The Legendary Leaders Podcast

• Nick Peel - Human-First Leadership

  What if your greatest legacy isn’t what you build, but who you build with along the way? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host, Cathleen O’Sullivan, invites you into a candid conversation with Nick Peel, a leader whose career spans some of the world’s most ambitious projects, from Arsenal Football Club to the cutting-edge NEOM "Line" project in Saudi Arabia. You’ll hear how Nick’s human-first approach to leadership has empowered teams to thrive under pressure, transcending titles and status in favour of authenticity, humility, and genuine impact. Together, they explore why self-awareness, openness to failure, and the courage to lead with empathy are at the heart of truly legendary leadership. Tune in to discover how embracing your humanity and building others up may just be the most powerful legacy you leave behind.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 11:51 Embracing innovation and tackling ambitious projects 15:48 The importance of authenticity and being human in leadership 20:16 Learning from failure and the power of reflection 32:06 Building a strong, supportive family while leading global projects  38:09 Leading high-performing teams through empowerment and simplicity 44:22 The origins of NEOM’s The Line: bold ideas and collaboration 52:03 Leading diverse teams and unlocking innovation through trust 57:31 Supporting women’s leadership for future generations   Key Takeaways:  Nick shares stories of nurturing talent and pride in seeing former colleagues grow, highlighting the importance of building others up on your leadership journey. Nick discusses the value of showing up authentically, empowering diverse teams, and leading with humility, whether in the high-pressure corporate world or ambitious projects like NEOM’s "The Line".  Nick’s career, shaped more by "default than design," showcases how adaptability, curiosity, and learning steer personal and professional growth. He talks of the importance of reflection, being open to new ideas and leveraging lessons from both success and failure.   ABOUT Nick Peel Nick has over 30 years of senior commercial and operational leadership expertise under his belt with esteemed organisations like Arsenal FC, LandSec,  Battersea Power Station, McArthur Glen Designer Outlets, and Morrison Supermarkets. He has also held Non-Exec roles with a number of entities, including UCI World Cycling Championships, Streetwork charity, and Icons.com. His career spans retail, hospitality, property / real estate and sports, which he confesses is more by default than by design.    Nick is currently Director of Operational Readiness for THE LINE, the futuristic city under development at NEOM in Saudi Arabia. He specializes in building high performance teams, creating go to market strategies, building the new, and fixing the broken. He prides himself on a ‘ human first ‘ leadership style, and is motivated by change, learning, travel, and in particular his family and children.   Connect with Nicholas: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-peel-a5943a9?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app    Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

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• Clare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards - The Power of Job Sharing

  Is leadership about going it alone, or could sharing the load lead to even greater success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the dynamic duo Clare Freshwater-Turner and Annabelle Richards to explore how job sharing could be the key to enhanced leadership and personal fulfilment. Clare and Annabelle, senior managers in sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group, have mastered the art of job sharing, proving that two heads can indeed be better than one. Join us to learn about the unique partnership they’ve built over nine years, sharing insights into how combining different strengths and perspectives leads to superior outcomes. Tune in for a conversation that challenges conventional leadership norms and offers a refreshing perspective on ambition and success.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction ​​08:41 Supporting each other and managing priorities 17:49 The benefits of two coaches for a team  24:10 How to play to each other's strengths 32:07 Why creating a work-life balance is so important  47:42 Communication practises for effective teamwork 56:39 Flexible working enhances productivity and satisfaction   Key Takeaways:  Clare and Annabelle highlight how their contrasting personalities and skills enhance decision-making and problem-solving. They emphasise that two heads can indeed be better than one, providing richer ideas and solutions, which in turn benefits the entire team and organisation. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about job sharing, such as it being more work for managers or only suitable for certain roles. Clare and Annabelle debunk these myths by sharing their experience of managing each other’s development and workload, easing the burden on their line manager.  On a personal level, job sharing has allowed Clare and Annabelle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They can pursue personal interests and family commitments while still having fulfilling careers.     ABOUT Clare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards Annabelle and Clare are a jobshare and senior managers in Sustainable Business at Lloyds Banking Group, working in the Nature team. They have been with Lloyds Banking Group for many years, working in a wide variety of roles in the Finance and Sustainability functions. These included leading teams, culture change and developing manager training programs. They joined the Group Sustainable Business Team in 2022 supporting Dr. Rebecca Heaton in setting up the team. After they both completed the CISL course with a distinction, they transferred to the nature senior manager role. Within the Nature team, their primary focus is to integrate nature into decision-making and developing training to meet business unit requirements.     Connect with Annabelle & Clare: Website: https://thejobsharecoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thejobsharecoach/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

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  1:09:17
• Rachel McGill - Exploring Resilient Leadership

  Are you merely enduring tough times, or are you truly thriving through them? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, army veteran and leadership expert Rachel McGill joins Cathleen to explore the nuanced art of resilience. Rachel unveils the clear difference between merely bouncing back and proactively moving forward. She shares her journey, from breaking a world record to creating Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework designed to help leaders like you build genuine resilience. Discover why true resilience is not about muscling through challenges but about adapting, making better decisions under pressure, and balancing control with adaptability. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to transform challenges into opportunities and rethink the way you lead during challenging times.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 05:40 How to best structure your day and maximise energy 12:17 Building and developing resilient leadership skill 20:26 Why inclusion is a fundamental need  34:04 Turning crisis into opportunity 41:10 Visualising desired outcomes helps build resilience 51:12 Foreseeing crises, staying informed and being prepared 01:08:51 Authentic leadership and emotional intelligence 01:15:32 True diversity requires different perspectives and experiences   Key Takeaways:  Rachel explains that resilience isn't about simply toughing it out through difficult times. She explains how having a bias for achievement and a positive intention can provide clarity and direction even during uncertainty. Cathleen and Rachel discuss the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels included and empowered to lead. This involves sharing control, encouraging openness, and fostering an environment of trust and accountability.  Rachel shares stories of experience in the army and in business, emphasising the need for leaders to be adaptable and aware of their environments. During times of crisis or change, the ability to reassess and invite diverse perspectives becomes crucial.    ABOUT Rachel McGill Having served as an army officer, Rachel McGill has 30 years’’ leadership development experience and specialises in the development of resilience in leaders and the tools they need to succeed. As co-founder of Resilient Leaders Elements with her colleague Dr Jeremy Mead, her ambition is to make world-class resilient leadership development available to all. Rachel has designed and facilitated hundreds of courses for thousands of people and leads on ensuring pragmatic approaches to leadership development.   Connect with Rachel McGill: Website: www.resilientleaderselements.com  X: www.twitter.com/leaderselements Facebook: www.facebook.com/resilientleaderselements Instagram: www.instagram.com/resilientleaderselements LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/resilient-leaders-elements   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

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  1:22:56
• Keisha Hickson - Living Fully and Moving Beyond Fear

  What if you stopped waiting for the right time and started living fully right now? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the inspiring Keisha Hickson, a transformative thought leader and resilience advocate. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer multiple myeloma at a young age. Keisha's story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving and leaving a legacy on her own terms. She explores her experiences of overcoming fears and embracing authenticity daily, all while battling a rare incurable disease. Keisha also shares her insights on ‘daring to change’ and how to make bold changes and decisions. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge you to start living now and inspire you to create your own legendary legacy, one step at a time.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 08:22 Keisha's life-changing cancer diagnosis 18:00 Normalising diverse paths to impact by addressing struggles 26:19 How to support employees with invisible disabilities 38:08 Discovering your "Why" is crucial in defining your legacy 50:57 Celebrate milestones, embrace resilience, and pursue true passions 57:57 Being a proactive advocate for healthcare   Key Takeaways:  Keisha emphasises the importance of determination, action, resiliency, and execution through her concept of "Dare to Change." She explains how she moved from a place of complacency to making bold changes and decisions. Keisha shares the challenges of living with an invisible disability, such as her ongoing battle with multiple myeloma. She explains how she manages her condition while maintaining her daily activities and endeavours. Cathleen and Keish talk about leaving a legacy that is not defined solely by financial success but rather by the impact on our community, loved ones, and personal fulfilment.     ABOUT Keisha Hickson   Keisha Hickson is a professional speaker, transformative thought leader, and passionate advocate for resilience, transformation, and women’s empowerment. Her personal journey, marked by a diagnosis of multiple myeloma and a challenging prognosis, has fueled her pursuit of a limitless legacy. This concept, which she passionately advocates, is about living life on your own terms, creating a narrative that leaves a lasting and meaningful impact beyond conventional boundaries.   Keisha brings 25 years of experience in the financial industry to the table, including roles up to Vice President & Senior Branch Manager in Wealth Management. She has successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, demonstrating her diverse interests and business savvy. Her ventures include a children’s salon, a wellness brand, and a luxury gifting business, each flourishing under her leadership with collective revenues in the seven-figure range.    Connect with Keisha Hickson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_keishahickson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-hickson/ Email: [email protected]   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

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  1:04:59
• Nancy Ho - Overcoming the Professional Paradox

  Are you still chasing the wrong kind of success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Nancy Ho joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to discuss the hidden struggles of high-performing professionals and the paradox of success. Nancy shares how defining success externally can lead to a void of stress and unfulfillment. She talks about turning pain into gain, redefining what you truly want, and the importance of being authentic rather than conforming to societal pressures. Discover how your thoughts shape your reality and the power of self-reflection in transforming your life. Tune in for a conversation that invites you to redefine success on your own terms and move towards a life filled with genuine satisfaction and freedom.   Episode Timeline:  00:00 Introduction 08:40 Choosing what you want over what you need 17:22 The difference between authentic self-care and social pressure 27:37 Addressing your needs genuinely and fostering long-term relationships 36:32 Gradually changing bad habits to good ones with ongoing support and strategy adjustments 44:28 Success comes from the inside so focus on inner fulfilment  50:05 Living in the past and having a fear of judgment  01:01:01 Wake up calls from life   Key Takeaways:  Nancy emphasises the importance of self-reflection to understand your own habits and tendencies. Being aware of the pain points and reflecting on them helps to make necessary changes.  Nancy explains that recognising the authentic pain (what one truly wishes to avoid) and the real gain (the genuine pleasure and outcome desired) can lead to more motivated and effective action. Cathleen and Nancy discuss how true motivation and contentment come from internal desires rather than external validation. Nancy highlights the importance of doing things for yourself rather than seeking approval from others.    ABOUT Nancy Ho   Introducing Nancy Ho, a distinguished Life Strategist, Clarity Messenger, and state-of-mind specialist with over 26 years of experience guiding individuals toward holistic success. Throughout her illustrious career, Nancy has empowered over 10,000 clients, including C-Suite executives, mid-level managers, and business owners, to navigate the intricate balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment. As an internationally-recognized thought leader on "The Professional Paradox," Nancy brings a unique perspective to the podcasting world. With a focus on helping high-performing professionals transcend the silent weight of success, Nancy's insights offer valuable guidance for listeners seeking harmony in their professional and personal lives. Nancy's expertise lies in addressing the disconnect between external success and inner fulfillment. Her comprehensive approach includes personalized executive coaching, strategic planning, and confidential support tailored to the unique needs of each client.   Connect with Nancy Ho: Website: https://www.nancyho.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-ho-exec-coach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachnancyho/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: [email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.  

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  1:17:10

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