The Leadership Podcast by Niels Brabandt / NB Networks

Business & Economics Podcasts

Niels Brabandt, the owner and founder of NB Networks, is your host. Sustainable Leadership. We are helping managers to become better leaders. This show dedicates time to help, to improve and to assist you in achieving your goals. You may already be a leader and aim to become better, or you want to be in a leadership position in the future and avoid mistakes on the way of getting there. Your host, Niels Brabandt, is in business since 1998. He worked for a large corporation as well as a global franchise company before he became full-time self-employed. This podcast is your free access to his knowledge, his experience and his network of experts. What can you expect? You will get scientifically proven expertise. Your host will make unambiguously clear when he is talking about opinion rather than facts. He will address your challenges as a leader or someone who wants to be one and how to overcome them. The challenges you face as a leader in today's business world come from many different aspects of an organisation. Finding the right way to communicate and managing conflicts are just the beginning. Excellent presentations skills are a must today besides dealing with change inside and outside the teams which you have to lead — keeping motivation high means that you must be able to have skills of influence without being manipulative. Negotiate and set goals, be creative and innovative, make the right decisions and position yourself in a business work which heavily relies on networking. You must deliver all this at the best quality with efficient and effective processes during projects which must be on time, on track, on target but under budget. Moreover, of course, you must recruit, develop and retain the best talents of your industry. Your employer's brand and business storytelling become a significant part of your work today. At the same time, hard skills as forecasting, planning, conceptualisation are part of you as a leader mastering Strategy. Of course, selling the products has to work as well in challenging and competitive environments. Niels Brabandt, owner and founder of NB Networks, your host, will help to become a (better) leader.

Location:

United Kingdom

Genres:

Business & Economics Podcasts

Description:

Niels Brabandt, the owner and founder of NB Networks, is your host. Sustainable Leadership. We are helping managers to become better leaders. This show dedicates time to help, to improve and to assist you in achieving your goals. You may already be a leader and aim to become better, or you want to be in a leadership position in the future and avoid mistakes on the way of getting there. Your host, Niels Brabandt, is in business since 1998. He worked for a large corporation as well as a global franchise company before he became full-time self-employed. This podcast is your free access to his knowledge, his experience and his network of experts. What can you expect? You will get scientifically proven expertise. Your host will make unambiguously clear when he is talking about opinion rather than facts. He will address your challenges as a leader or someone who wants to be one and how to overcome them. The challenges you face as a leader in today's business world come from many different aspects of an organisation. Finding the right way to communicate and managing conflicts are just the beginning. Excellent presentations skills are a must today besides dealing with change inside and outside the teams which you have to lead — keeping motivation high means that you must be able to have skills of influence without being manipulative. Negotiate and set goals, be creative and innovative, make the right decisions and position yourself in a business work which heavily relies on networking. You must deliver all this at the best quality with efficient and effective processes during projects which must be on time, on track, on target but under budget. Moreover, of course, you must recruit, develop and retain the best talents of your industry. Your employer's brand and business storytelling become a significant part of your work today. At the same time, hard skills as forecasting, planning, conceptualisation are part of you as a leader mastering Strategy. Of course, selling the products has to work as well in challenging and competitive environments. Niels Brabandt, owner and founder of NB Networks, your host, will help to become a (better) leader.

Twitter:

@NielsBrabandt

Language:

English

Contact:

+44 20 32871900

Website:

http://www.nb-networks.com/

Email:

NB@NB-Networks.com

Episodes

#441 (Un)Conscious Bias in Recruiting and Leadership – Why Blind Spots Undermine Business Success | Niels Brabandt

9/23/2025

Unconscious bias remains one of the most underestimated risks in recruiting and leadership. From names, photos, and accents to education, hobbies, or postcodes—decisions are often shaped by hidden assumptions rather than objective criteria. The result? Costly mis-hires, damaged employer brands, and leadership teams that replicate their own blind spots instead of building true diversity and strength. In this episode, Niels Brabandt, Founder of NB Networks and international leadership expert, analyses how unconscious bias infiltrates decision-making, why it weakens business performance, and what leaders must do to overcome it. Drawing on real cases, research insights, and decades of executive training experience, he explains why awareness and professional training are critical for sustainable leadership. This episode offers concrete, strategic insights for executives, HR leaders, and decision makers who want to attract the right talent, strengthen their organisations, and avoid the reputational damage of biased practices. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:25:15

#440 How Leaders Motivate or Demotivate their HR and Recruiting Teams | Leadership Insights with Niels

9/16/2025

How do leaders inspire their HR and recruiting professionals—or drive them into frustration and disengagement? In this episode, Niels Brabandt, Founder of NB Networks and internationally recognised leadership expert, explores the decisive role leadership plays in motivating (or demotivating) the very teams that shape an organisation’s future workforce. Drawing on real-world examples from Europe’s largest HR and recruiting fair, Brabandt reveals why HR and recruiting are not back-office functions but the sales engine of the “employer brand.” He analyses why flawed KPIs, excessive operational burdens, and poor executive communication undermine motivation, and he outlines the leadership behaviours that build trust, foster engagement, and turn HR into a strategic driver of organisational success. For decision makers who want to win the global talent race, this episode delivers clear and actionable leadership insights. Niels Brabandt shows why leadership behaviour is the number one factor behind retention, performance, and long-term business success. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:20:42

#439 AI, Bias and Leadership: How Business Decision Makers Can Use Artificial Intelligence Responsibly | Niels Brabandt

9/9/2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping recruitment, leadership, and business strategy — but are organisations prepared for the risks as well as the opportunities? In this episode, leadership expert Niels Brabandt explores how AI can deliver efficiency and speed while simultaneously creating bias, legal challenges, and reputational risks if implemented without care. Drawing on current case studies, regulatory developments, and leadership best practices, this episode provides executives and decision makers with a clear framework for integrating AI responsibly into recruitment and leadership processes. Key insights include: Why “something with AI” is not a strategy but a liability. How bias in data accelerates discrimination risks and lawsuits. Where AI genuinely creates measurable value in recruitment and HR. Why human–AI collaboration outperforms full automation. The critical role of leadership, compliance, and employer branding in AI adoption. For business leaders, the message is clear: AI will not replace executives — but leaders who fail to adapt and use AI responsibly risk being replaced. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:18:16

#438 Leadership Between Productivity and Self-Fulfilment: Niels Brabandt in Conversation with Saahil Mehta

9/9/2025

How can leaders achieve peak productivity without sacrificing fulfilment and well-being? In this in-depth interview, leadership expert Niels Brabandt speaks with entrepreneur, mountaineer, and leadership coach Saahil Mehta about redefining success, building resilience, and leading with clarity. Drawing on his Seven Summits framework — inspired by mountaineering and applied to business leadership — Saahil Mehta outlines how executives can prioritise effectively, avoid the trap of short-term sacrifices, and adopt what he calls the “mountain mindset.” Key insights from this conversation include: How to balance business productivity with personal fulfilment. Why defining your personal “Seven Summits” creates better decision-making clarity. The importance of distinguishing between “crystal balls” and “rubber balls” in leadership priorities. How empowerment, delegation, and preparation drive stronger results. Why resilience and self-care are critical for long-term leadership success. For executives, entrepreneurs, and business decision makers, this episode provides actionable strategies to lead effectively in both professional and personal spheres. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:17:12

#437 Why Stories Matter in Leadership: Niels Brabandt in Conversation with Sierra Melcher

9/9/2025

In this exclusive interview, leadership expert Niels Brabandt speaks with publishing specialist and author Sierra Melcher about the critical role of storytelling in business leadership and organisational success. While executives often rely on data and performance metrics, it is stories that create trust, credibility, and sustainable influence. Sierra Melcher explains why every leader has a story worth telling, how publishing a book can transform visibility and authority, and what pitfalls to avoid — from vanity publishing to the misuse of AI-generated content. Key insights from this conversation include: Why storytelling is a strategic leadership tool for decision makers. How publishing strengthens credibility in ways short-form content cannot. The advantages and drawbacks of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI and ghostwriting. How the process of writing transforms leaders themselves. For executives and business leaders, this episode offers actionable perspectives on communication, influence, and leadership credibility. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:13:40

#436 Leadership in Times of Crisis: Restructuring, Redundancies, and Responsibility - by Niels Brabandt

9/2/2025

In this episode, Niels Brabandt, founder of NB Networks and international expert on sustainable leadership, addresses one of the most difficult challenges leaders face: guiding organisations through crises, restructuring, and redundancies. Drawing on real-world cases, Niels Brabandt explains why vague justifications, such as “the market” or “the economy,” undermine trust, and why leaders must take accountability for difficult decisions. He highlights the triple preparation every organisation needs: transparent processes, robust support systems, and trained leaders, while showing how poor communication or lack of empathy can cause irreparable damage to brands, careers, and lives. This episode offers executives and decision-makers a practical framework for handling layoffs responsibly, protecting organisational trust, and demonstrating authentic leadership under pressure. A podcast hosted by Niels Brabandt, delivering actionable insights for leaders who want to combine clarity, empathy, and accountability, even in times of crisis. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:28:15

#435 Coaching in Business and the Future of Leadership - Niels Brabandt Interviews Greg Smith

9/2/2025

In this insightful conversation, Niels Brabandt, founder of NB Networks and international leadership expert, speaks with Greg Smith, General Manager of FranklinCovey Executive Coaching, about the role of coaching in modern business. Together, they explore why coaching is not a perk but a strategic necessity for organisations aiming to build resilient and adaptable leaders. Greg Smith shares research-backed insights on why executive coaching delivers the highest ROI of all leadership development tools, how to identify qualified coaches in a crowded marketplace, and why timing is critical when supporting leaders in transition. With real-world examples, Niels Brabandt and Greg Smith discuss the risks of neglecting coaching, the dangers of unqualified providers, and the future of leadership development in an era shaped by volatility, AI, and global change. This episode is essential listening for executives, HR leaders, and decision-makers who want to understand how coaching can transform leadership performance, strengthen organisational culture, and secure long-term business success. A podcast hosted by Niels Brabandt, delivering thought leadership for leaders who want sustainable results. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact with Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:19:34

#434 The Six and a Half Habits of Highly Defective Bosses - Niels Brabandt Interviews Joel Hilchey

9/2/2025

In this exclusive interview, Niels Brabandt, founder of NB Networks and international leadership expert, speaks with Joel Hilchey, keynote speaker, entertainer, and author of The Six and a Half Habits of Highly Defective Bosses. Together, they explore what makes bosses fail, why leadership behaviour determines whether employees stay or leave, and how organisations can avoid the pitfalls of “defective leadership.” Joel Hilchey shares real-world insights from his career and new book, explaining the habits that undermine leadership—from “function forgetting” to “mediocrity mongering” and “bully bossing.” He and Niels Brabandt discuss why fun is an underrated leadership resource, how micromanagement erodes trust, and what leaders must do to build cultures that inspire rather than demoralise. This conversation is essential for executives, managers, and decision-makers who want to understand the difference between destructive leadership and sustainable, intentional leadership. A podcast hosted by Niels Brabandt, delivering high-level perspectives for leaders who want to make better decisions, create stronger cultures, and achieve long-term success. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:27:27

#433 AI in the C-Suite: Why Critical Thinking Is Non-Negotiable - by Niels Brabandt

8/26/2025

Artificial intelligence can speed decisions — and, if unchecked, speed mistakes. In this episode, leadership expert Niels Brabandt shows how to harness AI without sacrificing judgement, governance or trust. From “plausible but wrong” outputs (like optimistic walk times or misread PDFs) to high-risk failures (fabricated case law, myth-based policies), Niels explains why critical thinking belongs at the heart of every AI workflow. What you will learn A simple loop to de-risk AI: Analysis → Evaluation → Judgement When to insist on primary sources (and how to verify “too perfect” citations) The quality gates every team needs: fact-check, bias screen, hallucination red flags Data hygiene & access control: stop internal AIs exposing sensitive information A practical 30/60/90-day plan to embed policy, red-teaming and measurable KPIs How boards can balance speed with accountability — and avoid the “cheap & fast” trap Who it is for CEOs, founders, board members and senior leaders who want AI-driven speed and decision-grade reliability. About the host Niels Brabandt is a leadership expert and host of the Leadership Podcast, advising organisations on evidence-based, situational leadership and AI governance. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:22:13

#432 Entitlement in the World of New Work: Why Leaders Must Act on Evidence - by Niels Brabandt

8/19/2025

Entitlement is no longer just a “young talent” issue. It is a leadership challenge affecting organisations at every level. In this episode, leadership expert Niels Brabandt explains why entitlement thinking thrives when decisions are based on nostalgia or hierarchy rather than evidence. Discover: How organisational entitlement is damaging recruitment and retention Why hybrid and remote work require evidence, not slogans The five leadership principles Niels Brabandt uses to transform entitlement into commitment A simple decision framework to test if office mandates make business sense Leaders in SMEs and global corporations alike will learn how to move beyond arbitrary rules and create an architecture of fairness, transparency, and competitive advantage. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: Niels Brabandt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter by Niels Brabandt: http://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:23:31

#431 Merging IT and HR: Insights, Strategies, and Real-World Cases – Niels Brabandt on Leadership in the Age of AI

8/12/2025

In this episode, Niels Brabandt explores why leading organisations are merging IT and HR – and how this bold move can boost decision-making, efficiency, and strategic impact. Drawing on real-world cases from Moderna, Covisian, and Bunq, you’ll learn the drivers behind this trend, the benefits it can deliver, and the pitfalls to avoid. Discover how Artificial Intelligence is accelerating the integration of people and technology functions, what the Best Fit Model looks like in practice, and why successful transformations protect jobs while empowering teams. Packed with practical advice for leaders, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating digital transformation, organisational change, or future-focused leadership. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:18:17

#430 Do We Really Need Regulation? Why Smart Rules Drive Business Success

8/5/2025

Is regulation a necessary foundation for sustainable business — or just bureaucratic noise? In this episode of Sustainable Leadership – The Leadership Podcast, global leadership expert Niels Brabandt examines why regulation isn't just about rules but about trust, risk mitigation, and long-term value creation. You’ll learn: Why systemic risks threaten entire industries — and how regulation prevents collapse How well-designed compliance builds investor confidence When regulation fosters fairness, growth, and innovation What happens when regulatory frameworks fail — and why that’s dangerous How leaders can apply adaptable, reasonable guidelines to strengthen their organizations This episode is essential listening for executives, entrepreneurs, compliance professionals, and decision-makers navigating complex, high-stakes environments. Tune in to rethink what regulation really means for your business — and why ignoring it is no longer an option. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:19:47

#429 Leaders delivering Critique

7/29/2025

When leaders need to criticise, it often does not go down well. Wrong approach, no structure, only talking when criticising. How can leaders deliver critique and create a beneficial situation for all individuals involved in the process? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:19:30

#428 Leadership by Example and how to deal with Public Scrutiny

7/22/2025

Leaders claim to know that they must lead by example. However, often employees state that they do not see leaders as a good example for the organisation. How can leaders be better examples, and how should they deal with public scrutiny? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's podcast. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:25:38

#427 Lead with Hospitality - an interview with Taylor Scott

7/22/2025

Taylor Scott worked for an international Hospitality corporation in very challenging circumstances. How can leaders apply the principles of hospitality into their business? Taylor Scott answered the question and more in this interview with Niels Brabandt. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Taylor Scott Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:18:32

#426 Recruiting and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

7/15/2025

Especially in recruiting, organisations hope for more efficiency and effectivity by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, the class action lawsuit against Workday created doubt regarding this endavour. Which approach is a well-chose one and how may you implement it in your organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:24:38

#425 Emotions, Leadership and Business - by Niels Brabandt

7/8/2025

When emotions become publicly visible, the discussion starts immediately. Is it appropriate to show emotions in public? Is it suitable when you hold certain positions? Which consequences might this behaviour have? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:15:37

#424 Succession Planning - by Niels Brabandt

7/1/2025

Imagine an important person is missing from your team by tomorrow. Most teams, most organisations, most companies do not have a system for succession planning in place. They hope for the best without sustainable concepts when someone suddenly becomes unavailable. How can succession planning be approached sustainably and professionally? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/

Duration:00:17:29

#423 Leadership in the Medical and STEM Industries - an interview with Francie Jain - by Niels Brabandt

7/1/2025

Employee turnover in the medical and STEM field is high. Leaders are often criticised for acting in a non-sustainable way. At the same time, both field have to handle high demands with often limited budgets. Which approach to leadership development is suitable in these fields? Francie Jain answers these questions in this interview with Niels Brabandt. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Guest: Francie Jain Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:22:39

#422 Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are relevant for everyone

6/24/2025

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) often cause debate at the moment. While scientific evidence is unambiguously clear in its favour, many people see this topic as an aspect for a minority, a small group, quickly labelling it as a "nice to have". In reality, DEI is relevant for everyone. How can you and your organisation pick the best approach? Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/

Duration:00:25:03