Gerry Murray talks to leading people about leading people. Get insights and tips from thought leaders about how to bring out the best in yourself and others.
Embracing Uncertainty: How to Lead and Thrive in an Unpredictable World
Send us a textIn this episode…Margaret Heffernan joins the Leading People podcast to challenge our dangerous addiction to certainty and predictability. Drawing from her latest book "Embracing Uncertainty," she reveals why the traditional management approach - forecast, plan, execute - is fundamentally broken in today's volatile world. When the first leg of this three-legged stool collapses, everything else follows.What makes this conversation so compelling is Margaret's unique perspective, bridging her experience as a CEO with deep research into how creative professionals - writers, musicians, filmmakers, artists - naturally thrive in uncertainty. These creators don't just tolerate the unknown; they actively seek it out as the fertile ground where breakthroughs happen. The stark contrast with today's corporate environments is telling: we're producing highly credentialed professionals who excel at following instructions but freeze when asked to navigate ambiguity.Margaret offers practical wisdom for leaders wanting to break free from this trap. She examines how WL Gore's elegant three-question innovation framework makes idea development accessible to everyone, why performance management systems often strangle creativity, and how companies can build innovation into their everyday operations rather than relegating it to specialized departments. Her insights on efficiency are particularly provocative.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing technology and AI. Margaret cuts through the hype with characteristic clarity, questioning whether these tools will deliver the promised benefits and examining the often-overlooked costs. Her perspective isn't anti-technology but rather a call for technology that genuinely serves human flourishing rather than diminishing it.Curious?Whether you're facing uncertainty in your leadership role, struggling with innovation challenges, or simply curious about how to thrive in an unpredictable world, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance. Subscribe to Leading People and join our LinkedIn community to continue the conversation about embracing uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat.Connect with Margaret on LinkedInVisit Margaret's WebsiteCheck out Margaret's Substack: On the LevelFollow Leading People on LinkedIn Leading People on FaceBookConnect with GerryWebsiteLinkedInWide Circle
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59:08
What if everything you believe about leadership potential is neurologically wrong?
Send us a textStep into the revolutionary intersection of neuroscience and leadership with Professor Patricia Riddell and Ian McDermott as they shatter outdated brain myths and reveal how understanding neuroscience transforms leadership effectiveness.Most leaders operate on brain models that are 60-65 years out of date. This knowledge gap isn't just academic – it directly impacts how we develop talent, make decisions, and build organizational capacity. Patricia and Ian introduce "neuro-effective leadership," a groundbreaking approach that applies cutting-edge neuroscience to practical leadership challenges.Neuroplasticity emerges as the game-changing concept every leader needs to understand. Leaders who understand neuroplasticity see potential differently – not as a fixed attribute to be measured, but as a capacity that can be systematically developed through the right experiences.The conversation reveals surprising insights about how our brains handle tasks versus relationships. We also explore how understanding empathy as a structured cognitive skill rather than a vague "soft skill" provides practical techniques for creating psychological safety while maintaining accountability.Patricia and Ian's upcoming book "Neuro-Effective Leadership" will be published by Routledge in June 2025, with pre-registration available in May. Connect with them on LinkedIn to learn about their Applied Neuroscience program (get a special offer) and discover how understanding your brain can transform your leadership capacity.Curious?If you want to lead more effectively, build better relationships, and create a leadership style that truly works for you and your teams, this episode is packed with practical neuroscience-backed insights you can apply immediately.🎧 Tune in now and start leading with more choice, clarity, and confidence!Connect with Patricia on LinkedInConnect with Ian on LinkedInLearn more about Applied NeuroscienceFollow Leading People on LinkedIn Leading People on FaceBookConnect with GerryWebsiteLinkedInWide Circle
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How Leaders Can Stop Procrastinating Today
Send us a textEver found yourself putting off an important task—only to scramble at the last minute?Procrastination isn’t just about being lazy. It’s a deeply ingrained habit fueled by brain chemistry, energy, and even our personal values. And if you’re in a leadership role, the stakes are even higher.In this episode of One Simple Thing, we break down:✔️ Why procrastination happens (it’s not what you think!)✔️ How our brains trick us into avoiding important work✔️ What Enjoyment-Performance Theory reveals about our motivation✔️ Four simple strategies to take back control✔️ Why managing procrastination isn’t just about time managementCurious?🎧 Listen now—and stop putting things off for later.What are you waiting for? 😉Follow Leading People on LinkedIn Leading People on FaceBookConnect with GerryWebsiteLinkedInWide Circle
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Discover the Leadership Superpowers that Emerge Beyond 40
Send us a textIn this episode…We challenge traditional views of midlife and explore how this phase can be a powerful transition for leaders. Aneace Haddad, a former tech CEO and an executive coach with extensive experience, invites listeners to rethink what it means to lead in the second half of life. He examines the cognitive shifts that occur as people enter their 40s and beyond, revealing that this period often marks the emergence of unique leadership superpowers that younger leaders may not yet possess. Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Aneace illustrates how leaders in midlife can embrace ambiguity and let go of the need for the granular detail-oriented thinking that served them well in their youth. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of big-picture strategic thinking, collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment where every team member can thrive. Aneace's insights shine a light on the positives of aging, reframing the concept of resilience into a joyful and rejuvenating process.Listeners looking to enhance their leadership approach will find this episode rich in resources and inspiration, encouraging personal reflection and growth. Whether you are in midlife or simply interested in understanding leadership evolution, Aneace's wisdom will resonate with anyone striving to improve their impact in the workplace. Curious?Join us in embracing the beauty of growth at any age, and let’s celebrate the incredible potential that emerges through experience.Remember to visit Aneace.com to connect with Aneace and explore his work!Connect with Aneace on LinkedInConnect with Aneace via his websiteFollow Leading People on LinkedIn Leading People on FaceBookConnect with GerryWebsiteLinkedInWide Circle
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53:15
How to Save 1 Hour Every Day (Without Working Harder!)
Send us a textEver feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? You start with good intentions, but distractions, interruptions, and never-ending demands pull you in every direction. Before you know it, the day is gone - and your most important work is still unfinished.What if you could reclaim an hour (or more) every single day - without waking up earlier, working longer, or burning yourself out?In this One Simple Thing episode of Leading People, I share a practical strategy that will help you take back control of your time, boost your focus, and get more done with less stress. It’s a small change that can have a huge impact.Curious?🎧 Listen now and start winning back your time today...Follow Leading People on LinkedIn Leading People on FaceBookConnect with GerryWebsiteLinkedInWide Circle
Gerry Murray talks to leading people about leading people. Get insights and tips from thought leaders about how to bring out the best in yourself and others.
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