Ambition to Impact with Alexandra Bond Burnett

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: Don't leave the difficult conversation to fester. Check the communication styles of the people involved in the conversation. Check your reactions and how you deal with conflict. Listen to what the other person means, not just what they say. 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: Her 'Leader's Library Book' Surrounded by Idiots, and how she uses that to be adaptable when communicating How she uses her passion for business to drive her success Why she believes there is no time to be humble - and to champion yourself (no one else will!) 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: Two very different paths into their careers, ad how they have both benefitted from their differences. What led them to 100% talent retention in their team How to create a productive and open culture in a global team The leadership lessons that impacted them the most Links Personal Performance Scorecard: https://speakingambition.scoreapp.com/ Connect with Luke Grant on Linkedin Connect with Edyta Zamojska on Linkedin Read the Blog

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: When values aren't useful to making strong decisions (and when they really are) How he made an uncomfortable habit of integrating his values into decisions, into a comfortable behaviour How to decide when you should push on, or call it quits 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: What to bear in mind working with different cultures, from the UK, mainland Europe, two stints in Tokyo, Melbourne and Boston USA. How we handled the fallout when news broke about Lehman Brothers in 2008, and how that helped him through the pandemic How to deal with guesswork and ambiguity when your job relies on accuracy Episode Links: Join the Leader's Library to see John's edition along with other short leadership lessons for free here https://www.speakingambition.com/leaderslibrary Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnairvine/ Connect with Alex https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bond-burnett-presents/ Book a consultation for coaching here: https://calendly.com/alexandrabb/intro-call Are you ready to make a greater impact as a leader? Get your free assessment to give you more visibility, more confidence and more control over your future. 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: Vineta's personal leadership journey from being a team of one, to growing to a team of 150 How she waded powerfully through huge transformations and changes in the business What choices she had to make to be the promotable leader What important choices were made about her personal brand as a leader Why being good at what she does is more important than being a "Female Leader" Why she would go mad if she, and the people she works with couldn't be herself 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: Ian shares his unique start in finance, through engineering How to be humble, and build strong relationships The difference between a numbers guy and a commercial finance leader How he builds up his team, inviting listening and strong partnering throughout the company Building rapport and getting to the root of the problems 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; Life starting out at a big four with a path to partnership in audit How he learned to listen to his valued and the skills that changed his path to be the leader he admired Hitting a new and fast-changing environment as a leader in a fast-growing FINTECH Nium How he plans to lead his team with authenticity, agility and trust 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: The top misconceptions about introversion that every leader should know Strategies for introverted professionals gain influence in their careers How to be inclusive to fellow introverts 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 “If you love something so much, it doesn't feel like work, and you will create something so much better” “ You need not wear a suit to be your best self. You need to be comfortable in your own skin, you need to be comfortable coming to work” “ It's about figuring out which part of your career or profession or what you do to help other people and make a living makes you happy and you're passionate about” “The way the team bonds and how they work together and the culture and all that and it's so impressive to see and that's taken on its own life, if you like that's no longer Luke, and I, we might have started the snowball, but it's the team that keeps it where it's going” “The passion and energy are what magnetised, attracted which add one huge amount of credibility for Flinder” “Dealing with challenges and those moments when lacking motivation… It's about empathy. It's about listening.” “ Our team is the most important asset that we have and the most important thing. We want to be a people organisation, and people first, and we really try and listen” "ROI on investing in a team like that is a happy workforce. That reduces churn." “The value-added part is the part on top where you break down the story, what it's actually telling you and challenge the business to, to think differently or take different actions or, you know, bringing that insight” “ If you think of it as your business, you add more value, you add more challenge” Links Flinder Effect: https://flinder.co/ Alastair Barlow https://uk.linkedin.com/in/abarlowfcca Strengths Finder 2.0 https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx DISC Personality Reports : https://www.speakingambition.com/disc

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… The Pretenders - the biggest fraudsters claim integrity in their values. You won't see any falsified value statements on their website The Fairytale Startup 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: Jon's style of leadership, and how he gives people enough freedom to get on and do their job and being there to support them His steep learning curve in management - from thinking he knew it all in his first to realising you will never stop learning. Being curious about what new technologies and tools can bring Having Values that run in your company as a common language On expecting people to be egoless.to get stuck in and add value where they can 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 Everything is always open to change. It only needs the right mindset and a right decision Living internally is reconnecting to yourself. It is about coming back to your true self When you are in the people-pleasing mode, your life is externally lived. You are not in your true self It is better to be judged for who you are, rather than avoiding judgment by faking your personality The best way to stop pleasing people is is to start with you Choosing to become unapologetically yourself is the first step to having an impact in the corporate world. Links Linkedin

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/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabondburnett Twitter 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: How small knocks of confidence can result in 'trauma in the body. How important it is to recognise what happens in your body NOT just your mindset to be high performing How to create confidence spaces for others in meetings and speaking events 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