Extrology: Mastering People, Performance & Purpose

Most digital products reflect the people who build them, not the people who use them. That insight led Alwar Pillai to build Fable, a company with 70% of its workforce living with a disability - they’re a business that wholly promises to practice what they preach. They’ve brought people with disabilities into the heart of product development for some of the most recognised brands in the world; Microsoft, Walmart, Meta and Figma to name but a few. So how did Alwar build something that’s scaled true to her vision, and how has she navigated the journey from designer to Founder, to CEO, and back out again? Join us on this week’s episode of Extrology. Lee and Alwar discuss: Alwar Pillai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwarpillai/ Fable: https://makeitfable.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/makeitfable/ Send us a text Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Starting a business is a deeply irrational act - yet Christoph Lippuner was driven to create purpose for not just his own life, but for the whole healthcare sector. Semble was born from a very personal experience in Christophe's family and from the realisation that healthcare professionals often have systems working against them, rather than for them. This week’s episode of Extrology is focused around building from crisis, making trust the real product in healthcare, and how a founder learns to become a CEO without losing the mission. Lee and Christoph discuss: Christoph Lippuner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-lippuner-9a0b6951 Semble https://www.semble.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/semble-health/ Send us a text Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Some stories are told for inspiration, some for entertainment, but a very few become instruction manuals for the next generation. Today’s Extrology episode documents one such manual, written by a leader forged through experiences at Oracle, Salesforce and Siebel Systems - Steve Garnett. He grew up in a council house in Liverpool, mentored by one maths teacher who changed everything. Behind Steve’s work scaling some of the most iconic tech machines in history, lies a lesson in systems, scar tissue and scale with soul. What Steve's doing now with education, legacy and angel investing reveals not just how to build billion dollar companies, but how to build the kind of life that compounds… Lee and Steve discuss: Steve Garnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgarnett/?originalSubdomain=uk Send us a text Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Lyndon Stickley has built and exited 6 companies, scaled through chaos, and sold for 9 figures - there’s no substitute for the graft and experience he brings to iplicit. He’s CEO of a SaaS platform which is one of the UK’s fastest growing, not because of what it does, but because of how it operates. What can’t be replicated is iplicit’s culture, the DNA running deep in a team growing unfathomably quickly… that’s at the heart of today’s utterly unmissable episode of Extrology. Lee and Lyndon discuss: Lyndon Stickley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndon-stickley-bab38b78/ iplicit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iplicit/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Chris Brisson made a public decision to kill the company he’d built, live in front of 34,000 customers. Why did Call Loop have to fall for Salesmsg to rise in its wake? That’s the million dollar question for a Co-Founder who builds in silence what others try to shout into existence. This episode of Extrology is a record of the success that’s found by overcoming your old ways, and building systems that scale under pressure. Lee and Chris discuss: Chris Brisson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrisson/ Salesmsg: https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesmsg/ https://www.salesmessage.com/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Extrology launched with little representing commercial plans, or a big question to answer - yet 5 years on, it’s taught us so much about others, and about ourselves. What we’ve uncovered about the extraordinary amounts to a free MBA every week, and so this week I’m sharing five of the most powerful lessons that have changed the way I lead my life. This episode covers: Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text This week’s Extrology is not a productivity pep talk, it’s an exposé of all the habits you’ve been telling yourself you’ll change, but never have… Rebecca Shaddix is a Founder, Forbes contributor, and a formidable voice on the real cost of success in high performance environments. She’s built a philosophy from first-hand burnout, which places her perfectly to deconstruct the dangerous myths driving pseudo-productivity today. Drop the hero complex and reclaim your time, as Rebecca joins us on an unmissable hour of the Extrology podcast. Lee and Rebecca discuss: Rebecca Shaddix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Flexible leadership isn't about style or softness. It's about letting go of ego, and prioritising what's truly needed with precision. Kevin Eikenberry is one of the most recognised voices in leadership development over the past three decades, building a 30 year business around one idea, that great leaders don't cling to rigid playbooks. This isn't a conversation about frameworks. It's about identity. Kevin himself had to unlearn the habits that made him successful, shifting with modern leadership. Discover how you can do the same - join us for an unmissable episode of Extrology… Lee and Kevin discuss: Kevin Eikenberry: https://kevineikenberry.com/flexible/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Irrational obsession is the most rational investment strategy that exists. For those with a passion, and who believe the world is theirs to earn, you’ve a like-minded soul in Carmen Alfonso Rico, an angel investor actively seeking Founders with more than a mere passion. Discover what sets Founders apart, the mindset systems behind how Carmen operates, and how to rewrite the playbook on early stage investing… Lee and Carmen discuss: Carmen Alfonso Rico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/ Cocoa: https://www.cocoa.vc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/ Articles mentioned: https://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/opinion/persistence-work-difficulty.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text The UK’s first silent disco was a way to bring joy to parties. A decade later, and it’s a full-blown entertainment empire. The Silent Disco Company isn’t just about events, but evolution. It represents the impossible task of growing a brand in which energy is everything. That’s what makes this conversation with Founder Toby Burns so profound - it’s your blueprint to reinventing identity, and turning play into purpose without losing your edge. Lee and Toby discuss: Toby Burns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-burns/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Success is not achieved by seeking a financial triumph. Instead, it’s the side effect of pursuing greatness. Michael Tecku was happily retired, until only the pull of purpose and a medical emergency drew him to his latest endeavour - Founding Momentum Shake. Behind the story of the man creating the Rolls Royce of supplements, lies the mosaic of a man for whom modesty, ambition, ownership and selflessness are non-negotiable. Lee and Michael discuss: Michael Tecku: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tecku-55162415b/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text What happens when all that you’ve built - career, purpose, status - starts to crumble… not through failure, but simply because your body says ‘No more’? Dr Jeanne Retief started life on the front lines of international human rights law, but after a diagnosis of panic disorder, she saw the kind of invisible collapse that so many high performers experience. Rebuilt and reimagined, she’s forged a new identity and launched Figgi Beauty, and the story of how it came to be might just help you reclaim your power, whatever you’re facing… CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics around sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and alcoholism - listener discretion advised. Lee and Jeanne discuss: Dr Jeanne Retief: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeanne-retief/ Figgi Beauty: https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text The world is at war, and while we’re sat at home comfortably wishing it better, Emery Brusset is making a genuine difference. Since 1991, Emery has been pivotal to bringing life-saving aid to Iraq, Rwanda, Ukraine and Libya, and he’s perfectly placed to explore the human reality of conflict. Courage and clarity are at the heart of this episode of Extrology - explore what we gain when we stop reducing people to spreadsheets, and build a better picture of our world… Lee and Emery discuss: Emery Brusset: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emery-brusset-3526781/ Letter C https://www.linkedin.com/company/letter-c-cordee/ https://www.letter-c.com/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Have you ever felt limited by the belief that you’re simply not a creative person? On this week’s episode of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Pia Mailhot-Leichter, author of “Welcome to the Creative Club”, Founder of Kollektiv Studio and a truly bold creative voice. Pia challenges the conventional definition of creativity, arguing it’s not just for artists but an inherent part of being human - a birthright we often forget. They delve into Pia's unconventional journey - from working as a journalist in Sri Lanka, to producing an economic documentary in Bahrain, then building award winning creative campaigns for global brands. Now Pia helps visionaries and founders bring wild ideas to life. Discover how to dismantle the limiting beliefs holding you back, embrace creativity as an identity, navigate creative blocks, and make your life your biggest, most fulfilling art project. In this episode of extrology you will: Pia Mailhot-Leichter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pialeichter/ BOOK: Welcome to the Creative Club: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Creative-Club-Biggest-Project-ebook/dp/B0DPJ644PZ/ref=sr_1_1 Kollektic Studio: https://kollektiv.studio/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Looking to scale a tech company from zero to multi-millions? Our latest guest achieved just that in only 4 years! In episode 128 of Extrology, Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas breaks down how he built a team that can outperform competitors from Silicon Valley, with just 40 people in Cardiff. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to understand what truly drives high-performing teams, this episode offers valuable insights. Lee and Tim discuss: Tim Barnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymbarnett/ Credas: https://credas.com/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Creativity is dead and 5 year plans are now quarterly sprints, but in today’s commoditised world Rupert Bedell dares to lead differently. Rupert has reinvented himself many times over the years, from AmEx & HSBC’s marketing master to now leading Fasthosts in an MD role he was never destined to take on. If you’re serious about building a lasting legacy, leading with integrity, or reigniting your creativity, join us on Extrology for an insight into Rupert’s remarkable journey. Lee and Rupert discuss: Rupert Bedell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-bedell-7006aa13/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text For over 20 years Les Flitcroft was an aerospace engineer. A double arm break and series of life-altering events later, he has embarked on a journey of discovery, leading him to tutoring countless people in the art of Pranic Healing. From overcoming initial skepticism of alternative therapies to embracing the unique way in which Pranic Healing combines Eastern and Western medical philosophies, the immense challenges that Les has overcome have demonstrated admirable resilience and resolve. Find out more about how he’s been touching so many lives and sharing his passion for helping others, on this episode of Extrology. Lee and Les discuss: Les Flitcroft: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-flitcroft/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text What happens when a healthcare innovator decides to transform the entire rail transportation industry? Catherine Pihan-Le Bars is a visionary Deputy-CEO leading French rail operator Le Train on a fast-track to disruptive innovation. No industry norm will remain unchallenged… Her own journey is a masterclass in leadership, innovation and resilience, so join us to discover how you can shape your future, and the world around you. Lee and Catherine discuss: Catherine Pihan-Le Bars: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pihan-le-bars-694980b0/ Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Want to know how top performers think? How Olympic athletes and special forces soldiers train their brains? How to break free from societal expectations and design success on your terms? Learn the game-changing blueprint for transforming your life in the latest episode of the Extrology podcast. Adrian Kelly - lawyer, entrepreneur and sports coach - provides insider secrets on conquering pressure, developing a bulletproof mindset and creating success that actually MEANS something. In this episode of Extrology you’ll learn: Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Send us a text Are you confused by conflicting nutrition advice, tired of diet fads, or simply curious about the fascinating world of food science? James Collier, Co-Founder of Huel, and author of “Well Fed” brings his 30 years of nutrition expertise to this week’s episode of the Extrology podcast. Lee & James demolish myths, expose misinformation and reveal the shocking complexity behind what we eat. In this episode you’ll learn: This episode is more than just another nutrition podcast - it’s a journey into understanding how what we eat impacts not just our bodies but our entire planet. James Collier: https://www.instagram.com/jamescollierrnutr https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-collier-a717604/ https://jamescollier.substack.com/ Well Fed https://lnk.to/WellFed Get in touch: lee@extrology.com Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/