IDEAS+LEADERS

Hosted by Dr Elena Paweta

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316

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Effective communication skills are essential in your career. Each Monday, join Dr Elena Paweta, executive communication coach and IDEAS+LEADERS founder, as she interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs on business communication, leadership and building relationships. If you want to progress in your career, become more charismatic and impactful leader, or just want to hear advice from top business leaders, this is the podcast for you.

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60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 32131 min

321. How Business Leaders Can Protect Nature - Eleanor Whittle

In episode 321 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Eleanor Whittle, founder and Managing Director of Alopias Earth. She has spoken at the World Ocean Summit Europe, and she was one of the leaders who joined our Speak to LEAD retreat in France, where she delivered a powerful keynote speech. We start with Eleanor’s experience of the retreat: what she took away from it and what it meant for her as a leader. Then we turn to the theme of her keynote and to a question every business leader should be asking: what can businesses do for the planet? Eleanor explains why leadership today needs a different way of thinking, and how companies can start supporting nature in practical ways. In this episode, we discuss: Eleanor’s experience of the Speak to LEAD retreat in France The message behind her keynote speech Why leaders need to think differently in today’s world How businesses can support nature, and where to start Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, responsibility and the future of our planet. You can connect with Eleanor here: http://alopiasearth.com Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg .

October 19, 2026Episode 32023 min

320. Would It Be OK If Life Got Easier? - Dr Maria Nemeth

In episode 320 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Maria Nemeth, psychologist, pioneer in human development and coach training, and author of The Energy of Money and Mastering Life’s Energies . She works with leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners who have achieved success but feel stuck or unsure what comes next. Maria’s TED talk asks a simple question: would it be OK with you if life got easier? We talk about why so many of us make our lives more complicated than they need to be, and what it takes to live without regret. Maria also shares a little about her next book. In this episode, we discuss: Why we so often make life harder than it needs to be The question from Maria’s TED talk, and why it is harder to answer than it sounds What it means to live without regret Maria’s next book Tune in for a positive and heartwarming conversation about ease, regret and living a life that feels right. You can connect with Maria here: https://marianemeth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianemeth/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg .

October 12, 202621 min

319. Lessons for High Achievers - Elizabeth White

In episode 319 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth White, licensed mental health counsellor and founder of the Well Counseling Group and Loving Life with Liz. For more than a decade she has worked with women in high-stress roles, from CEOs and attorneys to professional athletes. For the past twelve seasons she has also served as Team Clinician for the Indianapolis Colts and sits on the NFL’s mental health advisory council. Many high achievers know how to push, perform and carry everything. Far fewer know how to stop. Elizabeth shares what elite athletes can teach leaders about pressure and recovery, and why giving yourself rest matters just as much as the work itself. In this episode, we discuss: What it really means to be a high achiever, and what it can cost Lessons leaders can learn from elite NFL athletes Why rest is just as important as work How to keep performing at a high level without burning out Tune in for a practical conversation about high performance, rest and sustainable success. You can connect with Elizabeth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-white-lmhc-lcac-board-certified-life-coach-34ba8734/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg .

October 5, 2026Episode 31828 min

318. Self-Leadership and Confidence - Ruth E. Andermatt

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Ruth E. Andermatt, founder of A.C.E. Inc. in Vancouver and a leadership coach with nearly three decades of experience working with senior leaders and C-suite executives, primarily women. A former university ice hockey scholarship athlete, Ruth also worked in corporate leadership as the only woman at her level. Ruth shares what sport taught her about leadership: you practise so you are ready to show up, no matter what the day brings. We talk about why self-leadership and self-reflection are the foundation of leading others, why even the most successful leaders need a coach, and how women can rebuild their confidence when it has been shaken. In this episode, we discuss: Lessons from sport: practising so you’re ready to show up no matter what Why every leader needs a coach Self-leadership and the power of self-reflection How to rebuild your confidence, step by step Why strong women should support other strong women in the room Tune in for an honest and practical conversation about self-leadership, confidence and women supporting women. You can connect with Ruth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachruth/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1gU2Nu0DkQaAqzA8UcDGjg .

September 28, 2026Episode 31732 min

317. The Balance of Leadership - Jesus de la Garza

In episode 317 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Jesus de la Garza, leadership consultant, executive coach and founder of Monarch Leaders. Jesus has more than 40 years of experience as an entrepreneur and has delivered over 1,000 leadership sessions for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Drawing on four decades in business, Jesus shares what really matters in leadership. We talk about one of the hardest balances for any leader: when to inspire people and when to apply pressure. Jesus also explains why the best leaders observe before they react, and why humility and transparency build more trust than authority alone. In this episode, we discuss: How to balance inspiring people with applying the right pressure Why adaptability is essential in leadership Having a clear sense of direction and knowing your values and talents Observing instead of reacting immediately Why humility and transparency make leaders stronger Tune in for a practical conversation about leadership lessons learned over 40 years in business. You can connect with Jesus here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-de-la-garza-monarchleaders/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify IDEAS+LEADERS | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify

September 21, 2026Episode 31627 min

316. No One Leads Alone - Dr Subodh Verma

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Subodh Verma, cardiac surgeon-scientist at the University of Toronto, Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery and TEDx speaker. He has opened more than 6,000 human chests and is one of the world’s most highly cited medical researchers. The operating room is one of the most demanding leadership environments there is. The stakes are high, time is short, and no life is saved by one person. Dr Verma explains why the myth of the lone genius doesn’t hold up, in surgery or in business, and what leaders can learn from teams that perform under extreme pressure. In this episode, we discuss: Why the lone genius myth fails in surgery and in organisations How to make it safe for the most junior person in the room to speak up Staying calm and making decisions under extreme pressure Equity, interdependence and helping others rise What busy leaders should know about their own heart health Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about teamwork, pressure, leadership and health. Connect with Dr Subodh here: Dr. Subodh Verma | Cardiac Surgeon Scientist & TEDx Speaker Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify IDEAS+LEADERS | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify

September 14, 2026Episode 31525 min

315. Why People Resist Change - Travis Hahler

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Travis D. Hahler , Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce, founder of The Neurological Nomad, and author of Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change . Drawing on more than 15 years of experience leading organizational transformation, Travis explains why resistance to change is often misunderstood. Rather than seeing resistance as stubbornness or lack of commitment, he shows how it can be a predictable neurological response to uncertainty, disrupted habits, overload, and perceived loss. We explore how leaders can work with the brain rather than against it to create more sustainable change. In this episode, we discuss: Why resistance to change is often neurological, not personal How habits and routines make change harder than leaders expect Why urgency and cognitive overload can increase resistance How uncertainty, exclusion, and loss affect the brain during transformation What leaders can do to build trust, reduce anxiety, and improve adoption Tune in for a practical conversation about leadership, neuroscience, organizational change, communication, and how to help people move through transformation more effectively. You can connect with Travis here:The Neurological Nomad: https://www.theneurologicalnomad.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahler/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq .

September 7, 2026Episode 31424 min

314. Finding Your Voice as a Leader - Kristine Frost

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Kristine Frost , former CHRO, founder, board director, and attorney by training, with 25 years of leadership experience across the automotive and industrial sectors. Having spent much of her career as one of the only women in the room, Kristine learned how communication, credibility, and influence really operate in demanding environments - from the plant floor to the C-suite. We explore what decades of navigating difficult conversations taught her about leadership, why high performance doesn't automatically translate into influence, and why one of her biggest communication challenges has been learning to talk about her own achievements. In this episode, we discuss: What 25 years of high-stakes leadership taught Kristine about difficult conversations How to communicate when what leaders say and what employees hear are very different How being one of the only women in the room shaped her communication style How to advocate for yourself without feeling that you are bragging Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, communication, influence, visibility, and finding the confidence to own the value you bring. You can connect with Kristine here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kfroesq Website: https://shatteredglassadvisory.com/ Email: kristine@shatteredglassadvisory.com Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq .

August 31, 2026Episode 31328 min

313. Scaling Beyond the Founder - Justin Goodbread

In episode 313 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Justin Goodbread , business strategist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur who has grown and sold seven companies across multiple industries. We explore what it really takes to build a business that can scale beyond its founder. Justin shares why entrepreneurs should think beyond revenue and profit and focus on creating transferable business value, how owner-dependence can limit growth, and why many founders wait too long to prepare their companies for an eventual exit. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between building a profitable business and a valuable business How to recognize when the founder has become the biggest bottleneck How to reduce owner-dependence and build a company that can operate without you The leadership transition required as a company moves from seven to eight figures What makes a company genuinely valuable and attractive to potential buyers Tune in for a practical conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling, business value, and creating a company that gives you greater freedom rather than depending on you for everything. You can connect with Justin here: Home - Justin Goodbread Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq .

August 24, 2026Episode 31230 min

312. From Performance to Presence - Elizabeth Brett

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth Brett , former NBC television reporter, storytelling authority, and communication strategist who helps accomplished women develop a more authentic and powerful voice. Drawing on nearly a decade in broadcast journalism, Elizabeth shares what she learned about creating stories that capture attention and build trust, and why polished communication alone is no longer enough. We explore her Story Alchemy™ methodology, the shift from performance to presence, and why our lived experiences can become one of our most powerful sources of authority, especially in the age of AI. In this episode, we discuss: How to move from polished communication to authentic presence Why successful women can outgrow the version of themselves that helped them succeed How to turn lived experiences into stories that build trust and authority Why authentic storytelling is becoming even more important in the age of AI How leaders can develop a voice that is recognizable, memorable, and truly their own Tune in for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, communication, visibility, and finding the courage to express what you really want to say. You can connect with Elizabeth here: Elizabeth Brett | LinkedIn Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq .