After Dinner Leadership

Hosted by Simon Fagg

Business CareersInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram

Episodes

136

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Some of the best conversations about leadership happen around the dinner table not the conference table. Leadership crosses over all things, not just work. Joining Simon Fagg at the virtual dinner table is a leader he has admired over the past 25+ years as a consultant and coach. We invite you to pull up a chair and join us as we look into what lessons these leaders wish they'd learned earlier and what they're still learning.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 13543 min

135: The Hidden Wound...with...Nima Rahmany

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Nima Rahmany , Nervous System & Attachment Facilitator and Founder of Become Trigger Proof . In this episode, Nima Rahmany shares how his journey from chiropractor to leadership teacher was shaped by a codependent relationship, a violent breakup, and a turning point that forced him to study the space between stimulus and response. From there, he built the idea of becoming trigger-proof—not by suppressing emotion, but by learning how to work with it. Together, Simon and Nima unpack how unconscious wounds can drive people into leadership, the difference between content and embodiment - and why presence matters more than bravado. Nima explains why 'Elegant Boundaries' and 'Repair after Rupture' are essential for sustainable leadership, and his three-part process for becoming trigger-proof. Complete the Trigger-Proof Quiz Connect with Nima here: Facebook Instagram YouTube Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

September 28, 2026Episode 13442 min

134: Prioritise Connection...with...Natalie Johnson

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Natalie Johnson , Co-Founder & Chief Visionary at Vidl Work , and Co-Author of Leading the Culture Journey . What does it take to build a healthier workplace culture? In this episode, Natalie reflects on an early leadership experience where frustration, blame, and gossip helped create an accidental culture that eventually felt toxic. She explains how leaders can focus on the influence they do have, speak honestly through difficult moments, and prioritise connection—even when the conversation feels uncomfortable. Together, Simon and Natalie explore why boundaries can strengthen trust, why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, and how small everyday actions—from checking in with team members to making meetings more inclusive—shape workplace culture. They also discuss generational differences at work, the pressure to always be available, and the gap that can emerge between a company’s sick-leave policy and the culture employees actually experience. Natalie offers practical ways leaders and teams can make rest, recovery, and honest communication part of how work gets done. Listen for a thoughtful, practical conversation about leading with self-awareness, building trust, and helping people feel seen and heard. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

September 14, 2026Episode 13331 min

133: Reflections on Leadership...with...Ryan Spoors

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Ryan Spoors , Account Executive at Redo . Simon and Ryan sit together for a thoughtful, candid conversation as Ryan prepares to move on to a new role and a new industry. After years behind the scenes helping shape the podcast, Ryan turns the tables and reflects on what hundreds of hours of listening to leaders has taught him. You will hear Ryan unpack three themes that show up again and again in great leaders: Why listening is a skill you develop, not a switch you flip The difference between having mentors and actually using them How to “bet on yourself” without ego, and build a career with intention While we bid farewell to Ryan, we are reminded of the powerful lessons shared through this podcast. His journey may be taking him elsewhere, but the wisdom he leaves behind will continue to resonate with us. Pull up a chair and join us! Previous episodes mentioned: 033: Recalibrate...with...Richard Madden 042: How to Listen (part 1)...with...Oscar Trimboli 043: How to Listen (part 2)...with...Oscar Trimboli 051: Bet on Yourself...with...Colin Stewart Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

August 31, 2026Episode 13231 min

132: Building a Hiring Culture…with…George Costard

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with George Costard , Managing Director of DEKA Life Sciences . In this episode, Simon and George explore why creating a strong hiring culture is essential to building a successful business - and the true cost of getting it wrong. They discuss knowing when it’s okay not to have all the answers, what good performance metrics really look like, and how the right people can shape the success of a business. Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or considering starting your own business, you’ll leave with practical insights and fresh perspectives to help you build the right team, make better hiring decisions, and grow with confidence. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

July 20, 2026Episode 13149 min

131: Leading Through Change...with...Zoe Thompson

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Zoë Thompson, Strategic Leadership Consultant and Coach. In this episode, we explore how to find your unique leadership style, lead with confidence through uncertainty, and elevate your impact in an AI-powered world. Whether you're an emerging leader, or a seasoned executive, you'll leave with fresh perspectives and practical insights to help you lead with authenticity, adaptability, and purpose. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

July 6, 2026Episode 13039 min

130: Get Uncomfortable...with...Aleck Jones

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Aleck Jones , CEO & Co-Founder of Kindling Bio. In this episode, Aleck reflects on the leadership lessons he wishes he'd learned earlier, including the importance of becoming comfortable with discomfort and using it as a catalyst for growth. He also shares the inspiring work Kindling Bio is doing to advance children's cancer research, offering a powerful reminder of how purpose can drive innovation and impact. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

June 2, 2026Episode 12941 min

129: Beyond material success...with...Amrit Dhaliwal

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Amrit Dhaliwal , CEO of Walfinch. In this episode, Amrit shares insights on the role of mentors in shaping leaders, the value of accountability in driving growth, and why meaningful relationships matter more than material possessions. Together, Simon and Amrit explore the limits of materialism and discuss what it truly means to build a successful and fulfilling life. https://walfinchfranchising.com Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

April 27, 2026Episode 12844 min

128: The Empowerment Dynamic...with...Daniel Rellaford

Joining Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table is Daniel Rellaford. In this episode, we explore The Empowerment Dynamic, a powerful framework that challenges the familiar patterns of drama that can quietly shape our leadership and relationships. Daniel brings clarity and depth to the roles we often fall into, and offers a compelling alternative: one grounded in ownership, creativity, and purposeful action. Pull up a seat and join the conversation! Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

April 6, 2026Episode 12740 min

127: Secret pockets of power...with...Grant Watling

In this episode, Simon is joined at the After Dinner Leadership table by his childhood friend, Grant Watling, Portfolio Chief Customer Officer at Hg. Drawing on a successful career, Grant reflects on the three leadership lessons he wishes he had learned much earlier. Pull up a seat and join the conversation. Grant Watling Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!

March 24, 2026Episode 12650 min

126: Build Yourself...with...Maya Sharfi

Joining Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table is founder of Build Yourself, Maya Sharfi, who shares practical insights to help professionals take their next step without burning out. They also explore how to leverage AI in career advancement. What's Between You and Your Next Level Role Quiz https://buildyourselfworkshop.com/ADL Maya Sharfi - Linkedin Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch! mailto: info@withleadership.co.uk Thank you for listening!