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The Connected Leadership Podcast

The Connected Leadership Podcast

By: Evergreen Podcasts
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 Speaker and author on professional relationships, Andy Lopata, explores great connections with experts and high achievers worldwide.Andy Lopata, H & A Lopata ltd 2020 Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Building Human-Centric Teams in a Virtual Age with Nikki Bush

    Building Human-Centric Teams in a Virtual Age with Nikki Bush
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, we go back to the archive to revisit a conversation with human potential expert Nikki Bush who joined Andy Lopata to explore the challenges and opportunities of leading in a hybrid world. Nikki highlights how leaders often fall into the trap of over-scheduling meetings, leading to burnout and reduced productivity. She emphasises the importance of high-touch leadership—deep listening, emotional presence, and building trust through intentional one-on-one conversations. Their discussion also touches on the rise in micromanagement post-pandemic, driven by fear and uncertainty, and how slowing down, asking better questions, and creating space can transform team dynamics. Nikki advocates for separating social and process-based meetings, using flexible communication tools, and maintaining emotional connection in virtual environments. She also stresses the value of in-person gatherings to rebuild trust and alignment within teams. Nikki’s insights show that hybrid leadership is an ongoing experiment requiring adaptability, empathy, and clarity in communication. Key Takeaways: 1. Avoid Meeting Overload: Too many long or unnecessary meetings reduce productivity 2. High-Touch ≠ Physical Touch: Emotional presence, deep listening, and authentic connection define empathetic leadership. 3. Micromanagement is Fear-Based: Trust your team and focus on outcomes, not control. 4. Separate Social & Process Meetings: Create distinct spaces for relationship-building and task execution. 5. In-Person Still Matters: Regular face-to-face interactions help break down misperceptions and rebuild team cohesion. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Nikki Bush: LinkedIn | Website The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode Featuring Nikki Bush
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    28 mins
  • How Communication, Trust, and Fun Shape Leadership Culture with Neil Wilkie

    How Communication, Trust, and Fun Shape Leadership Culture with Neil Wilkie
    May 12 2025
    In this episode of Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata looks back at his podcast episode with Neil Wilkie, a former successful businessman turned psychotherapist and relationship coach. Neil shares his journey from chasing financial success to prioritising purpose after realising material achievements left him unfulfilled. He introduces his Relationship Paradigm, a framework identifying six elements for thriving relationships: communication, connection, commitment, fun, growth, and trust. These principles apply equally to personal and professional dynamics, with Neil emphasising that relationships shape organisational culture, which drives sustainable success. Andy and Neil discuss overcoming communication breakdowns through clarity and active listening, balancing authenticity with positivity as a leader, and nurturing trust through vulnerability and conflict resolution. Neil also addresses challenges in virtual environments like Zoom, advocating for phone calls to deepen connection. He stresses the importance of intentionally nurturing relationships—both personal and professional—to avoid stagnation and build mutual growth. Key Takeaways: 1. Relationships > Metrics: True success stems from meaningful connections, not just financial or material gains. 2. Communication Clarity: Misunderstandings often derail relationships; always confirm mutual understanding. 3. Trust as Foundation: Trust is built through commitment, transparency, and resolving conflicts constructively. 4. Intentional Growth: Relationships require regular check-ins and adaptation to evolve positively. 5. Energy Matters: Leaders should balance authenticity with uplifting energy to foster a supportive culture. Connect with Andy LopataWebsite Connect with Neil Wilkie LinkedIn Website Listen to the full episode featuring Neil
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    21 mins
  • "Turning Resistance into Buy-In - Managing Key Relationships Across A Project" with Rory Murray

    "Turning Resistance into Buy-In - Managing Key Relationships Across A Project" with Rory Murray
    May 5 2025
    In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Rory Murray, Rory has more than 25 years’ experience across Europe, Middle East, Africa, plus the US, Canada and India. He has worked with some of the world's largest companies, delivering change and transformation projects in multiple sectors including Government, Telecoms, Power, Internet, Oil and Gas. Andy and Rory explore the critical role of relationship-building in leading successful projects. Rory shares insights from his work across sectors and highlights how neglecting stakeholder dynamics often leads to project failure. He emphasises that projects aren’t just about systems or processes; they’re about people. When organisations rush to implement changes without consulting frontline employees, resistance and attrition follow. Rory stresses the importance of stakeholder mapping, active listening, and understanding the “why” behind resistance to align project goals with individual and team needs. Drawing on real-world examples, Rory illustrates how empathy and evidence-based influence can turn sceptics into allies. He contrasts the challenges of external consulting versus internal project management, noting that trust, respect, and likability are foundational to driving buy-in. The conversation also examines cultural nuances, such as building relationships before discussing business in regions like the Middle East. Finally, Rory introduces the concept of Return on Relationships (ROR), arguing that investing in genuine connections pays exponential dividends over time. What we discussed: 1. Stakeholder Mapping Done Right: Why identifying and engaging the “right” stakeholders—especially grassroots implementers—is critical to project success. 2. Like, Trust and Respect: Rory’s framework for building influence by aligning project outcomes with individual goals. 3. Evidence Over Ego: How to navigate resistant leaders. 4. Cultural Intelligence: Lessons from working in the Middle East and Africa on prioritising personal relationships before business discussions. 5. Return on Relationships (ROR): Why investing in relationships—not transactions—creates long-term value. Rory’s actionable advice on bridging gaps between strategy and human dynamics will transform how you approach your next initiative. Tune in for real-world stories, practical frameworks, and a masterclass in turning resistance into collaboration. Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Rory Murray: LinkedIn | X The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
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    49 mins

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