The Business Elevation Show - Thought-Provoking Conversations On The Business Of Doing Good

About this episode: In this deeply moving and inspiring Special Encore episode, Chris Cooper was joined by four extraordinary members of ‘The Elevation Collective’—Molly Bedingfield, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, and Hilary Wilson—as they reflect on their recent journey to the Global Angels Tsavo Project in Kenya. Led by Global Angels founder Molly Bedingfield, the collective lived in remarkable clay eco-domes, learned about regenerative farming on a 26-acre permaculture farm, and witnessed both the challenges and hope within local communities. From carrying clean water to homes without plumbing, meeting children who rely on the charity for their only meals of the day, and seeing first-hand the transformative power of sustainable development—this was a journey that deeply touched the heart and stirred a strong call to action. Together, the group shared personal stories: of a child grasping a hand in trust, of water carried in broken buckets from dirty ponds, of resilience, ingenuity, and the joy of giving. They also speak to the deeper leadership lessons uncovered in moments of humility, connection, and service. This isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation. Everyone can be an Angel. Whether through donations, corporate involvement, or volunteering, your support can bring clean water, food, education, jobs, and dignity to those who need it most. To support Global Angels, contact molly@globalangels.org or visit Global Angels here. More about this week’s guests: Molly Bedingfield is the Founder and CEO of Global Angels Foundation and their International Project Director, founding Global Angels in 2004. Over the course of a career spanning more than 35 years, Molly has been involved in business management, leadership development and mentoring; experiences that enable her to tailor her business-critical messages in a relevant way which can be practically applied by any organisation. Molly is also a social entrepreneur, executive coach and inspirational speaker, who helps audiences to practically navigate periods of transition and transformation in order to improve their personal and professional lives, create greater levels of impact and access their game-changing potential. Her perspective on transformational leadership and talent development is based firmly on real-life, practical experience, and communicated with charisma, passion and immense warmth through her inspirational keynote speeches. For many years she was practicing as a professional counsellor, psychotherapist and executive coach, working within the business and charity sectors. In the 1990’s she was head teacher of two inner city schools working on pilot programs, reproducible in any culture. She worked closely with children, parents and teachers, experimenting with new models of education. Molly is the mother of four, talented singer/songwriters. International pop stars Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield have established successful solo careers, Nikola is an EMI Award nominee. At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today’s list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career...

About this episode: Join us for a powerful and deeply human conversation with Stevie Ward—keynote speaker, freedom coach, and former professional rugby league captain—who now dedicates his life to helping leaders and teams unlock extraordinary performance while experiencing deep, lasting wellbeing. Stevie’s journey is anything but ordinary. Once a rugby star and captain living his boyhood dream with the Leeds Rhinos, winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and eventually captaining the side. But when a serious brain injury brought his playing career to an unexpected halt at just 27, he faced his toughest opponent yet—himself. Through that life-altering turning point, Stevie discovered a powerful truth: that real strength comes not just from physical prowess, but from presence, vulnerability, and radical self-awareness. During this interview we will discuss his hard-won insights that emerged from his personal reinvention and how to inspire outlandish team spirit, ignite purpose, and foster a freedom to be your absolute best. More about Stevie Ward: Stevie Ward is a keynote speaker and freedom coach, helping leaders and teams unlock their highest levels of performance while experiencing deep, sustainable wellbeing. He grew up laughing at Ricky Gervais and Peter Kay, rocking out to Linkin Park and Nine Inch Nails, and living his childhood dream of playing for his beloved hometown team, the Leeds Rhinos—winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and eventually captaining the side. A brain injury brought his career to an early end at 27, creating space for a new mission: guiding teams and individuals through the authentic formula he’s lived and developed—one that conjures outlandish levels of team spirit and the freedom to be your absolute best.

About this epsiode: In this powerful episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper speaks with Brian Gallagher – former CEO of United Way Worldwide and current Founder of the Leargas Group – about one of today’s most pressing questions: Is capitalism good? Drawing on a life journey from humble beginnings in a steel town to leading one of the world’s most influential non-profits, they discuss insights on inequality, planetary health, and the urgent need to rebuild social capital in our digital age. With deep experience in systems thinking, impact investing, and philanthropy, Brian offers a rare, honest perspective on how we can realign economic models to serve both people and planet. This conversation isn’t just about business – it’s about humanity, purpose, and the kind of future we want to co-create. Essential listening for leaders, changemakers, and anyone committed to meaningful change. More about Brian Gallagher: Brian Gallagher is the Founder and CEO of the Leargas Group, an economic and social impact firm focused on creating social capital using digital technology, racial justice and equity, and impact investing. Gallagher co-founded the Abundance Circle. Working with a group of partners, the Abundance Circle led a design process to create a multi-sector approach to impact investing. The Abundance Circle is an initiative with the purpose of developing a true multi-stakeholder approach to collective impact, through systems thinking, using conscious capital, through a biomimicry lens, and putting people and planet at the center. Gallagher also co-founded Donorful. Donorful is a company working with commercial donor advised funds and wealth advisors and their clients to match their philanthropy with results-oriented non-profits and initiatives through an effective and trusted “Smart Network” of local United Ways and Community Foundations. Gallagher had a long career with United Way. He served as the United Way Worldwide CEO for 19 years. He is responsible for several advancements at United Way. He established new membership standards that required internal consistency and public transparency in financial reporting. Under Gallagher’s leadership United Way became the largest privately supported non-profit in the world, and one of the non-profit sectors’ most valuable brands. United Way is now active in 40 countries around the world as a single brand.

About this episode: In this uplifting episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper is joined by Luke Ketterhagen—yoga teacher, wellness guide, blueberry farmer, and faculty member at the Himalayan Institute. From a childhood in rural Wisconsin to studying under a Himalayan master, Luke has spent over two decades teaching yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques around the world. Chris and Luke explore how simple daily practices can transform anxiety into purposeful action, and why now—more than ever—we must tap into our innate tools to regulate our nervous systems, expand awareness, and contribute to a better world. Expect practical wisdom, experiential breathing, and reflections on community, culture, and the joy of picking blueberries. A heartfelt conversation on human potential and amplifying good. More about Luke Ketterhagen: Luke was raised in rural WI by his parents - a couple of ex hippies – an educator and a nurse. Their home was imbued with a passion for spirituality and wellness, driven by a longing to create a community of like-minded people. This love of knowledge and all things natural was a catalyst for Luke. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical sciences from Marquette University, Luke immersed himself in the studies and practices of the Himalayan Tradition. He spent seven years in residence at the Himalayan Institute to study with his teacher, yoga and meditation master Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. This fueled Luke’s passion to share this powerful knowledge with others. Trained in the yoga teacher program in August of 1999, Luke became part of the teaching faculty at the Himalayan Institute. Luke and his wife, Kourtney proceeded to open yoga studios in Dallas, TX, the Hudson Valley in NY, and in Venice, CA, where they hosted traditional fire offerings (havan) to support the propagation of benevolent forces throughout the world. Luke continued to travel and train teachers internationally, from the Grand Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic to Brussels and the UK. Inspired by his first visit to India during the Maha Kumbha Mela, Luke founded Experience India, a cultural and spiritual excursion to help others to see outside of their world, expand their view, and create an understanding of the connection we have with people all over the world. A founding teacher on the platform, Luke has created content for YogaInternational.com since 2007 and has amassed a library of 100+ yoga classes, guided relaxations and meditations and workshops. In addition to leading retreats at the Himalayan Institute, Luke facilitates yoga teacher training programs to help studios build community. His website, www.LukeKetterhagen.com has a relaxation you can download for free. Luke and his wife Kourtney live on their organic blueberry farm in southwest Michigan. Each summer they help continue the family's 57 year legacy of delivering “little drops of blue medicine” to the world while their two young adult children attend college and strive towards their dreams.

More about this episode: In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Chris Cooper is joined by four extraordinary members of ‘The Elevation Collective’—Molly Bedingfield, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, and Hilary Wilson—as they reflect on their recent journey to the Global Angels Tsavo Project in Kenya. Led by Global Angels founder Molly Bedingfield, the collective lived in remarkable clay eco-domes, learned about regenerative farming on a 26-acre permaculture farm, and witnessed both the challenges and hope within local communities. From carrying clean water to homes without plumbing, meeting children who rely on the charity for their only meals of the day, and seeing first-hand the transformative power of sustainable development—this was a journey that deeply touched the heart and stirred a strong call to action. Together, the group share personal stories: of a child grasping a hand in trust, of water carried in broken buckets from dirty ponds, of resilience, ingenuity, and the joy of giving. They also speak to the deeper leadership lessons uncovered in moments of humility, connection, and service. This isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation. Everyone can be an Angel. Whether through donations, corporate involvement, or volunteering, your support can bring clean water, food, education, jobs, and dignity to those who need it most. To support Global Angels, contact molly@globalangels.org or visit Global Angels Here. More about this week's guests: Molly Bedingfield is the Founder and CEO of Global Angels Foundation and their International Project Director, founding Global Angels in 2004. Over the course of a career spanning more than 35 years, Molly has been involved in business management, leadership development and mentoring; experiences that enable her to tailor her business-critical messages in a relevant way which can be practically applied by any organisation. Molly is also a social entrepreneur, executive coach and inspirational speaker, who helps audiences to practically navigate periods of transition and transformation in order to improve their personal and professional lives, create greater levels of impact and access their game-changing potential. Her perspective on transformational leadership and talent development is based firmly on real-life, practical experience, and communicated with charisma, passion and immense warmth through her inspirational keynote speeches. For many years she was practicing as a professional counsellor, psychotherapist and executive coach, working within the business and charity sectors. In the 1990’s she was head teacher of two inner city schools working on pilot programs, reproducible in any culture. She worked closely with children, parents and teachers, experimenting with new models of education. Molly is the mother of four, talented singer/songwriters. International pop stars Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield have established successful solo careers, Nikola is an EMI Award nominee. At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today’s list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, was...

About this episode: In this episode, Chris Cooper sits down with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to revolutionise the sportswear industry by becoming the most sustainable brand in the world. With over a decade of experience in sports and entertainment across the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Rory has built an impressive career specializing in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has worked with some of the biggest names in global sports, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, STC, and Red Bull. Before launching Reflo, Rory played a key role in developing the Icons Series, an innovative golf concept featuring some of the most legendary athletes on the planet. Beyond business, Rory is a passionate sports fan with a love for cricket, football, padel, and golf. A devoted supporter of Southampton FC and Sussex CCC, he finds his ultimate place of zen on the golf course. Join us as we dive into Rory’s journey, the inspiration behind Reflo, and how he’s transforming discarded plastic bottles into high-performance sportswear. We’ll also discuss the challenges of sustainability in the apparel industry, the future of eco-friendly sports gear, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose in today’s market. More about Rory MacFadyen: Rory is the co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to change the sportswear game, by becoming the most sustainable sportswear brand in the world. Rory is a seasoned professional in the sports and entertainment industry, with a career spanning over a decade in the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia. His expertise lies in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has collaborated with prestigious rightsholders such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, and global brands like STC and Red Bull. Before starting Reflo, Rory was instrumental in developing the Icons Series, a new golf concept played by some of the most iconic athletes on the planet. As a passionate sports enthusiast, Rory has a deep love for cricket, football, padel, and golf, and proudly support Southampton FC and Sussex CCC. His ultimate place of zen is the golf course, where he finds true relaxation.

About this episode: In this landmark 600th edition of The Business Elevation Show, celebrated author and reputation strategist Mike Mooney steps in as guest host to interview the show’s founder and long-time host Chris Cooper. Since launching the show in 2011, Chris has built The Business Elevation Show into one of the longest-running podcasts in the world, with a global audience in over 50 countries and a legacy of 600 purpose-driven conversations. Over 14 years, Chris has interviewed some of the world’s most inspiring business minds, social innovators, and changemakers—creating a unique archive of insight and transformation. In this special episode, Chris steps out from behind the mic to share: The most powerful lessons from 600 interviews with global leaders Warm, reflective and rich with insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable leadership, cultural impact, and creating a legacy that lifts others. More about Chris Cooper Chris Cooper is a highly respected behavioural strategist, mentor, facilitator, speaker and connector dedicated to elevating business success by developing leaders, empowering teams, and creating highly engaged business cultures. Passionate about people, he founded ‘Chris Cooper Business Elevation’ which has helped organisations, from international brands like Diageo, Carlsberg, Barclays and KP Foods to over 40 companies in the insurance, financial services and hospitality sectors. Since 2011, Chris has hosted the weekly Business Elevation Show on Voice America building an extensive network of global connections and a loyal audience spanning over 50 countries. It is of the longest running business podcasts in the world. He also founded The Elevation Collective—an exclusive, invitation-only community of wise, heart-led international leaders and changemakers committed to doing more good in the world. Chris is a sought-after speaker and media contributor, frequently addressing topics such as ‘Elevating Leadership’ and ‘Elevating Energy in Business’. He has co-authored two books, ‘The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It or Not)’, published by Penguin Random House (New York) and international best seller ‘Play the Game’. With a career that began at global brands such as Mars, United Biscuits, and Punch—where he rose to board-level roles—Chris brings significant expertise and strategic insight to his work. He lives in Leicestershire, England with his wife Ruth a GP and two teenage boys. More about Mike Mooney Mike Mooney developed a trusted reputation over 25 years in senior-leadership posts in the fast-paced and high-profile world of motorsports where he delivered dynamic business results and – more importantly to him – nurtured long-standing relationships. Having led numerous crisis and reputation management efforts over his career, Mike is a go-to resource for those in repair mode, but also those wanting proactive-branding and business-driving strategies. Mike’s experiences in motorsports led him to write the acclaimed book Reputation Shift – 5 High-Performance Truths for Success. The book delivers actionable strategies and step-by-step plans for readers to protect, harness, and strengthen one of their most valuable and precious assets – their reputations! Mike is a graduate of Elon University where he earned a degree in Corporate Communications and where he was lucky enough to meet his future wife. He, his wife and three children live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

About this episode: Join us for this Special Encore episoe, as we explore the heart of kindness as we discuss by stepping up and being an angel with Molly Bedingfield, Founder and CEO of the Global Angels Foundation. Molly exemplifies how leading with kindness can revolutionise our approach to personal growth, stakeholder engagement, and community support. With her extensive background in business management, leadership development and charitable contribution, we will discuss invaluable insights into practicing kindness and its ripple effect on creating transformative change. As a mother to four, talented singer/songwriters, including globally recognised talents Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, Molly understands the importance of love and kindness. This episode will delve into Molly’s philosophy that fostering kindness within can extend outwards, enhancing relationships with stakeholders and fostering strong community change which all contribute to a better world where all can flourish. Join us for a conversation that promises not just to inspire, but also to provide practical guidance on how kindness can be the most potent tool in your arsenal for positive impact. Don’t miss the chance to learn from a leader who’s living a life dedicated to empowering others with kindness, compassion, and care. More about Molly Bedingfield: Molly Bedingfield is the Founder and CEO of Global Angels Foundation and their International Project Director, founding Global Angels in 2004. Over the course of a career spanning more than 35 years, Molly has been involved in business management, leadership development and mentoring; experiences that enable her to tailor her business-critical messages in a relevant way which can be practically applied by any organisation. Molly is also a social entrepreneur, executive coach and inspirational speaker, who helps audiences to practically navigate periods of transition and transformation in order to improve their personal and professional lives, create greater levels of impact and access their game-changing potential. Her perspective on transformational leadership and talent development is based firmly on real-life, practical experience, and communicated with charisma, passion and immense warmth through her inspirational keynote speeches. For many years she was practicing as a professional counsellor, psychotherapist and executive coach, working within the business and charity sectors. In the 1990’s she was head teacher of two inner city schools working on pilot programs, reproducible in any culture. She worked closely with children, parents and teachers, experimenting with new models of education. Molly is the mother of four, talented singer/songwriters. International pop stars Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield have established successful solo careers, Nikola is an EMI Award nominee.

More about this Special Encore episode: Join us for a dive into effective branding and marketing with Barnaby Wynter, author of Become the GO TO BRAND and renowned strategic brand expert. With over 457 brands under his belt and as the creator of the transformative Brand Bucket® Programme, Barnaby has dedicated his career to helping businesses stand out in crowded markets. From his swift rise to the youngest Managing Director of a top UK advertising agency in London to his international success with both corporates and SMEs, Barnaby’s journey is packed with insights for businesses aiming to solidify their market presence. In this Special Encore episode, Barnaby shares how his unique marketing methodology—fine-tuned since 2010—can help you create meaningful customer connections and build an impactful brand. We also discuss his journey from branding to social initiatives, including his Community Interest Company supporting Black entrepreneurs and a school project in Uganda. Get ready for actionable strategies as Barnaby breaks down the pillars of becoming a trusted brand, prepping for growth or exit, and crafting customer experiences that help you to become the GO TO BRAND. Whether you're a C-Suite leader, entrepreneur, or just curious about what makes a brand thrive, join us and learn from Barnaby Wynter—a mentor, global speaker, branding visionary and from my own experience one of businesses good guys! More about Barnaby Wynter: Barnaby Wynter is a strategic brand expert with over 457 brands to his name, known for helping businesses become the go-to brand in their markets. Entering the marketing industry in 1987, he quickly rose to become the youngest Managing Director of a UK Top 200 advertising agency in London. Over a decade, he developed the Brand Bucket® Programme to maximize marketing effectiveness in the knowledge economy. Since 2010, Barnaby has embedded this approach globally across corporates and SMEs, leading a fully outsourced business communications agency. In 2021, he co-founded a Community Interest Company (CIC) to support Black business owners facing mental health challenges and raised funds for a school in Uganda, set for 2024. Currently enjoying a portfolio career, Barnaby is a published author, global speaker, mentor, NED, and marketing expert. As a Founder Freeman of The Company of Entrepreneurs, he leads sponsorships to help it achieve full Livery Company status in the City of London. Married to the Medical Director of one of the UK's largest GP services and a father of three, he’s also a DIY enthusiast and a Chelsea FC season ticket holder. Working with C-Suite teams, Barnaby ensures marketing-led strategies that define value propositions, identify target audiences, and align operations to foster long-term commercial relationships. His approach often includes preparing businesses for fundraises or exits and creating seamless customer experiences. Specialising in finance, professional services, education, technology, and charity, Barnaby favours organisations with positive social impact. His mentoring style focuses on skills transfer to internal teams, leaving them with a Brand Bucket® manual for ongoing success.

About this episode: In this insightful conversation, I sit down with Tracey Jones a highly respected Mind Management coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert, to explore how we can better prepare young adults for the realities of adult life. With over 14 years of coaching experience and having empowered more than 4,500 individuals through her Language Alchemy™ methodology, Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. We will discuss Tracey’s PAL (Preparing For Adult Life) programme and why self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development are critical foundations for success in today’s world. We will discuss prac strategies for helping young adults cultivate deeper self-awareness, enhance interpersonal skills, and build the resilience needed to thrive personally and professionally. Drawing on her extensive work with leaders in media, politics, sports, and business — as well as her contributions to government sectors — we dill explore how small, consistent changes can lead to transformative 1% marginal gains. Expect inspiring stories, actionable tips, and the importance of coaching young people to unlock their full potential and confidently navigate the challenges of adult life. Whether you're a parent, educator, mentor, or young person yourself, this conversation will leave you equipped and inspired to approach the journey into adulthood with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. More about Tracey Jones: Tracey is a highly respected Mind Management coach and trusted confidante in the highest circles of media, politics, sports and business and is often called upon to share her knowledge and insights to government sectors. A passionate advocate for self-leadership, Tracey empowers individuals to gain deeper self-awareness, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. This focus on personal development is key to achieving that critical 1% marginal gain. Her company specialising in the human aspect of leadership. Focusing on the interpersonal skills through developing a person’s Emotional Intelligence and coaching skills. As a global keynote speaker, she harnesses the transformative power of language, delivering impactful talks and workshops that challenge conventional thinking and drive meaningful change in team performance. Tracey inspires individuals to embark on introspective journeys, unlocking their full potential and elevating their contributions to their teams and organisations. Tracey has spent over 14 years within the coaching and mentoring space and has delivered her programmes and methodologies in her own Language Alchemy brand of Coaching ™ to over 4500 individuals. Tracey holds the ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching qualification, is a NLP Master Practitioner and Coach along with being a Peak Flow Performance and Transformational Coach. Tracey also holds numerous qualifications including a BA Ed Batchelor of Education degree and Management Diploma. Having won numerous awards for her efforts over the years including, but not limited to, UK Female Entrepreneur Finalist 2023, FL National Leadership Summit Award Finalist 2023 and UK Inspirational Story Award 2023. She is a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and her coaching practice is compliant with the Global Code of Ethics of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). Her leadership programmes have been endorsed at the highest levels within Wales and are IOL accredited. Her favourite pastimes include hiking and traveling, which fuel her adventurous spirit. She cherishes moments spent with her nephew. When in the UK, she enjoys riding her motorbike through the stunning Welsh countryside.

About this episode: In a world marked by growing complexity, division, and ecological tipping points, a new story is emerging — one that reclaims our deep interconnectedness with each other, with the Earth, and with the cosmos itself. Dr. Jude Currivan, cosmologist, planetary healer, and former international business leader, invites us into a radical shift in perception: from the illusion of separation to the embodied reality of unity. In this conversation, we will explore how her groundbreaking work in The Cosmic Hologram and The Story of Gaia offers not only a profound scientific narrative but a practical, ethical, and evolutionary framework for leadership and business in the 21st century. What does it mean to live — and lead — from the awareness that we are inseparable from the systems we shape? How do organizations evolve from extractive and competitive to regenerative and co-creative? And what becomes possible when we align our strategies not just with markets, but with meaning? This is a conversation for visionary leaders, changemakers, and anyone ready to explore what it really means to take a whole-world view — and lead from it. More about Dr Jude Currivan: Dr Jude Currivan is a cosmologist, planetary healer, award-winning author latterly of The Cosmic Hologram (2017) and The Story of Gaia (2022), educator and previously a senior UK-based international business woman. In 2017 she co-founded WholeWorld-View (www.wholeworld-view.org) to serve the understanding, experiencing and embodying of unitive awareness, healing and conscious evolution.

About this episode: How do you best navigate your career or the complex relationship between individuals and the workplace, today? My guest for this Special Encore episode, Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. With more than one million followers on social media she was recognised on USA Today’s list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, was released in February, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, is available on Spotify and Apple. Join us as we discuss how to navigate the Unspoken Truths for Career Success. More about Tessa White: At a time when individuals are struggling with their job satisfaction, an unlikely ally was found in a former Fortune 50 executive turned employee advocate. Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, launched a practice to help individuals better navigate the workplace, and help companies better unlock the potential of their people, just as the pandemic hit. Tessa exploded on social media with her expertise on careers and how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace in late 2020, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast growth start-ups. Her insights struck a chord, garnering more than one million followers on social media and she is consistently ranked in the top 1% of similar creators on her LIVE career sessions on TikTok. Her unique perspective on the modern workplace earned her a place on USA Today’s list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, was released February 28, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, is available on Spotify and Apple. When she isn’t working with companies or individuals about the modern workplace, she can be found on the river, where she flyfishes. Hard.

More about this episode: In this conversation, we will explore with Pushpendra Mehta, author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Observe to Unmask: 100 Small Things to Know People Better, the subtle yet powerful art of observation—and how truly seeing others (and ourselves) changes everything. Drawing from his acclaimed book and life experiences across India and the U.S., Pushpendra will share how quiet observation, sharpened perception, and intuitive listening can help us decode human behaviour, build stronger relationships, and lead with empathy and insight. Together, we will also discuss the karma behind human interactions - how our choices, thoughts, and even unnoticed behaviours can set karmic cycles in motion in both personal and professional life. How a lack of self-awareness and understanding of the karma creation process can lead to unintended consequences - and how we can course-correct through conscious living. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, seeker, or simply curious about what shapes people and outcomes - this conversation will leave you thinking, observing, and living a little differently. More about Pushpendra Mehta: Pushpendra Mehta is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Observe to Unmask: 100 Small Things to Know People Better," and the acclaimed novel, The Suitable Inheritor, a captivating spiritual romance story that spans Chicago and Peru with an India connect. A writer, speaker, and mentor, Pushpendra focuses on enriching the understanding of human behaviour and providing solutions to both business and personal challenges through the power of karma, observation, perception, and intuition. He is currently working on a book that explores how a lack of self-observation and understanding of the karma creation process leads to negative karmas—bringing unforeseen consequences in the workplace and personal life.

About this episode: In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Elizabeth Lotardo - consultant, writer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor - to talk with me about her new book Leading Yourself. Known for her fresh and practical take on leadership, Elizabeth will share insights on how to create a work experience worth loving, no matter your title or role. This is despite imperfect bosses, weird economies, lethargic coworkers, annoying systems and too many deliverables. We will explore managing your mindset, how to show up as your best self and working with difficult people. With experience working with companies like Salesforce, Hilton, and Berkshire Hathaway, Elizabeth brings both credibility and heart to the conversation. Whether you're a senior leader, a new manager, or someone looking to find more meaning in your day-to-day, this episode is full of actionable wisdom to help you lead yourself—and inspire others to do the same. About Elizabeth Lotardo: Elizabeth Lotardo is a consultant, writer, and online instructor who helps organizations drive emotional engagement. Her new book, Leading Yourself, has been called a refreshingly candid playbook that helps you create a work experience worth loving, right now. With an undergraduate degree in advertising from Boston University and a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Elizabeth works with senior leaders, frontline managers, and entry-level teammates to create more purpose-driven work experiences. Her clients include Salesforce, DraftKings, Hilton, and numerous Berkshire Hathaway organizations. She is also a popular LinkedIn Learning instructor who designs workshops on topics like Leading without Formal Authority, Finding Your Purpose at Work, and Leading Yourself. Elizabeth writes for Harvard Business Review, and her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and on NPR.

About this episode: In this special encore episode, we learn about the metaverse and its transformative potential, with guest Noleen Mariappen, a dynamic impact entrepreneur and trailblazer in ESG, sustainability, and digital innovation. As the founder of Impactoverse & Saffa Global, co-founder of Think Ocean CIC and a multi-faceted Director and Expert Advisor to global organizations, Noleen’s mission is to bridge the digital divide and create purpose-driven, inclusive, and impactful ecosystems. With expertise spanning conscious capitalism, tech for good, sustainability, and inclusion, Noleen discusses with Chris Cooper how the metaverse can serve as a catalyst for empowerment and positive change. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, inclusion, and sustainability, and discover how the metaverse can shape a more equitable and purposeful future. More about Noleen Mariappen: Noleen Mariappen is an Impact Entrepreneur as well as an ESG & SDG Advisor & Consultant. Her focus is on enabling purpose-centric growth, and bridging the digital divide for inclusion, access, empowerment and positive impact. She’s an advocate of conscious capitalism, enabling education, tech for good, and purpose-driven partnerships, and a speaker on inclusion, tech, sustainability and impact. Her roles include: Founder of Impactoverse & Saffa Global

About this episode: Are you working on or about to embark upon a grand challenge? In this interview you will hear from Seth Ka-han, a pioneer in large-scale change and a leading expert in designing and leading Grand Challenges. With dec-ades of experience—including 13 years at the World Bank—Seth has worked at the highest levels to mobilize diverse stakeholders in tackling society’s most pressing issues. In this interview, we’ll explore Seth’s groundbreaking work, from facilitating global knowledge-sharing initia-tives to spearheading national movements like Stop Stigma Together, which aims to eliminate the stigma sur-rounding mental health and substance use disorders. We'll also discuss his collaboration with the American As-sociation of Physicists in Medicine as they define the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the next decade. As the author of four influential books—including the business bestseller Getting Change Right—and the host of the podcast Seth Kahan on Grand Challenges, Seth brings insight into leadership, systems thinking, and driv-ing large-scale transformation. Join us as we uncover the strategies behind successful Grand Challenges, the lessons Seth has learned along the way, and his upcoming book that distils his expertise into a playbook for leaders seeking to create systemic change. Don’t miss this thought-provoking interview with host Chris Cooper the founder of ‘The Elevation Collective’ which incubates and amplifies major initiatives for good and Grand Challenge expert Seth Kahan to understand how bold leadership can drive real impact at scale! More about Seth Kahan: Seth Kahan is a pioneer in large-scale change, renowned for his expertise in designing and leading Grand Challenges that mobilize diverse stakeholders to tackle society’s most pressing issues. With a career span-ning decades, he has worked at the highest levels of organizations, including 13 years at the World Bank, where he facilitated knowledge-sharing initiatives that connected global leaders and experts to accelerate large-scale transformation. Seth is the author of four books, including Getting Change Right: How Leaders Transform Organizations from the Inside Out, a business bestseller praised for its practical insights into leading change. He is cur-rently working on his next book, which distills his extensive experience in designing and leading Grand Challenges into a playbook for leaders seeking to drive systemic change. Over the years, Seth has spearheaded multiple Grand Challenges. Currently, he leads Stop Stigma To-gether (stopstigmatogether.org), a national Grand Challenge aimed at eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. By bringing together leaders in healthcare, advocacy, and pol-icy, he is working to shift public perception, improve access to care, and create a culture where mental health is treated with the same urgency and respect as physical health. He is also working with the Ameri-can Association of Physicists in Medicine to determine their biggest breakthroughs over the next ten years. Seth also hosts the podcast Seth Kahan on Grand Challenges (listen here), where he shares insights from his work and interviews influential leaders tackling large-scale systemic change. A sought-after speaker and strategist, Seth integrates deep experience in systems thinking, stakeholder mobilization, and dialogue facilitation. His work continues to drive innovation in leadership, social change, and impact at scale.

About this episode: What if sharing a meal could change the world? Leon Aarts believes it can. From his earliest memories of family gatherings around the table to feeding millions through large-scale humanitarian efforts, Leon’s journey is a testament to the power of food to connect, nourish, and transform lives. Starting as a chef and entrepreneur, he built a thriving food business, only to walk away in search of deeper meaning. That search led him to refugee camps, where he began cooking thousands of meals a day for those in desperate need. When the pandemic struck, Leon launched a London-based kitchen that fed millions, proving that where there is surplus, there is a solution. Now, through Ample, he is tackling food waste at its root, turning excess into opportunity. In this conversation, Leon will share his insights on food insecurity, the strength of human spirit, and why radical compassion is the most powerful ingredient for change. No one should go to bed hungry—because there is always enough to share. More about Leon Aarts: Leon Aarts' earliest memories revolve around food—gathered around the table, sharing meals, and ensuring no one went hungry. Born in Maastricht, Netherlands, he trained in hotel management, unexpectedly falling in love with cooking. By 26, he owned a fine dining restaurant, earning praise from world-class chefs. After years as an executive chef, he moved to England, building a multimillion-pound food sourcing business. However, unfulfilled by evolving business ethics, he pivoted to philanthropy, launching a charity in 2009 to provide meals to children in need. In 2015, seeing refugees in crisis, he co-founded a mass-feeding initiative in Calais. When COVID-19 hit, he replicated the model in London, leading large-scale food relief efforts. Now, with Ample, he tackles farm surplus, transforming it into nutritious food. Leon believes in the power of sharing meals to foster connection and change, embodying his mission that no one should go to bed hungry.

About this episode In this inspiring conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Zoe Holland MBE, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Fletchers Group, legal entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for heart-led leadership. With a leadership mantra of “there is no room for ego,” Zoe champions authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership, empowering leaders to create meaningful change. Together, Zoe and Chris will explore the power of self-leadership, invitational communication, and leading with care. They also discuss Zoe’s journey, her commitment to using ‘law for good’, and her mission to uplift underrepresented groups. From neurodiversity coaching to fostering a culture of authentic leadership, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders who want to lead with both heart and impact. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership that truly makes a difference. More about Zoe Holland MBE: Zoe Holland MBE is an entrepreneurial, C-Suite leader (Fletchers Group Chief Commercial Officer), NED, Trustee, experienced Executive Coach, Neurodiversity Coach and motivational speaker. Zoe has a passion for heart-led leadership, championing authenticity, ambition, inclusivity, invitational communication and care. Zoe’s leadership mantra – ‘there is no room for ego’. Zoe has a mission to empower leaders to make a positive impact on individuals, organisations, and the community. A thought leader on women’s leadership with a specific focus on ‘Leader of Self’ – understanding our life journey, our purpose, passion and presence as a powerful tool to positively reflect upon our leadership impact on organisations, culture, and community. Zoe was awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours in June 2023 – testament to a career-long commitment to use ‘law for good’. With an impressive career as a legal entrepreneur and a deep-rooted social conscience, Zoe has used her professional platform to champion underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities, those who are financially vulnerable, women, and young neurodiverse adults.

About this episode: Join us for an enlightening episode on Raising Resilient Boys as we meet John Richards—whose 25 years of frontline experience in crisis intervention and youth homelessness have shaped a visionary approach to leadership and personal development. In this conversation, John joins Chris Cooper, a dedicated father to two teenage boys, to explore the challenges and joys of raising resilient young men in today’s complex world. John’s journey spans from leading awareness and development initiatives with diverse organisations to co-founding The Inspiration Programme, where he now guides transformative retreats in some of the world’s most untamed and inspiring landscapes. From the mystic heights of Tibet and the vast expanse of the Sahara to the rugged wilderness of South Africa and the towering peaks of the Himalayas, his work invites us to reconnect with nature, cultivate mindfulness, and build resilient communities.In a groundbreaking collaboration with Tsering Sangpo Sherpa and 7-time Everest summiteer Nima Kancha Sher-pa, John brought to life the first-ever Sherpa-led Leadership retreat in the awe-inspiring setting of Everest. His acclaimed book on Awareness, Change, Relationships, and Fruitfulness, published in 2018, lays the foundation for his philosophy of nurturing growth and meaningful connections. Tune in as John and Chris share their insights on fostering strength, awareness, and emotional intelligence—essential ingredients in raising boys who are not only resilient but also compassionate leaders of tomorrow. Whether you're a parent to boys, an educator, or seeker of transformative ideas, this conversation promises to help us with the challenging and fulfilling journey of parenthood. More about John Richards: John Richards has spent nearly 25 years working frontline in Crisis Intervention and Young People’s Homelessness with a wide range of organisations as a Leader specialising in Awareness and Development. More recently, he co-founded The Inspiration Programme and leads retreats in wild places around the world including Tibet, Nepal, The Himalayas, the Sahara, the Mediterranean coast, the Channel Islands, the US and wild South Africa. In December 2019, in partnership with Tsering Sangpo Sherpa and 7-time Everest summiteer Nima Kancha Sherpa, John realised a passionate vision: to bring about the first ever Sherpa-led Leadership retreat in the Himalayas in the towering landscape of Everest. His first book on Awareness, Change, Relationships and Fruitfulness, was published by EyeWear in the UK in October 2018. John continues to work with a large group of collaborators in different parts of the world in order to provide opportunity for fellow travellers to journey out into wild places to listen in nature and learn through community.

About this episode: Join us for this Special Encore episode, when we look back to the 580th episode of the Business Elevation Show, and I sit down with two remarkable leaders who, are not only close friends, but also valued members of my Elevation Collective—a community where wise, heartfelt leaders connect, support one another, and collaborate to contribute to a better world. Wendy Keller, a publishing powerhouse and messaging expert, has sold over 2,000 book deals worldwide, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. Through Keller Media, she helps visionaries connect with their ideal audiences and build powerful platforms through speaking, social media, and more. Gene Early, an entrepreneurial leader and co-founder of Genomic Health, Inc., brings a wealth of experience in developing talent, fostering trans-formative organisational cultures, and aligning values for impactful change. With a PhD in leadership and organisational development, Gene has worked with global startups and corporates, pioneering innovative approaches in leadership and NLP. Together, we explore their unique perspectives on how to elevate your message, lead with purpose, and achieve extraordinary results. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a leader in transition, or someone seeking to make a greater impact in your field, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you 10x your contribution. Don’t miss this powerful and heartfelt dialogue with friends and leaders who share a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. More about Wendy Keller: Wendy Keller and her team specialise in helping people connect their messages with their optimal audiences. Keller Media, founded in 1989, sells books to publishers around the world; books speakers into paid engagements; and helps talented people to expand their brand and amplify their presence in the world via speaking, social media, and podcasts. Wendy has sold more than 2,000 book deals worldwide, including 19 New York Times best sellers and 11 international best sellers. Keller Media was recently appointed the sole and exclusive agency for translation rights in partnership with Entrepreneur.com/Entrepreneur Press. Wendy is the author of 31 traditionally published non-fiction books under 9 different names, and many self-serving, self-published books. Her media appearances include Dateline NBC, Anthony Robbin’s infomercial, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, The Scotsman, Playboy magazine, Parenting magazine, Good Morning America, The London Times, Dallas Morning News, and hundreds more print, television, podcasts, and radio shows. She has even been on my podcast twice! Wendy is a former journalist who merges media savvy with deep publishing industry experience to help her clients achieve maximum exposure for the message they most want to share with the world. More about Gene Early: Gene Early is an entrepreneurially oriented leader committed to developing talent, establishing culture as a strategic driver, and building great organisations. He is passionate about aligning individual, team, and organisational values for transformation. Presently, he is based in the US and is a partner in Leaders’ Quest as well as working internationally with start-ups, corporates, and companies in transition. He co-founded Genomic Health, Inc (www.genomichealth.com) in Silicon Valley; functioned as Vice-Chancellor of Operations at the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii; and co-founded the first NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) training institute in Europe as well as helping develop NLP institutes in six European countries. His PhD is in leadership and organisational development and has published books, E-books, and articles that have been translated globally. He and his wife, Benedicte, love travel, new adventures, and hanging out with family. gene.early@leadersquest.org