People Are Everything

Julia Duthie

With candid conversations about relationships, trauma, success, failure, life changes, and everything in between, People Are Everything offers listeners an inspiring and relatable exploration of the human experience. Julia’s signature question is at the heart of each episode: “Who are the five people who have shaped the person you are today?” The answers reveal intimate and thought-provoking insights into the relationships, experiences, and moments that define us. Whether you’re seeking wisdom, motivation, or a sense of connection, this podcast will leave you reflecting on the people and moments that have shaped your story and wondering who your five would be!

  1. 1d ago

    People Don’t Sue Companies, They Sue Managers: Jathan Janove’s 5 Most Influential People

    S05 EP08 Jathan Janove In this fascinating episode of People Are Everything, host Julia Duthie speaks with employment law expert, author, executive coach and leadership thinker Jathan Janove. From Portland, Oregon, Jathan shares how a career that began in law evolved into a mission to help organisations become more human, more open and less fear-driven. Julia is clearly energised by the conversation from the start, especially as it brings together two things she loves: people and courtroom drama. Their discussion moves from employment law and HR culture to the power of a proper apology, including Jathan’s memorable “MIDAS Touch” approach, and why the wrong kind of apology can make things far worse. At the heart of the interview are the people who shaped Jathan’s life and work. He speaks warmly about his father Ethan Janove, an early influence in organisation development; law professor Gary Palm, who helped ignite his interest in employment law; and mentor Steve Beely, a crusty but hugely influential figure who helped Jathan build his career. He also shares the funny and touching story of meeting his wife Marjorie, a concert pianist, at a university Hillel dinner, and reflects on two lifelong friends, Michael Patrick O’Brien and Robbie White, whose humility, success and extraordinary work ethic continue to inspire him. Throughout, Julia responds with curiosity, humour and her own reflections from leadership, music and corporate life, creating a rich conversation about law, culture, love, friendship and what it really means to put people first.   Highlights Why Jathan moved from employment law into coaching and organisation development How HR can unintentionally make workplace conflict worse Why people do not just sue companies — they often sue because of how managers made them feel The emotional and legal power of a sincere apology Jathan’s MIDAS Touch method for saying sorry properly Why “I’m sorry if…” and “I’m sorry, but…” can inflame conflict The difference between labour law and employment law in the United States The influence of Jathan’s father, Ethan, on his thinking about trust and organisations How Gary Palm and Steve Beely helped shape Jathan’s legal career Why CEOs should see themselves as chief culture officers Julia’s reflections on leadership, HR and the CEO–people relationship Jathan’s marriage to Marjorie, a concert pianist A funny story about how Jathan met his wife while volunteering to wash dishes Julia and Jathan’s shared reflections on orchestras, music and leadership Lifelong friendship, humility and work ethic through Michael Patrick O’Brien and Robbie White Jathan’s next chapter as Chief Learning Officer with Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Why leadership development should focus less on the self and more on the people being led   Jathan’s 5 Most Influential People   1. Ethan Janove — His Father Jathan’s father was a professor of education and an early practitioner in organisation development. He introduced Jathan to ideas around trust, culture and how organisations function, long before Jathan would connect these concepts to employment law and leadership coaching. 2. Gary Palm — Law Professor and Mentor Gary Palm helped Jathan discover employment law while he was studying at the University of Chicago. Jathan describes him as opinionated and difficult at times, but also absolutely pivotal. Without Gary, Jathan says, there would likely have been no Steve Beely connection and no later career path in employment law. 3. Steve Beely — Career Mentor and Influential Guide Steve Beely was a seasoned labour consultant who took Jathan under his wing, despite regularly teasing him for choosing law. He referred clients to Jathan and helped him build the foundations for his own boutique employment law practice. Jathan dedicated his book to Steve, who died suddenly in a car accident. 4. Marjorie — His Wife Marjorie is a highly accomplished concert pianist and one of the great personal influences in Jathan’s life. Their story begins at Indiana University, where Jathan first noticed her at a Hillel gathering. Through marriage, music and very different worlds coming together, she opened him up to classical music and has clearly been a central presence in his life. 5. Michael Patrick O’Brien and Robbie White — Lifelong Friends Jathan names Michael and Robbie as two close lifelong friends who have deeply influenced him. Both are highly successful, humble, hardworking people. Michael is a prominent employment law attorney and author, while Robbie is a brilliant engineer with a passion for photography. Jathan says their work ethic continues to push him to do more and coast less.   Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ   To find out more or contact Jathan use the links below:- https://jathanjanove.com/home/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jathanjanove/ https://mgscc.net/ Thank you, People Are Everything :-)

    1h 23m
  2. May 26

    Colombia, Leadership & the 5 People Who Taught Laura Garcia to Truly See Others

    S05 EP07 Laura Garcia In this warm, soulful and beautifully human episode of People Are Everything, host Julia Duthie speaks with Laura Garcia, joining from Bogotá, Colombia, for a conversation rich with culture, family, faith, friendship and leadership. Julia is instantly fascinated by Laura’s Colombian background, joking that Laura will become her “Google” for Colombia, and the episode opens with a joyful exploration of Colombian life — food, music, family gatherings, street parties, coffee, weather, Bad Bunny, and the deep sense of community that Laura says defines her country. At the heart of the interview are the five people and groups who have most shaped Laura’s life: her family, her husband José, her lifelong friends, the people who first introduced her to leadership through Scouts and Jesuit experiences, and the colleagues and communities who helped her “marry” leadership as a life’s work. Julia responds throughout with curiosity, humour and emotional insight, especially as Laura reflects on unconditional love, being truly seen, faith, service, friendship, and the idea that leadership is not just a professional skill, but a way of living more humanely with others.   Highlights Laura’s life in Bogotá and what Colombia is really like beyond stereotypes Colombian food, music, coffee, family gatherings and street parties The influence of family and the meaning of unconditional love How Laura’s mother, father and brother shaped her confidence, care and courage Meeting her husband José as a teenager and growing through life together Marriage as a safe place to be “fully Laura” Why friendship is a powerful, chosen relationship Laura’s lifelong friendship with Silvia Scouts, Jesuit workshops and the beginning of Laura’s leadership journey Faith, gratitude, spirituality and noticing the presence of something bigger The idea of “I see you” as a way of recognising another person fully Leadership as service, not status Why sales, coaching and leadership can all be rooted in humanity Stakeholder-centred coaching and asking: “How can I be better for you?” Julia and Laura’s shared belief that people should bring their full humanity into work Laura’s 5 Most Influential People 1. Her Family — mother, father, brother and wider Colombian family Laura describes her family as the source of unconditional love, warmth and belonging. Her mother gave her creativity and momentum, her father gave her devotion and safety, and her brother brings playfulness, challenge and unexpected wisdom. 2. Her Husband, José José has been Laura’s partner since they were teenagers. She describes him as calm, structured, pragmatic and deeply present — her “knight without armour” and the person with whom she has grown through every stage of life. 3. Her Friends, especially Silvia Laura’s friends are her chosen family. Silvia, her best friend since childhood, represents depth, complexity, play and the freedom to explore every part of herself without judgment. 4. The People Who Helped Her Fall in Love with Leadership Through Scouts and Jesuit leadership experiences, Laura discovered ideas that would shape her whole life: leaving the world better, serving others, reflecting deeply, and becoming more in order to serve better. 5. Her Leadership Colleagues and Communities Laura’s final choice is the people she works alongside in leadership, coaching and personal development — including those connected to stakeholder-centred coaching and the “Power Rangers” team mentioned through Brandon. These are the people who helped her turn leadership from an idea into a daily practice of service.   Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Laura use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramariagarciagomez/?locale=es https://mgscc.net/   Thank you, People Are Everything :-)

    1h 33m
  3. May 19

    From John Lennon to AI: Tim Hughes Reveals the 5 People Who Shaped His Thinking

    S05 EP06 Tim Hughes In this thoughtful and wide-ranging episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie is joined by Tim Hughes, social selling pioneer, author, speaker and co-founder of DLA Ignite. Tim shares the five people who have most influenced his life, but the conversation begins with a beautiful symbol of family history: his great-grandfather’s working gramophone, still housed alongside generations of 78 records. From there, Julia and Tim explore why modern selling is no longer about pushing products, but about building trust, showing your humanity and understanding that, even in business, people buy people. Tim’s five choices reveal the many layers behind his work and worldview. John Lennon represents his lifelong love of music, rebellion and the arts; his partner Julie Harris embodies kindness, support and steadiness; his father David Hughes offers one of the most moving parts of the interview, with stories of BBC sound engineering, quiet mentorship, dementia and standing up for others decades ahead of his time. Tim also reflects on Roger Turner, a leader at Oracle who modelled empowerment over command and control, and Brian Solis, whose work in social media became a North Star for Tim’s own thinking. Julia responds with warmth, curiosity and deep personal connection throughout, especially around kindness, dementia, music and the importance of sharing real human stories. Highlights Tim’s great-grandfather’s gramophone and the family history behind it Why modern selling must be built on trust, not spam or product pushing The difference between corporate language and real human connection John Lennon, The Beatles, punk, synth music, vinyl and the arts How music shaped Tim’s sense of rebellion and creativity Julie Harris and the importance of kindness, steadiness and support Writing books, running a business and having a trusted partner beside you Tim’s father David Hughes and his career as a BBC sound engineer Working on programmes such as Doctor Who, Blue Peter and All Creatures Great and Small David’s quiet mentorship and his courageous support of trans colleagues 50 years ago The impact of Lewy body dementia on Tim’s father and family Why music and technical knowledge can remain when other memories disappear Roger Turner’s empowering leadership style at Oracle The damage caused by command-and-control leadership Brian Solis as a North Star in social media thinking Why helpful, educational content beats salesy content AI teammates, content creation and the future of social selling Julia and Tim’s shared belief that human stories matter more than ever Tim Hughes’s 5 Most Influential People 1. John Lennon For Tim, John Lennon represents far more than one musician. He stands for music, the arts, rebellion, creativity and the gateway into a lifelong love of records, theatre, punk, indie and cultural change. The Beatles opened up a whole world for Tim as a child. 2. Julie Harris Tim’s partner Julie has supported him through writing books, building a business and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. He describes her as someone who understands kindness not as weakness, but as kindness itself. 3. David Hughes Tim’s father David was a BBC sound engineer, mentor and quietly principled man. His influence comes through in Tim’s love of music, technical craft, decency and standing up for others. His long experience with dementia also shaped Tim’s reflections on memory, family and legacy. 4. Roger Turner Roger was Tim’s VP during his time at Oracle and modelled a leadership style based on trust, delegation and empowerment. He showed Tim that great leaders help people think, grow and take ownership, rather than simply telling them what to do. 5. Brian Solis Brian Solis became a guiding figure for Tim in the world of social media, content and digital thinking. At a time when many people dismissed social media as a fad, Brian’s insight and writing helped Tim see what was possible and gave him confidence in his own direction.   Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Tim use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyhughessocialselling/ https://dlaignite.com/ https://digital-leadership-associates.passle.net/   Thank you, People Are Everything

    1h 33m
  4. May 12

    From Xerox VP to Executive Coach: Suzy Burke, PhD on the 5 People Who Shaped Her Life

    S05 EP05 Dr Suzy Burke In this episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie is joined by Suzy Burke PhD, an executive coach, social and organisational psychologist, author, former Xerox leader, and global thinker whose life has taken her from teaching children in the mountains to coaching senior leaders and writing about mindset, self-talk and leadership. Speaking from the Dominican Republic, Suzy shares her remarkable journey with warmth, humour and deep reflection — from her early years as a teacher, to her rise through Xerox, to launching a fair trade jewellery business, and eventually finding her way into coaching through the influence of Marshall Goldsmith and the 100 Coaches community. Julia is visibly fascinated by Suzy’s energy, courage and many reinventions, often pausing to reflect on the scale of what Suzy has achieved as both an academic and practitioner. Suzy’s chosen people reveal the foundations of her life: her adventurous and loving mother Hope, her husband Ed, the school principal Steve Rubin who gave her freedom and confidence, Dr Dale Mann who pushed her beyond what she thought possible, her beloved childhood babysitter Marie “Conk” Conklin, and an extra sixth choice, Marshall Goldsmith, whose generosity and wisdom continue to shape her work today. Together, these stories form a beautiful portrait of love, courage, education, leadership, friendship and the power of people who believe in us. Highlights Julia reflects on Suzy’s remarkable ability to combine academic depth with practical leadership experience. Suzy shares her early career as a teacher and how she created a mountain-based curriculum for her students. The conversation explores Suzy’s PhD journey in social and organisational psychology. Suzy discusses her 15 years at Xerox, where she rose to become one of the company’s top 200 leaders. She explains why she left Xerox when she sensed a change in company culture. Suzy tells the story of launching a fair trade jewellery business connected to Brazilian artisans. The jewellery business leads to extraordinary moments involving Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, museums and Fashion Week. Julia and Suzy discuss Head Mentals, leadership self-talk, mindset and how leaders can unintentionally affect their teams. Suzy explains the “catch it, confront it, change it” approach to negative self-talk. Suzy honours her mother Hope as a loving, honest, adventurous and generous presence. She tells the beautiful love story of meeting Ed in Brazil and saying yes after their first kiss. Suzy remembers Steve Rubin, the school principal who trusted her and gave her freedom to innovate.   Suzy Burke’s 5 (6) Most Influential People   1. Hope Davidson Johnson — Suzy’s Mother Hope was loving, honest, practical, adventurous and deeply generous. She taught Suzy the importance of truth, warmth, kindness and showing up for people. 2. Ed — Suzy’s Husband Ed is Suzy’s great love and partner of more than three decades. She describes him as a man of integrity, emotional intelligence, strength and deep dependability. 3. Dr Steve Rubin — School Principal Steve gave Suzy trust, freedom and confidence as a young teacher. His leadership style empowered her to innovate, create her own curriculum and believe in her own judgement. 4. Dr Dale Mann — Columbia Professor and Mentor Dale challenged Suzy with exceptionally high standards and helped her grow beyond what she thought possible. He became a lifelong friend and a major influence on her academic and professional development. 5. Marie “Conk” Conklin — Childhood Babysitter Conk gave Suzy an idyllic, practical, love-filled childhood experience: digging for clams, feeding ducks, milking cows, sledding, learning poker and seeing wisdom in simple everyday life. 6. Marshall Goldsmith — Coach, Mentor and Thought Leader Suzy adds Marshall as an essential sixth influence. His generosity, wisdom and challenge to “share what you know” have shaped her current work as a coach, author and contributor to the world of leadership.   Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Suzy use the links below:- https://www.suzyburke.phd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzy-burke-phd-ab77071a/ https://headamentals.com/ Thank you, People Are Everything

    1h 31m
  5. May 6

    From Refugee to Reinvention: Martin’s 5 Influential People & a Life of Courage, Creativity & Impact

    S05 EP01 Martin Morales In this deeply moving and expansive conversation, Julia Duthie sits down with Martin, a man whose life journey spans continents, industries, and profound personal transformation. From arriving in the UK as a refugee fleeing violence in Peru to leading major roles at companies like Apple and Disney, Martin’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Julia’s curiosity and warmth draw out not only the scale of his achievements, but the emotional depth behind them, exploring how pain can truly be transformed into power. At the heart of the conversation are the five people who shaped Martin’s life, from his father’s quiet strength and his mother’s healing wisdom, to the grounding love of his wife and the spiritual and creative influences that helped him rebuild after burnout. Julia reflects openly throughout, connecting her own experiences with Martin’s and creating a space that feels intimate, thoughtful, and profoundly human. Together, they explore identity, empathy, creativity, and what it really means to live a meaningful life. Highlights From Peru to the UK: surviving conflict and starting again A career across music, tech, and global brands Launching iTunes across Europe from scratch Reinventing life through entrepreneurship (restaurants & culture) Burnout, recovery, and self-discovery The power of empathy and being a “third culture kid” Marriage, family, and finding emotional safety The importance of curiosity and creativity in shaping a life Movement practices like Five Rhythms as healing tools Martin's 5 Most Influential People 1. Roger (Father) Taught him resilience, dignity, and calm under pressure—an anchor through chaos and change. 2. Elsa (Mother) A complex but deeply transformative relationship—taught him breath, healing, and ultimately forgiveness. 3. Lucy (Wife) His foundation of unconditional love, safety, and belief—encouraged him to follow his heart and take bold risks. 4. Gabrielle Roth Founder of Five Rhythms—introduced a powerful practice of healing through movement and self-expression. 5. Thích Nhất Hạnh Spiritual teacher who shaped Martin’s mindfulness and meditation practice, helping him find calm and presence.   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Martin use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinallenmorales/ https://www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/   Thanks for listening   People Are Everything :-)

    1h 52m
  6. May 5

    The 5 People Who Taught Dan Sitner Leadership, Faith, Love and How to Live Better

    S05 EP04 Dan Sitner The 5 People Who Taught Dan Sitner Leadership, Faith, Love and How to Live Better   In this warm and deeply reflective episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie speaks with Dan Sitner from Portland, Oregon, about the five people and influences that have shaped his life, leadership, values and faith. From a funny early exchange about Portland geography and American weather, the conversation quickly opens into something much deeper: family, service, work ethic, kindness, spiritual belief and the simple but powerful question, “How can I be better?” Dan shares moving stories about his parents, grandparents, siblings, his wife, a formative boss called Keith, two influential company leaders, and his faith in Jesus Christ. Julia responds with genuine curiosity and emotion throughout, especially when Dan reflects on his mother’s extraordinary strength at the end of her life, his father’s quiet stoicism, and the idea that leadership is not about the leader — it is about helping others succeed.   Highlights Why Dan believes “people are everything” Portland, Oregon vs Portland, Maine — and Julia’s geography confusion The question that can transform relationships: “How can I be better?” Dan’s childhood in post-war America and the values that shaped him His mother’s courage, grace and “living funeral” His father’s quiet steadiness and one visible tear How Dan’s wife modelled kindness, service and selfless giving The mentor who saw potential in him before he saw it himself How leadership training changed an entire company culture Why faith became Dan’s moral compass The difference between managing people and helping people succeed Julia’s reflection on the podcast as a growing legacy of human stories   Dan Sitner’s 5 Most Influential People / Influences His family — parents, grandparents and siblings Dan credits his family with giving him love, stability, work ethic, faith, discipline and a deep understanding of how environment shapes a person. His wife His best friend of nearly 39 years, she has taught him selfless giving, kindness, service, love of nature and the importance of shared experiences. Keith — his former boss and mentor Keith believed in Dan, taught him how to run a business, introduced him to Japanese culture and helped open the door to Dan’s career path. The President and COO of his beverage distribution company These two leaders invested in Dan’s professional growth and modelled leadership that develops people, follows up properly and changes culture. His faith in Jesus Christ Dan describes faith as his moral compass, a source of peace, community, accountability and a guiding force in how he lives and leads. Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Dan use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sitner-8a264542/ https://www.clearpurposecoach.com/   Thank you, People Are Everything

    1h 47m
  7. Apr 28

    Financial Freedom, Leadership & the 5 People Who Shaped Dror Allouche’s Life Philosophy

    S05 EP03 Dror Allouche Financial Freedom, Leadership & the 5 People Who Shaped Dror Allouche’s Life Philosophy In this thoughtful and wide-ranging episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie speaks with executive coach Dror Allouche about financial freedom, leadership, lifelong learning, and the people and ideas that shaped his life. Born in Switzerland, raised in France, with Israeli roots and a deeply international outlook, Dror shares how early lessons from his parents helped shape his belief in discipline, confidence, and designing a life with intention. Julia brings real honesty and curiosity to the conversation, especially around her own evolving relationship with money, time, and freedom. The episode becomes part interview, part coaching session, as Dror explains why financial independence is not about stopping work, but about creating the freedom to do meaningful work. His five influences include his parents, karate, a powerful leadership mentor, Stephen Covey, and Marshall Goldsmith, each helping shape his approach to mastery, trust, learning, and personal responsibility. Highlights Why financial freedom can make you a better leader The difference between working forever and working on what you love How Dror moved from corporate executive to executive coach Julia’s honest reflections on money, time, and retirement The FIRE movement and different definitions of financial independence Discipline learned from his mother’s devotion to Hebrew Confidence learned from his father’s fearless optimism Karate, risk-taking, injury, and rebuilding a career What true leadership looks like in practice Why trust matters more than improving someone’s idea by 10% Stephen Covey’s lasting impact through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Marshall Goldsmith’s influence on Dror’s coaching philosophy Reading, mastery, chess, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and lifelong learning Dror’s Top 5 Influences His Mother For discipline, deep learning, and the commitment to mastering Hebrew while raising her children. His Father For confidence, optimism, risk-taking, and the belief that the next part of life can always be better. Karate Not one person, but a powerful life influence that taught discipline, respect, ambition, resilience, and recovery after disappointment. Kim Anderson A former boss who showed Dror the difference between management and leadership through trust, humility, and listening. Stephen Covey & Marshall Goldsmith Stephen Covey shaped Dror’s thinking through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Marshall Goldsmith later became a mentor and major influence on his leadership coaching work.   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Dror use the links below:- https://optionstogrow.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drorallouche/   Thanks for listening   People Are Everything :-)

    1h 26m
  8. Apr 21

    From Midlands to Mayfair: Lori Powell on Luxury, Leadership & the 5 People Who Shaped Her Life

    S05 EP02 Lori Powell   In this warm, funny and deeply thoughtful episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie sits down with leadership consultant Lori Powell to explore the five people who most shaped her life, values and career. From her “Midlands to Mayfair” journey through Harrods and Tiffany & Co. to building her own business in leadership development, Lori reflects on ambition, authenticity, trust and what it means to grow without losing yourself. Her choices reveal the people behind the polish: the sisters who emboldened her, the manager who challenged her, the mother who taught her what “enough” looks like, the senior leader who opened doors, and the thinker whose ideas reshaped the way she sees leadership. Julia brings her usual curiosity, warmth and humour to the conversation, with the two sharing laughs about wardrobe changes, awkward networking events and AI giving podcast feedback. But there is also real emotional depth here. Julia clearly admires Lori’s energy, passion and the life she has built, while Lori speaks with striking honesty about the women and mentors who helped her become who she is today. The result is an uplifting conversation about leadership, identity, family, career progression, protecting your peace, and how the right people can quietly change the course of your life.    Highlights Lori’s journey from Derby to London luxury retail Working at Harrods and later Tiffany & Co. Why the luxury retail experience is about much more than selling products The difference between being interesting and being interested The power of authenticity in leadership Why being popular is not important if you want to lead well Lessons in trust, empathy, logic and authenticity A moving reflection on her mother’s quiet ambition and life plan The influence of her sisters, who are also her business partners Why protecting your peace matters The role of mentors and leaders in opening career-changing doors Leadership as a force for changing not just careers, but lives A lovely closing reflection on what it means to become one of someone else’s five Lori Powell’s 5 People Louise & Victoria Powell – Her sisters, who shaped her confidence, authenticity and sense of boundaries. Sadie Borrows – Her first manager, who pushed her into leadership and taught her that popularity doesn’t equal impact. Beverly Powell – Her mother, who modelled a powerful version of ambition rooted in knowing what “enough” is. Marc Jacheet – The leader who saw her potential and elevated her into senior leadership at a pivotal moment. Frances Frei – The leadership thinker who transformed her understanding of trust, authenticity and impact.   Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Lori use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-powell/ https://www.lvllondon.com/

    1h 25m

About

With candid conversations about relationships, trauma, success, failure, life changes, and everything in between, People Are Everything offers listeners an inspiring and relatable exploration of the human experience. Julia’s signature question is at the heart of each episode: “Who are the five people who have shaped the person you are today?” The answers reveal intimate and thought-provoking insights into the relationships, experiences, and moments that define us. Whether you’re seeking wisdom, motivation, or a sense of connection, this podcast will leave you reflecting on the people and moments that have shaped your story and wondering who your five would be!

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