In this episode of "Leadership Actually," hosts Lee Rogers and Lisa Powney engage in a lively conversation about leadership, personal growth, and the importance of human connection in the workplace with Gillian Drakeford MBE.

They reflect on their experiences, particularly Gillian's journey from a senior leader at IKEA to a coach and mentor. Gillian shares her insights on the significance of understanding people and their backgrounds, emphasising that leadership is not just about titles but about fostering relationships and creating inclusive environments. The discussion also touches on the value of meditation and mindfulness in leadership, highlighting how these practices can enhance clarity and decision-making.

As they delve deeper, Gillian recounts her early career experiences, the challenges she faced in hierarchical environments, and how her curiosity about people has shaped her leadership style. The conversation underscores the importance of connecting with individuals on a personal level, understanding cultural differences, and the role of purpose in driving organisational success. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that effective leadership is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to uplift others.

In this conversation, Nigel Sullivan discusses the evolution of leadership styles from traditional command and control to a more supportive and empowering approach. He emphasises the importance of being approachable and focusing on the well-being and development of team members.

Lee and Lisa, give an honest and feel review of the series. They discuss what inspired them, what the stand out moments were from each guest and as you would expect, what were some of the messy moments. In this series there have been moments of laughter and joy, moments of being in awe and real tears that have flowed.

Lee and Lisa discuss the common themes coming out from the series and a nod to what Series 3 has in store. There is also an announcement of an epic charity challenge in 2026.