In todays profound episode, Sarah is joined by Richard Barrett, renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Barrett Values Centre and the Barrett Academy. Together, they explore the deep connections between personal transformation, organisational culture, and soul-based leadership.

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

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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What does it really take to perform at the highest level – and how do you keep pushing forward when no one else is watching?

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/

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/

☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

Why do we trust complete strangers? How can leaders build emotionally resilient teams without micromanaging? And what role does oxytocin really play in the workplace?

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

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

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What does it really take to build trust in a complex, high-pressure organisation?

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.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

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How can leaders stay resilient, lead with integrity, and navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape? In this episode of Insights From The Coalface, I’m joined by Professor David Grayson CBE, Chair of the Institute of Business Ethics, co-host of All In: The Sustainable Business Podcast, and author of 10 books on corporate responsibility.

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.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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What if workplace respect was just as important as results? In this episode of Insights From The Cole Face, I sit down with Mark Babbitt and Chris Edmonds, co-authors of Good Comes First, to explore how leaders can stop tolerating toxic behaviours and create cultures that attract and retain top talent.

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.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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In this powerful episode of Insights From The Cole Face, I sit down with Martin Wolf CBE, Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, to explore the intersection of leadership, democracy, and economic resilience in today’s volatile world.

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.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/