The Mentor Collective

Hosted by Chris Matthews

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Oct 2024

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About the show

Welcome to "The Mentor Collective"! I'm Chris Matthews, your companion on a journey into the human stories of industry professionals. Join me for heartfelt conversations exploring the intricacies of life, passion, and the pursuit of success. Together, we'll uncover the human side of achievement, embracing the highs, lows, and the invaluable wisdom these individuals wish they'd known from the start! New podcasts every couple of weeks!

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14 recent

October 7, 20241 hr 26 min

Coen Jeukens: Navigating Life's Path with Heart and Mind

In this episode of the Mentor Collective Podcast, host Chris Matthews talks with Coen Jeukens, a seasoned professional whose diverse cultural experiences and unique career journey have shaped his perspective on work and leadership. Coen reflects on his evolution from a curious teenager, unsure of his path, to a prominent figure in the software and service domains. He emphasises the importance of following one’s curiosity, as demonstrated by his bold decision to make an unsolicited bid for a role at ServiceMax, underscoring his belief in embracing opportunities over conventional career paths. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the balance between rational decision-making and emotional intelligence, crediting his wife for encouraging him to integrate his heart into his professional choices. Coen also explores the intricacies of leadership, advocating for an environment that values diverse opinions and collaborative decision-making rather than rigid hierarchies. He shares his philosophy on mentorship, which involves giving back to emerging professionals and encouraging them to navigate their journeys with an open mind. By challenging conventional views on career planning, Coen inspires listeners to embrace their experiences and explore various paths, ultimately demonstrating that growth often arises from unexpected opportunities and the willingness to learn from every phase of life.

September 26, 202457 min

Vince Robbins: From Adversity to Advocacy

Join us for a heart-to-heart conversation with Chris Matthews as he sits down with Vince Robbins, the co-founder of AretiForce. Vince's story isn't just a success tale; it's a journey of resilience, a testament to what it means to rise above challenges with grace and tenacity. Throughout this enlightening chat, Vince opens up about his humble beginnings, the trials he faced and how these obstacles became the stepping stones on his path to becoming a recruitment mogul who doesn't just chase success but cherishes the value of giving back to the community and safeguarding our planet. Chris and Vince's dialogue unfolds like a series of life lessons wrapped in anecdotes, illuminating the essence of perseverance, the beauty of forging meaningful connections, and the joy of making a difference in the world. This episode is more than just a narrative; it's a reflection on the power of human spirit and an invitation to listeners to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and impact. If you’re in need of a spark to reignite your ambitions or a reminder that you, too, can be an agent of change, regardless of the hurdles, then this conversation is a gift wrapped in wisdom, waiting for you to unwrap it. So, grab your headphones, find your favourite spot, and let Chris and Vince guide you through an emotional and motivational landscape that promises to leave you inspired, thoughtful, and ready to carve out your own legacy of persistence, purpose, and compassion.

September 4, 20241 hr 41 min

Katie Sutton: Empathy-Driven Leadership & From Call Centre to Corporate

In this episode of The Mentor Collective, host Christopher Matthews chats with Katie Sutton, a senior manager at Salesforce. They discuss Katie's career journey, her leadership style, and the importance of mentorship. Katie shares how her experiences, especially at Direct Line Group, shaped her career. A key moment for her was an emotional customer call with an elderly woman, which taught her the value of empathy in customer service—an insight she applies in her leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of building strong relationships and emotional connections at work, which can enhance career growth and fulfilment. Katie expresses her core values: balance, family, loyalty, and well-being, guiding her interactions and helping create a supportive work environment. Katie credits much of her success to mentors, particularly women in leadership. She values authenticity, expertise, approachability, and the ability to inspire joy. Her experience reinforces that effective leadership prioritises team members' well-being and personal development. Achieving career goals involves nurturing emotional connections. Katie’s journey shows how empathy and positive relationships are essential for both personal and professional success. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in personal growth, leadership, and mentorship.

August 12, 20241 hr 8 min

Hannah Kromminga: Fashioning Sustainability

In this episode, Chris talks with Hannah Kromminga, CEO of GIFTD, as she shares her remarkable career journey. From her beginnings in the arts and her decision to pursue a business degree, Hannah reflects on pivotal moments, including her adventurous gap year in China and her entry into the world of startups. With a focus on authenticity and personal fulfilment, she discusses how she transitioned from traditional employment to entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of creating something meaningful while navigating the challenges of building her company in the sustainable fashion space. Hannah also delves into her insights on leadership, persistence, and the role of a supportive network in achieving success. She candidly addresses the pressures of ambition and societal expectations while advocating for individuals to pursue their passions without looking back. Tune in to explore Hannah's rich experiences and the wisdom she has gained along her entrepreneurial journey.

May 20, 202444 min

Heather Black: Social Enterprise, Super Mums and mentorship

In this episode of the Mentor Collective podcast, host Christopher Matthews sits down with Heather Black, a pioneer in leveraging technology to amplify social enterprises. Heather shares her journey to running a successful social enterprise, Supermums, that aids women in accelerating their careers within the Salesforce ecosystem. The conversation touches on her early realisation of the power of blending business acumen with social missions, her experience navigating the complexities of social enterprise structures, and her achievements in scaling social impacts through technological integration. The conversation emphasises the significant role social enterprises play in marrying profit-driven models with social impact, using Heather Black's career journey and the formation of Supermums as a case study. It highlights the crucial role of technology, specifically the adoption of Salesforce, in amplifying the reach and efficiency of social enterprises. By illustrating both the benefits and challenges of leveraging technology for community betterment, Heather shows us a balanced view. Furthermore, it offers practical advice to aspiring social entrepreneurs on the importance of technology, investment, clear social objectives, and open communication for fostering sustainable growth and achieving long-lasting social impact.

May 6, 20241 hr 42 min

James Naylor: Resilience on the Board - Navigating Entrepreneurship & Personal Challenges

In a revealing and enlightening conversation, James Naylor, a seasoned entrepreneur and the creative force behind Naylor Games, unfolds his diverse career trajectory, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership philosophy. Starting from his formative experiences in China, exploring the nuances of work culture, to his passionate venture into the board game industry with 'Magnate: The First City', James shares insights into the transformative journey that led him to where he is today. Not only does this discussion delve into James's entrepreneurial endeavors, but it also touches on personal challenges such as his battle with altered smell perception post-COVID-19, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability. James's initiation in China's extended work culture offered him a nuanced understanding of contrasting work ethics, which later influenced his work philosophy and entrepreneurial drive. In launching Naylor Games and creating 'Magnate: The First City', James intricately details the joys and challenges of bringing a passion project to fruition. His journey from ideation to the actual game development and subsequent management lessons underscores the multi-dimensional role of a creator and entrepreneur. James underlines the importance of honesty, enthusiasm, and encouragement as key tenets of his leadership style. He reflects on the mentorship he has received throughout his career and how various mentors, including his father, have significantly shaped his approach. Additionally, he shares his personal battle with altered smell perception post-COVID-19, crafting a narrative of perseverance and adaptability. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that James Naylor is not just an entrepreneur but an artist and a fighter. His vivid recount of career highs and lows, interwoven with personal battles and philosophical musings, offers an invigorating look into the essence of creativity and leadership. This podcast not only uncovers the layers of James's multifaceted journey but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, curiosity, and passion in navigating the unpredictable waves of life and business.

April 22, 20241 hr 26 min

Trevor Alexander: Bold Choices, Balance, and Beats

On this episode I was joined by Trevor Alexander, Product Manager in the Field Service and Tech space. Navigating significant shifts in his life and career, Trev brings to the table an unguarded look into the reality of embracing change, pursuing passions, and the art of balancing work, life, and mental health. Our discussion meanders through Trev's personal and professional experiences. From his decision to leave an employer he'd been with for years to his thoughts on parenting in the age of digital technology, Trev's story is a compelling narrative of growth, self-discovery, and resilience. Hear Trev's honest reflection on the impact of mental health on career paths, the importance of professional support, and how personal challenges can deeply influence professional journeys. His take on parenting amidst technology's rise, advocating for active engagement over passive consumption, adds a thought-provoking dimension to the conversation. Moreover, Trev's passion for music and its role as a catalyst for emotion and memory will strike a chord with many. His personal insights into mentorship and leadership reveal a leadership style rooted in trust, empowerment, and understanding, offering a fresh perspective on guiding others. As the episode unfolds, Trev's reflections are an open invitation for listeners to contemplate their priorities, the essence of self-care, and the pursuit of happiness. His journey, marked by thoughtful introspection and a relentless pursuit of fulfilment, serves as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of life’s unpredictable paths.

April 8, 20241 hr 28 min

Bill Butler and The Righteous Deal: Ethics in the Age of Technology

In a compelling and wide-ranging conversation on The Mentor Collective podcast, host Chris Matthews speaks with seasoned technology expert and leader Bill Butler, exploring an array of topics that span the evolution of his career, his leadership principles, and valuable life insights. Bill's unexpected entry into the world of technology began by helping organise a high school computer fair—an event that laid the foundation for a lifelong journey through various tech landscapes, from hardware sales during the early PC era to navigating the complexities of enterprise software at SAP. His candid reflection on career choices, early influences, and learning experiences offer a rich tale of personal growth, adaptability, and finding one's place in a rapidly evolving industry. The podcast delved into Bill's leadership and sales strategies, emphasising the importance of integrity and empathy, the concept of a 'righteous deal,' where Bill’s guiding principle is to genuinely improve his client’s business rather than just closing a sale.

March 25, 20241 hr 42 min

Lee Mills: Embracing change, self awareness & the importance of adversity

In this podcast, Chris is joined by Lee Mills - CEO of Guiding Edge Group. From beer salesman to Ski Instructor to corporate leader. Our conversation touched on personal evolution, embracing change, and the essence of authentic leadership. We delved into Lees diverse journey, underscoring moments of adversity and pivotal changes that forged his approach to life and leadership. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to innovating in customer success roles, Lee articulates the importance of self-awareness, transparency, and creating an environment where every voice matters, regardless of one’s title or position. Lee discusses how leadership is not static but dynamic, requiring a flexible approach that adapts to various scenarios. He advocates for cultivating consistent and repetitive leadership behaviours, aligning with core values to foster trust within teams. How persistence in the face of adversity can lead to personal growth and improved leadership capabilities - ultimately contributing to one's leadership philosophy and success.

March 11, 20241 hr 33 min

Leigh-Anne Nugent: The importance of "Peace of mind" and consulting with EQ

In this episode, Chris is joined by Leigh-Anne Nugent for an engaging conversation that spans across themes of career progression, leadership, personal development, and mentorship. Leanne emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, particularly for consultants who must navigate client emotions and deliver results while ensuring their own peace of mind and heart. She also touches upon the freedom and challenges that come with running a consulting business, highlighting the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in one's professional life. You'll hear about Leanne's transformation in leadership approaches, from her beginnings in a family of self-starters and how it influenced her own style, to her embrace of autonomy while ensuring a shared understanding with teammates. The conversation showcases Leanne's philosophical growth, underscoring that leadership is not confined to job titles but manifests in the capacity to support others in achieving goals. The podcast encapsulates her belief in nurturing a positive atmosphere through openness, mutual respect, and acknowledging the dynamics of control and influence within team interactions.