With more than 30 years of experience building and leading high-growth technology companies, Matt brings a rare level of honesty about the realities of leadership. From early-stage uncertainty to global scale, he shares what happens behind the scenes when the pressure is real and the stakes are high.

In this episode, Matt reflects on his journey from management consulting and venture capital into entrepreneurship, and why he chose to step into the arena rather than stay on the sidelines. He shares lessons from building Return Path over two decades, including the emotional highs and lows that often arrive at the same time, and what it takes to stay grounded through both.

Together, Sarah and Matt explore:

* Why a CEO’s most important job is managing their own psychology

* What it really means when “the camera is always on” as a leader

* How to build trust at the heart of an executive team

* The difference between establishing culture and scaling it

* Why high performers who damage culture can hold a business back

* The role of storytelling in leadership and influencing others

* How to think in frameworks rather than relying on rigid playbooks

* Why innovation should extend far beyond product and into every part of a business

Matt also shares practical tools he uses to reflect and reset, including the four questions he asks himself each year to assess direction, fulfilment and impact, as well as a powerful exercise around writing your own resignation letter to understand what the next phase of leadership really requires.

At a time when AI is transforming how businesses operate, Matt makes a compelling case that leadership and human judgement matter more than ever.

This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership. Honest, practical and full of insight for anyone building, leading or scaling a business.

Links:

• matt@Markup AI.com             
• www.linkedin.com/in/blumbergmatt
• www.startupceo.com (blog)
• www.twitter.com/mattblumberg 
• www.Markup AI.com
• www.bolster.com        

Books:

 Startup CEO: A field guide to scaling up your business (based on his popular blog on entrepreneurship, StartupCEO.com),

Startup CXO: A field guide to scaling up your company’s critical functions and teams, and

Startup Boards: A Field Guide to Building and Leading an Effective Board of Directors

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Known to audiences through her work on programmes such as BBC Breakfast, Crimewatch Roadshow and Panorama, Sian has spent decades reporting on major stories and presenting live broadcasts where composure, clarity and adaptability are essential.

In this engaging episode, Sian reflects on her unconventional path into journalism. After qualifying as a solicitor, she made the bold decision to step away from law and pursue a career in media, beginning with work experience at a local radio station and gradually building the skills that would take her to national television.

Together, Sarah and Sian explore what leaders can learn from journalism and broadcasting, including:

• Why storytelling is at the heart of powerful communication

• How preparation and curiosity help you stay calm in high pressure situations

• What really happens behind the scenes when live broadcasts go wrong

• How to manage nerves and present with confidence in front of any audience

• Why resilience is built through experience, mistakes and the courage to seize opportunities

Sian also shares insights from her work today helping organisations and leaders develop stronger communication and public speaking skills, explaining how the ability to tell a clear story can transform the way people connect with their teams, their audiences and the wider world.

At its heart, this conversation is about helping others find their voice. Whether through journalism, leadership or public speaking, Sian believes the role of the communicator is to help people tell their stories in a way that informs, inspires and creates change.

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Drawing on 25 years of executive experience and behavioural science, Dina explores how the leadership role has fundamentally shifted. Virtual teams, AI integration, rising expectations around mental health and an increasingly complex workforce have all intensified the emotional demands placed on leaders. Yet most leaders have never been taught how to manage those demands effectively.

In this deeply practical and honest conversation, Dina shares:

* Why emotions are not weaknesses but valuable data

* How to move from reactivity to intentional leadership using her BRAVE framework

* The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional skills

* The hidden drivers of burnout and how to intervene before you hit empty

* What ethical fatigue looks like inside high-pressure organisations

* How to rebuild trust by breaking it down into competence, consistency and character

Dina also reflects on a pivotal moment in her own life. Stepping away from a high-powered career following her son’s premature birth reshaped her understanding of identity, ambition and what sustainable success really looks like.

This episode is grounded in science and deeply human. It challenges outdated ideas of tough leadership and replaces them with something more sustainable, strategic and effective.

If you are leading in complexity, feeling the emotional weight of your role, or questioning how to stay effective without burning out, this conversation will leave you better equipped and far less alone.

Dina's Website: https://www.dinadsmith.com/

Dina's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-denham-smith/

Book: Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work (Oxford Press, 2025)

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In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Martin reflects on a career built at the intersection of creativity, data and human behaviour. From scaling marketing functions in high-growth tech businesses to navigating uncertainty in ad tech, he shares what it really takes to lead teams, build trust and communicate clearly when everything is changing.

They discuss the balance between creativity and analytics, why marketing must be seen as a strategic function rather than a tactical one, and how leaders can tell their story in a way that actually resonates. Martin unpacks the importance of understanding who you are speaking to, the risks of chasing shiny new ideas without a stable core, and why trust takes years to build but seconds to lose.

The conversation also goes deeper into the human side of leadership - setting boundaries in hybrid working, protecting personal identity outside work, and why empathy is the single most important tool in any leadership toolkit. Martin shares hard-won lessons from running large-scale events with limited resources, collaborating across silos, and leading without certainty or excess budget.

This episode is practical, reflective and deeply relevant - essential listening for leaders navigating complexity, rapid change and the responsibility of bringing people with them.

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With warmth, candour and hard-won perspective, Rob shares the lessons he’s learned from decades at the intersection of law, faith, family and business - including what nearly cost him everything, and what saved it.

We reflect on:

• The myth of the “slower day” — and why we can’t wait to live
• What childhood teaches us about time, presence and regret
• The power of small gestures, and why they’re never really small
• Building organisations rooted in kindness, not just competence
• Why the best leaders build trust through empathy, not ego

This episode is quietly radical - a heartfelt invitation to reflect, reframe and reconnect with what matters most. A must-listen for any leader navigating ambition, legacy and love.

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In this revealing conversation, Jonathan reflects on his unique career arc: from being a musician to defending and sometimes challenging the press on behalf of high-profile, celebrity clients. He shares his incredible experience acting on both sides of the divide and the moral and professional tensions that drive him after 35 years of media law experience.

They discuss:

• The fine line between legal strategy and moral compromise
• What really motivates some lawyers behind the scenes
• The long-term cost of reputation management through threats and litigation
• The role of courage in leadership - especially when defending reputation

Find out more about Jonathan’s work:

🔗 jonathancoad.co.uk

Check out his book How to Win Your Reputation Back, available now:

📖 Buy on Amazon

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For over a decade, Gill sat at the heart of the Guardian’s most high-stakes investigations - from the publication of the Wikileaks documents to the Edward Snowden files - where each legal decision carried profound consequences for national security, public interest, and press freedom.

In this frank and quietly powerful conversation, Gill reflects on:

• The tension between caution and courage in editorial decision-making
• How the lawyer-editor relationship shapes what the public gets to know
• The emotional and ethical weight of defending stories that challenge power
• Why she believes in being “useful, not just right”
• The growing threats to independent journalism - from SLAPPs to surveillance

They discuss the value of institutional memory, the risks of over-sanitising legal advice, and the quiet leadership it takes to stand behind stories that make waves.

This episode is essential listening for anyone working at the intersection of truth, risk and public accountability - and a masterclass in integrity under fire.

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In this sharp, eye-opening episode, Sarah speaks with Jens Bammel — former global publishing CEO turned neurodiversity coach — about ADHD, burnout, masking, and building workplaces where every brain type can thrive.

🔥 What You’ll Learn (Fast):

1. Neurodiversity isn’t rare — it’s everywhere

Most people sit somewhere on the spectrum. Leaders must stop waiting for diagnoses and start designing environments where different brains flourish.

2. Fixing weaknesses is a waste of energy

Jens argues for strength-based leadership:

→ Do more of what people enjoy

→ Reduce what drains them

→ Let teams self-identify what actually works for their brains

3. Burnout is usually misalignment, not failure

Jens explains why so many talented people hit a wall — and how joy, values, and identity must be rebuilt before re-entering the workplace.

4. Communication is the secret weapon

One action point per email. Clear language. No assumptions.

Simple for neurodivergent brains — game-changing for everyone.

5. Confidence = Being Yourself Deliberately

A line you’ll remember long after listening.

🎧 Listen In

A fast, warm, deeply human conversation about how leaders can reduce exhaustion, unlock talent, and build psychologically safer teams.

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In this wide-ranging fascinating conversation, Andrea shares the personal experiences that shaped her values - from growing up in a family business to cancelling her honeymoon for an investigation, and how those moments refined her leadership style.

They explore the complexities of compliance, the power of psychological safety, the case for culture as a competitive advantage, and why adaptive leadership is key in an AI-savvy, multi-generational workforce.

The episode is full of warmth, candour and razor-sharp insight - a must-listen for leaders navigating ethics, ambition and the realities of modern business.

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With decades of experience advising governments, FTSE 100 companies and global institutions, Joe brings clarity and calm to the chaos of modern economics. From interest rates and inflation to inequality and leadership ethics, he breaks down what’s really happening - and what leaders often miss.

They explore the silent drivers of economic instability, the dangers of short-term thinking, and why many companies land in the “corporate graveyard” - not because of economic forces, but because of leadership failure.

The episode is thoughtful, timely and refreshingly grounded - essential listening for any leader looking to make sense of present day uncertainty with wisdom, heart and courage.

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With stories that range from catching killers to corporate wrongdoing, Simon shares the mindset and methodology behind effective investigations - and why soft skills matter just as much as hard evidence.

They unpack the nuances of leadership, ethical courage, and why building rapport is a superpower. Simon reflects on lessons from a diverse career that spans law enforcement, global business schools and board-level advisory work, offering honest, often hilarious insight into how people behave when the stakes are high.

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In this wide-ranging conversation, Susan shares stories from decades at the forefront of ethics and compliance - from negotiating early anti-bribery treaties at the UN to leading award-winning programmes at AECOM and shaping global thought leadership at LRN.

They explore values-based leadership, the role of trust in ethical culture, the power of practical progress over perfection, and how to make compliance human, engaging and impactful.

The episode is full of real-world insight and grounded wisdom - essential listening for any leader navigating risk, reputation and the realities of modern business.

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In this wide-ranging conversation, Peter shares the personal experiences that shaped his passion for truth-telling - from a complex family history and early artistic success to his shift from television drama to investigative journalism.

They discuss media monopolies, the power of storytelling, the role of integrity in leadership, and why press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. Peter opens up about exposing the phone hacking scandal, founding Byline Times, and the emotional cost of standing up to powerful interests.

The episode is a masterclass in courage, clarity and keeping it real - with lessons for any leader navigating complexity in today’s digital world.

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In this episode, Sarah Cole speaks with Scott Sullivan, former Chief Integrity and Compliance Officer of Newmont Corporation, about the human side of compliance, the power of radical transparency, and what it means to build trust across global teams.

Scott shares deeply personal stories and hard-won leadership lessons from a career spanning manufacturing, mining, and international ethics. From the value of “street cred” to the importance of knowing your red lines, this conversation explores why integrity is more than a policy - it’s a daily practice.

Whether you’re a general counsel, a CEO, or a rising leader in ethics and compliance, this episode offers practical wisdom and thoughtful reflection on what it takes to navigate complexity, make good decisions under pressure, and foster a culture people truly believe in.

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In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Sarah Cole is joined by Professor Benjamin Van Rooij, a leading global voice on the intersection between law, behaviour, and organisational culture.

Benjamin is co-author of The Behavioral Code: The Hidden Ways the Law Makes Us Better or Worse and co-editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Compliance. He shares deep insights into how laws and compliance programmes often miss the mark, not because they are weak on rules, but because they fail to ask the right behavioural questions.

Together, Sarah and Benjamin explore:

• Why root cause analysis matters more than intervention
• The danger of focusing on why something happened instead of how
• The concept of “toxic organisations” and how structural harm becomes normalised
• What good leadership really looks like: realism, resistance, and room for critique
• How punishment can backfire, and the 13 behavioural effects it may trigger
• What Compliance 3.0 could look like, moving beyond liability management into long-term prevention

Benjamin also reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave, his desire to influence policy at the highest level, and why magical glasses that reveal future consequences might be every leader’s best survival tool.

If you are a CEO, general counsel, or senior leader grappling with culture, conduct, or compliance, this episode will challenge your thinking in the best possible way.

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In this episode, Sarah Cole is joined by Emily Miner, Director at Ethisphere and seasoned expert in ethics, compliance, and values-driven leadership. Together, they explore the real work of building trust in organisations, where values aren't just words on a wall but are reflected in how people behave, how leaders respond, and how decisions are made.

Emily shares her personal journey from environmental policy and climate advocacy to corporate ethics - a shift that revealed just how powerful business can be in driving real change. The conversation delves into culture, psychological safety, empathy, and the practical frameworks leaders need to navigate complex societal issues without losing sight of their purpose.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The difference between performative values and lived culture
• How leaders can balance advocacy with accountability
• Why empathy, trust, and transparency are becoming non-negotiables
• And what truly belongs in a leader’s survival kit (hint: not just grit)

This is an episode for anyone who cares about shaping better organisations from the inside out.

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Keith has spent decades advising global organisations on how to build ethical cultures that actually work in practice, not just on paper. He’s seen what happens when values are ignored, and he knows what it takes to rebuild trust from the ground up.

Together, Sarah and Keith explore what ethical leadership looks like today, how to challenge toxic behaviours without losing your voice, and why leaders must do the deep inner work if they want to create truly values-driven teams.

You’ll hear:

• Why trust is a business imperative, not just a buzzword
• How to lead through uncertainty without compromising integrity
• The cost of silence in leadership — and how to speak up with courage
• How Keith navigated complex ethical dilemmas inside large corporates
• What “culture” really means in action, and why it starts at the top
• How to ask better questions that surface the truth and build accountability

This episode is essential listening for anyone in a leadership role who wants to build trust, lead with clarity, and do the right thing — even when it’s hard.

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Richard shares his extraordinary journey from a civil engineering career at the World Bank to becoming a globally recognised pioneer in human values, leadership development, and cultural transformation. With wisdom gathered from decades of work with CEOs and governments worldwide, Richard explains why knowing yourself is the foundation of impactful leadership, how “beliefs divide and values unite,” and why the soul is the true driver of purpose, joy, and contribution.

This conversation covers everything from the seven stages of psychological development and the dangers of ego-led leadership to practical ways leaders can reduce cultural entropy and shift workplace culture, even on a budget.

You’ll hear about:

• Richard’s transformation from transportation engineer to transformation pioneer
• Why self-knowledge is the starting point for leadership
• How culture is a mirror of leadership consciousness
• The importance of soul expression and values-driven purpose
• Cultural entropy, trust matrices, and how to truly transform an organisation
• Why caring for your children might be the most powerful leadership act of all

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Richard’s work: https://www.barrettacademy.com
• Explore the Humanity Awareness Initiative: https://www.humanityawarenessinitiative.org
• Books by Richard Barrett: Amazon Author Page

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In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Sally Gunnell OBE. The only woman ever to hold the Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles simultaneously, Sally shares her journey from growing up on a farm to standing on the world’s biggest sporting stages – and the lessons that shaped her life beyond athletics.

Together, we explore:

• How resilience is built through adversity, not in spite of it
• Why high performance is 70% mental – and how to train your mind like an Olympian
• The power of visualisation, goal setting and healthy habits in leadership and life
• How to stay motivated, manage burnout and take care of your well-being without guilt
• The small 1% shifts that make the biggest difference over time
• Why building a great support team is essential (and why none of us succeed alone)
• Sally’s inspiring new work with Life’s Hurdles, supporting professional women in building strength, confidence and resilience

Sally’s honesty, warmth and practical wisdom offer a masterclass in leadership, personal growth and living with purpose.

Resources mentioned:

• Find out more about Life’s Hurdle: https://www.lifeshurdle.com/
• Sally’s books: Running Tall, Ten Hurdles of Life, Be Your Best, and more
• Connect with Sally: https://www.sallygunnell.com/

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Zak - a leading behavioural neuroscientist, four-time tech founder, and author of Immersion: The Science of Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness.

Together, we explore the science of trust, emotional fitness, and the simple, powerful behaviours that help leaders create connected, high-performing cultures.

Paul shares eye-opening insights from two decades of research (and some very memorable stories), including:

• Why trust drives business outcomes - and how to measure it without drawing blood
• What high-trust cultures actually look like, and why hierarchy often stands in the way
• The surprising link between oxytocin, empathy, and everyday leadership behaviours
• How emotional fitness fuels performance, and how Paul’s free app SIX can help you track it
• Why being vulnerable at work isn’t just brave — it’s strategic

If you’re a leader navigating complexity, juggling competing demands, or looking for more meaning in your work, this episode offers a fresh, evidence-backed perspective on what really matters.

Resources and links mentioned:

• Download Paul’s free emotional fitness app: SIX
• Explore the science behind Immersion: getimmersion.com
• Visit Paul’s research lab: neuroeconomicstudies.org
• Paul’s upcoming book The Little Book of Happiness — out May 6

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In this episode of Insights from the 'Cole' Face, I’m joined by Klaus Moosmayer, Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer at Novartis, to explore how leaders can move beyond compliance checklists and embed integrity, trust, and ethical agility into their organisations.

In March 2025, it was announced that Klaus was proposed for election as new member of Deutsche Bank’s Supervisory Board—a significant move that highlights his growing role in governance at the highest level.

Klaus shares insights into his journey from corporate compliance to broader governance, his thoughts on ethical leadership, and the role of boards in ensuring integrity and accountability at the highest levels of business. With a deep understanding of governance, risk, and integrated assurance, Klaus provides invaluable lessons for leaders navigating complex challenges in today’s corporate landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The evolving role of governance and corporate boards in shaping ethical leadership.

✔️ The importance of integrated assurance in modern business strategy.

✔️ How Klaus’s experience at Novartis and his recent WEF appointment influence his approach to governance.

✔️ Leadership insights from one of the most respected voices in corporate ethics.

✔️ Klaus’s answer to our signature question: What one tool or strategy would you add to the leadership toolkit?

We discuss Klaus’s remarkable journey - from navigating crisis at Siemens to driving innovation and integrated assurance at Novartis - and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way. From AI and ethical risk, to building a speak-up culture and balancing innovation with regulation, this is an unmissable conversation for any leader navigating uncertainty in today’s volatile world.

🔍 Topics we cover include:

• Why most leaders overestimate the trust they inspire—and how to close the gap
• Embedding ethics into organisational culture (and why Klaus avoids the term “ethics in the DNA”)
• Creating a practical framework for AI risk, speed to engagement, and responsible innovation
• The value of humility, psychological safety, and listening in leadership
• Building long-term impact in a world obsessed with short-term gains
• What every leader should include in their personal survival kit

Klaus brings global perspective, deep insight, and a refreshing level of honesty to the challenges facing leaders today. Tune in to discover how to lead ethically, think long-term, and stay grounded - no matter how fast the world changes.

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David shares his extraordinary journey—from surviving a life-threatening illness as a child to becoming a global thought leader in sustainable business. His career has spanned academia, business, government advisory roles, and leadership in social enterprises, giving him a unique practical perspective on corporate responsibility and ethical leadership.

We discuss:

✅ Why businesses must prioritise ethics, purpose, and sustainability to stay competitive

✅ The biggest leadership challenges today, including the rise of CEO burnout

✅ How culture eats strategy for breakfast—and why leaders must take ownership of it

✅ The importance of agility, resilience, and systems thinking in a rapidly changing world

✅ Why collaboration is key to driving meaningful, long-term change in business

🔹 Plus, David shares his Leader’s Survival Kit—including his secret to staying grounded, inspired, and effective in high-pressure roles.

🎧 Listen now for a masterclass in leadership, corporate responsibility, and the future of sustainable business.

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Too many executives acknowledge that culture matters, yet they fail to take ownership of it. Mark and Chris break down why many leaders struggle to evolve their workplace culture - and how they can shift from talking about values to actually living them.

We discuss:

✅ Why most leaders are never taught how to manage culture—and how to change that

✅ The biggest red flags of a toxic workplace (and how to spot them)

✅ Why contradictions in leadership destroy trust—and how to fix it

✅ How accountability and respect drive real business results

✅ The power of self-awareness (and why every leader needs a metaphorical mirror)

🔹 Plus, Mark and Chris share practical strategies to operationalise values, hold leaders accountable, and create a culture where top talent thrives - not flees.

🎧 Listen now for real-world insights that will challenge how you think about leadership, culture, and the future of work.

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From his personal history as the child of refugees to his groundbreaking insights on democratic capitalism, Martin shares a raw and thought-provoking perspective on what it takes to lead ethically and responsibly - both in business and society.

We discuss:

✅ The fragility of democracy and what history teaches us about its survival

✅ Why business leaders have a moral obligation to uphold societal stability

✅ The uneasy relationship between capitalism and democracy—and why it matters

✅ How global geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty are reshaping leadership

✅ The rise of populism and oligarchy—and what CEOs, General Counsel, and leaders must do to navigate it

🔹 Martin also shares his Leader’s Survival Kit—a must-hear for anyone striving to make ethical, impactful decisions in an increasingly complex world.

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