The Executive Edge

Sue Firth
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The Executive Edge is the podcast that gives you an edge in life and business with practical skills that you can apply to achieve and maintain success. Hosted by UK psychologist and business adviser, Sue Firth. The show is a mix of interviews, tips, business insights and inspiration.

  1. 2D AGO

    Breathing Easy: The Antiviral Technology That Could Change the Way You Work and Live

    _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> Episode 230 Released April 2, 2026 _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Borgert — a medical device specialist with over 20 years of industry experience and a deeply personal reason for championing this technology. Gemma introduces the e4life personal, a groundbreaking portable antiviral device that uses electromagnetic waves to inactivate airborne viruses in real time. Whether you're protecting a vulnerable family member, supporting staff reluctant to return to the office, or simply wanting an extra layer of defence against seasonal illness, this conversation will make you think differently about the air around you. What You'll Learn in This Episode The story behind the device — how Gemma's husband discovered it at a medical conference in Germany, and why their own experience with cancer treatment made it deeply personal How the technology works — the patented e4shield™ technology uses electromagnetic waves calibrated to specific frequencies that cause a virus's outer capsid to resonate until it breaks, rendering it unable to infect (think of an opera singer shattering a wine glass — same principle) The science behind it — independent testing by the Military Polyclinic of Rome, the University of Milan, New York University, and the EU Joint Research Centre, with results published in journals including Nature Scientific Reports and the Journal of Infection The product range — three devices designed for different environments: the portable e4life personal, the room-based e4life ambient, and the e4life farm for livestock protection The business case — the cost of absenteeism and presenteeism due to respiratory viruses is quantified at nearly £900 per employee per year, making this a compelling workplace investment Real-world applications — offices, clinics, dental surgeries, opticians, hospitals, trains, aircraft, and beyond How it compares to other solutions — unlike HEPA filters, which take 4–5 hours to disinfect a room, e4shield™ works instantly, with no filters to clean or replace About the e4life Personal The e4life personal is the flagship portable device — small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag, weighing under 50 grams. It activates with a single click, charges overnight via a standard USB-C port, and runs for a full 8-hour working day. It connects to a free iOS and Android app via Bluetooth, letting you monitor battery status, update firmware, and manage sanitisation cycles. Proven efficacy against: H1N1 Influenza — 95% inactivation (including the 2024/25 strain) SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 (including KP3 variant) — over 90% inactivation RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) — approximately 90% inactivation The technology carries CE and SAR certifications, meaning it's safe for use in operating theatres, laboratories, and around sensitive medical equipment. It has lower electromagnetic emissions than a standard mobile phone. About the e4life Range e4life personal — pocket-sized personal protection on the move. Ideal for public transport, offices, gyms, cinemas, theatres, and anywhere crowds gather. (~£300–£350, one-off cost, 4-year lifespan) e4life ambient — a fixed wall-mounted unit that neutralises airborne viruses across spaces of up to 50 square metres. Maintenance-free, no filters, plug-in and go. Ideal for offices, clinics, waiting rooms, and schools. (~£800–£900, approximately 10-year lifespan) e4life farm — designed for livestock environments, protecting animals and farm workers from avian and swine flu viruses in aerosols. A "Large Spaces" model for conference centres, hotel lobbies, warehouses, and stations is currently in development. The Company Behind the Technology e4life is a joint venture between Elettronica S.p.A. — one of Europe's leading defence and electronic warfare companies — and Lendlease, the global real estate and infrastructure group. The technology was developed in collaboration with the Italian military, with research and validation conducted across more than a dozen universities and institutions in Italy, the UK, and the US. The science has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Nature, Applied Physics Reviews, and the Journal of Infection. Key Takeaways The e4life personal is a one-off investment of approximately £300–£350, lasting four years — potentially cheaper than one disrupted trip abroad No subscriptions, no consumables, no maintenance — just charge it like your phone Flexible pricing is available for those who are most vulnerable, including payment plans and free trials Available across Europe and internationally, including the US — CE and SAR certified The technology is updatable — it can be recalibrated to target new virus variants as they emerge Connect with Gemma Borgert Website: gbhealthtech.co.uk — studies, data, promotional video, and contact form Email: gemma.borgert@gbhealthtech.co.uk Product website: e4life.it/en

    25 min

  2. MAR 19

    The Uncertainty Advantage: How Smart Leaders Turn Volatility into Growth

    Episode 229 Released March 19, 2026 Guest: Rebecca Homkes (Economist, Growth Strategist, Lecturer at London Business School & Duke University) Episode Overview In this episode, I am joined by economist and growth strategist Rebecca Homkes for a conversation about leading through uncertainty. With macro volatility showing no signs of letting up, Rebecca shares a practical, no-nonsense framework for how executives can stop reacting to the noise — and start growing through it. Key Themes & Takeaways Build internal predictability You can't control the macro environment, but you can build an organisation that knows how to adapt. Instead of chasing certainty from outside, focus on creating consistency, clarity, and agility within. Develop strategic beliefs — not just trend lists Ditch the endless list of environmental trends. Instead, identify 8–15 core strategic beliefs that underpin your decisions. Use these as a tracker — monitoring what affirms or challenges them — so you filter signal from noise rather than drowning in both. Reframe uncertainty Language matters. When leaders talk about "managing" or "handling" uncertainty, they pre-load it as a threat. Uncertainty is simply a set of future events — some will be opportunities. Organisations that lean into uncertainty as the best environment to learn are the ones that grow through it. Growth is a loop, not a line Stop expecting a linear path to success. The Survive → Reset → Thrive model acknowledges that leaders will cycle back through phases — and that's not failure, it's the loop working as it should. The reset is the power move. Focus is a parallel path Fewer priorities, properly resourced, outperform 25 half-funded initiatives every time. But focus alone isn't enough — pair it with a built-in capability for adaptability. That's how you stay nimble without losing momentum. Shift from answers to questions The executive's role is evolving. The leaders getting ahead right now aren't the ones with all the answers — they're the ones asking the right questions and empowering their teams to find them. Learning vs teaching organisations As organisations mature, they often confuse sending people to seminars with actually learning. Real learning is active, in the field, and tight — and organisations that learn faster, grow faster. Book Mentioned Survive, Reset, Thrive: Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times by Rebecca Homkes An end-to-end playbook for growing through any environment — not just downturns. Especially relevant for leaders navigating tariffs, geopolitical shifts, or any macroeconomic uncertainty. Find Rebecca 🌐 RebeccaHomkes.com 🌐 SurviveResetThrive.com 💼 LinkedIn: Rebecca Homkes

    27 min

  3. MAR 5

    Are you coping, surviving — or actually thriving?

    Episode 228 / Released March 5, 2026 Are you coping, surviving — or actually thriving? In this episode, I talked with Russell Harvey, speaker and coach, who has spent over a decade helping leaders build the kind of resilience that lasts. His background spans the NHS, BT, and years of leadership development work — and he brings a refreshingly practical lens to a word that can feel overused: resilience. What We Covered VUCA — and its antidote We unpacked VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) — the environment most of us are operating in right now. Russell introduced me to VUCA Prime: Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility. The counterbalance we all need. The Resilience Wheel Russell's signature framework covers seven interconnected dimensions: Attitude — your overall outlook on life Purpose — resilient people have one Confidence — your belief, in any given moment, that you can Adaptability — staying flexible as the world shifts Support Network — who's in your corner Meaning — the stories you tell yourself about events Energy — playing to your strengths (linked to the StrengthScope psychometric) "Spring forward, not bounce back" Russell reframes resilience brilliantly: it's not about returning to how things were — it's about springing forward with learning. That one landed with me. Command vs. Control A shift in language that made me sit up: Russell works with leaders to move from trying to control their environment to being in command of it. A subtle but powerful distinction — especially for the control freaks among us (you know who you are). The three states Russell described the spectrum he watches for in clients — surviving (hanging on by your fingernails), coping ("I'm okay… but"), and thriving ("There's a lot going on — and I'm good"). Which one are you? Actionable Takeaways Self-assess your Resilience Wheel today. Score yourself out of 10 on each of the seven dimensions. Where are you strong? Where could you shore things up before you need to rely on it? Notice your language. How do you answer "How are you?" Your words reveal more than you think. Don't wait until you're drowning. Proactive resilience building is far more effective than crisis management. Ditch "bounce back." Ask instead: What did I learn? What do I do differently now? Connect with Russell  🌐 www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk As Russell confidently says, search "Russell the Resilience Coach" on any social media platform — he's there.

    27 min

  4. FEB 19

    Act Like an Owner — How Culture Really Gets Built

    Episode 227 Released February 19, 2026 With Greg Hawks, Corporate Culture Specialist What if the problem with employee engagement isn't the disengaged — it's the people you've been tolerating? That's the starting point for this week's conversation with Greg Hawks, corporate culture specialist, keynote speaker, and author of Act Like an Owner: Five Unlocks for Creating Culture People Love and Results People Need. Greg has spent 15 years helping organisations build environments where people genuinely buy in — and his framework is built around three types of employee. Owners, Renters, and Vandals Greg's model comes from an unlikely place: his own experience as a property investor. Tenants, he noticed, behaved in exactly the same ways as employees. Owners bring their heart, head, and hands. They're imaginative, invested, and care about outcomes. Greg's view is that everyone starts day one with an owner's mindset — the question is what the organisation does to it from there. Renters show up, do a decent job, and go home. Gallup's 25 years of data puts this at around 50% of the workforce. These aren't bad people — they've simply learned that going above and beyond doesn't pay off. The environment trained them out of it. Vandals are the silent saboteurs. The gossips. The ones who say "I knew that was never going to happen" — and then use the failure as proof. They're not just disengaged; they're actively working against forward momentum. Why Leaders Tolerate Vandals (And Shouldn't) The uncomfortable truth: vandals often survive because they're high revenue generators. Removing them feels risky — and in the short term, it is. But the longer you leave them in place, the more your renters disengage, because they can see that poor behaviour goes unchallenged. Greg's data-backed case is straightforward: when you deal with vandals, ownership goes up. It takes time to rebuild trust, but the environment shifts. With renters, the approach is different. Greg talks about creating a "lease purchase option" — helping people find their way back in by connecting the dots between their day-to-day work and what actually matters to them. That's a leadership responsibility, not something most people can do on their own. It comes up particularly in M&A situations, where acquired employees slip into renter mode not because they're poor performers, but because no one's helped them see themselves in the new culture. Thinking Whole House, Not Just Your Room One of the principles in Greg's book is the idea of "thinking whole house." People live in their departments — their rooms — and it's natural. But rooms only have value as part of a house. When leaders start believing their room matters more than the whole, that's where silos and division take root. The shift Greg advocates is simple but significant: I serve this room, but I'm here for the house. Your One Takeaway Name your vandals — then act. Before you focus on re-engaging your renters, look honestly at who in your organisation is working against the culture you're trying to build. The person who never thinks the new initiative will work, and makes sure everyone knows it. The one who operates outside normal expectations because they produce results and you've let it go. Ask yourself: what does tolerating that behaviour tell everyone else? You don't need to act overnight. But start by naming it clearly — to yourself first. Act Like an Owner is available on Amazon in hardback, Kindle, and audiobook — read by Greg. Find him at greghawks.com. The Executive Edge — practical skills for life and business.

    36 min

  5. FEB 5

    Developing a Future-Ready Mindset with Allister Frost

    Episode 226 Released February 5, 2026   In this episode, Sue Firth talks with Allister Frost about why cultivating a future-ready mindset is essential for leaders navigating constant change—and how to do it without feeling overwhelmed. About Allister Frost Allister spent ten years in traditional manufacturing before joining Microsoft, where Bill Gates' philosophy—"If it works, it's obsolete"—transformed his thinking about innovation. For the past 15 years, he has worked as a consultant, speaker and coach, helping individuals and organisations thrive amid relentless transformation. His mission: to save a million working lives from being swept away by the tidal wave of change. Key Takeaways from the show Everything is obsolete—and that's OK. Every process, system and tool you use today can already be done better, faster or cheaper. This doesn't mean you must change everything immediately; it means you should stop treating anything as the finished product and stay open to improvement. Technology is a tool, not the driver. Human ingenuity creates change; technology simply accelerates it. Leaders who stay curious about new tools—without chasing every trend—will remain relevant. Micro behaviours matter. Small daily choices accumulate. Leaving dishes to soak, ignoring software updates, delaying that check-in email—these tiny decisions make tomorrow harder. Future-ready thinking starts with doing something today that makes the inevitable future easier. Focus on the inevitable, not the uncontrollable. Don't waste energy worrying about hypothetical disruptions. Concentrate on changes you know are coming—seasonal cycles, ageing systems, dated processes—and address them now. Creativity thrives outside the boardroom. People rarely have their best ideas in meeting rooms. Alastair encourages leaders to sanctify their creative moments—the shower, the dog walk, the morning run—and bring those insights back to work. The Frost Framework Alastair's Ready-Ready Growth Cycle provides a simple, repeatable process with five steps that spell out his surname: Follow – Observe trends and notice what's changing around you. React – Respond thoughtfully rather than reflexively. Open – Ask "why?" like a five-year-old. Question every assumption without rushing to answer. Why is the Monday meeting always on Monday? Why do we sell this product? Let the questions hang. Surprise – Let bold, even absurd ideas sit without judgement. Don't kill your own creativity by immediately listing reasons why something won't work. Somewhere in a wild idea might be a stroke of genius. Tell – Share your ideas with others using "Yes, and…" rather than "No, but…" to build collaboratively. Open, Surprise and Tell are what Alastair calls superpowers—uniquely human capabilities that AI cannot replicate: genuine curiosity, imaginative leaps and human-to-human connection. Quotable Moments "Today is the slowest rate of change any of us will experience for the rest of our lives." — Allister Frost "If it works, it's obsolete." — Marshall McLuhan "Killing your own idea is probably one of the most damaging things you can do—somewhere in that idea, there might have been something quite amazing." — Allister Frost Try This: The "Why?" Audit Walk into your workspace as if seeing it for the first time. Ask yourself: Why do we do this? Why is this process the way it is? Why do we hold this meeting? Don't answer immediately—just let the questions open your mind to possibilities you've unconsciously ruled out. Ready Already - the book Alastair's book Ready Already is deliberately short and practical, with a chapter on each step of the framework plus exercises to get you started. Available on Amazon, Apple Books and Audible. Connect with Alastair Website: Allisterspeaks.com Alastair welcomes messages from listeners and is available for speaking engagements at company events, team meetings and industry conferences. About The Executive Edge The Executive Edge with Sue Firth is the podcast that gives you an edge in life and business—practical skills you can apply to achieve and maintain success.

    32 min

  6. JAN 22

    The Leadership We Need - with Maria Brinck

    Episode 225  Released January 22, 2026 Episode Overview In this episode, I'm joined by Maria Brinck, leadership consultant, public speaker, and author of The Leadership We Need. Maria shares her remarkable journey from corporate America to the rainforests of Cameroon, and explains why the leadership models we've relied upon for generations are no longer fit for purpose. This is an essential conversation for any leader ready to challenge conventional thinking and create meaningful, lasting change. About Maria Brinck Maria Brinck is the founder of Zynergy International and a certified StrengthsFinder coach with a background that spans Swedish nature reserves, corporate boardrooms, and the Congo Basin Rainforest. Originally from Sweden, Maria spent eight years in executive sales within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry before a pivotal moment prompted her to leave it all behind. She travelled to Cameroon to work with the rehabilitation of chimpanzees and gorillas, an experience that fundamentally transformed her understanding of leadership, purpose, and what truly matters. Key Takeaways from This Episode Finding inner balance: Maria discusses how, despite achieving external success, she felt a profound lack of inner balance in her corporate career. Many high-achieving professionals can relate to this sense that something essential is missing, even when the numbers look good on paper. The limits of hyper-masculine leadership: The conversation explores how workplaces dominated by competition, decisiveness without reflection, and quota-driven cultures can become unsustainable. Maria argues this isn't about men versus women—it's about finding balance between masculine and feminine qualities in all of us. Creating (not finding) purpose: Maria offers a refreshing perspective on purpose. Rather than waiting to 'find' your purpose—which she suggests is only for the lucky few—she encourages leaders to actively create purpose based on their strengths and values. Incentivising the right behaviours: Want to shift your organisation's culture? Maria's practical advice is clear: put collaborative, inclusive behaviours on performance plans with financial incentives attached. Use 360-degree feedback to ensure these behaviours are genuinely being demonstrated. Practical assessments for teams: Maria's book includes three assessments that can be used individually or with teams, including the Barrett Value Assessment and her own Zenergy Q12 for creating purpose. A powerful question to consider: Where do you feel most alive? Why This Matters for Leaders Today With global workforce engagement at just 23% and disengagement costing trillions annually, the case for a new approach to leadership has never been stronger. Maria challenges us to move beyond outdated models built on dominance and short-term thinking, towards leadership that serves both people and planet. Whether you're leading a team of five or five hundred, the principles in this episode offer a genuine path to creating cultures where people thrive. Connect with Maria Brinck 🌐 Website: www.mariabrinck.com 💼 LinkedIn: Maria Brinck  📚 Book: The Leadership We Need is available on Amazon and all major online bookshops Done! I've updated the show notes so they read from Sue's perspective ("I'm joined by...") and removed the "Don't Miss This Episode" section. Done! I've updated the show notes so they read from Sue's perspective ("I'm joined by...") and removed the "Don't iss This Episode" section.

    30 min

  7. JAN 8

    Selling Your Business: What Nobody Tells You About Letting Go

    Episode 224  Released January 8, 2026 This week I'm joined by James Gardner, a fellow Vistage member who's been on quite a journey – from building a manufacturing business with his brother over nearly two decades, through its sale, to running a funeral director businesses in Kent. James now mentors business owners through acquisitions, post-acquisition challenges, and the transition out of businesses. What struck me most was James's honesty about the emotional reality of selling a business. We hear the success stories – the champagne corks, the celebration – but rarely what comes next. James opens up about what he describes as the worst 18 months of his life, despite having more money in the bank than ever before. From Dressing Table to International Business James's story begins around 2000, when his brother spotted a gap in the market. His first few days in business were spent at his sister-in-law's dressing table with a laptop and a fax machine. From there, they moved to a leaky farm building, then a garden shed they'd insulated themselves. They grew internationally, with James flying to their US operation 13 times in one year. These things sound glamorous but really aren't, he reflects – time away from family, friends, and other opportunities. But they worked hard, treated people well, and delivered on every promise. The Sale – and What Came After When the right buyer came along – one who could preserve jobs and accelerate their plans – the brothers took the leap. They were lucky to be on the same page; family partnerships often break down. James stayed on after the sale through a gentleman's agreement. Senior positions were promised. The reality didn't match the brochure. The first 6 to 18 months were the unhappiest of his life. He had more money than ever, yet felt imprisoned. The golden handcuffs, as he calls them – yes, they're gold, but you're still handcuffed. What resonated with me was his reflection on control. When you've built something, oversight and strategy flow through you. Then suddenly, that stops. You may be mentally ready to hand over, but are you emotionally prepared? As James put it: 'You're literally handing your baby over to somebody else to raise, whilst you're still in the room.' Rolling the Dice Again Things eventually improved, and James went on to run the larger UK department. But he asked himself: do I want to do this for another 25 years, or roll the dice? In 2019, he chose to move on. Wanting something recession-proof, he remembered working as a trainee funeral director years earlier and approached that same business owner. Ten days after signing in March 2020, the country went into lockdown. He now runs four funeral directors in Kent. Key Insights It's people, people, people. Treat your team well first. Then your customers. Then – and this often gets forgotten – your suppliers. When something goes wrong, you want to be at the top of their list. Plan your exit properly. A short handover works better than staying on indefinitely. And if you don't have a plan for life after the sale, the sudden absence of purpose can be devastating. Communication is everything. The root cause of most relationship breakdowns is communication. Having someone in your corner to sound-check decisions is invaluable. Connect with James James now mentors business owners through acquisitions, post-acquisition challenges, and the transition out of businesses. Website: amazing3dgoals.com (that's the number 3) LinkedIn: James Gardner Youtube: Amazing Leaders   James's story reminds us that business people are not immune. We have highbrow ideas about building something, but we're not always ready to let it go. The sale can look like the ultimate success, but the emotional journey is far more complex than the financial transaction. Ready to be a better you in 2026? Is something troubling you? Playing on your mind or feels as if it's stuck somehow? Are you tired of problems that you can't seem to solve? Or are you at a crossroads because things just aren't the way you want at work or maybe in the home? Does it feel like a struggle? Do you have unrealistic pressures on you? Are there many issues, but you aren't sure what to do first. Or do you need to get your head clear so that you can focus? Whether things just aren't going right, or you're struggling with a specific problem, I can help. Through 1-on-1 meetings, (whether face to face, or online), I build a better you. But I aim to do so in 3 sessions, or less. My focus is always on delivering results quickly. To learn more, just reach out and we can set up a time for a free exploratory call to discuss how I could help you.

    34 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Building Culture Through Strategic Internal Communication

    Episode 223 Released December 11, 2025 Guest: Alejandra Ramirez, Founder of Ready Cultures Episode Overview In this episode, Sue is joined by Alejandra Ramirez, an internal communications specialist with nearly 20 years of experience helping service-driven businesses shape their culture from the inside out. Together, they explore why so many organisations struggle to turn their values into lived reality—and what leaders can do about it. The Culture Gap We've all seen it: values proudly displayed on office walls that bear little resemblance to how things actually work day-to-day. Alejandra explains that whilst companies often start with the best intentions when defining their vision and values, they frequently forget to bridge the gap between what leadership wants to say and how employees actually receive it. The cost of this disconnect shows up in ways that aren't always traced back to culture—high turnover, low engagement, internal politics, and slower decision-making. As Alejandra puts it, "Your culture is only as strong as your communication." The 3-H Framework To help leaders communicate more effectively, Alejandra introduces her 3-H Framework: Head, Heart, and Hands. Head – Is your message clear? Do people understand what's happening and have access to the facts they need? Heart – Does it connect emotionally? Have you explained why this matters to them personally and to the success of the organisation? Hands – Is there a clear call to action? Do people know exactly what they need to do differently as a result? Alejandra shares a real-world example where a company had launched a valuable internal tool, but without strategic communication around it, the tool simply sat unused. By auditing where the breakdowns were and applying the 3-H Framework, she helped them successfully relaunch with far greater adoption. Crisis-Proofing Your Culture Sue and Alejandra also discuss the importance of what Alejandra calls "crisis-proofing"—building strong communication habits during good times so that when challenges arise, your people are already primed to listen and trust what you're telling them. The conversation touches on those uncomfortable "undercurrents" that exist in many workplaces—the new competitor being built down the road that everyone can see but nobody's discussing. Alejandra emphasises that people aren't stupid; they notice what's being avoided. Leaders who address these elephants in the room, rather than hoping they'll go unnoticed, build far stronger trust with their teams. The Hidden Cost of Poor Communication One of the most striking points in this episode is the hidden cost of cultural breakdown. As Sue notes, by the time a valued, long-standing employee hands in their notice, they've usually been mentally leaving for quite some time. The institutional knowledge they take with them is often irreplaceable. Even high achievers will burn out and leave if the goalposts keep shifting and there's no clarity on how to get from A to B. Process, she reminds us, is communication—and without clear, consistent processes, productivity and morale both suffer. Key Takeaways Internal communication isn't just meetings and memos—it's a leadership skill that turns strategy into action and values into lived culture. Whilst many organisations invest heavily in external PR and messaging, the same rigour is rarely applied internally. Getting this right consistently can be the edge that sets your organisation apart. Connect with Alejandra Ramirez Website: readycultures.com – Download the 3-H Framework workbook directly from the homepage LinkedIn: Alejandra Ramirez-Wells Email: alejandra@readycultures.com Thank you for listening to The Executive Edge. If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and share it with a fellow leader who could benefit.

    31 min
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About

The Executive Edge is the podcast that gives you an edge in life and business with practical skills that you can apply to achieve and maintain success. Hosted by UK psychologist and business adviser, Sue Firth. The show is a mix of interviews, tips, business insights and inspiration.

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Firth
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sue Firth Ltd
  • Show Website
    The Executive Edge