Pivot points powered by Brandpie

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Welcome to Pivot points powered by Brandpie. The podcast that delves deep into the expertise of visionary leaders who’ve successfully taken their business, through a complex pivotal moment to unlock growth. Each episode we'll share with you how CEOs handle these critical inflection points, from leadership changes, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures to jumping an ‘S’ Curve or making a category pivot to drive future success.  Pivot Points is for C-Suite executives and anyone aspiring to leadership who want to learn how the emotional levers of change – purpose, brand and culture – are critical to successfully navigating a pivotal moment.  Successfully working through a pivotal moment for your business requires great leadership, coupled with clarity of purpose, ambition and strategy. Pivot points will aim to go deep on these topics to help you understand how great leaders excite people to drive change to create and build long term value – for their company, their people, their shareholders and for society. 

  1. Building for Years, Not Quarters: How to Balance Slow Opportunities with Time Pressures with CEO of HS Orka, Tómas Sigurðsson - Episode 32

    FEB 5

    Building for Years, Not Quarters: How to Balance Slow Opportunities with Time Pressures with CEO of HS Orka, Tómas Sigurðsson - Episode 32

    Tómas Sigurðsson’s greatness comes from small beginnings.  The self-described ‘accidental CEO’ has been measured and methodical. He’s not blinded by chasing quarterly goals - he’s patient. He’s prudent. He builds for the long-term… The skills on display throughout his career often stem from innocuous moments - those same talents combined with invaluable early experience see him lead one of Iceland’s leading geothermal power companies; HS Orka. So join us to explore the moments that taught Tomas what really keeps the power on for the long run. You will learn: How to balance decade-long planning and capital projects with short-term, quarterly performance goalsStrategies for driving culture change How to grow strong teams and future leaders through continuous feedback, mentorship and intentional succession planningWhy planning your life, protecting time to recharge and staying grounded matters for sustainable leadership🔑 Key Themes Long-term thinking vs. short-term pressureInnovation and resource stewardship in Tómas’ industryCulture change and building a business mindsetPeople, mentorship and developing leaders🔗 Connect with us Tómas Sigurðsson https://www.linkedin.com/in/t%C3%B3mas-sigur%C3%B0sson-4b53b986/ HS Orka https://www.linkedin.com/company/hs-orka/ https://www.hsorka.is/en/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    39 min
  2. Ripping Up the Playbook to Innovate in Novel Industries with OxWash Founder & Exited CEO, and Ex-NASA & SpaceX, Dr Kyle Grant-Talbot - Episode 31

    JAN 22

    Ripping Up the Playbook to Innovate in Novel Industries with OxWash Founder & Exited CEO, and Ex-NASA & SpaceX, Dr Kyle Grant-Talbot - Episode 31

    Dr Kyle Grant-Talbot is a self-described: ‘washed up astronaut’.  Don’t let his humility fool you, though - his talents and innovations continue to leave their mark among the stars for NASA and SpaceX. Kyle’s intelligence in Engineering Biology was matched by the ambition to tackle an industry which has shocking, high-stakes ripple effects through hospitality and healthcare - industrial laundry. Today’s episode of Pivot Points paints a portrait of pure ambition. The portrait of a leader who’s grounded, but possesses the drive to turn his hand to anything, and make it fly. The portrait of a leader who’s learned the traits of mature, experienced leaders, decades ahead of his time. You will learn: How the life-support engineer role at NASA/SpaceX translated space-grade thinking into a scalable, real world businessStrategies to spot high-impact, overlooked industries where deep tech can create real competitive advantageHow to navigate rapid growth, painful pivots and tough calls with patience and maturityThe aspects of Kyle’s business that have proven more important than any single piece of technology🔑 Key Themes Applying modern engineering to outdated industriesThe zero‑to‑one hundred founder grindObsessive customer focus as the real engine of growthThe significant pivots on the scaling journeyThe emotion and timing behind selling Oxwash 🔗 Connect with us Dr Kyle Grant-Talbot https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-c-grant/ OxWash https://www.oxwash.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxwash/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    37 min
  3. 2026: The Trends of a Successful Leader - Episode 30

    JAN 8

    2026: The Trends of a Successful Leader - Episode 30

    What makes a leader in 2026? Modern leadership isn’t shaped by perfect plans, but by pivotal moments, adversity, curiosity, and ultimately by authenticity. We’re stepping back from the individual stories we’ve explored on Pivot Points so far, to explore these deeper themes that emerged across our conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating leaders. Key takeaways from this episode: Leaders adapt when their career path doesn’t go to planHardship forges resilience, so don’t shy away from adversitySpend more time on your people, not on your planCuriosity is the spark that helps you seize opportunities🔗 Connect with us Christian Mazzi  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mazzi-47870 Steinar Sønsteby  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steinarsonsteby/ Sarah Walker-Smith  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walker-smith-4708a5b/ Piers Linney  https://www.pierslinney.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierslinney/ Matthew Wenger  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwenger/ James Ainscough https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesainscough/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    49 min
  4. Transparency at the Top: How Authenticity Creates Culture That Lasts with CEO of Securian Canada, Nigel Branker - Episode 29

    12/11/2025

    Transparency at the Top: How Authenticity Creates Culture That Lasts with CEO of Securian Canada, Nigel Branker - Episode 29

    Being a good person and being a great leader are not mutually exclusive, and Nigel Branker is perfect proof. His leadership is grounded in empathy. He’s not afraid to shy away from money in order to nurture trust and invest in brand equity. Nigel’s path to becoming Securian Canada’s CEO wasn’t perfectly choreographed, but his values have shone through at every pivotal step. Meet the man who dares to give CEO’s a great name, for whom authenticity and empathy is the greatest USP - the leader who always does the right thing, because culture is about what you do when nobody is looking… You will learn: How Nigel Branker's leadership style is grounded in transparency, empathy, and purposeHow modern leaders should balance business results with a culture of trust and inclusivityThe real-world challenges and rewards of unifying multiple organisations under a shared visionHow thoughtful, innovative use of technology empowers people and organisationsThe value of being open to growth, embracing new experiences, and nurturing resilience 🔑 Key Themes The Power of Empathetic LeadershipGuiding a Business with Authenticity and PurposeCultural Transformation in a Challenging IndustryBalancing Profitable Work with Brand EquityThe Future of Work & Technology in Business🔗 Connect with us Nigel Branker  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-branker/ Securian Canada https://www.securiancanada.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/securian-canada/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    37 min
  5. Flipping the Script: How to Overturn the Recession in Moral Leadership with Co-Founder of Apolitical, Robyn Scott - Episode 28

    11/27/2025

    Flipping the Script: How to Overturn the Recession in Moral Leadership with Co-Founder of Apolitical, Robyn Scott - Episode 28

    Robyn Scott exemplifies leadership without conventional boundaries.  Her formative experiences instilled a sense of global responsibility, a drive she has consistently channeled into impactful initiatives. Robyn is a many-time Co-Founder, and this journey is marked by insights into celebrating unsung leaders and inciting tangible change on a monumental scale. Join us on Pivot Points, as we explore the strategic mindset of a leader who redefines what it means to lead in an unstable world. Key takeaways from this episode: Upbringing can shape a passion for social impact and innovative problem-solvingIt’s often policy failures which underlie larger issuesGovernments are at a turning point with AI, and they need to be aware of the opportunities and challenges surrounding itWhen you benchmark against yourself, rather than others, you rethink the meaning of limits and what is possible🔑 Key Themes How Childhood Experiences Create Fearless EntrepreneurshipRedefining Governmental Structures Through ApoliticalCreating Projects Which Catalyse Social InnovationAI’s Potential & Risks in Public ServiceLeading with Courage and Values at Your Core🔗 Connect with us Robyn Scott  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynscott/?originalSubdomain=uk Apolitical https://www.linkedin.com/company/apolitical/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    41 min
  6. The Intentional Brilliance of an Accidental CEO with Senior Advisor and Former-CEO of Flatiron Health, Carolyn Starrett - Episode 27

    11/13/2025

    The Intentional Brilliance of an Accidental CEO with Senior Advisor and Former-CEO of Flatiron Health, Carolyn Starrett - Episode 27

    Carolyn Starrett’s purpose-led career has strategically pivoted from changing how the world connects, to changing how the world lives... She took the reins of Flatiron Health amid a turbulent leadership transition where much of the senior team departed. How do you survive navigating such instability? Her masterful ability to bring teams on a journey. She's an ‘accidental CEO’, whose intentionality has been essential to the resilience and crisis management that’s helped Flatiron Health to thrive. Today’s conversation reads like a rulebook on how to build team consensus, lead with purpose, and prepare a succession plan for when it’s time to step down… You will learn: To lead through change by embracing itThat building consensus brings your teams on a change journey with youHow to lead with intention, find personal meaning in work, and use vision and mission to motivate teamsHow curating a strong leadership bench prepares organisations for long-term success🔑 Key Themes Purpose-driven leadership through instability Building a culture of alignment to navigate challengesEmbracing change as part of individual and business transformationTeam development and succession planning🔗 Connect with us Carolyn Starrett  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynstarrett/ Flatiron Health https://flatiron.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/flatiron-health/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    40 min
  7. Charting the Map for Transformative Leadership with Ordnance Survey’s CEO, Nick Bolton - Episode 26

    10/30/2025

    Charting the Map for Transformative Leadership with Ordnance Survey’s CEO, Nick Bolton - Episode 26

    The path to success is rarely linear, and if anyone can help chart a course to the top, it’s Ordnance Survey’s CEO, Nick Bolton. Nick’s unconventional career path - from software developer to product manager, marketing director and ultimately CEO - highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and seizing unexpected opportunities.  In this episode of Pivot Points, Nick and Dave unpick how crisis management, team motivation and a holistic approach to business can transform organisations.  You will learn: How to rapidly realign organisational culture during challenging periods.Insights into building businesses that create sustainable valueThe importance of leveraging technical expertise across different leadership roles. How to balance risk reduction with strategic expansion. Nick Bolton  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bolton-19275627/ Ordnance Survey https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ordnance-survey/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    47 min
  8. ‘Change Happens at the Speed of Trust’: Reshaping Healthcare with Confluent Health CEO, Kristi Henderson - Episode 25

    10/16/2025

    ‘Change Happens at the Speed of Trust’: Reshaping Healthcare with Confluent Health CEO, Kristi Henderson - Episode 25

    Kristi Henderson's career is a masterclass in empathy-driven leadership, and the power of starting on the frontline. She began as a bedside nurse in a trauma center. Now, she’s become the CEO of Confluent Health, with the single-handed power to influence the law itself. Kristi’s path is a testament to the idea that true innovation comes from understanding the people you serve, and the best leaders learn first hand… If you’re putting band-aids on your leadership style, then today’s discussion might be the miracle cure you need -  We’ll cover how to embrace tech to solve REAL problems, strategies to lead with empathy, and why "change goes at the speed of trust."  Key takeaways from this episode: Kristi’s journey from bedside nurse to CEO demonstrates the importance of understanding and serving people at every levelInnovation comes through insights from the frontlineChange only happens at the speed of trustEffective leadership comes from setting a clear vision, and involving others in the “how”Kristi Henderson  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-henderson-049b4b58/ Confluent Health https://www.linkedin.com/company/confluenthealth/ Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/ Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

    35 min
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Welcome to Pivot points powered by Brandpie. The podcast that delves deep into the expertise of visionary leaders who’ve successfully taken their business, through a complex pivotal moment to unlock growth. Each episode we'll share with you how CEOs handle these critical inflection points, from leadership changes, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures to jumping an ‘S’ Curve or making a category pivot to drive future success.  Pivot Points is for C-Suite executives and anyone aspiring to leadership who want to learn how the emotional levers of change – purpose, brand and culture – are critical to successfully navigating a pivotal moment.  Successfully working through a pivotal moment for your business requires great leadership, coupled with clarity of purpose, ambition and strategy. Pivot points will aim to go deep on these topics to help you understand how great leaders excite people to drive change to create and build long term value – for their company, their people, their shareholders and for society. 

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