The world of finance, accounting and tech is fast-changing meaning people skills have become the foundation for success and creating value. Join weekly as host and executive coach Alexandra Bond Burnett leads deeper conversations into which personal development tools achieve confidence, great leadership and powerful relationships.
Subscribe to hear conversations about personal development in a digital future, Alexandra will be joined by leading guest experts, as well as delivering laser topics on emotional intelligence, personal impact, influence, effectiveness and presence.
Dear listener, ever pondered how transformative it would be if people genuinely cared more? Imagine navigating your daily tasks, rallying support for a project, or even clinching that dream job or client. The essence of today's discourse delves into the art of fostering genuine interest and commitment—welcome to the realm of Give-a-Shitology.
This episode is not for the faint-hearted; we're diving deep into the mechanics of sparking genuine care and engagement. At the heart of our exploration lies the intersection of technology, business transformation, and the pivotal role of human emotion in driving change. If you're seeking to amplify your influence, persuade with power, and solve complex challenges by engaging others, you're in the right place.
Give-a-Shitology isn't just about getting people to pay attention; it's about breaking down the barriers to engagement and motivating action. Whether it's boosting sales, advancing technology adoption, or simply making your daily interactions more meaningful, we're here to guide you through the intricacies of human behavior and the strategies that can lead to profound change.
So, what stops people from engaging? How can we navigate these obstacles to not only capture attention but also inspire action? By the end of this episode, you'll have a toolkit at your disposal, ready to make an impactful difference in your approach to business, technology, and personal interactions. Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets to making people care, transforming apathy into action, and leading with empathy and insight. Welcome to a journey of engagement, influence, and transformation.
Links
Find free brand-building and career resources here: https://www.ambitionimpact.com/free-resources
Join the Greenroom events and media network for professionals and leaders
https://www.ambitionimpact.com/greenroom
Do you want to be authentic, but find that that actually being yourself, and being a leader is not really the same thing? You are not alone... In a world echoing with the demand for authenticity, we dive deep into what it genuinely means to forge your brand of impact.I discuss: 1. The fine line between being genuinely you and the act of being 'just authentic' 2. How real you can honestly be at work3. Where leader you starts, and at home you ends
Ever wondered how the power of your voice can transform your personal brand and captivate an audience?
This week, we're diving deep into the art of speaking, a journey not just about sharing ideas but about connecting, persuading, and influencing on a profound level. Imagine mastering the art of the keynote, turning every presentation into a magnet for engagement, and every meeting into a stepping stone for your vision.
We're peeling back the layers on what makes a speech not just good, but unforgettable. From the pitfalls that trap the unwary to the strategies that have propelled leaders to new heights, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.
Whether you're seeking to inspire change, win over investors, or simply leave your mark on the audience, join us as we explore the secrets to speaking success. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your voice in a narrative that promises not just to inform but to transform.
Find free brand-building and career resources here: https://www.ambitionimpact.com/free-resources
Join the Greenroom events and media network for professionals and leaders:
https://www.ambitionimpact.com/greenroom
Ever wondered why some professionals magnetise opportunities while others, equally talented, fade into the background?
This isn't just luck; it's the art of personal branding.
In this episode of "My Brand of Impact," we're peeling back the layers on how your unique brand of impact can catapult you from obscurity to industry leader. It's about more than just being seen—it's about being unforgettable.
Dive deep with us as we explore the transformative power of executive presence and authenticity.
Discover how to forge genuine human-to-human connections that not only drive business success but also create a legacy.
This isn't your average conversation on professional development; it's a roadmap to becoming the person others want to know, follow, and remember.
JOIN THE GREENROOM NETWORK ______________________________________https://www.ambitionimpact.com/greenroom
My brand of impact - well what is that? This episode we're diving straight into three underestimated ways to build a respected professional and yes even authentic personal brand.
Forget the misconceptions; personal branding isn't just about social media posts or fancy graphics.
for me, it's about the impressions people form about you, even before they meet you.
🚀 We kick things off by exploring "The 3 Underestimated Ways of Building a Respected Personal Brand." Personal branding is about making yourself a safe bet for others, reducing the uncertainty they feel when they interact with you.
💥 Strategy No. 1: "Your Digital Footprint." We're talking about how your online presence, especially on LinkedIn, can set the stage for your personal brand. What shows up when someone Googles your name?
📣 Strategy No. 2: "Don't skimp on building in-person relationships." Discover how nurturing real connections can be a game-changer, whether you're aiming to land a job or make an impact within your current role.
🔥 Strategy No. 3: "Build professional credibility through publishing and speaking." Learn why aligning yourself with credible platforms and sharing your authentic insights can skyrocket your personal brand.
LINKS:
Find free brand-building and career resources here: https://www.ambitionimpact.com/free-resources
Join the Greenroom events and media network for professionals and leaders
https://www.ambitionimpact.com/greenroom
From high stakes and emotions to unconscious reactions, Alexandra shares her insights on how to effectively navigate these complex situations and achieve the best outcomes for your business.
Learn about key strategies such as avoiding conflicts, understanding communication styles, checking your reactions, and actively listening.
In this episode, we are broaching the importance of effective relationships in business and how to approach difficult conversations.
Discover how to bridge the gap between what's said and what's meant to build stronger relationships and minimise damage. Don't miss this valuable and practical discussion on how to handle difficult conversations with ease.
Key Points:
Tools for you:
Linkedin article on types of difficult conversations that impact organisations. Subscribe now to the Plays Wells with Others newsletter
Review your own Personal Brand and see what impact you are having in your industry: take the Personal Brand Audit Quiz
Lewis Cameron, currently the CTO at Altmetric a digital science company joins me on the show to share his story of growing into his leadership self, and how important this is in a tech role. Since this episode was recorded Lewis has recently accepted the role of SVP Technology and Chief Information Security Officer for Altmetric’s parent company, Digital Science Lessons he shared:
Why he'll never own his dream car How he hopes to never achieve his potential, but live in pursuit of it. Why there is no good technology without people How he was great at pulling people along with him, until he learnt what it takes to be a real leader and the journey that comes with it How he learnt the hard way that putting people and relationships LAST can make or break an organisation
_______ Resources Subscribe to my Linkedin Newsletter: Plays Well with Others Connect with Lewis Cameron Connect with Alexandra https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bond-burnett-presents/
Passion; a horrible interview question but an essential energy source for leaders.
This week I am presenting Becky Glover, Finance Director of VNC Automotive, co-founder of Elizabeth Rose wines. Director, Trustee & Council Member of AAT, listed as one of ACCA's inspirational females and Shortlisted for "Rising Hero in Finance" at the Digital Finance Function Awards 2022
Listening to Becky take you can help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm, but don't let that fool you. Becky is highly ambitious, passionate, and a rising star in the finance industry.
In this episode, Becky shares how her passion for business sparked her and long-time friend to start a side business in the Wine industry - championing English wines and their owners.
We discuss:
LINKS:
www.speakingambition.com for influence and career resources
Connect with Alexandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bond-burnett-presents/
Elizabeth Rose Wines website - www.elizabethrosewines.co.uk
Instagram @rebekahrglover
Becky Glover - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckygloverfmaatfcca/
Keeping top talent has been a major challenge over the past two years, but these two leaders at IMI have found a way to keep 100% of their team, and create open honest spaces to solve problems.
In this episode of the Ambition to Impact podcast I speak with not one, but two leaders to hear insights into their different paths to becoming the leaders they were meant to be, through community, mentorship & honesty.
Today you will hear from Luke Grant, Group Financial Controller at IMI PLC and Edyta Zamojska, Finance Director Global (Precision Fluid OEM) Business Unit sharing the impact of some of their most vital lessons, and what they had to learn to achieve great outcomes.
In the show we discuss:
Links
Welcome to Series 2! I am kicking off by speaking to Stephan Burow VP Finance of Gousto who joined me to talk about his approach to being intentional with his decisions in an ever-changing environment making; a hearty cocktail of ambition, logic all combined with his personal values.
We discuss:
Absorb Stephan's leadership contribution to the Leader's Library club here: https://www.speakingambition.com/leaderslibrary
Are you ready to work on your confidence, courage and conviction as a leader this year? Book a consultation with Alexandra here: Book Your session
Connect with Stephan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-burow-b793a67/
Connect with Alexandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bond-burnett-presents/
Check out Gousto https://www.gousto.co.uk/
How would you, or have you handled the pressure from global crises? Join guest John Irvine, a global CFO Formerly of GE and Current. who sat through the 2008 financial crisis with GE, leading his team through acquisitions and private equity at a time when keeping the balance between the client's needs and keeping a company afloat was treacherous.
In the episode we discuss:
Episode Links:
www.speakingambition.com
In this episode, Alexandra is speaking with Group Finance Director Vineta Bajaj about her journey in the fast-growing online grocer Ocado.
Starting her career with KPMG qualifying as a chartered accountant, Vineta threw herself into the challenge of the grocer come tech company and tells us about her experience NOT as a female leader, despite breaking a few ceilings on her way, about the importance of being herself and instilling that freedom in her team, and the vital lessons she was taught when making the choice of who she wanted to be as a leader.
In the interview we cover:
Episode Links:
Join the Leaders Library to learn the key lessons from Vineta's game-changing book suggestion: https://www.speakingambition.com/leaderslibrary
Connect with Vineta at www.linkedin.com/in/vineta-bajaj
And www.vinetabajaj.com
What does it take to build a successful finance career? Speak first, be the strongest voice in the room and be a beast... will NOT get you a welcomed seat at the table.
After a bumpy start Ian Johnson took the time to learn more about himself, and what it really took to connect, build trust and raise others up in finance creating personal triumphs for him - but more importantly for his team and his organisation.
When it comes to success in a finance career, Ian now has very clear ideas on what makes a leader stand out, and what will cost them greatly.
In this episode, Ian Johnson, Group Finance Controller at Spectris Plc joins me in conversation sharing tales from his remarkable finance career - including sharing his hardest lessons - going from bulldozing over people in meetings, to shedding his tie and opening up as a trusted and respected leader.
Included in the episode:
Top Quotes -
"it’s ok to be the numbers guy but depending on where you want to be in your career, you need to build relationships. You need to be able to challenge."
"you won't be successful from being a beast"
“I took off my tie, and the CEO said “welcome to the table” "
Like the show? Leave a review!
Links:
Connect with Ian on Linkedin
Leadership Impact Programme
This week Alexandra speaks to Benyam Hagos, Chief Operating Officer of Europe and Middle East at Nium about his journey to a high growth Fintech, his dedication to growth and the challenges along the way.
In the episode we cover;
LINKS
www.speakingambition.com/festival
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/benyam-hagos-b2782790
https://www.nium.com/
This week I'm joined by Carol Stewart, executive career coach working with introverted senior leaders, author of the book Quietly Visible and in her 4th year running as a Linkedin Top Voice UK.
In the session we talked about:
Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1zJW91spE4
Take the Leadership Communication Scorecard for Data Leaders: https://speakingambition.scoreapp.com/
Links
Connect with Carol - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolstewart1/
Abounding Solutions - https://aboundingsolutions.com/
Grab a copy of Carol's Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quietly-Visible-Leading-Influence-Introverted/dp/1913192695
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0141029196
Unless you live in 100% isolation in Outer Mongolia with no internet, it's highly likely you impacted someone else today. And you probably haven't any clue when, how or who.
What if I said, you already have influence? In fact, you already impacted someone today but you didn’t see it. Someone noticed you - and it might be for reasons you never thought of.
The question dear reader is not ‘If’ you impact, it is ‘how’.
Int his episode I share what influence really is, and 5 ways you impact people every day without realising it.
Find out your Leadership Communication score here: https://speakingambition.scoreapp.com/
Today I’m talking about the skills that excel the technical knowledge. The foundations of great leadership, effectiveness and influence. Finance and Tech Roles have been a hub for technical and practical applications. With the introduction of AI, and automation people skills have risen to the top of required skills. Here I break down the top 5 interpersonal, emotional intelligence and leadership skills that you should focus on this year, and how to develop them.
04:56 1 Self Awareness 10:21 2. Allied Conversations 13:05 3. Values 17:38 4. Express Ideas 18:56 5. Success Habits Check which of the 5 traits will help you excel: Excel Your Career Scorecard Would coaching help you? Join a taster coaching session this week: Learn More
A short announcement from me.
Being present with people, in this crazy world full of constant bleeps and distractions is one of the hardest things to do.
To be in that moment, to really give someone your whole attention is invaluable. If you want to have impact then that really is the way to go.
Because every communication is really about how you make others feel, and that in turn will help you feel incredibly confident.
Your presence is one of the most valuable commodities in the world.
This week live on Linkedin I'll be doing 12 LIVE replays on Linkedin and in the facebook group sharing exercises and coaching tools to help you.
There will be bonus materials to watch out for, including coaching sessions and workbooks to use for your own development, or with your team.
Make sure you follow me on Linkedin to watch live, or join the Facebook group.
JOIN THE GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiontoimpact
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN; https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bond-burnett-presents/
"I help people connect who they are on the inside to how they show up on the outside. And when those two are aligned, the people who meet them perceive them in the right way."
In this episode of the Ambition to Impact podcast, we are joined by Maria Macklin, an Image & Style Consultant that works with executives to unlock their style.
Do you dress to fit in, be noticed, or hideaway on the zoom screen? Clothing for centuries has has a secret purpose to connecting individuals from our school years to the industries we work in.
In this episode, we talk about what our clothes and style really does for our work. You'll find out not just what your style does for other people, but the impact it has on your productivity.
Maria is an award-winning Image Consultant at the House of Colour. She helps people deliver Professional Impact through the Science of Style.
In this episode, Maria, an image consultant, talked about how one can really make an impact and how important image is to the way that we show up at work.
LINKS:
More about Maria: https://www.houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist/profile/76
Maria on LinkedIn https://ie.linkedin.com/in/mariamacklinunlockingyourstyle
Join the Facebook group here to access the Presence video series https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiontoimpact
In this episode of the Ambition to Impact podcast, I'm joined by Alastair Barlow, Flinder founding partner
Flinder helps businesses evolve by delivering a finance function that is in sync with their overall strategy, and they do it charged with passion, people, and high adrenalin performance.
"I just don't believe you need to wear a suit to be your best self"
In this episode, Alastair talks about the importance of passion in their business, as founders but also creating a legacy of loving what you do through each team member.
We discuss how passion, team building and the ROI of happiness impacts this has on his team, clients and stakeholders, and how that passion transforms the performance in each team member, and even impacts the value given to clients in how they align data with strategy.
Important Quotes
Links
In this episode, I'm joined by Jon Keating, Vice President and General Manager at HighRadius, responsible for leading HighRadius’ growth plans across Europe, Middle East, and Africa
HighRadius is a Fintech enterprise Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company leveraging AI-based Systems to automate Accounts Receivable and Treasury processes. Sounds technical right? But there is a very real, very gritty culture running through the company.
They are very clear about what they are NOT…
Work is not a fairytale, it’s real life!
They are Pragmatists - with a reputation for speed and disruption.
They created values that run through the language of every employee globally so that everyone has clarity of what they are tey to achieve, and how to go about it. I should know.
Jon and I met when we worked together on the High Radius Kick-Off Conference, wanting to create an experience that connected the new high radians with the European and Asian teams. In fact, we created an immersive experience using those values, such as ride on the roller coaster, and go gritty or go home.
Jon has a wealth of experience to share about leading a team with a blend of cultures and personalities having worked in Sanfransica, Europe and India and now back in the UK.
On our call we talk:
Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondkeating/
https://speakingambition.scoreapp.com/
https://www.highradius.com/
Today's episode is all about procrastination, what it is, why you do it and how to stop it.
Overall, you're not alone - Adults procrastinate all the time - and 94% feel awful about it. Here I explain what is happening when you procrastinate and share a few tactics to boost your productivity and get you back in control.
In this episode, I talk to Nicola Buckley. As a confidence & neuroscience expert, Nicola’s purpose is to help you achieve your self-identity for an impactful living.
Nicola and I share thoughts on being in the direct corporate world without having to please others to avoid their judgment.
Have you have restricted your natural responses for fear of being seen as too aggressive, or blunt?
OR maybe you've been called out on 'not being professional' and being overly emotional... when that's just who you are! It can be exhausting to hold yourself back.
We share our thoughts on leadership techniques we see work, and how to be your natural self, and how you can overcome corporate stress without compromising your principles and values.
Key Highlights 05:10 Initial discussion
06:50 Changes in leadership in the corporate world
08:37 How can men be aware of the changes in corporate leadership
12:58 Is a need to please a gender-based issue. How to stop wanting to please
18:30 What to focus on when letting go of pleasing others
30:18 Aspects of leading authentically/Self-awareness
33:30 Core actions to take
36:19 Where to find more info
POWERFUL QUOTES
Links
This week I'm talking about confidence and how you can access higher levels of confidence when you need it the most.
Join me this week as I share a coaching technique to help you understand what trips up your confidence levels, and how to understand what lifts you up so that you can manufacture your confidant 'flow' mode when you need it.
Key Highlights
[01:18] Things that affect our confidence levels
[04:32] Zone of Comfort
[06:45] The circle of your absolute flow zone
[07:50] Reasons why you are feeling uncomfortable outside your zone of comfort
[09:38] What is lack of confidence holding you back from
[12:19] What it takes for you to feel as confident as all of the things in your comfort zone
[12:45] Ways to start thinking about your confidence levels and how to feel amazing
[15:16] Build your confidence with “Confidence Untapped.”
Listen to Ambition to Impact podcast on: Our Website
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Follow Us Online
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bond-burnett-presents/
https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabondburnett
https://www.twitter.com/_speakambition
3 Behaviors of Massively Effective Communicators
In this episode, I will share with you how to be effective, intentional, and be seen in what you do. I will talk about the three behaviours of super effective communicators that will help you achieve this. Tune in to find out more about them.
Timestamps
[02:00] Communicate with Impact Scorecard
[03:22] Staying in control
[07:35] Being Data Focused
[13:23] Being clear and intentional
Powerful Quotes
● People who are massively effective recognize that it’s not that effective people don’t feel emotions, it’s that they are aware of them, and then use that as a signal to know what to do next.
● Emotional intelligence is checking in with your emotions, recognizing what they are, and why you're feeling them and then regulating them so that you can be more effective.
● Leaders are embarking on a coaching conversation, and a coaching conversation is always to find a way through. And that's why a lot of leaders now are developing coaching techniques. It’s about finding that path through, together.
● Think about what you want people to think, feel or do after the conversation you have had with them.
If you loved this episode, you might want to subscribe for more episodes!
Listen to Ambition To Impact podcast on:
https://www.speakingambition.com/podcast
Subscribe and listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MHkvT0BfGHFlZPRUEZS3
Paul Shrimpling is the Managing Director of Remarkable Practice Ltd, a UK-based company set up to challenge ambitious accountancy firms to ‘humanise the numbers.’ Their role is to connect and help transform the thinking and behaviours of the accountancy firms.
In this episode of Ambition to Impact, Paul talks about his journey to help firms humanise the numbers, and how having high quality interactions is a win-win situation for business and clients. He also shares some of the biggest challenges he has seen accountants face, including the brutal truth of adopting change and becoming 'skilled'. Tune in to listen
Timestamps
[01:25] Influencing how a client feels
[02:10] How high-quality interaction with accountants help businesses
[03:43] Where it all started: Paul’s history with helping accounting firms
[07:06] Some of the biggest mistakes people make
[11:50] Facing the brutal truth of change
[14:20] The biggest challenge accountants face
[17:17] How to build skill work
[18:48] Helping your team to grow
[25:10] The human accounting practice
Notable Quotes * If the accountants have more human interactions as opposed to email interactions, then they will feel a great sense of value. * My passion, zeal, and energy to work with accountants came from the fact that every business owner has taken the risk and faces challenges on a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. * There are two different types of accountants: the one who took humanity seriously and the one who only takes the numbers work seriously * We think we can take someone who is a particular style of person in terms of their natural tendencies to do a particular type of work. * We assume we got to be extroverts to be good human beings. We just have to be exactly who we are, a blend of the two (introvert and extrovert). * If you don’t grow your people, you will not grow your accountancy firm. * If you're going to build skill; accountants want to be right first time, okay? When you to go build skill, that just won't work. You've got to be willing, open up a little bit to "Oh, I might make a few mistakes" Yeah, well, you're right, you will. And it's the repetition at the edge of your skill that means you're going to mess up. And so it's going to be a struggle.
Links And Resources Mindset: The New Psychology of Success By Carol Dweck https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322
Connect With Paul
Remarkable Practice Website https://www.remarkablepractice.com/
Humanise The Numbers Podcast https://humanisethenumbers.online/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shrimpers
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulshrimpling/?originalSubdomain=uk
If you loved this episode, you might want to subscribe for more episodes!
Listen to Ambition To Impact podcast on:
https://www.speakingambition.com/podcast
Subscribe and listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MHkvT0BfGHFlZPRUEZS3
You know exactly what you need to do, so why aren't you doing it?
Welcome to a laser session - here are three questions to get you challenging yourself to break through that stuck feeling of "I know all the things but have no idea what I'm stuck on!"
In this episode, I discuss three common blocks that I see time and again with clients, that are sitting in your brain right now stopping you from achieving. Take this for a walk with you and ask yourself the crucial questions.
Links mentioned:
Ambition to Impact Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiontoimpact
Free Development Plan Tool:
www.speakingambition.com
How can aspiring and established public speakers and entrepreneurs be on top of your game after nerves creep in?
It can start with the small things, someone interrupts you in a meeting or perhaps you get the horror of sudden mind blank... from then every speaking event and presentation turns into a sweat-inducing scenario - but you can't figure out why this happens to you, when you used to be fine?
In this episode Alexandra is joined by guest Olivia James, Performance Therapist and expert of performance and trauma.
In the episode we discuss:
Links:
Olivia James - Harley Street Coach
Olivia James Linkedin
Can you articulate your value in a way that matters to other people? In this episode, Alexandra Bond Burnett explores the 5 traits that impactful and successful people have that not only advances their prospects but saves the economy millions each year*
Your personal impact, or presence, becomes a problem when you can't effectively share your ideas or insights to the people that you need onside. It can be frustrating, demoralising and reduce the opportunities you receive.
Massively effective people know how to connect to others, influence ideas and positively affect the people around them. This is where your technical abilities really shine.
To make headway as a leader, expert professional or influence big change for the future you need to master the 5 principles I've seen leaders globally use to reach their highest potential.
Links mentioned:
*Soft Skills Report:
https://www.allthingsic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/The-Value-of-Soft-Skills-to-the-UK-Economy.pdf
Free assessment tool:
www.speakingambition.com
Welcome to the new show listen into a brief introduction to Ambition to Impact what we'll create in this space. Every week we will be covering aspects of personal impact and executive presence:
Each Monday a laser success topic to build your EQ and Impact Every Thursday a guest expert in Leadership and Success Skills
Ambition to Impact is a conversation about how we push ourselves to be our greatest... that satisfying point where we feel that we are reaching our potential in our careers and life by making a strong impact. That will mean different things to each of you, but this will be the place to challenge and support you on your journey.
Three ways you can increase your Impact:
Subscribe to the podcast! Join the FB Group Ambition to Impact Use the free Personal Impact Assessment tool to help you understand your strengths and what will aid your success