The Connected Leadership Podcast Podcast By Evergreen Podcasts cover art

The Connected Leadership Podcast

The Connected Leadership Podcast

By: Evergreen Podcasts
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 Speaker and author on professional relationships, Andy Lopata, explores great connections with experts and high achievers worldwide.Andy Lopata, H & A Lopata ltd 2020 Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu

    The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu
    Jul 7 2025
    In a world where disrespect and division are increasingly normalised, how can leaders navigate difficult conversations and transform conflict into connection? This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast tackles this critical challenge head-on as Andy Lopata welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu. A dynamic speaker and author, Justin guides individuals and organisations to their peak potential through meaningful work, inclusive mindsets, and the art of respectful disagreement. Justin argues that the "social isolation theory", amplified by social media, has seeped from our global discourse into the workplace, creating dynamics like "disrespectful agreement"—where politeness masks underlying dissent. This erodes trust and stifles innovation. The conversation explores how leaders can counteract this by proactively building psychological safety and shifting from a passive "open-door policy" to an active "out-the-door policy" to intentionally build relational capital. At the core of the discussion are Justin’s five powerful pillars for bridging divides: Challenge Your Perspective, Be the Student, Cultivate Your Curiosity, Seek the Grey, and Agree to Respect. He provides a masterclass in moving beyond a win-lose mentality, emphasising that curiosity is the engine for understanding and that finding common ground is more crucial than seeking a middle ground. From the cultural nuances of disagreement in global teams to the power of a leader's apology, this episode is packed with profound insights and practical frameworks. Discover how to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth, humanise your interactions, and build a culture where challenging conversations strengthen, rather than sever, professional relationships. What we discussed: The Echo Chamber's Invasion: What if the distance created by our screens and societal echo chambers is actively teaching us to dehumanise our colleagues? The Agreeable Dissenter: Are your team's nods of agreement hiding a culture of silent, simmering dissent known as "disrespectful agreement"? The Leader's Journey: Why is the traditional "open-door policy" a passive failure, and what is the proactive alternative that builds authentic connection? Beyond Black and White: When two sides are locked in opposition, what is the innovative "grey" space that most leaders fail to see? The Power of the Pre-Workout: How can intentionally seeking out different perspectives before a conflict arises become your most effective tool for handling it? Actionable Insights: Embark on the "Out the Door" Expedition: Discover how to transform the failed "open-door policy" into an active leadership ritual. Learn the 15-minute weekly habit that builds profound relational capital and makes your team feel truly seen. Unlock the Code for Candour: Find out the simple, powerful phrase you can use to "prime the pump" for respectful disagreement in any meeting, instantly creating the psychological safety needed for your team to share what they really think. Master the Quest for "The Grey": When stuck in a debate, learn how to escape the black-and-white battle. We reveal the technique for "Seeking the Grey" to find the hidden common ground that holds the key to innovative solutions, not just empty compromises. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube Rebel Ideas, Matthew Syed Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together, William Isaacs Fail Fast, Learn Fast With Daniela Landherr The Right Kind of Wrong with Dr Amy Edmondson The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    52 mins
  • The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett

    The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett
    Jun 30 2025
    Are you constantly drowning in a sea of emails, back-to-back meetings, and an endless to-do list? Do you end the day feeling exhausted but not truly productive? You're not just busy; you're caught in the "crazy busy" trap—and it's costing you the relationships that fuel long-term success. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by leadership coach and author of The Crazy Busy Cure, Zena Everett, to diagnose and solve this modern epidemic. Zena breaks down why so many professionals prioritise urgent but unimportant tasks (the "field mice") over the high-impact activities that truly move the needle (the "antelopes"). This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone in a client-facing or business development role who wants to shift from a reactive state of "doing" to a proactive state of "achieving". In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The "Antelope vs Field Mice" Principle: A powerful mindset shift to help you distinguish between high-value priorities and minor distractions. · How to Schedule "Power Hours": A practical method for protecting your most productive time for deep, focused work. · The Art of Setting Boundaries: Learn how to say "no" gracefully and communicate your availability to reclaim control of your calendar. · Taming Your Digital Leash: Simple but effective techniques to minimise time wasted on unnecessary emails, notifications, and social media. · From "Busy" to "Connected": Why scheduling time for relationship-building is a non-negotiable for innovation, career growth, and business success. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Zena Everett: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 179 Featuring Daniela Landher
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    21 mins
  • How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg

    How Internal Relationships Shape Leadership Success with Mark Herschberg
    Jun 23 2025
    Your career success depends on more than just your skills—it's built on the strength of your relationships. In this classic episode from the archives, Andy Lopata and MIT instructor Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, break down the art of strategic networking inside your organisation. Discover why your internal connections are your greatest asset for unlocking hidden opportunities, gaining influence, and accelerating your career path. This is a masterclass in turning everyday interactions into a powerful professional advantage. In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The Internal Goldmine: Why your internal network is a rich source of information, resources, and career-defining opportunities. · The Motivation Secret: How to achieve seamless collaboration and build influence by aligning with what truly motivates your colleagues. · Mastering Your Reputation: How to proactively manage the way you're perceived to build trust, authority, and credibility. · Authentic Advocacy: Techniques for genuine self-promotion that get you noticed for the right reasons, without feeling forced. · The Power of Diversity: The strategic advantage of building a diverse network across different departments and seniority levels. Actionable Insights: · Influence >Authority: Real influence isn't about your title; it's about understanding and aligning with the goals of others. · Your Reputation is Built Daily: Actively manage how you are perceived in every meeting andemail—don't leave it to chance. · Advocate for Your Value: If you don't share your own wins, you can't expect others to see them. Learn to do it authentically. · Break Out of Your Silo: A diverse network is your best defence against blind spots and a catalyst for innovation. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Mark Herschberg: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 116 Featuring Mark Herschberg
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    29 mins
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