Welcome to another episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, where we dive into self-aware leadership with inspiring thinkers from around the world. In today's conversation, hosts Nia Thomas and sits down with Dr. Craig Dearden Phillips MBE—social entrepreneur, author, and leadership expert celebrated for his commitment to purpose-driven leadership and empowering others.

Craig shares his journey from working as a care worker to founding impactful organisations and chairing major boards. He opens up about the powerful lessons learned in those early days, the role of self-awareness and situational awareness in effective leadership, and the importance of showing up authentically in challenging times. Together, they explore the nuances of boardroom dynamics, giving and receiving feedback, and navigating change in the nonprofit sector.

You’ll also hear Craig’s honest take on the differences between political and organizational leadership, why openness and candor are essential during times of uncertainty, and his rallying call for leaders: don’t hide, especially when things get tough. Whether you’re leading a charity, social enterprise, or any organization facing change, this episode is stacked with practical wisdom for modern leadership.

Ready to explore the real impact of knowing yourself and others in today’s leadership landscape? Let’s get started.

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In this episode, host Nia Thomas sits down with Richard Reid, executive coach, psychotherapist, and founder of Pinnacle Wellbeing Services, to dive deep into the power of self-awareness in leadership. With a background working alongside high-profile business leaders, entrepreneurs, and even European royalty, Richard shares his unique journey from IT consultant to leadership expert, highlighting why self-awareness is foundational to meaningful change.

Together, Nia and Richard explore practical strategies leaders can use to create space for reflection, navigate stress, and avoid simply running on autopilot—especially in today’s fast-paced, virtual world. The conversation covers the true meaning of charisma, the importance of intentional communication, and the courage it takes to embrace vulnerability and even being disliked. Plus, Richard offers thoughtful insights into managing personal branding, storytelling in leadership, and actionable steps for developing authentic connections.

If you’re eager to unlock your own leadership potential and foster more genuine, impactful relationships at work, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable stories you won’t want to miss.

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Buy Richard's book 'Charisma Unlocked' here

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Welcome to The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast! In today’s episode, host Nia Thomas sits down with the fascinating Ravinder Taylor—a specialist in the power of the subconscious mind. Born in India, raised in England, and now living in Washington, Ravinder has navigated life through diverse cultural perspectives and began her career as a hard scientist, studying microbiology in Wales. However, a chance encounter with a hospital-hosted hypnosis demonstration sparked her passion for understanding the mind’s hidden depths.

Ravinder shares her remarkable journey from science into hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, including personal experiences that revealed just how much our subconscious shapes our present—often without us realizing it. Together, Nia and Ravinder explore how subconscious programming affects everything from personal choices to workplace dynamics, the real science behind hypnosis, the surprising power of the placebo effect, and how subtle micro-behaviors can impact our relationships at work and beyond.

Packed with practical tips and grounded in science, this conversation is all about self-awareness: what it means to truly understand ourselves, break free from old patterns, and empower our conscious choices—at work, in our health, and in our everyday lives. Whether you’re interested in the tools of hypnotherapy or how to foster self-belief and positivity, you’ll take away a wealth of insights and actionable advice from this episode.

Tune in and join us on a journey through the subconscious for a new perspective on self-aware leadership and empowerment!

Buy Ravinder's Book: Mind Training here

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Welcome to The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast with your host, Nia Thomas. In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Jean Larkin, an expert in leadership development and employee engagement, and cofounder of Octopy.

Jean Larkin, originally from the United States, has spent the past decade in Europe exploring the intricacies of leadership and management. Her career began with a diverse array of experiences, where she observed many well-meaning individuals struggling to make a meaningful impact as leaders, often resorting to replicating ineffective management techniques. Driven by intense curiosity, Jean embarked on an in-depth exploration of leadership strategies, seeking more effective approaches. This quest led her to meet Matt, and together they envisioned a new path for impactful leadership, ultimately co-founding Octopy, a venture aimed at revolutionizing management practices.

Jean shares her experiences navigating the complexities of today's competitive job market and how she helps leaders foster human-focused workplaces where engagement flourishes and growth is sustainable. Tune in as Jean delves into her own career journey, her transition from The US to Europe, and her innovative approach to leadership that emphasizes curiosity, self-awareness, and collaborative development. Whether you're a leader struggling with engagement strategies or a curious learner, Jean's insights promise to create more fulfilled and effective teams in the modern workforce. Join us as we explore how self-awareness and a human-centered approach can transform leadership styles and work environments.

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In this episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, host Nia Thomas welcomes Lindsay Bingaman. Lindsay is a seasoned director at SureAcademy and an accomplished consultant and executive coach, with over fifteen years of experience. Renowned for her ability to integrate psychometric data, technology, and AI, she enhances leadership, team dynamics, and organisational development. Known as a "personality explainer," Lindsay helps people and teams in understanding the impact of personality on relationships and performance. She previously spearheaded emotional intelligence-based leadership programs at the Telios Leadership Institute, and now contributes as faculty for the ICF-accredited Telios Coaching Essential Program. Lindsay's expertise spans emotional intelligence, executive presence, and people data, with a diverse background in government, healthcare, professional services, and nonprofit sectors.

Lindsay shares her journey of marrying technology and psychology in her career, highlighting how psychometric data, AI, and technology can enhance leadership and organizational development. Listeners will gain insight into the role of self-awareness in leadership, the integration of psychometric data into decision-making, and the balance between hard and soft skills. This episode is packed with discussions on using psychometrics for recruitment, managing stress, and supporting high performers in organizations. Tune in as Lindsay delves into the importance of emotional intelligence and how personality insights can foster better relationships and performance at work. Join Nia and Lindsay as they explore the fascinating world of personality data and its impact on leadership.

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Welcome to Episode 91 of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, where hosts Nia Thomas talks to an extraordinary guest, John Christy.

John Christie is a retired firefighter paramedic with over three decades of dedicated service in the San Francisco Fire Department. Renowned for his leadership and resilience, John led the department's peer support team and championed a transformative approach to managing emotional trauma in the firefighting profession. He advocated passionately for recognizing and addressing emotional injuries with the same importance as physical ones. Through countless high-pressure situations, John remained a steadfast advocate for mental health awareness and support. Now, as a keynote speaker and professional coach, he shares his invaluable insights and experiences, continuing to impact the lives of many beyond his firefighting career.

John shares his profound insights into handling high-pressure situations and the critical role of emotional resilience. Tune in as John recounts his journey from trauma to triumph, highlighting his pivotal role in transforming how emotional injuries are addressed within emergency services. Discover how self-awareness became the foundation of his resilience and healing journey, and learn how he now uses his experience to guide leaders and first responders toward mental wellness. Whether you're a first responder, an organizational leader, or beginning your career, this episode promises valuable lessons on harnessing self-awareness to navigate life's most challenging circumstances.

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In this enlightening episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, host Nia Thomas invites Dr. Adam Dorsey, a renowned licensed psychologist and certified executive coach, to explore the vital role of self-awareness in leadership.

With a background in supporting high-achieving professionals, Adam shares his insights on the significance of connecting with oneself to foster meaningful relationships and effective leadership. Together, they delve into the concept of psychological safety in organizations, the challenges men face in emotional awareness, and how self-awareness influences our reputation and decision-making. Tune in to learn how self-awareness and connection are woven into the fabric of leading others and cultivating a thriving work culture. Whether you're interested in understanding the psychological dynamics of leadership or seeking personal growth, this conversation promises engaging, thought-provoking discussions.

Buy Adam's book here: Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love

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Welcome to this episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, where we journey into the realm of self-aware leadership. I'm your host, Nia Thomas, and today we're joined by a remarkable guest, Lauren Rosario Maldonado. As an executive coach, author, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience, Lauren specializes in leadership and cultural intelligence. Her expertise lies in building high-performing, inclusive teams across various industries.

Loren is an insightful author passionate about helping leaders enhance their self-awareness to improve business relationships and resolve employee conflicts. With a keen understanding of the importance of self-awareness in today's digital age, Loren's book serves as a practical guide for those aspiring to elevate their leadership skills and reputation. Through this work, Loren offers invaluable advice on leveraging self-awareness for leadership excellence, capitalizing on constructive feedback, and pioneering people-centric approaches in business. Available at major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, "Charting Your Leadership Journey" is an essential resource for leaders ready to embark on their self-improvement journey.

Join us as we explore the transformative power of cultural intelligence, exploring how self-awareness serves as the foundation for effective leadership. Discover the essence of empathy, humility, and curiosity in fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful change. Stay tuned as Lauren shares insights from her book, "Becoming the Change," and her podcast, Choice Chats, which inspire leaders to embrace diversity and navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with cultural intelligence and grace.

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