Leadership BITES

Hosted by Guy Bloom | Living Brave Leadership

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166

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to ‘Leadership Bites’, with your host Guy Bloom. I have conversations with amazing people who impact on the world around them . Always about leadership and hopefully in such a way as to reinforce the good you do and to bring challenge to the things you might be able to calibrate. All links for Guy: www.livingbrave.com

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October 18, 2026Episode 16346 min

Bas Warmerdam | How 'thinking like kids' enables organisational problem-solving and innovation

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Bas Warmerdam , who discusses the innovative approach of utilizing children's creative thinking to solve complex organizational problems. The conversation explores the importance of childlike intelligence in fostering fresh perspectives and problem-solving skills within professional settings. The conversation explores innovative approaches to problem-solving in educational settings, particularly through engaging children in collaborative projects that involve real-world challenges. Bas Warmerdam discusses the dynamics of teamwork, the importance of creativity, and how children's perspectives can lead to unexpected solutions. Takeaways Childlike intelligence fosters creativity Simplifying complex problems aids understanding Engaging children fosters creativity Collaboration bridges communication gaps Chapters 00:00 Harnessing Childlike Intelligence 01:54 The Journey to Innovative Thinking 08:12 Engaging Adults with Childlike Perspectives 14:30 Translating Complexity for Kids 16:44 Real-World Applications of Childlike Thinking 23:47 Fostering Collaboration Among Teams 24:49 The Power of Imagination in Problem Solving 27:11 Engaging Kids in Real-World Challenges 30:14 Transforming Adult Perspectives 31:39 Learning from Children's Insights 35:35 Encouraging Creative Thinking 40:09 Applying Childlike Principles in Professional Settings

September 16, 2026Episode 16255 min

Failure Is An Option | Mike Grossman | Silcon Valley CEO & Author

Mike Grossman shares his journey of running early stage technology companies in Silicon Valley, reflecting on the challenges, successes, and the importance of people in business. He emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and understanding the context of business, particularly in relation to people and financial aspects. Mike also discusses the significance of having the right people in the right places and the challenges of managing and dealing with people as a company grows. The conversation covers topics related to leadership, team dynamics, hiring, company culture, and the impact of technology on business. It also delves into the importance of radical honesty, mental health, and managing expectations in a business environment. The conversation delves into the roller coaster ride of business environments, the importance of emotional resilience, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. It also explores the motivation behind writing a book and the evolving nature of decision-making in the tech industry. Takeaways Silicon Valley CEO Mike Grossman shares insights on running early stage technology companies The importance of people and financial context in business Challenges and successes of managing and dealing with people as a company grows Trust and role modeling are essential for fostering effective communication and team dynamics. The focus on input rather than outcome, radical honesty, and managing mental health are crucial for navigating the challenges of running a business. Emotional resilience is crucial in navigating the ups and downs of business environments. The decision-making criteria in the tech industry is evolving, and the pace of change is accelerating. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Running Early Stage Technology Companies 03:10 The Role of People in Business 08:42 Managing and Dealing with People as a Company Grows 17:08 Fostering Effective Communication and Team Dynamics 18:07 Challenges of Hiring and Company Culture 18:32 Adapting to Small vs. Large Organizations 20:26 Managing Expectations and Radical Honesty 21:12 Defining Success and Societal Expectations 22:05 Navigating Business Pressures and Mental Health 23:00 Focus on Input and Managing Expectations 24:31 Navigating Business Challenges and Results 25:19 Maintaining Equilibrium and Managing Expectations 32:06 Impact of Technology on Business 35:34 Navigating the Roller Coaster 36:46 Emotional Resilience and Professionalism 37:16 Mental Health and Decision-Making 40:07 Motivation for Writing a Book 50:54 Evolving Decision-Making in Tech

June 20, 2024Episode 12754 min

Joe Davis, MD & Partner at BCG, Author of The Generous Leader

In this episode of the Leadership Bites podcast, host Guy Bloom sits down with Joe Davis , MD and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and author of "The Generous Leader." Their conversation delves into the core themes of Davis's book, exploring the philosophy and practices behind generous leadership and its transformative impact on organizations. Joe begins by defining what it means to be a generous leader, emphasizing the importance of empathy, transparency, and the genuine investment in the growth and well-being of team members. He shares insights from his extensive career at BCG, illustrating how these principles can drive both individual fulfillment and collective success within a company. Guy and Joe discuss practical strategies for cultivating a generous leadership style, including active listening, fostering a culture of trust, and the critical role of feedback in personal and professional development. Joe highlights the importance of creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported, which in turn fosters innovation, loyalty, and high performance. Throughout the episode, Joe provides real-world examples and case studies from his consulting experience, demonstrating how generous leadership can resolve conflicts, enhance collaboration, and navigate the complexities of modern business challenges. He also addresses common misconceptions about generosity in leadership, clarifying that it is not about being permissive or lenient but about empowering others and setting clear, compassionate expectations. Guy and Joe also touch on the personal journey of becoming a generous leader, exploring the self-awareness and continuous learning required to lead effectively. Joe shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned, offering listeners practical advice on how to integrate these leadership qualities into their own lives and careers. The episode concludes with Joe reflecting on the future of leadership and the increasing relevance of generosity in a rapidly changing world. He encourages aspiring leaders to embrace these principles, not only to enhance their organizations but to contribute positively to society as a whole. Listeners of Leadership Bites will find this episode to be an enlightening and inspiring exploration of how generosity can redefine leadership and drive lasting success in both personal and professional realms. To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

July 24, 2023Episode 11634 min

Leadership Unveiled: A 35-Year Journey with Garry Ridge, Ex-CEO of WD-40

Are you curious about the secrets of successful leadership and building a thriving company culture? Join us as we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Garry Ridge, the former CEO of WD-40, and a renowned culture coach. In this captivating episode, podcast host Guy Bloom, a distinguished Leadership Specialist, sits down with Garry Ridge to unravel the wisdom he has gained during his exceptional 35-year tenure at WD-40. Throughout his tenure, Garry led WD-40, a global household name, to new heights of success and sustainability. This episode offers an exclusive opportunity to learn from the experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped Garry's visionary leadership style. Discover how he navigated the company through ever-changing market landscapes, technological advancements, and the essence of nurturing a strong corporate culture. Tune in as Garry Ridge shares invaluable insights into building a purpose-driven organization, fostering innovation, and empowering teams to exceed expectations. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this podcast will leave you inspired and motivated to take your leadership skills to the next level. Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with anecdotes, practical tips, and powerful leadership lessons that transcend industries and generations. Don't miss the chance to hear from a true leader who led WD-40 to sustained excellence for over three decades. #LeadershipUnveiled #LeadershipJourney #WD40SuccessStory #CorporateCultureMatters #BusinessLeadership #InspiringLeaders #PodcastInterview #GuyBloom #GaryRidge #LeadershipSpecialist #EntrepreneurialInsights To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

February 27, 2023Episode 10746 min

Ollie Ollerton: BreakPoint

Founded by Ollie Ollerton , former UK Special Forces in 2015, BreakPoint offers courses to organisations and individuals. They're designed to change the way you think, enabling positive change, unearthing potential and invigorating mental wellbeing. Ollie Ollerton has lived an incredible life. Survivor of a freak accident aged 10, tours of Northern Ireland and Iraq under his belt before the age of 21 as a Royal Marine, and a Special Forces soldier with the SBS by the age of 23. When Ollie left the military, his life spiralled out of control. Struggling to define his purpose, he headed back to the only environment he felt comfortable in: a war zone. In the wild west of Iraq during the fall of Saddam Hussein, his inner noise fell silent amid the outer noise of conflict. But life as a mercenary took its toll. Alcohol offered a ready form of escapism. Ollie tried to get himself back on track with a ‘normal’ life in Australia, but it just wasn’t possible. Before long, the call of danger beckoned and he was out in Thailand working with an elite team to rescue children from child slavery and sex trafficking. This experience was a pivotal moment in Ollie’s life. It helped him define his future purpose – helping others – which would become the very heartbeat of BreakPoint. We talk about: Being attacked by a chimp The special forces Break Point The path to targetted thinking Instagram being fake perfection Thank god for failure You have to stretch to grow Being honest about where you are To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

January 30, 2023Episode 10358 min

Bob DeKoch and Phillip G. Clampitt: Leading With Care in a Tough World: Beyond Servant Leadership

Bob DeKoch and Phil Clampitt , long-time collaborators, draw on their years of innovative practice and research to describe with vivid, real-world experiences, how leading with care enriches people and transforms organizations in our challenging times. DeKoch, with over 40 years of diverse executive leadership experience, which included 20 years leading The Boldt Company, a $1 billion construction services and real estate development company, has developed novel insights into leadership thinking and practice. Clampitt, an endowed, award-winning communication and information science professor at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, has over 40 years of experience in university teaching, ground-breaking research, and business consulting. His lifelong passion is to explore the dynamic relationship between leadership, communication, and big ideas. The authors sought to go beyond the laudable sentiments of the “servant leadership” movement by envisioning, creating, and testing a new leadership platform based on a set of guiding beliefs and actual day-to-day practices. The authors’ unique perspective transforms traditional practices, like employee coaching and collaboration, into dynamic self-actualizing workplaces. How? By sharing how caring leaders adroitly blend visible and subtle practices to realize the aspirational benefits of coaching and collaboration. The authors use a similar approach to share insights about less frequently discussed leadership issues such as how to build an empowering network of relationships and transform pushback into progress. Anyone who wishes to craft their own distinctive, compelling, and empowering leadership style that unleashes the latent energy of people and their organizations will discover a robust and enriching framework for doing so in Leading with Care in a Tough World. We talk about: Beyond servant leadership Care beyond service WIIFM and WIIFO Faux collaboration Cynical interplays The NO.1 predictor of success Not overestimating the impact of ones communication Visible and sublte practises TOXIC positivity Psychological safety Legitmising what everyone already knows Embracing uncertainty To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

December 5, 2022Episode 10152 min

Elona Mortimer-Zhika, CEO, IRIS Software Group

Elona Mortimer-Zhika is the inspirational CEO of IRIS Software Group and is responsible for all operations across the Group and this weeks guest on the Leadership Bites podcast. On this episode we talk about: Humble upbringing An education in diversity "The luck winner of...." (No luck involved) "My dad's my hero" Proud to be an accountant The role of leadership Hiring for curiousity Failing fast No decision is worth the wrong decision The culture question Being a house of brands "You can't just laminate values" The power of celebration Beating the drum "You can't fake passion" Elona joined IRIS in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018, and then Chief Executive Officer in 2019. In 2020, Elona was appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Purplebricks, the UK’s leading hybrid estate agency. Before joining IRIS, Elona held several senior leadership roles in Big 4 and PE-backed businesses, including Mavenir, Acision, Arthur Andersen and Deloitte. Elona graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Accounting and Economics and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Awards include Top 50 Women in Accounting 2021; UK Tech Awards Business Woman of the Year 2020; Global Banking and Finance Business Woman of the Year UK 2020 and the Venus National Finance Professional of the Year 2018. Elona is passionate about diversity and is a mentor in the F-Ten ICAEW programme supporting women in leadership positions. To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

October 16, 2022Episode 9639 min

Dawn Airey, CEO

On this episode of Leadershp Bites we have Dawn Airey . Dawn is a powerhouse of street smarts, commercial acumen and drive. I have seen her operate in a number of different spaces, she is a tour de force, she is also compassionate and higly dialled in to the context and the moment. We spoke about: ✅ Senior Teams ✅ Culture ✅ Get messages out ✅ Operating under stress ✅ Managing under performance Listen on Itunes, Spotify and all platforms, also listen direct from your laptop/PC on the livingbrave.com website. Dawn joined Central Independent Television in 1985 as a management trainee. In 1989 she became Director of Programme Planning at Central and was appointed to the Central broadcasting board. In 1993, she moved to London to become the first Controller of Children's and Daytime Programmes. In 1994, she became Controller of Arts and Entertainment at Channel 4. It was reported in The Sunday Times that her forthright manner had earned her the soubriquet "Scary Airey" and "Zulu Dawn". Airey joined Channel 5 in 1996, as its first director of programmes. It was during her tenure that she agreed with an interviewer that some might think the channel's core strengths were "films, football and fucking" but added it was about a lot more. She was subsequently appointed as chief executive of the channel in 2000. In 2002, she joined, BSkyB. There she was responsible for running all Sky channels, except Sky Sports, and she was in charge of programming and advertising sales. In 2006, she became managing director of Channels and Services whereupon she gained additional responsibility for all third party channels, joint ventures and networked media. In May 2008, after eight months at ITV plc, Airey earned Grade's enmity when she resigned to rejoin Channel 5 as chairman and CEO, with a remit to increase profitability and audience share. This she did. She left RTL in April 2013. In August 2013, she joined Yahoo! as senior vice-president of Yahoo EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa). She was in the post until September 2015. Airey was chief executive officer (CEO) of Getty Images photo agency from October 2015 to 31 December 2018, at which time she became a non-executive director member of its board. In 2019, The Football Association appointed Airey as chair of the new joint Barclays FA Women's Super League and Championship board. In 2021, she also served as a member of the Government's Expert Panel for a Fan-Led Review of Football Governance. Airey chairs the joint Barclays FA Women's Super League and Championship board (2019-) and the boards of the National Youth Theatre (2011-) and the educational platform Digital Theatre+ (2019-). To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

October 16, 2022Episode 9750 min

Simon Townsley, Photo Journalist

Simon Townsley is an acclaimed international photojournalist and twice recipient of the British Press Photographer of the Year Award. Simon is known for his ability to connect with people and convey their story with dignity, even in extreme contexts. “Trust is an essential value in being able capture a powerful image, but trust isn’t just between subject and photographer. It criss-crosses all threads, from NGO, publisher and authorities to photographer and subject. It is a privilege to be able to bear witness, and it is one I seek to honour. By creating compelling images of distressing situations I can break down the barriers that stop people engaging, to open their eyes without fear and broaden their perspective. – Simon Townsley Arriving in London in 1987 from New Zealand, he was appointed Senior Photographer at the Sunday Times where he remained for 14 years. He covered conflicts around the world, including the Balkans, West Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He was assigned to photograph in depth numerous major news events such as Tiananmen Square, the Gulf war, fall of the Berlin Wall, siege of Sarajevo and the election of Nelson Mandela. In 2002 he felt a need to explore photography in a deeper sense, to understand photography in its purest aesthetic, Using the power of the image to convey a message through its beauty alone. He embarked on a personal project- OILMAN. Industrial landscapes from over 20 countries explore mankind’s relationship with the natural world in the desperate and dramatic pursuit of oil across the planet. Using his love of the simple aesthetic, the images were shot in large-format and displayed as grand-scale prints, exploring the sense of scale that the oil and gas industry operate on and the issues it creates. For the last four years Simon has been working with the Telegraph Media Group Global Health Security Team. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Health Security project seeks to bring awareness of vitally important issues to wider audience and focuses on key pillars of health and security around the world. To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

February 7, 2022Episode 751 hr 13 min

The Great Post Office Scandal, Nick Wallis, Investigative Journalist

Nick Wallis is a TV, radio and online journalist. His main area of expertise is the Post Office Horizon scandal . He recently fronted a ten-part series for BBC Radio 4, a BBC Panorama documentary and I co-wrote a Private Eye Special . And runs the website Post Office Trial . The British Post Office scandal is a major British business, legal, ethical and political scandal involving the prosecution by the Post Office of hundreds of sub-postmasters for alleged theft , false accounting and/or fraud, resulting in criminal convictions, imprisonment, loss of reputation and livelihood, bankruptcy, divorce, and even suicide amongst those involved. The Post Office has a single shareholder, the British Government. Subsequent to a press outcry and later investigations, sub-postmasters (SPMs) convicted of criminal offences had their convictions declared unsafe, obtained unlawfully, and quashed. As of 2021, the government promised financial compensation to the victims of the scandal, which has been described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. Amongst other things, Nick live-tweeted from the Johnny Depp Libel Trial at the High Court and have been collecting relevant documents and transcripts, which you can browse here . He has fronted several crime series for Channel 5/Spike TV and he worked as a freelance reporter for ITV and 5 News. Nick has reported from the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire, and the London Bridge terror raids. He also covered banking scandals, military negligence, terror plots, corporate tax avoidance, drug smuggling and immigration enforcement. He was also the first journalist to take BBC television cameras inside GCHQ. To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below. The link to everything CLICK HERE UK: 07827 953814 Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com