The Legendary Leaders Podcast - podcast cover

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

Cathleen O'Sullivan – Growth Accelerator for Leaderswww.cathleenosullivan.com
Welcome to the Legendary Leaders Podcast! This show aims to inspire you to start living your best life! My podcast guests will be sharing their own personal paths to success, the moments when they hit a wall that turned into their biggest breaking point, and we will be sharing some top tips on how to proactively create some exciting changes in your professional and personal life. Our guests, who are all leaders in their own rights, will be talking about how they started their journey, what inspired and motivated them, along with the challenges they had to overcome in order to get to where they are now, having achieved a more content and liberated life. All episodes will cover an array of topics from the importance of self-care and mindset, through to bravery and authenticity, and the importance of building communities and support networks. I have interviewed leaders who have all taken varied and interesting paths, from content creators, journalists through to designers, coaches, musicians as well as actors, business mentors, speakers and many, many more. They all faced tough challenges which served as motivation to live their best lives yet! Please enjoy listening to this series of podcasts as much as I have done creating them, and I really hope you take away lots to inspire, encourage and motivate you on your journey to becoming a Legendary Leader.
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Episodes

Michael Frantl - Building a Strong Workplace Culture

Get ready for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation with our host, Cathleen O’Sullivan and guest is Michael Frantl, Global Lead for Culture, Engagement, and Performance Solutions at Novo Nordisk about what really shapes strong leadership and why culture matters more than ever. With a career that’s taken him across the US, UK, and Scandinavia, Michael shares his real-world experience of building workplace cultures that go beyond posters and buzzwords. Together, they talk about leading with ...

Jul 08, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 180

Cathleen O'Sullivan - How Leaders Can Reclaim Space for Strategic Thinking and Reflection

Are you constantly busy? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan explores a powerful but often overlooked leadership principle: the importance of creating space. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders worldwide, Cathleen unpacks how stepping away from constant busyness and perfectionism can unlock greater clarity, impact, and presence. She introduces her signature SPACE method, offering practical ways to build in reflection, set boundaries, and lead with intention. A...

Jun 24, 202529 minSeason 2Ep. 179

Joe Zentmyer - Reinventing Success and Passion-Driven Leadership

What if your biggest career breakthrough came from breaking your own rules about what “success” is supposed to look like? On this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan sits down with serial entrepreneur Joe Zentmyer for an honest, wide-ranging exploration of pivots, reinvention, and leading with genuine passion. With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 sales, food manufacturing, rock climbing gyms, and now a thriving aquarium supply business, Joe’s unconventional stor...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 178

Nyree Ambarchian – Rewriting the Rules of Work

What if the working world wasn’t designed for you, and following the rules held you back from the leadership and life you actually want? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen welcomes Nyree Ambarchian, co-founder of purpose-led communications agency Jack & Grace, for a bold and honest conversation about ditching outdated workplace norms and rewriting the “rules” of work. Nyree shares her journey from diligently following the rules to challenging and rewriting them, both in her own c...

May 26, 20251 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 177

Kelly Swingler – Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour

What if burnout wasn’t a personal failure, but a sign that something bigger at the system level needs to change? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O’Sullivan sits down with Kelly Swingler, the renowned “burnoutologist” and founder of the Burnout Academy, to uncover the truth behind today’s burnout epidemic. With candour and compassion, Kelly challenges the norms that glorify stress and exhaustion, exploring why real burnout is so much more than long hours. It’s about broken sys...

May 13, 20251 hr 29 minSeason 2Ep. 176

Nick Peel - Human-First Leadership

What if your greatest legacy isn’t what you build, but who you build with along the way? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host, Cathleen O’Sullivan, invites you into a candid conversation with Nick Peel, a leader whose career spans some of the world’s most ambitious projects, from Arsenal Football Club to the cutting-edge NEOM "Line" project in Saudi Arabia. You’ll hear how Nick’s human-first approach to leadership has empowered teams to thrive under pressure, transcending titles and s...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 2Ep. 175

Clare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards - The Power of Job Sharing

Is leadership about going it alone, or could sharing the load lead to even greater success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the dynamic duo Clare Freshwater-Turner and Annabelle Richards to explore how job sharing could be the key to enhanced leadership and personal fulfilment. Clare and Annabelle, senior managers in sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group, have mastered the art of job sharing, proving that two heads can indeed be better than one. Joi...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 173

Rachel McGill - Exploring Resilient Leadership

Are you merely enduring tough times, or are you truly thriving through them? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, army veteran and leadership expert Rachel McGill joins Cathleen to explore the nuanced art of resilience. Rachel unveils the clear difference between merely bouncing back and proactively moving forward. She shares her journey, from breaking a world record to creating Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework designed to help leaders like you build genuine resilience. Discover why true...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 173

Keisha Hickson - Living Fully and Moving Beyond Fear

What if you stopped waiting for the right time and started living fully right now? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the inspiring Keisha Hickson, a transformative thought leader and resilience advocate. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer multiple myeloma at a young age. Keisha's story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving and leaving a legacy on her own terms. She explores her experiences of overcoming fears and embracing authenticity daily, all whi...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 172

Nancy Ho - Overcoming the Professional Paradox

Are you still chasing the wrong kind of success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Nancy Ho joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to discuss the hidden struggles of high-performing professionals and the paradox of success. Nancy shares how defining success externally can lead to a void of stress and unfulfillment. She talks about turning pain into gain, redefining what you truly want, and the importance of being authentic rather than conforming to societal pressures. Discover how your thoughts shap...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 2Ep. 171

Dr. Rana Al-Falaki - Leadership Beyond Perfectionism

Are you living to work, or working to live? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Dr. Rana Al-Falaki joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to share her incredible journey from being a successful but stressed professional to finding true joy and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming trauma, breaking through unhealthy patterns, and discovering genuine self-love - all while building a thriving career helping others find balance and fulfilment. Dr. Al-Falaki explains the critical difference between "...

Feb 18, 20251 hr 25 minSeason 2Ep. 170

Thomas Voigt - Leadership Lessons in Customer Engagement and Growth

Are you ready to transform your approach to customer success and discover how aligning your leadership with customer needs can drive sustainable growth? In this captivating conversation on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Thomas Voigt, founder of TV Consulting and the Customer Success Academy. Thomas shares his remarkable journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an episode filled with inspirational insights and practical strategies for driving succe...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 169

Graham Wilson - Leading Through Change

Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead effectively in an uncertain, ever-changing world? Your host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Graham Wilson, a distinguished leadership expert and author of Wabi Zugi: The Art of Resilience for Everyday Warriors. Together they uncover the essential strategies and ideas that will help you thrive as a leader in complex environments. Learn why embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of experimentation is vital for modern leadership. Let's explore ...

Feb 04, 20251 hr 29 minSeason 2Ep. 168

Dr. Michelle Prince - How to Build an Encore Career

Join us to discover how to build a fulfilling encore career with purpose and adaptability. Cathleen is joined by Dr. Michelle Prince, a global leadership coach, human capital consultant, and author of "Creating Your Encore Career." Dr. Prince and Cathleen uncover the unique challenges and opportunities of navigating family-owned businesses, challenging generational stereotypes, and redefining retirement. You'll hear about the emotional aspects of career transitions, the necessity of personal bra...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 167

Scott Mautz - Leading with Mental Strength

Gain insights on how to be a mentally strong leader with your host Cathleen and her guest Scott Mautz. Scott is a former Procter & Gamble executive and renowned author, to explore the profound concepts of mental strength and resilience in leadership. Join them as they dissect the tools and strategies outlined in Mautz's latest book The Mentally Strong Leader, offering practical advice on overcoming self-doubt, managing negative emotions, and fostering a culture of authentic leadership. From ...

Jan 07, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 166

Kelly Mackin - Enhancing Well-being in the Workplace

How important is workplace well-being to you? Kelly Mackin, co-founder of the Motives Met platform and author of "Work Life Well Lived," joins Cathleen to talk about human-centred work environments. Kelly shares her understanding of unconscious commitments and the critical need to align our work motives with personal well-being. Drawing from her own challenges in toxic work environments and inspired by her mother's experiences as a pioneering female executive, Kelly emphasises that well-being is...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 165

Dr. Chris Fuzie - From Enforcing the Law to Liminal Leadership

Meet Dr. Chris Fuzie, a law enforcement professional turned consultant and educator. Today on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen sits down with Chris to learn about his transformative journey and his commitment to self-education and personal growth. With experience ranging from homicide investigations to hostage negotiation, Chris delivers us a vivid look into leadership dynamics within law enforcement. As you listen, you'll discover Chris's approach to overcoming career setbacks, the importance of ste...

Dec 10, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 164

Andy Brown - How to Recognise and Combat Emotional Overdraft in Leadership

Imagine reclaiming 20% of your time every week—time you never knew you could have but desperately need. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host Cathleen and her guest, the insightful Andy Brown, explore the transformative power of effective delegation and the hidden costs of emotional overdraft. Andy, a seasoned business advisor and author of the bestseller Emotional Overdraft, shares his journey from corporate stress to meaningful change and the impactful lessons he learned along the wa...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 163

Kelly L. Campbell - Healing from Trauma

How can overcoming your fears and doubts help you develop more authenticity in leadership? Cathy sits down with Kelly L. Campbell, a former CEO turned trauma-informed leadership coach, and author of "Heal to Lead, Revolutionising Leadership Through Trauma Healing." Together, they explore the crucial signs that indicate a need for change, discuss the impact of unresolved trauma on leadership and the transformative power of conscious feedback. Kelly shares her personal healing journey, including h...

Nov 19, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 162

Gerry Gadoury - How to Become a ‘Destination Employer’

How do you retain your top talent? Cathleen is exploring the world of talent attraction and retention with Gerry Gadoury. Join them to learn about the nuances of becoming a "destination employer" and cohesive approaches to hiring and retaining top talent. Gerry shares his incredible journey from a Marine Corps leader to a successful entrepreneur, and how he's overcome significant setbacks and a life-altering injury. Whether you're an employer looking to reduce turnover or a listener seeking lead...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 2Ep. 161

Claire Chandler - ‘Leadership Therapy’ and Retaining Your Talent

Are you ready to revolutionise your approach to leadership and talent retention? Join host Cathleen O'Sullivan as she delves into transformative leadership strategies with Claire Chandler, president and founder of Talent Boost also known as the ‘leadership therapist’. In this enlightening episode, Claire shares invaluable insights on aligning people strategies with business goals, creating sustainable growth, and fostering genuine employee engagement. Get ready to uncover key takeaways from Clai...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 48 minSeason 2Ep. 160

Russell Harvey - Mastering Leadership Resilience

How do you handle setbacks and challenges? Do you struggle, or do you stay afloat? Cathleen sits down with Russell Harvey, known widely as the resilience coach. With a career spanning over two decades in learning and development, Russell brings a wealth of experience and personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of balancing humanity, data, and processes within organisations. Tune in to explore the essential components of resilience, strategies to adapt in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertai...

Oct 08, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 159

Justin Bookey - How Ping Pong Principles Apply to Leadership

In a world where chaos often reigns, the power of maintaining a ready position can make the difference between success and failure. Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down to talk strategic planning and leadership with special guest Justin Bookey, author, marketing strategist, Emmy-nominated content creator, and global table ping pong player. Whether you're navigating high-stakes business decisions or seeking personal growth through unique experiences, this episode embraces continual learning - turning fa...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 158

Sara Taylor - Transformational DEI Practices for Leaders

Are you ready to explore the transformative world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Join Cathleen as she sits down Sara Taylor the President and Founder of deepSEE Consulting. With over 35 years of expertise, Sara has become a nationally recognised thought leader in cultural competence and DEI. Together they explore the intricate layers of biases, the importance of cultural competence, and practical ways for leaders to create more inclusive environments. Sara shares her personal journey and h...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 157

Angeley Mullins - Leading with Purpose: Inclusivity and Innovation

Dive into a riveting exploration of diversity, innovation, and authentic leadership in this episode of Legendary Leaders. Join host Cathleen as she sits down with Angeley Mullins, the dynamic Chief Commercial Officer at Resourcify, to unravel the impact of digitalisation on critical thinking, and the transformative power of authenticity in leadership. From balancing technology with human interaction to the importance of diverse perspectives in board meetings, Angeley shares invaluable insights i...

Sep 10, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 156

David C. Olcott - The Power of Alignment: Manifestation, Success, and Identity

Prepare to unlock the secrets of the subconscious as we explore the realms of self-hypnosis and manifestation with the insightful David C. Olcott. In this captivating episode, Cathleen interviews David, the founder of Samurai Success and author of "Swords of Illumination" where he reveals how being in love can elevate one's potential and how rewriting your inner programming can align the conscious with the subconscious. Listen, as they explore the transformative power of resonance, the struggle ...

Aug 27, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 2Ep. 155

Peter Kingma - Why Financial Leadership and Building Trust with your Team is Vital

Why cash really is king. Cathleen O'Sullivan brings you a powerful conversation with expert author and partner at Ernst and Young, Peter Kingma. Sharing his expertise on cash flow management, the importance of trust and communication within teams, and how metrics and debt management play critical roles in business resilience. Together they explore the transformative impact of the pandemic on work dynamics and the flexible models it has ushered in. Peter shares insights from his book "Cash is Kin...

Aug 13, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 154

Leigh Burgess - Bold Moves and Mindset Mastery to Achieve Success

Today, we bring you an inspiring conversation with the incredible Leigh Burgess. You'll learn all about Leigh's transformative journey through personal challenges, the power of mindset, and her bold transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Discover how she navigated burnout, values time and space, and the importance of aligning your passion with purpose. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek into her upcoming book and the exclusive events she has planned. This episode is packed with insi...

Jul 30, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 153

Jones Loflin - Cultivating Success

In this riveting conversation, our host, Cathleen sits down with the inspiring Jones Loflin. Jones masterfully draws parallels between the principles of gardening and leadership, emphasising creativity, space for thinking, and nurturing sustainable growth. In this episode, you'll hear about the origins of Jones' book Juggling Elephants, born from a casual discussion on life’s circus-like chaos, and Cathleen’s reflections on fostering creativity amidst our busy lives. Together, they tackle the ev...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 152

Jim Bishop - How to Disrupt, Bridge and Grow as a Leader

Cathleen is joined by Jim Bishop from Conjunction Leadership, who brings over 20 years of global leadership experience to the table. Together, they explore essential topics for modern leaders, from embracing authenticity and emotional dexterity to navigating complex workplaces and fostering meaningful connections. Jim shares actionable insights on empowering leaders to take responsibility for their destiny, using direct communication, and developing resilience and adaptability within their teams...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 151
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