Lead By

About Lead By

Lead By is ezeni's Leadership & Career Development podcast series, in which our host - Matt Stancombe speaks with great business minds, people-focused leaders, and industry experts - gaining valuable insight into what makes individuals, teams, and businesses succeed. Ezeni is the sibling business to well-known creative training agency; Ignition. You can also check out the Vodcast on YouTube https://youtube.com/@ezeni_leadby

Publisher

ezeni

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jun 2024

Latest episode

5 May 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2025

   S2 | Ep9: Lead By | PJ Stevens | Being an Emotionally Intelligent Leader

   Summary: In episode 9, Matt engages with PJ, a seasoned business coach and consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership. PJ highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, the impact of AI on business, and the necessity of fostering a culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. PJ shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasising the need for leaders to connect with their teams and adapt to rapid changes in the business environment. In this conversation, the Matt and PJ delve into the critical role of leaders in shaping organisational culture, stressing that culture is a collective responsibility. Discussing the importance of open communication, feedback mechanisms, and the need for leaders to engage their teams in problem-solving. The conversation concludes with the benefits and significance of mentorship in leadership development. Takeaways: Lead by inspiring and leading by example is crucial. People have immense potential that businesses often fail to access. Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Change is inevitable and must be embraced by leaders. AI can enhance productivity but requires responsible management. Cultural elements in a business are vital for success. Emotional intelligence is increasingly important in leadership. Leaders must empower teams to foster collaboration. Effective leadership involves connecting people with information. The distinction between leaders and managers is fundamental.  Leaders should allocate 40% of their time to connect with people. Culture is a shared responsibility among all employees. Business culture must evolve by design, not by default. Ego can be a driving force for innovation and change. Open communication fosters a culture of idea sharing. Feedback mechanisms are essential for leadership effectiveness. Organisational culture is defined by actions, not just words. Mentorship is invaluable for new leaders. Leaders must be willing to ask for feedback from their teams. Building better businesses requires collective effort and ownership. Soundbites: "Lead by inspiring, lead by experience." "People are absolutely amazing." "Learning for me is very important." "Change is inevitable." "AI is absolutely amazing." "A leader is about people." "40% of your time to lead people" "Culture is created by everyone" "It's not what's written on the walls" "Ask for feedback, don't just give it" Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 01:38 The Journey of a Business Coach 07:00 Navigating Change in Business 10:06 The Role of AI in Leadership 12:37 Cultural Shifts in Leadership 18:15 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 22:52 Empowering Teams for Success 25:14 Defining Leaders vs. Managers 26:19 The Role of Leaders in Culture Creation 30:01 Evolving Business Culture 34:22 The Importance of Open Communication 38:29 Feedback Mechanisms in Leadership 43:22 Learning from Experience and Mentorship Keywords: leadership, business coaching, emotional intelligence, change management, AI in business, team empowerment, corporate culture, leadership styles, consulting, personal development, leadership, culture, feedback, communication, mentorship, high performance, emotional intelligence, organisational change, team dynamics, business strategy

2. 

   7 Apr 2025

   S2 | Ep8: Lead By Jan Spooren | Leaders Need to Learn How to Let Go!

   Summary: In this conversation, Matt Stancombe interviews Jan, the Learning & Delivery Management Lead for Deloitte University EMEA, about his extensive experience in learning and development. Jan shares his journey from hospitality management to leading talent development initiatives at Deloitte. He discusses the importance of leadership training, the unique structure of Deloitte University, and the challenges of staying relevant as a leader in a rapidly changing environment. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in leadership, the significance of diversity, and the role of AI in enhancing leadership and learning experiences. This conversation delves into the complexities of remote leadership, emphasising the importance of team engagement, personal wellbeing, and adapting to new work models. The speakers discuss the challenges faced by leaders in ensuring that all team members feel heard and valued, particularly in a remote setting. They highlight the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in fostering team bonds and the necessity of prioritising mental health. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of leadership roles, the distinction between managers and leaders, and the essential qualities needed for future leaders.Takeaways:Jan has over 25 years in learning and development.Deloitte University focuses on leadership skills and human interaction.Peer-to-peer learning is a key element in their curriculum.Staying relevant as a leader involves continuous learning and feedback.Cultural differences impact leadership styles and approaches.Embracing diversity is crucial in global leadership roles.AI is becoming increasingly important in leadership training.Balancing technology with human interaction is essential.Leaders should devote significant time to their people. The challenges of remote working are unprecedented for many leaders.Younger generations expect on-demand leadership and feedback.Engaging quieter team members is crucial for effective leadership.Open mic sessions can foster team engagement and feedback.CSR initiatives can strengthen team bonds and morale.Prioritising mental health is essential in leadership.Effective leadership requires a balance of managing and leading.Curiosity and trust are vital for modern leaders.The distinction between managers and leaders is significant.Future leaders will need to adapt to rapid changes in the workforce.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Learning Development02:54 Journey into Learning and Development06:01 Deloitte University: A Hub for Leadership Training10:12 Curriculum and Leadership Development at Deloitte12:51 Staying Relevant as a Leader16:38 Cultural Differences in Leadership20:32 Embracing Diversity in Global Leadership24:55 The Role of AI in Leadership and Learning29:12 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction31:28 Navigating Remote Leadership Challenges35:14 The Importance of Team Engagement39:38 Balancing Personal Wellbeing and Work40:06 Adapting to New Work Models46:00 The Future of Leadership in a Changing World52:06 Effective One-on-One Strategies58:44 Defining Managers vs. LeadersKeywords:leadership, learning and development, Deloitte, talent development, AI in leadership, cultural differences, empathy in leadership, global leadership, personal development, diversity, remote leadership, team engagement, personal wellbeing, work models, future of leadership, one-on-one strategies, managers vs leaders

3. 

   3 Mar 2025

   S2 | Ep7: Lead By David Mullins | Is your Leadership on the Right Track?

   Summary: In this month's episode Matt Stancombe interviews David Mullins, who shares his journey from the automotive industry to his current role in rail. They discuss the importance of leadership, the value of people in organisations, and the dynamics of team management. David emphasises learning from experiences, the significance of effective communication, and the challenges of conflict management. He also highlights the need for strategic thinking in leadership roles and the importance of employee engagement and feedback. David delves into the intricacies of leadership, team dynamics, and the future of the rail industry. Matt and David discuss the importance of being present, staying curious, and the challenges faced in the rail sector. The conversation highlights the significance of branding, effective communication, and personal development in fostering a productive work environment. David emphasises the value of mentorship and the emotional connections formed within teams, ultimately portraying leadership as a fulfilling and rewarding journey. Takeaways: Lead by inspiring, lead by experience. Transitioning industries can bring fresh perspectives. People are the core of any successful brand. Understanding team dynamics is crucial for leadership. Learning from mistakes is essential for growth. Effective communication is key to conflict resolution. Employee engagement drives organisational success. Trust is fundamental in leadership roles. Celebrate successes to boost team morale. Strategic thinking is necessary for effective leadership. You can't be an expert in every role, but understanding is key. Don't be scared to contribute; your voice matters. Staying curious and present is vital in leadership. The future of rail travel should prioritise customer choice. Branding should focus on the people behind the service. Building trust with your team is essential for success. Effective communication can alleviate unnecessary worries. Investing time in people yields positive results. Personal development is crucial as teams evolve. Leadership is about fostering growth and connection. Sound Bites: "Lead by inspiring, lead by experience." "It's a fascinating place to be." "Our people are fantastic." "It's okay to let your team make a mistake." "Communication is always so important." "Don't be afraid, you have trust somewhere." "You don't have to be the expert in the job." "Does it feel and does it sound right?" "Just don't be scared. Honestly, just go with it." "Staying curious, being present in the room." "The future of rail should be the choice of people." "It's about always being on the front foot." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Experience 01:20 Transitioning from Automotive to Rail 05:14 The Importance of People in Leadership 09:49 Understanding Team Dynamics and Personalities 13:06 Learning from Experience and Mistakes 16:31 Conflict Management and Communication 20:52 Employee Engagement and Feedback 28:21 Strategic Leadership and Transitioning Roles 31:08 Navigating Team Dynamics and Leadership 33:41 Challenges in the Rail Industry 36:00 The Future of Train Travel 39:07 Branding and Team Engagement 41:08 The Role of Leadership and Mentorship 46:33 Communicating Challenges Effectively 52:33 Personal Development and Team Growth 57:08 The Fulfillment of Leadership Keywords #leadership #experience #automotive #rail #teamdynamics #conflict management #employeeengagement #strategicleadership #mentorship #personaldevelopment, #communication #challenges #futureoftravel #ezeni #leadby

4. 

   3 Feb 2025

   S2 | Ep6: Lead By Julia Muir | Female Leaders Driving Change

   In this conversation, Julia Muir discusses her leadership journey in the automotive industry, emphasising the importance of taking responsibility and inspiring change, particularly for women in the sector. She shares her experiences from her early career to founding the Automotive 30% Club, which aims to increase female representation in leadership roles. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of leadership and the need for collective intelligence in driving change. In this conversation, Matt asks Julia about the evolving landscape of leadership, particularly in the automotive industry. They discuss the importance of harnessing collective intelligence, the shift from traditional command-and-control leadership to a more collaborative approach, and the necessity of continuous learning and personal development. The conversation also highlights the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for leaders to inspire future generations with a clear purpose and vision. Takeaways: When nobody else stepped forward to take responsibility, I did. The system needs to be resilient, not just individuals. Women need to be role models for young women in the industry. The automotive industry is not on young people's career radars anymore. We need to engage with young people to show them opportunities in automotive. Diversity in leadership is crucial for sustainable business models. The Automotive 30% Club aims for 30% female representation by 2030. Leadership has evolved from command and control to collective intelligence. Building a supportive network is essential for driving change. Inspiring young people can lead to increased interest in automotive careers. High-performing teams leverage collective intelligence to solve problems. Transformational leadership involves setting a compelling vision and empowering teams. The shift from command-and-control to collaborative leadership is essential in modern organisations. Continuous learning and personal development are crucial for effective leadership. Building resilience in organisations is more important than individual resilience. Diversity, equity, and inclusion should be integrated into all organisational practices. Understanding neurodiversity can enhance communication and engagement in the workplace. Leaders must empower individuals to fulfill their potential and contribute to the organisation. Surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives fosters growth and innovation. Having a clear purpose and mission is vital for personal and professional fulfilment. Sound Bites: "We need women to be role models to young women." "The automotive industry is a fantastic place to work." "I had to build my own table." "I took responsibility for making it happen." "I decided to lead from the middle." "That is really high-performing people." "We have challenges, we have issues." "It's a big sea change." "You have to be able to spot people with potential." "It's not the person that needs to be resilient." "Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is powerful." "We must do this." "You have to treat people differently." "You have to have a meaning and a purpose in life." "You need to leave behind people that drain you." Chapters: 00:00 Taking Responsibility in Leadership 09:55 Journey Through the Automotive Industry 20:03 Driving Change for Women in Automotive 30:08 Leadership Evolution and Collective Intelligence 36:07 Harnessing Collective Intelligence for Problem Solving 38:28 Transformational Leadership in Modern Organisations 41:06 Shifting from Command and Control to Collaborative Leadership 45:41 Continuous Learning and Personal Development in Leadership 52:35 Building Resilience in Organisations 01:02:35 Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Automotive Industry 01:08:54 Understanding Neurodiversity in Leadership 01:14:32 Inspiring Future Leaders with Purpose and Vision Keywords #leadership #automotiveindustry #womeninleadership #resilience #careerjourney #diversity #inclusion #automotive30percentclub, #STEM #rolemodel #transformationalleadership #neurodiversity #automotiveindustry

5. 

   6 Jan 2025

   S2 | Ep5: Lead By Darcey Lingley | A Formula for Success

   Summary: In this episode, Matt Stancombe interviews Darcy Lingley, the Premium Experience Director at Formula E, discussing her career journey, leadership philosophy, and the importance of team culture. Darcy shares insights on her experiences in hospitality and event management, the evolution of leadership within Formula E, and the significance of adaptability in a fast-paced environment. The conversation emphasises the value of passion, connection with fans, and building a strong team culture to drive success in the motorsport industry. Takeaways: Lead by inspiring, lead by experience. Darcy's journey in Formula E showcases growth and adaptability. The importance of passion in leadership roles. Building a strong team culture is essential for success. Navigating challenges requires understanding and communication. Adaptability is key in a fast-paced environment. Leadership is about empowering others and fostering growth. Creating a family-like atmosphere can enhance team dynamics. Understanding team members' communication styles improves collaboration. Investing in team development leads to long-term success. Soundbites: "Lead by inspiring, lead by experience." "I really missed that connection to our fans." "It's about bringing the racing to the fans." "It's the people that make it." "It's about understanding one another." "My big buzzword is always just adaptability." "It's just letting the team have the space to do it." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Success 03:06 Darcy Lingley's Journey in Formula E 05:56 The Evolution of Leadership in Formula E 09:14 Passion and People: The Core of Leadership 12:04 Building a Strong Team Culture 14:50 Navigating Challenges in Leadership 18:11 The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership Keywords: #leadership, #Formula E, career journey, team culture, adaptability, hospitality, #motorsport, guest experience, management, success

6. 

   23 Dec 2024

   S2 | Ep4: Lead By Christmas Bonus with the ezeni coaches | Inspirational Leadership | Dec 2024

   In this festive season bonus episode, host Matt Stancombe catches up with the ezeni coaches [Genevieve Grant, Phil Clarke, Jason Dawe] to explore the multifaceted nature of leadership. The conversation delves into personal journeys in coaching, the significance of storytelling, the role of learning and development in business, and the lessons that can be drawn from sports regarding motivation and performance. The panel emphasises the importance of curiosity, humility, and emotional safety in leadership, while also reflecting on their own experiences and the evolving definition of what it means to be a leader. In this conversation, the group discusses the complexities of leadership and management, emphasising the importance of personal accountability, the role of HR, and the necessity of curiosity in driving performance. The coaches reflect back on Season 1 and share insights from their experiences, highlighting the balance between operational management and transformational leadership, advocating for a culture that embraces growth and excellence. In this conversation, Matt Stancombe discusses the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential in all team members, the emotional intelligence required for effective leadership, and the necessity of authenticity. He shares anecdotes that illustrate how great leaders inspire and empower their teams, while also highlighting the significance of personal growth and the cultivation of a supportive organizational culture. The discussion touches on the role of vulnerability, curiosity, and the power of habits in fostering a thriving workplace environment. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for a model of inspirational leadership that prioritises the well-being and development of individuals within an organization. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Team Dynamics 01:23 Personal Journeys in Leadership Coaching 06:05 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 10:22 The Role of Learning and Development in Business 14:59 Lessons from Sports: Motivation and Performance 19:02 Curiosity and Humility in Leadership 24:14 The Importance of Emotional Safety in Teams 29:25 Defining Leadership: Beyond Management 32:50 Personal Reflections on Leadership Experiences 33:20 Navigating Leadership Challenges 36:07 The Balance of Leadership and Management 39:51 The Role of HR in People Management 42:42 Personal Accountability in Leadership 46:31 Curiosity as a Driver of Performance 50:52 Transformational Leadership Experiences 54:38 Lessons from Early Career Experiences 01:06:58 The Importance of Recognizing Potential 01:10:18 The Emotional Intelligence of Great Leaders 01:12:13 Finding Personal Truth in Leadership 01:16:46 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership 01:20:09 Creating a Culture of Curiosity and Learning 01:22:01 The Power of Habits in Personal and Professional Growth 01:26:50 The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership 01:30:11 Choosing the Right Path in Leadership 01:34:56 Inspirational Leadership and Its Impact Keywords: leadership, coaching, storytelling, learning and development, sports performance, curiosity, humility, emotional safety, team dynamics, management, leadership, management, HR, accountability, performance, coaching, curiosity, personal growth, transformational leadership, early career lessons, leadership, emotional intelligence, authenticity, personal growth, organisational culture, high potential, vulnerability, curiosity, habits, inspirational leadership

7. 

   2 Dec 2024

   S2 | Ep3: Lead By Alexandra Wood | Part 2: Getting the Measure of Leadership

   Alexandra Wood, a luxury bespoke men's tailor and business owner, shares her leadership learnings and personal development journey, empowering her team to innovate and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

8. 

   2 Dec 2024

   S2 | Ep2: Lead By Alexandra Wood | Part 1: Getting the Measure of Leadership

   Alexandra Wood shares her leadership journey, from employee to entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of empowering her team to contribute to success and preserve the company's DNA.

9. 

   4 Nov 2024

   S2 | Ep1: Lead By Luke Broad | Transformative Leadership and Performance at Dacia

   Luke Broad, Brand Director and Managing Director of Dacia UK, shares his insights on transformative leadership, team dynamics, and career growth, highlighting the importance of progress over perfection and making your voice heard.

10. 

    2 Sept 2024

    Ep6: Lead By Dr Jon Finn | The Habit Mechanic

    In the season finale, Dr Jon Finn – Founder of Tougher Minds, shares his background and studies that formed The Habit Mechanic; a must have book that breaks down how every human manages their lives through habit creation. Matt Stancombe – ezeni’s resident Certified Habit Mechanic has studied Dr Finn’s Habit Mechanic philosophy, to become an advocate and coach of the programme which now forms the backbone of the ezeni Leadership Development menu. Recorded back at the start of 2024, this chat was the genesis of the 'Lead By' themed podcast, so it seemed only fitting to finish Season 1 with the chat that inspired the launch of this pod. In today’s world where we face more challenges on a professional and personal level than ever before, understanding and learning what it takes to create healthy helpful habits is the key to unlocking your full potential. From understanding what ‘The Learning War’ is, to 3-to-1 daily reflections, Dr Finn shares the highlights of the book, and his incredible work. If you would like to learn more about how The Habit Mechanic philosophy could form part of your leadership culture and DNA, contact us at hello@ezeni.com (mailto:hello@ezeni.com) #HabitMechanic #HighPerformance #leadbypodcast #habitcreation #TougherMinds #BehaviouralScience #SportsScience #leadby #ezeni #anignitionproduction #leadershipchat #leadershippodcast #spotify #youtube #peopleleader

11. 

    5 Aug 2024

    Ep5: Lead By Jane Gurney | Vital Signs - Belief, Passion, Managing Fear

    Saving lives, and supporting local communities carries immense responsibility – requiring belief, passion, and a dash of fear to fuel the teams that perform such incredible and life-changing work. Egos are left at the door, and passion is dialled up to 11, as Jane Gurney and the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance continue the amazing work that founder, Brian Shipley set out. In this episode – learn about Jane’s 20+ years of vision, dedication, and care of people. Jane shares her success, learnings and advice for those of whom are thinking of taking a step up – sighting; coaching as a really important element that aided her career to take flight. Recorded at #EHAAT ’s head office at Earls Colne in Essex in the UK, Jane reflects on the growth of the charity, and how she is passionate about continuing the legacy that Brian established – made all the more powerful as she shares her stories whilst sat in the Brian Shipley suite – the boardroom named in the founder's honour. If you want to hear powerful learnings from the diary of a CEO (Chief Executive), Episode 5 of Lead By is an episode you cannot afford to miss! You can watch the episode here or over at our YouTube channel... https://youtube.com/@ezeni_leadby #diaryof #CEO #leadbypodcast #savinglives #flyingambulance #helibration #leadby #ezeni #anignitionproduction #leadershipchat #leadershippodcast #spotify #youtube #peopleleader #charity #podcast

12. 

    1 Jul 2024

    Ep4: Lead By Mike Johnstone | I do like Mondays

    In this month’s episode, we catch up with Mike Johnstone at TOMD - The Outsourced Marketing Department. Mike speaks candidly about his career and development as a leader. This was such a refreshing conversation in which Mike shows his care for not just business growth but people too! Want to see the vodcast?.... head over to our YouTube channel - https://youtube.com/@ezeni_leadby (https://youtube.com/@ezeni_leadby) #leadbypodcast #leadby #ezeni #anignitionproduction #leadershipchat #leadershippodcast #spotify #youtube #peopleleader #lovemondays

13. 

    21 Jun 2024

    Ep3: Lead By Prof. Jim Saker | Starting from a Position of Humility

    In Episode 3, Matt Stancombe is joined by Emeritus Professor Jim Saker discussing modern-day automotive retailing, and the requirements of leaders in that space. Jim is a well-known, authoritative figure in the automotive landscape from his career in academia at Loughborough University, currently holding the Presidency of the Institute of the Motor Industry - an important and influential body that supports the UK automotive industry. Jim shares his views of the essential characteristics and behaviours required to be successful – sighting humility, creativity, critical thinking and passion as important attributes in today’s modern leader. Want to see the vodcast?.... head over to our YouTube channel.

14. 

    7 Jun 2024

    Ep2: Lead By Becky Webber | Career Crafting & Reinvention

    Becky Webber is our guest for this episode, meeting ezeni’s Matt Stancombe in Central London for an insightful conversation. Becky has a long career in the talent selection, recruitment industry – with some of her early career spent in the learning & development world too. As Operations Director (South) at Tate Recruitment, Becky has a broad role – one that sees her in a strategic position, but also in a hands-on cultural & people-focus space. Becky talks about her desire to keep learning and bettering herself, so she can lead and support with confidence. Her Institute of Leadership & Management Level 7 studies prove how committed she is to being the best version of herself, which in turn influences so many people at Tate, and, those of whom Tate supports via their recruitment channel. This is the first episode of the series in which we delve into a world outside of the automotive industry. It makes for a great comparison to previous episodes, but also proves that there are some universal, transferable skills and attributes that make up a great leader in all walks of life. Want to see the vodcast?.... head over to our YouTube channel.

15. 

    7 Jun 2024

    Ep1: Lead By Marion Whitty | Saving Lives, Coaching Highs, Culture Thrives

    In the very first episode of the all-new podcast series from ezeni – Lead By - Matt Stancombe is in conversation with Marion Whitty [link to profile], a highly accomplished leader and L&D specialist. Marion shares her experiences of working within the public sector, corporate life, her roles within the automotive industry, and being a qualified mental health first aider. As first episodes go, this is a fantastic an authentic kick off chat. There are many great pieces of advice shared in this episode. Want to see the vodcast?.... head over to our YouTube channel.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

591

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

68

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

0