Advertise on podcast: After Dinner Leadership

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Natalie Johnson, Co-Founder & Chief Visionary at Vidl Work, and Co-Author of Leading the Culture Journey. What does it take to build a healthier workplace culture? In this episode, Natalie reflects on an early leadership experience where frustration, blame, and gossip helped create an accidental culture that eventually felt toxic. She explains how leaders can focus on the influence they do have, speak honestly through difficult moments, and prioritise connection—even when the conversation feels uncomfortable. Together, Simon and Natalie explore why boundaries can strengthen trust, why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, and how small everyday actions—from checking in with team members to making meetings more inclusive—shape workplace culture. They also discuss generational differences at work, the pressure to always be available, and the gap that can emerge between a company’s sick-leave policy and the culture employees actually experience. Natalie offers practical ways leaders and teams can make rest, recovery, and honest communication part of how work gets done. Listen for a thoughtful, practical conversation about leading with self-awareness, building trust, and helping people feel seen and heard. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Ryan Spoors, Account Executive at Redo. Simon and Ryan sit together for a thoughtful, candid conversation as Ryan prepares to move on to a new role and a new industry. After years behind the scenes helping shape the podcast, Ryan turns the tables and reflects on what hundreds of hours of listening to leaders has taught him. You will hear Ryan unpack three themes that show up again and again in great leaders: Why listening is a skill you develop, not a switch you flipThe difference between having mentors and actually using themHow to “bet on yourself” without ego, and build a career with intentionWhile we bid farewell to Ryan, we are reminded of the powerful lessons shared through this podcast. His journey may be taking him elsewhere, but the wisdom he leaves behind will continue to resonate with us. Pull up a chair and join us! Previous episodes mentioned: 033: Recalibrate...with...Richard Madden 042: How to Listen (part 1)...with...Oscar Trimboli 043: How to Listen (part 2)...with...Oscar Trimboli 051: Bet on Yourself...with...Colin Stewart Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with George Costard, Managing Director of DEKA Life Sciences. In this episode, Simon and George explore why creating a strong hiring culture is essential to building a successful business - and the true cost of getting it wrong. They discuss knowing when it’s okay not to have all the answers, what good performance metrics really look like, and how the right people can shape the success of a business. Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or considering starting your own business, you’ll leave with practical insights and fresh perspectives to help you build the right team, make better hiring decisions, and grow with confidence. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Zoë Thompson, Strategic Leadership Consultant and Coach. In this episode, we explore how to find your unique leadership style, lead with confidence through uncertainty, and elevate your impact in an AI-powered world. Whether you're an emerging leader, or a seasoned executive, you'll leave with fresh perspectives and practical insights to help you lead with authenticity, adaptability, and purpose. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Aleck Jones, CEO & Co-Founder of Kindling Bio. In this episode, Aleck reflects on the leadership lessons he wishes he'd learned earlier, including the importance of becoming comfortable with discomfort and using it as a catalyst for growth. He also shares the inspiring work Kindling Bio is doing to advance children's cancer research, offering a powerful reminder of how purpose can drive innovation and impact. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table with Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of Walfinch. In this episode, Amrit shares insights on the role of mentors in shaping leaders, the value of accountability in driving growth, and why meaningful relationships matter more than material possessions. Together, Simon and Amrit explore the limits of materialism and discuss what it truly means to build a successful and fulfilling life. https://walfinchfranchising.com Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Joining Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table is Daniel Rellaford. In this episode, we explore The Empowerment Dynamic, a powerful framework that challenges the familiar patterns of drama that can quietly shape our leadership and relationships. Daniel brings clarity and depth to the roles we often fall into, and offers a compelling alternative: one grounded in ownership, creativity, and purposeful action. Pull up a seat and join the conversation! Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Simon is joined at the After Dinner Leadership table by his childhood friend, Grant Watling, Portfolio Chief Customer Officer at Hg. Drawing on a successful career, Grant reflects on the three leadership lessons he wishes he had learned much earlier. Pull up a seat and join the conversation. Grant Watling Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Joining Simon around the After Dinner Leadership table is founder of Build Yourself, Maya Sharfi, who shares practical insights to help professionals take their next step without burning out. They also explore how to leverage AI in career advancement. What's Between You and Your Next Level Role Quiz https://buildyourselfworkshop.com/ADL Maya Sharfi - Linkedin Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join us around the virtual After Dinner Leadership table as Simon explores the concept of antifragility. The idea that individuals and systems can grow stronger through challenge and adversity. Drawing inspiration from Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, Simon reflects on what this idea means for leaders today, and why resilience alone may no longer be enough in a world that often shields people from difficulty. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Simon is joined around the After Dinner Leadership table by Andy Freed. A Business executive, board chair, leadership advisor, and author of Lead Like The Boss, for a compelling conversation on leadership through the lens of one of music’s most enduring icons. Andy explains why Bruce Springsteen isn’t just a legendary performer, but a truly exceptional leader and someone who has inspired generations not only through his music, but through the way he leads his band, connects with his audience, and consistently lives out his values. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

In this bitesize episode of the After Dinner Leadership Podcast, our host Simon reflects on what it truly means to Bring Light — both in the choices we make as leaders and in the way we show up for others. Through quiet intention and everyday actions, Simon explores how choosing light can shape our leadership and the cultures we create. Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

In this episode of After Dinner Leadership, Simon is joined by Amy Jacobson, author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage, to explore why EQ is essential for leaders. Amy shares five practical steps to strengthen emotional intelligence, from building self-awareness to improving relationships and handling pressure with greater clarity. Packed with real-world insights and actionable ideas, this conversation shows how anyone can develop the skills at the heart of effective leadership. Pull up a chair and join Simon and Amy around the table for a practical guide to raising your EQ. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Pull up a chair and join in as Simon and Ryan discuss their word for the year in 2026 and what excites them heading into the new year. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!

Join us around the After Dinner Leadership table as we talk about all things 2025 and reflect on the journey of this podcast and some of the interesting things we have read and listened to this year. Pull up a seat and join the conversation. Send us Fan Mail Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube   If you would like to feature on the Podcast, please get in touch!  mailto: [email protected]  Thank you for listening!