Become a Global Leader

Victoria Rennoldson
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Become a Global Leader is the podcast for ambitious professionals and leaders who want to increase their influence, visibility and impact across cultures. Succeeding as a global leader takes more than expertise. It takes the confidence to make your voice heard, the clarity to communicate what matters, and the Cultural Intelligence to build trust with people who may think, work and lead differently. Hosted by Victoria Rennoldson, CEO and Founder of Culture Cuppa and author of the book, Become a Global Leader, each episode explores the human side of global leadership, with fresh thinking and practical insights on confidence, influence, trust and connection across cultures. A top 10 UK careers podcast, ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. Lead confidently. Communicate clearly. Connect across cultures.

  1. 6 days ago

    191 - The Hidden Alignment Problem in Teams

    What if the reason your assignment is stuck is that there is a lack of alignment on the issue? I speak regularly with professionals who are under constant pressure to move at pace, demonstrate progress and deliver tangible and visible solutions. Yet in that rush to act, teams can easily jump into solutions before they have properly aligned on the problem they are trying to solve. In this podcast episode, I explore why better answers start with better questions, and why problem alignment is often skipped in the move to create momentum. I look at what happens when key decision-makers appear to be discussing the same mission, but are actually working from very different assumptions about its purpose and measure of success.  And this is not just a delivery issue because when stakeholders are not aligned on the problem, time is wasted, frustration builds and the team can feel as if they are looping backwards to initial phases which they thought they had completed.  This becomes even more complex in global and diverse teams, where different behavioural preferences, communication styles and cultural norms can influence how people define problems in the first place, express disagreement, manage risk, and their bias for action. What you will learn in this episode: Why teams often jump into solutions before agreeing on the real problem The individual and team impact of misalignment  The aligning challenge - defining the problem The culturally driven behavioural preferences that influence how people approach projects  Which cultural factors can create the greatest resistance, friction and misalignment How uncertainty avoidance can shape how people respond to risk The clarity questions you can use before moving into implementation Where might you be jumping into solutions before agreeing on the problem? How could cultural intelligence help you notice the hidden misalignment before it becomes an issue? Resources: The topics from today's podcast feature in Pillar 2 Clarity and Pillar 4 Cultural Intelligence from Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader. Explore deeper, get your copy: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Talk to Victoria about your team's communication and cultural challenges : https://culturecuppa.com/contact/ Read this Episode's Blog post here: Are you solving the wrong problem? https://culturecuppa.com/are-you-solving-the-wrong-problem/

    191 - The Hidden Alignment Problem in Teams

  2. 24 Jul

    190 - Encouragement is Where Courage Begins with Helen Gibson MBE

    What happens when encouragement becomes a leadership capability, not just a nice thing to do? According to Helen Gibson MBE, encouragement is not soft or superficial, it is where we get our courage from. Many leaders and ambitious professionals are navigating what Helen calls 'the porridge (oatmeal) of life', those thick, heavy moments where progress feels slow, energy is low, you're losing momentum, and the way forward is not always clear. In complex organisations and uncertain times, this can show up as pressure, decision fatigue, or simply feeling stuck.  This is when encouragement is needed, as something we can practise, notice, capture and offer to others, not just receive.  In this conversation with Helen Gibson MBE, award-winning global entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, coach, international business leadership expert and author of 'Go for Goosebumps', we explore how encouragement can help individuals, teams and organisations move forward through difficult moments. Helen's leadership experience spans complex transformation programmes for governments around the world, including counter-terrorism, corruption, cybercrime, health crises and justice reform. As the former CEO of her family business, she led values-driven frontline change across nearly 30 countries for clients including the UK Government, the NHS, the EU and the United Nations. Recognised with an MBE for services to international trade, Helen brings deep experience in resilience, international business, women in leadership and meaningful change. What you will learn in this episode: Why encouragement matters in leadership, especially now How experiencing goosebumps (shivers of excitement) can signal momentum What happens when we get stuck in the 'porridge (oatmeal) of life' Her traffic light model to help you know where to move forward Showing people you care before trying to prove what you know How stories and legacy questions help people reconnect with what matters What to do if you have no time for the perfect pause 'Victories folders' to help build your evidence for confidence  How leaders can best encourage themselves and others  Where are you currently walking through 'the porridge of life'? What signs of encouragement might you be missing? How could you encourage someone else this week? Resources: Connect with Helen Gibson on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helengibsonmbe Visit Helen Gibson's website: https://www.helengibsonmbe.com Find Helen Gibson's book 'Go for Goosebumps!': https://www.waterstones.com/book/go-for-goosebumps/helen-gibson/9781806340316 Listen to Helen Gibson's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtbMDM33q2s Find out more about Victoria's strategic communication programmes: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals / Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Read this Episode's Blog post here: Why Encouragement is a Leadership Capability: https://culturecuppa.com/why-encouragement-is-a-leadership-capability/

    190 - Encouragement is Where Courage Begins with Helen Gibson MBE

  3. 17 Jul

    189 - The Hidden Reality of Senior Leadership

    What happens when senior leaders have the conversations they rarely get to have? Many senior leaders carry questions, pressures and responsibilities that are not always visible from the outside. They may be managing organisational change, complex teams, at the same time as personal and family commitments and challenges. While they juggle difficult decisions, there is the pressure to appear composed, even when they are working things out themselves. In this podcast episode, I share my reflections and observations from my first senior leader dinner, a confidential and intimate evening for women leaders to come together, put job titles and organisations aside, and have a different kind of conversation about the realities of leadership today. This was not a networking evening, a general catch up, or even a formal leadership event. It was a space for honest conversation, good food, peer connection and deeper thinking in a very special experience. Respecting the confidentiality of the room, I draw on the broad themes that emerged from the dinner, exploring why leadership and life are not separate conversations, why senior leaders need trusted spaces to share, and how behaviours, language and signalling can shape the culture experienced by the people they lead. What you will learn in this episode: Why senior leaders need spaces for honest conversations beyond the usual networking places The human realities of leadership that are often hidden beneath visible exteriors Why leadership and life are not separate conversations How the work-life blend can be a more useful idea than work-life balance The opportunity to 'give permission' through signalling behaviour How language can reveal hidden assumptions about women in leadership The value of confidential peer spaces where leaders can share honestly Where do you currently go to have open conversations about the realities of your leadership? What are you carrying as a leader that is invisible to others? Resources: Who do you know who would value Victoria's next senior leader dinner for women? DM Victoria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Talk to Victoria about global leadership coaching:https://culturecuppa.com/contact/ Read this Episode's Blog post here: The Conversations Senior Leaders Rarely Have: https://culturecuppa.com/the-conversations-senior-leaders-rarely-have/

    189 - The Hidden Reality of Senior Leadership

  4. 10 Jul

    188 - Leadership is an Apprenticeship with Helen Brocklebank

    What does it take to grow into leadership? Leadership can look impressive from the title, but the reality is often far more complex. It can mean making decisions without having all the insight, shouldering responsibility without certainty, holding competing stakeholder needs, and recognising when the path you once wanted is no longer the right one. In this conversation with Helen Brocklebank, Chief Executive of Walpole, the sector body for the UK's leading luxury brands, we explore leadership as an evolving apprenticeship rather than the end goal or title you finally achieve. Since becoming Chief Executive in 2017, Helen has led significant growth and transformation, strengthening Walpole's advocacy, sustainability leadership and industry influence. She spearheaded the British Luxury Sustainability Manifesto, and serves on the Board of the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Women in Business Committee. Helen shares openly how a long-held ambition to run her own business ultimately taught her that success on paper does not always mean alignment in practice. That experience became a pivotal moment in understanding her values, strengths and the kind of leadership role in which she could make her greatest contribution. Together, we explore why leadership starts with knowing yourself, why physical strength, creativity and cultural curiosity can support better decision-making, and why listening is the essential first step in communication, storytelling and stakeholder influence. A core thought that emerged from this conversation- every role, relationship and difficult experience can become part of your leadership apprenticeship if you are willing to notice what it is teaching you. What you will learn in this episode: How to recognise when career ambitions no longer align with your strengths, values or wellbeing Why self-leadership is the foundation for leading others effectively The role strength, energy and personal habits play in sustaining leadership performance How your learning can strengthen empathy, problem-solving and strategic thinking Storytelling is fundamental to leadership How listening helps leaders unlock challenging situations The role of candid, uncomfortable conversations  Why leadership is a behaviour, not a job title What is your current role teaching you as part of your 'leadership apprenticeship'? Resources: Connect with Helen Brocklebank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbrocklebank/ Find out more about Victoria's strategic communication programmes:https://culturecuppa.com/individuals / Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Read this episode's Blog post: Leadership: the Journey, not the Job Title

    188 - Leadership is an Apprenticeship with Helen Brocklebank

  5. 3 Jul

    187 - Creating Clarity in Uncertainty

    What happens when leaders can no longer offer certainty? Many professionals I speak to are navigating continuous waves of change with organisational restructures, constantly shifting priorities, AI changing ways of working, economic uncertainty and changing customer expectations all part of everyday working life. For many, it feels less like steering towards a destination on the high waves, constantly adjusting course, with no chance of calm seas. In this podcast episode, I explore one of the biggest questions that I hear emerging: how do leaders create certainty for their teams when nobody can confidently predict what comes next? As teams adapt to permanent change, leadership itself is changing too. The old expectation that leaders should always have the answers is not realistic.  Drawing on reflections from the recent CIPD Festival of Work conference, conversations with senior leaders and my own coaching work, I explore why your clarity has become one of the most important leadership skills in uncertain times. What you will learn in this episode: Why uncertainty means leaders have to be like Wimbledon tennis players  The difference between creating certainty and creating clarity How leaders can communicate direction honestly, while acknowledging what is still unknown Experimentation - a more effective leadership mindset than forecasting  The importance of alignment, communication consistency and transparency when priorities are changing What your team need most from you The questions you can answer to create clarity How the 4 Pillars of Global Leader Communication can help you through uncertainty  How can you create greater clarity for your team this week? Resources: Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more leadership communication, confidence and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Talk to Victoria about leadership coaching: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

  6. 26 Jun

    186 - Finding Your Voice with Gill McKay

    What does it mean to find your voice? Your ability to communicate confidently, influence others and share your perspective has never been more important, yet finding your voice is far more than about being a confident public speaker. It is about recognising the value of your contribution and having the confidence to share it. In this empowering conversation with Gill McKay, award-winning TEDx speaker, author and speaker coach, we explore what it means to find your voice and why so many people struggle to do so, and end up 'staying small'. With a background in neuroscience, Gill has helped hundreds of people overcome their imposter syndrome to share their ideas and stories with greater impact. She is passionate about helping people recognise that their views and messages matter, and that they can create an impetus for change through sharing their voice. Together, we explore the internal narratives that cause people to play small, the impact of dominant voices in teams, and why curiosity, confidence and a reframe on service can help people move beyond fear and self-doubt. Gill's message rings clear- your voice matters.  What you will learn in this episode: Why capable professionals hold themselves back from speaking How organisational culture can influence who speaks and who stays silent Confidence is built through action, rather than waiting until you feel ready The mindset shift that can move you forward  How curiosity can help you overcome fear, self-doubt and limiting beliefs The role of silence, listening and thoughtful contribution in effective communication Where might you be holding back a perspective that could add value? Resources: Connect with Gill McKay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillmckay/ Watch Gill McKay's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewwAAYxPfRQ Join Gill McKay's Speak and Shine Summit: https://kieradair.com/speak-and-shine-summit/ Find out more about Victoria's strategic communication programmes: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals / Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

  7. 19 Jun

    185 - Why being Heard Starts Before you Enter the Room

    What if being heard was not about speaking more? Many professionals I work with tell me they want to be more vocal in meetings, contribute with greater confidence, and ensure their ideas are recognised.  Yet beneath those goals often sits a deeper challenge. It is not a lack of expertise, experience or valuable ideas. It is the hesitation, the overthinking and the fear of judgement, and even the question of whether their perspective is good enough to share.  This is the uncertainty that comes before your contribution ever surfaces. Maybe you recognise this too? In this podcast episode, I explore why being heard starts long before you enter the meeting room. We look at what creates the opportunity for others to listen to you, and why waiting for permission, certainty, or the perfect moment may be holding you back more than you realise. This is a simple but powerful shift- being heard is not about speaking more. It is about recognising the value of your contribution, trusting yourself to make it, and crafting your own conditions for your voice to have impact. What you will learn in this episode: Why the challenge isn't your communication How fear, overthinking and perfectionism can quietly stop you from contributing A practical way to deal with the doubts before important conversations How clarity creates confidence The hidden cost of staying silent How to tap into leadership presence  Strengthen your presence and influence in meetings One of the strongest themes throughout this episode is that many professionals are already capable, experienced and knowledgeable enough to credibly share their ideas.  The challenge is not capability, but permission, specifically the permission we do or do not give ourselves. Ultimately, being heard is not about waiting for the perfect moment, it is about trusting yourself enough to create it. What valuable perspective, idea or challenge might your team be missing if you remain silent? Resources: Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more leadership communication, confidence and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Talk to Victoria about leadership coaching:https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

  8. 12 Jun

    184 - Pushing through is not resilience, with Julian Roberts

    What does resilience really look like? I meet many professionals today who are navigating wave after wave of change: Reorganisations, shifting priorities, business uncertainty, technological disruption and growing pressure to do more with less have become familiar features of organisational life. Yet while resilience is frequently talked about, it is often misunderstood. In this conversation with Julian Roberts, executive coach, author and host of the Helping Organisations Thrive podcast, we explore what resilience really means for leaders and teams operating in increasingly fragmented environments. After a 20-year career in senior roles at global organisations including Heinz, Yoplait and Johnson & Johnson, Julian founded Julian Roberts Consulting, specialising in helping leaders and teams thrive under pressure. He is the creator of the Team Resilience Diagnostic Tool and author of Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams. Together, we discuss why resilience is not about simply pushing through adversity, why 'grit' can sometimes become counterproductive, and how leaders can create the conditions for individuals and teams to navigate uncertainty more effectively. At the heart of this conversation is an important shift in perspective. Resilience is not a fixed trait that some people possess and others lack. It is a capability that can be developed, strengthened and intentionally cultivated, both individually and collectively. What you will learn in this episode: Why uncertainty and constant change are creating new leadership challenges for teams The difference between healthy resilience and what Julian describes as 'toxic resilience' Why resilience is not about simply working harder or pushing through difficulty Practical habits that help strengthen personal resilience, including gratitude, mindfulness and community How leaders can create greater resilience through purpose, meaning and clarity Why understanding the psychology of change helps leaders support people more effectively How diversity of thought strengthens a team's ability to navigate uncertainty and solve complex problems Why healthy challenge and critical thinking are essential leadership capabilities in today's workplace One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is that resilience is not about individual toughness. Many organisations focus on helping individuals become more resilient, but resilient teams are created through something different. Purpose, trust, psychological safety, challenge, diverse perspectives and strong relationships all play a role in helping teams perform well under pressure. Ultimately, resilience is not about avoiding storms, it is about developing the capability to navigate them with greater clarity, adaptability and confidence. When faced with uncertainty, do you tend to push through harder, or create space to learn, reflect and adapt? What practices could help you strengthen your own resilience and support the resilience of those around you? Resources: Connect with Julian Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesroberts/ Learn more about Julian's book, 'Weathering the Storm': https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2 Listen to Julian Roberts' podcast: https://www.julianrobertsconsulting.com/podcast-1 Find out more about Victoria's leadership and Cultural Intelligence programmes: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/ Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration:https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

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About

Become a Global Leader is the podcast for ambitious professionals and leaders who want to increase their influence, visibility and impact across cultures. Succeeding as a global leader takes more than expertise. It takes the confidence to make your voice heard, the clarity to communicate what matters, and the Cultural Intelligence to build trust with people who may think, work and lead differently. Hosted by Victoria Rennoldson, CEO and Founder of Culture Cuppa and author of the book, Become a Global Leader, each episode explores the human side of global leadership, with fresh thinking and practical insights on confidence, influence, trust and connection across cultures. A top 10 UK careers podcast, ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. Lead confidently. Communicate clearly. Connect across cultures.

Information

  • Creator
    Victoria Rennoldson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Culture Cuppa Ltd
  • Show Website
    Become a Global Leader

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