Podcasts

Notes:

Pheona Matovu: ‘Pheona is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Radiant and Brighter Community Interest Company – an award winning social enterprise founded with her husband Micheal Matovu in 2012’ (from LinkedIn).

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Suzanne: ‘Unremembered – Britain’s Forgotten War Heroes’ – documentary on Channel 4 – www.channel4.com/programmes/unremembered-britains-forgotten-war-heroes

Pheona:

‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ – book by Reni Eddo-Lodge – www.waterstones.com/book/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race/reni-eddo-lodge/9781408870587
‘Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance’ – book by Barack Obama – www.waterstones.com/book/dreams-from-my-father/barack-obama/9781782119258

Martin: ‘The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration’ – book by Isabel Wilkerson – www.waterstones.com/book/the-warmth-of-other-suns/isabel-wilkerson/9780141995151

Listen anytime:

NEW! Episode 9 - Women leading over 50

Season: 2

Description:

Suzanne Lamont hosts a new episode of Trust Me, I'm a Leader featuring Sue Brightman - author and life coach. The pair discuss Sue's research on the experiences of women over 50, workplace dynamics and aspirations. Sue and Suzanne go on to talk about feminine leadership and changes taking place around the world.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Sue’s book, A Call to Further Becoming: The New Declaration from Women Over 50 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-Further-Becoming-Declaration-Women-ebook/dp/B08GV5985G

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Suzanne: ‘Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World’ – documentary on BBCiPlayer – https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p099f58d/greta-thunberg-a-year-to-change-the-world

Sue: ‘Emerging Women’ – organisation – https://emergingwomen.com/about-us/

Listen anytime:

NEW! Episode 8 - Creating a Culture of Empowerment

Season: 2

Description:

Martin is joined by Elsa Critchley - Head of HR at Baillie Gifford. The pair discuss the importance of growing, adapting and unlearning some of the old methods of working. Elsa talks about the ‘curiosity’ at the heart of Baillie Gifford and the need for intellectual freedom in investment. Martin and Elsa finish the episode with a discussion about building a culture of empowerment in the workplace.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Elsa Critchley: ‘MBA qualified HR Director with breadth of experience across sectors; Financial Services, (including private banking), electronics, consulting, manufacturing. Wide ranging HR background with OE and culture change expertise.’ (From LinkedIn)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Elsa: ‘Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All’ – Tom Kelley, David Kelley – www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288649-creative-confidence

Martin: ‘Experimentation Works: The Surprising Power of Business Experiments’ – book by Stefan H. Thomke – www.goodreads.com/book/show/52372455

Listen anytime:

NEW! Episode 7 - Flexible Approaches to Work

Season: 2

Description:

Martin is joined by Mark McFall - Managing Director of Change Recruitment Group. Mark talks about the different visions for the future of work and Martin comments on some of the challenges of working independently. The pair go on to discuss selection processes and efforts to continue recruiting talented staff during COVID19.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Mark McFall: “Mark has 25 years’ experience within the recruitment industry primarily in senior leadership roles within both Nasdaq and AIM listed organisations covering a variety of sectors and disciplines. Mark joined Change in 2012 as Managing Director implementing a strategy to improve the business mix, improve productivity and profitability. Culminating in overseeing the successful sale of Change and subsequent integration into the new Taranata Group.” www.changerecruitmentgroup.com/why-change/meet-our-team/mark-mcfall

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘Igniting individual purpose in times of crisis’ – McKinsey article – www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/igniting-individual-purpose-in-times-of-crisis

Mark: ‘Key Coaching Models: The 70+ Models Every Manager and Coach Needs to Know’ – book by Stephen Gribben – www.waterstones.com/book/key-coaching-models/stephen-gribben/9781292151908

Listen anytime:

NEW! Episode 6 - Global Opportunities Unleashed

Season: 2

Description:

Martin is joined by Russell Dalgleish - Chair of Scottish Business Network, Managing Partner Exolta and Technology Serial Entrepreneur. The pair discuss the tough realities of COVID-19 for Scottish business and the urgent need for new opportunities. Russell talks about global interest in Scottish companies and Martin comments on effective networking and relationship building. The pair go on to talk about the goal of creating international visions and ambitions.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Russell Dalgleish: ‘Russell is a high-profile influencer and connector, as well as a serial entrepreneur. He is the founding Managing Partner of the advisory group, Exolta Capital Partners as well as angel investor. In his earlier career he has held board leadership positions with International companies achieving turnover in excess of £200m. Today Russell sits on the boards on ten companies and organisations including the Institute of Directors Scotland, Mr Finch Limited and Remarkable. He has also recently expanded his efforts internationally by launching his co-founded Business Network, SBN, into the US and has been recognised as one of the top 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs (No.67).’ Read more: www.russelldalgleish.co.uk/#about

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You’ – book Frances Frei and Anne Morriss – www.goodreads.com/book/show/49208248-unleashed

Russell: ‘Responsibility Rebellion: An Unconventional Approach to Personal Empowerment’ – book by Kain Ramsay – www.goodreads.com/book/show/54433378-responsibility-rebellion

Scottish Business Network: www.sbn.scot

Russell Dalgleish: www.russelldalgleish.co.uk

Listen anytime:
Apple

NEW! Episode 5 - The Making of a Better World

Season: 2

Description:

Martin is joined by Debora Kayembe - the 54th Rector of Edinburgh University (as of 1 March 2021). Debora shares her life story and journey into leadership. The pair discuss the issues of race and division in society, the enduring influence of Nelson Mandela and the significance of humble leadership. Martin and Debora go on to share their hopes for the next generations of leaders.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Debora Kayembe: Debora Kayembe was called to the Congolese Bar Association in 2000, and has been a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting from 2010-2020. In 2016 she joined the language services of the office of the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA). Debora served as Scottish Refugee Council board member from 2013 – 2016. She also joined the Royal Society of Edinburgh/Young Academy of Scotland representing refugee minorities, and has a seat as an expert lawyer to the RSE Working Group for Africa. In 2017 Debora founded the charity Full Options. In July 2020, Debora launched the Freedom Walk campaign – a civil rights movement which aims to lobby and campaign on behalf of citizens by promoting social reforms, racial justice and community harmony. Debora is also petitioning to the Scottish Parliament in favour of anti-racist education in Scotland.
Read more via: www.ed.ac.uk/news/staff/2021/debora-kayembe-elected-as-rector

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Debora: ‘The Best of Enemies’ – film on Netflix – www.netflix.com/title/81038216

Martin: ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ – book by Bernardine Evaristo – www.waterstones.com/book/girl-woman-other/bernardine-evaristo/9780241984994

Listen anytime:
Spotify

NEW! Episode 4 - Approaches to Leadership

Season: 2

Description:

Martin is joined by Douglas Shand - Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Glasgow - to discuss new kinds of leadership and the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on attitudes towards team working. Douglas shares his views on new technology and Martin comments on the significance of workplace culture.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Douglas Shand: Douglas Shand is Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Douglas is a globally recognised leader in delivering business benefit from emerging and disruptive technologies. His career has included senior leadership and executive roles at global blue chip businesses such as Oracle and PwC and a number of global technology start ups. Douglas has won international awards for innovation and is an expert in the application of Agile methodologies in both software development and general business strategy. He provides strategy and M&A advice to Private Equity and Venture Capital investors. He mentors a number of companies in the telecoms and emerging technology sectors. Read more via: www.gla.ac.uk/schools/interdisciplinary/staff/douglasshand/#biography

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘COCO’ – Disney/Pixar film – available on Disney+ – www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/movies/coco/db9orsI5O4gC

Douglas: ‘Spiral’ – tv series – available on BBCiPlayer – www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072wk9

‘Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change’ – book by Kent Beck – www.amazon.co.uk/Extreme-Programming-Explained-Embrace-Change/dp/0321278658

Listen anytime:

Pod.co

NEW! Episode 3 - Diversity and the Digital Agenda

Season: 2

Description:

"Many women don't know that technology is a great career...We need to make it an easier choice." Martin speaks to Tara McGeehan, President of CGI's UK operations, about diversity in technology and innovation. They go on to discuss the importance of employee mental health and wellbeing.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Tara McGeehan: Tara was appointed President of CGI’s UK operations in January 2018. As President, Tara leads a team of approximately 6,000 professionals and consultants who bring all of CGI’s end-to-end capabilities and industry and technology expertise to clients across these regions. A CGI member for more than 17 years, Tara previously served as Senior Vice-President responsible for the North and Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Business Unit where she developed business across commercial and government industries, including high-profile digital engagements such as the UK smart metering program. With 20 years’ industry experience, Tara has a detailed understanding of these markets and their implications and opportunities for CGI’s clients. Prior to joining CGI in 2001, Tara was a Senior Manager at National Grid. She has strong relationships with Directors and Senior Managers of many of the UK energy companies and is frequently asked to perform focused ‘health-checks’ on areas of their business to help identify and resolve problems.

CGI: https://www.cgi.com/en

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘Phenomenal Woman’ – poem by Maya Angelou – https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48985/phenomenal-woman

Tara: ‘Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking’ – book by Matthew Syed – https://www.waterstones.com/book/rebel-ideas/matthew-syed/9781473613942

NEW! Episode 2 - Rapid Acceleration of Reality

Season: 2

Description:

“There’s never been a better time to take an idea and run with it…” Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman of 4J Studios, joins Martin to discuss the role of technology and innovation in shaping the response to COVID-19 and possible paths out of the crisis. Chris shares insights into his own career as a serial investor and talks about opening doors to the jobs of the future.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Chris van der Kuyl: ‘He is famous for his key role in putting Scotland’s gaming industry on the map with 4J Studios – which is best known for developing Minecraft Console Edition. And in a career spanning nearly three decades, he has built up a fortune thought to be around £150 million as well as a string of honorary degrees.’ (Scotsman)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: ‘An AI smartwatch that detects seizures’ – TED Talk by Rosalind Picard – www.ted.com/talks/rosalind_picard_an_ai_smartwatch_that_detects_seizures?language=en

Chris: ‘Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.’ – book by Ron Chernow – www.goodreads.com/book/show/16121.Titan

Listen anytime:

Pod.co

NEW! Episode 1 - Bouncing Back with Sandy Kennedy

Season: 2

Description:

Martin Ewart, Taranata Group CEO, is back with a brand new series of Trust Me, I’m a Leader. Sandy Kennedy, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, joins him to discuss an entrepreneur-led recovery, in the context of ongoing uncertainty. They go on to talk about some of the important building blocks for leaders who aspire to be successful and effective.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Sandy Kennedy: Entrepreneur and Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation. He aims to inspire and develop business talent to make Scotland the most entrepreneurial society in the world. The Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation provides world-class leadership and talent development programmes and manages one of Scotland’s biggest membership networks. Alongside experience in corporate law, venture capital, start-ups and executive education, he also writes for the Herald.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Martin: “The 3 Elements of Trust” – blog by by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, published in Harvard Business Review – hbr.org/2019/02/the-3-elements-of-trust

Sandy: [On the importance of experimentation] – “Thinking in System: A Primer” – book by Donella Meadows – www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Systems-Primer

Bonus Episode: David Farquhar's Leadership Beliefs

Season: 1

Description:

Ahead of the launch of series 2, Martin Ewart catches up with David Farquhar - CEO of Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS). They expand on their original discussion (series 1) and David unpacks his leadership beliefs in more detail.

Episode Link:

Notes:

David Farquhar: David joined IGS as CEO in November 2017. David’s strategic appointment has successfully delivered a Series A funding round and led to the recruitment of a world-class management team. He now leads the company forward to drive global expansion. David is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, with a track record of driving shareholder value, based upon building an empowering, collaborative culture as a platform for growth. Most recently, he was CEO of global SaaS vendor Workplace, leading the team through a hugely successful turnaround, transformation, growth and exit delivering a double-digit money multiple return in less than 3 years. In the past 27 years he has completed almost 30 transactions as a founder/CEO, angel investor and board director, including risk capital investments (PE, VC and angel), acquisitions and trade sales in Europe, North America and Asia.

Intelligent Growth Solutions: www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com

For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/trustmeimaleader

Listen anytime:
Apple

Pod.co

Episode 8 - New Strategies for Growth

Season: 1

Description:

Martin and Suzanne are joined by Paul Atkinson - Business Founder, Board Advisor and Partner with Par Equity. They reflect on issues for businesses and leaders throughout 2020 (and the importance of collaboration), new emerging strategies and actions to drive growth.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Paul Atkinson: Paul is an entrepreneur and serial angel investor. Paul has a substantial track record of building value for companies in the technology and services sector and taking them to a successful exit. Paul had started three previous businesses: Head Resourcing, which was founded in 2001 (2017 turnover – £65 million); Direct Resources, which was acquired by NASDAQ listed iGate Corporation in 1999; and RecruitmentScotland.com, which was acquired by another NASDAQ listed business, TMP Worldwide, in 2000. Paul has a BSc in Physics from Manchester University and is the Visiting Professor at Napier University Business School.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Suzanne: [Personal Strategy] – step out of your comfort zone by choosing to read something new on a regular basis.

Martin: ‘Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail’ – book by Clayton M Christensen – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Innovators-Dilemma-Technologies-Management-Innovation/dp/142219602X

Paul: ‘The Big Short’ – film on Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/title/80075560

Par Equity: https://www.parequity.com

Episode 7 - Lessons from the Trenches

Season: 1

Description:

Suzanne and Martin are joined by Atholl Duncan – executive coach and former Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland. They discuss changes to supply chains, the need to build cooperation across boundaries and leadership learning.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Atholl Duncan: Atholl is a popular conference speaker who aims to inspire and inform the leadership community. He seeks to inspire a movement of change for the benefit of businesses and wider society. Atholl wrote “Leaders in Lockdown” – the story of 100 days that changed the world of business. It offers a powerful insight into a remarkable moment in history. Through the stories of 27 global business leaders, it tells of how they survived the Covid-crisis and reveals how the world will change because of the pandemic.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Suzanne: ‘Humanocracy: Creating Organizations as Amazing as the People Inside’ – book by Gary Hamel and Michele – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humanocracy-Creating-Organizations-Amazing-People/dp/1633696022

Martin: ’12 O’ Clock High’ – film – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twelve-Oclock-High-Campbell-Copelin/dp/B00NJ1F1Y2

Atholl: ‘Leaders in Lockdown: Inside Stories of COVID-19 and the New World of Business’ – book by Atholl Duncan https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leaders-Lockdown-Stories-COVID-19-Business-ebook

Atholl’s website: https://www.athollduncan.com

Episode 6 – COVID-19 and Gender Equality

Season: 1

Description:

Suzanne and Martin are joined by Carolyn Currie – CEO of Women’s Enterprise Scotland. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on gender equality in the workplace and wider society.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Carrie Currie: Carolyn has enjoyed an extensive career at a senior level in financial services working with a variety of clients from large corporates to the SME and not for profit sector. Roles undertaken include, Head of Business Lending at RBS where she developed and grew the multi-billion-pound lending book. An advocate of continuous improvement, she achieved industry recognition and awards for lending products and a personal award for Outstanding Excellence in SME delivery. Carolyn has addressed the Global Banking Alliance conference in Sydney, Australia, contributed policy papers to the World Economic Forum in Davos, is a member of the UK Women’s Enterprise Policy Group and the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Suzanne: ‘The Book of Tells’ by Peter Collett – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Tells-Peter-Collett/dp/0553814591

Martin: ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ – TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_we_should_all_be_feminists?language=en

Carrie:

‘Mrs America’ – series on BBCiPlayer – https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p08ggcmd/mrs-america
‘The Con Job’ – book by Suzanne Doyle-Morris, PhD – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Job-Getting-Competence-Obsessed-Confidence/dp/095626882X

Women’s Enterprise Scotland: www.wescotland.co.uk/about

Episode 5 – Brand Strategies and COVID-19

Season: 1

Description:

Martin and Suzanne speak to Susie Logan – Strategy Consultant with Royal London (the largest mutual life insurance and pensions company in the UK). They discuss the impact of the pandemic on brand strategies, tensions between social responsibility and shareholder value and strategies for the future.

Episode Link:

Notes:

RECOMMENDATIONS

Martin: ‘Abstract, the art of design’ – Netflix series – https://www.netflix.com/title/80057883

Suzanne:

‘Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us’ – book by Daniel H. Pink – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Daniel-H-Pink/dp/184767769X
‘My Octopus Teacher’ on Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/title/81045007

Susie: ‘Impact: Reshaping capitalism to drive real change’ – book by Sir Ronald Cohen – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Impact-Reshaping-capitalism-drive-change/dp/1529108055

Episode 4 – Serve to Lead

Season: 1

Description:

Martin and Suzanne speak to David Farquar – CEO of Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS). They discuss the concept of ‘servant leadership’ through the lens of turnaround and growth. This includes: using ‘culture’ as the core platform for transformation, maintaining convictions and more.

Episode Link:

Notes:

RECOMMENDATIONS

Martin: ‘How businesses can serve everyone, not just shareholders’ – TED Talk by Dame Vivian Hunt – https://www.ted.com/talks/dame_vivian_hunt_how_businesses_can_serve_everyone_not_just_shareholders?language=en

Suzanne: ‘Organizational Misbehaviour’ – book by Stephen Ackroyd and Paul Thompson – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Organizational-Misbehaviour-Stephen-Ackroyd/dp/0803987366

David: ‘We Die Alone’ – book by David Howarth – https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Die-Alone-David-Howarth/dp/1847678459

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Intelligent Growth Solutions: www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com

Episode 3 – Creating Tomorrow Today?

Season: 1

Description:

Martin and Suzanne speak to Bill O’Connor – founder of The Innovation Agency (a consultancy firm based in San Francisco/Silicon Valley). They discuss next steps for businesses and the importance of creating innovative environments. In terms of virtual working, is it enough? Bill poses that this ‘reflex innovation’, which is mainly a reaction to circumstance or crisis, is not true innovation and will not set businesses apart. Instead, leaders must encourage ‘deep innovation’ and real forward thinking in order to survive – by rewarding innovation and giving employees the space to take risks, rather than focusing on rewarding the things they’re already good at.

Episode Link:

Notes:

RECOMMENDATIONS

Martin: ‘The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley’ – documentary – https://www.amazon.com/Inventor-Out-Blood-Silicon-Valley/dp/B07PMVDHM6

Suzanne:

‘The Art of the Long View: Planning for the Future in an Uncertain World’ – book by Peter Schwartz – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Long-View-Planning-Uncertain/dp/0471977853
‘The Medici Effect: Breakthrough Insights at the Intersection of Ideas, Concepts, and Cultures’ – book by Frans Johansson – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medici-Effect-Breakthrough-Insights-Intersection/dp/1591391865

Bill: ‘Snow Crash’ – book by Neal Stephenson – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snow-Crash-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0241953189

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Bill O’Connor/Innovation Agency website: https://www.billoconnor.io

Episode 2 – Brave New Hybrid World

Season: 1

Description:

Martin and Suzanne speak to Peter Proud - CEO of Forrit (software company providing content management systems). They discuss the impact of home working on productivity and team working, leadership in a virtual context and new approaches to staff retention and wellbeing.

Episode Link:

Notes:

Prior to founding Forrit, Peter worked as Managing Director of Strategic Accounts and Partnerships for Accenture Interactive Digital Practice, providing integrated marketing, technology and analytics solutions for the digital world. Before joining Accenture, Peter worked at Microsoft for 14 years managing accounts for some of the world’s leading household names and was integral in the establishment of Microsoft’s ‘One Microsoft’ initiative.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Peter: ‘The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and the Gospel of Wealth’ book – www.amazon.co.uk/Autobiography-Andrew-Carnegie-Gospel-Classics/dp/0451530381

Suzanne: ‘Trump’s Coronavirus Catastrophe’ Channel 4 programme – www.channel4.com/programmes/trumps-coronavirus-catastrophe/on-demand/71430-001

Martin: ‘How Google Works’ book by Eric Schmidt – www.amazon.co.uk/How-Google-Works-Eric-Schmidt/dp/1444792490

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Follow Forrit on Twitter: @GoForrit

Forrit’s website: www.forrit.com

Episode 1 - Going Back? It isn't an option

Season: 1

Description:

Martin and Suzanne speak to Bridget Farrands - an organisation consultant and executive coach specialising in the field of cultural change, leadership and executive learning. They discuss changes in the business world since COVID-19 and challenges for leaders around the world.

Episode Link: