Stubby Talks Transformation

About Stubby Talks Transformation

The podcast for people responsible for making change actually happen in organisations and in life. This isn’t about frameworks, buzzwords, or polished case studies. It’s about the messy middle - the reality between deciding to change and getting change to stick. In each episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with CEOs, founders, operations leaders and transformation experts to have honest, peer-level conversations about what’s really happening inside organisations. You’ll hear the stories that don’t make it into case studies: navigating silos, firefighting vs improvement, culture lagging behind strategy, leadership pressure and the human side of transformation. If you’re leading change and it feels harder than the theory suggests, this podcast is for you.

Publisher

Dave Stubberfield

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Mar 2026

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 15: Mike Carlin

   In this episode, Dave Stubberfield speaks with Mike Carlin, founder and CEO of Map Group UK and founder and leader of Latos Data Centres. We discuss how fibre infrastructure and AI computing are connected, why sovereignty and accessibility matter, and what it takes to build new technology businesses at scale. Mike also shares the hard-won leadership lessons from more than 30 years in business, including hiring, communication, resilience, and staying focused as industries shift. He explains how Map Group evolved from an electrical contractor in 1993 into a business focused on building fibre optic networks and connectivity across the UK. Mike shares the Latos Data Centres vision - 20 AI factories in the UK over the next five years, with each site designed around smaller 15 to 20 megawatt builds rather than massive 500 megawatt data centres. He discusses sovereignty as a core principle, arguing that UK-owned infrastructure matters when most data centres are controlled by overseas companies. Mike discusses how the sites are chosen, including population density, power availability, land size, and the shift toward neural edge centres. He also addresses environmental and power concerns, describing closed-loop cooling, exploration of green power options, and discussions about co-locating AI with power generation. Key takeaways AI infrastructure is also a question of sovereignty. AI doesn’t have to mean one enormous data centre. Proximity matters when delays have consequences. Build credibility before asking others to back the vision. Design for change, not for perfect predictions. Keep the mission and people’s responsibilities clear. Leadership means knowing when to step back. • • Honesty and resilience are practical business strengths.

2. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 14: Wani Mkandawire

   In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Wani Mkandawire, the Founder of Kalibu. Wani shares his journey from elite sport to HR consultancy and coffee business, highlighting lessons on leadership, culture, and purpose. We discuss how his diverse experiences shaped his approach to building impactful organisations and long-term partnerships. We explore Wani's transition from elite sport to HR consultancy and coffee business with Malawian Coffee Co, the lessons on leadership and organisational culture and the importance of understanding and engaging people Key Takeaways Understanding your people is crucial for organisational success Leadership involves self-awareness and curiosity about others Building a business around purpose and impact creates long-term value Clarity and alignment are key to team performance • Dream big and set long-term goals with a clear vision

3. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 13: James Harrison

   In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by James Harrison, Transformation Advisor at BT Group. James shares his extensive experience in turning strategy into execution, and with a military background, he shares insights on how clarity, leadership, and understanding people are key to successful organisational transformation. He discusses the importance of slowing down, connecting strategy to execution, and the role of personal perspective in leading change. Discover practical advice on managing complexity, fostering cohesion, and leading with purpose.] Some key takeaways from the conversation are that clarity is a leader's responsibility and not just a communication technique, why effective transformation focuses on outcomes and not activity, and how slowing down upfront during planning prevents costly rework. Key Topics The importance of clarity in leadership and transformation How military experience influences leadership style Connecting organisational strategy with execution The pitfalls of rushing transformation efforts The value of slowing down to move faster Understanding people’s motivations and drivers The impact of global industry experience on transformation The significance of personal perspective and balance The challenge of ambiguity in leadership • • The importance of purpose and shared vision

4. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 12: Bianca Molloy

   In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Bianca Molloy, the Managing Director of TES 200. Bianca shares her inspiring journey from HR specialist to managing director within a dynamic industry. Discover how empowerment, curiosity, and adaptive strategies drive success in organisational transformation and leadership. Bianca discusses her multifaceted role as managing director and how she balances strategic, operational, and people-focused responsibilities. She also shares insights into fostering a culture of empowerment, encouraging teams to experiment, learn from mistakes, and take ownership. Key Topics The impact of COVID-19 on business processes, digital transformation, and workforce resilience. How TES 2000 navigated industry challenges through collaboration, cost review, and tendering success. Personal reflections on work-life balance, flexibility, and the importance of mental health and community support Bianca Molloy's career progression from HR to Managing Director The role of empowerment and trust in leadership Digital transformation and data-driven decision making Bianca emphasises that leadership is about continuous learning, supporting others, and staying true to your values. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, curiosity, and community in driving organisational and personal growth.

5. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 11: Mike Gillespie

   In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Dave Stubberfield sits down with organisational psychologist Mike Gillespie to explore what real change looks like inside organisations — and inside ourselves. The conversation centres on the idea that transformation begins with perspective: when people can step back, see the bigger picture, and understand the human side of change, they’re far more likely to move from resistance to commitment. Mike explains how organisational psychology applies core psychological principles to the workplace, helping people work better together while also improving business outcomes. He introduces the concept behind his book Distancing, co-authored with Captain David Marquet, which focuses on psychological distancing as a practical tool for better decision-making. The discussion covers self-distancing, third-person reflection, construal level theory, and why getting out of your own head can lead to clearer thinking, better relationships, and stronger leadership. The episode also digs into change management, with Mike emphasising that top-down change rarely works long term unless leaders first understand employees’ fears, motivations, and perspectives. He shares personal reflections on divorce, self-awareness, parenting, and the hard-earned lessons that came from realising how easily people can fool themselves into thinking they’re doing better than they really are. Throughout the conversation, one message stands out: if you want lasting transformation, slow down, listen deeply, and understand the people involved before trying to move them forward. Key Topics: What organisational psychology is and why it matters Why work is a powerful place to create meaningful change The difference between helping people one-on-one and helping at scale The value of starting from curiosity, not certainty, in your career The book Distancing and the idea of psychological distancing Using third-person language to gain clarity and perspective Self-awareness, ego, and how we rationalise our own behaviour How perspective shapes transformation at both personal and organisational levels Why employees resist change when they don’t feel understood The importance of purpose, mission, and values in change leadership The importance of slowing down and understanding your people before leading change Key Takeaways: People don’t usually resist change itself — they resist change they don’t understand. Perspective is often the first real step in transformation. Self-awareness is not just a personal skill; it is a leadership tool. Compliance may get short-term results, but commitment creates lasting change. • • The best leaders listen before they act.

6. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 10: Samy Jeffries

   In this episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with Samy Jeffries, the Chief Revenue Officer of Giraffe360. Samy shares insights on Giraffe360 disrupting the real estate media industry, scaling globally, and building a unified company culture. Discover how innovative technology and strong leadership are transforming property presentation and business growth. Key Takeaways: Always be ready to go back to basics when entering a new market. Customer success should be proactive, not reactive, to drive growth. Building a strong leadership layer is crucial for scaling. Unified messaging and understanding across departments unlocks growth.

7. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 9: Alan Brooke

   In this episode I’m joined by Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group. Alan shares his journey of transforming a 40-year family-owned business. He discusses leadership, change management, data-driven decision making, and maintaining a family-first culture amidst growth and uncertainty. Most importantly, he shares why he takes the best bits from different transformation methodologies, and applies them to the right parts of the business. Key Topics Business transformation and scaling Leadership as a custodian vs founder Data-driven decision making and KPIs Creating a culture of continuous improvement • • Managing change and pivoting in uncertain times

8. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 8: Asma Nafees

   In this insightful interview, Asma Nafees shares her diverse career journey, leadership philosophy, and the importance of kindness, resilience, and community support in transforming organisations and lives. Asma is proof that you can be a parent and can also be a leader on multiple fronts as she opens up about her role in the NHS and the great work she does with women in business and her podcast. Key Takeaways Redundancy taught me to be agile and resilient. Building a strong network is crucial for career stability. Leadership is about kindness, authenticity, and supporting others. Work-life balance and family influence leadership style. Supporting women and diverse leaders creates better organisations. Career pivot and resilience Leadership in the NHS and organisational change The role of kindness and community support in leadership

9. 

   27 May 2026

   Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 7: Paul David Munnelly

   In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Paul David Munnelly, CEO of Munnelly Group. Paul David shares his journey from media production to leading a diverse construction support services group. He discusses leadership, brand strategy, organisational culture, managing change, and future growth plans amidst market uncertainties. Key Topics Leadership transition from founder to CEO Managing multiple brands and maintaining identity Organisational culture and core values Office transformation and change management Strategic planning for 2030 and market diversification Resilience through market turbulence and personal challenges

10. 

    13 May 2026

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 6: Richard Reid

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Richard Reid, Business Development Director at SCCI AlphaTrack. Richard shares his journey through the evolving tech landscape, leadership lessons from military principles, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in management. Discover how embracing change, empowering teams, and maintaining humility can transform your approach to leadership and business growth. Key Topics: Military principles applied to business leadership The importance of humility and listening in management Adapting to rapid technological change Empowering teams through trust and autonomy The role of ego in leadership and decision-making

11. 

    29 Apr 2026

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 5: Joe Hungerman

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Joe Hungerman, founder and CEO of SEE/EYE, discusses the evolution of his software platform aimed at Continuous Improvement across various industries. He emphasises the importance of leadership buy-in for sustainable change and shares his personal journey in the field of continuous improvement. The conversation delves into the concept of 'improvement theatre', the significance of systems thinking in organisations, and the impact of personal loss on leadership and mental health. Joe advocates for a human-first approach in business, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence and open communication in leadership. Key Takeaways Continuous improvement requires a broad spectrum of tools. Leadership buy-in is crucial for sustainable improvement. Improvement theatre often masks the lack of real progress. Systems thinking is essential for understanding organisational dynamics. Automation should enhance human productivity, not replace it. Mental health awareness is vital in leadership roles. Leaders must check in on their team's well-being. A human-first approach fosters better relationships in business. Understanding the concepts behind technology is key to successful implementation. Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.

12. 

    15 Apr 2026

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 4: Sola Osinoiki

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, host Dave Stubberfield engages with Sola Osinoiki, a multifaceted leader and director at Josh Leadership. They explore the essence of transformational leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges of breaking through glass ceilings in leadership roles. Sola shares insights on navigating discrimination, the impact of AI on leadership, and the necessity of self-mastery in a rapidly changing work environment. The conversation emphasises the significance of viewing employees as customers and investing in people as a core principle of successful leadership. Takeaways: The thread connecting Sola's career is the focus on people. Leadership coaching is about emotional intelligence, not just technical skills. Many leaders misunderstand the depth of leadership coaching. Transformational leadership requires self-awareness and understanding of team dynamics. Discrimination in leadership can manifest in various forms, including gender and race. Cultural nuances play a significant role in leadership effectiveness. Self-mastery is crucial in navigating workplace challenges. AI is reshaping the landscape of leadership and self-development. Scaling organisations requires a focus on people, not just processes. Investing in people is more valuable than investing in products.

13. 

    1 Apr 2026

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 3: Kay Tear

    In this insightful episode, Kay Tear, Managing Director of Business Reimagined, shares her journey from management consulting to pioneering a new approach to organisational and personal transformation. Discover how understanding the mind's functions can lead to profound change in leadership, culture, and individual well-being. Key Topics The journey from management consulting to organizational reimagination The impact of understanding how the mind works on leadership and culture Practical frameworks for organizational change and personal transformation

14. 

    18 Mar 2026

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 2: Javier Romero

    Stubby Talks Transformation - Episode 2: Javier Romero In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, I chat with Javier Romero, founder of Oson Limited, to explore the intricacies of organisational change. They discuss the evolution of Javier's career from social anthropology to consulting, the unique challenges faced by SMEs, and the common misconceptions surrounding organisational design. The conversation emphasises the importance of culture, communication, and empathy in driving successful change initiatives, while also addressing the costs of inaction and the role of technology in transformation. Javier shares insights on the holistic approach to organizational design, the change curve, and the differences in change management practices between the UK and the US. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that highlight key takeaways for leaders. Takeaways - Organisational design encompasses all aspects of an organisation. - Culture and communication are critical for effective change. - SMEs often feel excluded from consulting services. - The cost of inaction can compound over time. - Emotions play a significant role in organisational dynamics. - Technology should be considered last in change initiatives. - Leaders must engage employees in the change process. - Misconceptions about organisational design can hinder progress. - Holistic approaches yield better outcomes in transformation. - Effective communication breaks down silos within organisations.

15. 

    4 Mar 2026

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 1: Luke Mochrie

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Luke Mochrie, Managing Director of Switched On Solutions, shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges of running a business, and the importance of team dynamics and customer relationships. He discusses the evolution of his company, the significance of discipline in tough times, and how personal growth has shaped his leadership style. Luke emphasises the need for a supportive company culture and the value of trust in client relationships, while also reflecting on his own work-life balance and future aspirations for growth.

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.