The Leaders in Strategy Podcast

Christmas Special: Why Values Matter More Than Ever in Leadership

As the year draws to a close, this Christmas special episode takes a step back to reflect on something that often gets overlooked in leadership and business: your values.
In a world of constant pressure, short-term decision-making, and commercial targets, it's easy to treat values as words on a wall rather than the foundation they are meant to be. But do values still matter in modern leadership, and do they really influence performance, culture, and long-term success?
In this festive episode, I am joined by returning guests Jeevan Punj and Sian Brennan-Todd to explore why values remain a true guiding star for leaders, especially during challenging periods.
Together, we discuss what values really mean in practice, how staying true to them helps leaders navigate difficult decisions, and why values play such a critical role in team culture, employee engagement, and trust across supply chains.
This conversation is a reminder that strong values are not about perfection. They are about clarity, consistency, and leadership integrity. Whether you're leading a growing business, managing a team, or setting intentions for the year ahead, this episode will help you reflect on what truly drives sustainable success.
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#Values #CompanyValues #Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Business #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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To find out more about Sian and her work, you can follow her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sian-brennan-todd/.
You can also connect with Jeevan and learn more about her journey by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevanpunj/.
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
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Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

What Every Future Entrepreneur Needs to Hear

Starting a business is one thing. Growing it into something successful is another. At the Festival of Entrepreneurs 2025, we asked founders, CEOs and industry leaders one simple question: What advice would you give to the next generation of entrepreneurs?
The answers were honest, practical and often brutally real. In this episode, you’ll hear insights from people who have already built, scaled and survived the entrepreneurial journey.
You’ll learn why failure should never scare you, why letting go of tasks can unlock your growth, and why mentorship is more important than most founders realise.
You’ll also discover why what got you here will not get you to the next stage, and how hiring based on personality traits can beat hiring on skills alone. Whether you’re preparing to launch a new venture or looking for clarity on how to grow, this episode gives you advice from people who have actually done it.
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#Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Business #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
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Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business?
I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.

The Strategy Mistakes Successful Entrepreneurs Never Make!

Business strategy is never as simple as the textbooks make it sound. Every company grows differently, and there is no universal playbook that guarantees success. That's why the smartest leaders learn from those who have already been through the journey.
At the 2025 Festival of Entrepreneurs, I asked some of the most experienced founders, leaders and investors one question that matters more than any other: What is the biggest challenge in implementing your business strategy?
From stepping back to see the bigger picture, to avoiding the chicken and egg trap of relying on external funding, to understanding the real gaps in your market, this episode brings together honest, practical insights from people who have built and scaled businesses.
If you want to understand how successful entrepreneurs think about strategy, competitors, growth and decision making, this video will give you perspectives you will not hear anywhere else.
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#Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Business #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

The Biggest Challenges Business Leaders Are Facing in 2025

Running a business has never been harder. Every leader is dealing with uncertainty. No rulebook. No blueprint. Just decisions that shape the future of their business.
At the Festival of Entrepreneurs 2025, we asked some of the best minds in business one simple question: "What is the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?"
Featuring former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox alongside founders and leaders from brands such as HomeServe, Cleverfox AI, Cloud Accounting Support Services, and ANNA Money, this episode brings you raw, honest insights from the front line of business.
You’ll hear real answers on everything from the common challenges blocking growth to financial constraints and the risks of inaction.
Whether you're a first-time founder, a business owner, or in a leadership role within a company, this episode enables you to learn from people who have already done it.
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#Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Business #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO 
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business?  I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.

Why People Are Not Your Greatest Asset

We hear it all the time, “people are your greatest asset”, but is it actually true? In this episode, I challenge one of the most overused clichés in leadership and business, and break down the real thinking behind why this phrase is more misleading than helpful.
I explore the origins of the saying, why it has become lazy thinking for many leaders, and what you should be focusing on instead if you want a high-performing team and a scalable business. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand the real relationship between people, performance and leadership – and why assets don’t think, feel or choose to follow you.
It's perfect for founders, CEOs and business leaders who want to go beyond slogans and build teams that genuinely drive their strategy forward. ---------
#BusinessStrategy #Strategy #Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth # #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Business #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

Business Strategy Through the Eyes of Successful Leaders

Most business owners think they have a strategy. But in reality, they only have a plan. In this episode, we explore what real business strategy looks like through the eyes of successful entrepreneurs and leaders who have actually built and scaled thriving businesses.
Strategy is the foundation of growth, but every leader defines and applies it differently.
Over the past year, I’ve asked every guest the same question: What does strategy mean to you? Their answers reveal the truth about how strategy drives clarity, direction, and long-term success.
Hear from award-winning entrepreneurs and leadership experts including Sapna Pieroux, Lucy Barkas, Sian Brennan-Todd, Yemi Oluseun, Jeevan Punj, Alex M H Smith, Alex Chisnall, Paul Hetherington and Tom Holbrow as they share:
- Why strategy matters more than goals
- How leadership and strategy work hand-in-hand
- The role of brand, clarity and confidence in execution
- How to align your team with a shared vision
- Turning strategy from theory into real results.
If you are a business leader, entrepreneur or CEO looking to scale, this episode will help you rethink strategy and apply it in a way that actually drives growth.
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#BusinessStrategy #Strategy #Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth # #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Business #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

10 Leadership Myths That Are Holding You Back

Think you know what it takes to be a great leader? In this episode, I bust the top 10 leadership myths that hold many managers and business owners back.
From misconceptions about charisma, extroversion, and fearlessness to the idea that a leader is always the smartest person in the room, these myths stop teams from reaching their full potential. Discover what really matters in leadership, why some “rules” are outdated, and how to lead effectively in today’s business environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned manager or aspiring to step into a leadership role, this episode will challenge what you think you know and provide actionable insights to elevate your leadership skills.
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#Leadership #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessAdvice #Strategy #Business #LeadershipStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

10 Vital Lessons From Top Entrepreneurs That Actually Work

What does it really take to be a successful entrepreneur? To coincide with the Festival of Entrepreneurs event, we’ve compiled the top 10 most important lessons for building and growing a business, drawing on insights from past guests and my own experiences.
Learn what separates founders who thrive from those who struggle. From mindset and confidence to structure, personal branding, and thinking differently, these lessons provide actionable guidance that any entrepreneur can apply today.
Whether you’re just starting out, scaling your business, or looking to take your leadership to the next level, this episode covers the key strategies, attitudes, and behaviours that drive success.
Hear real-world examples from founders and discover how to apply their lessons to your own entrepreneurial journey.
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#Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #StartupSuccess #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #SuccessfulEntrepreneur #LeadershipTips #BusinessAdvice #Strategy #Business #LeadershipStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

What Help Do You Really Need to Scale Your Business?

Scaling a business is one of the toughest challenges a leader can face. In this episode, I sit down with Paul Hetherington, an experienced Non-Executive Director and Vistage leader, to explore the different types of support available to business leaders and how to decide which is right for you.
We dive into the roles of Non-Executive Directors, coaches, and business advisers, uncovering the unique ways each can help you overcome obstacles, make better decisions, and drive growth.
Paul shares insights from decades of experience helping companies navigate complex business challenges, and we discuss how leaders can leverage these resources to scale with confidence.
Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or senior manager, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you:
💡Understand the difference between a coach, NED, and business adviser
💡Identify the type of guidance your business truly needs
💡Use LinkedIn strategically to connect with the right experts
💡Apply practical tips that can immediately impact your growth strategy
Don’t miss this essential conversation on building a support network that drives real results. Learn how to make informed decisions about the help you enlist and take your business to the next level.
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#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #NonExecutiveDirector #BusinessAdviser #Coaching #ScaleYourBusiness #Entrepreneur #BusinessStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #LeadershipAdvice #CEO #Entrepreneur
 
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To hear more from Paul, follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhetherington/
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.
 

The Hidden Challenges That Could Kill Your Business

Most businesses fail not because of a lack of effort but because they underestimate the obstacles in their path.
In this episode, we dive into the key challenges every business faces, from staffing and cash flow to maintaining culture and sustainable growth, and show how to anticipate them before they derail your strategy.
Learn how to spot the obstacles that could silently sabotage your business, develop actionable plans, and stay one step ahead. Whether you’re a startup founder or running an established company, these insights will help you overcome the hurdles that stop most businesses from thriving.
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#Strategy #Business #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Entrepreneur #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipStrategy #GrowYourBusiness #Leaders #CEO
 
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Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on business strategy, leadership, and scaling your business.
----------
Want to learn how to produce a winning business strategy and profitably grow your business? I teach, coach and mentor Directors, Leaders and Managers on how to run successful companies.
To find out more, visit my website https://www.strategusconsulting.co.uk/.
Follow me on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-095b4775.