The Business Elevation Show Where Good Matters

Chris Cooper

One of the world's longest-running business podcasts, The Business Elevation Show inspires you to grow your wisdom and elevate humanity through business — as doing good matters.

  1. 4D AGO

    The ROI of Care: Building Compassionate Organisations That Flourish with Carson Kelly

    About this epsiode: What if compassion wasn't just a moral ideal—but a measurable driver of performance, innovation, and long-term success?  In today's fast-moving and often high-pressure world, many organisations still operate from models built on stress and scarcity, leaving people disengaged and depleted. Yet a growing body of science points to a different path—one where care, trust, and psychological safety are central to sustainable high performance.  In this insightful conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by organisational strategist Carson Kelly, Founder of Compassion 2.0, to explore the concept of the ROI of Care—and why the organisations that truly flourish are those that place human wellbeing at the heart of how they operate.  Drawing on neuroscience and real-world experience, Carson shares how care-based cultures can unlock creativity, strengthen relationships, and improve both engagement and results. Together, Chris and Carson explore what it takes to move from fear-based, extractive environments to more generative, human-centred organisations, and why, in an age shaped by AI, our most human qualities may become our greatest advantage.  If you care about building organisations that succeed and do good, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight into leading with care in today's world.  More about Carson Kelly: Carson Kelly is an organizational strategist and leadership advisor who helps organizations transform culture and performance by integrating organizational leadership, employee engagement, and the neuroscience of care into measurable business strategies. His work centres on building care-based workplace cultures that strengthen team cohesion, psychological safety, trust, and sustainable high performance—supported by quantifiable outcomes through the ROI of Care framework.  Carson's work is grounded in a broader mission of scaling compassion. He has founded and led three organizations at the intersection of prosocial science and commerce, directed a 4,000-member progressive civic engagement and resistance group, and serves as a board member at Mount Madonna School.   As Founder of Compassion 2.0 and Flourishingly, Carson partners with executives, Chief People Officers, HR leaders, Chief Wellness Officers, CEOs, COOs, and senior organizational leaders to design and implement science-backed leadership development programs, culture transformation initiatives, and AI-informed organisational diagnostics. His platforms and frameworks enable organizations to measure and enhance employee well-being, leadership effectiveness, organisational resonance, and cross-team collaboration.  Through his work with Karuna Ventures, Carson provides strategic consulting to mission-driven founders, executives, and investors seeking to align capital deployment with human flourishing and systemic impact. He bridges organisational design, leadership development, and impact measurement—supporting ventures from inception through scale. His advisory work includes business model alignment, stakeholder engagement, and applying the ROI of Care as a decision-making framework to ensure growth is both profitable and regenerative.  With over 15 years of experience across enterprise SaaS, digital health, and nonprofit governance, Carson has delivered meaningful results in culture transformation, employee retention, and human-centred organisational design. He collaborates with behavioural scientists, neuroscientists, and organisational psychologists to develop and deliver evidence-based practices—from somatic regulation to purpose and values alignment—that strengthen both people and performance.  He is a dedicated husband and father of three daughters.

    58 min
  2. APR 17

    Elevating Your Relationships for Good with Andy Lopata

    About This Episode: To truly make a positive difference in the world, we need exceptional relationships. The real question is — how do we create connections that are meaningful, authentic, and built to last? In this episode, I'm joined by internationally recognised relationship expert Andy Lopata to explore how professional relationships, when built with intention and integrity, can drive not only commercial success but also lasting, positive impact. Because in today's world, if we want to achieve anything meaningful… relationships really matter. Andy brings over 25 years of experience helping leaders and organisations unlock the true value of connection. From working with global brands like Google, PayPal and the BBC, to contributing to Harvard Business Re-view and Psychology Today, he has become one of the leading voices on networking, mentoring, and relation-ship-driven leadership. In this conversation, we explore Andy's journey since he was last on the show — how his thinking has evolved, what it really takes to build a global reputation, and the realities of turning thought leadership into something commercially sustainable. At the heart of the discussion is Andy's Relationship Matrix — a powerful and practical framework designed to help individuals and organisations map, measure, and strengthen the relationships that truly matter. We also take an honest look at a challenge many face: how do you monetise relationships and ideas in a way that feels authentic, ethical, and aligned with doing good? If you're building a business, leading a team, or simply want to create more meaningful connections in your life — this conversation will both inspire and challenge you. Because ultimately, if we want to make a difference… relationships are where it all begins.   More about Andy Lopata: Andy Lopata is an internationally recognised authority on professional relation-ships, with more than 25 years of experience helping organisations and individu-als unlock the commercial and cultural value of connection. An accomplished keynote speaker, author of six books, and co-host of The Connected Leadership Podcast, he is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today and has written for Harvard Business Review. Andy has built a global reputation for his expertise in networking, mentoring, and relationship-driven leadership, and was shortlisted for the 2025 Thinkers50 Coaching and Mentoring Award. His work focuses on helping leaders and teams strengthen collaboration, build trust, and improve retention through more strategic and authentic professional relationships. He is the creator of The Relationship Matrix, a practical framework designed to help organisations map, measure, and develop the relationships that drive long-term success. His clients have included leading organisations such as PayPal, Google, the BBC, and Saïd Business School, as well as government bodies worldwide. A Fellow of both the Professional Speaking Association and the Learning and Performance Institute, Andy is also a member of the Association of Business Mentors, the Society of Authors, and the Meetings Industry Association. Known for combining research-based insight with engaging storytelling, he delivers practical, actionable strategies that make complex relationship dynamics accessible and immediately applicable.

    59 min
  3. APR 10

    Mastering The Moments That Matter with Louise Evans

    About this episode: What if the way we respond in just a few seconds could strengthen—or damage—our relationships, our leadership, and our impact on the world? In this deeply insightful conversation, Chris Cooper speaks with Louise Evans, creator of The 5 Chairs, a powerful yet beautifully simple model that helps people recognise their behaviour in the moment and choose a more conscious, constructive response. Drawing on decades of global experience—and a personal journey shaped by inner work and transformation—Louise shares how we can move from reaction, self-doubt and conflict towards curiosity, authenticity, empathy and meaningful connection. Her work has already transformed organisations, schools, families and lives, with millions engaging in her widely viewed TED Talk and many describing the model as life-changing. But this conversation goes beyond communication skills. It explores something bigger: how becoming more self-aware in the way we think, speak and relate can help us build healthier relationships, stronger communities, and ultimately contribute to doing more good in the world. If you've ever struggled with a difficult conversation, wished you'd handled something differently, or want to lead and live with greater awareness and impact—this is a conversation you won't want to miss. More about Louise Evans: Louise is a humanist motivated by a profound desire to help people reach their fullest potential in environments permeated by mutual respect. Her passion is to work with the human side of organisations and to do this she has developed her own powerful and transformative model for successful living and leading called 'The 5 Chairs', often described as 'life-changing' or 'self-awareness on steroids!' At the heart of The 5 Chairs experience is Behavioral Agility, Conscious communication and Relationship Mastery and it is designed as a tool for every man, every woman & every child on the planet. The 5 Chairs is also being adopted by schools, especially between the ages of 4 – 16, where it helps children become aware of the difference between their productive and unproductive behaviors. It helps them face rising tensions in their daily encounters with others in order to maintain harmonious and happy relationships. Having travelled to seventy-five countries and lived in three different cultures, Louise brings multiple perspectives to help people connect across their differences. She believes deeply in people's ability to grow and transform and loves working with people who want to evolve, who have the courage to look at themselves in the mirror and change, and who want the best possible life for themselves and others both at work and at home. Louise's mission is to divulge the message of The 5 Chairs to individuals, teams, organizations, families and communities across the world to re-awaken the fundamental Human Skills which are common to us all and are vital for our happiness, success and survival. Louise is an entrepreneur and a qualified trainer and facilitator of Behavioural Intelligence, Intercultural Management, Global Leadership, and International Communication Skills. Certified as Global Executive coach and NLP Practitioner, she works with all levels from Top Talents to the Board in Corporations, such as Valentino, Gucci, Enel, Glaxo, Unicredit Bank, Barilla, Enel, Luxottica, Honeywell, British Gas, Phillips, Honeywell, Tods, Hogan, Duracell, Diesel and many more. Her Training Topics include; Emotional & Behavioural Intelligence, Intercultural sensitization and management, Communication and Interpersonal skills, Diversity (thought, cultural, gender, generational, functional), Global Leadership, Unconscious Bias, Non-Violent Communication, Executive coaching, Team Excellence, Digital Intelligence & Conflict Resolution. Louise is the author of : '5 Chairs 5 Choices – Own your behaviours, master your communication, determine your success '– Amazon 2016 'The Magnificient 5 -Heroic Journeys' Amazon 2024 – A 5 Chairs book for children Her Tedx of her methodology: https://youtu.be/4BZuWrdC-9Q

    55 min
  4. APR 3

    Special Encore Show: Persuasion For Good with Paul du Toit

    About this episode: In every area of life and leadership, the ability to persuade with integrity is essential. Whether inspiring a team, influencing change, or sharing an idea that matters, persuasion done well can be a force for good. If we are seeking to deliver more good initiatives, we need to master the art of persuasion — as it can make all the difference between success and failure. My guest, Paul du Toit, is one of Africa's most respected professional speakers, coaches, and authors, and the author of the new book The Book of Persuasion. Paul was the first speaker on the African continent this cen-tury to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Asso-ciation (USA) in 2008. He later became Southern Africa's CSP Liaison Officer, helping others achieve the same recognition. A founder member and past president of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, Paul was inducted into the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame in 2017. Having inspired tens of thousands glob-ally with his signature blend of humour, insight, and humanity, Paul brings a deep understanding of what it takes to influence with authenticity and purpose. Join us for this special encore show as we explore The Book of Persuasion and discover how persuasion, when rooted in authenticity and goodwill, becomes a powerful catalyst for elevation — in business, relationships, and the way we show up in the world. More about Paul du Toit: Paul du Toit is the first speaker on the African continent this century to be awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (USA) in 2008, thereafter serving as Southern Africa's CSP Liaison Officer, helping and encouraging over a dozen other Southern African speakers to achieve their CSPs. In 2013 he became a Global Speaking Fellow along with 21 other inaugural recipients at the Global Speakers Summit in Vancouver, Canada. Born in Cape Town in 1958, his grounding in theatre and entertainment provided an ideal springboard for a career in facilitation, coaching and professional speaking. He founded Johannesburg based Congruence Training in 1995 which he runs to this day. He is a founder member and Past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa receiving their Founders award at the Global Speakers Summit in Cape Town in April 2009 for exceptional service to the speaking industry. He has since served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Global Speakers Federation. In 2017 he was inducted in to the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame. He has spoken to tens of thousands of people at conferences and corporate events globally. He is a business speaker, coach and authority on customer experience and business presentations, and author of two books including "You Can Present with Confidence" released internationally in 2011. Paul continues to blog on speaking, presenting and customer experience and sends a regular email newsletter on presenting to thousands of opt-in subscribers. His content-rich and often humorous interviews related to remote presentation during lockdown have been well received by the business and speaking community.  He runs several marathons (and at least one ultra-marathon) a year to keep in trim and whilst in training frequents the hills of Sandton in the mornings with his dog Samuel. He knows a fine wine when he smells it – his favourite reds finding temporary resting in his cellar, and appreciated a good single malt. He keeps an eye open for suppliers of excellent coffee beans and establishments that can match his home brew, which he enjoys with a block of dark chocolate. He plays guitar and hums a tune for relaxation, a pastime that once earned him a living, and occasionally posts a tune online. He has 2 grown up daughters, Chanel and Jenna and lives in Sandton with his wife Trudi.

    58 min
  5. MAR 27

    Elevating Your Good With Linkedin with Danielle Ellis

    About this episode: In a world where visibility and positioning matter more than ever, many highly capable leaders find themselves brilliantly representing their organisations, yet struggling to articulate their own value. This conversation explores why that happens and, more importantly, what to do about it. Chris Cooper is joined by Danielle Ellis, a career strategist who has helped over 2,000 executives position themselves more powerfully in the market, earning more than 2,000 five-star reviews for her work. Danielle specialises in helping high-performing leaders translate their impact into clear, compelling personal narratives that attract the right opportunities. Together, they explore how LinkedIn can be used as a powerful platform to elevate your good, increase your visibility, and open doors to meaningful opportunities. The discussion brings clarity to how the LinkedIn algorithm works, the differences between personal and business pages, and how to show up authentically while still being strategic. With a practical and structured approach, Danielle also explains how to build a strong presence, create content that resonates, and position yourself in a way that reflects your true value in an increasingly competitive and AI-influenced landscape. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to be seen, understood, and valued for the difference they make—and to use LinkedIn more intentionally to support that journey. More about Danielle Ellis: Danielle Ellis is the founder of Prime Personal Branding, a boutique executive branding practice built around the fundamental truth that first impressions don't happen in the room, they happen in print. Résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and executive bios shape opinions and determine whether further conversations happen at all. Danielle's work is about making sure those impressions are accurate, compelling, and working for her clients rather than against them. Over more than a decade and 2,000+ client transformations, she has partnered with Fortune 100 executives, founders, and thought leaders worldwide who are doing serious work and need the world to see it clearly.  She brings to every engagement the same conviction she brings to this conversation: that leaders doing meaningful work deserve to be seen, but it's up to them to tell the right story.

    51 min
  6. MAR 20

    Encore: Inner Growth, Outer Success: Lessons from Daniel Wood and the Swedish Wealth Institute

    About this episode: Why do some people turn setbacks into extraordinary success while others remain stuck? And what does it really take to create freedom, impact and opportunity in today's uncertain world? On this episode of The Business Elevation Show,  Chris Cooper speaks with Daniel Wood, CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, about the principles and experiences that help people transform their lives and create meaningful success. Daniel leads a global movement focused on democratising success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors such as Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he shares practical strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create genuine freedom and long-term opportunity. But Daniel's journey has not been without challenge. His own experiences of both significant wins and difficult setbacks helped shape a mission centred on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. In this conversation Chris and Daniel explore Daniel's journey, the vision behind the Swedish Wealth Institute, and the mindset and strategies that enable people to grow beyond adversity and step into their potential. They also discuss why access to the right mentors, networks and ideas can dramatically change what is possible for individuals and communities. If you are interested in personal growth, entrepreneurship and how success can be used as a force for good, this is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you will not want to miss.   More about Daniel Wood: Daniel Wood is the CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, leading a global movement to democratize success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors like Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf, and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops, and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he delivers practical, proven strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create real freedom. His own wins and failures have shaped a mission built on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. Today, he is committed to making wealth-building tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to all—regardless of their starting point.

    58 min
  7. MAR 13

    Inner Growth, Outer Success: Lessons from Daniel Wood and the Swedish Wealth Institute

    About this episode: Why do some people turn setbacks into extraordinary success while others remain stuck? And what does it really take to create freedom, impact and opportunity in today's uncertain world? On this episode of The Business Elevation Show,  Chris Cooper speaks with Daniel Wood, CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, about the principles and experiences that help people transform their lives and create meaningful success. Daniel leads a global movement focused on democratising success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors such as Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he shares practical strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create genuine freedom and long-term opportunity. But Daniel's journey has not been without challenge. His own experiences of both significant wins and difficult setbacks helped shape a mission centred on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. In this conversation Chris and Daniel explore Daniel's journey, the vision behind the Swedish Wealth Institute, and the mindset and strategies that enable people to grow beyond adversity and step into their potential. They also discuss why access to the right mentors, networks and ideas can dramatically change what is possible for individuals and communities. If you are interested in personal growth, entrepreneurship and how success can be used as a force for good, this is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you will not want to miss.   More about Daniel Wood: Daniel Wood is the CEO and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, leading a global movement to democratize success by giving everyday people direct access to world-class mentors like Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Les Brown, Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, John Assaraf, and Brian Tracy. Through large-scale summits, workshops, and the Swedish Wealth Institute Podcast, he delivers practical, proven strategies that help entrepreneurs and investors create real freedom. His own wins and failures have shaped a mission built on empowerment through connection and impact through generosity. Today, he is committed to making wealth-building tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to all—regardless of their starting point.

    58 min
  8. MAR 6

    From Burnout to Contribution: The Way of Twilight with Michael Brant DeMaria

    About This Epsiode: What happens when the work you care about most begins to drain the very life from you?  Over thirty years ago, Dr Michael Brant DeMaria was working as a child protection psychologist, witnessing thousands of cases of severe abuse and neglect. The emotional toll led to compassion fatigue, burnout and even suicidal thoughts. For someone devoted to helping others, it became a defining question: how do you stay open-hearted, purposeful and resilient in the face of profound human suffering?  What followed was a life-changing vision quest in the wilderness, guided by a Native teacher. Alone and without food or water, Michael entered what he now calls "the way of twilight" — the space between breakdown and breakthrough, ego and soul, despair and renewal. It was there that he rediscovered meaning, creativity and a deeper reverence for life.  In this powerful conversation, we explore the hidden cost of leadership and caring roles, why burnout is often a signal rather than a failure, and how nature, creativity and authentic connection can restore clarity and purpose. We also discuss what keeps us "off the bridge of dispair" when life feels overwhelming, and why community and creative expression are not luxuries, but essential to sustained impact.  Michael's music has been streamed over 250 million times and earned four Grammy® nominations, yet what emerges most strongly here is his grounded wisdom and commitment to helping others move from exhaustion to wholeness.  If you are a leader, entrepreneur or changemaker navigating pressure and responsibility, this episode offers both depth and practical hope.   More about Michael Brant DeMaria: Over thirty years ago, Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria's life changed forever. Working as a child protection team psychologist, he witnessed over 2,000 cases of severe abuse and neglect—an experience that left him with compassion fatigue, burnout, and even suicidal thoughts. Searching for healing, he embarked on a life-changing vision quest guided by a Native teacher—alone in the wilderness without food or water. This journey ignited a deep heart-opening and reawakened his first loves: nature and creativity, while instilling in him a reverence for the profound mystery of living and dying—far beyond what modern culture teaches.  Since then, Michael has devoted his life to what he calls the way of twilight—embracing life's paradoxes in a way that opens, rather than closes, the heart. Through music, writing, film, and mentorship, he helps others walk this path toward wholeness.  He is the author of four books and the creator of the Peace Within program and book (Peace Within: Clear Your Mind, Open Your Heart, Embrace Your Soul, and Heal Your Life). His music—streamed over 250 million times—has earned four Grammy® nominations, eight ZMR Awards, six #1 albums, and a Native American Music Award. His work appears on the Grammy®-winning All About Bullies Big and Small and in collaborations with Eckhart Tolle, Mark Nepo, Peter Kater, and Noah Levine.  As a storyteller and filmmaker, Michael has written, directed, and scored four award-winning films and three award-winning plays, including his latest, The Twilight Café. Learn more at http://www.michaeldemaria.com

    59 min
4.7
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

One of the world's longest-running business podcasts, The Business Elevation Show inspires you to grow your wisdom and elevate humanity through business — as doing good matters.

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