Stubby Talks Transformation

Dave Stubberfield
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The podcast for people responsible for making change actually happen in organisations and in life. This isn’t about frameworks, buzzwords, or polished case studies. It’s about the messy middle - the reality between deciding to change and getting change to stick. In each episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with CEOs, founders, operations leaders and transformation experts to have honest, peer-level conversations about what’s really happening inside organisations. You’ll hear the stories that don’t make it into case studies: navigating silos, firefighting vs improvement, culture lagging behind strategy, leadership pressure and the human side of transformation. If you’re leading change and it feels harder than the theory suggests, this podcast is for you.

  1. 7 Oct

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 15: Mike Carlin

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield speaks with Mike Carlin, founder and CEO of Map Group UK and founder and leader of Latos Data Centres. We discuss how fibre infrastructure and AI computing are connected, why sovereignty and accessibility matter, and what it takes to build new technology businesses at scale.  Mike also shares the hard-won leadership lessons from more than 30 years in business, including hiring, communication, resilience, and staying focused as industries shift. He explains how Map Group evolved from an electrical contractor in 1993 into a business focused on building fibre optic networks and connectivity across the UK. Mike shares the Latos Data Centres vision - 20 AI factories in the UK over the next five years, with each site designed around smaller 15 to 20 megawatt builds rather than massive 500 megawatt data centres. He discusses sovereignty as a core principle, arguing that UK-owned infrastructure matters when most data centres are controlled by overseas companies. Mike discusses how the sites are chosen, including population density, power availability, land size, and the shift toward neural edge centres. He also addresses environmental and power concerns, describing closed-loop cooling, exploration of green power options, and discussions about co-locating AI with power generation. Key takeaways AI infrastructure is also a question of sovereignty.AI doesn’t have to mean one enormous data centre.Proximity matters when delays have consequences.Build credibility before asking others to back the vision.Design for change, not for perfect predictions.Keep the mission and people’s responsibilities clear.Leadership means knowing when to step back.• • Honesty and resilience are practical business strengths.

  2. 2 Sept

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 14: Wani Mkandawire

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Wani Mkandawire, the Founder of Kalibu. Wani shares his journey from elite sport to HR consultancy and coffee business, highlighting lessons on leadership, culture, and purpose.  We discuss how his diverse experiences shaped his approach to building impactful organisations and long-term partnerships. We explore Wani's transition from elite sport to HR consultancy and coffee business with Malawian Coffee Co, the lessons on leadership and organisational culture and the importance of understanding and engaging people Key Takeaways Understanding your people is crucial for organisational successLeadership involves self-awareness and curiosity about othersBuilding a business around purpose and impact creates long-term valueClarity and alignment are key to team performance• Dream big and set long-term goals with a clear vision

  3. 19 Aug

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 13: James Harrison

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by James Harrison, Transformation Advisor at BT Group. James shares his extensive experience in turning strategy into execution, and with a military background, he shares insights on how clarity, leadership, and understanding people are key to successful organisational transformation. He discusses the importance of slowing down, connecting strategy to execution, and the role of personal perspective in leading change. Discover practical advice on managing complexity, fostering cohesion, and leading with purpose.] Some key takeaways from the conversation are that clarity is a leader's responsibility and not just a communication technique, why effective transformation focuses on outcomes and not activity, and how slowing down upfront during planning prevents costly rework.  Key Topics The importance of clarity in leadership and transformationHow military experience influences leadership styleConnecting organisational strategy with executionThe pitfalls of rushing transformation effortsThe value of slowing down to move fasterUnderstanding people’s motivations and driversThe impact of global industry experience on transformationThe significance of personal perspective and balanceThe challenge of ambiguity in leadership• • The importance of purpose and shared vision

  4. 5 Aug

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 12: Bianca Molloy

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Bianca Molloy, the Managing Director of TES 200. Bianca shares her inspiring journey from HR specialist to managing director within a dynamic industry. Discover how empowerment, curiosity, and adaptive strategies drive success in organisational transformation and leadership. Bianca discusses her multifaceted role as managing director and how she balances strategic, operational, and people-focused responsibilities. She also shares insights into fostering a culture of empowerment, encouraging teams to experiment, learn from mistakes, and take ownership. Key Topics The impact of COVID-19 on business processes, digital transformation, and workforce resilience.How TES 2000 navigated industry challenges through collaboration, cost review, and tendering success.Personal reflections on work-life balance, flexibility, and the importance of mental health and community supportBianca Molloy's career progression from HR to Managing DirectorThe role of empowerment and trust in leadershipDigital transformation and data-driven decision making Bianca emphasises that leadership is about continuous learning, supporting others, and staying true to your values. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, curiosity, and community in driving organisational and personal growth.

  5. 22 Jul

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 11: Mike Gillespie

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Dave Stubberfield sits down with organisational psychologist Mike Gillespie to explore what real change looks like inside organisations — and inside ourselves. The conversation centres on the idea that transformation begins with perspective: when people can step back, see the bigger picture, and understand the human side of change, they’re far more likely to move from resistance to commitment. Mike explains how organisational psychology applies core psychological principles to the workplace, helping people work better together while also improving business outcomes. He introduces the concept behind his book Distancing, co-authored with Captain David Marquet, which focuses on psychological distancing as a practical tool for better decision-making.  The discussion covers self-distancing, third-person reflection, construal level theory, and why getting out of your own head can lead to clearer thinking, better relationships, and stronger leadership. The episode also digs into change management, with Mike emphasising that top-down change rarely works long term unless leaders first understand employees’ fears, motivations, and perspectives. He shares personal reflections on divorce, self-awareness, parenting, and the hard-earned lessons that came from realising how easily people can fool themselves into thinking they’re doing better than they really are. Throughout the conversation, one message stands out: if you want lasting transformation, slow down, listen deeply, and understand the people involved before trying to move them forward. Key Topics: What organisational psychology is and why it mattersWhy work is a powerful place to create meaningful changeThe difference between helping people one-on-one and helping at scaleThe value of starting from curiosity, not certainty, in your careerThe book Distancing and the idea of psychological distancingUsing third-person language to gain clarity and perspectiveSelf-awareness, ego, and how we rationalise our own behaviourHow perspective shapes transformation at both personal and organisational levelsWhy employees resist change when they don’t feel understoodThe importance of purpose, mission, and values in change leadershipThe importance of slowing down and understanding your people before leading change Key Takeaways: People don’t usually resist change itself — they resist change they don’t understand.Perspective is often the first real step in transformation.Self-awareness is not just a personal skill; it is a leadership tool.Compliance may get short-term results, but commitment creates lasting change.• • The best leaders listen before they act.

  6. 8 Jul

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 10: Samy Jeffries

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with Samy Jeffries, the Chief Revenue Officer of Giraffe360. Samy shares insights on Giraffe360 disrupting the real estate media industry, scaling globally, and building a unified company culture.  Discover how innovative technology and strong leadership are transforming property presentation and business growth. Key Takeaways: Always be ready to go back to basics when entering a new market.Customer success should be proactive, not reactive, to drive growth.Building a strong leadership layer is crucial for scaling.Unified messaging and understanding across departments unlocks growth.

  7. 24 Jun

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 9: Alan Brooke

    In this episode I’m joined by Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group. Alan shares his journey of transforming a 40-year family-owned business.  He discusses leadership, change management, data-driven decision making, and maintaining a family-first culture amidst growth and uncertainty. Most importantly, he shares why he takes the best bits from different transformation methodologies, and applies them to the right parts of the business.  Key Topics Business transformation and scalingLeadership as a custodian vs founderData-driven decision making and KPIsCreating a culture of continuous improvement• • Managing change and pivoting in uncertain times

  8. 10 Jun

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 8: Asma Nafees

    In this insightful interview, Asma Nafees shares her diverse career journey, leadership philosophy, and the importance of kindness, resilience, and community support in transforming organisations and lives. Asma is proof that you can be a parent and can also be a leader on multiple fronts as she opens up about her role in the NHS and the great work she does with women in business and her podcast. Key Takeaways Redundancy taught me to be agile and resilient.Building a strong network is crucial for career stability.Leadership is about kindness, authenticity, and supporting others.Work-life balance and family influence leadership style.Supporting women and diverse leaders creates better organisations.Career pivot and resilienceLeadership in the NHS and organisational changeThe role of kindness and community support in leadership

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About

The podcast for people responsible for making change actually happen in organisations and in life. This isn’t about frameworks, buzzwords, or polished case studies. It’s about the messy middle - the reality between deciding to change and getting change to stick. In each episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with CEOs, founders, operations leaders and transformation experts to have honest, peer-level conversations about what’s really happening inside organisations. You’ll hear the stories that don’t make it into case studies: navigating silos, firefighting vs improvement, culture lagging behind strategy, leadership pressure and the human side of transformation. If you’re leading change and it feels harder than the theory suggests, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Stubberfield
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Stubberfield