence, and accelerating your career path. This is a masterclass in turning everyday interactions into a powerful professional advantage. In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The Internal Goldmine: Why your internal network is a rich source of information, resources, and career-defining opportunities. · The Motivation Secret: How to achieve seamless collaboration and build influence by aligning with what truly motivates your colleagues. · Mastering Your Reputation: How to proactively manage the way you're perceived to build trust, authority, and credibility. · Authentic Advocacy: Techniques for genuine self-promotion that get you noticed for the right reasons, without feeling forced. · The Power of Diversity: The strategic advantage of building a diverse network across different departments and seniority levels. Actionable Insights: · Influence >Authority: Real influence isn't about your title; it's about understanding and aligning with the goals of others. · Your Reputation is Built Daily: Actively manage how you are perceived in every meeting andemail—don't leave it to chance. · Advocate for Your Value: If you don't share your own wins, you can't expect others to see them. Learn to do it authentically. · Break Out of Your Silo: A diverse network is your best defence against blind spots and a catalyst for innovation. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Mark Herschberg: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 116 Featuring Mark Herschberg
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    29 分
  • The Power of Storytelling, Humour and Human Connection with Dr Bob Lefkowitz

    The Power of Storytelling, Humour and Human Connection with Dr Bob Lefkowitz
    2025/06/16
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata goes back to the archive to his interview with Nobel Laureate Dr Bob Lefkowitz where they discussed the power of storytelling and humour in science, mentorship, and leadership. Drawing from his memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, Bob shares captivating anecdotes, including the unforgettable moment his daughter got engaged at the Nobel Banquet. He emphasises how storytelling transforms raw data into compelling narratives, influencing both scientific discovery and clinical practice. Bob also explores how humour fosters creativity, strengthens relationships, and enhances communication. As a mentor to over 200 scientists, he highlights the importance of personal connection, fun, and role modelling in developing future leaders. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in humour, professional relationships, and the balance between collaboration and competition in achieving success. Key Takeaways: 1. Storytelling Shapes Understanding: Presenting data through different narrative structures can lead to new insights and more engaging communication in both science and leadership. 2. Humour Enhances Creativity: Using humour in professional settings boosts creativity, strengthens relationships, and makes messages more memorable. 3. Self-Awareness Matters: Know whether you’re naturally funny or not—humour should feel authentic; forced jokes can backfire. 4. Connection Drives Mentorship: Building personal rapport, showing empathy, and sharing stories are essential in mentoring future leaders. 5. Cultural Sensitivity is Key: Be mindful of cultural differences when communicating, especially regarding humour and audience engagement styles. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Dr Bob Lefkowitz: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 127 Featuring Dr Bob Lefkowitz
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    31 分
  • How Storytelling Shapes Culture and Connection with Lee Cockrell

    How Storytelling Shapes Culture and Connection with Lee Cockrell
    2025/06/09
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his episode with Lee Cockrell, former Executive Vice President of Operations at Disney World. Andy and Lee discuss the power of storytelling in leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience at Disney, Lee highlights how storytelling is deeply embedded in Disney’s culture, shaping everything from guest experiences to employee training. He emphasises that storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a strategic tool that connects emotionally, conveys values, and drives engagement. Lee also shares insights on how leaders can use personal stories, including their vulnerabilities and failures, to build trust and inspire teams. He offers practical tips for incorporating storytelling into everyday communication, stressing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and visual elements. They finish with reflections on how organisations must align their actions with their stories to maintain trust and reputation in today’s digital world. Key Takeaways: 1. Storytelling is a powerful leadership tool that engages hearts and minds more effectively than facts or presentations. 2. Authenticity matters—sharing personal struggles and failures builds trust and relatability. 3. Every employee plays a role in the organisational story, much like cast members in a show. 4. Visuals and attention to detail enhance storytelling and shape memorable experiences. 5. Organisational stories must align with real-world experiences to maintain credibility and reputation. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website |Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Lee Cockrell: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 140 Lee Cockrell
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    32 分
  • Connecting Through Pitching with Jenna Dominique

    Connecting Through Pitching with Jenna Dominique
    2025/06/02
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes guest Jenna Dominique, a pitch and communication expert, working with over 2,000 teams and individuals to become influential, high impact communicators. After starting her career as a broadcast journalist, Jenna’s dynamic background has led her to work with ambitious entrepreneurs to boards of directors, startups to global corporations. An international speaker and event host, she uses her breadth of experience to deliver highly practical support to every audience she works with. She is also a hugely passionate adventurer and co-founder of DAT adventures, running unique retreats for ambitious individuals that want to progress personally and professionally Andy & Jenna explore the importance of pitching in various professional contexts, from sales to networking and interviews. Jenna emphasises that pitching is not limited to formal presentations but is something everyone does daily—whether introducing oneself or articulating value in a conversation. Jenna highlights key strategies for preparing an impactful pitch, starting with researching the audience to tailor the message effectively. She stresses the importance of focusing on benefits and outcomes to make the pitch resonate personally with the listener. Their discussion also touches on the logistics of pitching, such as understanding the format (in-person or online) and time constraints. A significant portion of the conversation centres on the much-maligned "elevator pitch". Jenna advocates for a more conversational approach, encouraging listeners to engage their audience with questions and storytelling rather than reciting a rigid script. She introduces the concept of the "corridor of conversation", where each response opens a door to deeper engagement, allowing the conversation to develop naturally. Jenna also shares insights on how to create a compelling slide deck for formal pitches, emphasising "less is more" and the power of storytelling. She advises crafting slides that complement the speaker, ensuring the presenter remains essential to the message. The episode concludes with Andy explaining how he uses the Rule of Three when planning presentations. What we discussed: 1. Tailoring Your Pitch: Adapting your message to suit the audience's needs and context. 2. Storytelling & Engagement: Using stories and questions to build connection and keep the audience engaged. 3. Authenticity: Being genuine and true to yourself to foster trust and rapport. 4. Slide Deck Design: Keeping visuals minimal and complementary, enhancing rather than overshadowing the presenter. 5. Follow-Up & Relationship Building: Ensuring the conversation continues after the pitch to nurture long-term connections. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Jenna Dominique: Website |LinkedIn The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    53 分