82: How to be a great leader, with Prof. John Amaechi OBE

Get ready for a masterclass in leadership! This week on the podcast, we're joined by Professor John Amaechi OBE, a respected organisational psychologist, and the Leadership Transformation Expert at APS Intelligence LTD, the consultancy he founded in 2006. Recognised as an influential thinker in HR, John is a Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School in the United Kingdom and a Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology. He is also the author of the New York Times and the Sunday Times bestselling leadership book, The Promises of Giants. Join the conversation, as we explore: - The difference between management and leadership - The myths surrounding effective leadership - The critical role of self-awareness - Diversity and inclusion in leadership - The best Star Wars film and the only acceptable way to eat peanut butter Through personal stories and a wealth of experience, John offers a fresh perspective on what makes an effective leader. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Opening Anecdote: The Truth About Honesty 00:26 Introducing the Podcast and Hosts 00:50 Event Announcement: The Watercooler in London 01:09 A Personal Appeal: The Yorkshire Tea Crisis 01:57 Special Guest Introduction: John Amaechi's Impressive Career 05:22 Defining Leadership: Insights from John Amaechi 09:54 The Misconceptions of Leadership and Personality Tests 18:58 Diving into Politics and Diversity 24:35 The Target of Inclusion: Mediocrity 25:18 Expanding the Talent Pool: The Impact of Inclusion 26:24 Leadership Void: The Abdication of Responsibility 28:25 The Power and Responsibility of Leadership 30:12 The Hardest Promise to Keep: Hoover the Landing 33:58 Personal Reflections: Growing Up as an Outlier 36:58 Self-Awareness: The Key to Effective Leadership 41:28 Star Wars and Peanut Butter: A Light-Hearted Conclusion More from John Amaechi: Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaechi/ The Promises of Giants: https://www.amazon.com/Promises-Giants-John-Amaechi/dp/1529345871 APS Intelligence LTD: https://www.apsintel.com/ General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.  Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/