Leadership In Chaos
Episodes
Ep 76: Leadership Manifesto: Principle #19 - Schedule What’s Important
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode marks a return.After a pause to reset and refocus, Leadership In Chaos is back.The upcoming episodes are grounded in the Leadership Manif...
Ep 75: The Declining Art of Conversation: Part 3
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am interrupting the “Confessions of a Guru” series to share a special edition (to coincide with our refresh of the Podcast tile, which I hope yo...
Ep 74: The Declining Art of Conversation: Part 2
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am interrupting the “Confessions of a Guru” series to share a special edition (to coincide with our refresh of the Podcast tile, which I hope yo...
Ep 73: The Declining Art of Conversation: Part 1
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am interrupting the “Confessions of a Guru” series to share a special edition (to coincide with our refresh of the Podcast tile, which I hope yo...
Ep 72: Confessions of a Guru - Part 5: The Marvels and the Spoon
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I hope you’re enjoying the new series of Confessions of a Guru.Here is our latest episode, Part 5: The Marvels and the Spoon.The “Guru” label is...
Ep 71: Confessions of a Guru - Part 4: Calmest Person in the Boat
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The New SeriesYes, indeed, Leadership in Chaos is truly back with an exciting new series – Confessions of a Guru. The “Guru” label is deliberat...
Ep 70: Confessions of a Guru - Part 3: Can you handle the Truth?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The New SeriesYes, indeed, Leadership in Chaos is truly back with an exciting new series – Confessions of a Guru. The “Guru” label is deliberat...
Ep 69: Confessions of a Guru - Part 2: The "Non-Negotiables"
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The New SeriesIf you haven’t already noticed, Leadership in Chaos is back with an exciting new series – Confessions of a Guru. The “Guru” la...
Ep 68: Confessions of a Guru - Part 1: The Say-Do Gap
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership in Chaos is back with an exciting new series – Confessions of a Guru. The “Guru” label is deliberately ironic as, in the age of the ...
EP 67: How to Lead in an Age of Chaos and Disruption - Part 4: Inspire Commitment
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Keynote Season Part 4: Inspire Commitment“The more digital the world becomes, the more we must emphasise what makes us most human” – Jack Ma...
EP 66: How to Lead in an Age of Chaos and Disruption - Part 3: Create Clarity
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Keynote Season Part 3: Create ClarityIn times of ambiguity and uncertainty, people look intensely to their leaders.As that leader, if you can be n...
EP 65: How to Lead in an Age of Chaos and Disruption - Part 2: The Leadership Contribution
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Keynote Season Part 2: The Leadership ContributionLeadership isn’t about position, title, or privilege – although many organizations operate a...
EP 64: How to Lead in an Age of Chaos and Disruption - Part 1: Chaos? Always!
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Keynote Season Part 1: Chaos? Always!“Events, dear boy, events” was Harold Macmillan’s succinct reply when asked about the greatest challeng...
EP 63: Resist Temptation – Minimise Distraction
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“The most scarce resource in the world today is attention” – Yuval Noah Harari The only 2 industries that refer to customers as “users” a...
Ep 62: "The Art of Leadership"
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“Imagination is more important than Knowledge – Albert Einstein” What has Art got to do with Leadership? Throughout nearly 30 years of working ...
From the Archives: EP 29: Deepening Connections in Chaos
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whilst not obligatory that you “love” your people at work - in the amorous sense! - people at least need to know you, as the leader, have got thei...
EP 60: Leadership Manifesto - 25 Principles for Leading in Chaos
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I started the Flow(group) business exactly 25 years ago this month - in January 1998. I can’t brag, because Google started up the same month. Fo...
EP 59 : Leadership in Lay-offs - Twitter Vs Stripe
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s only when the tide goes out you see who’s been swimming in the nude” – Warren Buffett As a leader the decision to let people go is ne...
EP 58 leadershipinchaos.gov.uk - “How Liz Truss authored her own downfall”
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Useless. Shambles. Incompetent. CHAOS” These were the dominant words of a GB News Peoples’ Poll Wordcloud last week as the Tory party unravelle...
EP 57: Leadership Manifesto: Principle #18 - Keep Your Focus - Avoid Procrastination
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To be human is to procrastinate. The Greeks even had a special word for it – akrasia – such was its acknowledgement. However, it’s not a great d...
EP 56: Leadership Manifesto: Principle #19 - Stay Golden - Look after #1
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Normal service is resumed as I return to the Manifesto and explore how to preserve and protect the biggest asset any team has – you as the leader. O...
EP 55: Leadership in the New World (Dis)Order - Part 3
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I am interrupting normal service for a newsflash! Such has been the demand recently out there for a succinct summary of what it means to be a leader n...
EP 54: Leadership in the New World (Dis)Order - Part 2
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I am interrupting normal service for a newsflash! Such has been the demand recently out there for a succinct summary of what it means to be a leader n...
EP 53: Leadership in the New World (Dis)Order - Part 1
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I am interrupting normal service for a newsflash! Such has been the demand recently out there for a succinct summary of what it means to be a leader n...
EP 52: Leadership Manifesto Principle #20 Zoom Out Often
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We often do our best thinking when we are not thinking.From Archimedes to Newton, great breakthrough discovery examples “away from the job” are ri...
EP 51: 2 year anniversary & 50 Episodes later….Reflections of an accidental podcaster.
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed. it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret M...
EP 50: Leadership Manifesto: Principle #24 - Choose Consciously and Wisely
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“In every situation there is a space between the situation and how you respond”. Viktor Frankl Think about this : The quality and situation of...
EP 49: Leadership Manifesto: Principle #25 - Happiness in 3 Parts
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“There is no way to Happiness. Happiness is the way.” Thich Nhat Hanh In response to the reaction from the “Leadership Manifesto – 22 Princip...
EP 48: Leadership Manifesto: 22 Principles for Leading in Chaos in '22
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Capra’s seasonal classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” turned 75 years last year and, like many, once again I watched the movie during the hol...
EP 47: Chaos is the New Normal
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The popularised phrase “New Normal” is at best lazy, and at worst destructively misleading for leadership in every dimension – language, expecta...
EP 46: Lessons from COP26
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
COP26 represented the world’s greatest “strategy off-site” in Glasgow recently, featuring the not insignificant, high-stakes leadership quest of...
EP 45: Finding Flow in Chaos
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Last month saw the passing of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow – the seminal work that describes the human state of happiness, optimal experi...
EP 44: Do The Right Things
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
According to Peter Drucker – if management is about doing things right, then leadership is doing the right things. I took a break from the Podcast f...
EP 43: Building Trust in Teams - Part 1
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this sub-set of the mini-season on Leading Teams in Chaos I focus on Trust. Isn’t it peculiar that whilst everyone agrees that Trust is a crucial...
EP 42: Leading Teams in Chaos - Part 4
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this fourth part of a mini-season on Leading Teams in Chaos I reflect on how nearly all leaders know what it’s like to be part of a highly effect...
EP 41: Leading Teams in Chaos - Part 3
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this third part of a mini-season on Leading Teams in Chaos as leaders look to Reset, Realign and Refocus their Teams, “Agreeing the How” concen...
EP 40: Leading Teams in Chaos - Part 2
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this second part of a mini-season on Leading Teams in Chaos as leaders look to Reset, Realign and Refocus their Teams, “Agreeing the Why” conce...
EP 39: Leading Teams in Chaos - Part 1
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this first part of a mini-season on Leading Teams in Chaos, Part 1 observes how the Covid story is writing itself, chapter by chapter, and how the ...
EP 38: How Now From Here - Part 4
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year like no other. To commemorate one year on from the first Covid case in Ireland and the first Leadership in Chaos podcast episode I ...
EP 37: How Now From Here - Part 3
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year like no other. To commemorate one year on from the first Covid case in Ireland, and the first Leadership in Chaos podcast episode, ...
EP 36: How Now From Here - Part 2
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year like no other. To commemorate one year on from the first Covid case in Ireland, and the first Leadership in Chaos podcast episode, ...
EP 35: How Now From Here - Part 1
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year like no other. To commemorate one year on from the first Covid case in Ireland, and the first Leadership in Chaos podcast episode, ...
EP 34: Finding Meaning in Chaos
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
People out there are really struggling. And the Chaos has moved from external disruption (economy and autonomy) to internal questioning as we struggle...
EP 33: "Taking Back Control" in Chaos
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I focus on what the leader’s role is in restoring a sense of control to help with people’s struggle around morale, motivation, and...
EP 32: Prioritising & Planning in Chaos
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I focus on why, counter-intuitively, Prioritising & Planning become even more crucial in Chaos. Insights include:How Leadership i...
EP 31: Your PPE for a Better 2021
13 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this important Omnibus episode, the first of 2021, I share a simple but profound and effective way to prepare yourself for a better 2021 – in spi...
EP 30: Leadership Lessons in Chaos
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the final Episode of 2020 I select the top 5 Leadership lessons we can extract from the most trying of years. Lessons include:Leadership is critic...
EP 29: Deepening Connections in Chaos
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
At a time when people are feeling increasing disconnection, this week I explore how to deepen connection.In this episode I explain:What Star Wars has ...
EP 28: We Need to Talk about Conversations
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week Ian discusses how to approach those Difficult Conversations.In this episode Ian explains:Why conversations are more difficult during a pande...
EP 27: What the Trump legacy teaches us about Leadership
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Ian explains how leadership impact is real, and really matters. Also:Leadership and the Law of Cause and EffectHow the CEO is also the...
EP 26: The Leadership Contribution
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Ian discusses a way of viewing leadership as a form of contribution, which differs from the conventional way of viewing l...
EP 25: What is Leadership? (in Chaos)
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
So far, the Leadership in Chaos Podcast has mostly focused on dealing with the "chaos" in the title. This week, Ian discusses leadership its...
EP 24: Culture in Chaos
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ian reminisces on an old interview he did about how culture happens in organisations.Support the show
EP 23: Presidential Leadership in Chaos
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Presidential Leadership in Chaos: Ian reflects on the recent US presidential debate and what it means for leadership. Support the show
EP 22: Listening Beyond Bias
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Listening Beyond Bias: Ian discusses how we need to learn to suspend our own biases if we are to really listen effectively and build trust.Support the...
EP 21: Bias in Chaos
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ian discusses the importance of identifying and addressing bias, especially during these times of heightened tension and ambiguity. Support the show
EP 20: Commitment in Chaos
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ian discusses how building commitment is a key skill for successful leadership, especially during these times of increased uncertainty. Support the s...
EP 19: Zooming Out in Chaos
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ian returns from a period of "Zooming Out" on family vacation to share some thoughts.Support the show
EP 18: Context in Chaos
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the importance of listening for the other side of a conversation, argument or agreement. Context is king,Transcript:Episode18 Context in Ch...
EP17: Conversations in Chaos Part 2
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our exploration of managing your reputation and conversations in chaos.Support the show
EP16: Conversations in Chaos Part 1
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Although, it feels like a bit of an eternity since this complete chaos has started. It's actually only now that your mettle will be tested. And ...
EP 15: Mid-Term Report Leadership Insights in Chaos
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we cover some interesting insights from our last 15 episodes and polls from our leadership in chaos webinars.Throughout the past 14 we...
EP 14: Motivation In Chaos Part 3
24 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this final part of the Motivation in chaos episode we discuss the five factors that influence human behavior and motivation. The five elements can ...
EP 13: Motivation in Chaos Part 2
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our exploration of how to motivate your people in chaos and how everyone is driven by different motivations. Support the show
EP 12: Motivation in Chaos Part 1
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we discuss motivating your people in chaos. We share the five core factors that influence human behavior and motivation as introduced ...
EP 11: Remote Leadership Part 3 Omnibus
03 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore leading when your team is dispersed in a digital world. This is final of 3 the 3-part series and brings all elements toget...
EP 10: Remote Leadership Part 2
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore leading when your team is dispersed in a digital world. This is part 2 of 3 and this episode focusses on clarity.Support t...
EP 9: Remote Leadership Part 1
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore leading when your team is dispersed in a digital world. This is part 1 of 3. Support the show
EP 8: Building Trust
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren BuffettTrust is at stake in times of chaosHigh stake moments...
EP 7: Finding Gold in the Dirt
06 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” - Napoleon HillWhat is the Chaos Room?H...
EP 6: Be Your Best Self
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ian shares how to be your best self in times of chaos. Self care is core when you are in the chaos room.Support the show
EP 5: Clarity in Chaos
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 5 is about clarity in chaos, where our communication must be ultra clear, even if that is the delivery of bad news.This episode includes an ex...
EP 4: Connecting in Chaos
15 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Connecting in Chaos features an extract from the GreenLine Conversations Leadership in Chaos Webinar with GreenLine Conversations co-founder Blair Ste...
EP 3: Communicating In Chaos - Shape the Story
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“For some organizations, near-term survival is the only agenda item. Others are peering through the fog of uncertainty, thinking about how to positi...
EP 2: The Calmest Person in the Boat
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Ian shares the story of the Vietnamese boat people and draws lessons for leadership.If by Rudyard Kipling (first verse)If you can keep...
EP 1: Keep Calm and Carry on Leading
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode one covers how we are in a unique time in our business careers. Leadership is measured in times like this.We often judge ourselves by our good...
Leadership In Chaos Opening Sequence
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership In Crisis is a podcast that shares knowledge on how to lead in chaos. It is hosted by Ian McClean, the founder of Flow Group and GreenLine...