The Connected Leadership Podcast

Evergreen Podcasts
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Connected Leadership Podcast

Speaker and author on professional relationships, Andy Lopata, explores great connections with experts and high achievers worldwide.

  1. Lights, Camera, Impact: The Anna Fiorentini Story of Arts and Empowerment

    2D AGO

    Lights, Camera, Impact: The Anna Fiorentini Story of Arts and Empowerment

    Welcome back to another episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast. Today’s episode is a little special. We’re part of Podcaston, an awesome initiative where over 1,600 podcasters come together to support incredible causes. For me, this hits close to home because I’ve had the privilege of working with one of those causes—The Fiorentini Foundation—as both a trustee and currently as an ambassador.   Joining me is Anna Fiorentini, the founder of the Anna Fiorentini Film and Theatre School and its charitable arm, The Fiorentini Foundation. Anna started her school 24 years ago in inner-city London to give kids aged 4–18 access to drama, singing, dance, and film training. And here’s the kicker—no child gets turned away because of money issues. They make it work through profits from adult classes (Stage in the City) and corporate team-building events like creating a musical in an afternoon (how cool is that?).   Anna’s mission goes beyond just teaching performing arts. It’s about building confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills for young people who might not otherwise have these opportunities. Whether they grow up to perform on the West End or use their newfound leadership skills elsewhere, every student benefits. You’ll hear some amazing success stories, too—kids landing roles in The Bodyguard or TV shows like EastEnders, and others excelling in careers far removed from the stage.   So how can YOU get involved? Well, whether it’s donating, brainstorming fundraising ideas, volunteering, or even organising workplace events, there are plenty of ways to help. Check out afperformingarts.com or thefiorentinifoundation.org for more info.   Thanks so much for tuning in! Don’t forget to share this episode if you found it inspiring—and join us again next week for another great conversation on the Connected Leadership Podcast.   SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Anna Fiorentini: LinkedIn | Website  | YouTube The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

    27 min
  2. Connecting With Impact with Frank Agin

    MAR 10 · BONUS

    Connecting With Impact with Frank Agin

    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes host Andy Lopata talks to Frank Agin, a connector and founder of AM Business Connections, about building meaningful relationships and networking with impact. They explore the dual meaning of "connection"—both as human bonding and strategic engagement. Frank emphasises shifting from a transactional mindset ("What can I get?") to a relational one ("What can I give?"), stressing that trust and empathy are foundational. He shares the three reasons people fail to secure referrals: lack of relationship depth, inability to recognise opportunities, and hesitation to engage in meaningful dialogue. Andy and Frank highlight storytelling as a tool to foster connection, using relatable anecdotes to bridge gaps and build rapport. Frank concludes with a powerful metaphor from anthropologist Margaret Mead: a healed femur symbolises humanity’s innate instinct to care for one another, reinforcing that survival and success depend on mutual support. Key Takeaways: 1. Relationships First: Build genuine connections by focusing on giving, not extracting value. 2. Storytelling Matters: Use stories to engage, humanise interactions, and make ideas memorable. 3. Referral Barriers: Lack of trust, opportunity recognition, and conversational confidence hinder referrals. 4. Social Media Nuance: Platforms educate and nurture networks but aren’t substitutes for real relationships. 5. Cognitive Diversity: Balance professional and personal networks for broader perspectives and support. 6. Human Instinct to Care: Empathy and collaboration are key to thriving. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Frank Agin: LinkedIn | Website   The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode Featuring Frank Agin

    22 min
  3. Creating a Purposeful Life With Amy Rowlinson

    MAR 3

    Creating a Purposeful Life With Amy Rowlinson

    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy welcomes Amy Rowlinson, Shining a light on what is possible when you focus on ‘why’, Amy Rowlinson empowers people to forge their own path to create a purposeful, sustainable and fulfilling way of life. As a life purpose coach, podcast strategist and podcaster, Amy's mission is to gift a living legacy of inspiration, insight and knowledge. On her podcast, Focus on WHY, Amy provides uplifting and relatable conversations designed to inspire listeners to take purposeful action. Andy and Amy discuss Amy's recent project—a book co-authored with her late grandfather, George Kerr. This unique collaboration was born out of imagined conversations; using George's letters; war diaries,and even an interview Amy conducted with him at age 15. Amy reflects on how imposter syndrome initially held her back from writing the book, until she learnt to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. This shift allowed her to overcome self-doubt and recognise the importance of sharing her story. The book is not just a memoir but a guide on creating a purposeful way of life. It combines George's wisdom with Amy's reflections on modern challenges like burnout and finding meaning in work. Amy emphasises the need for sustainable fulfilment and stresses connecting everyday tasks to a broader purpose, bringing emotional significance to all aspects of life. Both Andy and Amy highlight the value of diverse relationships. She credits mentors, coaches, and peers for helping her navigate vulnerabilities and unlock her potential. No single person fulfils every role; instead, a network of supporters aids her journey. For instance, her husband provides perspective, while professional mentors offer expertise. This collaborative approach aligns with her belief in connectedness—a core value driving her work. Amy’s story underscores the power of intergenerational connections and the courage required to share one's truth authentically. What we discussed: 1. Embracing Vulnerability: Overcoming imposter syndrome requires embracing vulnerability and authenticity. By acknowledginglimitations, individuals open themselves up to growth and support. 2. Purpose-Driven Living: Creating a fulfilling life involves aligning daily actions with future goals. Connecting tasks to a larger purpose enhances emotional significance. 3. Collaborative Growth: Building a diverse support system—including mentors, coaches, and peers—enables holistic development. No single person can fulfill all needs; multiple perspectives are essential. 4. Intergenerational Connections: Leveraging stories and lessons from previous generations fosters deeper understanding and resilience. Amy’s collaboration with her grandfather exemplifies this idea. 5. Authentic Leadership: Authenticity builds trust and invites meaningful relationships. Dropping the "mask" allows others to provide genuine support, unlocking hidden potential.   SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Amy Rowlinson: Website |LinkedIn |X | YouTube The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Focus on Why: Create a purposeful way of life,

    47 min
  4. Trends, Fads and Futures with Charlotte Kemp

    FEB 24 · BONUS

    Trends, Fads and Futures with Charlotte Kemp

    Andy Lopata revisits his interview with Charlotte Kemp in this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes. Charlotte is a Futures Alchemist and international keynote speaker and shares her insights into futures thinking, distinguishing between trends and fads, and how leaders can prepare for an uncertain future. Key Takeaways:  1. Understanding Futures Thinking: Charlotte explains that everyone is a natural futurist, because we all plan for the future in some way. However, becoming more intentional and conscious about futures thinking allows us to better anticipate changes and respond strategically. This involves gathering intelligence, managing change, describing potential futures, and testing strategies. 2. Trends vs. Fads: Charlotte highlights the importance of recognising the difference between long-term trends and short-term fads. Trends grow gradually, while fads appear suddenly and fade quickly. She advises scanning headlines from diverse sources to identify patterns that signal emerging trends. 3. Collaborative Future Creation: Charlotte and Andy discuss the necessity of co-creating the future through collaboration. Leaders should build networks beyond their usual circles to challenge assumptions and gain diverse perspectives. This fosters inclusive futures that serve broader communities rather than isolated groups. 4. Counter Trends: Organisations can thrive by identifying and embracing counter trends—going against mainstream movements to carve out unique niches. For instance, while many embrace fast fashion, others find success with slow, artisanal approaches. 5. Hybrid Work Dynamics: The shift towards hybrid work models is significant but varies globally. Understanding local contexts is crucial for adapting effectively. 6. Exponential Thinking: Andy and Charlotte explore the topic of exponential thinking, urging leaders to move beyond binary thinking and embrace quantum possibilities to keep pace with rapid global changes. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Charlotte Kemp: LinkedIn | Website   The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode Featuring Charlotte Kemp

    19 min
  5. The Art of Disagreeing Agreeably with Rebecca Morgan

    FEB 17 · BONUS

    The Art of Disagreeing Agreeably with Rebecca Morgan

    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata welcomes Rebecca Morgan, a renowned author and leadership expert, to investigate the concept of psychological safety in the workplace. Rebecca shares insights from her extensive research on Silicon Valley's highest-performing companies, emphasising that psychological safety is crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration. Rebecca explains psychological safety as an individual's perception that their team is safe for risk-taking, where one can voice differing opinions without fear of repercussions. It is about creating a climate of interpersonal trust and mutual respect. Rebecca highlights the importance of disagreeing agreeably and phrasing counter-opinions thoughtfully to ensure they are well-received.   She also addresses the challenge of accommodating diverse personality styles within teams, suggesting techniques like 'raising hands' or using a 'talking ball' to ensure introverts have equal airtime. Rebecca stresses the balance needed between bringing one's authentic self to work while maintaining professionalism, advocating for appropriateness filters to keep expressions constructive. Key Takeaways: 1. Psychological Safety as a Foundation for Success: Rebecca emphasises that psychological safety is foundational for high-performing teams, but she notes that while companies may strive for this ideal, implementation can vary depending on individual managers. 2. Definition of Psychological Safety: Rebecca defines psychological safety as an individual’s perception that their team is safe for risk-taking. 3.Disagreeing Agreeably: Rebecca stresses the importance of phrasing counter-opinions thoughtfully to ensure they are well-received, highlighting the need for finesse and diplomacy in communication. 4. Balancing Authenticity and Appropriateness: Leaders should encourage employees to bring their unique perspectives while remaining mindful of boundaries. 5. Accommodating Diverse Personality Styles: By establishing ground rules, extroverts can learn to accommodate quieter colleagues, fostering collaboration across personality types. 7. Building Trust Through Individual Conversations: Rebecca underscores the importance of individual conversations in building trust and understanding within teams. Andy adds that stepping into others' shoes and having meaningful discussions can help create a safer and more supportive environment, even when challenges arise.  Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Rebecca Morgan: Website |LinkedIn | X | Facebook The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 163 Featuring Rebecca Morgan

    18 min
  6. Why Human Connection Is So Important with Simone Heng

    FEB 10 · BONUS

    Why Human Connection Is So Important with Simone Heng

    Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast with Andy Lopata. This week, Andy looks back at his interview with former radio broadcaster and inspirational speaker, Simone Heng, author of the book Secret Pandemic: The Search for Connection in a Lonely World. Simone shares with Andy, the importance of human connection and how it affects our leadership and personal development. Simone talks about her experiences being both the critic and the criticised. She examines the importance of being vulnerable as a leader and how accountability plays an important part in leadership. She shares her belief that it is okay to have moments of overwhelm, and provided there are apologies to those affected, it is ok to not be together all the time. Simone shares the science around the need for human connection emphasising that a level of human connection is essential for both mental and physical wellbeing. She discusses how many are digitally connected yet emotionally disconnected. Key Takeaways ·       Vulnerability is the key to connecting to the people you lead ·       Human connection is not just a “nice to have” but is essential ·       Learn to apologise sincerely when you get it wrong, even if it is hard ·       Seek help from people who have different opinions and perspectives from you. ·       The real connection is with people who would “bring us to the hospital if we need it” ·       Pick up the phone - smiles are heard in the voice, whereas Zoom and teams remove some of the important connection nuances. ·       Meet your team where they are at - be flexible and open minded, ask them what they need. ·       Look for a serendipitous connection. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Simone Heng: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube | X | Instagram The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 138 Featuring Simone Heng

    21 min
  7. The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert with Greg Williams

    FEB 3

    The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert with Greg Williams

    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, host Andy Lopata welcomes Greg Williams, ‘The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert.’  With 30+ years of experience, Greg has trained and consulted in 19 countries, helping people enhance their value and get more from every negotiation. A Harvard-trained negotiator, cited by Forbes, and ranked among the world's top 30 gurus in negotiation and body language, he's a celebrated author, speaker, and trainer. Greg's insights come from a wealth of experience, including advising top 50 corporations, contributing to major news networks, and even consulting on the TV show Love & Hip Hop New York. As a member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches, Greg's expertise is trusted by world leaders and public figures, and he lives by the motto: 'You're always negotiating!'” Greg shares his expertise on how to effectively read and utilise body language during negotiations. He highlights the importance of establishing a baseline for an individual's nonverbal communication in a relaxed setting before assessing their gestures under pressure. Greg emphasises that body language cues are best interpreted as a cluster, not individually, to avoid misinterpretations. He also discusses the crucial role of focusing on the other party's needs, and the power of using strategic pauses and asking questions. Greg and Andy discuss how to identify deception, manage aggressive negotiators and adapt body language understanding across diverse cultures, emphasising the importance of cultural awareness. Additionally, the conversation extends to virtual negotiations, where body language signals can be even more pronounced and how empathetic technology is set to change the future landscape of how we negotiate. What we discussed  The Importance of the Baseline: Greg reveals how establishing a "normal" for someone is crucial to accurately interpreting their body language. This insight alone could revolutionise how you approach every conversation. Strategic Interpretation of Body Language: Learn how to avoid overthinking single cues and the importance of interpreting clusters of gestures for a clearer understanding of what’s really being said, beyond the words. Self-Awareness and Presence: How to shift focus from your needs to the needs of the other person—a powerful strategy that unlocks more collaborative results. Cultural Sensitivity: Crucial tips for navigating different cultural norms. Technological Impact: Uncover the future of negotiations through Greg’s insights on how empathetic technology will impact the professional landscape in the future and the ethical considerations to keep in mind.   SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Greg Williams: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube | X | Facebook  greg@themasternegotiator.com The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 139 Featuring Kevin Gaskell

    44 min
  8. Lessons in Teamwork, Resilience, and Leadership from Kevin Gaskell

    JAN 27

    Lessons in Teamwork, Resilience, and Leadership from Kevin Gaskell

    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata looks back at his interview with Kevin Gaskell, serial entrepreneur, author, and adventurer. Kevin discusses his record-breaking row across the Atlantic, focusing on the lessons learnt that are applicable to business, particularly how smaller businesses can compete with larger giants. Kevin shares how his initial reluctance to row transformed into a world-record attempt, driven by a serendipitous conversation and the desire to explore new challenges. He emphasises the critical importance of team chemistry over paper qualifications, noting how a strong bond and mutual trust were paramount to their success. Kevin highlights the balance between encouraging people to stretch and respecting their boundaries. He emphasises creating a vision of success that inspires rather than imposing targets. He describes their intense preparation, including a rigorous training regime and specialised courses. He reveals how they managed the grueling demands of the race, covering two-hour shifts of rowing and maintaining discipline through clear communication, whilst balancing the need to remain focused and also to take in and appreciate the overall experience. The importance of a strong culture was central to their success. Kevin also shares how they dealt with difficult moments using a designated ‘release word,’ which allowed for individual time but open discussions to solve problems. He concludes by stressing the importance of enjoying the journey whatever your goal, viewing challenges as opportunities, and creating an environment of trust and openness. Key Takeaways Team Chemistry is Crucial: Prioritise a strong connection and trust among team members over traditional qualifications. Inspire with Vision, Not Just Targets: Motivate your team with an extraordinary vision, not just by setting financial goals. Commitment Requires Choice: Empower individuals with the freedom to choose, but expect full commitment once they buy in. Discipline and Balance: Find the balance between rigorous discipline and the need to have a positive culture, where people feel they can contribute and make an impact. Culture is the Foundation: Create an open and honest culture built on kindness and mutual respect. Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the challenges and difficulties as learning opportunities, and find joy in the pursuit of your goals.   SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Kevin Gaskell: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 139 Featuring Kevin Gaskell

    25 min
See All (182)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Speaker and author on professional relationships, Andy Lopata, explores great connections with experts and high achievers worldwide.

Information

  • Creator
    Evergreen Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andy Lopata, H & A Lopata ltd 2020
  • Show Website
    The Connected Leadership Podcast

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada