So you want to be a leader... Really? By Defy Expectations
Defy Expectations LtdWe’re here to explore the highs and lows of leadership today with our guests and help you navigate the complexity of being a leader. From every aspect, from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything in between. With weekly guests from all levels of the organisation.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 87 | Founded | 5 years ago |
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| Number of Listeners | Categories | BusinessManagement | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
In this episode, Helen speaks to Jim Bouchard, to discuss the importance of human-centric leadership. Jim shares his journey from addiction recovery through martial arts to becoming a leadership expert, emphasising the need for leaders to inspire, em... more
Helen explores the intricacies of leadership with Dave Schoof, who focuses on blending business results with consciousness expansion. They discuss the importance of unlocking innate genius, the balance between execution and influence, and the transit... more
What if resilience isn’t about pushing through, but about how quickly we can return to balance under pressure?
In this solo episode, Helen shares insights from her recent research into resilience, nervous system regulation, and what it really takes ... more
In this episode, Helen meets Patrick van der Burght, an expert in ethical persuasion. They discuss the science of human decision-making and its application in leadership, with Patrick sharing the key principles of persuasion, emphasising their ethica... more
In this episode, Helen meets Paul Petera, a veteran in leadership and culture. They discuss the significance of self-awareness, the evolution of leadership roles, and practical tools for building successful organisations, highlighted by insights from... more
In this episode, Helen delves into the highs and lows of leadership with Gerrit-Jan Van Velze, an executive coach with a rich background in professional rugby. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and feedback in bot... more
Helen is joined by Ben Brearley, who shares his journey from corporate roles to leadership coaching, discussing the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance in effective leadership, 'accidental leadership,' and how to adapt one's style authen... more
In this episode, former Pearson CEO John Fallon joins Helen to unpack what 'digital-first' really takes: Why customers set the pace, how incumbents reinvent, and the enduring value leaders must protect as models shift. From AI vs. dot-com déjà vu to ... more
Key Facts
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Hosts
Reviews
- Podcasting excellence in action!
What to expect from a conversation led by two industry professionals? Depth, wisdom, high-profile advice, and... a delightful conversation. Helen and Vicky turn every educational conversation effortless to listen to, enjoy, and remember.
Apple Podcasts5StasiaLilac
United Kingdom2 years ago What to expect from a conversation led by two industry professionals? Depth, wisdom, high-profile advice, and... a delightful conversation. Helen and Vicky turn every educational conversation effortless to listen to, enjoy, and remember. Podcasting excellence in action!
Podchaser52 years agoErin Andrea Craske- Great and concise discussion!
It was lovely to speak with Helen and Vicky about how to engage people’s hearts when communicating.
Apple Podcasts5Ulrike Seminati
France3 years ago - Deep commitment to providing high value
Helen and Vicky are truly committed to providing high value to their listeners. Co-creating an inspiring episode with them was a great experience, and listening to the episodes in this podcast is surely a great use of any leader's time.
Apple Podcasts5TransformDance
United States3 years ago - Excellent podcast
This is a boundary-pushing business podcast with insightful hosts, excellent questions and serious tips for business owners. Yet it doesn’t feel like it is taking itself too seriously. Love it! Must listen.
Apple Podcasts5Stardust 12345United States3 years ago - Big hearted wisdom for leaders
Helen and Vicky are wonderful hosts, finding both simple and subtle wisdom and advice for leaders of all ages. A genuinely enjoyable and informative listen.
Apple Podcasts5YesYouNowUnited Kingdom4 years ago - Fantastic Show!
Vicky and Helen are brilliant at sharing powerful insights in simple and inspiring ways!
Apple Podcasts5Kristime11United States4 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #63 |  Belgium/Business/Management |
Top Management Podcasts
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The show centers on practical leadership wisdom from a diverse roster of guests, blending research-backed strategies with real-world coaching notes. Episodes frequently explore self-awareness, emotional intelligence, ethical persuasion, digital transformation, DEI, and building resilient teams under pressure. Listeners can expect actionable frameworks, stories from executives and coaches, and clear takeaways for improving leadership visibility, culture, and performance. A standout thread is turning complex leadership concepts into repeatable habits and systems, rather than one-off advice. The conversational tone and mix of academics, practitioners, and industry leaders make it approachable for current and aspiring leaders across sectors, wi... more
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How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 87 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Patrick van der Burght
2. Paul Petera
3. Gerrit-Jan Van Velze
4. Ben Brearley
5. John Fallon
6. Mark McBride-Wright
7. Debbie Plager
8. Sean P Shannon
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.