In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Jo Knowler, Head of People & Talent at SBE Media Group, to explore how leaders can build resilient teams in fast-changing, founder-led and AI-driven workplaces.

From team culture to learning environments, neurodiversity, adaptability, and leadership under rapid growth — Jo brings deeply human insights from the front lines of scaling brands like Supercar Blondie and SBX Cars.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

00:32 – Introduction & episode setup

01:11 – Meet Jo Knowler: Head of People & Talent

02:10 – Frank the office dog joins the conversation

02:57 – Building teams in the age of AI

03:24 – Why long-term planning is disappearing

05:09 – AI reshaping roles and recruitment

06:09 – No AI experts: test, learn, evolve

07:12 – Rethinking hiring & CVs

08:35 – Gamification and neurodiversity in recruitment

09:18 – Human-centered talent strategies

10:14 – Skills & attributes leaders look for

11:07 – Feedback, adaptability & being thick-skinned

12:22 – Why stubbornness slows growth

14:06 – Rapid change & agility

15:42 – IT and People merging under one leader

16:48 – Founder-led businesses: why Jo thrives

18:09 – Trust, strategy & leadership partnership

19:33 – Where founders get stuck

20:48 – Balancing vision with stability

22:00 – Finding the “adult in the room”

23:21 – Structuring communication

24:19 – Culture, training & growth

25:29 – Transparency from day one

27:04 – Weekly communication rhythms

28:23 – Cross-functional collaboration

29:46 – Clarity & psychological stability

30:34 – Recruiting with honesty

31:35 – Engagement, happiness & retention

32:38 – Listening, empathy & solving problems

33:56 – Coaching & career development

35:17 – Creating learning pathways

37:07 – Rapid innovation & knowledge sharing

39:15 – Turbo Talks & internal learning

41:00 – AI tools, law, and internal education

42:11 – Keeping teams aligned across regions

43:46 – Masterclass in internal learning

45:30 – Leadership lessons from bad managers

47:47 – Showing up consistently as a leader

49:18 – Presence over reactivity

50:52 – Repairing relationships after conflict

51:49 – Support systems & recharge

53:20 – Boundaries, parenting and switching off

55:07 – Book club, community & self-care

57:00 – Intentional wellbeing for leaders

59:39 – How to connect with Jo

01:01:30 – Window-shopping luxury cars

01:02:31 – Closing & next episode preview

01:03:04 – Subscribe for more

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