Avsnitt
-
Let’s face it, not every leader we work for is brilliant.
But even if your boss isn’t the best, you still have the power to lead your team well.
In this episode of The Leaders Kitbag, I’m sharing three practical ways you can manage up when the person above you isn’t leading effectively.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to clarify the bigger picture to help your boss prioritise Ways to proactively seek feedback, even in a feedback vacuum Why sharing wins and team success makes your boss (and you) look goodManaging up isn’t about manipulation.
It’s about leading with intent, creating clarity for your team, and making life easier for everyone, including yourself.
The Leaders Kitbag Email
If you found this episode helpful, don’t miss out on future insights and tools.
Sign up for The Leaders Kitbag Email via the link below for more tips, insights, and tools like this delivered directly to your inbox so you never miss a thing.
https://mailchi.mp/ab0a5c279d78/bml
#LeadOn
-
What’s really going on in venture capital?
In these ‘SHORTS’ episodes of my podcast, I select my favourite moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 178, with Tessa Clarke, co-founder of OLIO, as she shares how the funding landscape is shifting – and where it still needs to go.
With five successful funding rounds under her belt, Tessa shares her hard-won insights into the realities of raising capital as a female founder. She talks candidly about the progress we are seeing – from more women entering VC firms – but also shines a light on the next big step: getting decision-making power into more diverse hands.
Once you’ve listened to the ‘SHORT’, why not click the link below and tune in to the full episode?
Enjoyed The Short?
Listen to the full episode here.
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I explore a common but often overlooked leadership pitfall: the one-way nature of feedback in many teams.
While it's often easy for leaders to give feedback, getting honest input in return can be much more difficult.
But if we don’t hear what our team really thinks, we’re not leading with the whole picture. Our leadership decisions are based on assumptions and inferences, instead of real insights.
Through a recent example from one of my leadership courses, I explore why feedback rarely flows naturally and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why your team may be hesitant to share honest feedback The safest (but not always the best) route employees take Three psychologically safe questions to encourage honest conversations The only proper response when someone shares their truth with youIf you want to lead with clarity and create an environment where people feel genuinely safe to speak up, this one’s for you.
Want Honest Feedback? Start with Ben AI
Getting honest feedback from your team isn’t easy.
People worry about overstepping the mark, sounding negative, or saying the wrong thing.
But here’s the good news: Ben AI is here to help.
Provided you talk openly to my AI Clone, he’ll give honest, candid advice and feedback.
And it’s completely free, because I believe high-quality leadership support should be available to everyone who cares about the people they lead.
Try Ben AI for yourself today.
There’s no sign-up and no charge.
Start your conversation with Ben AI here: https://www.delphi.ai/benmortonleadership
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges even the most self-aware leaders face: uncovering blind spots.
Using a personal story from the development of Ben AI, I share a real-life example of how a name that seemed perfectly logical on paper almost became a serious misstep, simply because the people around me didn’t feel comfortable enough to challenge it early on.
We explore the real reason why valuable insights often go unspoken: a lack of psychological safety.
This episode unpacks what psychological safety really means, why it’s so crucial to your team's effectiveness, and the key things we can do to accelerate it in new working relationships.
You’ll learn:
Why even confident teams may hesitate to speak up The two root causes of low psychological safety How to reinforce open communication by praising the right behaviour A simple strategy to accelerate trust-building in your team…all in just six minutes!
Ben AI – Free Leadership Support, 24/7
Leadership can be tough. But getting high-quality support shouldn’t be.
That’s why I’ve made Ben AI—my personal AI-powered leadership coach—completely free for everyone to use.
Whether you're facing a tricky conversation, trying to motivate your team, or simply need a confidence boost before a big presentation, Ben AI is here to help—any time, day or night.
This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake.
It’s part of my mission to create a world where everyone can go to work feeling inspired to give their best, and return home feeling recognised and appreciated.
Try Ben AI for yourself – no sign-up, no charge
Access Ben AI here. https://www.delphi.ai/benmortonleadership
Because better leadership should be available to everyone, not just those with big budgets or corporate sponsors.
#LeadOn
-
In this powerful and refreshingly candid conversation, Ben Morton welcomes back Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio, to reflect on the scale-up phase of building one of the UK’s leading sharing economy apps.
From their $43 million Series B raise to restructuring through a turbulent 2023, Tessa takes us inside the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and cultural priorities that have defined Olio 3.0.
For leaders navigating the messy middle between startup energy and operational maturity, this episode is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and culture-first decision-making.
Why this episode matters:
Scaling a business often comes with the risk of losing what made it special in the first place. Tessa shares how Olio kept its startup spirit alive, even while hiring a C-suite and overhauling internal systems, without letting bureaucracy creep in or values drift.
What You’ll Learn:
How to evolve from "scrappy startup" to a mature organisation without killing agility. The importance of ‘mission obsession’ in hiring, onboarding, and performance. The surprising downside of hiring too many “brilliant” people too quickly. Why founders shouldn’t always let go of product ownership, and how to decide. How gender bias affects female founders during fundraising, and how Tessa navigated it.Ben’s Standout Moments:
Tessa’s “Uniquely Me” document—a weekly discipline to focus on what only she could do as CEO. Her approach to maintaining trust and culture in a growing team. The candid admission of being “too idealistic for too long”—and what changed her thinking.Want to Assess Your Own Leadership Readiness?
Discover how your organisation scores across nine core capabilities with Ben’s Leadership Capability Scorecard. https://ben-darwj4ma.scoreapp.com
It’s a practical, free tool designed to help you lead with confidence through growth and change.
Resources & Mentions:
Dana Kanze TED Talk – The Real Reason Female Entrepreneurs Get Less Funding The Lean Startup by Eric RiesOlio App
-
You might have an open-door policy, but if a metaphorical grizzly bear is sitting behind it, your team still won’t walk through.
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I dig into a leadership truth that’s hard to hear but vital to address: just because you’ve got an “open door policy” doesn’t mean people feel safe enough to share everything you need to know.
I explore why feedback often goes unspoken and why well-meaning leaders may be making decisions based on partial truths and assumptions, without even realising it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why teams hold back the feedback you most need to hear Three common reasons people don’t speak up The truth about your leadership brand, and how to improve it A powerful, practical formula to help build genuine trust and psychological safetyThis one is all about creating a culture where people feel safe enough to tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.
Ben AI – Your Free Leadership Coach, Anytime You Need It
As you’ve now realised, you might have an open-door policy, but if there’s a metaphorical grizzly bear sitting behind it, your team still won’t walk through.
The truth is, people won’t share honest feedback if they don’t feel safe. That’s where Ben AI comes in.
Ben AI is your personal, AI-powered leadership coach, designed to help you create psychological safety, lead with impact, and get the unfiltered insights you need to grow.
And the best bit? It’s completely free.
Because access to great leadership support shouldn’t depend on budget, it should be there for everyone, whenever they need it.
Ben Ai is built on years of real coaching experience It’s available 24/7, ask anything, anytime It’s totally free, no login, no sales funnelTry Ben AI today and take the bear out of the room!
Access Ben AI here. https://www.delphi.ai/benmortonleadership
-
In these ‘SHORTS’ episodes of my podcast, I select my favourite moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 177, with innovation strategist Frank Mattes, where he addresses how to identify and build the kind of teams that don’t just execute, but innovate.
Once you’ve listened to the ‘SHORT’, why not click the link below and tune in to the full episode?
Enjoyed The Short?
Listen to the full episode here.
-
In today’s episode, I offer a fresh perspective on one of the concepts I’ve shared time and time again: leadership is not about having all the answers.
Using the metaphor of a lighthouse versus a radar, I explore the subtle but powerful shift in mindset that enables great leaders to navigate with agility, listen deeply, and respond wisely.
Where the lighthouse stands still and broadcasts in one direction, the radar constantly scans, listens, and adjusts.
That’s what today’s most effective leaders do: they ask more than they tell.
In this short episode, you’ll learn:
Why strong leaders don’t need to have all the answers The power of asking questions over giving instructions How this mindset shift can unlock new insights, ideas, and engagement A memorable “brain tattoo” to guide your everyday leadershipBen AI – Your Free Leadership Coach, Anytime You Need It
Leadership doesn’t always happen between 9 and 5, and support shouldn’t either.
That’s why I created Ben AI, and more importantly, why I’ve made it completely free to use.
Ben AI is your on-demand leadership coach. It is built to offer practical, grounded advice whenever you need it, whether it’s a quick tip before a difficult conversation or guidance on how to motivate a struggling team member.
It’s the result of years of coaching, real-world experience, and a deep belief that great leadership support should be accessible to everyone, not just those with big training budgets.
Ask questions, get personalised advice in seconds Available 24/7, because leadership isn’t always a 9-5 job No cost, no catch—just support when you need itAccess Ben AI here. https://www.delphi.ai/benmortonleadership
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I’m exploring one of the most common – and overlooked – growth challenges in scale-ups and fast-moving organisations: leadership bottlenecks.
As Marshall Goldsmith put it, “What got you here won’t get you there.”
That insight rings especially true for leaders in high-growth businesses. The truth is, the biggest barrier to scaling often isn’t sales, operations or even funding – it’s the leadership capability within the organisation.
You’ll learn:
Why your mindset must evolve as your company grows How to move from being the “hero” to becoming the “enabler” The power of autonomy, accountability and psychological safety Why developing the leadership layer around you is non-negotiableIf you’re serious about scaling your business, you can’t do it all yourself.
You need more leaders, not just more followers – and that means letting go, building trust and investing in leadership at every level.
The Leadership Capability Scorecard
Scaling your business starts with scaling your leadership.
The Leadership Capability Scorecard is a free tool that helps you assess your team’s leadership strengths and highlights what might be holding growth back.
It takes just five minutes – and gives you instant, actionable insights.
Start now: https://ben-darwj4ma.scoreapp.com
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I’m digging into a common but critical leadership flaw: becoming the bottleneck in your team’s decision-making process.
When every decision must run through you, progress stalls, opportunities are lost, and teams become disengaged.
Drawing on principles from military leadership and practical business tools, I’ll show you how to break that logjam and build a team of empowered, capable decision-makers.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why ego and fear are the hidden drivers behind over-controlling leadership How to apply Susan Scott’s Decision Tree (read my blog) to streamline team decisions https://www.ben-morton.com/the-decision-tree-a-smarter-approach-to-delegation/ What the military principle of Mission Command can teach us about effective delegation How to give up control without losing oversightBy giving others the autonomy to lead within clear boundaries, we not only free ourselves up to focus on what really matters – we also grow more leaders in the process.
The Leadership Capability Scorecard
If you’re ready to find out exactly where your leadership strengths lie – and where you might be holding your team back – complete the Leadership Capability Scorecard today.
It’s a quick, free tool that gives you powerful insights into the collective leadership capability of your team across nine key areas.
Complete the scorecard here in just 5 minutes and get your results immediately.
https://ben-darwj4ma.scoreapp.com
-
Welcome to the very first episode of Leading the Scale-Up — the new podcast series from Ben Morton, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and host of The Leader’s Kitbag.
This show isn’t about leadership theory.
It’s about the real-world challenge of scaling a start-up or growing a business within a business — and what it takes to lead through the chaos.
In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Mattes, award-winning thought leader and creator of the Lean Scaleup framework.
With over 20 years of experience helping companies like Airbus, BASF, and Allianz scale innovation into commercial success, Frank shares the hard truths and actionable tactics behind building new business models within corporate settings.
In this episode, we explore:
The four stages of the scaling journey — from discovery to profitable growth. Why 29 out of 30 corporate start-up initiatives fail, and how to shift the odds in your favour. The friction between ‘Red Shirt’ operators and ‘Blue Shirt’ innovators — and how to build the bridge. Why culture isn’t an afterthought but a non-negotiable foundation for scaling. What makes a great “ambidextrous leader” — and how to find or develop them inside your org.You’ll also hear powerful corporate stories, including:
The real story behind Kodak’s collapse (and how Fujifilm quietly succeeded). How Amazon’s early leadership principles laid the groundwork for global innovationWhether you’re an MD, CEO, or newly tasked scale-up leader, this episode is essential listening.
Your Key Takeaways:
How to spot the difference between innovation theatre and meaningful transformation When and how to protect the core business while launching something new The leadership mindsets and structures that make scale-ups succeedDiscover the Strength of Your Leadership Team
Scaling a business isn’t just about systems and strategies — it’s about leadership.
If you're wondering whether your organisation truly has the leadership capability to scale, take the FREE Leadership Capability Scorecard.
In under 10 minutes, you'll get a tailored report showing how your team performs across nine essential dimensions of leadership — and where to focus next.
Complete the Scorecard Now
Gain instant clarity on your organisation’s leadership strengths — and what might be holding you back.
Learn More About Frank Mattes
Explore the Lean Scaleup framework and grab a free chapter of his book at: www.leanscaleup.com/book
Lead the Change — Share This Episode
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps others find the show — and ensures more leaders scale with success, not stress.
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I’m tackling one of the most common – and costly – challenges leaders face: the “Too Busy to Lead” cycle.
If you often feel there’s no time for the leadership work you should be doing – coaching your team, thinking strategically, or planning ahead – that’s a major red flag. Because when leadership gets deprioritised, performance stalls and teams disengage.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why confusing busyness with effectiveness is a leadership trap How to audit your calendar and reclaim time for what matters The importance of time-blocking for leadership activities How to shift from doing to leading through coaching and developmentIf you’re ready to step back, think more clearly, and lead more effectively, this episode gives you the practical tools to get started.
The Leadership Capability Scorecard
Great leadership starts with knowing where you are now.
The Leadership Capability Scorecard is a free, five-minute tool designed to help you assess your team’s leadership strengths – and uncover the areas where you might be stuck in the “too busy to lead” cycle.
Take a moment to reflect, recalibrate, and take control.
Start now and get your personalised results instantly:
https://ben-darwj4ma.scoreapp.com
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I shine a light on a common leadership pitfall: the Super-Manager Trap.
It’s the belief that the productivity of your team or business is directly linked to how hard you work. But the truth is, the harder you push, the more you might be holding everyone else back.
I’ll walk you through why this happens, how it impacts your team’s growth, and the practical steps you can take to shift from Super-Manager to strategic leader.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why trying to “do it all” limits your team’s success (and your own) The 70% rule and how it can free up your time instantly A simple framework to identify what only you should be doing How coaching your team boosts long-term capability and resultsThis is about leading smarter – not faster or harder – and creating space to focus on the things that really move the needle.
The Leadership Capability Scorecard
If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to lead with more impact (and less overwhelm), take my free Leadership Capability Scorecard.
In just a few minutes, you’ll get a personalised report showing your leadership strengths, areas for growth, and what to work on next.
Start the scorecard here and discover how to lead at your best:
https://ben-darwj4ma.scoreapp.com
-
We often hear that high performance comes at a cost—but is that really true?
In this episode of The Leaders Kitbag, I challenge the outdated notion that success is only achieved by working longer, harder, and faster.
Instead, I explore what it truly takes to deliver sustainable high performance—both for ourselves and the teams we lead.
You’ll discover:
Why working smarter—not just harder—is essential for long-term success. The leadership failures that can lead to burnout and how to avoid them. How to focus on effectiveness over effort to drive real impact.Sustainable high performance is a leadership responsibility.
Sustainable high performance isn’t just an individual challenge—it’s a leadership responsibility.
The way we model balance, recovery, and focus directly influences our teams and organisations.
How well is your organisation set up for scale?
Find out by completing my free Leadership Capability Scorecard here.
Designed for senior leaders and HR professionals, this scorecard provides a clear snapshot of your organisation’s leadership capability—helping you identify strengths and gaps that could either support or hinder your scale-up plans.
-
In this episode of The Leaders Kitbag, I reveal why underperformance often isn’t about people falling short, but about systems and processes that haven’t evolved with your growing organisation.
I share insights on how the approaches that once worked for a small team may fail at scale, and why it’s all too easy to falsely attribute the blame on individuals when the real culprit is a misaligned environment and culture.
You’ll learn:
Why outdated systems and processes can cause performance to slip. How a growing organisation’s needs differ from those of a start-up. The importance of looking beyond individual effort to assess the wider performance environment.Get Your Leadership Capability Scorecard in Minutes
Discover your organisation’s leadership strengths and gaps by completing my free Leadership Capability Scorecard here.
Designed for senior leaders and HR professionals, this scorecard will provide you with a clear snapshot of how your leadership capability supports—or may be hindering—your scale-up plans.
-
When a team member falls short of expectations, it’s easy to point the finger of blame at them.
But the best leaders ask themselves a different question: What was my role in this?
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I explore the concept of radical accountability—taking full ownership of your team’s performance.
Instead of blaming individuals, we must identify and address the leadership gaps that may be causing underperformance.
Here are four key leadership gaps that could be holding your team back:
Hiring and Onboarding Mistakes – Were you diligent in the hiring process? Did you give new team members the support they needed to succeed?
Lack of Clarity and Standards – Have you been explicit about what good looks like? Have you set clear expectations for tasks and behaviours?
Insufficient Support and Coaching – Leadership is about enabling others to perform. Are you actively supporting, developing, and coaching your team?
Your Own Energy and Mood – Emotional contagion is real. Your state of mind influences your team’s performance—are you leading with positive energy?
Your Challenge: Pick one of these four areas and identify a single action you can take today to improve your leadership. Then watch how your team’s performance shifts.
Tune in now to take your leadership to the next level.
Instant Leadership Support at Your Fingertips
Ever feel like you need instant leadership advice but don’t have time for lengthy courses or coaching sessions?
Ben AI is your on-demand leadership coach, ready to help 24/7.
With Ben AI, you’ll get tailored, practical guidance on challenges like:
Holding your team accountable without micromanaging Setting clear expectations to avoid performance issues Supporting and coaching your team effectivelyTry Ben AI now and take control of your leadership journey.
-
Have you ever been disappointed with a team member’s performance, only to later realise you never actually communicated your expectations clearly?
You’re not alone. Unclear expectations are one of the biggest performance killers, and as leaders, we’re often guilty of setting an invisible standard without articulating it.
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I share three simple but powerful tips to ensure your team understands exactly what is expected of them:
Make the Invisible Visible – Clearly articulate expectations, focusing on outcomes rather than micromanaging the process. Give your team autonomy while setting clear deliverables.
The Commitment Clarification Exercise – When assigning tasks, ask team members to repeat back the expectations in their own words. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures alignment.
Be Clear, Not Cryptic – If you need to course-correct, be empathetic but direct. Avoid “ruinous empathy,” where leaders soften feedback so much that it becomes vague and unhelpful. Instead, provide laser-focused guidance that allows people to improve.
By implementing these three strategies, you’ll remove ambiguity, empower your team, and create an environment where people can truly excel.
Tune in now to ensure you’re not unconsciously setting your team up to fail.
Get Instant Leadership Support with Ben AI
Struggling with communication, delegation, or team performance?
Ben AI is your on-demand leadership coach, available 24/7 to provide personalised, actionable advice whenever you need it.
Simply type your question, and Ben AI will guide you through challenges like:
Setting clear expectations with your team Delivering feedback with confidence Motivating your team without micromanagingTry Ben AI now and take your leadership to the next level.
-
Leading colleagues who are older or more experienced than you can feel intimidating.
You may wonder how to earn their respect, gain their trust, and lead effectively without micromanaging or feeling out of your depth.
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I explore how David Rock’s SCARF model can help you successfully lead more experienced team members.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Autonomy matters – Experienced colleagues value independence. Give them freedom, choice, and control in their work.
Fairness is key – Avoid making assumptions based on age or experience. Treat all colleagues equitably.
Build trust, not control – Support, don’t micromanage. Show that you value their expertise.
By focusing on autonomy and fairness—alongside the other SCARF elements—you’ll create an environment where experienced colleagues feel respected, valued, and motivated to follow your lead.
Ben AI – Your Instant Leadership Coach
Leading more experienced colleagues can be challenging. You might find yourself wondering:
How do I earn the respect of colleagues with more experience than me? How can I give feedback to an older team member without sounding patronising? What’s the best way to lead someone who thinks they should have my job?These are the kinds of real-world leadership dilemmas that Ben AI helps you solve—instantly.
Get expert leadership advice on demand – no waiting, no scheduling. Tackle difficult conversations with confidence. Lead with authority while earning trust and respect.Whether it’s managing experienced colleagues, influencing remote teams, or handling tough feedback conversations, Ben AI is your always-on leadership coach, ready whenever you need it.
Try Ben AI for free today!
Click here to get started.
-
Leading other leaders is a unique challenge—one that can feel daunting, especially if some of them have as much (or more) experience than you, strong opinions, and perhaps even wanted the job you now have.
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I explore how David Rock’s SCARF model can help you establish credibility and take your fellow leaders with you on the journey.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Reflect on your own experiences – What did past leaders do well? What turned you off? Learn from both. Understand the SCARF model – Particularly status, which is likely crucial for senior leaders.Boost, don’t diminish, status – Recognise achievements, seek input, and respect their expertise.Ignoring a leader’s sense of status can trigger the same neural response as physical pain, making them disengage or resist your leadership.
But by proactively reinforcing their value, you can foster collaboration, trust, and alignment towards shared success.
On-Demand Leadership Coaching – Try Ben AI for Free!
Ever found yourself struggling with tough leadership conversations? You’re not alone. Leaders using Ben AI are asking questions like:
Leading experienced, senior colleagues can be tough. You might find yourself asking:
How do I earn the respect of senior leaders who have as much experience as me? How can I lead a team when some members wanted the job I now have? How do I balance authority with collaboration when leading other leaders?These are exactly the kinds of leadership challenges Ben AI helps you solve—instantly.
These are the real, day-to-day challenges of leadership—and Ben AI is here to help.
What is Ben AI?
It’s your personal, AI-powered leadership coach, available 24/7 to give you practical, expert insights when you need them most.
Get instant, actionable advice—no waiting, no scheduling. Tackle leadership challenges with confidence—from difficult conversations to motivating teams. Access expert insights on demand—whenever and wherever you need them.Join the raft of leaders using Ben AI to level up their leadership skills.
Try it for free today!
Click here to get started.
-
Stepping up to lead a team of former peers can be one of the trickiest transitions in leadership. It inevitably changes relationships, and the biggest mistake new leaders make is failing to acknowledge that shift.
In this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag, I share the single most important step you must take to set yourself and your team up for success—having an open and honest conversation from the outset. Avoiding it may feel easier in the short term, but it only leads to ongoing awkwardness, uncertainty, and disengagement within the team.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Acknowledge the change – Ignoring the shift in dynamics makes things harder for everyone.
Create certainty – Uncertainty triggers negative reactions and impacts performance.
Have the conversation early – Setting expectations and discussing concerns will prevent long-term discomfort.
By tackling the ‘elephant in the room’ early, you’ll build trust, strengthen relationships, and lay the foundations for a highly effective team.
Try Ben AI – Your Free 24/7 Leadership Coach
Finding leadership challenging? Ben AI is your always-available, AI-powered leadership coach, designed to give you instant, personalised advice whenever you need it.
Ask any leadership question and get expert insights immediately Receive practical strategies tailored to your situation Develop confidence in handling tricky leadership challengesTry Ben AI for free today and take your leadership skills to the next level!
Click here to get started.
- Visa fler
