The Legendary Leaders Podcast Cathleen O'Sullivan – Leadership Consultant, Thinking Partner and Podcast

In this riveting conversation, our host, Cathleen sits down with the inspiring Jones Loflin. Jones masterfully draws parallels between the principles of gardening and leadership, emphasising creativity, space for thinking, and nurturing sustainable growth.
 
In this episode, you'll hear about the origins of Jones' book Juggling Elephants, born from a casual discussion on life’s circus-like chaos, and Cathleen’s reflections on fostering creativity amidst our busy lives. Together, they tackle the ever-present challenge of balancing work efficiency with your personal life, stressing the importance of intentional habits and mindfulness.
 
Tune in to discover how to embrace the "gardener mindset" for proactive leadership, learn effective strategies for saying no, and explore how intentionality and small steps can lead to significant personal and professional development. 
 
Episode Timeline: 
 
15:34 Authentic writing comes from lived experiences.
19:36 Helping people identify unmet needs and make necessary changes in their lives and workspaces.
23:31 Storytelling and communication encourages positive change and possibility.
31:05 Surround yourself with encouraging mentors who are a few steps ahead of you. 
33:36 Office friendships can create unnecessary pressure.
42:04 An elephant is anything that limits you.
43:38 Leaders aim to improve in key areas.
59:02 Showing palms indicates trust and confidence.
01:10:08 Delegate meetings to empower team members, and gain time.



Key Takeaways: 
Jones Loflin emphasises the importance of adopting a ‘gardener mindset’ for leaders, focusing on creativity, growth, and nurturing sustainable systems rather than merely fixing problems.
Both Jones and Cathleen discuss the challenge of finding time for creativity and personal development, highlighting the significance of starting small and being intentional in cultivating habits that support free time and balance.
The episode underscores the value of storytelling and fostering open communication to drive change, with Jones advocating for leaders to delegate decision-making and empower their teams for strategic growth.
 
ABOUT Jones Loflin
Jones Loflin has made it his life’s work to deliver powerful ideas and practical solutions to individuals around the world so they can achieve more of what is most important to them. His books are described as “illuminating” and his presentations as “unforgettable.” In his 29 years as a speaker and coach he has helped countless people regain confidence in their ability to achieve greater success in work and life.  
Connect with Jones:
Business: https://jonesloflin.com/
Linkedin - JonesLoflin.com | LinkedIn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesloflin
Facebook 
Juggling Elephants: https://www.facebook.com/jugglingelephants/
Youtube - Jones Loflin - YouTube
Instagram - Jones Loflin (@jonesloflin) 
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jonesloflin
 
Connect: 
 
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan 
Business: cathleenmerkel.com    
Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel 
Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7 
 
 
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Cathleen is joined by Jim Bishop from Conjunction Leadership, who brings over 20 years of global leadership experience to the table. Together, they explore essential topics for modern leaders, from embracing authenticity and emotional dexterity to navigating complex workplaces and fostering meaningful connections. Jim shares actionable insights on empowering leaders to take responsibility for their destiny, using direct communication, and developing resilience and adaptability within their teams. Cathleen and Jim engage in a thought-provoking discussion about gender dynamics, the pressures of social identity, and the journey toward finding one's true voice in a corporate world.
 
Episode Timeline: 
 
04:11 We aim to make the world of work not suck so much anymore.
08:05 Nervous system shapes identity through social interaction.
14:59 Initial chemistry call determines coaching relationship compatibility.
25:30 Found purpose and balance during sabbatical.
27:07 Pivoted to coaching, found success during COVID.
33:17 Unite teams through shared vision for cooperation.
38:23 Avoid discomfort to stay safe but you limit growth.
44:32 Encouraging growth mindset and self-actualisation in culture.
52:15 Finding identity, setting boundaries, and being present.
54:59 Nurturing entrepreneurial spirit while balancing family security.
01:00:05 Employees value social connections and purpose at work.
 
Key Takeaways: 
Leaders need to make empowered choices and develop emotional dexterity to manage complex emotions and foster connection and empathy in the workplace.
Jim suggests using the "north star exercise" to align divisions and create a common vision, addressing conflicts and encouraging creative problem-solving for your teams
Jim and Cathleen discuss the intricacies of gender dynamics in leadership. They promote curiosity, openness, and empathetic communication to break down traditional gender expectations and enhance team cohesion.
 
ABOUT  Jim Bishop
 
With over two decades of immersive experience in executive development, corporate leadership and human performance, Jim Bishop stands as a beacon of transformative leadership through his business, Conjunction Leadership. Jim's journey has taken him across the globe, coaching executives, diverse teams and orchestrating the modernisation of leadership systems for transforming business units. Having collaborated with industry giants like Eli Lilly, Roche, and Elanco, Jim recognised the pivotal role of a visionary leader willing to first work on themselves while revitalising their culture. This catalysed the birth of Conjunction Leadership in 2020, where Jim provides executive coaching and team development solutions. As a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation and a Certified Leadership Facilitator with Blanchard, Jim's methods are a blend of science and art. He empowers executives through executive coaching, corporate culture consulting, and team effectiveness programs, focusing on holistic development within volatile contexts. At Conjunction Leadership, transformation starts within. The exclusive DISRUPT, BRIDGE, and GROW process guides leaders on a journey of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and measurable growth.
 
Connect with Jim:



Website: https://conjunctionleadership.com/
 
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conjunctionleadership/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conjunctionleadership
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdbishop/



Connect: 
 
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan 
Business: cathleenmerkel.com  
Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel 
Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7 
 
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Cathleen explores the world of business leadership with the incredible Josh Perlman. Josh brings over 20 years of experience in shaping resilient businesses with executive roles ranging from CEO to COO. He shares invaluable insights into proving oneself as a smart, hardworking leader, and the critical importance of psychological safety in the workplace, especially during tumultuous times like the COVID-19 crisis. 
 
Josh opens up about his unique journey from starting work in high school to leading his own company, Geek Exec, which places C-suite executives in small and medium-sized businesses. You'll hear first-hand stories of challenges he faced, mistakes made, and lessons learned, all reinforcing the essence of being customer-centric and staying true to your business's core purpose.
 
Tune in to learn more about leading with impact, empowering teams, and navigating the pressures of growth and innovation. 
 
Episode Timeline: 
06:59 Maintaining balance key to sustained energy levels.
12:44 Diverse upbringing shapes outlook on life.
18:47 Small and medium businesses can't easily afford consultants.
28:03 Focus on unique value; prioritise client satisfaction.
32:19 Flexibility and adaptation are crucial for success.
40:55 Acknowledge mistakes, listen, and learn from others.
47:06 Importance of psychological safety in challenging communication.
49:30 Founders should empower and trust their team.
56:56 Regret about not confronting the boss for bad advice.
01:02:46 Adapt, learn, and finish what's necessary.




Key Takeaways: 
The Importance of Psychological Safety: Josh Perlman emphasises the significance of creating a workplace environment where employees can express concerns and ideas without fear of job security.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Both Cathleen O’Sullivan and Josh Perlman discuss the necessity of taking breaks and finding time for oneself and one’s relationships.
Leading with Flexibility and Openness: Josh Perlman shares insights on the importance of being adaptable and open to various perspectives in leadership. He stresses the need for continuous learning, being open to change, and fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed. 
 
ABOUT Josh Perlman
Josh Perlman is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of experience in shaping resilient businesses across various industries. He has held executive roles including CEO, COO, President, and Senior Vice President, with expertise in operations, sales, and product development management. Josh's career is marked by his dedication to bridging the talent gap for small businesses and startups, inspiring him to establish The Gig Exec. His mission is to make senior-level executive experience accessible to small, innovative companies, and family businesses, not just tech startups and large corporations. Currently, Josh is the Managing Director at The Gig Exec and the Founder & President of BËTR Productions, continuing his journey of empowering businesses with strategic leadership and innovative solutions.
 
Link to website: www.thegigexec.com
 
Connect with Josh:
Website: www.thegigexec.com
 
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshperlman31/ 



Connect: 
 
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan 
Business: cathleenmerkel.com  
Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel 
Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7 
 
 
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Cathleen interviews Beth Knight, a trailblazer in social impact and sustainability. She shares her profound journey from facing burnout while leading innovative projects at Amazon to her current mission as a sustainability advisor and board chair for Save the Children's corporate advisory board. Together, they delve into the essence of sustainable leadership emphasising integrity, well-being, and creating long-term value for people and the planet.
 
Tune in as Beth Knight and Cathleen O'Sullivan discuss leading with purpose in today's complex world. 
 
Episode Timeline: 
 
05:14 Transitioned from Amazon to sustainability advisory work.
08:26 Assisting a Ukrainian family member's journey to the UK.
10:58 Grateful for privilege, learning to say no.
14:58 Sustainable leadership is about a holistic, energising approach.
20:28 Balancing career and family leads to fulfilment.
21:52 Encouragement and listening are powerful for impact.
27:48 System broken, challenges in sustainability, and inequality.
30:14 Eco anxiety about unsustainable systems.
34:27 Respectful tourism breaks cultural and wealth barriers.
38:21 Colonial framing, and expanding protected cultures.
40:25 Act of kindness on the bus profoundly impacted someone.
45:57 Sustainability roles are complex, in-demand, and are evolving.
55:09 Encouraging ethical consumerism and companies' environmental accountability.
 
Key Takeaways: 
 
Recognising and Addressing Burnout: Beth Knight shared her firsthand experience with burnout and her decision to leave Amazon, emphasising the importance of recognising early signs of exhaustion. She discussed how high demands, constant stakeholder engagement, and maintaining a leadership brand can lead to significant stress.
Sustainable Leadership and Personal Well-being: How to create long-term value without exhausting oneself or others. Beth defined sustainable leadership as one that focuses on integrity, value creation, and well-being from an environmental, social, and governance perspective. 
Systemic Support and Ethical Practices: Both Cathleen and Beth stress the importance of systemic support in sustainable leadership, including family, organisational, and community environments. They underscore that personal well-being and professional success are intertwined with a supportive system that fosters growth and sustainability.



ABOUT BETH KNIGHT
Beth Knight is a leading figure in social impact and sustainability with over fifteen years' experience in purpose-led business transformation. Named 'Great British Businesswoman of the Year' in 2022, her expertise spans tech-for-good, sustainable development and impact investing. Beth is a frequent speaker, advisor and coach on mobilising the private sector around climate change, social justice and upskilling on sustainability. She is a Senior Associate and Head Tutor at the University of CambridgeInstitute of Sustainability Leadership ('CISL') and holds non-executive positions - ranging from Department for Culture Media & Sports ('DCMS') British Tourism Authority, to Chair of Save the Children’s corporate advisory board, to Tech Domain Expert for Carbon13’s venture builder. Beth's held roles at Amazon, EY and Accenture. She was also a trailblazer of the UK's Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Apprenticeship standard.
 
Connect:
Website: www.sustainableleaders.ltd 
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/beth-knight/
Twitter: twitter.com/bethzknight
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethzknight/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/bethzknight/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethzknight/ :



Connect: 
 
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan 
Business: cathleenmerkel.com  
Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel 
Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7 
 
 
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Today, we are sharing a deeply moving and insightful conversation with Cathleen and her guest Nick Shaw. In this episode, you're going to explore the power of meditation, the importance of mindfulness, and the delicate balance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. Nick shares his personal journey of finding purpose and healing after the devastating loss of his son, William. Through his story, you're invited to reflect on the small actions and meaningful conversations that can shape your path towards becoming a more intentional and present leader.
 
Nick shares his struggles and triumphs, his commitment to living intentionally, and the impactful work he's doing through initiatives like the Mirror Box Leadership Lab and the William’s Be Yourself Challenge. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant busyness of life or questioned how to be a genuine and supportive leader, this episode offers valuable insights that can guide you on your journey.
 
So, grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by Nick Shaw's incredible story. 
 
Episode Timeline: 
 
06:50 Nick’s son disappears in deep powder snow.
10:30 Family of 4 becomes family of 3.
19:04 Nick’s wife collapsed and told him, "it’s not your fault."
26:30 Child overcomes struggles with therapist's help and gains acceptance.
30:54 Skiing allowed self-expression and personal accomplishment.
38:02 Distracted by technology and its impact.
40:12 Utilised meditation for self-awareness and reflection.
45:05 Being yourself at work challenges professional expectations.
50:17 Focus on what you can control as a leader.
59:02 Learning from tragedy, intentional living, sharing lessons.



Key Takeaways: 
Mindfulness & Meditation; Learn how Nick uses these practices to still his mind and build self-awareness.
Authentic Leadership: Discover the power of showing vulnerability and being genuine in your leadership journey.
Intentional Living: Understand the importance of pausing, reflecting, and making deliberate choices to find meaningful work and a balanced life.
 
ABOUT Nick Shaw:
Nick Shaw is an accomplished executive coach and author, known for his profound insights into personal transformation and self-discovery. His upcoming book, My Teacher, My Son, is a poignant reflection on his journey through grief and finding meaning in the face of unimaginable loss.



Connect with Nick:
Website: meetnickshaw.com
 
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-shaw-author/



Connect: 
 
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan 
Business: cathleenmerkel.com  
Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel 
Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7 
 
 
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Welcome to another inspiring episode of Legendary Leaders. In today's episode, Cathy interviews Tony Martignetti, a transformative leader who left a high-flying career in the biotech industry to rediscover his true passion as an artist and be a champion for authentic leadership. Host Cathleen O'Sullivan shares her insights on the power of genuine connection and growth in leadership. Together, they explore Tony's pivotal moment of self-realisation amid corporate burnout, his adventurous spirit—from scaling Kilimanjaro to planning his next challenge on the Camino de Santiago—and how these experiences fuel his mission to foster more meaningful interactions in and out of the workplace. Prepare to be moved by Tony's story of finding balance through emotional awareness and his innovative approach to leadership that prioritises deep, reflective conversations and creating environments where every individual feels valued. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of embracing one's true self and the courage it takes to lead by example. 
 
Episode Timeline: 
 
00:00 Leadership expert with 30 years of experience.
09:07 Understanding emotions, their logic, and reflection.
16:12 TED talk: Embrace your true self at work.
17:08 Encouraging leaders to embrace vulnerability and authenticity.
27:09 Struggling to find purpose, found inner strength.
31:15 Embracing change and new challenges shapes identity.
37:53 Presence and authenticity impact others profoundly.
40:05 If someone is an extrovert or introvert, you should adjust your communication style.
46:01 Consider speaking up before walking out.
52:23 Connecting with your story helps connect with others.
55:36 Deep impact of campfire storytelling on human connection.
01:02:29 Leadership requires open, engaging, and entertaining communication.
01:13:28 Expand vision, narrow focus to overcome stagnation.





Key Takeaways: 
Embrace Your True Self: Tony’s journey underlines the importance of embracing your authentic self to find fulfilment in both personal and professional life. His transition from the boardroom to the art studio exemplifies the courage it takes to pursue what truly aligns with one's passion and purpose.
The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership. Vulnerability is not just a personal trait but a leadership strategy. Admitting vulnerabilities and engaging in genuine conversations can dramatically strengthen team resilience and cohesion.
Innovation Through Introspection. A leader’s ability to innovate correlates strongly with their capacity for introspection. Tony’s experiences, from mountaineering to glassblowing, illustrate how varied external challenges can foster profound internal reflection and lead to breakthroughs in personal and professional growth.
 
ABOUT  Tony Martignetti
Tony Martignetti Tony Martignetti is a leadership advisor, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. He brings together over 30 years of business and leadership experience and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to
navigate through change and unlock their true potential.Before becoming the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony was a finance and strategy executive with experience working with some of the world's leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company. Tony hosts The Virtual Campfire podcast and is the author of Climbing the Right Mountain:Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life and Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward. He has been featured in many publications, including Fast Company, Forbes, Life Science Leader,
CEOWORLD, and CEO Today.
 
Connect with Tony:
Website: https://www.ipurposepartners.com/ 
 
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/ 
Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpurposecoach/