Helping Organisations Thrive with Julian Roberts

Julian Roberts
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Helping organisations thrive is a podcast to provide leaders with insights, discussions and robust strategies to help their companies thrive. We will be interviewing business leaders, owners and experts and thought leaders in the field of business resilience. Hosted by Julian Roberts - Helping Individuals and Organisations Unlock Their Human Potential, Build Growth Strategies, and Cultivate a Resilient Culture | Executive Leadership Coach. If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at the website below: https://www.julianrobertsconsulting.com/

  1. FEB 16

    Justin M. Fitzpatrick | What Elite Rugby Taught Me About Building Resilient Teams

    In this episode, Julian is joined by Justin Fitzpatrick, former Irish international rugby player turned business CEO and creator of the Resilient Leaders Playbook. With 26 caps for Ireland and a Heineken Cup winner's medal with Ulster in 1999, Justin shares the hard-won lessons from his playing career and how they translate into building resilient teams in business. From handling the brutal highs and lows of professional sport to navigating his forced retirement through injury in 2010, Justin offers candid insights on what it really takes to bounce back — including his favourite Churchill quote: "If it's not fatal, it's not final." The conversation explores the power of pre-mortems over post-mortems, why feedback is simply "a vehicle to improve," and how psychological safety isn't about being soft — it's about creating environments where people can challenge each other and grow together. Justin also reflects on his transition from player to coach to CEO, building a professional rugby franchise in Houston from scratch, and why doing things that "make your heart sing" has been the thread running through every chapter of his career. Whether you lead a sports team or a business team, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on resilience, identity, and what it means to keep contributing when things go wrong.   Connect with Justin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-m-fitzpatrick-ba116316/ Website:  https://aedelhard.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    45 min

  2. JAN 19

    Anne Unsworth | What NLP Can Teach Leaders About Communication

    In this episode, Julian welcomes Anne Unsworth, founding director of Clear Path Success and certified trainer of NLP and hypnosis. Anne shares her fascinating journey into the world of NLP, which began during a challenging period in her life following the collapse of a family business. What started as a personal development need evolved into a passion, leading her through practitioner, master practitioner, and trainer certifications - including completing her initial training just days before the first COVID lockdown. Anne brings a unique perspective, combining her extensive FMCG corporate background with deep expertise in how we communicate, think, and create our version of reality. The conversation explores why communication remains one of the biggest challenges in organisations, despite being something we do constantly. Anne explains the NLP communication model, revealing that only 7% of our communication comes from the words we use, with the rest driven by body language and tone. She shares practical tools like the hierarchy of ideas, which helps people shift between detailed and strategic thinking, and discusses how understanding someone's "model of the world" can transform workplace relationships. Whether you're a leader wanting to connect more effectively with your team or simply curious about why emails so often get misread, this episode offers valuable insights into the art and science of communication.   Connect with Anne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-unsworth-3474992/ Website:  https://clearpathsuccess.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    38 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    Professor Antonina Pereira | Why People-Centered Leadership Still Works (Even in a Crisis)

    In this episode, Julian sits down with Professor Antonina Pereira, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Chichester, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in higher education. Antonina shares her powerful "constant gardener" metaphor for leadership—the daily work of pruning, planting, and tending that never stops. She discusses the mounting complexities facing universities today, from frozen tuition fees that haven't kept pace with costs to the shift in student expectations since fees were introduced in 2012. Despite financial pressures that have seen fees remain largely static while operational costs have soared, Antonina emphasises that her non-negotiable remains putting people at the center of every decision, whether that's supporting staff development or ensuring students receive a transformative education rather than simply a transactional degree. Throughout the conversation, Antonina reveals what makes the University of Chichester special—its unapologetically small size that allows leaders to know students by name at graduation, and its commitment to helping every student thrive regardless of their entry grades. She discusses the importance of developing leadership capabilities in higher education, as many academics step into management roles without formal training. Looking ahead with hope despite sector challenges, Antonina shares her vision for 2027 and beyond, grounded in understanding what makes Chichester unique: a cathedral group university that develops programmes in collaboration with industry, provides exceptional levels of support, and ensures students exit with far more than a degree—they leave with a well-rounded education prepared for the challenges of the world. Her passion for enabling people to achieve their goals, whether students or staff, shines through as the driving force behind her leadership approach.   Connect with Antonina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-antonina-pereira-94468b95/ Website:  https://www.chi.ac.uk/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    44 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    Marjie Hadad | Strategic Communication: How to Get What You Want Without Manipulation

    In this engaging conversation, global PR expert and executive coach Marjie Hadad reveals why every leader needs to adopt a "PR mindset" – and it's not what you think. Moving beyond the stereotypes of spin and press releases, Marjie reframes PR as strategic communication that helps us achieve our goals and solve problems in every area of life. Through vivid real-world examples – from handling an unresponsive waitress to inspiring frustrated team members – she demonstrates how intentional communication, clear goal-setting, and empathetic delivery can transform outcomes in both professional and personal contexts. Marjie shares her practical framework for effective communication: reverse engineer from your desired outcome, understand your audience's mindset, and deliver your message with the right words, tone, and timing. She emphasises the power of listening over talking, the importance of body language, and her favourite Irish proverb: "Keep your eye on the donut, not on the hole." Whether you're leading a team, preparing for a presentation, or simply trying to get your dry cleaning done faster, Marjie's insights offer a refreshing approach to communication that prioritises win-win outcomes, authenticity, and strategic thinking.    Connect with Marjie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjiehadad/ Website:  https://marjiehadad.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    33 min

  5. 11/03/2025

    Laurence Penn | Bed Number One: Surviving the Impossible and Finding Resilience

    In March 2020, a seemingly routine walk turned into a fight for survival when Laurence Penn, a West Sussex businessman became one of the UK's first COVID-19 patients. Rushed to Worthing Hospital, he was placed in an induced coma in Bed Number One—and didn't wake up for 29 days. When he finally regained consciousness, he faced a devastating reality: he'd lost 25 kilograms of muscle mass, couldn't walk unaided, had developed a drop foot and speech impediment, and was told recovery would take 18 months. But rather than accept this prognosis, he chose a different path—one built on discipline, breaking down impossible goals into small wins, and celebrating every milestone, no matter how minor. This episode explores an extraordinary journey of resilience and mental toughness, from learning to stand five times in a row to cycling 106 miles along the South Downs Way exactly one year after being put into a coma. Discover how daily discipline, controlling what you can control, and seeking perspective from others can transform adversity into strength. Whether you're facing business challenges, health struggles, or personal setbacks, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building resilience, maintaining focus, and finding purpose in the darkest moments. The conversation also touches on how this life-changing experience reshaped his approach to business, leading him to create a leaner, more intentional way of working that prioritises what truly matters.   Connect with Laurence: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencepenn/ Website:  https://www.bednumberone.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    42 min

  6. 10/20/2025

    Vincent Murphy | From Linear to Exponential: Leadership in the Age of AI

    We're living through one of only four times in human history when everything fundamentally changes. Just as the printing press didn't just make books faster, it sparked the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment. AI isn't just making our work more efficient. It's reshaping how we think, lead, and connect. In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, I sit down with Vincent Murphy, an AI strategist who helps leaders shift from linear thinking to exponential mindsets. Vincent explores why traditional leadership approaches fall short in the face of exponential change, and why the best leaders today are more like ship captains navigating uncharted waters than experts with all the answers. Discover why radical honesty, not certainty, is the new currency of leadership and how AI might just free us to do what humans do best: care for each other.   Connect with Vincent: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainstormvince/ Website:  https://www.vincentmurphy.co.uk/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    37 min

  7. 09/29/2025

    Mary Kemp | It's About People, Not Tech: The Human Side of AI Implementation

    In this insightful episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Julian sits down with Mary Kemp, award-winning founder of AI Potential, to explore the human side of AI implementation in the workplace. Mary challenges the common narrative around AI job displacement, delivering the powerful insight that "people worry that AI is going to replace their jobs and it will not—people using AI will replace their jobs." She emphasises that AI should be viewed as a skill rather than a tool, requiring intentional development and organisational support. The conversation reveals that the real challenge isn't the technology itself, but managing the unprecedented uncertainty that comes with this transformation, making it fundamentally about people, not tech. Mary shares practical strategies for organisations looking to build an "AI culture," including her five stages of AI adoption (indifference, fear, cheating, confidence, and transformation) and explains why skeptics—whom she calls "meerkats"—can become an organisation's biggest AI champions when properly supported. Drawing from real-world examples ranging from council tutors to plumbing firms, she demonstrates how AI can solve repetitive tasks and unlock human potential when implemented thoughtfully. The discussion also addresses critical concerns around data security, the rise of "shadow AI" in organisations, and the World Economic Forum's prediction that 40% of current job skills will be replaced over the next five years—while simultaneously creating 78 million new jobs we can't yet imagine.   Connect with Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-kemp-ai/ Website:  https://aipotential.ai/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    34 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    Alex Panayotou | Building an Endurance Mindset: Lessons from 400km of Non-Stop Running

    In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Julian speaks with Alex Panayotou, one of only five women globally to complete extreme solo running challenges including a 400km non-stop run. Alex shares her transformation from a place of repeated failures and pessimism in her 30s to becoming an endurance mindset expert who has developed leaders at companies like Coca Cola, Uber, and Microsoft. She reveals how her eight years of solo extreme challenges became a strategic process for personal development, ultimately shaping her approach to leadership resilience and burnout prevention. Alex takes listeners inside her most challenging moment during the 400km run when everything went wrong simultaneously; team member absences, accidents, equipment failures, and near heat stroke. Through vivid storytelling, she demonstrates how mental clarity under extreme pressure translates directly to business crisis management. The conversation explores practical strategies for developing what Alex calls the real "hard skills" - emotional regulation, strategic thinking under stress, and building teams based on attitude rather than just technical competence. Alex's insights on preparation, pivoting under pressure, and maintaining clarity during both professional challenges and personal crises like her cancer diagnosis offer actionable frameworks for anyone facing significant obstacles.   Connect with Alex: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpanayotou/ Website:  https://alexandrapanayotou.com/     ##########   If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com   You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2   ##########

    47 min
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About

Helping organisations thrive is a podcast to provide leaders with insights, discussions and robust strategies to help their companies thrive. We will be interviewing business leaders, owners and experts and thought leaders in the field of business resilience. Hosted by Julian Roberts - Helping Individuals and Organisations Unlock Their Human Potential, Build Growth Strategies, and Cultivate a Resilient Culture | Executive Leadership Coach. If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at the website below: https://www.julianrobertsconsulting.com/

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