Fall Forward

Blend

The podcast that normalises failure and celebrates the lessons leaders have learnt through their careers. With the pace of change, new technology, and pressure to perform, it has never been harder to be a leader. Failure is inevitable, yet it’s frequently perceived as a setback rather than the key to growth. Join us as industry leaders share their professional journey, the highs, lows, failures, and resilience. Fall Forward is part of Blend, the executive membership community built for executive leaders from the world's largest enterprises. Learn more at www.joinblend.com

  1. 11/12/2025

    Former CIO of BNY: The Storytelling Leader, The New Leadership Playbook in an AI-Drive World

    In this episode of Fall Forward, Siddhartha Bala offers a powerful and refreshing look at what modern leadership truly requires. He shares why failure should be embraced rather than avoided, how risk shapes both startups and Wall Street, and why the best leaders stay grounded in their values.Siddhartha explains how a human-centered approach to technology and AI can strengthen teams, and why storytelling remains one of the most overlooked tools in leadership. He also explores what it means to create a culture where people feel safe to experiment, take chances, and grow. Along the way, we dive into personal reflection, navigating career transitions, and the mindset needed to build an entrepreneurial spirit within any team.If you’re a founder, leader, or simply someone committed to personal and professional growth, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with greater courage, clarity, and intention.Listen to FF on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BlendCommunityApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    49 min

  2. 11/12/2025

    CFO of Paramount: Clarity in Chaos, How Liz Wright Leads Through Change

    What does it really take to lead through transformation? In this episode of Fall Forward, Paramount CFO Liz Wright shares her insights on modern leadership, from navigating uncertainty and driving profitability, to building trust and leading with empathy. Liz explores how clarity and listening can build influence, why delegation is key to scaling leadership, and how kindness can be a real superpower in business. She reflects on balancing global responsibilities with personal wellbeing, and why change is a capability, not a crisis. This episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to lead with authenticity, clarity, and impact. Listen to FF on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BlendCommunityApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    48 min
  3. Kate Sotsenko: The Busyness Dilemma, A New Lens on Productivity

    20/08/2025

    Kate Sotsenko: The Busyness Dilemma, A New Lens on Productivity

    Are we actually being productive, or are we just keeping ourselves busy? In this episode, we sit down with Kate Sotsenko to talk about the “busyness dilemma” and why so many leaders wear long hours and endless to-do lists like a badge of honor. We dig into the difference between activity and true productivity, the role of clear goals in good leadership, and why self-actualization isn’t just a personal journey but a leadership one.Kate opens up about her experiences with burnout and what she’s learned along the way, and together we explore how leaders can create environments where teams thrive without sacrificing well-being. From asking better questions to doing less in order to achieve more, this conversation is all about rethinking the way we approach leadership and success.If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, struggled to balance pressure with purpose, or wondered how to foster a healthier team culture, this episode will give you both perspective and practical advice.Listen to FF on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0det-1a3XxlNgxdgFQ4nKwApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    43 min
  4. Allyson Stewart-Allen: Leadership Lessons Across Borders

    01/07/2025

    Allyson Stewart-Allen: Leadership Lessons Across Borders

    In this episode of Fall Forward, international business expert and author Allyson Stewart-Allen unpacks why failure isn’t just inevitable in leadership and marketing, it's essential. From global expansion gone wrong to cross-cultural misunderstandings, Allyson makes a compelling case for embracing failure as a path to growth, clarity, and resilience. We explore how cultural assumptions shape leadership styles, why hiring for attitude beats hiring for skills, and how leaders can navigate the complexities of international business with curiosity and care. Allyson shares insights on communication differences between the UK and US, the impact of geopolitical shifts, and the daily practices that keep leaders grounded in uncertain times. This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, culture, and the future of marketing in an AI-driven world. Trust us, you’ll want to hear this one. Listen to FF on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0det-1a3XxlNgxdgFQ4nKw/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    52 min
  5. Graham Allcott: Leading with Empathy, not Ego

    20/06/2025

    Graham Allcott: Leading with Empathy, not Ego

    In this episode of Fall Forward, productivity expert and author Graham Allcott challenges the traditional view of leadership by making a bold case for kindness as a strategic advantage. Far from being a soft or secondary trait, Graham shows how kindness fuels psychological safety, team trust, and long-term performance.We explore how empathy can transform workplace culture, why self-kindness is essential for leadership, and how leaders can balance tough decisions with genuine care. Graham shares career stories and practical insights on creating cultures where innovation thrives, feedback is delivered with grace, and people feel safe to grow and fail.Wherever you are in your leadership journey, this conversation will reshape how you think about productivity, team dynamics, and leadership itself. Don't miss it.Listen to FF on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0det-1a3XxlNgxdgFQ4nKwApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    54 min
  6. CEO of Fujitsu Americas: Unlocking the Power of Human-Centered Growth

    14/05/2025

    CEO of Fujitsu Americas: Unlocking the Power of Human-Centered Growth

    What does it take to lead in a world shaped by uncertainty, remote work, and rapid tech change? In the latest episode of Fall Forward, we had a chat with Asif Poonja, CEO of Fujitsu Americas, who shares how human-centered leadership, strong values, and cross-cultural understanding have guided his path. We dive into the importance of feedback, and how to integrate AI without losing human connection. Alongside unpacking the role of failure in shaping resilient leaders and sharing candid stories of his career challenges to CEO. If you're a leader trying to navigate the ever changing tech landscape, this episode is a must-watch. Listen to FF on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0det-1a3XxlNgxdgFQ4nKwApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    51 min

  7. 30/04/2025

    Richard Harris: Navigating Neurodiversity in Modern Leadership

    On this episode of Fall Forward, we sit down with Richard Harris, Chief Legal Officer at Robert Walters, for a raw and thoughtful conversation on what leadership really looks like - real moments, missed calls, and all. Richard opens up about how failure has shaped leadership journey, and why emotional intelligence, accountability, and self-awareness matter more than ever in high-pressure roles. From the dynamics of the boardroom to the challenges of advocating for neurodiversity, Richard brings a refreshing honesty to topics many leaders shy away from. If you're a leader navigating complexity, driving change, or simply trying to lead with more purpose, this episode is for you.

    49 min
  8. Louise Scott: How AI, Sustainability, and Honest Leadership Will Shape the Future

    20/03/2025

    Louise Scott: How AI, Sustainability, and Honest Leadership Will Shape the Future

    In this episode of the Fall Forward podcast, we’re joined by Louise Scott, COO of Sustainability at PwC, for an insightful conversation on leadership, sustainability, and the evolving role of AI.Louise shares her perspectives on embracing failure as part of growth, the importance of honesty in leadership, and how encouraging ownership of mistakes within teams can lead to innovation. She also discusses the necessity of understanding the source of power used by AI, the efficiency it brings, and how it should complement human work rather than replace it.We dive into the key idea that companies truly committed to sustainability will be the ones to thrive in the future, and how the sustainability cause has progressed since “the person sat at the end of the corridor, with no support”. Louise also talks about the challenges of cross-functional alignment, emphasizing the role of honesty and collaboration in problem-solving. In this candid discussion, we explore why things often have to go wrong to ultimately go right, and how these experiences shape the path to success. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of sustainability in business. Listen to FF on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0det-1a3XxlNgxdgFQ4nKwApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fall-forward/id1759183835Visit Blend: Website - https://www.joinblend.com/Follow us:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/joinblend/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/join.blend/

    42 min
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About

The podcast that normalises failure and celebrates the lessons leaders have learnt through their careers. With the pace of change, new technology, and pressure to perform, it has never been harder to be a leader. Failure is inevitable, yet it’s frequently perceived as a setback rather than the key to growth. Join us as industry leaders share their professional journey, the highs, lows, failures, and resilience. Fall Forward is part of Blend, the executive membership community built for executive leaders from the world's largest enterprises. Learn more at www.joinblend.com

Information

  • Creator
    Blend
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Blend
  • Show Website
    Fall Forward