Personal Development & Growth

1. Welcome to Allan’s Leadership Edge

Episode 1

In this debut episode of Allan’s Leadership Edge, host Allan introduces the podcast and sets the stage for the leadership journey ahead. Allan shares his vision for the show, outlining how it will explore leadership models, theories, and strategies that will empower listeners to become more effective, confident leaders.

From concepts like Emotional Intelligence to Psychological Safety and The Iceberg Theory, this episode gives you a preview of the valuable insights to come.

Tune in for expert insights and practical tools you can apply right away to sharpen your leadership edge!

2. The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

Episode 2: Unlocking the Power of EI in Leadership

What separates a good leader from a truly great one?
It’s not just technical skills, strategic thinking, or experience—it’s emotional intelligence (EI)! In today’s fast-paced
workplace, leaders who harness the power of EI build stronger teams, navigate conflicts with grace, and inspire loyalty and trust.

But how can you develop and apply emotional intelligence in your leadership journey?

In this episode of Allan’s Leadership Edge, host Allan takes a deep dive into the four key components of EI

self-awareness
self-management
social awareness
relationship management

✅ Why emotional intelligence is the #1 leadership superpower

✅ The role of empathy in strengthening workplace relationships

✅ How EI can support with handling difficult conversations, giving feedback, and managing conflict effectively

✅ How emotionally intelligent leaders create high-performing, motivated
teams

Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or simply looking to level up your leadership skills, Allan shares actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert-backed strategies to help you lead with
confidence and impact.

Tune in now to Allan’s Leadership Edge and start leading with greater influence, emotional intelligence, and success today!

3. The Power of Words

Episode 3: How they impact the world around us

The words we use every day hold more power than we often realise. They shape our thoughts, influence our emotions, and directly impact the people around us—sometimes in ways we don’t even notice. A simple phrase can uplift someone’s day, while a careless comment can leave a lasting mark. But what if we became more intentional with our language?

In this episode, Allan dives into the incredible impact of words—on ourselves, our relationships, and even our wider communities. He’ll explore how small changes in our daily language can create a more positive mindset, strengthen connections, and transform the way we communicate effectively.

This is a particularly exciting episode as Allan has worked on creating an intro and an exit for the podcast that will hopefully stick around in future episodes. So be sure to listen until the very end!

Join Allan as he unpacks the true power of words and discover how we can use them more mindfully to create a better world for ourselves and those around us.

Please do interact through the comments.

4. Workplace Toxicity

Episode 4: Should I stay or should I go?

Workplace toxicity goes beyond office politics — it can have a profound impact on mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.
In Episode 4 of Allan’s Leadership Edge, Allan explores the subtle, and not-so-subtle signs, of a toxic workplace, the damaging effects it can have on individuals and teams, and, most importantly, how to recognise, manage, and recover from it.

This episode covers:
✔️ The key signs of a toxic workplace – From gaslighting and manipulation to micromanagement and favouritism.
✔️ How to identify red flags early – Helping employees and leaders protect themselves before serious harm is done.
✔️ Practical strategies for handling workplace toxicity – Setting boundaries, documenting incidents, and finding the right support.
✔️ How to heal after leaving a toxic environment – Rebuilding confidence, moving forward, and ensuring past experiences don’t define the future.

Whether currently dealing with a challenging workplace, recovering from a toxic job, or simply looking to foster a healthier and more positive work environment, this episode provides insightful advice and actionable strategies to help professionals take back control.

Listen now to Allan’s Leadership Edge and start creating a better work experience today.

5. Psychological Safety

Episode 5: The opposite of a Toxic Workplace

Workplace toxicity thrives in silence, fear, and blame. But what if your team could be the exact opposite? What if people felt safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves—without fear of punishment or humiliation?

In this episode of Allan’s Leadership Edge, we’re diving deep into psychological safety—the key ingredient for high-performing, engaged teams. This is the perfect follow-up to our last episode on workplace toxicity because psychological safety is the antidote. If toxicity breaks teams apart, psychological safety brings them together.

We’ll cover:

• What psychological safety really means and why it’s critical to success
• How to identify if your team has it—or if you’re missing it
• The four stages of psychological safety and why they matter
• Practical, real-world steps to build a culture of trust, learning, and innovation

And most importantly—I want YOU to be part of this conversation! Throughout this episode, I’ll be giving you four actionable challenges to help you apply what you learn.

Whether you’re a leader looking to transform your team or a team member wanting a better work environment, this episode is packed with insights to get you started.

Are you ready to create a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and empowered?

Let’s dive in!

6. Workplace Culture

Episode 6: Building with intention

Culture isn’t just about policies and perks—it’s about the environment leaders create every day, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In this episode, Allan breaks down the key ingredients of a healthy, high-performing workplace, starting with psychological safety and the impact of workplace toxicity.

We’ll explore:

• How leaders cast a shadow—for better or worse—and why self-awareness is crucial.
• The role of emotional intelligence in supporting in the development of workplace culture.
• Strategies to support a new culture where people thrive.
• Practical steps to build a workplace where employees feel safe, heard, and empowered.

Great leaders don’t just manage teams—they shape environments that define success. Tune in to learn how you can lead with intention and create lasting cultural change!

Listen now and start leading with impact!  

#Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #PsychologicalSafety #EmotionalIntelligence #helpingyouhelpyourself

7. Circle of influence

Episode 7: What concerns you?

Welcome to Allan’s Leadership Edge – the podcast that helps you grow from the inside out so you can lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful mindset tool that every leader should have in their toolkit.

We’re exploring Stephen R. Covey’s Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence, from his classic book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This simple yet powerful concept is all about focusing your energy where it counts—starting with you.

Before we can lead others effectively, we need to make sure we are in a good place ourselves—mentally, emotionally, and energetically.

Today’s conversation is all about how we can shift from reacting to external pressures to intentionally influencing the things within our control. When we do that, we not only lead ourselves better—we create a more empowered, resilient space for our teams too.

Let’s talk about how to lead from the inside out.

8. Change

Episode 8: Why now, why this, why me?

In this instalment, Allan will dive into a conversation around change – because while change is inevitable (and one of the only constants in life), understanding why it happens, and why we often resist it, is what truly matters.

Allan has chosen to explore the power of the “why” because it is such an important part to life in general. This podcast won’t give you all the answers, but it will challenge you to reflect on the importance of the “why” both for yourself and for those around you.

Drawing insights from Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s Change Curve, Allan breaks down the emotional stages people move through when faced with disruption – from denial and resistance, to exploration and acceptance – and how understanding these stages can help you lead change for yourself, your team, or your organisation.

Allan will touch on other Change models such as: the SCRAF model, Kotter’s 8 step approach to change taken from his book “Our Iceberg is melting”. This is only a touch on the various models available. But the bottom line that Allan highlights is the ‘Why’.

Whether you’re leading change or simply trying to survive it, this conversation will offer a chance to reflect on the ‘why’ from any angle, because it is so important to help gain understanding and acceptance of a change.

9a. Mastering interviews

Episode 9a: Using the STAR method

🎙️ Allan’s Leadership Edge – Episode 9a: Mastering Interviews with the STAR Method (Part 1 of 2)

Over the past few months, I’ve had a growing number of people reach out for support with interviews—whether it’s landing a new role, stepping up for a promotion, or working for their own position through redundancy. That’s why this two-part special of Allan’s Leadership Edge is all about helping you prepare and perform at your best.

In Episode 9a, we’re focusing on the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result to help you answer competency-based interview questions clearly and confidently. Whether you’re new to interviews or brushing up for your next opportunity, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you shine.

Join me for Episode 9b, where we’ll explore how to succeed in face-to-face and virtual interviews, covering everything from body language to making a strong first impression on screen. is so important to help gain understanding and acceptance of a change.

9b. Mastering interviews

Episode 9b: Face-Face and virtual success

In this follow-up to our deep dive into the S.T.A.R. method, we’re shifting focus to the bigger picture and how to approach both virtual and face-to-face interviews with confidence, clarity, and impact.

Whether you’re preparing for your first job interview or looking to sharpen your skills for a senior role, this episode covers practical strategies to help you:

• Set up for success in a virtual environment
• Recognising the importance of your equipment and how to use it
• Make a memorable impression in person and virtually * Asking questions and taking notes
• Avoid the most common interview pitfalls

Tune in and take your interview game to the next level, you never know, your next opportunity might be just one great answer away.

If you need any support you can contact me for free advice and guidance and an informal conversation to give you support.

10. The Power of Mindset

Episode10: Why mindset matters

Welcome to the latest episode of Allan’s Leadership Edge, brought to you by Leadership EQcellence.

In this episode, Allan will take a dive into the power of mindset. Thinking about the importance and recognition of shifting mindsets. Shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can transform how we lead, learn, and live.

Allan explores the importance of being present and reflective in the here and now, and how that awareness shapes the way we move forward.

Building on Episode 3, Allan touches on the power of words and how the language we use influences our mindset and the culture around us. Briefly touching on the concept of the “leadership shadow” and “the circle of concern” and how our mindset subtly (or not so subtly) shapes the environments we lead.

If you’re ready to challenge your own thinking and step into more intentional leadership, this episode is for you.

Please engage in the comments but also feel free to take a look at my new EPIC leadership framework to help support individuals, teams, and organisations.

11. Communicating Effectively

Episode 11: Understanding

We often think we’re good communicators just because we can talk or send an email, but real communication goes far deeper than that.

In this episode, we explore the key difference between simply communicating and communicating effectively and it all comes down to one word: understanding.

We’ll unpack some of the common barriers that get in the way, from distractions and assumptions to poor listening habits, and chat about how to tailor your message so it actually lands with the person you’re speaking to. It’s about connection, clarity, and making sure your message gets through, not just spoken or heard, but truly understood.

Whether you’re leading a team, chatting with friends, or presenting an idea, there’s something here for anyone who wants to communicate better and let’s face it, who doesn’t?

Grab a cuppa, have a listen, and let’s explore what it really means to communicate effectively.

12. Challenging Conversations

Episode 12: Taking the challenge out of conversations

IIn this episode of Allan’s Leadership Edge, we’re diving into a topic that many of us shy away from; Challenging conversations. But here’s the thing… do they really need to be challenging? Or is that just a label we’ve put on them?

I want to help you reframe the way you approach these conversations. Because often, how we go in determines how the other person comes out. If we go in on the offensive, it’s no surprise that they come out defensive. But what if we approached these moments with curiosity instead of expecting confrontation?

In this episode, I explore how regular check-ins, coaching-style conversations, and a genuine effort to understand the root of an issue can take the sting out of those so-called “challenging” conversations. It’s not about telling, it’s about asking, listening, and empowering others to find the answers with you.

So, let’s take the challenge out of challenging conversations and turn them into opportunities for growth, understanding, and stronger leadership (or just a conversation).

13. When Challenge becomes Conflict

Episode 13: When Challenge becomes Conflict

InIn this episode of Allan’s Leadership Edge we have taken a direction that is a follow-up to Taking the Challenge Out of Challenging Conversations, I explore what happens when you’ve done everything right, stayed calm, listened well, but the other person still pushes back.

Sometimes, challenge turns into conflict.

As usual, this is a call for you to reflect, not just in a work context, but in all areas of life. I’m looking at this from both sides of the coin: whether you’re on the receiving end of conflict, or starting to notice you might be the one causing it.

Let’s think about how we can spot when conflict shows up, and how we can manage it in a way that keeps things respectful, productive, and human.

When have you had to deal with conflict and how did you manage it effectively?

14. VESPA

Episode 14: Not the Italian Scooter

In this episode, we take a ride with VESPA, not the scooter, but the five keys to confident and effective verbal communication: Volume, Energy, Speed, Pitch, and Articulation.

We explore how each element shapes the way your message is heard and understood, with practical tips to help you speak with clarity, authority, and impact.

Whether you’re presenting to a room, leading a team, or simply holding a conversation, VESPA will give you the tools to ensure your words truly land.

This episode is also a milestone as it will be the final one released under the name Allan’s Leadership Edge. A new season is on the horizon, complete with a fresh title and a renewed focus to bring even more value, insight, and inspiration to your leadership journey. Stay tuned, exciting changes are coming.