The Connected Leadership Podcast cover art

The Connected Leadership Podcast

The Connected Leadership Podcast

By: Evergreen Podcasts
Listen for free

About this listen

 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
  • The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian

    The Power of Know, Like, and Trust with Dr. Ruth Gotian
    Jul 14 2025
    In this episode of The Connected Leadership Bytes, Andy Lopata revisits his insightful conversation with the ultimate super-connector, Dr. Ruth Gotian. Andy introduces the concept of the “Gottian Sphere” to explore Ruth's phenomenal generosity with her network and why she believes in an abundance mentality. They examine the principle of "know, like, and trust," stressing that genuine relationships are never transactional—you must give long before you ever consider taking. Ruth explains how shared experiences and vulnerability can rapidly deepen connections, even in a virtual world. Discover the mindset of an extreme high-achiever who has built a world-class network not by hoarding contacts, but by thoughtfully and generously sharing them. This episode is a masterclass in building authentic, lasting professional relationships that open doors for everyone involved. 5 Key Takeaways The "Know, Like, and Trust" Principle is Non-Negotiable: Introductions carry weight. Dr. Gotian only connects people she genuinely knows, likes, and trusts, creating "associated trust" that gives the new relationship a strong foundation. Give Before You Take: A strong network is built on generosity, not transactions. Offer value and build the relationship over a long period before ever thinking of asking for something in return. Shared Vulnerability Accelerates Connection: The deepest bonds are often formed when the professional mask drops. As seen in her "shared misery" pandemic group, being authentic and vulnerable builds trust faster than any formal networking event. Deep Connections Don't Require Physical Presence: Meaningful, trusting relationships can be built entirely online. Consistency, shared values, and genuine interest are more important than meeting in person. Turn a Request into an Offer: When asking for an introduction, phrase it to benefit the person you're asking. Frame it as an opportunity for their contact 3 Actionable Insights When you make an introduction, your reputation is on the line. Are you making your connections feel safe by giving them an "out" and asking permission before connecting them? Dr. Gotian found a clever, non-demanding reason to initiate contact with a respected peer. What's the overlooked "hook" you could use to start a genuine conversation with someone you admire? Everyone wants an introduction to a key person, but most ask in a way that gets them ignored. What if you could reframe your request so it’s focused entirely on the other person’s interests, making it almost impossible for them to say no? SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Dr. Ruth Gotian: Website |LinkedIn | Navigating the Gotiansphere with Ruth Gotian The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu

    The Art of Respectful Disagreement with Justin Jones-Fosu
    Jul 7 2025
    In a world where disrespect and division are increasingly normalised, how can leaders navigate difficult conversations and transform conflict into connection? This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast tackles this critical challenge head-on as Andy Lopata welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu. A dynamic speaker and author, Justin guides individuals and organisations to their peak potential through meaningful work, inclusive mindsets, and the art of respectful disagreement. Justin argues that the "social isolation theory", amplified by social media, has seeped from our global discourse into the workplace, creating dynamics like "disrespectful agreement"—where politeness masks underlying dissent. This erodes trust and stifles innovation. The conversation explores how leaders can counteract this by proactively building psychological safety and shifting from a passive "open-door policy" to an active "out-the-door policy" to intentionally build relational capital. At the core of the discussion are Justin’s five powerful pillars for bridging divides: Challenge Your Perspective, Be the Student, Cultivate Your Curiosity, Seek the Grey, and Agree to Respect. He provides a masterclass in moving beyond a win-lose mentality, emphasising that curiosity is the engine for understanding and that finding common ground is more crucial than seeking a middle ground. From the cultural nuances of disagreement in global teams to the power of a leader's apology, this episode is packed with profound insights and practical frameworks. Discover how to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth, humanise your interactions, and build a culture where challenging conversations strengthen, rather than sever, professional relationships. What we discussed: The Echo Chamber's Invasion: What if the distance created by our screens and societal echo chambers is actively teaching us to dehumanise our colleagues? The Agreeable Dissenter: Are your team's nods of agreement hiding a culture of silent, simmering dissent known as "disrespectful agreement"? The Leader's Journey: Why is the traditional "open-door policy" a passive failure, and what is the proactive alternative that builds authentic connection? Beyond Black and White: When two sides are locked in opposition, what is the innovative "grey" space that most leaders fail to see? The Power of the Pre-Workout: How can intentionally seeking out different perspectives before a conflict arises become your most effective tool for handling it? Actionable Insights: Embark on the "Out the Door" Expedition: Discover how to transform the failed "open-door policy" into an active leadership ritual. Learn the 15-minute weekly habit that builds profound relational capital and makes your team feel truly seen. Unlock the Code for Candour: Find out the simple, powerful phrase you can use to "prime the pump" for respectful disagreement in any meeting, instantly creating the psychological safety needed for your team to share what they really think. Master the Quest for "The Grey": When stuck in a debate, learn how to escape the black-and-white battle. We reveal the technique for "Seeking the Grey" to find the hidden common ground that holds the key to innovative solutions, not just empty compromises. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Justin Jones-Fosu: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube Rebel Ideas, Matthew Syed Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together, William Isaacs Fail Fast, Learn Fast With Daniela Landherr The Right Kind of Wrong with Dr Amy Edmondson The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett

    The Crazy Busy Cure with Zena Everett
    Jun 30 2025
    Are you constantly drowning in a sea of emails, back-to-back meetings, and an endless to-do list? Do you end the day feeling exhausted but not truly productive? You're not just busy; you're caught in the "crazy busy" trap—and it's costing you the relationships that fuel long-term success. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata is joined by leadership coach and author of The Crazy Busy Cure, Zena Everett, to diagnose and solve this modern epidemic. Zena breaks down why so many professionals prioritise urgent but unimportant tasks (the "field mice") over the high-impact activities that truly move the needle (the "antelopes"). This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone in a client-facing or business development role who wants to shift from a reactive state of "doing" to a proactive state of "achieving". In This Episode, You'll Learn: · The "Antelope vs Field Mice" Principle: A powerful mindset shift to help you distinguish between high-value priorities and minor distractions. · How to Schedule "Power Hours": A practical method for protecting your most productive time for deep, focused work. · The Art of Setting Boundaries: Learn how to say "no" gracefully and communicate your availability to reclaim control of your calendar. · Taming Your Digital Leash: Simple but effective techniques to minimise time wasted on unnecessary emails, notifications, and social media. · From "Busy" to "Connected": Why scheduling time for relationship-building is a non-negotiable for innovation, career growth, and business success. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Zena Everett: Website |LinkedIn | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 179 Featuring Daniela Landher
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins

What listeners say about The Connected Leadership Podcast

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.